Join Our Volunteer Team!

Joining our parrot rescue team is easy. Simply read our policies below and fill out our Volunteer Application Form to get started. Once we receive your application, our team will reach out to discuss the next steps.

We are not accepting volunteers under the age of 18 accept for the YACPA Committee.

Dear Volunteer

In order to volunteer, please expect to do the following:

• Read and sign all parts of this contract
• Take the class that will be provided to you after the application has been accepted before being sent the link to sign up.

Please read this application completely and carefully before signing. This is a legal and binding document.

By signing this contract, I agree to the following: in consideration for being permitted to be a volunteer of PRH, do hereby state that I am eighteen (18) years of age and I understand and agree as follows:

1. I understand there are different techniques and philosophies regarding the care and training of parrots and other captive companion birds.
2. I understand that PRH has set guidelines and procedures. In the event that I should disagree with any PRH guideline(s), procedure(s), or technique(s), I agree to comply with said procedures and/or guidelines providing that my personal safety is not compromised.
3. Further, I agree that until I discuss the matter with the Executive Director or his/her designees (Assistant Director), I will refrain from criticisms or objections (orally or in writing) to any director, officer, volunteer, member, agent, affiliate, or third party persons or entities (Agents) until such time as the matter has been discussed with the Executive Director and a resolution reached.
4. I agree to follow any and all PRH guidelines, procedures, and techniques without deviation.
5. I understand that PRH birds are adopted through the application process and that the adoption/placement process is established by the Executive Director and voted on by the Board of Directors.
6. Further, when two or more parties are interested in adopting a bird, the decision is the Executive Director’s to make and the decision will be made in the best interests of the bird and PRH.
7. I agree not to interfere with an adoption or with the removal of a bird from a foster or adoptive home.
8. I agree not to share, contact, or publish any PII (Personal Identifiable Information) on any volunteer, adopter, surrender, or foster that has the expectation of privacy and rightfully so based on PRH’s commitment to their right to privacy other than  #16.  Board members including the Executive Director have email addresses that are available on the website for public need.
9. If I learn of information that could potentially impact the care, health, safety, or location of a bird within the PRH program –whether while in foster care or after adoption –I agree to immediately and discreetly share that information with the Executive Director so that the information may be considered by PRH.
10. I understand that as a volunteer my first duty is to PRH and the furtherance of its procedures, guidelines, and efforts to care for and protect the welfare of the birds coming into or in its program. If I ever feel I cannot place that obligation first in my words and actions relative to a situation, bird, or person, I will voluntarily resign to avoid any conflict of interest or appearance of impropriety. I understand that my inability to follow such a duty constitutes a conflict of interest.
11. I understand that I may not unilaterally accept a bird on behalf of PRH without prior express approval from the Executive Director. PRH will not take responsibility, financial, custodial, or otherwise for birds accepted in violation of this provision.
12. I understand that the Executive Director has the authority to make decisions on behalf of PRH regarding fundraising opportunities, the presentation of educational programs, signing contracts on behalf of PRH, or speaking with the media on behalf of PRH. Volunteers presented with opportunities in these areas are encouraged to contact the Executive Director.
13. I understand that the Executive Director has the right to dismiss anyone as a volunteer with PRH for any infraction of this agreement, or for any conduct contrary to the best interests of PRH. In the event that I resign or be dismissed as a volunteer, I agree to fully cooperate and promptly make arrangements to return any and all cages/caging, equipment, supplies, documentation, books, etc. that are property of PRH. I understand that a failure to do so may result in me being charged for the property’s replacement cost.
14. I acknowledge and agree that my activities as a volunteer will be performed strictly on an unpaid basis, without monetary compensation or other benefits, including, but not limited to workers’ compensation benefits.
15. I am aware of the nature of the activities to be performed by me as a volunteer and recognize that in handling birds and performing other volunteer tasks, a risk of harm, injury, illness or disease exists, including physical harm, illness, or disease caused by birds.
16. I agree that all volunteer activities are to be performed by me at my risk and I assume full responsibility therefore, I consent and authorize PRH to use any photographs, video, or likenesses of me for, but not limited to public relations, marketing, and for-profit activities, products, or events.
17. I am, at least, 18 years old or my parent and I both understand and agree to the terms.

I hereby certify that the information I have provided throughout this application is truthful and complete and that I have never been convicted of any criminal misdemeanor or felony in the States of Georgia, or any other U.S. State or the U.S. Military or under the jurisdiction of any Foreign Nation, State, Province, Municipality, or Military.

On behalf of myself, my heirs, and personal representatives, I agree not to hold or attempt to hold PRH, its Agents, or employees responsible for any injury or damage sustained or incurred by me arising out of or in any way connected with my activities as a volunteer for PRH and thereby release and discharge PRH and its Agents or employees from any and all claims, demands, causes of action of any nature or cause, for any such injury or damage incurred or suffered by me.

