International Service Project Volunteer
Important: A parent or legal guardian of each minor volunteer, along with the minor volunteer, must sign this "Volunteer Acknowledgment, Release and Waiver of Liability for a MINOR" before the minor will be permitted to volunteer on a HOPE worldwide service project. Read this waiver very carefully and explain all risks, the minor’s personal responsibilities for adhering to the rules, and secure consent from the minor to be subjected to all the risks before you sign. HOPE worldwide will retain this waiver on record from the date of signature until revoked or otherwise terminated by you. Please note the term “minor” also includes “vulnerable adults” (defined as “an individual over the age of 18 who is not able to care for themselves due to physical, mental, or functional limitations or inabilities”).
This Volunteer Acknowledgement, Release and Waiver of Liability for a MINOR (the "Waiver") is executed in favor of HOPE worldwide, Ltd., HOPE worldwide USA, Inc., HOPE worldwide-Massachusetts, Inc., and their affiliated entities, nonprofit corporations wherever organized, and each of their respective directors, officers, employees, and agents (collectively “HOPE worldwide”). The volunteer identified below (“Minor”) desires to participate, without compensation, in a HOPE worldwide service project and engage in activities related to serving as a volunteer in HOPE worldwide-sponsored service projects (each a “Service Project”). HOPE worldwide desires to permit Minor to participate in Service Projects but would not do so without Parent/Guardian’s execution of this Waiver. I (the parent/legal guardian identified below), on behalf of myself and Minor, hereby freely and voluntarily, without duress, agree to the terms of and execute this Waiver under the following terms:
1. Waiver and Release. For and in consideration of HOPE worldwide allowing Minor to participate in a Service Project, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, I and on behalf of Minor, unconditionally, irrevocably and in perpetuity release, waive, discharge and hold HOPE worldwide and its successors and assigns harmless from any and all claims, demands, causes of action, damages or liability whatsoever, of whatever kind or nature, whether known or unknown, anticipated or unanticipated, either in law or in equity, which arise or may hereafter arise from Minor’s participation in a Service Project including, but not limited to, Minor’s claims of bodily injury, personal injury, illness, death, or property loss or damage, whether caused by the negligence of HOPE worldwide or otherwise, except as prohibited by applicable law. I understand that this waiver and release shall be binding upon Minor, Minor’s heirs, assigns, personal representatives, and next of kin, myself, my spouse, my heirs, assigns, personal representatives and next of kin. I acknowledge and agree that this Waiver unambiguously demonstrates a clear and understandable intention to relieve HOPE worldwide (as defined above) from liability such that an ordinary and knowledgeable person will know what he or she is contracting away
2. Insurance. Except for the short-term health and travel insurance purchased through HOPE worldwide for the purpose of this trip, and included in the participation fee, I understand that HOPE worldwide does not carry any insurance or assume any responsibility for Minor’s conduct or to provide financial assistance or other assistance including, but not limited to, medical or disability insurance in the event of Minor’s injury, illness, death or property loss or damage. Accordingly, I expressly waive any claim for compensation from or liability on the part of HOPE worldwide beyond what insurance benefits may be offered freely to Minor by an authorized representative of HOPE worldwide in the event of such injury, loss or medical expense.
3. Medical Treatment. In case of an emergency, in the event I am not able to make medical decisions for Minor, I hereby give permission for the person(s) leading or directing a Service Project to use their best judgment in obtaining medical attention or treatment (including first aid) for Minor. I further give permission to the physician or other medical professional that is selected by the Service Project leader to render medical attention or administer medical treatment to Minor as the physician or medical professional deems appropriate or necessary. Further, I and on behalf of Minor, unconditionally, irrevocably and in perpetuity hereby release, waive, discharge, and hold harmless HOPE worldwide and its successors and assigns from any claims, demands, causes of action, damages or liability whatsoever which arise or may hereafter arise on account of any first aid treatment or other medical services rendered to Minor by any party in connection with or during a Service Project. I understand that I will be responsible for any costs including but not limited to medical, travel, or other unforeseen expenses incurred by such accident, illness, or injury that may not be covered by the short-term health and travel insurance that I have purchased through HOPE worldwide for the purpose of this trip, and that is included in my participation fee.
