United Collective
[email protected]
623-688-0782
www.unitedcollective.org

July 30, 2025

Ryan Dazzo

18426 W. Sanna St.
Waddell, AZ 85355

Dear Ryan Dazzo,

Re: Independent Contractor Offer Letter

We are pleased to extend to you an offer to work with United Collective as an independent contractor. Based on our discussions and mutual interest, we believe your skills and experience will be a great fit for our needs, and we are excited to move forward with this collaboration.

1. Project/Services

You will provide the following services to United Collective (the “Services”):

1. Contractor tasks (collectively, the “Services”) may include, but are not limited to: 

2. Contractor agrees to use their best efforts to fulfill the obligations under this Agreement and to act in good faith and in the best interests of Company during the term of this Agreement. Contractor shall not engage in any conduct that is detrimental to Company's interests or that could reasonably be expected to harm Company's reputation.

3. Contractor shall perform Services promptly and on time in accordance with each project timeline. 

4. Contractor shall protect and keep confidential all Company Intellectual Property Rights, including client information and program details. 

5. Contractor has and can provide fingerprint clearance card. 

2. Communication:

   1. Contractor and Company shall frequently communicate with each other the Company to ensure smooth operations and to address all questions, comments, concerns, and emergent problems.

   2. Contractor shall promptly notify the Company in the event of an illness, injury, incapacity, or emergency, which will, or may, impact Contractor’s ability to fulfill their obligations under this Agreement. Calling out for any reason will not be compensated as a replacement has to be found. 

2. Term of Agreement

This agreement will commence on August 21, 2025 and will continue until December 11, 2025 or until the completion of the project, unless otherwise terminated by either party as outlined below.

3. Compensation

You will be compensated as follows:

• Rate of Pay: The Instructor shall be compensated at a rate of $15.00 per student per instructional hour (“Total Rate”). Compensation is based solely on the number of students enrolled in the class and the instructional hours provided. No additional compensation shall be provided for preparation, grading, communication, meetings, or any time spent outside of direct instructional hours. Payment will be issued according to the community’s payment schedule.  

• Payment Schedule: Bi-Weekly

• Payments will be made via Found.  If you do not have Found it will be sent by either direct deposit or by a check.  

4. Independent Contractor Status

As an independent contractor, you are not an employee of United Collective. You are responsible for paying any and all taxes, including but not limited to self-employment taxes, applicable to the compensation you receive from us. You will not be entitled to any employee benefits (such as health insurance, paid time off, or retirement plans).

Please acknowledge your acceptance of this offer by signing  a copy of this letter. We look forward to working with you and achieving great results together.

Should you have any questions or require further clarification, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 623-688-0782 or [email protected].

Sincerely,
Kristen Sylvester
Campus Director/Founder
United Collective 

Acknowledgment and Acceptance
I, Ryan Dazzo, hereby accept the offer of independent contractor services outlined in this letter.

Job Title: Independent Contractor 

Job Title: Independent Contractor/Instructor
Organization: United Collective 

 Position Type: Independent Contractor/Instructor 

Instructor:
The Instructor plays a vital role in creating a Christ-centered, engaging, and academically enriching classroom experience for students in a hybrid homeschooling environment. This position is responsible for preparing and delivering high-quality lessons one day a week that align with the community’s educational goals, fostering a love for learning, and encouraging students to grow both academically and spiritually.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan, prepare, and teach interactive lessons that align with provided curriculum and community standards.
   

• Integrate biblical principles into instruction, fostering a Christian worldview in the classroom.
   

• Create a positive, respectful, and nurturing learning environment that supports individual student needs.
   

• Communicate regularly with parents regarding student progress, classroom activities, and expectations.
   

• Maintain accurate attendance and student performance records.
   

• Collaborate with other instructors and leadership to ensure consistency in educational delivery.
   

• Manage classroom behavior effectively, using discipline strategies that reflect grace and respect.
   

• Assist in set-up and clean-up of classroom space before and after instruction.
   

Qualifications

• Passion for Christian education and discipleship.
   

