RAHMA COMMITTEE
San Jose, CA
TERMS OF SERVICE &
PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT
Effective Date: 08/09/26
IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ THIS DOCUMENT CAREFULLY BEFORE PARTICIPATING IN ANY RAHMA COMMITTEE PROGRAM OR SERVICE. BY SIGNING THE ACCOMPANYING PARTICIPATION FORM, YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU HAVE READ, UNDERSTOOD, AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THESE TERMS.
1. Introduction and Overview
The Rahma Committee (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Committee’) is a volunteer-led community care initiative operating in San Jose, CA 95148. The Committee was established to provide compassionate care, companionship, and practical support to elderly members of the Muslim community in the Evergreen area who live alone or are distant from their immediate family.
These Terms of Service and Participation Agreement (‘Agreement’) govern the relationship between the Committee and all participants, including volunteer members (‘Volunteers’) and elderly community members receiving services (‘Elders’ or ‘Service Recipients’). This Agreement sets forth the rights, responsibilities, limitations, and protections applicable to all parties.
By participating in any Rahma Committee program, event, or service, all parties agree to abide by the terms set forth in this Agreement. Participation is voluntary, and either party may withdraw at any time subject to the conditions outlined herein.
2. Definitions
For the purposes of this Agreement, the following definitions shall apply:
• “The Committee”: The Rahma Committee, a volunteer-led initiative
• “Volunteer”: Any individual who has completed the volunteer registration process and been approved to provide services on behalf of the Committee.
• “Elder” or “Service Recipient”: Any elderly community member enrolled in the Committee’s care program who receives services.
• “Services”: Any activity, check-in, visit, event, or support provided by the Committee or its Volunteers.
• “Committee Head”: The individual responsible for overall oversight of the Committee and its operations.
• “Coordinators”: Individuals responsible for day-to-day coordination of volunteer assignments and elder care.
• “Medical/Social Work Volunteers”: Volunteers with professional backgrounds in healthcare, social work, or counseling who provide specialized support.
3. Scope of Services
3.1 Services Provided
The Committee provides the following categories of support, organized into three care tiers based on individual Elder needs:
Phase 1 — Light Care:
• Regular phone and in-person check-ins for general wellbeing
• Transportation assistance to Jummah prayers, Eid celebrations, and community events • Social engagement through community gatherings, game nights, and movie nights
• Friendly companionship and emotional support
Phase 2 — Moderate Care:
• Assistance sourcing halal groceries and household essentials
• Accompanying Elders to medical appointments
• Help navigating online services and protection against digital fraud
• Coordination with distant family members when needed
• Light home safety assessments
Phase 3 — Complex Care:
• Coordination with Medical/Social Work Volunteers for specialized support • Emergency flagging and escalation to appropriate services
• Connection to Santa Clara County Aging and Adult Services
• Grief and mental wellness support facilitated by qualified volunteers
3.2 Services NOT Provided
The Committee explicitly does not provide the following services. Volunteers are strictly prohibited from performing any of the following:
• Medical diagnosis, treatment, or the administration of medication
• Legal advice or representation of any kind
• Financial management, handling of cash, or access to bank accounts • Personal hygiene assistance or intimate physical care
• Any service requiring a licensed professional unless the Volunteer holds the relevant active license and has disclosed it to the Committee
• Overnight stays or live-in care arrangements
Any request by an Elder or third party for services outside this scope must be referred to the Committee Head or Coordinators immediately.
