In light of the ongoing spread of COVID-19, YJA will prioritize the health and safety of all attendees for its in-person events. YJA has outlined its 2021-2022 COVID-19 policies and guidelines on this COVID-19 Liability Waiver. All attendees are required to review and agree to this waiver during the registration process.

2021-2022 YJA In-Person Events COVID-19 Liability Waiver

YJA will closely monitor the feasibility of hosting each event, as well as consistently consult experts in the health industry. Please be prepared in the event YJA has to change or cancel Retreat plans (programs, activities, sessions, etc.), including for the safety of participants during the COVID-19 pandemic. YJA has outlined its cancellation policy below.

Key COVID-19 Safety Guidelines

1. It is a requirement that all Attendees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at least 14 days prior to the first day of the YJA in-person event, utilizing any of the following FDA approved vaccines:
   1. Pfizer-BioNTech (2 doses),
   2. Moderna NIAID (2 doses),
   3. or Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen (1 dose).
2. It is a requirement that all Attendees who have received the following WHO-approved vaccines: Covaxin (2 doses), BIBP/Sinopharm (2 doses), Sinovac (2 doses), Novavax/Covovax (2 doses), or Covishield (Oxford–AstraZeneca) (2 doses), must also receive at least a single dose (including booster dose) of one of the following FDA approved vaccines: Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna NIAID, or Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen as well.
3. It is a requirement that all Attendees who qualify as eligible by the FDA, have received a single booster dose of either the Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccines.
4. All Attendees may be required to take a valid RT-PCT COVID-19 test and receive confirmation of a negative result within 48 hours prior to the event’s start time. If required, attendees must provide proof of the confirmation prior to the event’s start time.
   1. *Ex: If the event starts on Friday (2/18) at 5 PM CT, the attendee must take a valid RT-PCT COVID-19 test between Wednesday (2/16) 5 PM CT - Friday (2/18) 5 PM CT, receive confirmation of a negative result before Friday (2/18) 5 PM CT, and send YJA the confirmation between Wednesday (2/16) 5 PM CT - Friday (2/18) 5 PM CT.
5. YJA may coordinate and conduct COVID-19 testing at the event and that it is a requirement that all Attendees participate.
6. If the attendee is immunocompromised, the attendee must receive and present a doctor’s approval to attend the in-person YJA event.
7. It is a requirement that all Attendees will follow all YJA mask guidelines that are set prior to or during the event. This includes, but is not limited to wearing N95 and KN95 facemasks indoor and outdoor regardless of vaccination status, as instructed.
8. It is a requirement that all Attendees will follow all current State, Federal, CDC, and YJA guidelines and requirements if attendee tests positive for COVID-19 at the in-person YJA event.

It is a requirement that all Attendees will follow all current State, Federal, and CDC guidelines for the duration of the in-person event.

YJA has outlined its 2021-2022 in-person events rules and regulations on this document. All attendees are required to review and agree to these rules and regulations during the registration process.

Official 2022 YJA In-Person Rules and Regulations

Key Rules and Regulations

1. Please be respectful of other attendees in your speech and actions. Any inappropriate comments, language, and actions will not be tolerated.
2. There is a strict policy against the possession of or consumption of any alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, or illegal substances at any time during the retreat.
3. Please be respectful of the retreat site property including, but not limited to everything within the lodging room.

Those who are reported to have acted inappropriately or to have significantly impacted others’ retreat experiences in a negative way will be subject to consequences at the discretion of the Regional Coordinator and other members of the YJA Executive Board present at the retreat.

We want to state the boundaries of the event clearly to ensure that everyone learns, grows, is respected, and has fun! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to email events@yja.org.

YJA attempts to make its events affordable for all attendees. The registration fee includes accommodations, meals, educational materials, COVID-19 antigen tests, a retreat t-shirt, access to all sessions and activities for the weekend, and much more. Any extra transportation costs are not included. 

Unsubsidized Registration

To provide each attendee with entrance fees, education materials, souvenirs, and the opportunity to attend sessions and participate in activities, the actual total cost per person is well over the registration cost. YJA works very hard in fundraising during the year to help subsidize each attendee's cost of attendance. We would greatly appreciate it if you could help YJA by choosing the Unsubsidized pricing option at the time of payment. This would help us raise the money we need to ensure YJA remains affordable for as many potential attendees as possible.

Financial Assistance

We want to ensure that all members have the opportunity to attend our events regardless of socioeconomic background. For those that would like to attend but are in need of financial assistance, please download this Financial Assistance Form, fill it out, and email it to the YJA Co-Chairs at chairs@yja.org. Financial assistance will be awarded on a first-come-first-serve basis until our allocation of funds is exhausted.

We are planning to coordinate carpool options to and from the retreat venue from different areas in the Midwest region for registered attendees. Please let us know where you will be traveling to/from on the Google form you receive upon registration confirmation, and we will help organize transportation. Please email Saloni Nahar at midwest@yja.org if you have any questions.

The registration fee for the Retreat is non-refundable after the registration closing date of the Retreat. You can request to cancel your registration by emailing finance@yja.org. If the request is made within 72 hours after your registration, you will receive a full refund. If you wish to cancel your registration and receive a refund, you must do so at least 72 hours prior to the registration closing date. If YJA cancels your registration after 72 hours of registration, you will receive at least a partial refund. No refunds will be issued after the Retreat registration deadline. Please contact finance@yja.org with any other questions or requests.

YJA reserves the right to change or cancel Retreat plans (programs, activities, sessions, etc.), including for the safety of participants during the COVID-19 pandemic. No refund requests will be entertained due to any such changes or cancellations. YJA is not responsible for any charges associated with these changes or cancellations (travel, accommodations, etc.).

What if I can’t/don’t want to get vaccinated? 

Attendees are required to be fully vaccinated in order to attend 2021-2022 YJA in-person events. There will be YJA virtual event opportunities available to you throughout the year. 

What does the registration cost cover?

The registration cost includes food, educational materials, COVID-19 antigen tests, and t-shirts. Each attendee is responsible for additional charges such as transportation.

Will I need to bring extra spending money?

Yes, please bring approximately $20 for meals, shopping, and any emergencies. 

What kind of clothes do I need to bring?

Keep in mind that we’ll be doing various indoor and outdoor activities, so bring comfortable shoes and clothing for these activities. Otherwise, it’s up to you, but just remember to keep your clothes appropriate for a YJA retreat.

Will there be any doctors on-site?

There will not be any doctors on site, but safety is our first priority and basic first aid supplies will be available. If anything goes wrong, medical attention is only a few minutes away.

How long are we going to be in sessions?

Most sessions will be between 60 and 90 minutes long. There will be ample time in between sessions for snack and restroom breaks. 

What if I have to leave during the retreat?

To ensure attendee safety, we ask everyone to remain on the premises for the duration of the retreat unless authorized to do so by the YJA Executive Board. Please contact events@yja.org with any questions.