FOA Adult Application 2023
Friends of Appalachia, Inc. (FOA) is a Trumbull, Connecticut based 501c3 Community Organization, open to all, which strives to educate and sensitize youth and adult volunteers to address the needs of the impoverished people in Central Appalachia.

In the fall of 2009, a group of committed and experienced individuals came together to form an independent 501(c)(3) with a simple purpose: to Help. Build. Hope. in Central Appalachia. This new organization would enable us to work unrestricted for the people of Central Appalachia. Our single largest initiative was and still is the Appalachian Service Project trip that many of us had made in the past, as well as some new initiatives to focus on more year-round help for this impoverished region.

The information below is important to your understanding of the trip and our policies both on it and leading up to it.

Please read it fully:

CELLPHONE POLICY:
In order for every volunteer to maximize the experience of our trip, FOA prohibits youth from using their cell phones and any other communication devices during any time they are involved with FOA (including but not limited to the training meetings, construction projects, fundraisers, solicitations, and trip). Our policy is for them not to bring their phones, therefore FOA is not responsible for damage, lost or stolen communication devices.  Advisors will have cell phones for emergency and logistic support. Parents and family members will be given contact information to reach their child if need be. Volunteers should seek out an advisor or FOA's Center Director during the trip if there is a need to call home.

CLOTHING POLICY:
During the meetings, activities and entirety of the trip; all shirts and tops must completely cover the midriff and lower back when sitting or standing. Clothing should also provide appropriate coverage at the neckline. No tank tops, halter tops, spaghetti straps, sleeveless shirts, or see-through clothing shall be worn. For any kind of water activity, girls are required to wear modest bathing suits and boys cannot wear speedos. Footwear is required and must be appropriate and safe for indoor and outdoor activities.

NIGHTLY SCHEDULE:
At quiet time (10:30pm), all recreational activities are suspended to allow yourself time to use the bathroom, brush teeth etc. At lights out (11 pm), every volunteer of our organization must be in their bed with no distractions.

