VOLUNTEER GUIDELINES & WAIVER

Facility Guidelines

1. Firearms and other weapons are strictly prohibited on Awali property.

2. Hunting is prohibited anywhere on Awali property.

3. Residential and private areas are off limits unless authorized by an Awali representative.

4. Visitors may not climb trees, wood piles, fences, or other structures.

5. Smoking, vaping, alcohol, and illegal drugs are prohibited anywhere on Awali property.

6. Photography, videography, or recording for commercial or unauthorized purposes is prohibited without prior permission.

7. Closed-toe shoes are required while on the property. Additional personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, hats, long sleeves, long pants, eye protection, and sunscreen, should be worn when appropriate for the activity and weather conditions.

8. Participants are expected to conduct themselves respectfully. Harassment, abusive behavior, or profane language will not be tolerated.

9. Harvesting or removing plants, produce, seeds, tools, or other property is prohibited without authorization from an Awali representative.

10. Participants should remain hydrated, take breaks as needed, and immediately report illness, injury, unsafe conditions, or hazards to an Awali representative.

11. Guests experiencing fever, vomiting, diarrhea, flu-like symptoms, or other contagious illness should not attend programs or events.

12. Awali reserves the right to refuse or discontinue participation for anyone whose behavior or condition poses a safety risk to themselves, others, or the property.

13. Safety orientations, including tool safety, fire safety, and emergency procedures, must be followed at all times.

14. Children under 18 must remain under the supervision of a parent, guardian, or designated responsible adult unless participating in an authorized supervised youth program.

15. Wildlife should be observed from a safe distance. Do not touch, feed, capture, or disturb wildlife.

16. Bonfires, campfires, grills, and other fire features may only be operated by authorized Awali representatives.

17. Running or horseplay while carrying tools or participating in activities is prohibited.

18. Do not consume any plants, fruits, herbs, mushrooms, or other materials found on the property unless specifically identified as safe and approved by an Awali representative.

19. Participants must follow all instructions provided by Awali representatives and use equipment only as directed.

20. Participants acknowledge that Awali is a working farm and outdoor education site with natural terrain, insects, uneven ground, wildlife, weather-related hazards, and gardening equipment. Visitors agree to exercise reasonable care and follow all staff instructions while on the property.

Gardening Hand-Tool Safety

1. Before each use, inspect all garden tools for damage or defects (such as cracked handles, loose heads, bent parts, or excessive wear). Do not use damaged tools.

2. Report damaged or unsafe tools to an Awali representative immediately and remove them from service until repaired or replaced.

3. First-time participants must receive a safety orientation and instruction on the proper use of garden tools before beginning work.

4. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for the task and weather conditions, including closed-toe shoes, gloves, long pants, eye protection (when necessary), sunscreen, and a hat.

5. Wear eye protection whenever gardening tasks may create flying debris, splinters, or dust.

6. Stay hydrated, take breaks as needed, and avoid prolonged work in extreme heat. Notify an Awali representative immediately if you begin feeling dizzy, overheated, or unwell.

7. Always select the correct tool for the task and use it only for its intended purpose.

8. Keep a safe distance from others while using garden tools, and always cut, dig, or swing tools away from your body and away from others.

9. Never run, throw, or engage in horseplay while carrying or using tools.

10. Maintain proper body mechanics when gardening. Bend your knees when lifting heavy objects, lift with your legs, and avoid twisting while carrying loads.

11. Avoid using hand tools above shoulder height unless specifically instructed by an Awali representative.

12. Use insect repellent when insects are present and promptly report bee stings, bites, allergic reactions, or injuries to an Awali representative.

13. Never dig with bare hands. Use the appropriate gardening tool and wear gloves to reduce the risk of cuts, punctures, insect bites, and exposure to soil contaminants.

14. Rotate gardening tasks and take rest breaks as needed to reduce fatigue and repetitive motion injuries.

15. Follow all instructions provided by Awali representatives regarding the safe use, cleaning, and storage of tools and equipment.

16. At the end of each activity, clean garden tools as instructed and return them to their designated storage locations.

17. Be aware of uneven ground, tree roots, wet surfaces, insects, wildlife, and changing weather conditions while working outdoors. Walk carefully and immediately report any hazards to an Awali representative.

Media Release Authorization

I hereby grant Awali, Inc. permission to photograph, record, film, interview, or otherwise capture my image, voice, likeness, statements, and participation during programs, events, volunteer activities, educational classes, tours, or other activities conducted by Awali.

