This Release and Waiver of Liability (the “Release”) is executed today by the undersigned, (the “Volunteer”), in favor of Habitat for Humanity of Charlotte Region, Inc., Habitat for Humanity International, Inc., and any other Habitat for Humanity affiliated organization, and their respective directors, officers, trustees, employees, volunteers and agents (collectively, the “Released Parties”).

I, the Volunteer, desire to work as a volunteer for one or more of the Released Parties without compensation and engage in the activities related to being a volunteer ("Activities"). I understand that my Activities may include but are not limited to the following: working in Habitat for Humanity offices or Habitat for Humanity ReStore operations; traveling to and from work sites, towns, cities or countries; consuming food available or provided; living in housing provided for volunteers; constructing and rehabilitating residential buildings; and other construction-related activities.

I, the Volunteer, understand that my Activities may cause bodily injury or death or may be hazardous to me, including, but not limited to, exposure to lead, asbestos and mold, which may cause or worsen certain illnesses, especially if I do not wear protective equipment, am exposed for extended periods of time, or have a pre-existing immune system deficiency.

I, the Volunteer, hereby freely, voluntarily and without duress execute this Release under the following terms:
Release and Waiver. In consideration of and in order to be allowed to participate in the Activities, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are acknowledged, I, the Volunteer, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, do hereby waive, release and forever discharge and hold harmless the Released Parties and their successors and assigns from any and all liability, claims, demands, costs and damages of any kind, whether arising from tort, contract or otherwise, which I or my heirs, assigns, next of kin or legal representatives may have or which may hereinafter accrue, arise from, or are in any way related to the Activities, including but not limited to personal injury, bodily injury, death, illness, permanent disability, property damage, or other loss, whether caused wholly or in part by the negligence or other conduct of any of the Released Parties or of other volunteers, other than their intentional misconduct.

I, Volunteer, understand and acknowledge that by this Release I knowingly assume the risk of injury, harm and loss associated with the Activities. I also understand that the Released Parties do not assume any responsibility for or obligation to provide financial assistance or other assistance, including but not limited to medical, health or disability insurance in the event of injury, illness, death or property damage.

It is the policy of Habitat for Humanity that children under the age of 16 are not allowed on Habitat for Humanity worksites while construction is in progress. It is further the policy of Habitat for Humanity that, while minors between the ages of 16 and 18 may be allowed to participate in construction work, using power tools, excavation, demolition, working on rooftops and similar activities are not permitted for anyone under the age of 18. I agree it is my responsibility to communicate these requirements to any of my minor children who will attend and/or participate in the Activities.

Consent to Transportation and Medical Treatment. I consent to the use of first aid treatment and the use of generic and over-the-counter medications and treatments as directed by manufacturer labels, whether administered by the Released Parties or first aid personnel. In an emergency, I understand the Released Parties may try to contact the individual listed below as an emergency contact. If an emergency contact cannot be reached promptly, I hereby authorize the Released Parties to act as an agent for me to consent to any examination, testing, x-rays, medical, dental or surgical treatment for me as advised by a physician, dentist or other health care provider. This includes, but is not limited to, my assessment, evaluation, medical care and treatment, anesthesia, hospitalization, or other health care treatment or procedure as advised by a physician, dentist or other health care provider. I also authorize the Released Parties to arrange for transportation of me as deemed necessary and appropriate in their discretion. I, the Volunteer, do hereby release, forever discharge and hold harmless the Released Parties from any liability, claim, demand, and action whatsoever brought by me or on my behalf which arises or may hereafter arise on account of any transportation, first aid, assessment, care, treatment, response or service rendered in connection with my Activities with any of the Released Parties.

If the Volunteer is less than 18 years of age, the Volunteer and the parents having legal custody and/or the legal guardians of the Volunteer (the “Guardians”) also hereby release and forever discharge the Released Parties from any claim whatsoever which arises or may hereafter arise on account of the decision by any representative or agent of the Released Parties to exercise to transport, administer first aid, and consent to assessment, examination, x-rays, medical, dental, surgical or other such health care treatment as set forth in the Parental Authorization for Treatment of, and Travel With, a Minor Child.

Insurance. I, the Volunteer, understand that, except as otherwise agreed to by the Released Parties in writing, the Released Parties are under no obligation to provide, carry or maintain health, medical, travel, disability or other insurance coverage for any Volunteer. Each Volunteer is expected and encouraged to obtain his or her own health, medical, travel, disability or other insurance coverage.

