Background Check Policy
Certain host organizations, such as schools, may prohibit volunteers with certain types of criminal convictions from participating in a service project. Accordingly, The Mission Continues is requesting your consent to conduct a criminal background check in the event that your Platoon is engaging in a service project with a host organization that requires a criminal background check. By checking the box below, you authorize The Mission Continues to conduct a criminal background check.
If such a background check is required, it will be completed and used in accordance with applicable law. The Mission Continues does not automatically disqualify persons from Platoons based on criminal convictions. We want as many people as possible to have the opportunity to move forward in their lives through service, at the same time that we seek to protect the communities we serve together.
Liability and Media Release Policy
I have elected to volunteer with The Mission Continues in a Program or Service Platoon Project, which may involve:
- Participation in a long-term leadership program
- Participation in one or more community services activities; and/or
- Participation in one or more social or recreational events (“Volunteer Activities”).
I am signing this Agreement in consideration for being allowed to volunteer.
By applying for and performing this volunteer work, I agree as follows:
Acknowledgment and Assumption of the Risks. I am voluntarily participating in Volunteer Activities with sufficient knowledge of the tasks involved. I understand that The Mission Continues and its officers, directors, employees, agents, donors (“Released Parties”) are not responsible for any risks associated with my participation, including but not limited to property damage, injury, or death, even if caused by ordinary negligence or otherwise. I acknowledge that my participation in Volunteer Activities may occur through a virtual, internet-based platform, and election to share my voice or likeness is at my discretion. I consent that these virtual sessions may be recorded, and session content may be used for promotional purposes by The Mission Continues. I acknowledge that such virtual platforms are administered by and the property of a 3rd party, and such 3rd parties may request identifiable information from the Participant. The Mission Continues will be held harmless for any claim that may arise from the Participant’s election to share data with a 3rd party provider.
I fully accept any and all risks of my participation, whether they are known or unknown to me at this time.
Liability Release. I fully and forever release and discharge the Released Parties from any and all claims I have or may have in the future, whether known or unknown, for injury, illness, death or damage arising out of or related in any way to my participation in Volunteer Activities. I acknowledge that certain Volunteer Activities may occur in person, and attendance and participation in those activities is at my sole discretion. In some instances, participation in Volunteer Activities may involve overnight accommodations in a hotel or other lodging. Participation in these activities and use of lodging is at the discretion of the participant, and the participant agrees to hold The Mission Continues harmless for any claims which may result from participation.
Publicity Release. I agree that The Mission Continues may use my name, and pictures, photographs, or video and/or sound recordings of me on television, on radio, on the Internet, in emails, and in stories, news articles, advertisements, or other written or digital materials. I consent to and authorize, in advance, such use and agree that The Mission Continues does not have to notify me of such use or provide me with other consideration for such use. I waive any rights of privacy and/or publicity I may have in connection with these uses.
Effect of Signing. I am aware that this is a contract between me and The Mission Continues and, by signing it, I waive legal rights that I may have now or in the future and I release The Mission Continues and other Released Parties from claims for damages. I agree that the rights I am giving up and agreements I am making apply equally to me and to my heirs, successors, assigns, guardians and legal representatives. I agree that none of those individuals may make any claim or take any action that I could not make or take myself. I also understand that this document is intended to be as broad and inclusive as permitted by the applicable laws of the jurisdiction in which the Volunteer Activities take place, and I agree that if any portion of this Agreement is invalid, the remainder will continue in full force and legal effect.
Core Value Commitment Policy
Core Values Commitment
The Mission Continues is a national, nonpartisan nonprofit that empowers veterans to continue their service, and empowers communities with veteran talent, skills and preparedness to generate visible impact. Through this work, The Mission Continues is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and positive environment for all program members, volunteers and staff members. You play a critical role in ensuring this reality by embodying our core values.
- We Value Collaboration
- We Practice Compassion
- We Prioritize Inclusiveness
- We Act With Integrity
- We Grow Through Learning
We strive to bring the best of who we are to achieve more as a collective than we could as individuals. As such, we welcome and support people of all backgrounds and identities. We expect all Corps members, volunteers and staff members to embody our values through the following commitments.
As a stakeholder in our organization, you are an extension of The Mission Continues’ values and mission. By signing, you are acknowledging and agreeing to the following expectations and standards while engaging with The Mission Continues or while participating in TMC programs and services, both for yourself and any guests. If either you or your guests do not follow these expectations and standards, you and your guests may be excused from an event, may be ineligible to attend any future events, and you may be limited from future participation in our programs.
Taking Action on Our Core Values
The Mission Continues commits to uphold our values and respect those who serve beside us. We take this commitment very seriously and offer multiple ways for you to let us know if you see that someone in our network (including our team) is not living up to our values. If you are comfortable, please inform your direct staff contact if you feel our core values have been breached. Your staff contact is then required to submit the information they take from you to our executive leadership team. The incident will then be investigated by our team and you will be updated as appropriate. If you do not feel safe reporting to a staff member, please visit this LINK to file a report that will go directly to our Director of Talent and Culture. While it is difficult to investigate anonymous complaints, you can remain so. We have new controls in place to protect our members and will hold our team accountable to their use and fidelity. Actions taken from these investigations will center best practices in mediation, and could result in removal from a program or loss of future opportunities with the organization. Failure to respond to requests for interviews or mediation may also be taken as grounds for removal.
Our Commitments
We Value Collaboration
- We believe that initiating opportunities to partner and collaborate with others, power sharing, and pitching in to help each other are all necessary to achieve our mission. We acknowledge that everyone has an important role in addressing and leading through complex issues.
We Practice Compassion
- We are genuinely concerned and curious about the challenges that others face and we take action to address them with care and humility. We are committed to actively listening without judgment and to treating everyone with respect, dignity, and empathy.
We Prioritize Inclusiveness
- We need everyone to bring their whole self to the mission because our unique differences make us more effective leaders and agents of change. We seek, elevate and honor the inputs of different voices, opinions and viewpoints knowing they will lead to more successful decisions and outcomes.
We Act With Integrity
- We live up to our promises, give credit where credit is due, and strive to do what’s right even when no one is looking. We take responsibility for our actions and their consequences and are not afraid of conflict or dissent, so long as it’s done in a respectful manner.
We Grow Through Learning
- We pursue learning, innovation, and reflection that challenges all of us to consistently improve so that we achieve lasting impact together. We own our personal and professional development and clear the path for people to reach their highest potential.
I pledge to uphold the core values through my work with The Mission Continues, and hold the same standards for my guests, fellow members, program participants and volunteers.
