Community Partner Agreement
TERMS
Individuals or Groups submit an application, and the Board approves all applications for community partners. The Board reserves the right to suspend or terminate partnerships and agreements at any time, with notification to the individual /group. This agreement is revoked immediately if any partner or representative of Living Hope, Inc. engages in behavior that violates this agreement, policies established by the board, or the law.
If any individual or group/organization is the subject of a grievance submitted, the Board will vote, and the majority vote will determine whether or not the individual or group remains a community partner.
Agreements and policies are established by the Board of Directors and are modified periodically as the organization grows or as needed to comply with program guidelines. All volunteers and partners will be notified of any changes, which will not be effective in a retroactive manner. All volunteers and community partners will be able to terminate this agreement at any time. Volunteers and Community Partners are not employees of Living Hope, Inc.
Individuals and groups, organizations, and businesses applying to be Community Partners agree to the terms of the agreement, including the following:
1. Commitment.
a. Community Partners agree to advocate and/or support the mission of Living Hope, Inc.
b, Community Partners will be individuals or groups who agree or designate one primary representative of point of contact for the organization. The Community Partner will provide updated contact information for the individual or group to Living Hope, Inc. for the Directory Quarterly.
c. Community Partners agree to share information about Living Hope within the community and with their church, group, or organization.
d. Community Partners agree to have a representative attend at least one quarterly community training, meeting, or event per calendar year.
e. Community Partners consent to receive email notifications and other correspondence using the contact information provided on the community partner form with designated contacts. The communication will be related to Living Hope, Inc. and other Community Partners activities and events within the scope of the mission of the organization.
f. Living Hope will provide Community Partners with training, resources, and services at a reduced rate or without fees whenever funding permits. Community Partners agree to provide in-kind support such as space and/or hosting meetings, trainings, or events; materials; volunteers; food; and other items when possible.
g. Community Partners are not voting members and may also be invited to be a sponsor or Community Champion, to attend meetings of Living Hope, and/or to serve on committees or advisory panels for specific initiatives or programs, but these commitments would be separate and not required for Community Partners.
2. Communication and Media
a. Community partners agree not to use the Company name, materials, logo, and information for any purposes without authorization by the Board of Directors or staff from Living Hope
b. Community Partners will refrain from sharing information received from Living Hope or logos/images without permission to solicit donations, for fundraising, unless expressly authorized in writing after approval from the Board.
c. Community partners can submit information on the online form to the web administrator of Living Hope, Inc. for approval, and approved material will be shared on the Living Hope website or social media quarterly
d. Community partners will refrain from using language written or verbally containing profanity, offensive terms, name-calling, language of hatred; racist language, or related to personal political views during meetings, events, services or activities hosted by Living Hope.
3. Photo and Video Release.
a. I hereby grant to Living Hope, Inc. and any contracted Photographer, the unrestricted and irrevocable right and permission with respect to the photographs and/or video taken when participating in meetings training or activities with Living Hope or in which the representatives images, names, and organization or logo be included with others to use, reuse, publish, and republish the same, whole or in part without restriction and/or name for Living Hope events and materials.
5. Indemnity.
a. Community Partners shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless Living Hope its employees, trustees, officers, and agents (“Indemnified Persons”) from and against any and all liability, claims, lawsuits, losses, damages, costs or expenses (including attorneys’ fees) which the Indemnified Persons may hereafter incur, suffer or be required to pay by reason of any communication, action, opinion expressed, behaviors, or services, or engaging in any activities. Living Hope, Inc. does not endorse activities, services, opinions, statements, actions, or materials used by community partners or volunteers or assume liability by sharing information.
5. Conflicts of Interest.
a. Community Partners are asked when joining and during membership to notify an officer or employee and disclose any conflicts of interest that may be present or arise and any similar services or other memberships or professional roles. For example, if serving on another board or employed by an entity that may present a perceived or actual conflict of interest.
b. The Board of Living Hope, Inc. will review conflict of interest forms and vote with majority determination of how to proceed for any disclosed conflicts.
c. Community Partners may not be employees of Living Hope, Inc., and if this changes during the period of annual membership, an individual would be placed on “inactive” status for the employment period.
