Volunteer Application

Must safely and frequently move through the interior of moving train cars during transit.
Must routinely cross open thresholds and gangways between train cars while the train is in motion.
Must maintain stability and personal safety while navigating environments subject to sudden shifts, vibrations, heavy swaying, and unpredictable motion.
Must maintain situational awareness and adhere to all safety protocols while moving through unstable or shifting walking surfaces while navigating through the train.
Must ascend and descend train car stairs following all safety protocols.

Volunteers on Friends of Coopersville & Marne Railroad (FoCMR) are not employees of either FoCMR or Coopersville & Marne Railway (CMR). They volunteer their time and receive no financial compensation for doing so. Volunteers are at will and may be dismissed by FoCMR for any reason. We expect volunteers to perform their duties in a cheerful and respectful manner. Failure to due so will result in immediate dismissal. We are all here to run a safe railroad, get along with our fellow volunteers and have fun! The minimum age for volunteers is 18 years of age. I am at least 18 years of age. FRA rules and regulations may require medical examinations and drug testing for certain operating positions. Volunteers agree to comply with such requests.

I want to volunteer with Friends of the Coopersville & Marne Railway (FoCMR) which may require my presence on and in property owned by the Coopersville & Marne Railway Company (CMR). I am choosing to volunteer freely and without pressure. By signing this form, I agree to the following:

1. Release of Responsibility
I understand that volunteering may involve risks. I agree that FoCMR and/or CMR, including their volunteers, employees, and board members, are not responsible for any injury, illness, death, or damage to myself or my property that may happen while I am volunteering.

I also agree not to sue FoCMR and/or CMR, including their volunteers, employees, and board members, for anything that happens to me while I am volunteering. If my actions cause harm to another person or their property during my volunteer work, I agree that I am responsible for those actions.

2. Medical Care
I understand that FoCMR and/or CMR may provide basic first aid or help in an emergency, but they are not responsible for my medical care. I release them from any responsibility related to medical treatment I receive while volunteering.
I understand that volunteers are not covered by workers’ compensation.

3. Assumption of Risk
I understand that some volunteer activities may be dangerous. I accept the risks involved in the activities I choose to do. I agree that FoCMR and/or CMR are not responsible for injuries, illness, death, or property damage that may occur while I am volunteering.

4. Insurance
I understand that FoCMR and/or CMR do not provide health or medical insurance for volunteers. I am responsible for having my own health or medical insurance coverage.

5. Photo, Video, and Audio Permission
I give FoCMR and/or CMR permission to take and use photos, videos, or audio recordings of me while I am volunteering. These may be used for educational, promotional, or fundraising purposes, and I will not be paid for their use.

6. Background Check
I understand that a criminal background check may be required before I can volunteer. By signing this form, I agree to the background check and agree to provide my date of birth if requested.

7. Nondiscrimination
I agree to follow FoCMR’s policies and all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination based on religion, race, color, national origin, age, sex, marital status, height, weight, or disability.

8. Michigan Law
I understand that this agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Michigan. If any part of this agreement is found to be invalid, the rest of the agreement will still apply.