• Previous teaching experience in a classroom or homeschool setting preferred.
   

• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
   

• Ability to inspire and motivate students in both academic and character development.
   

• Commitment to the mission, vision, and values of the community.
   

Join us in welcoming families to United Collective, where faith, learning, and community come together under the strength and courage of our lion-hearted mission! 

Acknowledgment and Acceptance
I, Ryan Dazzo acknowledge and understand the independent contractor services outlined in this description.  

UNITED COLLECTIVE INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR AGREEMENT

This Independent Contractor Agreement (the “Agreement”) is entered into as of August 21, 2025 between Ryan Dazzo (“Contractor”) and United Collective (the “Company”), an Arizona domestic nonprofit corporation having its primary operating address at 5800 North Litchfield Road, Litchfield Park, AZ 85340. The Contractor and the Company are individually referred to as “Party” and may be collectively referred to as the “Parties.”

1. Services.

   1. The Company engages Contractor, and Contractor accepts such engagement, as an independent contractor to provide certain services to the Company on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

   2. Contractor shall provide to the Company the services listed on the attached Addendum (the "Services").

   3. The Company shall provide Contractor with access to premises, materials, information, and systems needed to perform the Services.

2. Term. 

   1. The term of this Agreement shall commence on August 21, 2025 and shall continue until the end of the semester on December 11th, 2025, (the "Term") unless earlier terminated in accordance with the Termination clause. Any extension of the Term will be subject to mutual written agreement between Contractor and the Company.

3. Fees and Expenses.

   1. As full compensation for the Services and the rights granted to the Company in this Agreement, the Company shall pay Contractor an hourly rate as listed in the Addendum (the "Fees"), the amount and payable dates set forth in the Payment Schedule on the Addendum. 

   2. Contractor acknowledges that they will receive an IRS 1099 Form from the Company, and that they shall be solely responsible for all federal, state, and local taxes.

   3. Contractor acknowledges that they shall be solely responsible for their own insurance plans, contributions, and claims.

   4. Except as possibly set forth in the Addendum, Contractor is solely responsible for their own expenses, and in no event shall the Company reimburse Contractor for any such costs or expenses.

4. Relationship of the Parties.

   1. Contractor is an independent contractor of the Company, and this Agreement shall not be understood to create any other association, partnership, joint venture, employment, or agency relationship. 

   2. Contractor has no authority (and shall not hold themselves out as having authority) to bind the Company. Contractor shall not make any agreements or representations on the Company's behalf without the Company's prior written consent.

5. Intellectual Property Rights.

   1. All intellectual property rights, including copyrights, patents, patent disclosures and inventions (whether patentable or not), trademarks, service marks, trade secrets, know-how, and other confidential information, trade dress, trade names, logos, corporate names and domain names, together with all of the associated goodwill, derivative works, and all other rights (collectively, “Intellectual Property Rights”) in and to all deliverables, documents, work product, and other materials that are delivered to the Company under this Agreement or prepared by or on behalf of Contractor in the course of performing the Services shall be owned exclusively by the Company (collectively, “Deliverables”). 

   2. All intellectual property rights previously owned by the Contractor remain the Contractor’s property. 

   3. Works Made for Hire. Contractor agrees that, with respect to any Deliverables that may qualify as “work made for hire” as defined in 17 U.S.C. §101, those Deliverables are deemed as “work made for hire” for the Company. To the extent necessary, the Company and the Contractor may engage in a separate written agreement in alignment with Company policy to agree to a specific “work made for hire”. To the extent that any of the Deliverables do not constitute a “work made for hire,” Contractor irrevocably assigns to the Company all Intellectual Property Rights worldwide in the Deliverables.

   4. Photo Release. Contractor hereby grants Company and its affiliates the irrevocable and unrestricted right to use, reproduce, and distribute any photographs, images, videos, sound recordings, or likenesses of the Contractor taken during performances, practice, events, or promotional activities, for marketing, promotional, or informational purposes. These materials may be used in various media including, but not limited to, websites, social media, brochures, and advertisements. Contractor releases and discharges Company from all claims and demands arising out of or in connection with the use of said photographs, images, or likenesses.

