Volunteer Release and Waiver of Liability & Personal Vehicle Use Agreement
This Volunteer Release and Waiver of Liability & Personal Vehicle Use Agreement (the “Agreement”) is executed by and between the undersigned (the “Volunteer”) and Food Link, Inc., a nonprofit corporation organized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (“Food Link”), as of September 25, 2023.
I the Volunteer, desire to volunteer with Food Link. I understand that my activities may include, but are not limited to, operating a motor vehicle and otherwise collecting, lifting, transporting, handling and delivering food. I understand that, due to such causes as unforeseen events and uncontrollable circumstances, including weather, conditions of facilities or equipment, conditions of roads, contamination of food or facilities, human errors of myself and others, the mechanical failure of motor vehicles, weight or unwieldiness of transported goods, or “Acts of God,” my participation may result in injuries to person or property. These and all other potential occurrences and activities relating to participation as a volunteer on behalf of Food Link are referred to, collectively, as the “Activities.”
In consideration of the opportunity to engage in the Activities, I hereby freely and voluntarily, without duress, assume the risk of injury or harm in connection with the Activities and execute this Agreement:
1. I agree to comply with any rules or requirements that may be established by Food Link.
2. I acknowledge that I am donating my time and services without compensation, and that I am not an employee of Food Link.
3. I assume all risks and responsibilities in any way associated with my Volunteer Activities. I hereby release, indemnify, forever discharge and hold harmless Food Link and its directors, officers, employees, donors, agents, affiliates and successors from any claims, demands, causes of action or liability whatsoever that may arise from my Activities, including without limitation bodily injury, personal injury, illness, death, or property damage that may result in connection with my participation in the Activities.
4. I understand that Food Link does not assume any responsibility or obligation to provide me or any other volunteer any financial or other assistance, including, but not limited to medical, health, or disability insurance, in the event of injury, illness, death or property damage.
Confidentiality Agreement
I understand that in performing my duties on the premises or in the service of Food Link I will have access to and/or I may be involved in the processing of confidential information. This includes but is not limited to information about financial donors and food recipients. I agree to protect the confidentiality of all individuals and partners involved in Food Link and I will not disclose or discuss confidential information to anyone other than the appropriate Food Link personnel.
Photo and Video Release
I grant and convey unto Food Link all rights, title, and interest in any and all photographic images, quotes, and video or audio recordings (collectively, the “Media”) made by or on behalf of Food Link in connection with my participation in the Activities, including, but not limited to, any royalties, proceeds, or other benefits derived from such Media. In addition, I give my permission for the use of my name, likeness, voice, and quotes in connection with the Media in any and all manner and media throughout the world in perpetuity (including, but not limited to, publicity and fundraising campaigns). I further release Food Link, its directors, officers, agents, employees, volunteers, licensees, and assigns from and against any and all claim or any other cause of action arising out of any use or reproductions of such Media.
Personal Vehicle Use Agreement
Since Food Link (i) places great value on the safety of its volunteers and the community and (ii) requires that any vehicle operated on Food Link’s behalf,be used legally, courteously and safely, I hereby understand the following terms and conditions and agree that they shall govern my use of any motor vehicle I operate in connection with the Activities:
a. I will observe all applicable safety, traffic, and criminal laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and any other jurisdiction in which I engage in the Activities;
b. I certify that I have a current, valid Massachusetts driver's license;
c. I will report immediately to Food Link any motor vehicle incident in which I am involved that is related to any Activities and that results in damage, injury, or a citation;
d. I will wear a seat belt at all times when driving in any motor vehicle operated in connection with my volunteer activities conducted on behalf of Food Link;
e. I will require all other passengers to wear a seat belt at all times when driving in any motor vehicle operated in connection with the Activities;
f. I will not drive any vehicle under the influence of alcohol, Marijuana, or illegal drugs at any time;
g. I agree to refrain from using any mobile device or equipment including, but not limited to, cell phones, pagers or tablets, including hands-free devices, at any time while operating any vehicle in connection with the Activities;
h. I will turn the vehicle engine off when parked in connection with the Activities;
I have read this entire Agreement, I fully understand it, and I agree to be legally bound by it.
Food Link Health Policy
In light of what we have learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, Food Link has implemented a health policy to protect the health of our volunteers, staff, and partners. This policy is subject to change with developing public health concerns.
Presenting to Work or Volunteering
All staff, volunteers, and tenants are required to stay home or will be asked to leave and isolate away from Food Link if:
You have a confirmed case of COVID-19 OR if you have been exposed to COVID-19 – defined as 15+ minutes of exposure from someone who has a confirmed case within the past 3 days
You are ill with a foodborne illness such as Norovirus, E. coli, Hepatitis A or illnesses associated with Salmonella Typhi or Shigella spp.
In addition, when you are ill or suspect you are becoming sick we request that you stay home
COVID Reporting and Returning to Work
COVID Cases should be reported to Alex Kramer, Logistics Manager akramer@foodlinkma.org. Timelines for when folks can return to work will be determined on a case by case basis. Generally individuals return to Food Link after one of the following criteria are met:
Mask Expectations
Food Link no longer requires masking in any of our operations. However, if a staff member, volunteer, or partner prefers two-way masking for their comfort and safety, it may be requested. If a volunteer would like for their shift to be masking required they can contact a staff member to communicate that to other volunteers.
Vaccinations
For the health and safety of those we serve, Food Link’s expectation is that all staff and volunteers be vaccinated against COVID-19. Exemptions will be made for those who meet ADA and EEOC requirements. We strongly encourage our volunteers and staff to receive all available seasonal boosters.
General Food Safety Protocols
To ensure the ongoing safety of our volunteers, staff, and recipients, Food Link complies with ServSafe food and safety guidelines including handwashing and regular sanitizing of equipment with a bleach solution.
For more information please contact: Elise Springuel, Director of Operations and Community Partnerships
781 316 8602 | espringuel@foodlinkma.org
Electronic Signature Agreement
By checking the box below, you are consenting to the use of your electronic signature in lieu of an original signature on paper. You have the right to request that you sign a paper copy instead. By checking here, you are waiving that right. After consent you may, upon written request to us, obtain a paper copy of an electronic record. No fee will be charged for such copy and no special hardware or software will be required to view it. Your agreement to use an electronic signature with any documents will continue until such time as you notify us in writing that you no longer wish to use an electronic signature. There is no penalty for withdrawing your consent. You should always make sure that we have a current email address in order to contact you regarding any changes, if necessary.