Join the Team
All volunteers must sign the following documents when they come to the sidewalk for in-person coaching. After reading each document, click the button at the bottom of the page to request to join the team.
Volunteer Code of Conduct
I pledge to abide by the following standards whenever I participate in sidewalk ministry:​
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I will abide by all applicable laws and ordinances. I acknowledge that if I engage in any form of illegal activity, I am immediately disassociated from Rescue the Innocent, the sidewalk ministry program Christ Community Church of San Jose.
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I will be peaceful in all my speech and conduct.
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I will seek to be approachable on the sidewalk, maintaining a positive, confident, caring, warm, and inviting presence, positioning my team as a source of help in a time of crisis.
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I will use help-focused language when calling out to people. I will not call out or use signs with language that could be perceived as condemning (e.g., “abortion is murder,” “God hates hands that shed innocent blood,” etc.) or perceived as focused on the child rather than the mother (e.g. "your baby is created in the image of God," "he/she already has a beating heart," etc.), even if such statements are true.
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I will follow a help-focused approach to sidewalk ministry. Before talking about moral/theological issues, I will offer help or resources and attempt to discover why the patient is there. Whenever I interact with possible abortion patients, I will seek to understand and address the woman’s perceived needs before discussing the baby, religion, or morality.
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I will only recommend life-affirming solutions and resource providers.
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I will strive to maintain a disposition of love, hope, help, and prayer.
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I will pray only to God when praying with others, for the sake of unity in cross-denominational ministry.
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I will reflect an appropriate level of seriousness on the sidewalk (e.g., I will not joke around with team members, hold signs flippantly, etc.)
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I will not use signs with graphic images of abortion victims.
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I will not engage in street preaching from the sidewalk.
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I will not damage other people’s property.
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I will never, in any way, threaten others, harass others, or incite others to violence.
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I will not engage in any kind of violent activity.
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I will not physically interfere with someone’s ability to use or access a facility.
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I will not block (or make difficult to use) the sidewalks, driveways, entryways, or exists of/near a facility.
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I will not trespass on the property of an abortion-referral or abortion-provider facility.
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I will remove any items I brought to the sidewalk with me and agree not to litter.
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·I will not record or take pictures of others. I will not post media content of others online.
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I will not share any personally identifying information of other people.
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I will not challenge law enforcement officials, if confronted. I will politely abide by their requests and promptly notify a pastor of Christ Community Church of San Jose about any law enforcement encounters.
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I will dress professionally (e.g. no pajamas, sweatpants, sweatshirts, gym shorts, hoods, etc.)
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I will be a witness to the conduct of my fellow volunteers, for legal purposes.
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I will always prioritize my own safety and the safety of others.
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I will always engage in sidewalk ministry with a partner.
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I will strive to help other volunteers follow the standards outlined in this Code of Conduct. If they do not abide by any of these standards, I will promptly notify a pastor of Christ Community Church of San Jose and/or call the police, if necessary.
By signing this document, I pledge to abide by all the standards outlined above and acknowledge that I have read the Code of Conduct in its entirety, that the pastors of Christ Community Church of San Jose have the sole final authority to decide how to correctly interpret, apply, or use this Conduct of Conduct, and that if I fail to abide by this Code of Conduct, upon the decision of the pastors of Christ Community Church of San Jose, I may no longer be permitted to serve with Rescue the Innocent.
Volunteer Affirmations
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I fully agree with the following statements modified from the 1853 Revised New Hampshire Confession of Faith:
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Of The Scriptures - We believe that the Holy Bible is divinely inspired and is a perfect treasure of heavenly instruction; that it has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth without any mixture of error for its matter.
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Of The True God - We believe that there is one, and only one, living and true God, the Maker and Supreme Ruler of heaven and earth; inexpressibly glorious in holiness, and worthy of all possible honor, confidence, and love; that in the unity of the Godhead there are three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; equal in every divine perfection.
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Of The Fall Of Man - We believe that Man was created in holiness, under the law of his Maker; but by voluntary transgression fell from that holy and happy state; in consequence of which all mankind are now sinners, not by constraint but choice; being by nature utterly void of that holiness required by the law of God, positively inclined to evil; and therefore under just condemnation to eternal ruin, without defense or excuse.