6. Confidentiality.

   1. Contractor acknowledges that they will have access to information that is treated as confidential and proprietary by the Company including, without limitation the digital file, text, and terms of this Agreement, trade secrets, technology, and information pertaining to business operations, strategies, and infrastructure, agents, bookers, communication, customers, pricing, marketing, finances, sourcing, relationships, personnel, or operations of the Company, its affiliates, or their suppliers or customers, in each case whether spoken, written, printed, electronic, or in any other form or medium (collectively, the "Confidential Information"). 

   2. Any Confidential Information that Contractor accesses, develops, or obtains in connection with the Services, including but not limited to any Deliverables, shall be subject to the terms and conditions of this clause. 

   3. Contractor agrees to treat all Confidential Information as strictly confidential, not to disclose Confidential Information or permit it to be disclosed without the prior written consent of the Company in each instance, and not to use any Confidential Information for any purpose except as required in the performance of the Services. 

   4. Contractor shall notify the Company immediately in the event they become aware of any loss or disclosure of any Confidential Information. Contractor may ask the Company for clarification if they are unsure of the confidentiality impacts of a specific interaction or instance.

   5. Confidential Information shall not include information that:

      1. is or becomes generally available to the public other than through Contractor’s breach of this Agreement; or

      2. is communicated to Contractor by a third party that had no confidentiality obligations with respect to such information.

   6. Nothing in this Agreement shall:

      1. be construed to prevent disclosure of Confidential Information as may be required by applicable law or regulation, or pursuant to the valid order of a court of competent jurisdiction or an authorized government agency, provided that the disclosure does not exceed the extent of disclosure required by such law, regulation, or order

   7. Mandatory Notice of Immunity Under the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016 ("DTSA"). Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement:

      1. Contractor will not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for any disclosure of a trade secret that:

         1. is made: (A) in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney; and (B) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or

         2. is made in a complaint or other document that is filed under seal in a lawsuit or other proceeding.

      2. If Contractor files a lawsuit for retaliation by the Company for reporting a suspected violation of law, Contractor may disclose the Company's trade secrets to their own attorney. Contractor may use the trade secret information in the court proceeding if they:

         1. file any document containing the trade secret under seal; and

         2. do not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order.

7. Non-Solicitation. 

   1. During the Term of, and for a period of one year after the expiration or termination of this Agreement, Contractor shall not, directly or indirectly:

      1. solicit, induce, or attempt to induce any affiliate, employee, client, contractor, or other service provider of the Company to terminate their relationship with the Company;

      2. contact, call upon, communicate with, or attempt to communicate with any agent, family, affiliate, artist, booker, contractor, client, customer, employee, manager, licensee, or similar of the Company, or venue, that Contractor worked with or became aware of through their engagement under this Agreement, for the purpose of providing products or services similar to or competitive with those provided by the Company; or;

      3. assist, encourage, or finance any other person or entity in competition with the Company in pursuing any of the activities set forth above.

   2. Contractor acknowledges and agrees that the restrictions set forth in this clause are reasonable and necessary to protect the Company's legitimate business interests. Contractor further acknowledges that any violation of this clause will result in irreparable injury to the Company for which monetary damages alone would be an insufficient remedy, and the Company shall be entitled to obtain equitable relief, including injunctive relief, in addition to all other remedies available at law or equity.

8. Representations and Warranties.

   1. Contractor represents and warrants to the Company that:

      1. Contractor has the right to enter into this Agreement, to grant the rights granted in this Agreement, and to perform fully all of their obligations in this Agreement;

      2. Contractor entering into this Agreement with the Company, and their performance of the Services, do not and will not conflict with or result in any breach or default under any other agreement to which Contractor is subject; 

      3. Contractor has the required skill, experience, and qualifications to perform the Services, they shall perform the Services in a professional, timely, and reliable manner; 

      4. Contractor has and can provide a fingerprint clearance card. 

      5. Contractor shall perform the Services in compliance with all applicable federal, state, local, and professional laws and regulations;

      6. To the best of Contractor’s reasonable knowledge, all Deliverables do not and will not violate or infringe upon the intellectual property rights, or any other rights, of any person, firm, corporation, or other entity.

