Please take a moment to read over the Waiver/Release & Code of Conduct below. Afterwards, you must click "I agree." below.
As a participant of the Midwest Regional Conference (EMERGENCE) 2024 taking place on August 8th-11th, 2024 at the Cedar Lake Ministries Site, located at 13701 Lauerman St Cedar Lake, IN 46303, I agree to adhere to all policies (see code of conduct below) and rules set forth by the Diocesan Youth Apostolate (DYA) of the St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago, USA.
As a participant and representative of my community, I agree to exhibit Christ-like and professional behavior at all times and to be cooperative with EMERGENCE 2024 coordinators, Diocesan Youth Apostolate (DYA) leaders, and the Diocesan curia.
I also agree to be on-site for all sessions, activities, and recreational time taking place at the Cedar Lake Ministries Site in Cedar Lake, Indiana (13701 Lauerman St, Cedar Lake, IN 46303) from check-in on August 8th, 2024 until the program ends on August 11th, 2024.
In agreeing to these terms, I reserve the right for the EMERGENCE 2024 coordinating team, DYA leadership, and the St. Thomas Diocese to take any necessary action in response to inappropriate behavior or violation of EMERGENCE 2024, Diocesan Youth Apostolate (DYA), and St. Thomas Diocese of Chicago policies – which may include returning to my respective hometown at my own personal cost without refund of paid registration fees or travel-related expenses.
I also agree that I am liable for all my actions and personal property, not the Diocesan Youth Apostolate (DYA) and its affiliates, the Mar Thoma Sleeha Cathedral (Bellwood, IL), the parishes/missions of the South Region, or any volunteers or individuals responsible to the Saint Thomas Diocese, the Diocesan Youth Apostolate (DYA), and/or the Cedar Lake Ministries Site (Cedar Lake, IN). I covenant not to sue, indemnify and hold harmless DYA, National Team, Regional Team, St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Diocese of Chicago, and all other agents from and against, any present or future claim, loss, cost, damage or expense or liability for injury to person, including death or property loss/damage, for which I may be liable to other persons, that may or does arise out of my participation in EMERGENCE 2024.
I hereby give the DYA the right and permission to publish, use photographs or video, and/or audio recordings of myself. I understand that such reproductions could be used to publicize or promote the DYA and/or St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Diocese of Chicago through their own/affiliated media productions (DYA/Diocese Website, social media, printed and/or online brochures, reports, promotional videos, broadcasting services, etc.). I waive any right to inspect and/or approve the finished product and do release DYA and the St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Diocese of Chicago from any liability by virtue of distortion by processing. I further agree that these items may be used for publication, broadcast or reproduction without limitation or reservation or any fee.
EMERGENCE 2024 - CODE OF CONDUCT & POLICIES:
1. Each participant shall conduct himself/herself in an orderly and responsible manner before, during, and after all functions of the EMERGENCE 2024 programs.
2. Any actions that may serve to compromise the integrity of the DYA and its affiliates will not be condoned or allowed.
3. Participants must follow given instructions and be respectful to leaders/chaperones (for minors) during the entire course of EMERGENCE 2024.
4. Prior notification is needed to check-in to the conference at a later time other than the regular check-in time (August 11th, 2024). Participants will not be allowed to leave the facilities after check-in without adequate reason and notification of the EMERGENCE 2024 Coordinating Team.
5. For both logistical and safety reasons, you are not allowed to leave the premises for any reason without notifying/the accompaniment of a member of the EMERGENCE 2024 Coordinating team. Participants should remain in the assigned areas for EMERGENCE 2024 at all times. It is your responsibility to be aware of any assigned boundaries/perimeters, which will be detailed upon your arrival to the venue.
6. Name tags and/or wrist bands are to be worn at all times while on the event premises. Identity may be verified by the leaders at any time during the conference.
7. Participants are requested to be punctual throughout EMERGENCE 2024, particularly in regards to times for adoration, Holy Qurbana, and speaker sessions.
8. Behaviors
A. Any actions that may serve to compromise the integrity of the DYA and its affiliates will not be condoned or allowed. Any misconduct will be reported to the coordinating team. There will be no hesitation in sending home participants who break the code of conduct.
B. Participants are requested to keep punctuality throughout EMERGENCE 2024.
C. Have the utmost respect for the privacy and personal space of all participants, leaders, and speakers. Please be mindful and respectful in your interactions with others and their properties.
D. No behaviors that are abusive in any manner to others will be allowed. This includes verbal abuse, physical abuse, and emotional abuse.
E. Males and females are to remain in separate sleeping spaces at all times. No visiting is allowed in bedrooms by members of the opposite sex.
F. Gambling is prohibited and any excessive rowdiness and noise are discouraged. Please be mindful of your surroundings.
G. Possession, distribution, or use of marijuana, alcohol, cigarettes, drugs, drug
paraphernalia, chewing tobacco, e-cigarettes, vapes, fireworks, pornographic material and weapons are completely prohibited. Absolute compliance with these rules are essential! Visual observation need not be necessary for immediate dismissal if there is enough evidence to corroborate that these risk-taking behaviors have occurred. Those of legal age are requested to refrain from consumption of alcohol/tobacco for the duration of EMERGENCE 2024. This is considered a ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY. Infraction of these rules will result in immediate dismissal from EMERGENCE 2024.
H. Regarding disciplinary dismissals:
I. Participants over the age of 18 will be required to checkout of the venue and vacate the premises. You will be in charge of arranging your own transportation/accommodation after leaving the venue. There will be no refund of your registration fee, and all associated privileges are forfeited.
II. Cases regarding participants under 18 will be addressed on a case-by-case basis. Your parent/guardian will be notified. You will be escorted to the airport/other transportation, and either you/your parent/guardian will be responsible for any costs accrued for your travel expenses. Your registration fee is completely forfeit and nonrefundable.
9. All participants are required to dress appropriately throughout all days of the conference. Dress code is business casual during the day. Anyone not in compliance with the dress code may be asked to change clothes.
10. Please respect the facilities and take care of all accommodation and session areas. The Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago and/or the Cedar Lake Ministries Site in Cedar Lake, IN will not be held liable for any injuries or property loss/damage. The facility should be used with utmost care and participants will be held liable for any damage caused by them.
11. This is a discussion-based gathering. All participants are expected to participate fully in the relevant discussions, have active participation by active listening, and contribute to the topics.
12. Christ-like behavior is expected at all times. Inappropriate contact, touch, gesture, language or activity of an offensive nature is NOT ACCEPTABLE. Respect for all leaders, peers, and all property is expected.