Please Read Carefully the Impact Team Volunteer Role Description & Contract and Sign below.

Impact Team Volunteer Role Description & Contract

The Purpose:

The purpose of the Impact Team Volunteer is to strengthen the witness and work of iTeams Canada’s Impact Programs by building personal relationships and connections with local leaders who give them a glimpse of the transformative work God is doing through them and their Christian congregations in implementing communities. These experiences are intended to become the building blocks of more expansive, mutual relationships between what iTeams Canada refers to as the Three Communities: the iTeams Canada community, the Partnership community, and the Implementing Community, which work together to see lives and communities transformed by the power of God.

The Person:

The person or persons for the role should be committed to iTeams Canada’s vision and values, and have the following qualities:

• Others-centredness
• Willingness to learn & follow direction
• Dedication
• Flexibility
• Collaboration
• Cultural Humility
• Attention & Listening
  

The Time Commitment:

A flexible and varying time commitment of at least 8 hours in Canada for training plus time for fundraising, and on average 8-10 days of service overseas (trip and location-dependent).

The Fundraising Commitment:

Impact Team Volunteers are responsible for raising their full personal fundraising goal. Fundraising goals are set by iTeams Canada, and are based on location-dependent rates, which include all essential costs related to an Impact Team trip including travel, in-country ministry materials, lodging, and food.

Prepayment

In the event that a volunteer’s fundraising goal is not met by the agreed upon due dates, the remaining balance must be paid upfront to iTeams Canada either by donation or using our Prepayment Option. The Prepayment Option allows individual team members with outstanding balances or the sending church/group to submit a cheque valuing the fundraising balance to cover their costs while they continue to fundraise up until, and 30 days after, their trip. Any amount of the fundraising balance raised during this time will be reimbursed to the issuer of the Prepayment Cheque, as long as it was properly submitted with a completed Prepayment Form, and was not given in the form of a donation. Any prepaid funds not covered by fundraising within this time frame will be reallocated as a donation at the end of this 30 day post-trip period and a tax receipt can be issued. Prepayments may also be used to cover the cost of flight deposits, where applicable.

Refunds

Per the Canada Revenue Agency, iTeams is unable to refund donations for any reason. This includes donations that are made for the purposes of arranging travel by land, air, or water, as well as arranging lodging, food, or other reasonable expenses. Donations are gifts that transfer ownership from the donor to the charity; once the transfer is made, the charity’s governing documents oblige it to use the gift to carry out its charitable purposes. Donations made to individuals whose travel is postponed due to a travel advisory will be held for one (1) year for the purpose of rescheduling travel, less any funds already used to cover travel and/or in-country costs. If, within one year from the original date of departure, the team has not rescheduled an Impact Team experience, donations made will be used at the discretion of iTeams Canada to carry out its charitable purposes.

Fundraising Surplus

In the event of a fundraising surplus, the surplus funds will be used at the discretion of iTeams Canada to carry out its charitable purposes. Designated giving to individuals or initiatives that fall outside the program structure will not be allowed or managed by International Teams Canada.

The Position:

The position will include, but is not limited to, the following activities interacting with the three communities that make up iTeams Canada Impact Programs:

iTEAMS CANADA COMMUNITY

As iTeams Canada facilitates their involvement with an Impact Program, the volunteer will be expected to comply with established screening, training, safety and data collection practices:

• Completing all required paperwork including supplying police checks, proof of travel insurance and parental consents (for those under 18)
• Consulting a medical doctor about necessary vaccinations for travel as outlined by Public Health Canada
• Self-identifying to the team leader any medical or physical concerns that may impact one’s ability to participate fully in the team experience
• Self-identifying to the team leader any medical or physical concerns that may impact one’s ability to participate fully in the team experience
• Acknowledging that the Government of Canada (Global Affairs Canada) advises on the risk associated with travel to international countries, and if the Government of Canada and/or local program leadership advises against non-essential travel and/or travel to a specific country, iTeams will decide to postpone travel for up to one (1) year for the safety and wellbeing of all participants.
• Engaging in all mandated Impact Team training/debrief elements and sessions

PARTNERSHIP COMMUNITY

As a participant of an Impact trip, the volunteer is joining a community of partners who support and relate to the Implementing Community before, during, and after time overseas. A positive and mutual partnership between partners, local leaders and their organizations in the implementing community adds velocity and kingdom value to the transformative work being done. As an Impact Team member and partner, the volunteer will be expected to:

