FAQ for Staffing the Weekend and COVID-19
(effective July 2021)
What practices are being followed regarding physical safety on the October Woman Within Weekend (WWW)?
Woman Within South Central USA (WWSC) values your physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual safety on our weekends as an integral part of each woman’s journey. WWSC will be compliant with all governmental COVID-19 regulations and recommendations on our weekends. We encourage you to check the State of Texas and local guidelines before applying to staff for the October Woman Within Weekend.
What is WWSC’s position regarding vaccinations, masks and social distancing for the October Woman Within Weekend(WWW)?
We encourage everyone planning to attend our October WWW to be fully vaccinated prior to their arrival at date. Federal and state health authorities have stated that those who are fully vaccinated do not need to wear masks or socially distance. Public health authorities have also stated that unvaccinated people should continue to wear masks and physically distance themselves while indoors. We encourage all unvaccinated women to consider the personal health risks involved when applying to staff.
Will I need to show proof of vaccination to attend the October WWW?
Per State of Texas Executive Order GA-35, businesses operating in Texas are not allowed to require proof of vaccination for their clients, guests or attendees. Participants and staff will not be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination, nor will they be asked if they have been vaccinated.
Will I need to be tested for COVID-19 before attending the October WWW? Participants and staff will not be asked to present COVID-19 test results prior to participation on the weekend. It is your decision if you choose to be tested prior to your arrival at the weekend for your own peace of mind. On the October WWW, you will likely be in contact with others who may not have been tested or fully vaccinated. It is your responsibility to consider your personal health risk in attending this weekend.
Will I be able to physically distance during the October WWW?
Social distancing will not be possible on the WWW. Sleeping accommodations, restrooms, dining, as well as some of the weekend experiences will place you in close proximity to others. As with any health matter, we will make reasonable accommodations upon request if possible.
What are the reasons that WWSC is not requiring vaccinations, COVID-19 tests, masks or social distancing?
The decision was was made by WWSC Board of Directors and is in alignment with the Mission Statement of Woman Within International (WWIL), which is:
“We empower women. Through our work we create a world where women know, embrace, live and lead from their truth”.
Our position empowers each woman to make her own decision, and to have the choice to live in her own truth. We believe that our personal power comes from the choices we make. On the WWW, participants are presented with choices throughout the WWW. We also believe that each woman is responsible for the consequences of her personal choices. We believe that you are the best person to make your own decisions around your health and personal safety in a
group setting, as well as taking responsibility for any risks involved in attendance. An abundance of COVID-19 information and education is available to you as you make your decision about attending the October WWW.
Link to CDC Guidelines regarding COVID 19 in group settings:
Are there any additional requirements for attending the October WWW?
All participants and staff members will be required to sign documents waiving Woman Within International (WWIL), Woman Within South Central USA (WWSC) and Land of My Grandfathers (LOMG), the site we use, of any liability for your personal health decisions to attend and participate at the October WWW. These documents acknowledge that you understand and accept all risks regarding COVID-19, and will hold these organizations harmless against any health-related outcomes of your decision to attend and participate.
Will the size of the container of the October WWW be restricted due to COVID?
No. At this time we have no idea if it will be a one-team or two-team weekend. WWSC is open to a full two-team weekend, and has a list of women who were registered for the April 2020 weekend that are waiting to attend the weekend.We will know more once registration for the October WWW has been opened up.
Are there any additional expectations for staff members for the October WWW?
This has yet to be determined but most likely yes (see below question). We anticipate that all staff members will be asked to help out with some safety and disinfection practices throughout the weekend. This is not a difficult task if we all share this responsibility. We also want to be clear that if you commit to staffing the October WWW, that you plan to be ready to fully participate at the same level as pre-Covid weekends. For example, consider how you feel about holding hands, singing, supporting a Woman Boat or Trust Fall etc. This weekend will require that staff members be open and flexible in making this weekend successful, and providing the same experience that we all had on our own initiation weekend.
Can I talk to someone about COVID-19 safety protocols for the October WWW?
WWSC will wait until approximately 30 days prior to the weekend to determine specific safety protocols and logistics. We will continue to monitor recommendations and regulations from the State of Texas and public health authorities. Specific safety measures will be determined and implemented to align with current recommendations and best practices. WWSC is committed to “no surprises” and commits to sharing all updates on safety protocols and procedures with participants and staff once these have been determined in early September.
If you have any questions before you register for the October WW Weekend, contact our WWSC Staffing Coordinator.
What happens if I apply to staff the October WWW and become ill or test positive for COVID before the weekend begins?
We encourage anyone who is ill for any reason to postpone attending the WWW until your health is fully restored. We ask that you take responsibility for preventing the possible spread of illness to others by staying home.
Our WWW Staff Cancellation Policy is as follows:
If you cancel within two weeks of the start date of the WWW, your staffing fee is not refundable or transferable for any reason due to the additional last minute administrative tasks required to place another staff woman in your place.
If you are traveling from out of town, we encourage you to purchase a refundable or transferable ticket as WWSC will not be responsible for changes in travel plans.
Please let us know as early as possible if any illness or known exposure to COVID-19 will prevent you from staffing the October WWW.
I am not sure if I am ready to be physically close to others who may be unvaccinated or unmasked at this time. Are there other opportunities for me to grow, connect with and be supported by other women?
Yes! While the WWW requires an in-person experience, there is a wide variety of online opportunities currently offered by Woman Within International and Woman Within South Central.
For Online WWSC Open Circles and WWSC Circle Trainings.
For more information on Online Workshops offered by WWIL.