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Volunteer Waiver template

A volunteer release for events, nonprofits, clubs, and community programs, with conduct, confidentiality, and photo terms.

[Your Business Name]

Volunteer Agreement & Release

Thank you for volunteering! Please sign this agreement before your first shift.

[Your Business Name] — Volunteer Agreement, Release of Liability, and Indemnity

Please read this agreement carefully before you sign it. When you sign, you give up certain legal rights, including the right to sue.

1. Volunteer service

I agree to volunteer for [Your Business Name] (the "Organization"). I understand that I am a volunteer, not an employee. I will not receive wages or employee benefits for my service.

2. Risks I accept

I understand that the Activity has inherent risks that cannot be removed completely, even when everyone is careful. These risks include, but are not limited to:

  • lifting, carrying, and moving equipment or supplies;
  • slips, trips, and falls;
  • weather, traffic, and crowds at events;
  • contact with members of the public.

These risks can cause minor injury, serious injury, permanent disability, or death, and damage to or loss of property. I choose to accept all of these risks, both known and unknown.

3. My responsibilities

I agree to:

  • obey the instructions of the Organization's staff and volunteer leaders;
  • do only the tasks I am trained and able to do safely;
  • treat everyone with respect, and report any incident or hazard at once;
  • keep private any personal information I see during my service.

4. My health

I confirm that I am in good health and that I have no physical or medical condition that makes the Activity unsafe for me, or that I have asked a doctor and have permission to take part. I will tell staff about any condition that could affect my safety.

5. Release of liability

To the fullest extent the law allows, I release, waive, and discharge the Business and its owners, employees, instructors, contractors, volunteers, and agents (the "Released Parties") from all claims, demands, and liability for injury, illness, death, or loss of or damage to property that arise from my participation in the Activity. This includes claims caused by the ordinary negligence of the Released Parties. This release does not apply to gross negligence or intentional misconduct.

6. Indemnity

I agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Released Parties from any claims, losses, costs, or expenses, including reasonable attorney fees, that result from my actions, my breach of this agreement, or my violation of the rules.

7. Medical treatment

If I am injured or become ill, I authorize the Business to call for and arrange emergency medical treatment for me. I understand that the Business is not responsible for the cost of that treatment, and I agree to pay it.

8. Signing for minors

If I sign for one or more minors, I confirm that I am their parent or legal guardian. I agree to the terms of this agreement for them and for myself. I accept the risks of the Activity for them, and I agree to the release and indemnity above on their behalf to the extent the law allows. I agree to supervise them as the Business requires.

9. Photos and video

I agree that the Business may take photos or video during the Activity that may include me, and may use them for its marketing without payment to me. I may ask the Business in writing to stop new uses of my image.

10. General terms

This agreement is intended to be as broad and inclusive as the law of the place where the Activity takes place allows. If any part of it is found invalid, the rest stays in full force. This agreement binds me, my heirs, and my legal representatives. It is the entire agreement between me and the Business about these matters.

I have read this agreement. I understand it, and I sign it voluntarily. I understand that I give up substantial rights by signing it, including my right to sue.

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Signature

Date

This template is an example. It is not legal advice. Laws are different in each country and state, so have a qualified lawyer review your waiver before you use it.

Questions about this template

Do nonprofits need volunteer waivers?

Many nonprofits and event organizers use them to explain the risks and to state that volunteers are not employees. Check your insurance policy's requirements too.

Can I collect T-shirt sizes and roles?

Yes. The template includes both as optional questions, and you can add more.

Collect your volunteer waiver online

Customers sign on their phone or a front-desk tablet. You get a PDF and an audit trail for every signature.

Free plan, no credit card. Most businesses are live the same day.