   2. The Company represents and warrants to Contractor that:

      1. it has the full right, power, and authority to enter into this Agreement and to perform its obligations. 

9. Termination.

   1. Voluntary termination. Either Party may terminate this Agreement without cause upon 30 calendar days' written notice to the other Party. If the Company terminates the Agreement, the Company shall compensate the Contractor on a pro-rata basis for any Services completed up to and including the termination date. If the Contractor terminates the Agreement, the Contractor shall be compensated only for Services completed up to the termination date and shall forfeit any unearned Fees.

   2. Parties may terminate this Agreement, effective immediately upon written notice to the other party to this Agreement, if the other party breaches this Agreement.

   3. Upon expiration or termination of this Agreement for any reason, or at any other time upon the Company's written request, Contractor shall promptly:

      1. deliver to the Company all Deliverables (whether complete or incomplete) and all materials, equipment, and other property provided for Contractor’s use by the Company;

      2. deliver to the Company all tangible documents and other media, including any copies, containing, reflecting, incorporating, or based on the Confidential Information;

      3. permanently delete all Confidential Information stored electronically in any form, including on computer systems, networks, and devices such as cell phones; and

      4. certify in writing to the Company that Contractor has complied with the requirements of this clause.

   4. The terms and conditions of this clause and clauses regarding Intellectual Property, Confidentiality, Non-Solicitation, Indemnification, Remedies, Arbitration, and Governing Law.

10. Assignment. 

    1. Contractor shall not assign any rights or delegate or subcontract any obligations under this Agreement without the Company's prior written consent. 

    2. The Company may freely assign its rights and obligations under this Agreement in the event of Contractor’s breach, termination, or incapacity to full their obligations of this Agreement. Subject to the limits on assignment stated above, this Agreement will inure to the benefit of, be binding on, and be enforceable against each of the Parties and their respective successors and assigns.

11. DISCLAIMER. 

The Contractor makes no guarantees regarding specific outcomes or results from the Services provided. Success may depend on many factors outside the Contractor’s control, including but not limited to the Company’s participation, decision-making, and external circumstances. The Company is responsible for reviewing and approving all materials prepared by the Contractor before they are used or distributed. The Contractor is not liable for any loss, damages, or legal issues that arise from materials that were approved by the Company.

12. Governing Law, Jurisdiction, and Venue. 

This Agreement and all related documents, including all addendums and schedules attached, are governed by the State of Arizona. Any action or proceeding by either of the Parties to enforce this Agreement shall be brought only in any state or federal court located in the State of Arizona. 

13. Disputes.

    1. The Parties shall first attempt to resolve any dispute or disagreement among themselves through good-faith negotiations and discussions. If the dispute cannot be resolved through negotiation, the Members shall attempt to resolve it through mediation conducted by a neutral third-party mediator. The mediator shall be selected by mutual agreement of the Parties. If the dispute cannot be resolved through mediation, the Members shall submit the dispute to binding arbitration in accordance with the rules of the Federal Arbitration Act (FAA). The arbitration shall be conducted in Arizona and the award of the arbitrator shall be final and binding on all parties. BOTH PARTIES AGREE TO WAIVE THEIR RIGHT TO A JURY TRIAL.

14. Indemnification.

    1. Contractor shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the Company and its affiliates from and against all losses, damages, liabilities, deficiencies, actions, judgments, interest, awards, penalties, fines, costs, or expenses of whatever kind (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of or resulting from:

       1. bodily injury, death of any person, or damage to real or tangible personal property resulting from Contractor’s acts or omissions; or

       2. Contractor’s breach of any representation, warranty, or obligation under this Agreement.

15. ASSIGNMENT. 

    1. Client may not assign, transfer or sell all or any part of its rights or obligations hereunder, by operation of law or otherwise. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties and their respective heirs, legal representatives, successors and permitted assigns.