4. Volunteer Terms and Conditions
4.1 Volunteer Eligibility and Enrollment
To serve as a Volunteer with the Committee, individuals must:
• Complete the official Volunteer Registration Form
• Attend a mandatory orientation session covering protocols, boundaries, and escalation procedures
• Agree to and sign this Terms of Service Agreement
• Adhere to all gender-matching protocols (female Volunteers are assigned to female Elders; male Volunteers to male Elders)
• Disclose any relevant professional qualifications or certifications
4.2 Volunteer Responsibilities
All Volunteers agree to the following responsibilities:
• Conduct assigned check-ins or visits on a consistent, agreed-upon schedule
• Complete a visit log following every interaction with an assigned Elder • Maintain the confidentiality of all Elder personal information and circumstances • Immediately report any safety concerns, health changes, or incidents to their assigned Coordinator
• Treat all Elders with dignity, respect, and cultural sensitivity at all times • Never accept gifts, money, or items of monetary value from Elders or their families • Never discuss personal finances, legal matters, or make promises on behalf of the Committee
• Refrain from photographing or recording Elders without explicit written consent • Notify Coordinators immediately if they can no longer fulfill their volunteer commitment
4.3 Volunteer Conduct Standards
Volunteers represent the Rahma Committee in all interactions. The following conduct standards are mandatory:
• Maintain professional boundaries at all times and avoid forming personal financial relationships with Elders
• Do not share Elder personal information with anyone outside the Committee without express written consent
• Do not enter an Elder’s home without prior arrangement and their explicit consent at the time of each visit
• Do not transport Elders in personal vehicles unless specifically authorized by the Committee and covered by personal auto insurance
• Refrain from expressing personal political, theological, or ideological opinions that may cause distress
• Do not consume food or beverages in an Elder’s home unless explicitly offered and accepted appropriately
4.4 Volunteer Limitation of Liability
Volunteers participating in Committee activities in good faith and within the defined scope of services shall be protected to the maximum extent possible under the following conditions:
• Volunteers acting within the defined scope of services, following Committee protocols, and in good faith shall not be held personally liable for outcomes arising from their volunteer activities
• The Committee shall make reasonable efforts to support Volunteers in any dispute arising from their good-faith service
• Volunteers who act outside the defined scope of services, violate Committee protocols, act recklessly, or engage in gross negligence assume personal liability for any resulting harm or damages
• Volunteers are strongly encouraged to carry personal liability insurance and, where applicable, verify that their personal auto insurance covers volunteer transportation activities
DISCLAIMER: This Agreement does not constitute a guarantee of legal protection. Volunteers are encouraged to consult with a personal attorney regarding their individual liability exposure. The Committee is not a licensed legal entity and cannot provide legal indemnification.
5. Elder Participation Terms and Protections
5.1 Elder Enrollment
Elders enrolling in the Committee’s care program must:
• Complete the official Elder Enrollment and Needs Assessment Form
• Provide accurate information regarding their health, living situation, and care needs • Designate an emergency contact person
• Agree to and sign this Terms of Service Agreement
• Consent to the assignment of a matched Volunteer
5.2 Elder Rights
All Elders enrolled in the program retain the following rights at all times:
• The right to refuse any visit, service, or interaction at any time without penalty • The right to request a different Volunteer assignment at any time
• The right to withdraw from the program entirely at any time
• The right to confidentiality of all personal information shared with the Committee • The right to be treated with dignity, respect, and cultural sensitivity
• The right to raise concerns or complaints directly with the Committee Head • The right to have family members or trusted persons involved in their care, if desired
5.3 Elder Responsibilities
To ensure the safety and wellbeing of Volunteers and the effectiveness of the program, Elders agree to:
• Provide accurate and complete information on their enrollment forms • Treat all Volunteers with dignity and respect
• Notify the Committee of any significant changes in health, living situation, or care needs • Inform the Committee if they no longer wish to participate in the program • Not request Volunteers to perform services outside the defined scope of this Agreement • Not offer or insist on providing monetary payment or gifts to Volunteers
5.4 Elder Protection Provisions
The Committee is committed to the protection of all Elders from harm, exploitation, and abuse. The following protections are in place:
• All Volunteers undergo orientation and are briefed on elder protection protocols before any visits
• Gender-matched volunteer assignments are enforced to protect Elder dignity and comfort
• Volunteers are explicitly prohibited from handling any Elder finances, accessing bank information, or accepting monetary gifts
• The Committee maintains a confidential reporting mechanism for Elders to report concerns about Volunteer conduct
• Any substantiated allegation of abuse, exploitation, or misconduct by a Volunteer will result in immediate removal from the program and referral to appropriate authorities if warranted
6. Termination of Services
6.1 Voluntary Withdrawal
Either Volunteers or Elders may withdraw from the program at any time by notifying the Committee Head or a Coordinator. The Committee requests reasonable notice (minimum 48 hours where possible) to arrange continuity of care for affected Elders.