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Of The Way Of Salvation - We believe that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace; through the mediatorial offices of the Son of God, Jesus Christ; who by the appointment of the Father, freely took upon him our human nature, yet without sin; honored the divine law by his personal obedience, and by his death on the cross made a full atonement for our sins; that having risen from the dead on the third day, he is now enthroned in heaven; and he is every way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate, and an all-sufficient Savior.
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Of Justification - We believe that the great Gospel blessing which Christ secures to such as believe in Him is Justification; that Justification includes the pardon of sin, and the promise of eternal life; that it is bestowed, not in consideration of any works of righteousness which we have done, but solely through faith in the Redeemer; by virtue of which faith His perfect righteousness is freely imputed to us; that it brings us into a state of most blessed peace and favor with God, and secures every other blessing needful for time and eternity.
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Of Repentance And Faith - We believe that saving faith and repentance are inseparable, whereby, being deeply convinced of our guilt, danger and helplessness, and of the way of salvation by Christ, we turn to God with unfeigned contrition, confession, and supplication for mercy, determining to pursue obedience; at the same time heartily receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as our Prophet, Priest and King, and relying on Him alone as our only and all sufficient Savior.
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Of The Freeness Of Salvation - We believe that the blessings of salvation are made free to all by the gospel and that it is the immediate duty of all to accept them by a cordial, penitent, and obedient faith.
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Of The World To Come - We believe that at the last day Christ will descend from heaven, and raise the dead from the grave to final retribution; that a solemn separation will then take place; that the wicked will be adjudged to endless punishment, and the righteous to endless joy.
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I believe the following regarding the sanctity of human life:
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Abortion, at any age, is the intentional taking of an innocent human life. It is a violation of the sixth commandment (Ex. 20:13) and the sin of murder.
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The Bible affirms that all human beings are created in God’s image with dignity and value (Gen. 1:27). Murder is a grievous act that God hates (Prov. 6:16-19). Heartbreaking circumstances, including cases of rape or incest, do not justify the murder of a pre-born child.
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In the rare cases where a mother’s life is at risk, we must desire to save both lives (even if that outcome might be impossible).
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Abortion is a sin issue that ultimately comes from the heart (Matt. 15:19). Abortion is first and foremost a result of problems internal to us, not external to us.
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There is hope for forgiveness of sin (including abortion) and transformation of heart through the saving work of Jesus Christ alone (Acts 10:43, 2 Cor. 5:17).
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I believe the following about gender, marriage, and sexuality:
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God created mankind male and female. Each gender possesses equal worth, being made in His image (Gen. 1:27). Denying one’s God-given gender is both sinful and destructive.
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Marriage is a monogamous, life-long covenant relationship between one man and one woman (Matt. 19:4-6).
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Any form of sexual activity outside of marriage is sinful, including fornication and homosexuality (1 Cor. 6:9-11).
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I have never been convicted of a felony offense (of any kind). I have never been penalized, fined, arrested, detained, imprisoned for, or convicted of any crimes related to sidewalk activism or sidewalk ministry, abortion-referral facilities, or abortion-provider facilities, including crimes that occurred near or within such facilities. I am also not pending trial for any crimes as described above or any felony offenses.
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I am not associated with the abortion industry or the pro-choice movement in any way (including as a donor).
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I will complete the Online Training and read everything on the Legal & Safety Guide (including its referenced third-party resources) in its entirety before participating in sidewalk ministry with the rescue team.
By signing this document, I fully affirm each of the statements above in their entirety.
Volunteer Liability Waiver, Indemnity, and Agreement
This document explains possible risks of volunteering and includes liability waivers, consents, indemnifications, and other legal agreements.
By signing below, I, the volunteer (or volunteer’s legal guardian), acknowledge that entry into this agreement (“Agreement”) is in consideration of my participation as a volunteer for the Rescue the Innocent Program of Christ Community Church of San Jose (“CCC”), and confirm my understanding and agreement to the following:
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Policies and Safety Rules
I will comply with CCC’s volunteer policies, safety rules, conduct expectations, and other directions. I understand that CCC does not tolerate bullying, harassment, threatening behavior, or violence of any kind. I understand that noncompliance may result in termination of my volunteer status.
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Volunteer Not an Employee
I understand that (a) I am not an employee of CCC, (b) I will not be paid for my participation, and (c) I am not covered by or eligible for any CCC insurance, health care, worker’s compensation, or other benefits. I understand that CCC may terminate my volunteer status at any time, for any or no reason.
