Volunteer Enrollment

1. What We Expect From You. You're here to build a genuine friendship with the person you're matched with. That means being present, being kind, and giving it your best. Volunteer agrees to behave responsibly and to exercise good judgment at all times when interacting with the individual with whom Volunteer is matched. Volunteer agrees to put away cell phones during program activities — they should only be used in case of emergency. Volunteer agrees to represent the Organizations to the best of their abilities.
2. Show Up When You Say You Will. When you commit to a program or event, your special friend and the staff are counting on you. Volunteer understands that once a commitment is made to attend a program or event, the Organizations and participants rely on that commitment. If Volunteer is unable to attend, Volunteer agrees to notify Friendship Circle staff and the parents of their matched participant with as much advance notice as possible.
3. Respect Everyone's Privacy. You'll get to know families in personal ways. Please treat that trust with care. Volunteer agrees to respect the privacy of all participants and their families and to keep personal information confidential. Volunteer understands that photographs taken during programs may be private and sensitive and shall not be shared without permission.
4. Working With Participants. Our participants have a wide range of abilities, behaviors, and needs. That's what makes this work meaningful — but it also means you may encounter new and challenging situations. Volunteer understands that they may work with individuals with various social, developmental, and communication challenges. If Volunteer ever feels uncomfortable in any situation, it is Volunteer's right and responsibility to immediately report it to the Program Director or Group Leader. If a participant needs assistance in the bathroom, Volunteer must notify the participant's parent or Friendship Circle staff and follow their guidance — Volunteer should never handle this alone.
5. If Something Goes Wrong, Tell Us Right Away. If someone gets hurt or something doesn't feel right, speak up immediately. Don't try to handle it on your own. If an injury, incident, or significant hazard occurs during any program activity, Volunteer is responsible for immediately reporting it to Friendship Circle staff. If Volunteer observes any hazard, Volunteer agrees to stop participating in the activity and notify staff immediately.
6. Keeping Everyone Safe. We take safety seriously, and we expect the same from our volunteers. By signing below, you agree that you:
   1. Will not use, possess, or be under the influence of illegal drugs, alcohol, or controlled substances at any time, including at any Friendship Circle event or program
   2. Will not bring alcohol, tobacco products, weapons, firearms, or other dangerous items to any event or program
   3. Agree to have a background check performed (or a reference check if under 18)
   4. Will not participate in any activity you believe you cannot perform safely or in accordance with program instructions
   Volunteer certifies compliance with all of the above conditions and acknowledges that failure to comply may, at the Organizations' sole discretion, result in the termination of Volunteer's involvement in any or all program activities.
7. While You're on Our Property. Whether you're arriving, leaving, or hanging out between activities — you're welcome on our property, but you're responsible for your own safety while you're here. Volunteer acknowledges that any time Volunteer is present on property owned, leased, or operated by the Organizations, they are there at their own risk. Volunteer assumes full responsibility for their own safety and agrees to hold the Organizations harmless from any claims or liability arising from their presence on the premises, including but not limited to slip-and-fall incidents, parking lot accidents, or any other injury or property damage occurring on the property.
8. Other Participants and Volunteers. Our programs bring together people with a wide range of abilities and backgrounds. Interactions can sometimes be unpredictable. Volunteer acknowledges that the Organizations are not responsible for the actions, behavior, or conduct of other participants, volunteers, or their family members. Volunteer agrees that the Organizations shall not be held liable for any injury, harm, or damage caused by another participant, volunteer, or any other third party during program activities. Volunteer voluntarily assumes this risk.
9. Stuff Happens. Volunteering with Friendship Circle is rewarding — but it can also be physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding. That's part of the deal. Volunteer acknowledges that participation in program activities involves a certain degree of risk. Volunteer has carefully considered these risks and voluntarily agrees to participate, knowingly and freely assuming all such risks. Volunteer agrees not to engage in any activity that Volunteer believes they cannot perform safely or in accordance with program instructions.
10. Waiver and Release
    This is the important legal part — please read it carefully.
    WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY. TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY, VOLUNTEER AND PARENT, HEREBY KNOWINGLY, VOLUNTARILY, AND IRREVOCABLY RELEASES, WAIVES, DISCHARGES, AND COVENANTS NOT TO SUE THE ORGANIZATIONS AND THEIR RESPECTIVE DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, TRUSTEES, MEMBERS, EMPLOYEES, VOLUNTEERS, CONTRACTORS, AGENTS, REPRESENTATIVES, AFFILIATES, SUCCESSORS, ASSIGNS, INSURERS, AND ALL OTHER RELATED PERSONS OR ENTITIES (COLLECTIVELY, THE “RELEASED PARTIES”), FROM AND AGAINST ANY AND ALL CLAIMS, DEMANDS, CAUSES OF ACTION, DAMAGES, LOSSES, LIABILITIES, COSTS, OR EXPENSES OF ANY KIND WHATSOEVER, INCLUDING ATTORNEYS’ FEES, ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO:
    1. ENTRY UPON OR USE OF THE PREMISES;
    2. PARTICIPATION IN OPEN PLAY, SHOPPES, OR ANY OTHER ACTIVITIES;
    3. THE ACTS OR OMISSIONS OF OTHER VOLUNTEERS, PARENTS, OR THIRD PARTIES; OR
    4. THE ORDINARY NEGLIGENCE OF ANY OF THE RELEASED PARTIES.
    THIS RELEASE APPLIES TO ALL CLAIMS FOR PERSONAL INJURY, PROPERTY DAMAGE, ECONOMIC LOSS, OR WRONGFUL DEATH.
    HOWEVER, NOTHING IN THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE CONSTRUED TO RELEASE CLAIMS ARISING FROM GROSS NEGLIGENCE, RECKLESS CONDUCT, OR INTENTIONAL MISCONDUCT TO THE EXTENT SUCH RELEASE IS PROHIBITED BY APPLICABLE LAW.
11. INDEMNIFICATION AND HOLD HARMLESS. Volunteer and Parent agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Released Parties from and against any and all claims, demands, actions, suits, liabilities, damages, judgments, settlements, penalties, fines, losses, costs, and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and litigation expenses, arising out of or related to:
    1. the conduct or actions of Volunteer or Parent;
    2. any injury, damage, or loss caused by Volunteer or Parent;
    3. Volunteer or Parent’s breach of this Agreement; or
    4. any claim brought by or on behalf of a Volunteer or Parent or third party arising from Volunteer or Parent’s presence at or use of the facility.
    5. This indemnification obligation shall survive the conclusion of the visit and remain enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law.
12. Emergency Medical Authorization (For Volunteers Under 18). If your child volunteers with us, we want to be able to get them help fast in an emergency.
    In the event of a medical emergency involving a minor Volunteer, Organizations will make every effort to contact Parent. If Parent cannot be reached, Parent hereby authorizes the medical provider selected by the supervising adult to secure proper treatment, including hospitalization, anesthesia, surgery, or administration of medication. Parent authorizes medical providers to disclose examination findings, test results, and treatment information to the supervising adult for purposes of medical evaluation, follow-up communication with Parent, and determination of Volunteer's ability to continue in program activities.
13. Smile for the Camera. We love sharing what our volunteers are up to! Unless you tell us otherwise, we may use photos or videos from events for promotional purposes. Unless Volunteer notifies the Organizations in writing, Volunteer grants the Organizations permission to use Volunteer's name, image, likeness, or recording in connection with promotional materials including brochures, advertising, social media, websites, and broadcasts.
    No problem if you'd rather opt out — just check the box below or let us know in writing:
    
