Release and Waiver of Liability

We greatly appreciate your assistance and commitment to supporting employment, education, housing and transportation for at-risk youth, adults, and Veterans with disabilities. Our policies require that we have an accurate record of all volunteers. This is a form in which you agree to release U&I of all liability while working as a volunteer for our organization.

This Release and Waiver of Liability (the “Release”) as of the date of the checked box below, by the “Volunteer”, whose name appears on the Volunteer form, releases U&I, their directors, officers, employees, and agents. The Volunteer desires to provide volunteer services for U&I and engage in activities related to serving as a volunteer.

Volunteer understands that the scope of Volunteer’s relationship with U&I is limited to a volunteer position and that no compensation is expected in return for services provided by Volunteer; that U&I will not provide any benefits traditionally associated with employment to Volunteer; and that Volunteer is responsible for his/her own insurance coverage in the event of personal injury or illness as a result of Volunteer’s services to U&I.

1. Volunteer Code of Conduct and Ethics: U&I expects volunteers to follow rules of conduct that will protect the interests and safety of all volunteers, clients, client families, employees and the organization. As a U&I Volunteer, I am expected to maintain a positive atmosphere by acting and communicating in a manner that demonstrates respect, values input, acknowledges contributions and embraces diversity & inclusion. In performing any service for U&I, I agree to meet the following standards of conduct:

• Treat all individuals with respect, patience, integrity, courtesy, dignity and consideration.
• Represent U&I in an appropriate and professional manner at all times.
• Be reliable and follow through on volunteer commitments.
• Respect any/all confidential information.
• Communicate to U&I staff about any resources or support needed to fulfill the volunteer role.
• Keep safety as a top priority.
• Not use, possess or be under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol while serving in a volunteer capacity.
• Avoid conflict of interest situations and refrain from actions that may be perceived as such.
• Not engage in conduct that threatens, intimidates or coerces another person, including all acts of harassment that is based on an individual’s race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or other protected status.
• Participate in orientation and any required training that will equip them to complete their volunteer roles.
• Provide their own transportation and cover expenses related to volunteering for U&I, unless otherwise stated and approved prior to incurring the expense.
• Dress in a manner that is appropriate for a given program/event in accordance with that program/event’s dress code.
• Abide by all applicable laws and U&I volunteer program policies, guidelines and procedures.

2. Waiver and Release: I, the Volunteer, release and forever discharge and hold harmless U&I and its successors and assigns from any and all liability, claims, and demands of whatever kind of nature, either in law or in equity, which arise or may hereafter arise from the services I provide to U&I. I, for myself, my heirs, executors and administrators, hereby agree to indemnify and hold harmless to U&I. I understand and acknowledge that this Release discharges U&I from any liability or claim that I may have against U&I with respect to bodily injury,personal injury, illness, death, or property damage that may result from the services I provide to U&I or occurring while I am providing volunteer services.

3. Insurance: Further I understand that U&I does not assume any responsibility for or obligation to provide me with financial or other assistance, including but not limited to medical, health, or disability benefits or insurance. I expressly waive any such claim for compensation or liability on the part of U&I beyond what may be offered freely by U&I in the event of injury or medical expenses incurred by me.

4. Assumption of Risk: I understand that the services I provide to U&I may include physical activities that may result in injury to me. I acknowledge that I am physically fit and able to safely participate in the volunteer activities without risk to myself or others. As a volunteer, I hereby expressly assume risk of injury or harm from these activities and Release U&I from all liability.

5. Background Checking: I understand that various volunteer positions require background check(s). If required, I hereby authorize U&I to run such background checks and also agree to provide proof of licensure or certification prior to performing any professional or skilled task. By signing this waiver, whether physically or by digital verification, I certify that the information contained in this application is correct and true. If U&I, determines that any information submitted is false, I may be immediately disqualified from consideration for volunteering and/or discharged from volunteer service.

6. Photographic Release: I grant and convey to U&I all right, title, and interests in any and all photographs, images, video, or audio recordings of me or my likeness or voice made by U&I in connection with my providing volunteer services to U&I.

7. Other: As a volunteer, I expressly agree that this Release is intended to be as broad and inclusive as permitted by the laws of the State of Texas and that this Release shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas. I agree that in the event that any clause or provision of this Release is deemed invalid, the enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Release shall not be affected.

8. Change in circumstances: I understand that if there is a change in my circumstances or condition, I must notify U&I before my next volunteer shift.

9. Donation Handling: I recognize that donors provide financial and other resources to U&I for support of the mission of U&I. If/When handling U&I donations, I will do so with integrity and honesty and in accordance with U&I’s policies and guidelines.

By checking below, I express my understanding and intent to enter into this Release and Waiver of Liability willingly and voluntarily.