FOR LEADERS CREATE MISSION TRIP PLANNING COMMITTEE People leading mission trips should be experienced in international mission work and familiar with the location to which group will travel. ESTABLISH HIGH-LEVEL GOAL OF TRIP There are many reasons that houses of worship plan mission trips. They may include: Assisting victims of natural disasters. Providing medical care to areas where treatment is sub-standard or non-existent. Assisting individuals suffering from religious persecution. Other goals that reflect the mission of the congregation. SELECT DESTINATION THAT ALIGNS WITH MISSION GOAL Research destination security risks. The State Department maintains current information on many countries, including terror alert and warning levels, specific entry requirements, and general information on variety of country-specific topics at travel.state. gov. The website also includes information about passports, visas, required immunizations, and entry fees. All participants should register their trip in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), so an embassy can contact them in the event of a family emergency, changing conditions in the travel area, or if group members are victims of crime or have other legal issues. All participants should be provided contact information for the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate, along with information about what services officials they can provide Research destination health risks. Centers for Disease Control maintains a website with information about: Potential health risks and precautions for over 200 countries at Which vaccinations are routine, recommended, and required for a specific destination. How to eat and drink safely. How to reduce the chances of getting insect- borne diseases, How to keep your group safe during mission travel. PROVIDE HIGH-LEVEL COMMUNICATION OF MISSION TRIP TO CONGREGATION Brochures and fliers. Bulletin boards E-mails or group texts. Website SCHEDULE DETAILED INFORMATION MEETING FOR THOSE INTERESTED DISTRIBUTE APPLICATIONS/SET DEADLINE FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS Evaluate team member qualifications Each member of the mission group must authorize a criminal background and reference check, as well as agree to complete cultural sensitivity training. SELECT MISSION TRIP MEMBERS Each mission trip participant should be pre- qualified with these eligibility requirements: Physical examination by a licensed physician to verify health status commensurate with demands of mission work.
Vaccination requirements. Proof of international travel or health insurance. DISTRIBUTE MISSION TRIP INDIVIDUAL CHECKLIST, CONSENT FORMS, ETC., TO TEAM Get signed parental approval forms for any minors and liability releases for each adult. Assumption of risk form The house of worship’s attorney should draft an assumption of risk form, in which risks are clearly described and assumed by adult participants. Parents cannot assume risks on behalf of their children, but can sign a form allowing their child’s participation and authorizing a designated person to make emergency medical decisions. ESTABLISH MISSION TRIP BUDGET ESTABLISH COST PER TEAM MEMBER AND COLLECT NON-REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT CONFIRM THAT ALL TEAM MEMBERS HAVE, OR APPLIED FOR, A PASSPORT PLAN FUNDRAISING EVENTS COMMUNICATE WITH CONTACTS AT DESTINATION Group leaders should communicate with missionaries and house of worship leaders in the destination area, who are valuable resources for cultural information, local laws, the availability of safe drinking water, etc. CREATE CRISIS RESPONSE PLAN Travelers should be adequately informed of potential risks and should be trained in crisis management. Mission Policies should include information and plans of action for medical contingencies, security, group communication, evacuation, terrorism/political unrest, behavior and dress guidelines, misconduct, stress management, and conflict resolution. MEDICAL TREATMENT CONTINGENCIES Having member of the group with medical training should be a high priority for mission organizers; quality medical care is not available at all destinations. Trip participants should be provided with location of nearest hospital or medical facility and preset plans for transporting injured or ill group members and communicating with non-English speaking medical providers. EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION PLAN Group leaders should create an emergency communication plan and designate a person in the U.S. to relay accurate information to families and/or the media. TRAVEL INSURANCE The group (or each group member) should purchase a travel insurance policy. Many domestic insurance policies do not extend internationally or do so on a limited basis. Medical coverage on policies should include: Hospitalization Medical care in case of illness or accident Emergency air evacuation for medical reasons Repatriation of body in case of death Proof of health insurance is required in many countries A copy of each team member’s health insurance should be included with other important travel documents (continued on back)