6. Accountability.
a. Faithfully abide by the articles of incorporation, bylaws, and policies of the organization.
b. Exercise reasonable care, good faith, and due diligence in governing and managing affairs
7. Professional Excellence – Integrity.
a. Strive to uphold and assist other members in upholding the highest standards of conduct.
b. Confidentiality.
c. Members will respect and keep confidential any sensitive information including any personal, privileged, or identifying information about participants, members, agents, employees, or financial information accessed as a member or volunteer.
d. Any identity or information about minors or images from any Living Hope, Inc. activities or meetings shall not be shared without a legal guardian’s written consent and permission from Living Hope.
8. Code of Conduct
As a Community Partner of Living Hope, Inc., I/we recognize that membership is a privilege and that partnership brings with it responsibility to ensure that all members understand and commit to the following code of conduct. The code of conduct shall, without limitation, require members, volunteers, and all participants in programs to:
- Abide by the Bylaws of Living Hope, Inc. for any applicable programs. The Bylaws serve as the governing document for all programs and will supersede all other documents
- Support the mission of Living Hope, Inc. to provide education, training, and supportive services to youth and adults in the faith community related to behavioral health, trauma, and other needs.
- Maintain a professional level of courtesy, respect, and objectivity in all matters
- Refrain from publicly disparaging the business or other practices of other partners or engaging in misrepresentation or unethical practices.
- Conduct business, services, and professional activities in a reputable manner, so as to reflect honorably upon the faith and business community and fellow Living Hope, members.
- Respect the reputation, profile and status of the Living Hope, Inc., and represent the Living Hope, Inc. accordingly.
A. Living Hope, Inc. is fully committed to tolerance, diversity, and respect for differences. When dealing with others, partners are expected to:
- Be respectful, fair and civil;
- Speak candidly and truthfully;
- Avoid all forms of harassment, illegal discrimination, threats or violence.
- Understand, support and promote the Vision and Mission of the Living Hope, Inc., and cooperate with fellow members in the application of this Code of Conduct.
- Whenever reasonably possible, participate in the functions and activities of the organization
- Observe the highest standards of ethics in rendering services and/or offering products for sale, based on the members’ own knowledge and expertise.
- Refrain from engaging in any practices prohibited by law or seeking unfair advantage over fellow members and conform to all laws established by Municipal, State and Federal governments for the control of said business, where applicable.
- Present a true presentation in all advertising. Goods and services shall be advertised in accordance with all Municipal, State and Federal legislation.
- Respect the role of the Living Hope, Inc. staff.
- Respect the diversity of opinions as expressed or acted upon by the organization board, committees, and membership, and formally register dissent as appropriate.
- Promote collaboration, cooperation, and partnership among the association or partners.
B. Living Hope, Inc. is a non-profit organization with members who have agreed upon Christian values and offers some faith-based services consistent with these beliefs. However, Living Hope, Inc. does not provide religious instruction, exclude, or endorse one particular religion, denomination, theology, or view. Members are invited to voluntary participation and understand that prayers, music, or other expressions of Christian beliefs and faith are permissible and present during Living Hope activities, meetings, and events. However, members agree to suspend discussion of specific religious beliefs or attempts to persuade, influence, or discourage any religion or practice that may be offensive or controversial for other participants during Living Hope, Inc. activities. Members who have direct contact with youth or who volunteer will present and use materials and activities as approved by Living Hope, Inc.
C. Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy
- The Living Hope, Inc. believes that a policy prohibiting discrimination, harassment or sexual harassment is in the best interests of our organization and our members. For this reason, it will be the policy of Living Hope, Inc. to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws relating to discrimination or harassment.
2. Living Hope, Inc. members should remain neutral in matters involving race, gender, age, sexual orientation or sexual identity, political or religious affiliation, and will conduct themselves in a manner free of discrimination, harassment or sexual harassment.
3. Members participating in Living Hope, Inc. activities that are found to have discriminated against a fellow Living Hope, Inc. staff or partner or harassed them risk their participation in future Living Hope, Inc. events and activities and/or even the partnership with the organization.
- All Community Partners agree to follow the Living Hope policy for reporting critical incidents, abuse and are mandated Reporters for abuse or neglect. If any allegation of abuse or neglect comes to your attention about any minor, members agree to contact 911 if it is an emergency or within 24 hours of hearing or learning of the alleged abuse or neglect or concern contact an officer of Living Hope, Inc. and additional assistance will be provided for the reporting process. Members may also report directly to the DCF hotline if unable to contact an officer of Living Hope first and agree to do so in 24 hours.
- Community Partners have the right to file a grievance for alleged violation of this agreement to be reviewed by the Board and to request a form for such from a board member.