I authorize Awali, Inc. to edit, reproduce, publish, distribute, and otherwise use these materials for educational, promotional, fundraising, archival, and other nonprofit purposes in print, digital publications, websites, newsletters, presentations, social media, and other forms of communication without additional notice or compensation.

I understand that I may revoke this authorization in writing for future uses; however, any materials already published or distributed before my revocation may continue to be used.

I release and hold harmless Awali, Inc., its directors, officers, employees, volunteers, agents, and representatives from any claims arising from the authorized use of these materials.

Assumption of Risk and Release of Liability

I understand that participation in activities conducted by Awali, Inc. is voluntary and may involve inherent risks associated with outdoor environments, gardening, farming, food preparation, cooking, educational programming, volunteer work, the use of hand tools, walking on uneven terrain, exposure to weather conditions, insects, wildlife, allergens, fire features, and other related activities.

I voluntarily assume all ordinary risks associated with my participation.

To the fullest extent permitted by the laws of the State of Georgia, I release and hold harmless Awali, Inc., its directors, officers, employees, volunteers, agents, representatives, successors, and assigns from liability for personal injury, illness, death, property damage, or other losses arising from my participation in Awali activities, except where such injury or damage results from gross negligence or willful misconduct.

This Release applies to all activities sponsored, organized, or conducted by Awali, Inc., including but not limited to:

• Volunteer activities

• Garden work

• Educational classes

• Workshops

• Tours

• Culinary demonstrations

• Community meals

• Youth programs

• Public events

• Retreats

• Fire circle gatherings

• Programs held both on and off Awali property

Acknowledgement of Potential Risks

I understand that participation may involve risks including, but not limited to:

• Slips, trips, and falls

• Uneven terrain

• Mud or wet surfaces

• Cuts, punctures, or splinters

• Muscle strains and repetitive motion injuries

• Lifting-related injuries

• Heat exhaustion or dehydration

• Sun exposure

• Insect bites and stings

• Contact with poisonous or irritating plants

• Allergic reactions

• Wildlife encounters

• Burns from cooking equipment or fire features

• Injuries associated with gardening tools or equipment

• Food-related injuries or allergic reactions

• Other injuries that may naturally occur during outdoor educational or volunteer activities

  
  

I acknowledge that these examples are not intended to be a complete list of all possible risks.

Medical Authorization

In the event of an illness or medical emergency during my participation, I authorize Awali representatives to secure emergency medical treatment for me (or my minor child) if I am unable to provide consent or cannot be reached.

I understand that every reasonable effort will be made to contact my designated emergency contact before treatment when circumstances allow.

I understand that I am solely responsible for all medical expenses incurred.

Food Allergy and Health Disclosure

I understand that Awali programs may involve food preparation, cooking demonstrations, shared meals, and exposure to common food allergens.

I agree to inform Awali of any known food allergies, dietary restrictions, medical conditions, or other health concerns that may affect my safe participation.

While Awali takes reasonable precautions regarding food preparation, I understand that cross-contact with allergens cannot always be completely eliminated.

Participant Code of Conduct

While participating in Awali programs, I agree to:

• Follow all instructions provided by Awali representatives.

• Follow all Facility Guidelines and Safety Procedures.

• Use tools and equipment only as instructed.

• Treat staff, volunteers, participants, neighbors, wildlife, and property with courtesy and respect.

• Immediately report unsafe conditions, accidents, injuries, or damaged equipment.

• Respect the educational nature and mission of Awali.

• Help maintain a safe and welcoming environment for all participants.

Awali reserves the right to remove any participant whose behavior creates a safety concern or disrupts the learning environment.

Entire Agreement

This Release constitutes the entire agreement between the participant and Awali, Inc. and supersedes any prior verbal or written understandings regarding the matters addressed herein.

No modification of this Release shall be valid unless made in writing and signed by both parties.

Governing Law

This Release shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Georgia.

If any provision of this Release is determined to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

Acknowledgement

By signing below, I certify that:

• I have carefully read this entire Agreement.

• I fully understand its contents.

• I have had the opportunity to ask questions before signing.

• I voluntarily agree to all terms contained herein.

• I understand that I am giving up certain legal rights by signing this Agreement.

Participant Information

Personal Information

Medical Information

Emergency Contact

Participants 18 Years or Older

Participants Under 18