Terms of Service

Introduction

Welcome to Volunteer Network! By accessing or using our platform, you agree to comply with and be bound by these Terms of Service (“Terms”). These Terms govern your use of our website, applications, and services (collectively referred to as the “Platform”). Please read them carefully, as they contain important information about your rights, obligations, and the legal agreement between you and Volunteer Network.

References to “we,” “us,” or “our” pertain to Volunteer Network, the entity providing the Platform services. These Terms incorporate our Privacy Policy and other relevant policies by reference. If you do not agree with these Terms, you should not use our Platform.​

1. Definitions

For clarity, the following terms are used throughout these Terms of Service:

• “Platform” – Refers to our website, mobile applications, and any other services offered by Volunteer Network.
• “User” – Any individual who accesses or uses our Platform, including both volunteers and hosts.
• “Volunteer” – A user seeking opportunities to engage in travel and volunteering experiences through the Platform.
• “Host” – An individual, organization, or entity offering volunteering opportunities through the Platform.
• “Services” – Any functionality, features, or tools provided through the Platform.
• “Agreement” – The legally binding contract between you and Volunteer Network based on these Terms.

These definitions help ensure that our Terms are clear and consistently interpreted.

2. Eligibility and Account Registration

• Minimum Age Requirement:
  To use the Platform, you must be at least 18 years old. By registering an account, you confirm that you meet this age requirement.
• Account Creation:
  To access certain features, you must create an account by providing accurate and up-to-date information. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials and for all activities that occur under your account.
• Account Responsibility:
  You agree not to share your login details with others and to notify us immediately of any unauthorized use of your account. We are not responsible for any loss or damage resulting from your failure to safeguard your account information.
• Account Termination:
  We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your account if we detect fraudulent activity, violations of these Terms, or any behavior that disrupts the community.

3. User Conduct and Responsibilities

By using our Platform, you agree to:

• Provide truthful and complete information when creating your profile and interacting with other users.
• Respect all users and communicate in a professional and courteous manner.
• Comply with local laws and regulations when traveling, volunteering, or hosting.
• Use the Platform solely for its intended purpose of connecting volunteers and hosts.

Prohibited behaviors include:

• Providing false or misleading information on your profile, applications, or reviews.
• Engaging in discriminatory, abusive, or threatening behavior toward other users.
• Using the Platform for commercial purposes without prior authorization.
• Attempting to access, disrupt, or interfere with the Platform’s operations through hacking, data mining, or other malicious activities.

Failure to adhere to these guidelines may result in warnings, account suspension, or permanent removal from the Platform.

4. Platform Usage and Service Availability

• Access to Services:
  We strive to ensure uninterrupted access to our Platform, but we do not guarantee that services will always be available, error-free, or secure. Access may be temporarily restricted for maintenance, upgrades, or unforeseen technical issues.
• Modifications and Updates:
  We reserve the right to modify, update, or discontinue any part of the Platform at any time without prior notice. These changes may include new features, adjustments to existing functionalities, or removal of outdated services.
• User Responsibility for Devices and Connectivity:
  You are responsible for ensuring that your device, internet connection, and software are compatible with the Platform. We are not liable for issues caused by technical limitations on your end.
• Service Interruptions and Liability:
  While we take reasonable measures to provide a reliable service, we are not responsible for losses resulting from downtime, disruptions, or errors on the Platform.

5. Payments, Fees, and Refunds

• Subscription and Fees:
  Some features or services on the Platform may require payment. By purchasing these services, you agree to pay the applicable fees as described at the time of purchase.
• Payment Methods:
  Payments are processed securely through third-party payment providers. You must ensure that your payment details are accurate and up to date.
• Non-Refundable Payments:
  Unless explicitly stated otherwise, all payments made on the Platform are non-refundable. However, we may review refund requests on a case-by-case basis at our sole discretion.
• Currency and Transaction Fees:
  Prices displayed on the Platform may vary based on currency exchange rates. Additional transaction fees may apply depending on your payment provider.
• Failed or Unauthorized Payments:
  If a payment fails or is flagged as unauthorized, we reserve the right to suspend or restrict your access to paid services until the issue is resolved.