14. The Handbook. If Volunteer participates in Friends@Home or other programs with a handbook, Volunteer agrees to abide by and perform everything stated in the applicable Handbook in its entirety, as well as any additional rules and policies pertinent to specific events, as they may be modified from time to time.
15. Our Organization. Volunteer acknowledges that the organizations are independently owned, operated, and controlled local corporations.
16. Modification. This Agreement may only be changed or modified in writing signed by both parties. No waiver of any provision shall be effective unless in writing and signed by both parties.
17. Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.
18. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of New Jersey.

As a volunteer of Friendship Circle:

• I understand that Friendship Circle expects me to behave responsibly. I agree to utilize my best judgment and sense of responsibility when spending time with the child with whom I am matched.
• I understand that the use of a cell phone during a Friendship Circle programs does not promote a healthy friendship and should only be used in case of emergency.
• I agree to respect the privacy of all participants of the Friendship Circle and to keep personal information confidential.
• I understand that once I commit to attend a program or event, the Friendship Circle staff and special friends expect me to be there. I agree to attend and give it my best effort. In the event that I cannot attend, I agree to give notice to Friendship Circle staff and the parents of my special friend sufficiently in advance.
• If someone gets hurt or some other incident occurs while I am volunteering, it is my responsibility to immediately report the occurrence to Friendship Circle staff.
• I agree to represent the Friendship Circle to the best of my abilities.
• I have carefully read and agree to abide and be bound by all the rules above as well as any additional rules pertinent to specific events, including the Commitment to Everyone’s Safety and Well Being.
• I grant Friendship Circle permission to use my name, image, likeness, or recording in connection with any promotional materials including, but not limited to, brochures, advertising, and broadcasts.