16. NOTICES. 

    1. All official notices under this Agreement shall conducted via email, and confirmed receipt in writing by the recipient. The preferred contact information for notices are as follows:

       1. Client: [email protected]

       2.  Company: [email protected]

17. SEVERABILITY.

    1. If any term or provision of this Agreement is invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality, or unenforceability shall not affect any other term or provision of this Agreement or invalidate or render unenforceable such term or provision in any other jurisdiction.

18.  MODIFICATION OR WAIVER. 

    1. No purported amendment, modification or waiver of any portion of this Agreement shall be binding unless set forth in a writing signed by all Parties (in the case of amendments and modifications) or by the Party to be charged thereby (in the case of waivers). Any waivers shall be limited to the circumstance or events specifically referenced in the written waiver document and shall not be deemed a waiver of any other term of this Agreement, or of any preceding or subsequent matter, or of the same circumstance or event upon any reoccurrence of such circumstance or event. The failure of either Party to insist upon the strict performance of any provision of this Agreement or to exercise any right or remedy under this Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver of such provision, right, or remedy.

19. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. 

    1. This Agreement, together with any other documents incorporated by reference, constitutes the sole and entire agreement of the Parties to this Agreement supersedes all prior and contemporaneous understandings, agreements, representations, and warranties, both written and oral, with respect to such subject matter.

20.  FORCE MAJEURE.

    1. Except for the payment of fees, neither party shall be liable for failure or delay in performance to the extent caused by circumstances beyond its reasonable control.

Acknowledgment and Acceptance
I, Ryan Dazzo, hereby have reviewed and understand the independent contractor services outlined in this contract.

ADDENDUM

This addendum is incorporated as an extension of the Independent Contractor Agreement executed by Ryan Dazzo (“Contractor”) and United Collective (the “Company”) to further outline the working relationship between the parties and detail the specific services performed under this agreement.

1. BACKGROUND.
a. Contractor is hired by Company to address and facilitate the membership enrichment process
by providing expertise as certified teachers and tutors, business trades, support staff guides, and adaptive
learner specialists. 
b. This work is centered around empowering education through community engagement and
real-world skill development.

1. This work is centered around empowering education through community engagement and real-world skill development. 

Contractor Services (may include but are not limited to):

Services. 

3. General:

   1. Contractor tasks (collectively, the “Services”) may include, but are not limited to: 

   2. Contractor agrees to use their best efforts to fulfill the obligations under this Agreement and to act in good faith and in the best interests of Company during the term of this Agreement. Contractor shall not engage in any conduct that is detrimental to Company's interests or that could reasonably be expected to harm Company's reputation.

   3. Contractor shall perform Services promptly and on time in accordance with each project timeline. 

   4. Contractor shall protect and keep confidential all Company Intellectual Property Rights, including client information and program details. 

   5. Contractor has and can provide fingerprint clearance card. 

4. Communication:

   1. Contractor and Company shall frequently communicate with each other the Company to ensure smooth operations and to address all questions, comments, concerns, and emergent problems.

   2. Contractor shall promptly notify the Company in the event of an illness, injury, incapacity, or emergency, which will, or may, impact Contractor’s ability to fulfill their obligations under this Agreement. 

2. Company Responsibilities. 

   1. The Company shall provide Contractor with all materials and access necessary for the Contractor to perform their services.

3. Payment schedule. 

   1. Payments shall occur bi-weekly through direct deposit Found. If Contractor does not have Found, they will be paid by direct depost or check. 

   2. Company shall pay to Contractor the agreed upon rate: 

      1. The Instructor shall be compensated at a rate of $15.00 per student per instructional hour (“Total Rate”). Compensation is based solely on the number of students enrolled in the class and the instructional hours provided. No additional compensation shall be provided for preparation, grading, communication, meetings, or any time spent outside of direct instructional hours. Payment will be issued according to the community’s payment schedule.  

      2. Company shall not be responsible for any additional expenses Contractor may incur unless approved in writing prior.

Acknowledgment and Acceptance
I, Ryan Dazzo,understand the independent contractor services outlined in this addendum.