VOLUNTEER INFORMATION
Last Name *
First Name *
Nickname (The name you would like to be called - will default to First Name if left blank)
Gender *
Email Address *
Cell Phone *
OK to TEXT *
Street Address *
City *
State *
Zip *
Birthdate *
Emergency Contact Name (First and Last) and Relation *
Emergency Contact Mailing Address
Emergency Contact Cell Phone *
Emergency Contact Email *
Occupation, Position Title, Location *
College Student/Young Adult Cost is for 18-21 year olds. If you are a College Student, please let us know where you attend. If your not in college please answer the previous question on Occupation.
GETTING TO KNOW YOU
How many FOA Trips have you been on? *
Have you been on an ASP trip not affiliated with FOA? How many? *
Are you related to anyone on this years FOA Trip? Who? *
How did you hear about Friends of Appalachia? Use names if you learned about us from a friend/peer/teacher/family member. *
What do you hope to get out of this experience? *
Tell us about your previous volunteering experiences. Include local and travel service. *
What are some of your special talents and skills? *
(should include music abilities,  construction abilities, and/or any other talent or skill you think we should know about)
FOOD & MEDICAL
Do you follow any of the following specialized diets? ASP will supply Vegetarian and Gluten-Free meals to those in need.  *
Required
Do you have any food allergies or sensitivities? *
If YES, please describe in "Other"
Required
Do you have any medical allergies or sensitivities? In YES, please describe. If NO please type NO
COVID-19 - has been declared a worldwide pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). It is extremely contagious and is spread from person-to-person contact. As a result federal, state, and local governments and health agencies recommend social distancing and increased sanitation practices by individuals and organization. Participation with FOA/ASP may involve working, sleeping, eating, or recreating in close proximity to others. It may also involve working inside someone's home and/or necessitating touching surfaces, objects, building materials, tools, or equipment that others have touched. While FOA/ASP has enacted sanitation procedures and behavioral protocols to mitigate against the risk of COVID-19 or other infectious diseases, all risks cannot be eliminated. I assume all risks and hold FOA/ASP harmless for any illness that may result from my involvement. *
YOUR COMMITMENT TO FOA
I agree to attend all monthly training meetings (January to July), and participate in the service and fund-raising projects for FOA, (including fund-raisers such as Taste of Spring, Stop n Shop solicitation and pre-trip construction activities/projects) to the best of my ability. *
I grant FOA permission to use photographs or other documents to on social media, including but not limited to FOA's Facebook page, website and Instagram. *
CODE OF CONDUCT
In order to accomplish a successful trip and to ensure the safety and positive experience of every one of our volunteers during our mission, all volunteers with Friends of Appalachia, Inc. are required to abide by the following code of conduct during all FOA related activities.  This includes but is not limited to our meetings, fundraisers, activities and the trip itself. Please check the following boxes after reading the statements, and sign your name to show your support of the FOA Volunteers Responsibilities. This set of rules should be followed by every volunteer on our trip at all times.
I will never willingly assault verbally or physically another member of our organization. *
I understand that theft, attempt of theft and possession of stolen goods will not be tolerated, and will not steal, attempt to steal, or have possession of any stolen goods. *
I will not use obscene gestures or profane language to/at another FOA member or ASP Staff member. *
I will never discriminate against or harass another person based on race, color, gender, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, ancestry or disability. *
I will never purchase, have possession of, use, or distribute any controlled substance, drug paraphernalia, alcohol and/or tobacco products during the entirety of our meetings and trip. *
I will wear the appropriate clothing during all activities of FOA. *
I will not sexually harass any other person, and understand that sexual harassment of any kind is prohibited and illegal.   *
**After your application is accepted our Safe Sanctuaries Policy and Quiz will be emailed to you. Its submission is mandatory prior to your involvement with our FOA Youth. **
I will not purchase, posses, or ignite any fireworks or other explosive materials or any material that can cause a fire. *
While on the FOA 2023 Trip, I will participate in all ASP Center and FOA activities. *
Nightly Schedule: At quiet time (10:30pm), all recreational activities are suspended to allow yourself time to use the bathroom, brush teeth etc. At lights out (11 pm), every volunteer of our organization must be in their bed with no distractions. I will respect the quiet time and the lights out rule each and every day of our trip. *
I will be respectful to people of all religions, and respectful to ASP staff during all religious activities. *
Friends of Appalachia is a non-denominational organization that works under the guidelines of Appalachian Service Project (ASP), a Christian organization. I understand that volunteers on our trip come from various religious backgrounds; I will not be required to participate in any activity that will make me uncomfortable or violate my personal religious beliefs. I will have respect all those actively participating, as this is a requirement of all volunteers.
I will not enter any unauthorized area of the ASP Center at any time, nor handle any item that belongs to the school/Center. *
I understand that destruction of real, personal or the Center's property, such as cutting, defacing or otherwise damaging property in any way is prohibited, and that I will be responsible for any restitution as determined by FOA. *
I understand that falsely reporting an incident to the ASP Center's staff or to the police or fire department (such as a bomb threat or tampering with the fire alarm) is prohibited and will be prosecuted by law. *
I understand that no volunteer should ever leave the work sites without permission, and that deliberate refusal to follow instructions from advisors and ASP Center staff will not be tolerated. *
ADULT VOLUNTEER RESPONSIBILITIES
In order to provide for our youth and to maximize our service productivity during our week of service, Friends of Appalachia expects the following simple guidelines to be followed by every adult volunteer and advisor.All adult volunteers and advisors are expected to adhere to the rules and policies set forth by the code of conduct and the rules of ASP. This includes but is not limited to: worksite safety regulation, cell phone rules, center expectations especially quiet time and lights out.
