Methodist Church in Haiti Plans for the Future of UMVIM Teams
November 18, 2016
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Hurricane Mathew caused much devastation in Haiti on October 4th, 2016. UMCOR’s quick response provided emergency supplies and other assistance. See the links for UMCOR articles: UMCOR Quick Response and Going the Extra Mile
Also, given UMVIM’s tremendous history with EMH there have been several requests to send teams to support their partners and friends in the recovery area. However, from the 2010 earthquake experience we realized the best way to approach team involvement would be to allow EMH and UMCOR to do their assessments first. So, with that in mind UMCOR and the Mission Volunteer (MV) office encourages all interested teams to be patient and hold off from going, just yet.
On October 17th, 2016, we had a conference call with several folks and out of that discussion we launched a strategic process. Mike Willis (first consultant from the Haiti Response Plan (HRP) of 2010 Earthquake) went to Haiti to explore EMH’s plans and assessment especially for UMVIM teams. The MV office continued to have several conversations with Haiti Partners and they too explored their own research and sent folks into Haiti.
Mike returned with some valuable information and now, Tom Vencuss (second consultant from the HRP) is in Haiti now addressing the second phase. Mike and Tom had discussions with Bishop Paul, the Guest House Manager Brulan Jean-Michel, and other EMH leaders. And, the conversations are continuing as there is much to organize so teams can have the most productive experience, and be as effective as possible, in Haiti. It’s been confirmed that EMH sees this great opportunity to rebuild the partnership with the wider UMVIM community.
We understand some have been frustrated with waiting but “all things work together for the good…” Romans 8:28
Here are the results and some recommendations are still being negotiated:
- We encourage UMVIM Teams to start their planning as EMH will be ready to receive teams starting in January 2017.
- Each Team leader must have been to Haiti before; please know this would be extremely helpful because knowing and understanding the context is vital.
- Each Team should be encouraged to be smaller, e.g. 5 to 8 in total, giving EMH the capacity to possibly host 3 to 4 teams at a time, for now. Please note, this will expand down the road.
- Teams are strongly recommended to have 50% of the team members with some experience of Haiti.
- Funding recommendation to EMH and UMVIM Teams:
- Each Team raises $2500 for Project Funds and this amount is subject to EMH’s 5% Admin fee.
- Second suggested recommendation: Each team cultivates an additional $2500 from interested donors to match their initial $2500 and amount is not subject to Admin fees.
- These collective funds for Projects could also support the 2:1 ratio (ration e.g. a team of 5 results in recruiting 10 Haitians) developing ownership by the Haitian and the team working “WITH” them and not “FOR” them.
- Teams will be engaged with EMH Projects and local communities.