By signing this contract, I agree to the following: I desire to do so at my own risk and recognize the possible and inherent danger to my person and property resulting therefrom.
Now, therefore, in consideration of the promises and other good and valuable considerations, I do hereby, for myself, my spouse, heirs, executors or administrators, and personal representatives:

1. Assume full responsibility for any personal injury or any damages to my person or property which may occur, directly or indirectly, while in, on, or about PRH offices or any part of PRH property, or while accompanying any PRH directors, officers, volunteers, members, agents, affiliates, and all other persons or entities (Agents) while in the performance of their duties; excepting injury or damage of property which may arise out of the negligent or intentional acts or omissions of PRH and its employees or Agents.
2. I have been informed and fully understand that the activities of PRH involve the care, feeding, rescue, transport, housing, and maintenance of birds.
3. Further, I have been informed that the birds can be dangerous at times.
4. I also understand that birds can be destructive to personal property.
5. I have undertaken to understand and educate myself as to these hazards and risks to my own satisfaction. I recognize and accept that in dealing with birds I am voluntarily exposing myself to the possibility of severe injury, illness, disease, or death regardless of the size, species, or apparent condition of any bird.
6. I further recognize there are additional risks involving the care of birds, including but not limited to risks associated with their food, cages, toys, and cleaning agents.
7. I assume the risks of injury, illness, disease, or death to myself or any other member of, or visitor to, my household, or of anyone I expose to a bird, and for damage to personal property or other companion birds or animals, resulting from the birds in the PRH program and/or from my actions or activities as a PRH volunteer in connection with the bird’s care, including those arising from my participation in and traveling to or from PRH functions, activities, care centers, or foster homes.
8. I will endeavor to take appropriate precautions to protect others from injury, illness, disease, or death from the birds in the PRH program that are under my care or control or from my activities.

I hereby release, hold harmless, and covenant not to sue PRH or its Agents whom I otherwise claim or believe to be liable, for any and all actions, claims, or complaints from damages, injuries, deaths, or losses sustained, or alleged to have been sustained of any kind or nature whatsoever arising out of or relating to my membership, activities, or volunteer work relating to PRH, or from any activity work performed for or travel to or attendance at PRH functions, activities, or care centers wherever situated.

I fully and forever release and discharge PRH and its Agents from any and all claims, demands, damages, rights of actions, or causes of actions, present or future, whether the same be known, anticipated, or unanticipated, resulting from or arising out of my being in, on, or about any such PRH vehicle, or at any or all of the premises or places aforesaid; or while accompanying any Agent of PRH as aforesaid; excepting those matters which may arise out of the negligent or intentional acts or omissions of PRH and its Agents.

I agree to defend and to pay any and all attorneys’ fees as a result of any action brought by or against PRH and/or its Agents for any of my acts or conduct of whatever kind or nature whatsoever, while in, on, or about any such PRH vehicle, or at any or all of the premises, or places aforesaid, or while accompanying any such Agent as aforesaid.

If I choose to handle these birds I recognize the inherent danger to my person.

Papayago Rescue House, Inc. Social Media Guide

This policy governs the publication of and commentary on social media by employees and volunteers of Papayago Rescue House, Inc. For the purposes of this policy, social media means any facility for online publication and commentary, including without limitation blogs, wikis, and social networking sites such as but not limited to Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. This policy is in addition to and complements any existing or future policies regarding the use of technology, computers, e-mail, and the internet.

Papayago Rescue House, Inc. employees, and volunteers are free to publish or comment via social media in accordance with this policy. Papayago Rescue House, Inc. employees, and volunteers are subject to this policy to the extent they identify themselves as a Papayago Rescue House, Inc. employee or volunteer (other than as an incidental mention of place of employment in a personal blog on topics unrelated to Papayago Rescue House, Inc.).

Notwithstanding the previous section, this policy applies to all uses of social media, including personal, by Papayago Rescue House, Inc. employees and volunteers who are (past or sitting Board of Directors Members), as their position with Papayago Rescue House, Inc. would be well-known within the community.

Publication and commentary on social media carry similar obligations to any other kind of publication or commentary.

All uses of social media must follow the same ethical standards that Papayago Rescue House, Inc. employees and volunteers must otherwise follow.

Photography & Video on Premises or at Papayago Rescue House Events

Photography and video are strictly prohibited at the rescue unless prior permission has been given by a board member. There are several instances that photographing and videoing the birds can be harmful to the image of Papayago and more importantly the birds. Several of our birds are nervous around phones and are not used to their new environment with the rescue yet. We must always put the comfort of the birds first. The appearance of the rescue is also a priority. During cleaning times, and other moments when a bird is stressed or misbehaving, a visitor to our pages may not understand the pictures and small clips of the entire story.

