As a Commissioned Guardian with Guardians of the Cats, a 501(c)(3) faith-based ministry, I understand that I am not just acting as a private individual—I am representing a ministry and a spiritual calling.

​

By submitting this application and serving as a Commissioned Guardian, I agree to the following:

​

1. Spiritual Calling & Representation

• I recognize that caring for community cats through Guardians of the Cats is a form of faith-based ministry and spiritual service.

• I understand that when I interact with neighbors, property owners, businesses, and authorities, I am representing Guardians of the Cats and not only myself.

• I agree to conduct myself in a way that reflects compassion, integrity, and respect, even when others are upset or unkind.

 

2. Stewardship & Care of Cats

• I agree to care for the cats in my area as responsibly as I can, within my abilities and circumstances.

• I will strive to:

  • Feed at consistent times rather than leaving large amounts of food unattended

  • Keep feeding areas as tidy and discreet as reasonably possible

  • Support spay/neuter (TNR) efforts when available, appropriate, and safe

• I will not intentionally cause harm, suffering, or neglect to any animal.

 

3. Conduct in the Community

• I agree to remain calm and non-confrontational when speaking with neighbors, property owners, businesses, or authorities.

• I will not:

  • Harass, threaten, or insult others in the name of the ministry

  • Escalate arguments or use ministry status to intimidate people

• If a situation becomes unsafe or hostile, I will prioritize safety, step away when possible, and document what happened rather than continuing to argue.

 

4. Use of Ministry Materials (Cards, Letters, Scripts)

• I agree to use official Guardians of the Cats materials—such as Commissioned Guardian cards, letter templates, scripts, and handouts—without altering their core wording.

• I may fill in my own information and factual details where blanks are provided, but I will not rewrite or add legal threats, spiritual claims, or hostile language that is not part of the original template.

• I understand that these tools are provided to support peaceful communication, boundary-setting, and documentation—not to attack, shame, or retaliate against others.

 

5. Truthfulness, Documentation & Law

• I agree that any information I provide in letters, incident reports, or conversations about specific incidents will be truthful and accurate to the best of my knowledge.

• I will not invent, exaggerate, or misrepresent events in order to gain advantage or to punish someone.

• When I document incidents (including harassment or threats), I will do so factually: dates, times, what was said or done, and who was present.

• I will make a good-faith effort to respect local laws, property rights, and any lawful directions from appropriate authorities, while still honoring my spiritual responsibilities.

 

6. Respect for Property & Boundaries

• I understand that private property owners and businesses have the right to set rules for what happens on their property.

• If a business or property owner clearly tells me not to feed cats on their property, I will respect that boundary and relocate my care to an area off their property, while still doing my best to manage the cats responsibly.

• I will not trespass, break locks, or enter restricted areas in the name of the ministry.

 

7. Accountability & Ministry Alignment

• I understand that my status as a Commissioned Guardian is a privilege and a spiritual responsibility, not a right.

• I acknowledge that misuse of ministry materials, dishonest representation, cruelty, or ongoing behavior that clearly contradicts this covenant may result in loss of Commissioned Guardian status and removal from ministry programs.

• If I am unsure how to handle a difficult situation, I will seek guidance rather than acting in anger, fear, or pride.

 

By agreeing to this covenant, I affirm that I wish to serve as a Commissioned Guardian in alignment with the mission and spirit of Guardians of the Cats: to care for vulnerable cats with compassion, to represent this ministry with integrity, and to be a peaceful presence in my community.