Wellness Policy

COVID-19 Procedures and Waiver of Liability
Women Belong LLC In-Person Events

Last Updated: July 20, 2021

Women Belong LLC (“Women Belong”) is committed to balancing our mission to build community with our desire to take efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19. As someone attending at least one in-person Women Belong event (“Event”), we expect that you will join us in creating a safe and healthy environment. Of course, we cannot guarantee the result of these efforts.

By attending any Event, you acknowledge that you are agreeing to this policy and accessing the Event of your own free will, and that you are free to leave at any time.

Many agencies (such as the CDC); federal, state, and local lawmakers; and individual businesses recommend or require social distancing and other preventative measures to slow the spread of COVID-19 (“COVID Guidelines”).

Guidelines. While attending any Event, you agree to abide by the current applicable COVID Guidelines, such as:

1.     Not attending an Event if you have tested positive for COVID-19 or are showing any COVID-19 symptoms, such as a strong cough, temperature of at least 100.4 degrees, loss of smell/taste, or any others (“Symptoms”), in the past two weeks,

2.     Not attending an Event if you have been in contact with anyone in the past two weeks that has recently tested positive with COVID-19,

3.     Frequent hand washing and/or frequent use of hand sanitizer,

4.     Social distancing, including remaining at least six feet away from other individuals when possible and avoiding handshakes and hugging,

5.     Use of face masks when required.

Assumption of Risk, Waiver of Liability. You voluntarily assume the risk that you may be exposed to or infected by COVID-19 by attending any Event. You understand that COVID-19 can be deadly and may have other long-term effects. You further understand that Women Belong does not require attendees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and/or to provide proof of vaccination prior to attending an Event. You hereby release, covenant not to sue, discharge, and hold harmless Women Belong and its members, community members, employees, and affiliates of and from all liabilities, claims, actions, damages, costs, or expenses of any kind arising out of or relating to COVID-19, including those arising out of the acts or omissions of Women Belong. This waiver will not apply to claims arising from reckless actions or other claims that cannot be waived by law.

No COVID-19 Symptoms or Contact. By attending any Event, you certify that you have no reason to suspect that you are infected with COVID-19 at the time of the Event, you have no Symptoms consistent with those displayed by persons infected with COVID-19, and you have not been in contact with anyone in the past two weeks that has recently tested positive with COVID-19. Should you begin to develop any Symptoms, or if you otherwise have reason to question whether you may be infected, you agree to immediately leave the Event.

Circle Members. If you are a Women Belong Circle Member attending a Circle meeting, you agree to take a leadership position and assume responsibility for the success of your Circle, pursuant to the Women Belong Membership Agreement. You understand and agree that this is especially important when other Circle Members may be absent due to COVID-19 or related issues.

There is no obligation or pressure to attend events in-person. Women Belong will support a transfer into a group (“Circle”) meeting online, if desired, at any time. Women Belong offers many online events. Please email info@womenbelong.com for support transferring to another Circle, more information about online events, or if you have any questions about this policy.

Illinois Jurisdiction. The laws of Illinois (without regard to its conflicts of law provisions) will govern any dispute or enforcement action arising out of this waiver. Any dispute arising out of or relating to this waiver will be settled by arbitration in Cook County, Illinois in accordance with the rules then in effect of the American Arbitration Association. The arbitrator may award injunctions or other relief, including attorneys fees and costs, and the arbitrator’s decision will be final and binding and may be entered and enforced in any court having jurisdiction.