Peer-Led Support Group Host Application

Peer-Led Support Group Host Volunteer Agreement

This Volunteer Agreement (“Agreement”) is made between RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association (“RESOLVE”), a nonprofit organization incorporated in Massachusetts, and the undersigned individual (“Peer-Led Support Group Host” or “PLSG Host”) who is volunteering to lead a RESOLVE-affiliated peer-led support group.

RESOLVE’s mission is to provide support, education, advocacy, and community for individuals and families facing infertility and family building challenges. Peer-led support groups are an essential part of that mission and are intended to foster safe, inclusive, and non-commercial spaces for emotional support.

I. Volunteer Status and Relationship

• The PLSG Host understands and agrees that their participation is strictly voluntary and does not constitute an employment relationship with RESOLVE.
• The PLSG Host will receive no financial compensation, benefits, or other remuneration.
• The PLSG Host shall not present themselves as an employee, agent, or authorized representative of RESOLVE, nor shall they have any authority to enter into contracts, obligations, or representations on RESOLVE’s behalf.

II. Term and Termination

• This Agreement remains in effect for the duration of the volunteer’s role as a PLSG Host and may be terminated at any time by either party, with or without cause, upon written notice.
• RESOLVE reserves the right to remove or reassign a PLSG Host at its sole discretion.

III. Host Responsibilities and Expectations

PLSG Hosts agree to comply with all guidelines provided in the Peer-Led Support Group Host Manual and any subsequent updates or policies issued by RESOLVE. Key responsibilities include:

• Email Signature: All support group communications must include RESOLVE’s official volunteer signature and may not reference any personal business, professional title, or unrelated organization.
  Example:

[Your Name] 

RESOLVE Support Group Host 

Email: [Your Email] 

www.resolve.org 

[Support Group Directory link]

• Group Description and Sign-Up: Support groups must be listed as “RESOLVE Support Groups” and use RESOLVE’s official sign-up forms located on resolve.org. No third-party registration or communication platforms may be used.
• Communication and Scheduling: Hosts agree to communicate in a timely manner with current and prospective group members and to provide clear updates on group meeting schedules or changes.
• Promotion: Hosts are encouraged to promote their group through virtual or local in-person opportunities, as appropriate, while adhering to RESOLVE’s branding guidelines.
• Contact Information: Hosts must keep RESOLVE informed of their current contact information. This may be shared publicly through the group listing on resolve.org.
• Reporting: Hosts agree to submit monthly group feedback reports through Better Impact or the designated system, even if the group does not meet or has no attendees. These reports help RESOLVE monitor engagement and support group health.
• Training and Engagement: Hosts are required to attend onboarding training and are expected to participate in periodic virtual host gatherings, which provide important updates and guidance.
• Professional Conduct: Hosts agree to conduct themselves professionally and respectfully and refrain from any acts or communications that could reflect negatively on RESOLVE, its staff, or partners.
• Representation: PLSG Hosts must not use their role to promote personal businesses, services, or professional practices. Volunteers may not leverage their RESOLVE group to solicit clients, promote products, or advance personal gain. Mental health professionals interested in professionally-led support groups must contact RESOLVE separately at info@resolve.org.
• Participant Safety and Support: Hosts agree to notify RESOLVE staff at supportgroups@resolve.org regarding concerns about group dynamics, including participants in crisis or individuals who may not be a good fit for the group. RESOLVE can provide resources or guidance as needed.
• Indemnity: Hosts agree to indemnify and hold RESOLVE harmless from any claims, liabilities, or losses arising from their role as a volunteer or from the conduct of group participants.

IV. Conflict of Interest Policy

RESOLVE peer-led support groups must remain non-commercial, inclusive, and free from perceived or actual conflicts of interest. To ensure these values:

• Clinic Employees Prohibited: Individuals employed by fertility clinics—including physicians, nurses, embryologists, mental health providers, and administrative staff—are not eligible to lead peer-led or professionally-led RESOLVE support groups.
• Peer-Led Group Standards: These groups are:
• Facilitated by volunteers with lived experience;
• Not a substitute for therapy;
• Strictly non-commercial and free of business or service promotion;
• Not to be misrepresented as clinical or professional services.
• Professionally-Led Group Standards: These groups are:
• Facilitated by credentialed mental health professionals;
• Vetted and approved through RESOLVE’s formal process;
• Distinct from peer-led groups and subject to separate agreements.
• Enforcement: Misrepresenting a group, using RESOLVE support groups for personal gain, or failing to disclose affiliations that constitute a conflict of interest will result in immediate removal from the program and directory.

V. Acknowledgment and Acceptance

By signing this Agreement, I confirm the following:

• I have read and understood the terms and conditions of this Volunteer Agreement;
• I do not have any current conflicts of interest or clinic affiliations that disqualify me from volunteering;
• If a potential conflict arises, I will disclose it immediately to RESOLVE staff;
• I agree to abide by the expectations, policies, and code of conduct outlined above and as amended by RESOLVE from time to time.