As a volunteer with the Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network (WAISN), this Volunteer Agreement Package serves as a form of commitment, accountability and solidarity between you, the volunteer, and WAISN. As a WAISN volunteer, you play a crucial role in providing compassionate support and ensuring dignity and justice for impacted individuals. This agreement outlines our shared values, expectations, and responsibilities to maintain a strong and ethically aligned volunteer network.

As a feminist decolonial organization, we strive to build a value-based world. However, we must do so while existing within imperialistic colonial structures and capitalist systems. As a result, these agreements are situated within a context of risk management, ethical responsibility, and legal protection for both WAISN and our community of volunteers and event attendees. By consenting to these agreements, all parties ensure informed participation, prioritize safety and well-being, and honor the values of consent, care, and accountability.

Responsibility and Consent as an Expression of Care
As leaders in a feminist and decolonial movement, we emphasize the value of care by taking responsibility for the well-being of all involved. By requesting volunteers to sign these agreements, WAISN engages in a responsible practice to clarify the terms of participation and ensure that all participants are allowed to acknowledge their autonomy and safety concerning the activities they are engaging in. These agreements allow WAISN to share the responsibility and ensure that all members and participants are aware of their rights, responsibilities, and the risks associated with involvement in WAISN’s activities.

Accountability and Protecting the Organization and Participants
The documents contained here—specifically the liability waiver and consent for a background check—are safeguards for impacted immigrant community members and WAISN against harm and/or lawsuits or claims related to injury, harassment, or other issues that might arise during activities and events. This is particularly important as WAISN and its community operate in a political context where risks may not always be predictable due to extremists who wish harm to immigrants and an immigration enforcement machine that criminalizes migration, instills fear in immigrant communities, attempts to shatter our sense of safety, and engages in racial profiling and violence against the most vulnerable community members. With this agreement, WAISN is taking necessary steps to protect itself, directly impacted immigrant community members, and WAISN participants from potential legal liabilities so we can continue building a strong, connected, immigrant-led justice movement to dismantle oppressive systems and ensure a life of abundance for all immigrants.

This packet includes the following:

1. PLEDGE TO SOLIDARITY AND CARE
2. CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT
3. VOLUNTEER RELEASE AND WAIVER OF LIABILITY
4. CONSENT TO A BACKGROUND CHECK
5. VOLUNTEER DRIVER FORM (FOR ACCOMPANIMENT VOLUNTEERS ONLY)

For questions about this form contact admin@waisn.org.

As a volunteer with the Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network (WAISN), I affirm the following:

• Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their past actions.
• Everyone has a right to due process and equal access to justice.
• Impacted community members are the people who best know what their own needs are.
• WAISN recognizes the diverse roles and contributions of individuals within its community, including directly impacted community members, employees, interns, volunteers, contractors, consultants, and board members.
• WAISN is committed to building movements where trans people, especially trans immigrants, are not only safe, but free. We celebrate our siblings not only as symbols of resistance, but as co-creators of a future rooted in love and justice.
• WAISN acknowledges that its work takes place on the traditional lands of Indigenous peoples in Washington. We recognize and respect the indigenous sovereignty of the nations and tribes who have stewarded these lands for countless generations. We commit to supporting Indigenous communities' self-determination and addressing the impacts of colonialism in our work.

WAISN’s Core Values

All WAISN volunteers will operate under WAISN’s Core Values:

• Joy reminds us that beyond survival, we are here to thrive, organizing in ways that celebrate resilience and collective strength.
• Care acknowledges the importance of emotional and collective labor, challenging societal norms that undervalue caregiving and community well-being.
• Solidarity Across Differences calls us to embrace complexity and intersectionality, recognizing that true liberation comes through collective action.
• Accountability is an act of love, fostering reciprocal relationships where growth is encouraged through honest conversations and conflict transformation.
• Integrity staying true to decolonial, transnational, and anti-racist values, prioritizing care over productivity, and centering community leadership.