6.2 Grounds for Termination by the Committee
The Committee reserves the right to terminate participation of any Volunteer or Elder under the following circumstances:
Grounds for Volunteer Termination:
• Violation of any provision of this Agreement
• Conduct that endangers the safety or wellbeing of an Elder
• Substantiated allegations of abuse, exploitation, harassment, or misconduct • Unauthorized handling of Elder finances or personal property
• Repeated failure to fulfill volunteer commitments without notice
• Misrepresentation of qualifications or personal information
• Any criminal conduct or behavior unbecoming of a community representative Grounds for Elder Service Termination:
• Physical, verbal, or psychological abuse or harassment directed at Volunteers or Committee staff
• Deliberate misrepresentation of needs or circumstances for fraudulent gain • Requests for services explicitly outside the defined scope of this Agreement despite repeated clarification
• Threats of legal action without valid basis intended to coerce Volunteer behavior • Conduct that creates an unsafe environment for Volunteers
• Confirmed fraudulent activity including false identity, false emergency claims, or financial manipulation of Volunteers
6.3 Termination Process
In cases of serious misconduct or safety concerns, termination may be immediate and without prior notice. In less urgent cases, the Committee will:
• Notify the affected party in writing (including via WhatsApp or email) of the concern • Provide an opportunity to respond within 5 business days
• Review the response and issue a final decision
• Where an Elder is terminated, the Committee will make reasonable efforts to refer them to alternative support services
6.4 Appeals
Any party who believes they have been unfairly terminated may submit a written appeal to the Committee Head within 14 days of the termination notice. The Committee Head,] will review the appeal and issue a final decision within 21 days. The decision of the Committee Head in consultation is final.
7. Confidentiality and Privacy
All parties agree to maintain strict confidentiality regarding personal information shared within the context of the program. This includes but is not limited to: Elder health conditions, living situations, financial circumstances, family dynamics, and personal history. Volunteers may not share any Elder information with persons outside the Committee without the Elder’s explicit written consent, except where required by law (e.g., mandatory reporting of suspected abuse or neglect).
The Committee collects only the minimum personal information necessary to facilitate care. All records are maintained securely and accessed only by Committee leadership on a need-to-know basis. Participants may request access to their own records at any time.
8. Limitation of Liability and Disclaimers
TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, THE RAHMA COMMITTEE, ITS COMMITTEE HEAD, COORDINATORS, AND VOLUNTEERS, SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR:
• Any indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages arising from participation in the program
• Any injury, illness, or accident occurring during the course of volunteer visits or Committee events, where the Volunteer acted within the defined scope of services and in good faith
• Any loss, theft, or damage to personal property during visits
• Any outcome resulting from the refusal of an Elder to follow medical or professional advice
• Any harm resulting from an Elder’s failure to disclose accurate health or safety information at enrollment
THE COMMITTEE DOES NOT GUARANTEE ANY SPECIFIC OUTCOMES FROM ITS SERVICES. ALL SERVICES ARE PROVIDED ON A BEST-EFFORTS, VOLUNTEER BASIS. THE COMMITTEE IS NOT A LICENSED HEALTHCARE, SOCIAL SERVICES, OR LEGAL SERVICES PROVIDER.
Nothing in this Agreement limits liability for gross negligence, willful misconduct, or fraud.
9. Fraudulent Activity and False Claims
The Committee takes fraudulent activity seriously and will not tolerate any attempt by any participant to exploit the program, its Volunteers, or its Elders. The following constitute fraudulent activity and will result in immediate termination and, where appropriate, referral to law enforcement:
• Providing false information on enrollment or registration forms
• Fabricating emergencies, health conditions, or needs to obtain services or resources under false pretenses
• Attempting to financially exploit Volunteers or Committee resources
• Volunteers misrepresenting services provided or falsifying visit logs
• Any attempt to use the Committee’s name or affiliation for personal financial gain • Identity fraud or impersonation of another participant
The Committee reserves the right to pursue all available legal remedies against any party found to have engaged in fraudulent activity.
10. Dispute Resolution
In the event of any dispute arising from this Agreement or the provision of services, the parties agree to first attempt resolution through good-faith communication with the Committee Head.This agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of California. Any legal proceedings shall be conducted in Santa Clara County, California.
11. Amendments to This Agreement
The Committee reserves the right to amend these Terms of Service at any time. Participants will be notified of material changes via WhatsApp group announcement or written notice at least 14 days before changes take effect. Continued participation following such notice constitutes acceptance of the amended terms. Participants who do not agree to amended terms may withdraw from the program without penalty.
12. Acknowledgment and Signature
By signing below, the participant acknowledges that they have read, understood, and voluntarily agree to all terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.
Participant Full Name: _________________________________________________
Participant Role: ☐ Volunteer ☐ Elder / Service Recipient ☐ Elder Guardian / Representative
Signature: _________________________________________________ Date: ___________________________
For Committee Use Only
Approved by: ___________________________ Date: _______________ Committee Head: Aahil Ahmed | San Jose, CA 95148
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