Make a Difference with the Monarch Research

Volunteer Agreement, Liability Waiver, and Photo Release for Monarch Research

Revised May 7, 2026

By submitting this volunteer application, I hereby agree for myself, my executors, administrators, heirs, next of kin, successors, and assigns to the following terms:

1. Volunteer Agreement

Purpose: Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Monarch Research! Volunteers play an essential role in supporting our mission. This agreement outlines our mutual expectations and helps ensure a positive and safe volunteer experience.

Volunteer Expectations:

• Represent Monarch Research in a positive, respectful, and professional manner.

• Follow all safety rules, guidelines, and instructions from staff and senior volunteers.

• Communicate schedule changes or absences in advance when possible.

• Treat all staff, volunteers, and community members with respect.

• Use equipment and facilities responsibly.

• Notify staff immediately if any unsafe condition or injury occurs.

• Maintain the confidentiality of any sensitive or proprietary information encountered during volunteer service, including personal information, donor data, and internal materials.

• Field Data and Intellectual Property: Any research data, tagging records, photographs, or observations collected during volunteer activities are the property of Monarch Research and must not be published, shared, or distributed without prior organizational approval.

• Social Media and Location Disclosure: Do not publicly share the specific GPS coordinates or sensitive location data of monarch tagging or observation sites without prior approval from Monarch Research staff.

Organization Commitments:

• Provide a safe and welcoming environment.

• Offer appropriate training and supervision.

• Communicate clearly about volunteer roles and expectations.

• Recognize and appreciate your contributions.

Volunteer Status: I understand that I am volunteering of my own free will and am not an employee of Monarch Research. I am not entitled to wages, benefits, or compensation of any kind.

2. Liability Waiver, Assumption of Risk, and Release

I understand that my participation with Monarch Research may include physical activities and exposure to various environments. I voluntarily participate and assume all associated risks, including personal injury or property damage.

Specific risks associated with Monarch Research volunteer activities include, but are not limited to: outdoor fieldwork in rural and natural areas; exposure to weather conditions including heat, cold, rain, and wind; contact with insects, plants, and wildlife; handling of butterfly tagging equipment and supplies; travel to off-site and remote field locations; and uneven or unstable terrain. This list is not exhaustive.

I assume full responsibility for any risk of bodily injury, death, or property damage arising out of my participation, to the extent permitted by Iowa law.

I understand that I am not covered by any workers' compensation or insurance policy through Monarch Research and am responsible for my own medical coverage.

I understand that volunteer activities may include travel or off-site participation and assume any associated risks.

I represent that I am in good health and physically capable of performing the volunteer activities assigned. This waiver covers claims for ordinary negligence by Monarch Research or its agents, but does not apply to intentional, willful, or reckless acts.

Emergency Medical Authorization:

In the event of an emergency, I authorize Monarch Research to seek medical treatment on my behalf if I am unable to do so, and I accept responsibility for any resulting medical expenses.

Indemnification:

I agree to hold harmless and indemnify Monarch Research and its agents from any claims arising from my negligent acts or omissions, but not for claims resulting from the organization's own misconduct.

Minor Participants — Important Notice Under Iowa Law: Under Iowa law, including the Iowa Supreme Court's holding in Galloway v. State, 790 N.W.2d 252 (Iowa 2010), a parent or guardian cannot waive a minor child's future right to bring a claim for negligence. If the volunteer is under 18, the parent or guardian signature serves the following limited purposes only:

• Consent to the minor's participation in Monarch Research volunteer activities;

• Acknowledgment on the parent's/guardian's own behalf of the risks described in this agreement; and

• Agreement to indemnify Monarch Research against claims arising solely from the parent's or guardian's own actions or omissions.

This agreement does NOT waive any claims the minor child may bring upon reaching adulthood or otherwise as permitted by Iowa law.

Severability: If any part of this agreement is held invalid or unenforceable, the remainder shall continue in full force and effect.

Governing Law: This agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Iowa. Any disputes shall be resolved in the courts of Linn County, Iowa.

3. Duration and Withdrawal of Consent

This agreement remains in effect for the duration of my volunteer service with Monarch Research, covering all activities from the volunteer’s start date unless replaced by a signed updated agreement. Either party may end the volunteer relationship at any time. I may withdraw from volunteering or revoke parts of this agreement in writing at any time, but prior releases and obligations remain valid for the period before withdrawal.

4. Volunteer Protection Notice (Informational Only)

Under Iowa law and the federal Volunteer Protection Act, volunteers may have limited immunity from liability for ordinary negligence when acting within the scope of their duties. This section is informational only and does not alter legal rights or responsibilities.

5. Volunteer Conduct and Termination

Monarch Research reserves the right to discontinue a volunteer's service at any time if expectations are not met or if continued participation is not in the best interest of the organization. Volunteers may also end  their service at any time by notifying Monarch Research staff in writing.

6. Field Research Data and Intellectual Property

All field research data, tagging records, scientific observations, photographs, notes, or other materials collected or created by volunteers in the course of their service with Monarch Research are and shall remain the sole property of Monarch Research. Volunteers assign any rights in such materials to Monarch Research upon collection or creation. Volunteers agree not to use, publish, or distribute such materials for personal, commercial, or other purposes without express prior written consent from an authorized Monarch Research representative.

7. Photo and Media Release

I grant permission to Monarch Research to take photographs or videos of me during volunteer activities and to use these images for promotional, educational, or informational purposes in print, digital, and social media. I understand that no compensation will be provided.

I understand I may withdraw consent in writing at any time, though materials already published may not be retracted.

VOLUNTEER ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I acknowledge that I have read and understand all seven sections of this Volunteer Agreement, Liability Waiver, Assumption of Risk, and Photo/Media Release, and I agree to its terms.

PHOTOGRAPHY CONSENT

I hereby grant Monarch Research permission to: photograph me during activities and use such photographs in marketing and promotional materials. Photographs may be published in: newsletters, brochures, displays, website, or social media platforms

By checking the box below, I acknowledge that I have read, understood, and agree to the terms of both the Liability Waiver and Photography Consent sections of this document.