Volunteer Expectations

As a WAISN Volunteer, I agree to:

• Respect and value the perspectives and experiences of all stakeholders, particularly those from historically and currently oppressed communities.
• Recognize the intersecting forms of oppression faced by historically and currently oppressed communities and commit to understanding and addressing these intersections in my practices, including attending training and education sessions on topics such as intersectionality, anti-oppression, and trauma-informed care.
• Engage with impacted individuals and communities with humility and care. I will honor their decision-making power, choices, and autonomy, recognizing that my role is to support based on their expressed needs, not to direct or save anyone.
• Represent WAISN as a volunteer, not as a WAISN employee.
• Forward any media requests to pacifica@waisn.org and to not speak to the media about WAISN matters on behalf of WAISN, without written consent from at least one of the Executive Directors. If permission is granted, I will identify myself as a volunteer, not as an employee or official representative of WAISN.
• Not provide legal or medical advice, or share information in a way that could be interpreted as legal or medical advice.
• Support and advocate for community members regardless of the person’s immigration status.
• Communicate and coordinate effectively. If I accept a volunteer role, I will fulfill my commitment, keep WAISN and local organizers informed, and notify WAISN if I can no longer participate.
• Approach all interactions with respect and nonviolence. I will remain calm and courteous, particularly when engaging with enforcement agency officials. My role is not to escalate and cause further complications or harm to immmigrants.
• Ensure my well-being and preparedness. I will refrain from consuming drugs or alcohol before or during my volunteer assignment.
• Recognize my limitations. If I am unsure or need support, I will seek guidance from WAISN or partner organizations.
• Maintain role clarity in the field. While acting as a volunteer at WAISN, I will act only in the role for which I have been assigned one when supporting community members on the ground to avoid confusion and ensure effectiveness. For example, if I am on an accompaniment and I witness immigration enforcement targeting another community member, I will stay focused on the community member I have been assigned to support.

This section of the agreement is entered into by and between the Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network (WAISN) and me, to uphold confidentiality in a manner consistent with decolonial and feminist principles.

• I acknowledge that I may gain access to confidential information regarding WAISN, the community members it serves, its staff, and its volunteers, as well as sensitive matters related to the organization's activities and community members. This information is deemed the exclusive property of WAISN and must be treated with the utmost confidentiality.
• I agree to maintain strict confidentiality regarding personal information shared by community members or WAISN, including their identity, immigration status, legal matters, family circumstances, image, or any other private details.
• I understand that WAISN was built by and for immigrants and refugees, and that many members of WAISN’s community may face intersecting forms of oppression based on race, gender, class, sexuality, and other identities. Confidentiality is essential to ensuring the safety and empowerment of these communities. I commit to centering the voices and experiences of historically and currently oppressed individuals and respecting their agency and autonomy.
• I agree not to disclose any confidential information obtained during my involvement with WAISN without explicit consent. This includes interactions with individuals in detention, where informed consent must be obtained before sharing any details publicly or with third parties.
• I agree not to share on social media any photos of or information about WAISN community members, partners, volunteers, vendors, community members’ personal information, or situations or circumstances learned or acquired in my role as a rapid response volunteer or during a community member accompaniment.
• In the event of a breach of confidentiality, WAISN will prioritize restorative justice and accountability processes that center the needs of affected communities. I agree to participate in these processes and take full accountability, which may result in termination of my volunteer role with WAISN.
• I understand that confidential information includes but is not limited to: organizational strategies, financial data, and internal communications. I agree to securely store and handle this information to prevent unauthorized access or disclosure as outlined and directed by WAISN staff.

