Concord Prison Outreach, Inc. Volunteer Agreement
I, Volunteer, am willing to donate my time and services to Concord Prison Outreach (CPO). In turn, CPO agrees to accept my time and service under the following terms and conditions. By signing this agreement, I acknowledge that I have read, understand, and agree to the policies outlined below.
Policies
As a volunteer of Concord Prison Outreach, I agree to comply with all the following policies and procedures. I understand that failure to follow these policies may result in the termination of my volunteer service.
Confidentiality
I understand that all information I learn while preparing for, performing, or participating in any activity in service of CPO must remain confidential and used solely for my official role with CPO. This includes, but is not limited to:
Statements shared by participants during programs
Program applications and enrollment forms
Personal information about participants such as names, contact details, or demographic data
Testimonials
Class materials including handouts, printouts, worksheets, and digital resources.
Program-specific data such as attendance records, class sizes, or scheduling details
Any other written, verbal, or electronic materials used in the classroom or program setting
I agree that I will not disclose, reproduce, or share this information without explicit written authorization from CPO.
Equal Opportunity and Anti-Harassment Policy
I understand that CPO follows all federal, state, and local laws regarding equal opportunity and does not tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind.
I will not engage in verbal or physical conduct that denigrates or shows hostility or aversion toward any individual based on race, color, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, or any other protected category (or that of an individual’s relatives, friends, or associates). I acknowledge that such conduct can create an intimidating, hostile, humiliating, or offensive environment; interfere with volunteer service; or otherwise adversely affect someone’s experience.
If I experience or witness such behavior, I will report it as soon as possible to the CPO Volunteer Coordinator or the Executive Director. If the concern involves the Executive Director, I will report it to the Chair of the Board of Directors. I understand that all reports will be handled promptly, respectfully, and as confidentially as possible, and that retaliation against anyone raising a concern in good faith is strictly prohibited.
Volunteer Responsibilities and Service at the Discretion of the Organization
I understand that CPO accepts my service with the understanding that my volunteer role is at the sole discretion of CPO and that the organization may change my assignment or terminate my service at any time if necessary to maintain the safety, integrity, or effectiveness of its programs.
I acknowledge that CPO programs have been serving Massachusetts prisons for over 50 years, built on trust among volunteers, staff members, participants, and correctional administrators. I agree to uphold this trust by:
Being honest and forthcoming on all application materials
Meeting the time commitment required for my role
Attending the required CPO orientation and any additional training or support sessions
Maintaining professional conduct at all times—treating everyone with dignity and respect, refraining from disruptive, disrespectful, or hostile behavior, and following all facility protocols, especially directions from correctional staff, without challenge or delay
Recognizing that negative or unprofessional behavior that undermines the reputation or operations of CPO may result in reassignment or termination of my volunteer service
I understand that as a CPO volunteer, I represent the organization and that my conduct reflects on all CPO programs.
I will remain flexible, understanding that facility entrance may be delayed or programs may be cut short due to institutional needs or disruptions.
I agree to keep CPO updated with my current email address, phone number, and mailing address.
If I am a program leader, I will complete weekly surveys and provide requested information in a timely manner.
I will only purchase materials for programs if I have prior authorization from the Volunteer Coordinator and will submit receipts for reimbursement.
I will promptly report any illness, potential exposure, or incident that occurs while I am providing services.
In the event of a health-related outbreak or other safety concern at a facility, I understand that CPO will notify affected volunteers as soon as possible with guidance on schedule changes, precautionary measures, or temporary suspension of in-person programming.
I understand that yearly acknowledgment of this agreement is required to continue volunteering with CPO.
I will comply with all CPO policies as well as the rules and regulations of the Massachusetts Department of Correction and county correctional facilities.
Communication and Interaction with Facility Staff and Participants
I will not correspond directly with prison or jail administrators regarding class schedules, program concerns, or related issues; this applies even if I am a program leader. All communication regarding scheduling, changes, or concerns will be directed exclusively to the CPO Volunteer Coordinator, who will coordinate with facility staff on my behalf.
If I am contacted by correctional staff for any reason, including scheduling, orientation, or other matters outside of the program, I will promptly inform the CPO Volunteer Coordinator.
I will submit all volunteer-related paperwork to the CPO Volunteer Coordinator.
I will maintain professional boundaries at all times when interacting with participants. Interacting or attempting to interact with participants outside of the program setting is strictly prohibited. I will not share personal contact information, give or receive gifts, or engage in personal relationships with participants.
If I encounter a former participant who is no longer in the custody of a correctional facility, I will acknowledge the individual courteously but will not engage in further conversation or relationship.
Conflict of Interest
I agree that no materials, including program curriculum, facility contacts, data, statistics, or documents produced as part of my participation, will be used for personal purposes or redistributed outside of CPO. I will disclose any potential conflict of interest to CPO staff immediately.
Disclosing Criminal History
I understand that having a criminal record or having family or friends who are currently incarcerated or visiting someone who is incarcerated does not automatically disqualify me from volunteering with CPO; however, I agree to fully disclose this information to CPO staff during the application process.
Compensation
I understand that I am not an employee of CPO and provide my services on a voluntary basis. I will not receive wages, salary, or benefits for the services I provide as part of this agreement.
Liability
I agree to indemnify and hold CPO harmless against any damages related to my volunteer activities. I understand that CPO will also hold me harmless for damages related to my service within the scope of this agreement.
Photo Waiver
I grant CPO permission to use my likeness in photographs, videos, or other digital media in any of its publications, including web-based publications, without payment or other consideration. I understand that all such materials become the property of CPO and waive any right to royalties or to inspect or approve the final product. I release and hold harmless CPO from all claims or demands arising from the use of these images.
Jurisdiction
I agree that any legal proceedings arising from this agreement will be governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. I will cooperate with CPO and its agents in any such proceedings.
Termination
I understand that CPO may terminate this volunteer agreement at any time, with or without prior notice, by verbal or written notification.
By signing on the next page, I acknowledge that I have read, understand, and agree to comply with all the terms and conditions set forth in this Concord Prison Outreach Volunteer Agreement.