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Risks Associated with Volunteering
Volunteering for CCC has risks. These risks may arise in a variety of ways. They include, without limitation: my lifting heavy objects or otherwise exerting myself, being exposed to adverse weather, loud noises, vehicles in motion, and interacting with and being in the presence of other volunteers, visitors and other people. I understand that these risks include risks of injury, illness, death, and property damage or loss, and that they may arise from my own actions or from the actions of others at or near reproductive health services facilities or program events at other locations or encountered when traveling for CCC activities. I also understand that even if CCC, I, and other persons present at or near reproductive health services facilities or other program locations follow all health and safety protocols, I may still be exposed to COVID-19 or other infectious diseases.
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Awareness and Assumption of Risk
I understand the information above, and confirm and acknowledge that these are risks associated with volunteering. With such information and awareness, and with the recognition that other factors may create additional such risks, I knowingly, freely, and voluntarily: (a) sign up to volunteer for CCC; (b) engage in volunteer activities; and (c) assume and accept the risks of all injury, death, property damage or loss, financial obligation, loss of privacy, loss of reputation, and all other injuries and other consequences, whether known or unknown, whether foreseen or unforeseeable, and whether incurred at or near reproductive health services facilities or elsewhere, that may result, directly or indirectly, from my participation as a CCC volunteer, regardless of the cause.
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Waiver and Release of Claims
I waive, release, and forever discharge CCC and each of its past and present directors, officers, agents, employees, volunteers, and affiliates (collectively, “CCC Parties”) from any and all liability, claims, costs, and expenses of any kind and of whatever nature which I or my heirs, next of kin, or legal representatives may have or which may later accrue, caused by or arising directly or indirectly from my presence at or near reproductive health services facilities, at or near other program locations, or participation in CCC activities. This release and waiver includes, in each such case, all claims in respect of the risks noted above, known and unknown, foreseen and unforeseeable, regardless of the cause or whether such claims arise from tort, contract, or otherwise, and even if caused by negligence, whether passive or active. I will not sue any of the CCC Parties on the basis of these waived, released, and discharged claims. I waive the protections of Section 1542 of the California Civil Code.
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Indemnification
In addition, I will fully defend, indemnify and hold harmless CCC Parties from any and all claims or causes of action of any nature whatsoever, whether or not involving a third party claim, which arise out of or relate, directly or indirectly, to participation as a volunteer by myself, my family members, dependents, or guests, including any minors. Any and all claims includes but is not limited to demands, losses, expenses (including but not limited to reasonable attorney's fees and costs). My obligation to indemnify CCC Parties shall survive any termination of this agreement.
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Medical Condition
I understand that I am solely responsible for knowing my own physical condition and making my own decision about volunteering.
Medical Care Consent and Waiver
I authorize CCC Parties to provide me with first aid and to arrange medical assistance, transportation, and emergency medical services for me if I get hurt while volunteering. I understand that CCC Parties are not obligated to provide this care. I also understand that I am solely responsible for any costs related to my medical treatment and transport, and that CCC does not provide health, medical, disability, or other insurance coverage for me.
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General Provisions
I understand that this Agreement will be binding for so long as I am a volunteer for CCC, and my indemnification shall survive any termination of this agreement. This Agreement will run in favor of, and may be enforced by, each of the CCC Parties, and will bind my heirs, next of kin, and legal representatives. This Agreement will be binding to the fullest extent permitted by law. If any provision of this Agreement is found to be unenforceable, the other terms remain effective. This Agreement will be governed by California law.
I affirm that I am of legal age and able to sign on my own behalf and am freely signing this Agreement. I have read this Agreement and fully understand that by signing this Agreement, I am giving up legal rights and remedies that may be available to me and to other persons.
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I affirm that I am the parent or legal guardian of the participant and am freely signing this document on their behalf. I certify that I have the authority to sign on behalf of the participant and to make decisions for the participant regarding volunteering. I will also fully defend, indemnify, hold harmless, waive, release, and forever discharge CCC Parties from any and all liability, claims, costs, and damages of any kind which I may have resulting or arising directly or indirectly from the participant’s participation in volunteering, and my indemnification shall survive any termination of this agreement. I have read this Agreement and fully understand that by signing this Agreement, I am giving up legal rights and remedies that may be available to the participant, to me, and to other persons.