Dear Colleagues,

The Haiti response plan has come together and we are just waiting on GBGM for the full press release next week following their Board meeting. However - to give you a little head start  (since I have been heavily involved in the process) - here is some contact information for our US calendaring person for teams:

Susan Meister  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it     She has begun to take emails pending the process becoming fully functional.

Susan has the final say in the calendaring process - she has been asked to balance the number of teams from each jurisdiction and annual conferences - so that everyone will get a chance to serve.  Be aware - we have over 6000 persons registered currently for the Haiti response.  You may be asked to delay your team several months - be kind!

The other person that has been brought onboard is Rev. Mike Willis from the Binghamton, NY area (Wyoming Conf) and who has been heavily involved in missions to Haiti since 1995.   We hope to have him on the ground in Haiti towards the end of the month but he will start his official duties with us on April 12.  We hope to have a second person in Haiti serving with him as a Hospitality/Finance person and have identified who that will be but are waiting on some paperwork before announcing it.

ALL teams hoping to use any of the Eglise Methodist de Haiti (EMH) resources at the guesthouse and transportation ARE required to go through the US Calendaring office.   Priority will be given to teams that are working on assigned sites that have been identified by the EMH.  Teams who wish to continue working at their previous projects (not in the earthquake zone) will be accommodated as logistics allow but will not qualify for matching project funds that are being made available through an UMCOR grant.

Our hope is that we will be able to follow a project from start to finish with back-to-back teams.  Initial teams - first 4-6 months will need to be extremely flexible in accommodations and site work.   We are asking that teams are comprised of 8-12 members, team leader must have Haiti experience and been through UMVIM Team Leader training, teams should be comprised of persons with skills in medical, educational, and construction - some conferences may be adding additional criteria.  Project funds will eventually all flow through the US Calendaring person in advance of the team's departure - we are still working out this process.

The further out that you plan - the better chance that the system will work well.  Please be gentle with us in this initial startup - it is going to be bumpy - but I know that all of you will handle it with grace and understanding.    We look to provide the best service possible in connecting with our Haitian sisters and brothers.   You will begin to receive additional emails with further information as the process clarifies itself.   

I know that you will have many questions - but this is your headsup and headstart!

Blessings,              Greg  

Gregory A. Forrester

UMVIM NEJ coordinator

32 N. Church St

Cortland, NY 13045

607-756-7799 office

607-756-7957 fax

www.umvim.info

www.umvimnej.org