4. Assumption of Risk.
 a. I acknowledge that Service Projects may be located in places where Minor may encounter poor living conditions, extreme temperatures, unclean or dangerous environments, and/or unstable political climates. I understand participation in a Service Project may present risks that could result in injury, illness, and/or loss of life to Minor. I understand and acknowledge that I have seriously considered these risks prior to executing this Waiver.
b. I understand that a Service Project may include activities that may be hazardous to Minor including, but not limited to, construction activities, loading and unloading of heavy equipment and materials, strenuous physical activity and local transportation to and from Service Project sites. To the best of my knowledge, Minor has no physical, mental, or medical condition which would in any way restrict or interfere with Minor’s ability to participate in a HOPE worldwide Service Project, or that may present a danger to the well- being of Minor or others in performing such activities.
c. I hereby represent and acknowledge that I have had the opportunity to inquire into the dangers associated with the Service Project, and I have investigated and evaluated all circumstances and conditions related to the Service Project as I deem necessary and/or prudent for Minor’s protection, and that by my election to allow Minor to participate in a Service Project, I agree to and have elected to expressly assume the risk of injury or harm to Minor that may result from Service Project environments and activities therein, and I and on behalf of Minor, release HOPE worldwide from all liability for injury, illness, death or property loss or damage to Minor resulting from Service Project environments and activities and Minor’s participation therein.
d. I understand that participation in a Service Project includes possible exposure to and illness from infectious diseases, including but not limited to MRSA, influenza, COVID-19, and/or harmful substances, including but not limited to mold, chemicals, and toxins. I understand that Minor may choose to implement additional measures to reduce these risks. However, Minor must abide by all safety directives required by local health authorities including but not limited to the use of masks, social distancing, personal hygiene, and other protective equipment for protection against infectious diseases. I have explained to Minor that should Minor experience any common symptoms of an infectious disease, including COVID-19, Minor should immediately report such symptoms to the nearest Service Project leader.
e. I have explained to Minor the risks of the activity, his/her responsibility for adhering to the rules and regulations and Minor has acknowledged to me that Minor understand and accepts the risks of participation in a Service Project.
5. Covenant not to sue. I and on behalf of Minor, and their heirs, assigns, personal representatives, and next of kin, hereby agree not to sue or bring any claims, demands, causes of action, suits in equity of whatever kind or nature, directly or indirectly, against HOPE worldwide arising out of Minor’s participation in the Service Project, including without limitation all claims, demands, causes of action, and suits that arise from or in any way relate to the negligence, acts of negligence, omissions or recklessness of any of the HOPE worldwide parties. Should I, or Minor or their heirs, assigns, personal representatives or next of kin, institute any action against HOPE worldwide arising out of any injury to person or property, as a result of participation in any of the activities related to the Service Project, or as a result of traveling to or from the Service Project, we shall be responsible for paying all costs of such action, including without limit attorneys’ fees, costs and expenses incurred by HOPE worldwide.
6. Indemnity. I, and on behalf of Minor, agree to defend, indemnify and hold HOPE worldwide harmless from and against any and all losses or damages arising from or in any way related to any of HOPE worldwide’s actions or failure to act while engaging in any activities related to the Service Project or otherwise on, in, or traveling to the Service Project, including without limitation all claims, demands, causes of action and suits, that arise from or in any way relate to the negligence, acts of negligence, omissions or recklessness of any of the HOPE worldwide parties.
7. Conduct. I acknowledge that I am responsible for Minor’s conduct and that Minor’s conduct can reflect positively or negatively on HOPE worldwide. I understand that it is Minor’s responsibility to be cooperative, courteous, and respectful in working with the beneficiaries, community members, and the other volunteers connected with a Service Project and to refrain from any and all offensive, abusive, harassing, unlawful or harmful actions or speech. I further understand that Minor shall be responsible for complying with all guidelines and standards of conduct, policies and expectations of performance as outlined, instructed or otherwise provided or required by HOPE worldwide. Any behavior, acts or omissions of Minor which fail to live up to, breach or violate HOPE worldwide’s expectations, standards or policies will not be tolerated by HOPE worldwide, and may be grounds for discipline, or immediate termination of Minor’s participation in the Service Project in HOPE worldwide’s sole discretion. I further understand that it is Minor’s responsibility to: (a) participate in any training required by HOPE worldwide in connection with a Service Project, and (b) to follow the direction of any personnel, employee, or volunteer designated by HOPE worldwide to supervise a Service Project and I have explained that to Minor. In the event that Minor’s conduct does not meet these expectations, I understand that Minor may be asked to discontinue participation in the Service Project, and, in such circumstances, I will be immediately responsible, if requested, to remove Minor from the Service Project at my own expense. I also understand that all injuries, damage or loss to property should be reported to the Service Project leader as soon as is reasonably possible.