REQUIREMENTS
These requirements are what is expected of you as an advisor throughout this application process, meetings, and on the trip.
All new advisors will be interviewed by three FOA Board members. All advisor applications must be approved by the FOA Board. *
All new advisors (and repeat advisors every three years) must agree to provide FOA with necessary information in order for FOA to run a criminal background check prior to the trip to Appalachia. If there is a conviction or plea of no contest for any situation that may disqualify an adult volunteer, then the individual will not be allowed to volunteer with Friends of Appalachia Inc. If there is a conviction or plea of no contest for a driving related offense or the individual has had a suspended driver's license within the past 5 years, then the individual will be able to volunteer with FOA but will NOT be able to drive at any time during the trip. *
No adult should, at any time, undermine the authority of another adult volunteer or advisor. If at any time you do not agree with an adult volunteer handling a situation with a youth volunteer, we encourage you to discuss this with the adult involved privately.  At no time should these types of discussions should take place in front of the youth. *
During the trip, all advisors should keep their cell phones with them, turned on, especially while driving.  Additionally at least one advisor must have their cell phone at the work site for emergency use only. *
 I agree to wear my seatbelt at all times, while in the FOA vehicle, and will stay in the front seat of the car at all times. *
No participants, under the age of 21 years of age, are allowed to drive rental vehicles (though during an emergency situation use your best judgment). Every driving team must remained with their assigned caravan during the drive to and from Appalachia. Every driver must obey the speed limit specified by each state and must follow basic driving standards in order to ensure the safety of all participants in the vehicle. Adult drivers are personally liable for any legal violations. Only adults, over 21, are allowed in the front seat of the vehicles. *
During the trip, there will be FOA approved evening trips from the center (e.g. picnic, ice cream night, or for emergency situations). Should only part of the group be away on an evening trip from the center (home visits, ice cream, etc.), one female advisor and one male advisor should always be present at the center. *
At no time should any adult find him/herself alone with a youth volunteer. Should you ever have a reason to speak with a youth volunteer about any concerns, make sure to have another adult present. Whenever possible, avoid situations where multiple adults are alone with a single youth volunteer.  Please be aware that as an Advisor of FOA, you are a mandated reporter to the State Department of Children and Families. *
Adults must respect the fine line between youth and adult participants and act in a respectful manner at all times. FOA will report any allegation of inappropriate conduct and fully cooperate with the authorities conducting an investigation at any time. *
Violation of our code of conduct contract or any other violation of rules or regulations that may be disruptive to our mission and/or trip will be subject to disciplinary action (including but not limited to a verbal warning and/or being sent home at your own expense). *
A spirit of cooperation, a respectful attitude, and consideration for others are all important to the success of the Project. I agree to bring such a spirit to the Project and agree to abide by all of the rules established either by the ASP Center Staff or the leaders of the Project. *
I have read and understand the Friends of Appalachia code of conduct and agree to abide by all policies set forth in this agreement. *
Typing Your Name indicates valid signature.
Signature Date *
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Our fee to ASP and FOA fees are combined in a total of $700 fee for Adults and $500 for College Students for the 2023 trip. FOA aids in fundraising efforts by providing a donation letter to solicit funds from family, friends, and businesses, and by providing Stop and Shop solicitations and our "Taste of Spring" fundraiser that volunteers may participate in and contribute to. Every month January to May, FOA is responsible for making payments to ASP on behalf of each participant.  Therefore, refunds for discontinuing participation on the FOA 2022 Trip are not possible. Application/Commitment fee of $100 is non-refundable (which must be submitted with this application) is also non-refundable (including if this application/applicant isn't accepted) and must be submitted with the application. All Deposits/Donations into participants accounts are non-refundable.  *
I understand that participation in ASP activities may expose me to a variety of potentially dangerous situations, among them the use of power tools, work on roofs, and travel on mountainous roads. I still wish to participate. In exchange for the opportunity to participate, I release, discharge and covenant to protect, indemnify and hold harmless Friends of Appalachia Inc., its officers, agents and volunteers and all persons connected to Friends of Appalachia Inc., from any and all claims, damages, expense, or injuries of whatever kind of nature, including negligence, arising from or out of such to my participation in FOA, which I may now or hereafter have. Additionally, I understand that willful failure to follow the written policies in this application could result in my removal prior to the trip and/or early return home with the costs being my responsibility. If I'm asked to leave this trip early, I will pay the cost for trip home. *
I have seen and read and understand the FOA2023 COVID-19 Protocols. This document is available on the website, under VOLUNTEER on the COVID-19 Information tab. ( http://www.friendsofappalachia.org/covid-19-information.html ) *
Typing your name indicates a valid signature.   *
Date of Signature *
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Friends of Appalachia, Inc. Board of Directors 2022-2023                                  President- Lisa Peters, Vice President- Avery Peters, Treasurer- Vera Dosky, Secretary- Kyle Peters, Directors -  Paul Angelucci, Katie Boland, Chris Capobianco, John Dosky,  Jill Lewis, Kent Lewis, Nolan Shay, Nicole Trommelen
Friends of Appalachia, Inc. POBox 110206 - 50 Quality Street, Trumbull, CT 06611
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