Don’t Tell Secrets

It’s perfectly acceptable to talk about your work and have a dialog with the community, but it’s not okay to publish confidential information. Confidential information includes things such as surrenders, adoptions, details of current projects without approval through proper channels, financial information, research, future projects, and plans. Please be respectful of our fellow employees and volunteers within the community and refrain from posting, and tagging others without consent.

Protect Your Own Privacy

Privacy settings on social media platforms should be set to allow anyone to see profile information similar to what would be on the Papayago Rescue House, Inc. website. Other privacy settings that might allow others to post information or see information that is personal should be set to limit access. Be mindful of posting information that you would not want the public to see.

Be Honest

Do not blog anonymously, using pseudonyms or false screen names. We believe in transparency and honesty. Use your real name, be clear about who you are, and identify that you volunteer for Papayago Rescue House, Inc. Nothing gains you notice in social media more than honesty – or dishonesty. Do not say anything that is dishonest, untrue, or misleading. If you have a vested interest in something you are discussing, point it out. But also be smart about protecting yourself and your privacy. What you publish will be around for a long time, so consider the content carefully and also be cautious about disclosing personal details.

Respect Copyright Laws

It is critical that you show proper respect for the laws governing copyright and fair use or fair dealing of copyrighted material owned by others, including Papayago Rescue House, Inc.’s own copyrights and brands. You should never quote more than short excerpts of someone else’s work and always attribute such work to the original author/source. It is good general practice to link to others’ work rather than reproduce it.

Respect Your Audience, Papayago Rescue House, Inc., and Your Covolunteers

The public in general, and Papayago Rescue House, Inc.‘s employees, volunteers, and customers, reflect a diverse set of customs, values, and points of view. Don’t say anything contradictory or in conflict with the Papayago Rescue House, Inc. website. Don’t be afraid to be yourself, but do so respectfully. This includes not only the obvious (no ethnic slurs, offensive comments, defamatory comments, personal insults, obscenity, etc.) but also proper consideration of privacy and of topics that may be considered objectionable or inflammatory – such as politics and religion. Use your best judgment and be sure to make it clear that the views and opinions expressed are yours alone and do not represent the official views of Papayago Rescue House, Inc.

Protect Papayago Rescue House, Inc. Customers, Partners, and Suppliers

Customers, partners, or suppliers should not be cited or obviously referenced without their approval. Never identify an adopter, surrender, customer, partner, or supplier by name without permission, and never discuss confidential details of their engagement. It is acceptable to discuss general details about kinds of projects and to use non-identifying pseudonyms for a customer (e.g., Customer 123) so long as the information provided does not violate any non-disclosure agreements that may be in place with the customer or make it easy for someone to identify the customer.

Controversial Issues

If you see misrepresentations made about Papayago Rescue House, Inc. in the media, you may point that out. Always do so with respect and with the facts. If you speak about others, make sure what you say is factual and that it does not disparage that party. Avoid arguments. Brawls may earn traffic, but nobody wins in the end. Don’t try to settle scores or pull others into inflammatory debates. Make sure what you are saying is factually correct, and be respectful of others’ opinions.

Be the First to Respond to Your Own Mistakes

If you make an error, be upfront about your mistake and correct it quickly. If you choose to modify an earlier post, make it clear that you have done so. If someone accuses you of posting something improper (such as their copyrighted material or a defamatory comment about them), deal with it quickly – better to remove it immediately to lessen the possibility of legal action. Transparency and clear communication are absolutely paramount.

Think About Consequences

For example, consider what might happen if a Papayago Rescue House, Inc. employee is in a meeting with a potential sponsor, or adopter and someone on the sponsor/adopter’s side pulls out a print-out of your blog/social media feed and says “This person at Papayago Rescue House, Inc. says that product or bird sucks.” Though this may seem unlikely, it does happen. Please be conscious of who can see your personal opinions.

Disclaimers

Many social media users include a prominent disclaimer saying who they work for, but that they’re not speaking officially. This is good practice and is encouraged, but don’t count on it to avoid trouble – it may not have much legal effect.

The Executive Director can provide you with applicable disclaimer language and assist with determining where and how to use that.

Social Media Tips

The following tips are not mandatory but will contribute to the successful use of social media.

The best way to be interesting, stay out of trouble, and have fun is to write about what you know. There is a good chance of being embarrassed by a real expert, or of being boring if you write about topics you are not knowledgeable about.

Quality matters. Use a spell-checker. If you’re not design-oriented, ask someone who is whether your profile(s) looks decent, and take their advice on how to improve it.

The speed of being able to publish your thoughts is both a great feature and a great downfall of social media. The time to edit or reflect must be self-imposed. If in doubt over a post, or if something does not feel right, either let it sit and look at it again before publishing it or ask someone else to look at it first.

Enforcement

Policy violations will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

I have read, understand, and agree to comply with each of the above statements.

I have read and understand the Social Media Policy of Papayago Rescue House