Terms and conditions
Starting with five important definitions
Members
Individuals who purchased a membership on Rissa Citizen Science’s website.
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Projects
Frameworks through which Rissa Citizen Science transforms its mission into concrete actions to create measurable change. Rissa Citizen Science’s various projects are described on the nonprofit’s website. You can't join a project, but you are welcome to join an event!
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Events
Events serve as hands-on, engaging activities that bring people together to support the nonprofit’s mission. These events may include workshops, field excursions, or educational gatherings and are designed to involve the community directly in the nonprofit’s environmental goals. They provide volunteers with the opportunity to actively contribute, learn about local environmental challenges, and gain skills in areas like species monitoring, habitat restoration, or sustainable practices.
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Volunteers
Individuals who participate in the events. They are community-minded, curious, passionate and eager to make a positive environmental impact. They come from diverse backgrounds, bringing unique skills and perspectives that contribute to the nonprofit’s mission. Whether they’re locals, travellers, or dedicated nature enthusiasts, volunteers are united by a shared commitment to protecting the environment and a willingness to learn, engage, and lend a helping hand. By taking part, these volunteers become active advocates for change, embodying the spirit of the nonprofit’s mission and hopefully inspiring others to join in the efforts.
Donors
All compassionate supporters who believe in the power of grassroots action to protect the environment and preserve biodiversity. They may not participate in events, but they play an essential role in the life of the nonprofit. Their support is a testament to their trust in Rissa Citizen Science’s mission statement.
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And then the arid but very important stuff
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Membership
A membership is confirmed when Rissa Citizen Science receives confirmation that the membership fee has been paid by the member. From this date, the membership is valid for one year. Members can decide not to renew their membership, and in that case the members must inform Rissa Citizen Science of their decision by email at info@rissa-cs.org. Memberships are personal and cannot be transferred to another person than the person who purchased the membership.
The membership fee is NOK 400 for residents of Northern Norway, and NOK 1,250 for visitors (people not residing in Northern Norway). Rissa Citizen Science reserves the right to request a proof of residency such as an electricity or phone invoice from individuals who have purchased a membership as residents of Northern Norway. Rissa Citizen Science reserves the right to cancel a membership if the member has failed to share a proof of residency, or if Rissa Citizen Science decides that the proof of residency is insufficient or unconvincing. To purchase a membership as a resident of Northern Norway, the person must reside in Northern Norway at the date of the registration.​​​​
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Reimbursement of the membership fee
If the member is a visitor, and if it is the first time they have signed up to an event-for-members-only on Rissa Citizen Science’s website, if the event is cancelled by Rissa Citizen Science, the member can obtain the reimbursement of their membership fee by requesting it by email at info@rissa-cs.org. The member must receive confirmation from Rissa Citizen Science that their request has been received. Once the member has received this confirmation, Rissa Citizen Science will reimburse the member within two weeks. Once the membership is reimbursed, the person is no longer considered a member of Rissa Citizen Science.
Apart from this situation, the membership fee is nonrefundable.
Events
Rissa Citizen Science organizes two types of events. Those open to anyone, and those open to Rissa Citizen Science’s members only. All one-day events are free, unless stated otherwise on the event’s description available on Rissa Citizen Science’s website. Events that last longer than one day may require from the volunteers to contribute financially through a donation, and in that case, this must be described on Rissa Citizen Science’s website.
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For the events open to anyone, anyone is welcome to sign up or RSVP and join the event for free. For events-for-members-only, volunteers must first become a member of Rissa Citizen Science to sign up. Members can sign up to as many events as they wish, for as long as their membership is valid, in the limit of the available slots if the number of slots is limited, and they can join the events-for-members-only for free.
At the start of every event-for-members-only, Rissa Citizen Science reserves the right to request identification such as a passport or valid photo identification card to verify the identity of the person and ensure that the person corresponds the members who signed up. Rissa Citizen Science reserves the right to refuse a volunteer who fails to show that they are the member who signed up to the event.
A member shall not sign up to an event for another person.
Rissa Citizen Science reserves the right to cancel a volunteer at any point before or during an event if a Rissa Citizen Science’s representative considers that the volunteer is unwell, or unable to safely participate in the event, or is displaying an aggressive, or illegal or disrespectful, or inappropriate behaviour. If a Rissa Citizen Science chooses to cancel a volunteer while on the event, Rissa Citizen Science agrees to call a taxi for the volunteer and the taxi is at the volunteer’s cost.