6. Cancellations and Refund Policy

• User-Initiated Cancellations:
  If you choose to cancel a booking, subscription, or service, the cancellation terms specified at the time of purchase will apply. Refunds, if applicable, will be processed according to those terms.
• Host Cancellations:
  If a host cancels a confirmed volunteer opportunity, we will attempt to assist the volunteer in finding an alternative option. However, we are not responsible for any costs incurred due to cancellations.
• No-Show Policy:
  If a volunteer does not show up for a confirmed opportunity without prior notice, the host may report the absence, which could impact the volunteer’s standing on the Platform.
• Refund Processing:
  Refunds, when applicable, will be processed through the original payment method within a reasonable time. Processing times may vary based on your financial institution.

7. Content Ownership and License

• User-Generated Content:
  By submitting content (such as reviews, messages, or photos) to the Platform, you grant us a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to use, display, and distribute this content for operational and promotional purposes.
• Content Guidelines:
  You are responsible for ensuring that any content you submit:
  • Does not violate any copyright, trademark, or intellectual property rights.
  • Is not offensive, defamatory, or misleading.
  • Complies with applicable laws and Platform policies.
• Platform Content:
  All content provided by Volunteer Network, including logos, text, and images, is protected by intellectual property laws. You may not copy, distribute, or use our content without prior authorization.
• Content Removal:
  We reserve the right to remove or modify any content that violates these Terms or is deemed inappropriate.

8. Disclaimers and Limitation of Liability

• Use at Your Own Risk:
  The Platform is provided “as is” and “as available,” without any guarantees or warranties regarding accuracy, reliability, or suitability for a specific purpose. Your use of the Platform is at your own risk.
• No Liability for User Actions:
  We are not responsible for the actions, behavior, or conduct of users, including volunteers and hosts. Any arrangements made between users are their sole responsibility.
• Third-Party Services:
  We may include links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for the content, policies, or actions of these third parties.
• Limitation of Liability:
  To the fullest extent permitted by law, we shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from your use of the Platform, including but not limited to lost profits, travel disruptions, or disputes between users.

9. Indemnification

You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Volunteer Network, its affiliates, employees, and partners from any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, or expenses arising from:

• Your violation of these Terms of Service.
• Your misuse of the Platform or services.
• Any disputes or issues between you and other users, including volunteers and hosts.
• Your infringement of any third-party rights, including intellectual property or privacy rights.

This indemnification applies to legal fees and costs incurred in defending against such claims.

10. Account Suspension and Termination

• Grounds for Suspension or Termination:
  We reserve the right to suspend or permanently terminate your account if:
  • You violate these Terms of Service.
  • You engage in fraudulent, abusive, or harmful behavior.
  • You misuse the Platform for purposes other than its intended function.
  • We receive multiple complaints from other users about your conduct.
• Effects of Termination:
  If your account is terminated:
  • You will lose access to the Platform and any associated services.
  • Any unpaid fees or obligations will remain due.
  • We may retain certain data for legal, compliance, or security purposes.
• Appealing a Termination:
  If you believe your account was suspended or terminated in error, you may contact our support team to request a review. However, we are not obligated to reinstate accounts.

11. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

• Applicable Law:
  These Terms of Service shall be governed by and interpreted under the laws of [Your Country or State], without regard to conflict of law principles.
• Dispute Resolution Process:
  In the event of a dispute between you and Volunteer Network:
  • We encourage users to first attempt to resolve disputes amicably through our support team.
  • If a resolution cannot be reached, disputes may be settled through arbitration or mediation as specified by applicable law.
  • Legal action may only be pursued in the appropriate courts located in [Your Jurisdiction].
• Waiver of Class Actions:
  You agree that any legal disputes will be handled on an individual basis, and you waive the right to participate in any class-action lawsuit against Volunteer Network.

12. Amendments to These Terms

• Right to Modify Terms:
  We reserve the right to update or modify these Terms of Service at any time. Any changes will take effect immediately upon being posted on the Platform, unless stated otherwise.
• User Notification:
  If significant changes are made, we will notify users via email or platform notifications. Your continued use of the Platform after changes are made constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.
• Reviewing the Terms:
  We encourage you to review these Terms periodically. If you do not agree with any modifications, you should discontinue using the Platform.

13. Contact Information

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding these Terms of Service, you can contact us through the following:

• Email:
• Support Page:

We will do our best to respond promptly and assist you with any concerns.