YCCA Volunteer Waiver, Policies and Safety Rules

By accepting these terms and conditions, I, the Volunteer agree to the following:

1. POLICIES AND SAFETY RULES. For my safety and that of others, I will comply with Yolo County Children’s Alliance (YCCA) volunteer policies and safety rules and other directions for all volunteer activities. These include, but are not limited to, any policies and rules included here, and information provided at the start of my volunteer shift by a YCCA staff member.
2. AWARENESS AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK. I understand that my volunteer activities at, or associated with, YCCA have inherent risks that may arise from YCCA’s operations, my own actions or inactions, or the actions or inactions of YCCA, its directors, officers, employees and agents (collectively, the “Released Parties”), other volunteers, and others present at a YCCA event. These risks may include but are not limited to, working around vehicles, lifting objects, and performing repetitive tasks. I assume full responsibility for any risks of bodily injury, death or property damage caused by or arising directly or indirectly from my presence or participation at YCCA, regardless of the cause.
3. WAIVER AND RELEASE OF CLAIMS. I waive and release any claims against the Released Parties for any liability, loss, damages, claims, expenses and attorneys’ fees (collectively, “Liabilities”) resulting from death, or injury to my person or property, caused by or arising directly or indirectly from my presence at a YCCA event, or participation in activities on behalf of YCCA, regardless of the cause and even if caused by negligence, whether passive or active. I agree not to sue any of the Released Parties on the basis of these waived and released claims. I waive the protections of Section 1542 of the California Civil Code, which provides that a general release does not extend to certain claims not known to me when I signed this waiver and release. I understand that YCCA would not permit me to volunteer without my agreeing to these waivers and releases.
4. MEDICAL CARE CONSENT AND WAIVER. I authorize YCCA to provide me with first aid and, through medical personnel of its choice, medical assistance, transportation, and emergency medical services. This consent does not impose a duty upon YCCA to provide such assistance, transportation, or services. In addition, I waive and release any claims against the Released Parties arising out of any first aid, treatment or medical service, including the lack or timing of such, made in connection with my volunteer activities with YCCA.
5. INDEMNIFICATION. I will defend, indemnify, and hold the Released Parties harmless from and against any and all Liabilities, including without limitation, Liabilities arising from any injury, property damage, or death that may be suffered by me or any other person in a relationship with me, which may arise directly or indirectly from my volunteer activities for YCCA, except and only to the extent the liability is caused by the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the relevant Released Party.
6. PUBLICITY. I consent to the unrestricted use in any form of any photographs, interviews, film, videotapes, or other visual or auditory recordings, in any other medium, including the Internet, of me that the Released Parties or others may create in connection with my participation in activities at or for YCCA. I waive any right to inspect or approve the finished product and acknowledge that I am not entitled to any compensation for the creation or use of the finished product.
7. CONFIDENTIALITY. As a volunteer, I may have access to sensitive or confidential information. This information includes but is not limited to information related to YCCA clients, volunteers, donors, and staff. At all times during and after my participation, I agree to hold in confidence and not disclose or use any such confidential information except as required in my YCCA volunteer activities or as expressly authorized in writing by YCCA’s Executive Director.
8. VOLUNTEER NOT AN EMPLOYEE. I understand that (i) I am not an employee of YCCA, (ii) that I will not be paid for my participation, and (iii) I am not covered by or eligible for any insurance, health care, worker’s compensation, or other benefits. I may choose at any time not to participate in an activity or stop my participation entirely with YCCA.
9. DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION STATEMENT. YCCA is committed to continuously fostering a culture of inclusion among our employees, volunteers, and community that promotes diverse perspectives, lived experiences, and equitable access and opportunities essential to achieving our mission of ensuring everyone in Yolo County has access to the resources they need to build meaningful ties to their communities and each other.
10. VOLUNTEER POLICIES & SAFETY RULES. YCCA is committed to treating every volunteer with dignity, compassion, and respect. As a YCCA volunteer, you must be aware of and comply with the following volunteer policies and safety rules, unless instructed by a YCCA staff member.
1. Preparation:
   • Volunteers must sign in. This process is critical for emergency accountability, as well as for proof of hours worked for court-ordered community service volunteers (if applicable).
   • Volunteers must wear appropriate clothing including closed-toe shoes. Inappropriate shorts, shoes, and offensive clothing are not permitted.
   • Volunteers are not allowed to stay past their shift hours, nor to come in early.
2. Attendance:
   • We rely heavily on our volunteers. It is very important for volunteers to show up on time. If you are ill or need to modify your schedule, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can find a replacement for your scheduled shift.
   • If a volunteer needs to leave early due to illness or emergency, the volunteer must notify a YCCA staff member before leaving.
3. Conduct:
   • Volunteers must treat clients, other volunteers, and staff with dignity, compassion, and respect. Harassment of any kind will not be tolerated. If you witness or experience harassment, please report this to Volunteer Services at hello@yolokids.org or call (530) 757-5558.
   • Issues with volunteer conduct should be addressed by YCCA staff, not volunteers.
   • Smoking and vaping are not allowed while volunteering.
   • We are a drug- and alcohol-free workplace. Any volunteer who distributes, possesses, or is under the influence of any drug or alcohol, or who smells of alcohol or marijuana, will be asked to leave.
4. Safety Rules:
   • Volunteers must always be safety conscious. This includes preventing injuries by using proper lifting techniques and asking for help if needed. Volunteers must report any unsafe conditions or practices to a YCCA staff member.
   • Volunteers must report any injuries immediately to a YCCA staff member.
   • Volunteers must not operate any machinery or equipment unless authorized by YCCA.
   • Volunteers must immediately inform YCCA if they suffer from fatigue, illness, discomfort due to repetitive tasks, side effects of medication, or any other causes that may affect workplace safety.
   • Volunteers must not engage in any horseplay, running, or scuffling while volunteering.
   • Volunteers must keep the workspace clean and orderly. Stack objects and ensure they are placed properly so they do not fall or obstruct aisles, doors, fire exits, or stairs.
   • Volunteers must wash their hands after eating, smoking, touching their face or hair, or using the restroom.
   • Volunteers must not use cellular/smart phones, headphones, iPods, MP3 players, or other electronic devices while performing volunteer activities as these devices may impede awareness and alertness.