I, Volunteer, understand that I am and remain responsible for payment of such hospital, physician, ambulance, dental, medical or other services obtained for me or my child. I agree that the Released Parties do not assume any responsibility for the payment of such fees or expenses which may be incurred. If I have health insurance, I understand my personal health insurance is my primary coverage.

Confidentiality. I agree that in the course of my participation in the Activities, I may have access to personal and/or health care information of other persons. I agree to maintain the confidentiality of such information, to use such information only as necessary to do my job as a volunteer, and to comply with Habitat for applicable policies regarding such information.

Photographic/Recording Release. I, the Volunteer, do hereby grant and convey unto Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region and Habitat for Humanity International, Inc. all right, title and interest in any and all photographs and video or audio or electronic recordings of me, including as to my name, image or voice, made by or on behalf of any of the Released Parties during my Activities including, but not limited to, the right to use such materials for any purpose and to any royalties, proceeds or other benefits derived from them. I understand that I will not have any ownership interest in or to such photographs, images and/or recordings, I have not been provided or promised any compensation to me, and I hereby waive any rights, privileges or claims based on any right of publicity, privacy, ownership or any other rights arising, relating to or resulting from the photographs, images and/or recordings. I understand and agree that this paragraph also applies to my minor child(ren) who are volunteering.

Sexual Offender Registry Check. To comply with Habitat for Humanity International, Inc. standards and to protect vulnerable persons, volunteers who serve more than 8 hours a month consistently will be checked against the Sexual Offender Registry. I understand that the information I provide on this form will be used to conduct this check if I volunteer more than 8 hours a month on a consistent basis. If I am listed on a Sexual Offender Registry, I understand that I may not be able to continue volunteering with Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region.

Prohibited Items. Weapons of any kind are strictly prohibited on site, including firearms, knives, and any other items classified as weapons.

Smoking Policy. All Habitat volunteer locations are designated as non-smoking. Smoking in any form, including e-cigarettes, is not allowed on the premises.

Other. I, the Volunteer, expressly agree that this Release is intended to be as broad and inclusive as permitted by applicable law. I further agree that in the event any clause or provision of this Release shall be held to be invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, the invalidity of such clause or provision shall not otherwise affect the remaining clauses or provisions of this Release, which shall continue to be enforceable. Further, a waiver of a right under this Release does not prevent the exercise of any other right.

I, Volunteer, have carefully considered my decision, the benefits and risks involved, and hereby give my informed consent to participate in all Activities. I have read and understand this Release and Waiver of Liability, I acknowledge that any questions of mine have been answered, and I voluntarily agree to the above provisions. It is my intent to bind my heirs, next of kin, assigns and legal representative.

To express my understanding of and agreement with this Release, I sign below.

“Unwavering integrity” is our 4th core value and is defined as “We demonstrate high quality, care, and stewardship in all we do, seeking continuous improvement and innovation to enhance our service to others.” This core value is the foundation for our code of conduct.

HCR Code of Conduct, includes but is not limited to the following:

Act with integrity and in accordance with applicable laws and Habitat’s mission, vision, core values, and policies. (See Employee Handbook)
Avoid conflicts of interest (See Conflicts of Interest Policy below)
Maintain confidentiality of Habitat and Habitat stakeholder data (See Confidentiality Policy below)
Operate with safety in mind – while driving, working at construction sites, handling merchandise at ReStores, in offices and all other Habitat entities. Immediately alert a supervisor if concerns are identified. Always report on the job injuries immediately to a supervisor and/or HR.
Treat others with dignity and respect -encompassing diversity and inclusion as a key component of our culture.
Anti-Harassment – We strive to create and maintain a work environment that is safe, productive, and respectful. We recognize we have a responsibility to protect and safeguard (See Safeguarding Policy), the people we work with, those who work with us, and the people in the communities we serve (especially vulnerable adults and children). We won’t allow any kind of behavior, or victimization harassment (See Harassment, Bullying, and Discrimination Policy), or victimization.
Behave in a professional manner while on Habitat property, at Habitat events, and when wearing Habitat branded gear.
Adhere to a drug-free workplace and act in accordance with Habitat’s Drug and Alcohol Policy.
Use social media in accordance with HCR’s requirements (See social media and Social Networking Policy).
Be a good steward of HCR property and funds.
Protect Habitat by following established information technology protocols including using only approved technology tools. (See Information Technology and Security Policy)
Report concerns through available channels which include: Supervisor, Any Senior Staff Member, Human Resources, President/CEO, Board Chair, Habitat for Humanity International Habitat Ethics and Accountability Line or by calling 1-800-461-9330.
Do not retaliate against any employee who makes a claim in good faith.
In addition to the items noted above, HCR has a more extensive list of policies that all employees are expected to be familiar with and are obligated to adhere to. Employees are responsible for reviewing additional policies, revisions and updates through Habitat HQ/Jostle, our employee portal.

