Last updated: 2026-05-24. Version: 1.0. The signing form anchors your signature to the exact text of this version at the moment you sign.
This page is the public reading copy of the Shared World Volunteer Master Release & Self-Responsibility Acknowledgment. The same text is rendered inside the signature flow, hashed with SHA-256, and bound to your signature. You can re-compute the hash from this text at any time and confirm it matches the hash printed on your signed copy.
Shared World Volunteer Master Release & Self-Responsibility Acknowledgment
Version 1.0 · effective on signature
This document is the master volunteer release for The Shared World Project (a Texas nonprofit corporation and 501(c)(3) public charity, EIN 39-4633454, hereafter "Shared World") and its parent organization, Netism. You must read it, agree to it, and electronically sign it before participating in any Shared World volunteer activity, partner project, community service placement, or hosted event.
1. Voluntary participation; nature of activities
I am volunteering on my own initiative. I understand Shared World's programs include physical work (sorting and moving donated goods, gardening, light construction, food distribution, electronics refurbishment), outdoor work in heat and weather, work around tools and equipment, work alongside strangers, and travel to and from project sites. I have evaluated my own physical condition, training, and skill level and have decided to participate.
2. Assumption of risk
I knowingly and voluntarily assume all risks of participation, including risks of 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 own actions, the actions of others, the condition of project sites, the condition of tools and materials, or by causes that no party can foresee.
3. Insurance — my own responsibility
I understand and accept that Shared World does not provide health, accident, disability, or personal liability insurance for volunteers. I am responsible for carrying my own health insurance, my own accident coverage, my own auto insurance (if I drive to or for a project), and any other coverage I want. If I am injured, become ill, or damage property while volunteering, I will use my own coverage and resources — Shared World will not pay for medical care, lost wages, property replacement, or any other cost arising from my participation.
4. Release of liability
In exchange for being permitted to volunteer, I, for myself, my 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 participation in any Shared World activity, whether caused by negligence of the Released Parties or otherwise, to the fullest extent permitted by Texas law.
5. Indemnification
I agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Released Parties from any claim brought by me, by my family, or by a third party arising out of my own acts or omissions during participation, including claims for personal injury or property damage I cause to others. I am financially responsible for harm I cause; the nonprofits are not.
6. Medical authorization in an emergency
If a medical emergency arises and I cannot communicate, I authorize Shared World personnel and any host-site personnel to call 911 or arrange transport to a medical facility. I understand that any resulting medical bills are my responsibility, payable through my own insurance or other means.
7. Safety rules
I agree to follow safety instructions given by site leads, to wear required personal protective equipment, to disclose relevant health conditions to project coordinators when asked, and to stop immediately if a task feels beyond my training or comfort.
8. Photo and media release
I grant Shared World permission to use photographs, video, and recordings in which I appear 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.
9. Conduct expectations
I will treat staff, fellow volunteers, host-community members, and the people we serve with respect and dignity. Harassment, discrimination, intoxication on site, theft, and violence end my participation immediately.
10. Severability and governing law
This release is governed by the laws of the State of Texas. If any part of this release is found unenforceable, the rest remains in force. Venue for any dispute is Waller County, Texas.
11. Minors
Volunteers under 18 do not sign this release directly. A parent or legal guardian must sign a separate Shared World Minor Volunteer & Parental/Guardian Consent that incorporates and expands the terms above and includes a supervision agreement. The minor's account remains gated to "supervised" status until the guardian signature is captured.
12. 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 to volunteer and because I accept the terms above.
Ready to sign? Create a volunteer account at /portal/login, complete the short profile, and the master release will appear in your portal queue. After signing, a copy — including the SHA-256 hash of the text above — is emailed to you and sealed in a tamper-evidence chain. You can revoke media consent later by emailing us; you cannot revoke past signatures, but you can stop volunteering at any time.
Questions about this waiver? Email hello@sharedworldproject.com.