• Respect the work and approach of the Local Leadership
• Honour the input of the Program Champion where it is given
• Learn about (before) and advocate for (after) the program and its work, with opportunities to participate in future initiatives in support of the program
• Meet all fundraising goals and deadlines punctually
• Steward donations well by keeping close track of those gifts needing receipts by using donor response slips, properly thanking donors and communicating the value of their support
• Commit to praying for program leadership and those benefiting from the work being done

IMPLEMENTING COMMUNITY

Implementing communities, led and controlled by wise local leadership and Christian congregations, know best the needs of their community, in many cases having dedicated their lives to the transformative work they are doing to break cycles of poverty. These Implementing Communities exist within the context of their own regional and national governance, whose restrictions and directives may differ from those in Canada. As guests, Impact Team Volunteers are given the privilege of being present in the implementing community with the permission of local leadership to learn, support, and build relationships with community members and staff. As such, and as representatives of iTeams and the partnership community, it is expected that Impact Team Volunteers:

• Abide by the requirements laid out by local governments and/or industries, including those related to international travel, and understands that failing to do so may result in denied entry into the destination country. Requirements may include but are not limited to obtaining visas, receiving immunizations, performing testing to confirm certain illnesses, or being required to isolate due to exposure to or confirmation of an illness.
• Abide by all standards, guidelines, rules, and practices as outlined by iTeams Canada and their associated leaders in the Implementing Community.

• Participate in all mandatory team activities, submitting to the supervision and discretion of Team Leader, the itinerary, and all local leadership with flexibility and a positive attitude
• Conduct themselves at all times in line with the iTeams Canada Code of Conduct, with cultural sensitivity and respect, allowing local expectations to govern their dress, speech, consumption of alcohol, tobacco or drugs, interactions with the opposite sex, handling of money, and any other behaviour deemed culturally inappropriate
• Respect the involvement of prayer, bible study, and church services
• Remain focused on the trip’s purposes; not treating the trip as a vacation or a self-serving experience, refraining from pursuing a romantic relationship with other team members during the trip or local community members at any time
• Always acknowledge the dignity, agency, and God-given value of local leaders and community members in any trip-related photography and storytelling, including, but not limited to, asking for permission to take photos, sharing only appropriate pictures and telling an individual's story only with consent.

Financial Liability & Cancellation Policy

Cancellation due to Travel Advisory

In the case that Global Affairs Canada and/or local partners advise against non-essential travel, iTeams Canada commits to postponing an Impact Team trip and holding any funds less any incurred in-country costs, flight cancellation fees, etc for one (1) year. If within one (1) year , the team is not able to reschedule their trip, all remaining funds will be used at the discretion of iTeams Canada to carry out its charitable purposes.

Other Cancellations

If the entire team opts to cancel their trip for a reason other than a government and/or local leadership travel advisory, after deposits and donations have already been submitted, the funds will be used at the discretion of iTeams Canada to carry out its charitable purposes. If an individual Impact Team Volunteer cancels after deposits and donations have already been submitted to iTeams Canada, the funds less any incurred in-country costs, flight cancellation fees, etc are transferred to the Impact team account to support the team’s fundraising progress. If iTeams Canada has not received payment of the team’s full fundraising goal amount 30 days prior to the Impact Team’s departure, and reasonable efforts have not been made to fulfill the financial obligation, iTeams Canada reserves the right to cancel the trip. All deposits and donations are non-refundable and will be used at the discretion of iTeams Canada to carry out its charitable purposes.

Risks & Demands

Some of the demands of a team experience may be, but are not limited to, the following:

Standing or walking for long periods of time, lifting and carrying luggage or equipment, transportation over rough or dusty roads, exposure to new allergens or illness, exposure to temperature extremes, a new or very different diet, shared living space, working in a team setting, limited personal time alone, fatigue, exposure to extreme poverty, sudden changes in itinerary or team plans, significant cultural/socio-economic differences, etc.

Some of the medical, climate, and/or personal safety risks of a team experience, including international travel and associated transportation and lodging may be, but are not limited to, the following:

Illness/exposure to contagious illness, Damage/theft/loss of personal items, exposure to sudden violence or political unrest, personal injury due to negligence, over-exertion or otherwise, flight cancellation/re-routing, etc.

iTeams Canada Values: Local leadership, Christian congregations, and people experiencing poverty. We aspire to excellence, measurable performance and stewardship. We are characterized by relationships, innovation and integrity.

iTeams Canada Code of Conduct

International Teams Canada exists to see lives and communities transformed by the power of God.

