Shelter Canada Volunteer Teams Handbook for Team Members El Salvador Table of Contents Mission Statement .................................................................................................................................................... 2 Statement of Faith .................................................................................................................................................... 2 Introduction .............................................................................................................................................................. 2 Finances ..................................................................................................................................................................... 4 Mission Trip Applications ......................................................................................................................................... 4 Travel ......................................................................................................................................................................... 5 Medical Information ................................................................................................................................................. 6 Food Clothing Accommodations and Church ........................................................................................................... 6 Suggested List of Items to Bring .............................................................................................................................. 7 What to do in Case of an Accident ........................................................................................................................... 8 Team Member Safety and Behavior Protocols ........................................................................................................ 9 Best Practices .......................................................................................................................................................... 10 Application .............................................................................................................................................................. 12 Liability Waiver Form .............................................................................................................................................. 13
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Shelter Canada – Handbook for Team Members
Shelter Canada Mission Statement: “Building Hope” Shelter Canada – Statement of Faith Shelter Canada is a non-‐profit, faith-‐based Christian ministry. Shelter Canada exists to glorify God by means of mission works that give hope to the poor of El Salvador which was exemplified by His Son Jesus Christ. Shelter Canada believes the Holy Bible, both Old and New Testaments is the inspired Word of God, inerrant in its original manuscripts, and reveals the only true way to our salvation. Shelter Canada is guided by service and love, first towards God, and then towards the poor. The goal of Shelter Canada is to bring the Gospel message to the less fortunate people in El Salvador and to uphold the teachings of scripture and in that respect are piloted by Micah 6:8 “He has showed you O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to work humbly with your God. The above statement reflects the basic guiding principles upon which the organization Shelter Canada was founded and as a team member travelling in EL Salvador with Shelter Canada please expect and respect that the above noted goals and values will be promoted at all times.
Introduction – Shelter Canada is a non-‐profit organization with the goal of bringing the Gospel message to the less fortunate people in El Salvador. Shelter Canada does this through short term mission teams (volunteer teams) who build houses, organize medical clinics, assist with optometry clinics, and carry out food distributions. The intent of the volunteer teams is to demonstrate Christ’s love for others through our actions and genuine caring for those we are helping. The areas Shelter Canada and its predecessor non-‐profit organization have been working in are some of the poorest in El Salvador and at the end of March 2013 approximately 1000 houses will have been built by the volunteer teams who have been travelling to the country since 2002. Today Shelter Canada is working in El Salvador with missionaries and representatives from the local communities to build relationships, houses and various sustainable projects all in the name of Jesus Christ. El Salvador -‐ is the smallest and the most densely populated country in Central America (6.4 million, est 2012). The country's capital city and largest city is SanSalvador with a population of 2.4 million, est 2012. El Salvador borders the Pacific Ocean on the south, and the countries of Guatemala to the west and Honduras to the north and east. Its easternmost region lies on the coast of the Gulf of Fonseca, opposite Nicargua. The country is subject to earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and extreme climates; in 2001 there were 2 earthquakes that left 20 percent of the population without homes. In 2005 and 2009 heavy rains resulted in several landslides leaving thousands homeless. In 1992 a peace accord was signed by the ruling government and the Frente Farabundo Martí para la Liberación Nacional (FMLN), a group representing opposition guerrillas, to end a 12 year civil war that took the lives of 75,000 people. 2
As a result of the disasters experienced by the people of El Salvador and a slow economy; basic needs such as food, clothing and housing are difficult to acquire by the poor in El Salvador. With Jesus as our focus, the volunteer teams representing Shelter Canada are trying to bring hope to the poor of El Salvador by providing some of their basic needs with an emphasis on building houses but more importantly, by sharing the love of Jesus Christ in all we do while on mission. As representatives of Jesus we need to be sincere and let the poor of El Salvador know they are valued, loved and made in the image of God. 3
Finances Each team member is expected to cover their flight and in-‐country costs which are currently: Flight Costs – approximately $1000 In country costs including accommodations and food – approximately $800 Individual spending money is the responsibility of each team member and it is recommended that each person bring some additional money for personal spending and an El Salvador Customs fee of $10.00 In addition to the above costs each team is responsible to raise funds for: Houses -‐ $2900 each All monies donated to Shelter Canada must go through The Great Commission Foundation (TGCF) in order to qualify for a tax receipt. All monies for Shelter Canada received by TGCF are considered donations to the project and will be allocated to the VT number identified with each donation. The monies will also be allocated according to the desire of the donor, such as payment for team member flight or in-‐country expenses, or for houses. Since the monies are considered donations to Shelter Canada, there are no refunds to individuals once they are received by Shelter. Please note that there is a 3 percent surcharge on credit card payments. Cheques should be made out to “Shelter Canada” and there needs to be a note identifying: i) The VT number ii) The Team Leaders name iii) The name and address of donor iv) Purpose of monies, i.e., team member expenses, sponsor, or for houses, Note: When sending in a cheque for a team member or a cheque from a sponsor toward a team member, please indicate the team member’s name as well as the team leader’s name. Mission Trip Applications There are applications for team members attached to the handbook. Each team member must complete and sign an application form and liability waiver form and return it to their team leader with $250.00 of their team expenses. Applications must be submitted to team leaders at least 120 days prior to the trip departure date.
