Volunteering FAQ
Who can volunteer at The Scrap Exchange?
We welcome humans from all walks of life to volunteer with us! The Scrap offers a wide array of accessible tasks and we will more often than not ask you what area of the stores interest you the most. Please do keep in mind that the organization has many moving parts, so please enter the space remembering that not all tasks are glamorous!
We do have an age minimum requirement of 18 years old. Volunteers under the age of 18 may work shifts at Scrap if accompanied by someone 18+ (preferably a guardian or parent). If you would like to come with a group, please fill out the group volunteer form. We do require advanced notice for volunteer groups and will need to know exactly how many are in your group.
How do I sign up?
Please sign up ahead of time via our online scheduling portal. We get several volunteers each day and it’s very helpful to know who is coming ahead of time!
How should I prepare for my volunteer shift?
Please prepare for your volunteer shift in the following ways:
- Wear comfortable clothing you do not mind getting dirty.
- Wear close-toed and comfortable shoes (the floors at Scrap are concrete and we do lots of walking!).
- Wear sunscreen if your shift involves working outside.
- Bring water or a water bottle to prevent dehydration (we have a bottle refill station).
- If you have any questions during your shift, please ask a TSE employee.
- If you have any medical conditions we should be made aware of, please let us know upon arrival.
What are the rules or guidelines for volunteering?
Watching shows and other media on your phone is prohibited. Listening to podcasts or music is fine as long as you are able to remain on task.
We understand that everyone works at their own pace, but please do not waste time by intentionally completing jobs slowly or rushing and not paying attention. There is much to do here and volunteer contributions are a vital one, however the work needs to be consistent with the organization's standards.
Extended breaks for meals, smoking, or other errands that go beyond 20 minutes will be counted against your time. We understand that things come up, however you will need to sign out and sign back in if you plan to be gone for longer than 20 minutes. If you work two shifts in a row (6 or more hours in a day), you can take a 30-minute lunch break. Please check in with the supervising staff member before and after you take your break.
TSE Volunteer Liability Waiver
In return for being allowed to participate in The Scrap Exchange volunteer activities and all related activities, including any activities incidental to such participation (“Volunteer Activities”), the undersigned Volunteer or Parent/Legal Guardian of Volunteer if Volunteer is under age 18 (hereafter referred to using “I”, “me”, or “my”) releases and agrees not to sue the Scrap Exchange or its officers, directors, employees, sub-contractors, sponsors, agents and affiliates from all present and future claims that may be made by me, my family, estate, heirs, or assigns for property damage, personal injury, or wrongful death arising as a result of my participation in the Volunteer Activities wherever, whenever, or however the same may occur.
I understand and agree that The Scrap Exchange are not responsible for any injury or property damage arising out of the Volunteer Activities, even if caused by their ordinary negligence or otherwise. I understand that participation in the Volunteer Activities involves certain risks, including, but not limited to, serious injury and death. I am voluntarily participating in the Volunteer Activities with knowledge of the danger involved and I agree to accept all risks of participation. I also agree to indemnify and hold harmless The Scrap Exchange for all claims arising out of my participation in the Volunteer Activities. I understand that this document is intended to be as broad and inclusive as permitted by the laws of the state in which the Volunteer Activities take place and agree that if any portion of this Agreement is invalid, the remainder will continue in full legal force and effect. I also acknowledge that The Scrap Exchange have not arranged and do not carry any insurance of any kind for my benefit or that of Volunteer (if Volunteer is under 18), my parents, guardians, trustees, heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns.
I represent that, to my knowledge, I am in good health and suffer no physical impairment that would or should prevent my participation in Volunteer Activities. I also understand that this document is a contract which grants certain rights to and eliminates the liability of The Scrap Exchange.