Hearts of Appalachia Project, Inc.
Guest Contributor Agreement
Please read the agreement below and complete the fields to acknowledge
Thank you for your willingness to share your voice with Hearts of Appalachia Project, Inc. ("HOA"). This agreement simply helps us honor your work, protect your authorship, and ensure clarity as we collaborate.
1. Purpose
This Agreement outlines how submitted written, audio, or multimedia content may be shared through HOA platforms, including our website, blog, social media, printed materials, and future digital applications.
2. Original Work
All submitted content should be the original work of the Contributor.
Contributor affirms that submitted material does not knowingly infringe upon the rights of others.
If sharing stories that include identifiable individuals, Contributor confirms appropriate permission has been obtained when needed.
3. Editorial Collaboration
If HOA believes edits are needed for clarity, formatting, or mission alignment, we will work collaboratively with the Contributor to make agreed-upon changes prior to publication.
Submissions will not be substantively altered without the Contributor’s knowledge and consent.
HOA reserves the right not to publish a submission if it does not align with the organization’s mission or standards.
4. Authorship, Usage & Cross-Publication
Contributor retains full authorship credit for all original work.
Contributor grants HOA a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to publish, promote, archive, and share the submitted content across HOA platforms and related media.
Excerpts may be used for promotional purposes with proper attribution.
Regarding publication elsewhere:
If content is created specifically for HOA, HOA will hold first publication rights.
Contributors are welcome to share links to the published piece and promote it across their personal platforms.
Full republication of the exact HOA-commissioned version elsewhere should be discussed in advance.
Independent monetization of content created specifically for HOA should be discussed and agreed upon in writing prior to use.
Contributors may include links to their personal blog, website, YouTube channel, or social media platforms in their contributor bio section.
5. Compensation
Unless otherwise agreed in writing, contributions are voluntary and unpaid. This Agreement does not establish an employment relationship.
6. Mission Alignment & Content Standards
Content should reflect respect for Appalachian communities, the dignity of individuals, and the faith-informed integrity central to HOA’s mission.
The following types of content are not appropriate for submission:
Political advocacy, partisan messaging, or promotion of political agendas.
Content primarily intended to advance personal, commercial, or organizational agendas unrelated to HOA’s mission.
Personal attacks, defamation, or speaking negatively about a specific individual, community, or region in a way that diminishes dignity.
Sensationalized portrayals of hardship that exploit rather than honor lived experience.
Stories may thoughtfully address historical struggles, systemic challenges, or difficult personal experiences when presented with respect, accuracy, and a constructive or reflective tone.
If content materially conflicts with these standards or the mission of HOA, collaboration may be discontinued.
7. Termination & Content Removal
Either party may end participation at any time with written notice.
Previously published content may remain archived unless removal is mutually agreed upon. Examples of circumstances where removal may be considered include:
Factual errors that materially affect the integrity of the piece.
Newly discovered copyright or permission concerns.
Substantial mission misalignment identified after publication.
A Contributor’s written request for removal due to personal safety, privacy, or unforeseen hardship.
HOA reserves the right to remove published content if it later violates the mission, content standards, or legal requirements of the organization.
8. Independent Contributor Status
The Contributor participates as an independent volunteer contributor. This Agreement does not create a partnership, employment, or board relationship.
9. Acknowledgment
By submitting the online Contributor Agreement form, the Contributor affirms that they have read, understood, and agreed to the terms outlined above.
Electronic submission, including typed name and date, constitutes a legally binding acknowledgment of this Agreement.
Hearts of Appalachia Project, Inc. will retain a digital record of the submission for documentation purposes.
