Volunteer Agreement

I understand and agree that my relationship with OnRamp To Independence is that of a volunteer, not an employee, independent contractor, or agent. I will not receive monetary compensation for my volunteer service. I am not entitled to employee benefits, workers' compensation, or unemployment insurance in connection with my volunteer activities.

OnRamp To Independence reserves the right to assign, reassign, suspend, or discontinue volunteer activities at its discretion.

As an OnRamp To Independence volunteer, I agree to:

1. Complete all required onboarding, training, and orientation before beginning volunteer service.
2. Uphold the OnRamp To Independence Community Code of Conduct at all times.
3. Treat all clients, participants, staff, and fellow volunteers with dignity, respect, and without judgment.
4. Maintain strict confidentiality regarding all client information I may encounter. I will not disclose the identity, personal history, or circumstances of any participant outside of OnRamp-approved communication channels.
5. Communicate proactively with my OnRamp supervisor regarding scheduling conflicts, challenges in my role, or concerns about any participant's wellbeing.
6. Maintain appropriate boundaries with participants at all times. I will not engage in personal financial transactions with participants, provide personal housing, or develop personal relationships outside the scope of my volunteer role without explicit OnRamp approval.
7. Comply with all OnRamp policies, including this agreement, the Code of Conduct, and any role-specific guidelines provided during training.
8. Cooperate with any OnRamp investigation of a reported policy concern or code of conduct violation.
9. Promptly report any safety concerns, suspected abuse or neglect, or boundary violations to my OnRamp supervisor or to info@onramp-independence.org.

I understand that in the course of volunteering, I may have access to confidential information about program participants, including but not limited to their living situations, foster care history, mental health, family circumstances, and personal goals. I agree that:

• All such information is strictly confidential and may not be disclosed to any person outside of OnRamp without written authorization from the participant or as required by law.
• This confidentiality obligation continues indefinitely, including after my volunteer service ends.
• Violation of this confidentiality obligation may result in immediate termination of my volunteer role and may expose me to legal liability.

I understand that a satisfactory background check is required before beginning any volunteer role involving direct contact with program participants. By signing this agreement, I authorize OnRamp To Independence to conduct a background screening, which may include criminal history, sex offender registry checks, and reference checks.

I certify that all information provided in connection with this background check is true and accurate. I understand that OnRamp may decline my volunteer application based on background check results, and that I have the right to review and dispute any findings.

I understand that volunteer service with OnRamp To Independence may involve activities that carry certain inherent risks, including in-person program activities, transportation, and interactions with vulnerable youth. I voluntarily assume those risks.

To the fullest extent permitted by Georgia law, I hereby release, waive, and discharge OnRamp To Independence, its officers, directors, staff, and agents from any and all claims, demands, and causes of action arising out of or related to my volunteer service, including personal injury, property damage, or any other loss.

I understand this release does not apply to claims arising from OnRamp's gross negligence or willful misconduct.

Any materials, content, or resources I create in the course of my volunteer service for OnRamp To Independence are the property of OnRamp To Independence. I grant OnRamp a royalty-free, perpetual license to use photographs, testimonials, or other media in which I appear in connection with my volunteer role, for organizational purposes.

Either party may end this volunteer relationship at any time, with or without cause, with reasonable notice. OnRamp reserves the right to immediately terminate a volunteer's service in cases of Code of Conduct violations, confidentiality breaches, or any behavior that poses a risk to program participants or the organization.

By signing below, I confirm that I have read and understand this Volunteer Agreement and agree to be bound by its terms.