Failure to comply with this Code of Conduct or any HCR policy can result in corrective action, up to, and including termination of your employment.

Habitat employees and all other affiliate representatives who have access to confidential data, are required to acknowledge awareness and compliance with this Code of Conduct on an annual basis.

Conflicts of Interest Policy

All of HCR’s employees and other affiliate representatives have an obligation to conduct HCR-related business without actual or perceived conflicts of interest. Each employee shall always act in a manner consistent with their position and shall take all necessary precautions to avoid any actual or perceived conflicts of interest. Conflicts of interest can arise in a variety of contexts, including but not limited to, when an employee is in a position to influence a decision that may
result in personal gain for that employee or for a relative as a result of HCR’s business dealings.

When in doubt, it is always best to consult with leadership and disclose the potential conflict of interest prior to taking an action that could be perceived as a conflict of interest. Examples of conflict of interest include but are not limited to:

Accept or seek, on behalf of himself/herself or any other person, any gift, payment or financial advantage or gain of other than nominal value which may be offered as a result of the staff member’s or volunteer’s affiliation with HCR.
Publicly utilize the affiliation with HCR in connection with the promotion of partisan politics, religious matters, or positions on any issue not in conformity with the official position of HCR.
Disclose any confidential information that is available as a result of the staff member’s or volunteer’s affiliation with HCR to any person not authorized to receive such information or use to the disadvantage of HCR any such confidential information.
Knowingly take any action or make any statement intended to influence the conduct of HCR in such a way as to confer any financial benefit on any person, corporation, or entity in which the individual has a significant interest or affiliation.
Operate or act in a manner contrary to the best interests of HCR.
Participate in the selection or administration of vendor contracts if a conflict, real or apparent, is involved.
If a staff member’s or affiliate representative’s obligation to operate in the best interests of HCR conflicts with, or appears to conflict with, the interests of that individual, a family member or of any organization in which the individual or family member has a financial interest or affiliation, the individual shall disclose such a conflict of interest to HCR’s President upon becoming aware of it, shall absent himself/herself from any deliberations on the subject and shall refrain from participating in any decisions or voting in connection with the matter. Should the President or a Board member have a potential or actual conflict of interest, they will notify the Board Chair. Any matter of question or interpretation that arises relating to these policies should be referred to the President and/or Board of Directors for a decision when appropriate.

Confidentiality Policy

HCR touches confidential data related to employees, volunteers, homeowners, donors, and others. Confidentiality must be maintained to comply with various laws and protect the privacy of individuals and our brand. Confidential data includes but is not limited to:

Personal identifiable information (names, addresses, email, social security numbers, bank accounts, birthdates, compensation, medical information, driving & criminal records, etc.) for employees, donors, service recipients, volunteers or other HCR stakeholders.
HCR’s business plans, operating strategies, strategic plans, donors, partners, partner families and affiliates.
Data protection includes but is not limited to:

Data should only be collected to the extent that is required to conduct HCR business.
Confidential data must be protected and should only be shared with those who are authorized to receive the data. Service Recipient data should not be shared without his/her written permission.
Confidential data should not be stored on flash drives, personal (non-HCR owned) computers/phones, or in Cloud storage not provided by HCR (e.g. iCloud, Google Drive).
Highly sensitive data should be password protected and/or stored on HCR’s restricted access drives. Consult your supervisor or leadership when in doubt around appropriate collection, storage, or sharing of data. All confidential information should be returned to HCR or destroyed upon termination.
Note: Employees will be asked to sign in Paycom at time of hiring and annually (typically July or August). Non-employees may be asked to sign on paper or via DocuSign and/or Paycom

By signing the form below, you also confirm that you have watched the Safeguarding Volunteer Orientation video in full that was attached to your Welcome Packet.