Volunteer in Guatemala!

Greetings! Here are a few important notes before you begin filling out this Registration Form. Please allow 30 minutes to register:

1) REGISTERING - So that we can best understand our volunteers' interests, talents, and goals for their service experience, we ask that each person fill out their own registration form. If you plan to have a child or children accompany you, you may register up to two children 8 or younger on this form.

2) PASSPORT - Reminder: If you are traveling from outside Guatemala, you will need a valid passport. We suggest you check to make sure it will be valid for your entry and throughout your stay, and do the same for any children traveling with you. Note: It is widely recommended to have a passport with at least six months validity remaining beyond your planned date of return.

3) TAX-DEDUCTIBLE! - We are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. As such, costs for your volunteer experience may be fully tax-deductible. Please check with your tax preparer. We'll send you a receipt for your registration to provide to your preparer.

4) PAYMENT, CONFIRMATION - You'll need to make your full payment when you complete registration. We accept credit cards, Paypal, bank transfers and more! Refunds are available as per our policy later in this registration form.

Need help? Call us at (714) 232-8669 - Ext. 1

(By the way: Local Hope, also known as Xela AID Partnerships for Self Reliance, is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit charitable organization federally registered in the United States, EIN #45-3658025. The organization operates in Guatemala under the auspices of Ciudades Sostenibles, a nationally registered non-profit organization, NIT 91837022. 100% of the proceeds from your contribution will fuel empowerment programs! As such, your contribution may be tax deductible. Please consult a tax professional.)

CHECK AVAILABILITY AND REQUEST YOUR FAVORITE ROOM (Note: 3 Guests Maximum per Room)

The following link will take you to a page on our website where you can see the 12 rooms at our Eco Guest House and check availability for the dates you wish to volunteer with us. All of our rooms include one comfortable Queen-sized bed and one single bed. After checking availability, you'll enter your preferred room number below.

Important: Please do NOT book your room since it is included in your package price!

Link to rooms: https://xelaaid.org/eco-guest-house

GUEST PLEDGE AGREEMENT

 
A - Etiquette at Local Hope's Xela Aid Campus

OUTLOOK - To set a good example while in the village of San Martín Chiquito, I will bring my best to each day, including my enthusiasm, patience, a listening ear and an open heart.

RESPECT - I will recognize as my equal and show respect for each member of the Xela AID staff and village residents, and will strive to do so with those in my group to help ensure an outstanding service experience.

SEEK HELP - Should I take ill, become injured, overly anxious, frustrated or experience any other issue that interferes with my experience, I will seek the help of a Xela AID staff member to quickly resolve the issue.

SAFETY - I will follow safety guidelines shared with me by my Xela AID staff contact in Guatemala.

SUBSTANCE USE - To minimize risks and to avoid modeling behaviors that could be deleterious to the health and well-being of those we serve, no smoking, vaping, or use of recreational drugs is allowed on the premises of the Xela AID Campus. Additionally, in all cases and despite local jurisdictions or the law in a participant's state or country of origin, the drinking age at Xela AID Campus is 21 years of age. It will further be expected that all participants refrain from over-drinking that could result in injury to themselves or others.

B - Health - Keeping Yourself and Our Community Safe

HEALTH - If I have cold or flu symptoms during my experience, including a runny nose, fever, headache, cough, or other symptoms, to protect the staff and village community, I agree to mask, wash my hands frequently, and take related precautions and understand I may be asked by staff to do so. If asked, I will comply.

INSURANCE - Your package does not include health or trip cancellation insurance, which some guests choose to purchase. Please consider your overall health, and the likelihood of circumstances arising that could cause you to have to cancel your trip. (See our Refund Policy to further inform your decision on this option.)

C – Restricted Activities to Honor Our Diverse Constituency and Avoid Misunderstandings About Our Mission

• We have learned that charity has unintended consequences. As our guest, we encourage you to reward the excellent experience you’ve had through our tipping system. You agree, however, that you will not give cash gifts directly to staff, participants in our programs or their families on or off-campus. If you are inspired to help, you’ll do so most effectively by supporting one of our established empowerment programs. See our Director or Deputy Director to select a program close to your heart!

• Politics is divisive the world over. As our guest you understand that political activities are not appropriate on our premises, and as a requirement of your stay, you agree that you will not conduct or participate in them.

• We honor diverse world views, and as such, we welcome religious as well as secular groups to our Xela Aid Campus to gather and to serve. Out of respect for all our diverse community and to avoid the appearance of our organization advocating a specific religion or belief system, proselytizing or requiring participation is not allowed on our premises nor as part of activities we arrange for you within the communities we serve. Simple prayers of any faith are welcomed.

Refund Policy

Local Hope is a not-for-profit 501 (c) (3) organization. At receipt of your registration, our dedicated staff begin making preparation for your arrival. We have reserved $525 of your registration to fee to cover the cost of our staff's efforts and related administration, which is non-refundable after registration. If you believe your plans could change for any reason, we strongly advise that you purchase trip cancellation insurance.

The balance of fees paid here are refundable as follows: 100% 61 days prior to the calendar date of your arrival; 50% 31 days prior to arrival. We regret that we cannot refund monies beginning 30 days from arrival. Exceptions: In the case of a natural disaster or travel ban imposed by the U.S. or Guatemalan government, and/or flight cancellations due to such restrictions, your trip can be rescheduled and we will offer you full credit toward your future Volunteer Package within two years. Thank you for your support and understanding!

 

Vaccinations and Any Medical Condition(s) You May Have - The Center for Disease Control offers guidelines for vaccinations based on international destination. Please consult the CDC here: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/

Our organization does not provide medical advice. Please consult your physician about recommended vaccinations and additional protections based on destination.

(1) PARTICIPATION - I acknowledge that my participation at Xela AID Complex as a volunteer is strictly voluntary, and further recognize the inherent risks associated with international travel. Accordingly, I agree to assume any and all risks relating to my participation. I understand and acknowledge that my participation is in the capacity of a Volunteer and that nothing contained herein or in any additional document executed in connection herewith shall be construed to create an employer-employee partnership or joint venture relationship with Local Hope or any related Third Party, either now or at any time in the future.

(2) APPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR - I will not during my visit to Local Hope's Xela AID Complex: (a) Become involved in any political movement; (b) Proselytize; (c) Give nor promise funding to any individual or organization within Local Hope's service area with whom I had no connection prior and distinct from this Volunteer Experience; (d) Undertake these activities involving any member of Local Hope’s staff or a program participant should I return in the future; or (e) Harass or demean or make unwanted sexual advances on any staff or community member or anyone I come in contact with for the duration of my stay at the Xela AID Complex or in transit.

(3) APPROPRIATE BOUNDARIES - Should I be asked for money or passage to the United States, I will report this immediately to Local Hope's Director in Guatemala. Should I wish to help an individual or group I have met while participating in my volunteer experience, I will work through the well-established and carefully managed program structure of the Local Hope organization (ask local Director or CEO for details).

(4) HOLD HARMLESS - I agree to hold harmless and indemnify Local Hope, Xela AID, and, if any, Third Party providers, directors, agents, employees and staff from and against any and all costs, liability, demands, claims, damage and expenses of any nature or any kind incurred in connection with my participation as a volunteer at Local Hope's Xela AID Complex or in transit. I understand that this Release of Liability is in consideration for allowing me to travel and volunteer in Guatemala in connection with Local Hope/Xela AID and but for said Release, I would not be allowed to participate.