Statement of Understanding for National Partnership and other Non-NCBM Managed Mission Teams

North Carolina Baptist Men (NCBM) and Baptist State Convention of NC (BSCNC)

This statement is to clarify that the national mission project that your church/association plans to participate in is a “church to church” or “church to ministry” partnership (as the case may be), and is not directly managed by North Carolina Baptist Men (NCBM) or the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina (BSCNC).

Please understand that:

1. Neither NCBM nor the BSCNC has a role in the planning, implementation, or supervision of the mission activities once an initial “match” is made. This takes place between the serving and host churches (or ministry). As such, your church/association understands that there are risks involved and takes full risk and responsibility for all mission trip endeavors (planning, travel, housing, working, etc.).
   
   
2. You are responsible for conducting professional background checks on each adult (anyone 18 years of age or over) who will be working with children and youth while on the trip. We know you will want to do this to protect both the children you will be responsible for, as well as to protect your church. You may use any professional background company you choose. If you would like to do your background check through the same organization that NCBM subscribes to, go to http://protectmyministry.com/ncbaptist/ (special rate). You will keep and manage your own records, including the check results and determination of who is cleared to serve on the trip. We recommend that anyone with a sexual conviction not be allowed to serve on any project. Any other felony conviction must be reported to the project requestor (host church/ministry) and the requestor should make the decision whether to allow that person to participate.
   
   
3. You are also responsible for assuring that each participant has sufficient insurance coverage. We highly recommend that you enroll each team member in a supplemental volunteer missionary insurance designed specifically for missions within the US. This accident-only insurance provides an extra measure of insurance – filling in the gaps and adding coverage that your primary insurance may not. Many teams who had thought they may not need it were very glad to have the coverage upon experiencing unexpected accidents.

Please read before agreeing, as this constitutes the agreement as a volunteer and the understanding of your working relationship as a volunteer with the N. C. Baptist Men.

As a volunteer with N.C. Baptist Men projects, I confirm that I am not going as a duly elected representative of my local Baptist church, Baptist Association, Baptist State Convention of N.C. or N. C. Baptist Men, nor as an employee of the Baptist State Convention of N.C. or N. C. Baptist Men.

I understand that this work is hazardous and entails risk of physical injury and often involves hard physical labor, heavy lifting, strenuous activity, long work hours, use of ladders, construction on roofs or other raised surfaces, screws, nails, broken glass, electrical hazards, falls, unloading supplies, accidents while traveling, cuts, bruises, burns, falling debris, falling trees/limbs, and other hazards foreseeable and unforeseeable that are associated with this type of activity. I recognize and acknowledge potential accidents at the disaster site, involving motor vehicles, in or about the living, sleeping and eating areas, or during activities of the disaster relief team; am fully aware of possible injuries to members of the disaster relief team, including myself. I understand these dangers and certify that I am in good health and physically able to perform this type of work.

I understand that I am engaging in this project at my own risk. I understand that this is a "grass roots'' activity to support individuals adversely affected. I assume all risk and responsibility for any damage or injury to my property or any personal injury that I may sustain while involved in this project, and related medical costs and expenses. I also understand that each individual will have the responsibility of providing his or her own health and accident insurance in the event of any illness or injury experienced during this volunteer mission. In the event that the N. C. Baptist Men arranges accommodations, I understand that they are not responsible for my personal effects and property and that they will not provide lockup or security for any items. I will hold them harmless in the event of theft or for loss resulting from any source or cause. I further understand that I am to abide by whatever rules and regulations may be in effect for the accommodations at that time.

Parents are responsible for children that are minors and the church group leader is responsible for youth under age 18. This waiver, release and indemnity agreement is fully understood by me and I enter the same willingly for the purposes herein above stated. I understand that this form will remain in effect for this project and all future projects unless myself or a representative of the N. C. Baptist Men give notice.

By agreeing, for myself, my estate and my heirs, I release, discharge, indemnify and forever hold the property owner, local Baptist Church, my Baptist Association, Baptist State Convention of N. C and/or the N. C. Baptist Men together with their officers, agents, servants and employees, harmless from any and all causes of action arising from my participation in this project, and travel or lodging associated therewith.