I agree to volunteer for Friendship Circle. I understand that participation in Friendship Circle activities involves a certain degree of risk and can be physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding. I have carefully considered the risk involved and agree to participate in this activity. I also understand that participation in this activity is entirely voluntary and requires participants to abide by applicable rules and standards of conduct as set forth above as well as any additional rules pertinent to specific events. I understand that this local Friendship Circle is independently owned, operated and controlled. I release LifeTown, Friendship Circle and Chabad of Livingston and its employees, directors, officers, contractors and volunteers from any and all claims or liability arising out of this participation.

ALTHOUGH FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE CARES DEEPLY ABOUT THE HEALTH AND WELL BEING OF ALL PARTICIPANTS, VOLUNTEERS, STAFF, AND THEIR FAMILIES, FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE CANNOT GUARANTEE THAT COVID-19 OR ANY OTHER VIRUS OR DISEASE WILL NOT BE CONTRACTED BY FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE PARTICIPANTS, THEIR FAMILIES OR STAFF

Friendship Circle provides very special and unique opportunities for volunteers, special friends and their families to enrich the lives of each other. In doing so, most participants will encounter new and sometimes challenging situations. Thus, it is imperative to set expectations at the beginning so that volunteers, special friends, and parents understand what they can expect. Therefore, volunteers, special friends, and their respective families each certify and agree to the following by signing below that I:

• Understand that participation in this activity is entirely voluntary and requires everyone to abide by applicable rules and standards of conduct;
• Understand that I may be in the company of people with various degrees of social, development, and communication challenges. I understand that if there is ever a situation that I feel uncomfortable, it is my right and responsibility to report the occurrence to the Program Director or Group Leader.
• Understand that photographs can be private and sensitive and should not be shared by all.
• Understand that if a Friendship Circle Child needs help in the bathroom, it is my job to notify their parent or the Friendship Circle staff and have them guide me in the proper protocol.
• Do not use or possess any illegal drug, alcohol or controlled substances at any time, including at Friendship Circle events or programs;
• Do not have any alcohol or tobacco products at Friendship Circle events or programs;
• Do not bring any weapons, firearms or other dangerous items to any Friendship Circle event or program;
• Agree to have a background check performed on me, or if I am under 18, a reference check;
• Understand that participation in Friendship Circle activities involves a certain degree of risk and can be physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding. I have carefully considered the risk involved and have given consent for me and/or my child to participate in this activity and knowingly and freely assume all such risks;
• Will not participate in any activity that I believe I and/or my child cannot perform in accordance with the Friendship Circles activities’ instructions or in a safe manner;
• If I observe any significant hazard during my or my child’s participation in any event or program, I will stop and/or have my child stop participating in the event and inform the Friendship Circle of such hazard immediately;
• If I am participating in Friends@Home, agree to abide by and perform everything stated in the Handbook in its entirety.
• Agree Friendship Circle is not responsible for any damages to personal property or injury in which the Friendship Circle had no knowledge of the particular hazard or any activity outside of Friendship Circle sponsored events;
• Acknowledge that Friendship Circle is an independently owned, operated and controlled local corporation.
• I Release LifeTown, Friendship Circle and Chabad of Livingston, the directors, board, officers, activity coordinators, and all employees, volunteers, related parties, and contractors from any and all claims or liability arising out of this participation;
• Agree that in case of emergency involving my child, I understand every effort will be made to contact me. In the event I cannot be reached, I hereby give my permission to the medical provider selected by the adult leader in charge to secure proper treatment, including hospitalization, anesthesia, surgery, or injections of medication for my child. Medical providers are authorized to disclose to the adult in charge examination findings, test results, and treatment provided for purposes of medical evaluation of the participant, follow-up and communication with the participant’s parents or guardian, and/or determination of the participant’s ability to continue in the program activities. I hereby give permission to the Friendship Circle-LifeTown administration to take whatever medical measures they deem necessary in the event of a medical emergency.