2025 Release, Waiver of Liability, and Indemnification Agreement,
This Release, Waiver of Liability, and Indemnification Agreement (the “Agreement”) is executed today by you (the "Volunteer"), in favor of Habitat for Humanity Anchorage, Habitat for Humanity International, Inc. and any other Habitat for Humanity affiliated organization, and their respective affiliates, directors, officers, trustees, employees, sponsors, donors, 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. I understand that my activities may include but are not limited to the following: working at Habitat for Humanity offices and worksites; working in or for Habitat for Humanity ReStore operations; loading and unloading materials; traveling to and from work sites, towns, cities or countries; consuming food available or provided; living in housing provided for volunteers; assisting in disaster relief areas; constructing, repairing, and rehabilitating residential buildings; other construction-related activities; and other volunteer activities ("Activities").
I, the Volunteer, understand that Activities include work that may be hazardous, including, but not limited to, construction, loading and unloading, 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 understand and agree that my participation in the Activities may be dangerous and may involve the risk that I will sustain serious injury, temporary or permanent disability, death, and/or property damage, as well as possible exposure to and illness from infectious diseases including but not limited to MRSA, influenza, and COVID.
I also understand there is some inherent risk in consuming local foods and living in local accommodations in the city(ies) or country(ies) visited. I further understand I may be traveling to and from locations where there is a risk of terrorism, war, insurrection, criminal activities, instability, inclement weather or other circumstances that could threaten my health or safety. I also understand that it is the policy of the Released Parties not to pay ransom or make any other payments to secure the release of hostages.
I, the Volunteer, understand that I am ultimately responsible for my own safety.
I, the Volunteer, hereby freely, voluntarily and without duress execute this Agreement under the following terms:
Release and Waiver.?I, the Volunteer, acknowledge and understand that participation in the Activities may involve certain risks, including, but not limited to, personal injury, bodily injury, illness, permanent disability, property damage, negligence of other participants, my own negligence, loss and/or death (“Risks”). I further acknowledge that I may encounter the negligence or misbehaviors of other visitors or participants who may be present, participants giving or following inappropriate instructions, mine or other’s failure to follow the instructions of the Released Parties and/or my own negligence or experience, some or all of which may diminish my or the other participants’ ability to react or respond. I agree to follow all safety precautions outlined by any Released Party while volunteering.
I understand and acknowledge that by signing this Agreement I knowingly assume the Risks 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.
I understand and acknowledge that children under the age of 16 are not allowed on Habitat for Humanity worksites while construction is in progress. While minors between the ages of 16 and 18 may be allowed to participate in some types of build site activities, solely as outlined by the Released Parties, I understand that 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.
In consideration of and in order to be allowed to participate in the Activities, I, the Volunteer, on behalf of myself and anyone that could legally stand in my place or otherwise have standing to file a claim based on damage or injury to my property or person, agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the Released Parties and their successors and assigns from any and all claims, demands, or causes of action related to my participation in the Activities for any purpose. Should the Released Parties or anyone acting on their behalf be required to incur attorney’s fees or legal costs to enforce this agreement, I further agree to indemnify and hold the Released Parties harmless for all such actual fees and costs.
Governing Law, Alternative Dispute Resolution. This agreement and all matters arising out of or relating to this agreement, and all claims, causes of action, controversies, or matters in dispute between the parties to this agreement—whether sounding in contract, tort, statute, regulation, or otherwise, and including but not limited to those arising out of or relating to this agreement—shall be governed by, construed, interpreted, and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Alaska, without giving effect to the principles of conflicts of law of such state. In the event that any dispute arises between the parties, such dispute must be submitted to arbitration. Notice of any claim sought to be arbitrated must be served within the limitations period established by applicable federal or state law. Arbitration will be before one arbitrator and will be conducted in Anchorage, Alaska.
I expressly agree that this Release is intended to be as broad and inclusive as permitted by state law. I further agree that in the event any clause or provision of this Release is held 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 by a Released Party does not prevent the exercise of any other right.
I HAVE HAD SUFFICIENT OPPORTUNITY TO READ THIS ENTIRE AGREEMENT. I HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD IT AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY ITS TERMS.
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 parent(s) having legal custody and/or the legal guardian(s) of the Volunteer also hereby release, forever discharge and hold harmless the Released Parties from any liability, claim, demand and action whatsoever brought by such volunteer or on his/her behalf which arises or may hereafter arise on account of the decision by any representative or agent of the Released Parties to exercise the power 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 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 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 hereby grant and convey unto the Released Parties all right, title and interest in any and all photographs and video/audio/electronic recordings of me, including as to my name, image and voice, made by or on behalf of any of the Released Parties during my Activities with the Released Parties, 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.
Consent to Background Search
I hereby authorize Habitat for Humanity Anchorage to conduct a search of my background causing an investigative report to be generated for?purposes relating to volunteering with them. I understand that the scope of the investigative report may include the following areas:
• Verification of social security number;
• Criminal history records from any criminal justice agency in any or all federal, state, county jurisdictions;
• State Sex Offender records
I further understand that if this volunteer position involves finances, that a credit check may also be requested.
Volunteers Under 18 Years of Age
IMPORTANT: If the Volunteer is less than 18 years of age, all parents or guardians must complete the signature section below.
Please note minimum age requirements:
Construction:?Youth ages?16-17?may volunteer at the construction site?with?an adult chaperone or co-volunteer.?
ReStore:?Youth ages?13-15?may volunteer at the ReStore?with?an adult chaperone or co-volunteer. Youth ages?16-17 may volunteer at the ReStore without an adult.
If only one parent or guardian signs these forms on behalf of a Volunteer who is under 18 years of age, then the undersigned parent or guardian of the Volunteer hereby covenants, warrants, represents and agrees that he or she is executing these forms on behalf of, and as an agent for, any other individual who may be a parent or guardian of the Volunteer, that he/she is fully authorized to do so, and that by executing such Release and Parental Authorization, the undersigned is binding himself/herself, the Volunteer, and any other parent or guardian of the Volunteer, and all of their heirs, next of kin, assigns, and legal representatives to such Release and Parental Authorization.
I have carefully considered my decision, the benefits and risks involved and hereby give my informed consent, on behalf of the above listed minor child, for him/her to participate in all Activities as set forth in the above Volunteer Agreement, Release and Waiver of Liability, and such terms are incorporated herein. I have read and understand the above Volunteer Agreement, Release and Waiver of Liability, any questions of mine have been answered, and I voluntarily agree to all such provisions. It is my intent to bind my and the minor Volunteer's heirs, next of kin, assigns, and legal representatives.?Furthermore, I understand that the above Volunteer Agreement, Release and Waiver of Liability is made on behalf of my minor child(ren) and/or legal wards and I represent and warrant to Habitat for Humanity International, Inc. or its affiliated organizations that I have the full authority to sign this on behalf of such minor(s).