VOLUNTEER APPLICATION & RELEASE
All volunteers are expected to agree and sign this form in order to serve with Bless An Orphan, Inc. If you are a minor under the age of 18, both of your parents must sign the “Minor Release Statement” at the bottom of this form. The form must be printed, signed, and mailed to our office if you are a minor.
STATEMENT OF FAITH
Bless An Orphan is a non-profit Christian faith based organization. Our primary goal is to share the love of Jesus with the poor and the broken, to bring hope and encouragement to their lives. We believe in the Holy Word of God. During your volunteer service with us, you will be surrounded by teams of people that pray and share from God’s Word. Please be respectful and courtesy of expressions of our faith.
STATEMENT OF CONDUCT
We are completely devoted to the service of mission by sharing the love of Jesus Christ and helping to meet the needs of the poor. Whether you are engaged in service, traveling, or enjoying your free time, we expect that all those who serve with us follow a standard Christian conduct so that we may maintain a good character witness in both our personal lives and in the organization as a whole. Your conduct directly reflects on Bless An Orphan and our continued or future work in various countries around the world. Examples of such conduct include, but are not limited to:
1. Avoid the appearance of improper or questionable conduct. Male and female volunteers should respect each other by maintaining good moral conduct. Not engaging in sexual conduct, flirting, or pursuing relationships during your time of service with us. We understand that some dating couples may be present on your mission trip. We ask that you keep your time completely focused on your service and not engage in public displays of affection. Male and females are not permitted in each others rooms at any time.
2. There will be no use of illegal drugs or alcohol.
3. Please keep in mind that cultures vary and what you may consider to be acceptable, is not acceptable within other cultures. Everything you do, whether short or long term with us, reflects on our reputation. One “minor” incident could endanger our entire operation. We ask that you take great precaution in your dress, your actions, your words, and what you engage in. Please respect cultural differences and do not mock, refuse, or display a difficult attitude when confronted with something that is not familiar to you. Ladies, please no halter tops, short shorts, bikinis, or mini skirts. Please wear undergarments at all times. Men, please keep your shirt on at all times and no speedos. If we ask you to change, or we bring something to your attention, please know that it is not only for the benefit of our mission but for your benefit as well. Many incidents can be avoided by taking extra special precautions to dress, culture differences, attitudes, speech, etc. We want to protect you from harm that you may not have considered.
4. Always have a willing and humble heart to help wherever you can, with whatever needs to be done. Complaining brings no solution, only delays and other problems. Please do your best to keep a good attitude and “go with the flow.” Things rarely go exactly as planned. There are always changes, delays, and the unexpected. Come with an attitude of service and humility and you will enjoy your time, and be a great blessing to others and our team.
HOLD HARMLESS AGREEMENT
By participating in a Bless An Orphan mission (long or short term) trip, you understand that certain risks are involved. You acknowledge that you have independently researched and considered all the factors involved in making this commitment. You hereby release, waive, discharge, and covenant not to sue Bless An Orphan, Inc., it’s directors, board, or any agents from any and all liability, claims, demands, actions and causes of action whatsoever arising out of or related to any loss, damage, or injury, including death, that may be sustained, or any of the property belonging to you, whether caused by the negligence of the releasees, or otherwise while participating in such activity, or while in, on, or upon the premises where the activity is being conducted. You understand that Bless An Orphan, Inc. does not maintain insurance to cover volunteers, and that any insurance options are considered and obtained by the volunteer. By signing and submitting this form you agree to cover all medical, legal, or transportation fees associated with your volunteer service.
MEDICAL RELEASE STATEMENT
By signing and submitting this form you acknowledge that you have considered all medical and health factors with volunteering and serving in a foreign mission under conditions that may be harsh, difficult, or dangerous. You agree to cover all medical expenses that may arise from your volunteer service. Should a medical incident occur that requires treatment, you agree to allow a Bless An Orphan representative to seek immediate medical attention on your behalf. Bless An Orphan will make every effort to contact parents of minors and family members of participants who have listed an Emergency Contact. You understand that medical facilities and professionals will likely not be at the same standards in which you are accustom. You release Bless An Orphan, Inc. from all liability and costs associated with your treatment.
ADIOS POLICY
If at any point in your volunteer service you are found participating in illegal activity, have posed a direct threat to the children in any manner, or have displayed behaviors so contrary to our mission, we have the right to send you home, on your dime. “Adios.” We have a ZERO tolerance policy for those who engage in illegal activity or display crude, sexual behavior, or dangerous behavior toward a child, and / or those who are behaving in such a manner that is threatening to others or the reputation or welfare of our mission. If engaging in such activities (illegal or sexually explicit activities toward a child) you will be immediately turned over to local authorities, and Bless An Orphan will wash it’s hands from providing any assistance.
Please fill out the information below and submit your form. If you are under the age of 18, you must print this entire form, both parent’s must sign, and it must be mailed to our office.
If you are under the age of 18, please print this form. BOTH parent’s or legal guardian(s) must sign and mail this form to:
Bless An Orphan
PO Box 261
Vero Beach, FL 32961
MINORS under the age of 18 MUST present a “MINOR CONSENT FORM” at the airport, customs, and possibly when asked in a foreign country. The link provides a sample Minor Consent Form for you to fill out, print, sign and notarize this document. Minor must carry an original and a parent should keep an original copy with them as well.
http://www.us-passport-service-guide.com/minor-travel-consent-form.html