Volunteer information · Effective August 28, 2026

Volunteering is always voluntary.

You may decline a proposed task or stop volunteering at any time without penalty. Submitting an interest form does not require you or BGP to accept an assignment and does not create employment, wages, benefits, or a promise of future work.

Before an assignment

BGP will identify the expected role, supervisor, location, schedule, and relevant training. Do not undertake work requiring a license, special training, background check, vehicle authorization, access to confidential information, or contact with vulnerable people unless BGP has expressly approved the assignment and requirements have been satisfied.

Safety and conduct

• Follow training, safety instructions, laws, and the approved scope of the role.
• Decline or stop work that appears unsafe and promptly notify the BGP contact.
• Respect privacy, boundaries, accessibility, and the dignity of every participant.
• Do not discriminate, harass, threaten, exploit, or make unauthorized promises on behalf of BGP.
• Report injuries, hazards, safeguarding concerns, data loss, and other incidents promptly.

Risks and separate agreements

Some assignments may involve travel, events, food handling, equipment, physical activity, technology access, or interaction with members of the public. BGP should explain material risks and reasonable safeguards before participation. A role may require a separate signed agreement, emergency contact, confidentiality agreement, background check, driver documentation, or activity-specific acknowledgment. This webpage is informational and is not a blanket liability waiver.

Confidential information and work product

Use personal and organizational information only for authorized BGP work, keep it secure, and return or delete it when instructed. Ownership or licensing of code, designs, writing, photographs, recordings, research, and other volunteer-created work should be confirmed in writing before publication or reuse.

Photos, video, and stories

Permission to use your image, voice, name, story, or testimonial for promotion is optional and separate from permission to volunteer. Declining promotional use will not disqualify you. A parent or legal guardian must approve media use involving a minor.

Questions or concerns

Email seattlebgp@gmail.com. In an emergency, contact the appropriate emergency service first.

For BGP administrators: Obtain an attorney-reviewed, signed volunteer agreement before in-person, higher-risk, child-facing, data-access, driving, food-handling, or other sensitive assignments. Maintain appropriate insurance and incident procedures.