YCCA staff reserve the right to terminate the service of any volunteer who violates our policies or whose work and/or conduct is counterproductive to YCCA’s Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Mission Statement.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

By signing below, I acknowledge and represent that I HAVE READ THIS AGREEMENT CAREFULLY; I FULLY UNDERSTAND IT AND I VOLUNTARILY AGREE TO ITS TERMS. No oral representations, statements or inducement, apart from this written agreement have been made. If any portion of this agreement is declared invalid by a court, the remainder shall continue in full force and effect.

I hereby certify I have never been arrested for or convicted of any felony or misdemeanor involving sexual or physical abuse of any adult or child, or any felony narcotics offense. All statements and information submitted on this application are true and correct.

Parent/ Guardian Acknowledgement

I acknowledge and represent that both I and my child HAVE READ THIS AGREEMENT CAREFULLY AND FULLY UNDERSTAND IT AND VOLUNTARILY AGREE TO ITS TERMS. No oral representations, statements or inducement, apart from this written agreement have been made. If any portion of this agreement is declared invalid by a court, the remainder shall continue in full force and effect.

I further acknowledge and understand that the Minor must comply with the rules and regulations established by YCCA for volunteers and that failure to do so may result in the Minor’s immediate removal as a volunteer.

I hereby certify I have never been arrested for or convicted of any felony or misdemeanor involving sexual or physical abuse of any adult or child, or any felony narcotics offense. All statements and information submitted on this application are true and correct.