Volunteer Application

Volunteer Waiver

I, ______________________________________________ (your name), and my Child (if applicable), ___________ (your child’s name), do participate as a Volunteer at the Kauai Humane Society solely as participants. We do not represent any organization as an employee in any way, nor in any capacity. We wish to participate at KHS and I sign this Waiver and agree to each of the following:

1. I alone assume full responsibility for all my comments, my actions or voluntary assistance that I provide during the event as well as my child’s. I understand that I am not to give medical advice to any patrons.

2. I release, waive and discharge not to make a claim against or to sue KHS or any of its employees, agents, officers, volunteers, or contractors from all liability arising out of or in connection with any activities on behalf of the Society.

3. I recognize that in handling animals and performing other services, there exists a risk of injury including physical harm. On behalf of my heirs, personal representatives, executors, I release KHS, its agents, and employees from any and all claims, including the costs and attorney fees incurred by the shelter in connection with the same, based on damages or injuries which may be sustained by me or my child during volunteering shifts. This includes, but is not limited to, animal bites, accidents and injuries.

4. I agree to indemnify, save and hold harmless KHS and its employees from any and all loss, liability damage or cost that may be incurred due to any recommendations or work we participate in.

5. We have read and agree with the missions, goals and services of the Kauai Humane Society. We will abide by the organization’s Code of Ethics.

6. We will familiarize ourselves with and comply with KHS policies, procedures, safety and sanitation protocols.

7. I attest that no oral representations, statements, or inducements apart from the foregoing written agreement have been made; 

8. I agree to read and voluntarily sign this Release, Waiver and Indemnity Agreement. I understand that the Society, without notice or hearing, may terminate my services as a volunteer at any time, with or without reason.

Photo Release

I grant permission for photos or video images of myself and my child involved in Kaua’i Humane Society activities may be included in promotional, marketing, news related, or informational material published in print or internet media. These images will not include identifying or contact information. I hereby agree on behalf of myself and/or my minor children.

Confidentiality & Social Networking Agreement

Confidentiality 

Due to the nature of the services performed through KHS, you may be requested to release what would otherwise be confidential information. Examples of such pieces of information are detailed below. Volunteers should obtain permission from a manager or supervisor before releasing. 

Failure to obtain necessary permission or the willful disclosure of confidential information constitutes a violation of Organization policy and may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of volunteer position. 

The information not to be released to unauthorized personnel, “outside” people or sources includes, but is not limited to, the following: 

• Employee Social Security numbers or health related information 

• Donor records 

• Complainant information 

• Names and addresses of employees, volunteers, or customers 

• Information related to any animal not available for view or adoption by the public

Social Networking 

KHS respects the right of volunteers to use blogs or other forms of social media (i.e., Twitter, Facebook, etc.) and does not want to discourage volunteers from self-publishing and self-expression.  Volunteers are cautioned that they should have no expectation of privacy while using the internet while on KHS property.  Whether or not you engage in the use of social media on your own time, associating KHS with your profile on Facebook or Twitter, for example, automatically subjects your activity to the KHS’s guidelines. Volunteers should be aware there are risks associated with making any type of post online and volunteers are solely responsible for content they elect to post online.  

As a general rule, volunteers are encouraged to use good judgment and take personal and professional responsibility for what they publish online.  If there is uncertainty regarding what is permissible and appropriate use of social media, these guidelines will help you make appropriate decisions about blogging and online activity and are not meant to infringe upon personal interaction online not covered by this policy. 

Guidelines for Interaction about KHS on the Internet:

• Volunteers are not authorized to speak online on behalf of KHS, without express permission from a supervising Manager or department Director. 

• Volunteers may not share information that is in violation of the confidentiality policy. 

• KHS’s logo and/or trademarks may not be used online without explicit permission in writing from KHS management. 

• Speak respectfully about KHS, which includes, but is not limited to KHS’s employees, volunteers, officers, directors, managers, customers, donors, and visitors. 

• Do not engage in name-calling or behavior that will reflect negatively on the reputation of KHS.

• Do not disclose information pertaining to, or publish or release images of, pets that are not available for view or adoption by the public.  This can include but is not limited to animals’ medical and behavioral information, and location, status, and/or condition at Kauai Humane Society.  

• Honor the privacy rights of employees and volunteers by seeking their permission before writing about or displaying internal KHS happenings that might be considered to be a breach of their privacy and confidentiality. 

• Do not engage in illegal or unlawful activities online, or publish anything that implies that you are engaging in illegal conduct. 

These are given as examples only and do not cover the range of what KHS considers confidential or proprietary. If you have any questions about whether information has been/will be improperly released publicly or doubts of any kind, speak with your supervisor or HR department before releasing information that could potentially harm KHS’s current, former or potential employees, volunteers, customers, donors, or visitors.