Arbaeen Medical Mission

PERSONAL COVENANT AND LIABILITY RELEASE FORM—affirmative acceptance and signature required (on online form)

The guidelines listed below are provided for those participating with Imamia Medics International to familiarize you with what to anticipate and to advise you of our policies. You go not as a tourist, but as a guest of another country to provide valuable medical services. Iraq does not have the same conveniences you are used to at home. It is very important to be flexible and willing to adjust culture, environment, and accommodations. I recognize and accept the following conditions which will further the usefulness and safety of our trip:

1. To strictly adhere to ALL IMI protocols and guidelines (ranging from infection control to IMI governance).
2. This is a medical mission and not a ziyarat group.
3. This is a general medical camp—i.e. the majority of cases include flu, body aches, sores, contraceptive needs, etc. and is not extremely specialized. In some instances, as needed, specialists MAY be called on to perform services at hospitals but that is NOT the core of work.
4. Any future activities resulting from my time in Iraq and/or involvement in the mission or with IMI, must be reported to IMI (via IMI HQ) to be coordinated through the relevant body in IMI (as directed in further communication).
5. All delegates represent IMI in the field however, I do not have the authority to make assurances of any additional plans/work on behalf of IMI (unless specifically discussed).
6. This medical mission, despite precautions and risk mitigation protocols by IMI, includes an assumption of risk of contracting COVID 19.

As a member of this team, I agree to:

1. Attend all team meetings possible—including those prior to, during, and after the trip.
2. Expeditiously follow up on all requirements for passports, visas, financial obligations, vaccinations, travel insurance, etc.
3. Work diligently at my placement location and understand that this mission is an intense work experience.
4. Work as required including additional shifts or responsibilities that may arise due to changes on the ground.
5. Work with professionalism which includes appropriate well mannered engagement with ALL staff, volunteers and patients as well as being on time for my shift.
6. Refrain from meddling, complaining, obscene or insensitive humor. I realize that others on my team, and those in Iraq will consider me to be a representative of Imamia Medics International, and I will not treat that responsibility lightly.
7. Maintain an attitude that I am on this medical mission to try to have an open mind and understand the host culture, not to convince them of my own viewpoint or style. I will go acknowledging that there are many different ways to accomplish the same objective, and that my way is not necessarily the best.
8. Abstain from derogatory comments or arguments regarding people, politics, sports, religion, gender, race, cultural differences or traditions.
9. Go as a team member and servant, and will have that attitude when dealing with my fellow team members and the people I meet during the trip.
10. Accept and submit to the leadership role and authority of the team leader and promise to abide by his or her decisions as they concern this trip.
11. Observe the rules set by Imamia Medics International and/or partnering organizations, including reporting on time for my shifts and understanding that my primary responsibility is to provide medical care as part of this delegation.
12. Acknowledge that during this journey, I am subjecting myself to certain risks voluntarily, including and in addition to those risks that I normally face in my personal and business life, including, but not limited to such things as health hazards due to poor food and water, diseases, pests, and poor sanitation; potential danger from lack of control of the local population; potential injury while working; and inadequate medical facilities.
13. Understand that our team's work is only a portion of the bigger picture that Imamia Medics International and our partners are trying to accomplish. I promise not to be overly demanding, to do my best not to offend or cause embarrassment for the local partners, and to do my best to help them to attain their long-term goals.
14. I understand that travel, especially to remote locations, can be uncomfortable and sometimes difficult, and I promise to adopt a flexible attitude and be supportive as plans may need to be changed. I understand that I must travel with the rest of the team, unless other prior arrangements are made.
15. If a family member, loved one or dear friend is traveling with me, we agree to interact with all members of the team, not just one another.
16. I agree that in the event that my conduct is considered so unsatisfactory that it jeopardizes the success of the trip, and that counseling or mediation during the trip has failed to correct my behavior, that my services in connection with this trip shall end, and I shall return home immediately at my own expense.
17. I release all photographs, videos and digital media and consent that these may be used in any manner based on IMI’s discretion.
18. I agree to pay all fees and submit all necessary forms by the deadlines established by IMI.
19. Release and discharge the organizations and individuals which helped make these arrangements, including Imamia Medics International, its agents, employees, officers, and volunteers, from all claims, demands, actions, judgments, or executions that I have ever had, or now have, or may have, or which my heirs, executors, administrators, or assigns may have claim to have against these organizations, their agents, employees, officers, or volunteers, and their successors or assigns. For all personal injuries, known or unknown, and injuries to property, real or personal, caused by, or arising out of this trip. I intend to be legally bound by this statement.

In signing this application, I represent that I am 18 years of age or older, and I understand and agree to all the terms above. If under 18 years of age my parent/guardian signs below, accepting the above conditions on my behalf.