1. Volunteer Status. As a volunteer at a WAISN event or for a WAISN program, I understand that I control the dates and times when I participate in WAISN’s activities. I also understand that I will not be compensated for any time spent attending, nor am I entitled to benefits. 
2. 豁免和釋放. I release and forever discharge and hold harmless WAISN and its successors and assigns from any and all liability, claims, and demands of whatever kind or nature, either in law or in equity, which arise or may hereafter arise from the activities as an attendee with WAISN, including claims arising out of negligence I understand and acknowledge that this release discharges WAISN from any liability or claim that I may have against WAISN with respect to bodily injury, personal injury, illness, death, or property damage that may result from the services I provide to WAISN or occurring while I am a volunteer.  
3. 保險. I affirm that it is my responsibility to be covered by primary medical insurance and understand that I am responsible for my medical bills and expenses if an injury occurs. Further, I understand that WAISN does not assume any responsibility for or obligation to provide me with financial or other assistance, including but not limited to medical, health or disability benefits or insurance of any nature in the event of my injury, illness, death or damage to my property. I expressly waive any such claim for compensation or liability on the part of WAISN beyond what may be offered freely by WAISN in the event of such injury or medical expenses incurred by myself. 
4. Vehicle. I understand driving a community member for an accompaniment is a profound responsibility and I will exercise extreme care and due diligence while driving. I understand that as a volunteer driver, I must be 21 years of age or older, possess a valid driver’s license, have the proper and current license and vehicle registration, and have the required insurance coverage in effect on any vehicle used for volunteer accompaniment. I will not make phone calls or text while operating a vehicle as a volunteer unless they are using a hands-free device. In Washington state, drivers can use hands-free devices while driving, but cannot hold the device to their ear or use it to text, type, read, or write. Hands-free devices must require only a single touch or swipe to activate a function. Using a device for navigation or other functions is allowed if it is hands-free and does not require more than a single touch to activate a function. If I do not have access to a hands-free device,  I will pull over to a safe place and come to a stop prior to any such use. If I am required to drive in my capacity as a volunteer driver, I agree to complete the WAISN Volunteer Driver Form. (See below.)
5. 風險承擔。 我特此明確承擔受傷或傷害的風險 to me and/or my vehicle from these activities and release WAISN from all liability for injury, illness, death, or property damage resulting from the services I provide as an attendee or occurring while 我是 participating in events or volunteer activities, including transportation to and from events or other volunteer activities. 
6. Non-Interference with Law Enforcement. When volunteering as a WAISN rapid response volunteer or during a community accompaniment, I will not obstruct, resist, hinder, impede, or interfere with any immigration enforcement agent or police officer in the execution of their duties.
7. Harboring. When acting as a Volunteer for WAISN, on WAISN grounds, or at WAIS N events, I will not knowingly give assistance for the purpose of helping someone to violate immigration law, including but not limited to: sheltering known undocumented individuals to conceal them from the government or taking any action that conceals non-U.S. citizens from immigration agents, such as assisting them in fleeing or dodging immigration agents and warning someone known to be undocumented that immigration is present. 
8. 政策. I shall abide by all WAISN policies and procedures provided to me.
9. 攝影發布。 我向 WAISN 授予並轉讓我本人或 WAISN 製作的與我參加 WAISN 活動相關的任何及所有照片、圖像、視頻或音頻記錄的所有權利、所有權和利益，包括但不限於、從此類照片或錄音中獲得的任何特許權使用費、收益或其他利益。 
10. 藥物治療。 我特此免除並永遠免除 WAISN 因我作為 WAISN 參與者期間因緊急情況提供的急救治療或其他醫療服務而產生或可能產生的任何索賠。我同意 WAISN 為以下人員提供、管理或獲得醫療 我 在我參加WAISN活動期間。
11. Indemnification and Legal Representation. I hereby agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless WAISN from any and all liability, losses, damages, judgments, or expenses, including attorneys’ fees, that it may incur or sustain as a result of my involvement in the Activities, arising out of any third-party claim. I shall hold WAISN and its board of directors, employees, and contractors harmless in the event of legal action, arrest, questioning, or threats by law enforcement or immigration agents as a result of my volunteer activities. I understand that WAISN will not provide or bear the cost of legal representation in the event I am subject to legal proceedings.
12. 沒有保險或工人賠償. I understand that WAISN does not assume any responsibility for or obligation to provide financial assistance or other assistance, including but not limited to medical, health, disability insurance of any nature in the event of my injury, illness, or death, or damage to or loss of my property. I understand that if I am injured in the course of the activities, I am not covered by WAISN’s Workers’ Compensation program.
13. Anti-Harassment. I have read and agree to the Anti-Harassment Policy English linked here.
14. 其他. 
    1. 我明確同意，本新聞稿旨在在華盛頓州法律允許的範圍內盡可能廣泛和包容性，並且本新聞稿應受華盛頓州法律管轄並根據華盛頓州法律進行解釋。我同意，如果本授權書的任何條款或規定被視為無效，本授權書其餘條款的可執行性不受影響。 
    2. 透過向 WAISN 提供我的電子郵件地址，我同意加入 WAISN 的郵件清單。我可以隨時選擇退出。 WAISN 不會分享個人資訊。
    3. 我特此同意，本新聞稿代表了 WAISN 和我本人之間的充分諒解，並取代我們之間就本新聞稿主題達成的所有其他先前協議、諒解、陳述和保證（書面和口頭）。 
    4. 如果本新聞稿的任何條款或規定被任何有管轄權的法院判定為無效，則該條款或規定應被視為已修改，以便在允許的最大範圍內有效和可執行。任何此類條款或規定的無效不得以其他方式影響其餘條款和規定的有效性或可執行性。 
    5. 本新聞稿對 WAISN 和我本人以及我們各自的繼承人、遺囑執行人、管理人、法律代表、繼承人和允許的受讓人具有約束力並有利於其利益。 
    6. 章節標題僅供參考之用，不得定義、修改、擴充或限製本版本的任何條款。
    7. 我特此同意，本授權書旨在在允許的範圍內盡可能廣泛和包容，並且本授權書應受華盛頓州法律管轄並根據華盛頓州法律進行解釋，而不參考任何法律選擇原則。

