Participation Agreement and Release Forms

Please read and sign the two forms below by typing your name in the e-signature field. A copy of the forms will be sent to the email you provide.

Liability and Media Release*
I hereby release and agree to hold harmless Freshwater Society, the sponsoring partner organization and the Minnesota Water Steward program, from any and all responsibility for any and all injuries or damages which might occur as a result of participation in this program.
I hereby grant the Minnesota Water Stewards program the unconditional right to use my name, voice and/or photographic likeness in connection with any audio/video production, articles, website materials and/or press releases for educational and informational purposes.
(or check this box) Please don’t use my name or photo in programmatic materials

I agree to the terms above.
Email*
E-signature*
(Type your name here)
Opt out of media release
- Please do not use my name or photo in program materials.

Steward Participation Agreement*
The purpose of the Minnesota Water Steward Program is to train volunteers to provide information on water quality and quantity issues and to develop projects that benefit the health of our waterways.
As a participant in the Minnesota Water Steward Program, I understand and agree to:
- Complete approximately 50 hours of coursework for the Minnesota Water Steward certification course, along with the Capstone Project as described for the certification process.
- Complete a minimum of 50 hours of approved volunteer service and 8 hours of approved continuing education in the year following certification in order to maintain my status as a certified Minnesota Water Steward.
- Complete a minimum of 25 hours of approved volunteer service and 8 hours of approved continuing education annually thereafter in order to maintain my status as a certified Minnesota Water Steward.
- Record my hours using the Reporting Website (reporting.minnesotawaterstewards.org) and types of volunteer service, including projects, for annual reporting purposes.
- Follow current Minnesota Water Steward Program policy guidelines.
- Represent my partner organization in a professional manner.
- Provide unbiased, research-based stormwater and water quality information, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability or sexual orientation.
Refer all commercial stormwater inquiries to my partner organization.
- Realize no one can know all the answers and be able to say “I don’t know” (but try to find out).
- Cooperate with and support my sponsoring organization’s staff to jointly further the missions and objectives of the Minnesota Water Steward Program.
- Use the title of Minnesota Water Steward only when performing unpaid volunteer work on behalf of my sponsoring organization or in conjunction with Minnesota Water Steward Activities. The title is not to be used to advertise names or places of business, nor to associate the Minnesota Water Steward name with commercial products or give implied endorsements of any product or place of business.
- Recognize that verbal or physical abuse, failure to comply with equal opportunity and anti-discrimination laws, using or possessing weapons, alcohol or illegal substances while participating in volunteer activities, or committing criminal acts are grounds for termination as a Minnesota Water Steward.

I further understand that my sponsoring organization along with the Freshwater Society will:
- Provide training, supervision, and direction to Minnesota Water Stewards.
- Communicate expectations and responsibilities of the program to volunteers.
- Match volunteer skills and interests with volunteer opportunities in the appropriate areas.
- Provide continuing education opportunities and organize an annual Minnesota Water Steward gathering.
- Provide a Minnesota Water Steward website for program information and volunteer record-keeping.
- Provide access to water quality and quantity reference materials.
- Provide reasonable access to watershed professionals.

I have read and understand this volunteer agreement. I agree to abide by the conditions and expectations of this document. I understand that my failure to comply with these expectations may result in my suspension as a Minnesota Water Steward Volunteer.
Email*
E-signature*
(Type your name here)