What is the Khilafat Team?
The Khilafat Team consists of the core group of volunteers who have taken time off from their regular routines (ie. work and family responsibilities). Volunteers are to make themselves available for a minimum of 10 days from Monday, June 18th to Monday, July 2 to serve in any capacity needed and be in the company of our beloved Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba). The most important criteria to be on the 2012 Khilafat Team is your solid commitment for the ten days mentioned above.Members of Khilafat Team will recieve a Cap and Scarf from MKA
as wel as guaranteed accommodations Inshallah.
If I am serving on the Rapid Response Team, how can I also be on the Khilafat Team at the same time? Am I on 2 seperate teams? I'm confused.
I'm confused. The Khilafat Team encompasses all of the Khidmat-e-Khalq volunteers who have made themselves available for 10 days from 6/18-6/27. Under the umbrella of the Khilafat Team, the 150+ volunteers have been divided into smaller volunteer teams (sub-categories). Some of these smaller sub-categories include:
Khidmate Khalq Daftar/Operations Center Team, General Security Team, Parking & Traffic Team, Rapid Response Team, Volunteer Services & Resources Team, etc. So, if you are a member of any team mentioned above from 6/18-6/27, then you are also a part of the Khilafat Team.
Okay, I understand who is a part of the Khilafat Team.. but what if I am arriving on 6/22 and have already been assigned to the Daftar Team. Since I'm volunteering before the Jalsa, am I considered part of the Khilafat Team too? What does not constitute Khilafat team?
As long as you have been scheduled to serve for 10 days regardless of when you arrive you will be a part of the Khilafat Team.
Why not include anyone arriving before the Jalsa too?
It is with regret that at this time, we have a very limited ability to provide for lodging and transportation services during those days leading up to Jalsa Salana; only a finite number of brothers can be accommodated. For brothers who have made the 10 day commitment to be with us, we too are making a commitment to provide accommodations for their 10 day stay. However we will try our best to provide accommodations, please work with your regional Qaid to see if there may be a possibility.
So, if I arrive on 6/22 but take care of my own lodging and transportation needs...then can I be a part of the Khilafat Team?
Yes, absolutely. Understand that the purpose here is not to exclude anyone who wants to be a part of this experience.
When should I come and plan to depart?
You should plan to arrive in the area before 7PM, June 18th. Book your return flight on Sunday July 1st after 7PM. Keep in mind that you need to arrive at BWI Airport, but may depart from either Harrisburg, PA or your original DC Area airport.
Is there a deadline by which I should book my air tickets?
You should book your tickets and finalize your travel plans by the 5/31/12.
What airport should I use if I'm flying in?
Please book your in-bound flight to BWI airport. This is the only airport we are able to provide pick-up service from. For outbound flights, you may use either Harrisburg (MDT) or Baltimore-Washington Int'l (BWI). If you opt to depart from MDT, you will need to make arrangements with the Jalsa Salana Transportation Team for arrangements. If you are departing from BWI, your flight must depart after 7PM in order to allow adequate driving time between Harrisburg, PA and Baltimore, MD.
What accommodation arrangements will be provided when I arrive?
Khilafat Team volunteers will have their lodging and meal arrangements covered from 6/18-6/27 at Masjid Baitur Rahman. We will be utilizing the Aux. Hall in the Mosque Extension for sleeping; please bring your personal sleeping bag and pillow / other bedding needs.
Can I rent my own car or rent my own hotel?
Yes you can reserve your own hotel and rent your own car. If you decide to make your own arrangements, you are advised to book your hotel stay from Monday evening, 6/18 through Thursday morning, 6/28. Our team will then be heading to Harrisburg sometime on Thursday, 6/28.
What department will I be working on?
Khilafat Team volunteers will be assigned to a variety of areas. Please speak with your Regional Qaid for the coverage area that has been assigned to your region. Final allocation of volunteers will be posted here when made available.
Where do I go when I arrive at Masjid Baitur Rahman?
Please check-in after 9PM on Monday, 6/18 with Nazim Daftar in the MKA USA Operations Center. This trailer will be located behind the Missionary's residence on-site at Masjid Baitur Rahman. The trailer will be signed as "DAFTAR MAJLIS KHUDDAMUL AHMADIYYA USA." You will then be given your Volunteer Identification Badge, accomodation information, and further instructions.
I thought this was all part of Khidmat-e-Khalq...why am I checking in with Daftar MKA USA?
Prior to Jalsa Salana, the office of Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya USA formally handles all arrangements. When we proceed to the Jalsa Gah site in Harrisburg, arrangements shift to Khidmat-e-Khalq under the banner of Jalsa Salana. This is an administrative protocol; if you still have questions please contact us and we will be glad to explain in greater detail.
Will my department allocation change when I get to EXPO center for Jalsa days?
In principle, we will try to keep you on the same type of duty between non-Jalsa days at Baitur Rehman and Jalsa days in Harrisburg However, under special circumstances a change can be made.
What should I do if I am approached by other departments for Jalsa duty?
Members of Khilafat Team will be assigned duties for seven days in the departments mentioned above. We encourage you to join any team that you feel can best benefit from your skills (Jalsa Gah, MTA, VIP, PR etc) but in that case, do let us know as you will no longer be a part of Khilafat Team. Being on the Khilafat Team makes you an integral part of Security, Traffic, Transportation ,Office, Rapid Response, or HK duties as mentioned above.
What if I cannot dedicate 7 (seven) days but would still like to join the above departments for duties during Jalsa?
You are more than welcome to submit your names. Inshallah we will accomodate such requests on a first come first serve basis.
Is there a uniform for Khilafat Team?
MKA black/white striped scarf is a must. Khilafat Team members will be given a cap as a gift from Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya USA. A white shirt and khakis (preferably black) are preferred but not a hard requirement.
Is there an age limit?
It is desirable that all volunteers be of 15 years or older age. Volunteers younger than 15 years can be a part of Khilafat Team as long as they have a supervising adult from the local Majlis.
Is there a deadline for people to join khilafat team?
At this stage, there is no deadline and more names can be added. In the near future, we may close enrollment in Khilafat Team.
Some people are staying up until July 3rd. May I also prolong my visit and leave on July 3rd instead of the 1st?
Yes. Keep in mind we will be at Masjid Baitur Rahman after the conclusion of Jalsa.
Can I bring my family with me for those seven days?
Everyone should do their best to spend as much time in the company of the Khalifa (aba) as possible. Therefore, families are welcome but they will have to arrange their own accomodation through the Jalsa Salana hospitality team. Please make sure that families are completely independent so volunteers can focus on their duty.
Will there be some program for Lajna during the non-Jalsa days at Bait-ur-Rehman?
Lajna will Insha'Allah have some programs with Hadhrat Apa Jaan. Lajna members coming with Khilafat Team volunteers could be involved in those programs and also lend a a helping hand. More details should be sought through Lajna Imaillah.
Who is the point person or where should I send my travel plans?
Travel plans should be sent to Nazim Volunteer Accommodations, Aizaz Ahmad, at aizazahmad91@gmail.com. Please copy your message to jalsatransportation@gmail.com and Motamid@mkausa.org.
Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya, USA
