Last updated: 2026-05-24. Version: 1.0. This is the reading copy. The signing form anchors your signature to the exact text of this version at the moment you sign.
Before a volunteer under 18 may join a Shared World project, build day, drive, or hosted event, the minor's parent or legal guardian must read and sign this consent. If the minor is 16 or older, the minor co-signs an assent at the end. Minors under 13 may not enroll in Shared World programs.
Shared World Minor Volunteer & Parental/Guardian Consent
Version 1.0 · effective on signature
This consent is required before any volunteer under 18 years of age may participate in a Shared World project, partner activity, drive, or hosted event. A parent or legal guardian must sign this consent. If the minor is 16 or older, the minor co-signs an assent at the end of the document. Minors under 13 may not enroll in Shared World programs.
1. Identification of the minor and the signing adult
By signing electronically below, I confirm that I am the parent or legal guardian of the minor named in the signature record, that I have legal authority to consent on the minor's behalf, and that my name and contact information are accurate. I understand that knowingly signing for a child I do not have legal authority over is fraud.
2. Voluntary participation; nature of activities
My minor is volunteering on their own initiative and with my permission. I understand the activities involved — physical work (sorting and moving donated goods, gardening, light construction, food distribution, electronics refurbishment), outdoor work in weather, work around tools and equipment, work alongside strangers, and travel to and from project sites. I have evaluated my minor's physical condition, training, and maturity for the role they have been offered.
3. Assumption of risk on the minor's behalf
I knowingly and voluntarily assume all risks of my minor's participation, including bodily injury, illness, exposure to disease, property damage, theft, emotional distress, and even death. These risks are inherent to volunteer work and may be caused by my minor's own actions, the actions of others, the condition of project sites, the condition of tools and materials, or by causes no party can foresee.
4. Insurance — the family's responsibility
I understand and accept that Shared World does not provide health, accident, disability, or personal liability insurance for my minor. The family is responsible for the minor's health insurance, accident coverage, and any other coverage we want. If my minor is injured, becomes ill, or causes property damage while volunteering, the family will use our own coverage and resources — Shared World will not pay for medical care, lost wages, property replacement, or any other cost arising from the minor's participation.
5. Release of liability on behalf of the minor and the family
In exchange for my minor being permitted to volunteer, I, for the minor, for myself, and for our heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns, release, waive, discharge, and covenant not to sue Shared World, its parent Netism, its coalition nonprofits, host communities, partners, project sites, donors, sponsors, directors, officers, employees, agents, and other volunteers (collectively, the "Released Parties") from any and all claims, demands, losses, damages, costs, or causes of action of any kind arising out of or related to my minor's participation in any Shared World activity, whether caused by the negligence of the Released Parties or otherwise, to the fullest extent permitted by Texas law.
6. Indemnification for actions of the minor
I agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Released Parties from any claim brought by my minor, by myself, by another family member, or by a third party arising out of acts or omissions by my minor during participation, including claims for personal injury or property damage my minor causes to others. I am financially responsible for harm my minor causes; the nonprofits are not.
7. Medical authorization in an emergency
If a medical emergency arises and the minor's parent or guardian cannot be reached, I authorize Shared World personnel and any host-site personnel to call 911 or arrange transport to a medical facility, and to consent to emergency medical or dental treatment by a licensed provider, including necessary anesthetic, X-ray, laboratory, or hospital services. I am responsible for any resulting medical bills.
8. Supervision plan
I understand my minor will be supervised by a Shared World project coordinator or a designated adult at the host site. I will be provided with the coordinator's name and contact before the first shift. I will not drop my minor at a project site unless an adult supervisor has confirmed presence. I will not authorize my minor to travel between sites without an adult.
9. Photo and media release for the minor
I grant Shared World permission to use photographs, video, and recordings in which my minor appears for educational, reporting, and fundraising purposes, without compensation. I may revoke this permission for future uses by emailing media@sharedworldproject.com; Shared World will not be required to recall already-distributed media. If I want to opt my minor OUT of photography entirely, I will state that in the optional comments field below before signing.
10. Conduct expectations
My minor will treat staff, fellow volunteers, host-community members, and the people we serve with respect and dignity. The same conduct rules that end an adult volunteer's participation — harassment, discrimination, intoxication on site, theft, violence — apply to my minor.
11. Communication preferences
Shared World may contact me directly about my minor's participation, shift schedules, safety updates, and emergencies. Shared World may also contact my minor through the portal account I create on the minor's behalf. I will receive a copy of any waiver, hour log, or significant communication my minor signs or submits.
12. Severability and governing law
This consent is governed by the laws of the State of Texas. If any part of this consent is found unenforceable, the rest remains in force. Venue for any dispute is Waller County, Texas.
13. Minor's assent (required if minor is 16 or older)
By countersigning below, the minor confirms that they have read this document with the parent or guardian, that they understand they are volunteering at their own risk, that Shared World does not insure them, and that they agree to follow safety instructions from site leads.
14. Parent/Guardian acknowledgment
I have read this entire document. I understand it is a binding legal agreement. I am not signing it because of any oral promise Shared World has made. I am signing it because I want my minor to be permitted to volunteer and because I accept the terms above on behalf of the family.
Ready to enroll your minor? The parent or guardian creates the volunteer account at /portal/login, lists the minor under "supervised volunteers," and this consent appears in your portal queue. After signing, a copy — including the SHA-256 hash of the text above — is emailed to the parent/guardian. The minor's account remains gated to "supervised" status until the guardian signature is captured.
Questions about this consent? Email hello@sharedworldproject.com.