Delays may occur. Rissa Citizen Science will under no circumstance be liable to cover any costs related to delays if we are late because of traffic, road works, accidents, bad weather, avalanches, sudden illness or other unexpected events that may affect the project’s research fieldwork event. In the case of such an event and delay, Rissa Citizen Science is not responsible for missed flights, missed signed-up activities or any other kind of loss.
Before joining an event, visiting volunteers must have their own travel insurance.
Donations
All donations to Rissa Citizen Science are in Norwegian kroner. Donations are strictly non-refundable.
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Age
There is no age restriction to be a member of Rissa Citizen Science.
Unless specified on Rissa Citizen Science’s website, there is no age restriction to join an event. Minors (individual under 18 years of age) must be accompanied by an adult responsible for their supervision. By signing-up to an event with Rissa Citizen Science, adults responsible for the supervision of a minor are agreeing that they and the minor they are responsible for understand the type of event they are joining.
Rissa Citizen Science reserved the right to request identification such as a passport or valid photo identification card to verify the age of a volunteer. Rissa Citizen Science reserves the right to deny volunteers access to an event if the volunteer fails to provide a valid identification showing that the person is over 18. Rissa Citizen Science reserves the right to deny volunteers access to an event if the volunteer is a minor.
If a volunteer is found to be a minor, Rissa Citizen Science is relieved of responsibility and duty of care for the underage volunteer. If Rissa Citizen Science’s representative calls a taxi for a volunteer, the taxi is at the cost of the volunteer.
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Cancellations
The following applies to Rissa Citizen Science’ events only. Each event operated by a partner provider will come under their terms and conditions.
Rissa Citizen Science is not liable for any change of mind, illness, delay, non-attendance or other circumstance by volunteers, including environmental conditions that are outside Rissa Citizen Science’ control.
If Rissa Citizen Science considers that the environmental conditions are unsafe or unsuitable, or for logistical issues outside of Rissa Citizen Science’ control, or if there are less than the minimum number of volunteers, Rissa Citizen Science deserves the right to cancel the event. This cancellation can occur anytime, before or during the event. If possible, a new sign-up will be offered. Rissa Citizen Science is not responsible for expenses members have had while preparing for this event, for example flight tickets, rental car or accommodation.
Rissa Citizen Science reserves the right to refuse a volunteer if Rissa Citizen Science’s representative considers that the volunteer is unable to safely participate in the event, or has an aggressive, or illegal, or disrespectful, or inappropriate behaviour.
Equipment
Any loss or damages to Rissa Citizen Science’s equipment will be charged to the signed-up volunteer. Any costs will be paid in full by the volunteer involved. By signing-up to an event, volunteers are agreeing to these terms.
Health
Rissa Citizen Science and Rissa Citizen Science’ representatives have the right to refuse any volunteers to join activities if deemed the event is too physically demanding for them.
For some events, Rissa Citizen Science reserves the right to ask volunteers to provide Rissa Citizen Science with a medical certificate in English when they sign up. All medical certificates are valid for 12 months, or until the health of a volunteer changes. Rissa Citizen Science reserves the right to refuse a volunteer if the volunteer fails to present a valid medical certificate when requested to do so when the volunteer sign up.
By signing-up to an event with Rissa Citizen Science, volunteers are agreeing that they understand the type of event they signed-up to and the challenges involved. Rissa Citizen Science is unable to end or cancel an event due to a volunteers’ medical condition or deterioration of health whilst on an event. Rissa Citizen Science agrees to call an ambulance or a taxi for the volunteer. Volunteers agree to notify Rissa Citizen Science of medical conditions and medications used by the volunteer.
Volunteers’ responsibilities
By signing-up to a Rissa Citizen Science’s event, volunteers are agreeing to the following obligations:
The volunteers are responsible for selecting events that are suitable according to their interests and abilities. If the volunteer is uncertain, please contact Rissa Citizen Science directly, in writing.
The volunteers shall follow all local laws. Rissa Citizen Science do not tolerate drug use or any violations of Norwegian Law. The Police will be contacted if volunteers are found to be using any substances.
