Volunteer waiver and release (have a lawyer review)
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Volunteer waiver, release and assumption of risk

Please read this carefully. By signing it you give up certain legal rights.

Organization: [ORGANIZATION NAME] (the "Organization")

Activity: [DESCRIBE THE ACTIVITY, FOR EXAMPLE "HOME REPAIR BUILDS" OR "RIVER CLEANUP"]

Dates: [DATE OR "ALL SESSIONS FROM [START] TO [END]"]

Location(s): [LOCATIONS]

1. I am volunteering freely

I am taking part in the activity as an unpaid volunteer, by my own choice. I may stop taking part at any time.

2. I understand the risks

I understand that the activity involves risks, including: [LIST THE SPECIFIC RISKS, FOR EXAMPLE: USING HAND AND POWER TOOLS; WORKING ON LADDERS OR ROOFS; LIFTING AND CARRYING; WORKING OUTDOORS IN HEAT, COLD OR RAIN; INSECT STINGS AND PLANTS; UNEVEN OR SLIPPERY GROUND; TRAVEL TO AND FROM SITES]. These risks could lead to injury, illness, damage to my property or, in rare cases, serious injury or death.

3. I accept the risks

I voluntarily accept these risks, including risks that are not listed here.

4. I will follow the safety rules

I agree to follow the safety rules, training and instructions given by the Organization, to use any protective equipment provided, and to tell a supervisor straight away if I see a hazard, if I am hurt, or if I don't feel able to do a task safely.

5. My health

I am physically able to take part in the activity, or I have told [NAME OR ROLE] about anything that may affect my safety. [OPTIONAL: Information I would like the Organization to know for my safety: [DETAILS].]

6. Release

[YOUR LAWYER SHOULD CONFIRM OR REWRITE THIS SECTION FOR YOUR STATE.] To the fullest extent allowed by law, I release [ORGANIZATION NAME] and its directors, officers, employees and volunteers from any claims for injury, illness, death or property damage arising from my taking part in the activity, including claims based on their ordinary negligence. This release does not apply to gross negligence, recklessness or intentional harm, or to anything else that the law does not allow to be released.

7. Medical care

If I am hurt or ill and can't decide for myself, I allow the Organization to call emergency services and arrange first aid or emergency medical care for me. I understand that I am responsible for my own medical costs, except as covered by any insurance.

8. Photos

[DELETE THIS SECTION IF YOU USE A SEPARATE PHOTO CONSENT FORM, WHICH WE RECOMMEND.]

9. This agreement

This form applies to every session of the activity listed above. If any part of it is found to be unenforceable, the rest still applies. It is governed by the law of [STATE].

Emergency contact

- Name: [NAME]
- Relationship: [RELATIONSHIP]
- Phone: [PHONE]

Signature (volunteers 18 and over)

I have read this form, I understand it, and I am signing it voluntarily.

Volunteer name: [NAME]

Signature: [SIGNATURE]

Date: [DATE]

Parent or guardian (volunteers under 18)

[ASK YOUR LAWYER WHETHER A PARENT'S SIGNATURE CAN RELEASE A CHILD'S CLAIMS IN YOUR STATE.]

I am the parent or legal guardian of [VOLUNTEER'S NAME], age [AGE]. I have read this form, I give permission for them to take part, and I agree to its terms on my own behalf and, to the extent the law allows, on theirs.

Parent or guardian name: [NAME]

Signature: [SIGNATURE]

Date: [DATE]

Phone on the day: [PHONE]