The Washington State Patrol WATCH background check accesses a database comprised of records sent to the Washington State Patrol Identification and Criminal History Section (WASIS) by courts and criminal justice agencies throughout the State of Washington only. This database includes conviction information, arrests less than one year old with dispositions pending, and information regarding registered sex and kidnap offenders. The WSP criminal history file also contains additional information such as arrest records that are not open to the general public.

In addition to the WSP WATCH background check, WAISN may require a check of the National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) or other relevant state or national sex offender registries be conducted to ensure a more comprehensive review. While the WSP database includes information on registered sex and kidnap offenders within Washington State, it does not account for offenders who may be registered in other states. Checking these additional registries helps identify individuals who may have offenses outside of Washington and supports a more thorough and informed screening process.

Please be aware that as a volunteer driver, your insurance is primary.

Thank you for helping us with our transportation needs.

I certify that the information given on this form is true and correct to the best of my knowledge. I understand driving for WAISN is a profound responsibility and I will exercise extreme care and due diligence while driving. I understand that as a volunteer driver, I must be 21 years of age or older, possess a valid driver’s license, have the proper and current license and vehicle registration, and have the required insurance coverage in effect on any vehicle. I agree that I will refrain from using a cell phone or any other electronic device while operating my vehicle.

I pledge not to make phone calls or text while operating a vehicle as a volunteer. I will pull over to a safe place and come to a stop prior to any such use.

By signing, I acknowledge that I have read and understood all of the terms of the WAISN Volunteer Agreements.

By signing below, I confirm that I have read, and agree with and will adhere to all confidential requirements contained in this agreement, or as otherwise directed to me by the Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network team. I understand that any unauthorized release or carelessness in the handling of confidential information is considered a breach of my volunteer duties, and could be grounds for possible liability in any legal action arising from such breach.

I also understand that by agreeing to the Release and Waiver of Liability that I am voluntarily giving up substantial legal rights, including the right to sue WAISN.

I express my understanding and intent to enter into these agreements knowingly and voluntarily.