Volunteers are to assume conditions may be cold and the walking surfaces slippery, uneven, unstable or otherwise. Volunteers agree to behave accordingly, and to dress appropriately to weather conditions and terrain. Volunteers agree that they understand that they are responsible for their own behaviour.
By signing-up to an event, volunteers understand that the Rissa Citizen Science’s representatives do not know how volunteers are feeling or if they need assistance, unless volunteers communicate this in English clearly to the Rissa Citizen Science’s representative and the representative confirms they have understood.
If a volunteer becomes ill, cold or becomes concerned or frightened at any point before or during the event, they are expected to make this situation known to the Rissa Citizen Science’s representative. This will give the Rissa Citizen Science’s representative the opportunity to act accordingly. A Rissa Citizen Science’s representative can only know the information that the volunteer has provided to them. Rissa Citizen Science’s representatives will assume the volunteers are happy, comfortable and well unless informed otherwise.
Volunteers shall treat all equipment and the environment with respect. No litter is to be left in nature on any event.
Ownership and copyright
Photos taken by Rissa Citizen Science’s representatives shall remain Rissa Citizen Science’s ownership exclusively. Volunteers can use the photos for private use only, share them on social media crediting Rissa Citizen Science. Volunteers can share the photos taken and provided by a Rissa Citizen Science’s representative on the condition that the watermark on the photo remains visible.
Volunteers are permitted to print photos taken and provided by a Rissa Citizen Science’s representative for private use only and no commercial use is permitted.
Using photographic materials to promote any event that is not strictly related to, and permitted by, Rissa Citizen Science or publishing of Rissa Citizen Science’ photos in paper media requires Rissa Citizen Science’s written permission. Not respecting these terms of conditions will expose the violator to judicial proceedings.
Photos taken by a Rissa Citizen Science’s representative during an event may be used to communicate about Rissa Citizen Science, about Rissa Citizen Science’s projects or events in any media managed by Rissa Citizen Science. Volunteers grant Rissa Citizen Science a perpetual, royalty-free, worldwide, irrevocable license to use the photos where they are identifiable. If a volunteer does not accept this, they must let Rissa Citizen Science know in writing before the event.
Rissa’s limitations of liability
Rissa Citizen Science and Rissa Citizen Science’s representative take no responsibility for volunteers’ negligent or wilful acts that lead to their own or others’ death, personal injury, loss, damage, or deterioration of a person or property.
After an event has started, Rissa Citizen Science is not responsible of delays or interruptions of the event due to naturally occurring events, if third party persons or volunteers need emergency assistance such as road incidents or nature-made accidents, illness within the project group, broken equipment, food poisoning, theft, delays, strikes, terrorism, civil disturbance, government restrictions or other unforeseen events. Rissa Citizen Science reserves the right to alter routes, itineraries or timetables without prior notice, should the necessity arise. Rissa Citizen Science is not liable, responsible for losses or expenses due to delays or changes of arrival or departure of flights, cruise ships or other services, injury, illness, injury, incident, strikes, damage, negligence, weather, war or other causes outside the control of Rissa Citizen Science. All such losses and expenses are the personal liability of the volunteer.
Privacy policy
Registering on Rissa Citizen Science’s website to become a member of Rissa Citizen Science and signing up to an event requires from the volunteers to enter the following personal information: name, age, email address and phone number, credit card information to purchase the membership or/and donate. The purpose of handling the volunteer’s personal data is for Rissa Citizen Science to be able to communicate with the volunteer before and after the projects and access needed information relevant for the event the volunteer has signed-up for. Personal data shall not be disclosed to third parties and shall remain confidential. This Privacy Policy may be updated by Rissa Citizen Science.
Volunteers have the right, at any time, to object to the processing of their personal data. In addition, volunteers are entitled, at any time, to demand compliance with applicable data protection laws, namely: to receive information regarding the processing of their personal data; to obtain access to their personal information and verify how this personal data is processed by Rissa Citizen Science; to demand rectification and/or supplementation of erroneous and/or insufficient personal data; to demand the removal of their personal data; to object to the processing of their personal data on a basis related to their personal situation; and to demand a restriction in the processing of their personal data.
Volunteers must submit a request for the implementation of the aforementioned rights in writing to info@rissa-cs.org. the Rissa Citizen Science may ask volunteers to specify the details of their request in writing and to confirm the volunteer’s identity, before processing their request.