8. Photographic Release. I and on behalf of Minor, grant HOPE worldwide permission to photograph, video and audio record Minor’s participation in the Service Project (“Images/Recordings”). I and on behalf of Minor, grant to HOPE worldwide a perpetual, royalty-free license and right to exhibit, distribute, display, stream, broadcast, edit, transmit and otherwise use or disseminate the Images/Recordings and create derivative works therefrom, in whole or in part, throughout the world, in any and all media and formats now known or hereafter developed without approval from me or Minor or compensation to me or Minor. I and on behalf of Minor, also grant to HOPE worldwide the perpetual, fully paid, royalty-free license and permission to use, re-use, publish and republish Minor’s name, voice, likeness and image in whole or in part, in relation to the Images/Recordings, or Minor’s participation in the Service Project, at HOPE worldwide’s sole discretion. I and on behalf of Minor, hereby unconditionally release, discharge, and agree to hold harmless, HOPE worldwide, from any and all liabilities known and unknown, for any claim arising by virtue of any use of the Images/Recordings or any blurring, distortion, alteration, illusion or use in composite form (whether intentional or otherwise), or invasion of privacy, that I or Minor may have or may occur in connection with the use of the Images/Recordings.
9. Transportation and Lodging. I further understand and acknowledge that HOPE worldwide is responsible for arranging with third parties to provide transportation and lodging during the Service Project. I hereby waive and release HOPE worldwide from any claims, demands, causes of action or liability that may arise from the transportation or lodging of Minor provided during the Service Project.
10. General Terms and Conditions. I expressly acknowledge and agree that this Waiver is intended to be as broad and inclusive as permitted by the laws of the state of Georgia, USA and that this Waiver shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of Georgia. In the event that any action, suit or proceeding is instituted arising from or relating to this Waiver, I agree that such action shall be resolved in the state and federal courts sitting in Fulton County, Georgia, and I hereby consent to personal jurisdiction in such courts. I further agree that any action shall be brought exclusively in such courts and waive any objection to venue in such courts. I agree that in the event that any clause or provision of this Waiver shall be held to be invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, the invalidity of such clause or provision shall not otherwise affect the remaining provisions of this Waiver, which shall continue to be enforceable. Further, I represent that I am at least 18 years old and am competent to execute this Waiver on behalf of Minor.
11. Security Risk Statement. On behalf of Minor, I acknowledge that I have read and understood the Security Risk Statement on our service trip websites and linked here.
Parent/Guardian- I HAVE READ THIS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT, RELEASE AND WAIVER OF LIABILITY AGREEMENT, FULLY UNDERSTAND ITS TERMS, UNDERSTAND THAT I AM GIVING UP SUBSTANTIAL RIGHTS BY SIGNING THIS DOCUMENT, AND FREELY AND VOLUNTARILY WITHOUT ANY INDUCEMENT ACCEPT AND AGREE TO ALL THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS WAIVER ON BEHALF OF MINOR HIIS/HER HEIRS, ASSIGNS, PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES AND NEXT OF KIN, MYSELF, MY SPOUSE, MY HEIRS, ASSIGNS, PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES AND NEXT OF KIN. IN ADDITION, I HAVE EXPLAINED ALL RISKS, MINOR’S PERSONAL RESPONSIBLITIES FOR ADHERING TO THE RULES, AND SECURED CONSENT FROM MINOR TO BE SUBJECTED TO ALL THE RISKS. FURTHERMORE, MINOR UNDERSTANDS AND ACCEPTS THESE RISKS AND RESPONSABILITIES.
Opt-out. Parent/Guardian and/or Minor may elect to opt-out of signing this Waiver electronically by closing the Waiver without signing and requesting a paper copy from HOPE worldwide.
This form is for Minors only. If volunteer is over the age of 18, he/she must sign a separate Adult Volunteer Acknowledgment, Release and Waiver of Liability.