Purpose for a Code of Conduct:

As a Christ-centred organization, it is essential that all employees and volunteers understand and are willing to abide by this Code. This Code of Conduct acts as an extension of the iTeams Canada Values Statement, setting the standard by which iTeams Canada and its personnel operate.

All people are made in the image of God and should be treated with respect, honoured for their intrinsic value, and cared for in ways that glorify God. Any violation to the Code of Conduct is a direct barrier to seeing lives and communities transformed and can cause increased relational, spiritual, and material poverty.

iTeams Canada is committed to upholding the following ethical and moral standards:

1. Acting justly in all situations and treating all people with respect and dignity.
2. Zero tolerance for any form of sexual exploitation, harassment, abuse, or discrimination based on race, sexual orientation, gender or religion.
3. Protecting children and any other vulnerable individuals through safeguarding practices and policies (as described in the iTeams Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse course).
4. Not using one’s rank or position of power as iTeams personnel as a means to compel or force someone (eg. colleague, program participant, community member, or donor) to enter into any romantic and/or sexual personal relationship. Such relationships can undermine the credibility and integrity of iTeams Canada’s work.

Consequences for Violation:

iTeams Canada will ensure that all allegations are investigated, and that perpetrators are held to account. Employees risk disciplinary action up to and including prosecution and/or termination where appropriate for violations of this Code of Conduct. Likewise, volunteers and other iTeams-connected personnel risk dismissal from their engagement with iTeams Canada, risk being denied opportunities with other international development organizations, and risk prosecution for violations of this Code of Conduct.

Reporting Mechanism:

iTeams Canada will accept complaints about violations to policies made orally (telephone or in person) or in writing, and in any language.

iTeams Canada will protect informant safety within our reporting mechanism by:

1. Providing a clear, transparent, and accessible reporting system (Use reporting@iteams.ca to submit complaints).
2. Maintaining, wherever possible, confidentiality for informants and whistleblowers.
3. Protecting individuals involved in reporting from reprisal or punishment.

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WAIVER

• I have read, understand and agree to fulfill the duties outlined in this Impact Team Volunteer role description. I agree to uphold iTeams Canada’s values as a representative of both the iTeams Canada and partnership community. I understand that failure to comply and/or fulfill my duties may result in my removal from the team at my own expense. I will ensure that if I have any concerns about my ability to fulfill these duties effectively, I will discuss this with my team leader.
• I have read and understand this Code of Conduct, and I agree to abide by it. I understand that a violation of this Code may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of my employment and/or volunteer service, and referral for prosecution.
• I certify that the information given in this registration form is correct and complete. I understand that if the information I have provided is found to be incomplete or untrue, my membership on the team or role as a volunteer may be terminated at any time in the future.
• I acknowledge that costs incurred as a result of illness, exposure to illness, and/or injury in-country are my/my team’s responsibility. This includes costs associated with having to travel home early as a result of the illness/injury, and/or costs associated with having to remain in-country for longer than anticipated, such as costs associated with additional lodging, food, transportation, and other reasonable expenses.
• I have consulted / am committed to consulting a Medical Doctor concerning required (including the COVID-19 vaccine series) and recommended immunizations appropriate to the location(s) where I will be travelling. I understand the risks of opting out of immunization and I understand that some countries will not allow visitors entry without certain immunizations, and that if I cannot or do not receive required immunizations, I may not be accepted as a volunteer with iTeams Canada.
• I give my consent for my team leader or program leader to act on my behalf should I require emergency medical treatment in the destination country or during travel to/from my destination. I will disclose any prior serious medical conditions to my team leader and/or iTeams Canada, and confirm my clearance to travel from the medical practitioner treating me for these conditions. I understand that I am responsible for any medical expenses and must submit a claim to my medical insurance provider for reimbursement. I release International Teams Canada and its partner organizations from any lawsuit or liability claim that may come as a result of not being immunized.
• I/we do hereby stipulate and agree to indemnify and forever hold harmless International Teams Canada (“iTeams Canada”), its board, officers, independent contractors, affiliates, employees, representatives, successors against any and all claims and demands or actions which hereafter may be made or arising out of or connected in any way to the implementation of the Impact Team Trip described in this agreement. While I recognize that International Teams Canada and its partners will take all necessary steps to ensure the safety and welfare of all participants, I undertake this Impact Trip at my own risk and with the understanding that International Teams Canada, and its partners are not legally responsible for my welfare.
• I acknowledge that any information I have provided on behalf of a family member over the age of 18 will require their electronic consent and verification, and that if I am under the age of 18, my registration will not be complete until a parent/guardian has given their electronic consent and verification.