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Travel The team leaders are required to forward an estimate of the number of people going on each team to Menno Travel at least 90 days in advance of the mission trip; however, the earlier notice the better price and choice of flights. At this point Menno Travel can tentatively reserve seats for teams with more than 10 people. The final trip list should be into Menno Travel at least 90 days prior to the team leaving. All team members must fly as a team from a single point to El Salvador (for example Houston to El Salvador) and must return to that point as a team. This is required for Canada Revenue Agency requirements as well as logistical reasons for liability, travel, and accommodations in El Salvador. The funds for each member must be forwarded 90 days in advance prior to the travel being booked. A minimal amount of travel insurance is obtained for each traveller and each team member must ensure they have additional travel insurance coverage prior to travelling to El Salvador. Each traveller is required to have an updated passport (one with an expiry date more than six months beyond the team’s return date). Each team member should also forward a photocopy of their passport to their team leader to have just in case the original gets lost. Each team member should also have a piece of backup government issued I.D. for backup purposes. Travel is restricted to and from EL Salvador without deviations as this causes potential problems with Revenue Canada, ground transportation, airline connections and additional administrative coordination coordinating logistics between the added destinations. Under 18 Travellers – the minimum age for travellers is 14 as long as anyone under 18 years old is travelling with their parents. 5
Medical Information The risk of getting some kind of stomach infection is fairly high in El Salvador and all team members are encouraged to take precautions to reduce the risk. All team members are urged to follow these suggestions: 1. Drink only bottled water recommended by the team leader. 2. Soft Drinks and store bought drinks such as Gatorade and fruit drinks are ok. 3. Bring wet wipes and/or hand sanitizer to wash with when there is no soap and water. Always use them before eating. 4. Never go barefoot. 5. Eat only what has been prepared for your team. 6. If you bring snack foods ensure they are wrapped in an air tight container to prevent any small bugs from getting to it when you are not accessing it. As for medicines to take each team member should have the following: 1. Over the counter antacid and anti-‐diarrhea medication 2. Allergy medication 3. Adequate supply of your usual prescription medication 4. A dose of cipro and Imodium for traveller’s diarrhea 5. Dukoral –an oral suspension to combat traveller’s diarrhea 6. Anything else your doctor recommends It is recommended that each team member talk with your Doctor prior to travelling to El Salvador In order to determine what immunizations you require. The above information is only a basic guideline. Food, Clothing, Accommodations and Church All team meals and accommodations are prepaid. The meals will be prepared by the designated cook or bought in restaurants unless there is a community event where local community members will sometimes prepare a special meal to celebrate. All team members have the option of eating any meal but please note that these will be the only meals offered. Sometimes a local family will offer some food or something to drink to team members, it is advised that these “surprise offerings be kindly refused.
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Team members can bring some snack food with them to El Salvador but keep in mind that it is very hot and the snack foods need to be able to last in the heat. Clothing should be cool and good to work in; typical dress for a work day is shorts, tee shirt, socks and works shoes. Some people prefer to work in boots and others in runners. It is important to remember that some days can be long and hard on your feet. The clothes for work get dirty and sweaty so it is advisable to take more than one change of clothes. Also, it is advised that each team member bring a change of clothes in their carry on bag in case their checked luggage is delayed. When attending church the team members need to respect the culture and comply with the local dress standards, for men it is a nice short sleeve shirt and long kahakis (loose pants) and women it is a nice blouse and skirt and/or dress. The teams usually go the beach on the Saturday so each team member should have their swimming suits and a beach towel. Bathing suits for women should be conservative and skirts and dresses should be below mid-‐thigh. Please use discretion when dressing in order to respect the local culture. The accommodations vary depending on where your team is working so it is advised that you check with your team leader prior to leaving I order to determine what to bring in terms of blankets, pillow etc. Suggested List of Items to Bring: 1. Blanket and air mattress if team leader is unsure of accommodations 2. Work gloves 3. Durable water bottle 4. Hat 5. Insect repellent 6. Sun screen 7. Flashlight 8. Spending Money $100 to $200 – American and not big bills 9. Bible and journal 10. Backpack and waist pouch for passport and money 11. Plastic bag for dirty laundry 12. Toilet Paper – 2 rolls per week 13. Camera 14. A few band aids and Tylenol or Ibuprofen 7
The above list contains the necessities and is not comprehensive by any means. All team members need to remember that they may be sharing small rooms or one big room with everybody and that packing should be light but effective. There is always the possibility of theft or loss so it is advised that any valuables other than your passport and money be left at home. What to do in Case of an Accident – There is an emergency response form attached to the hand book. All team leaders and team members are encouraged to pray for team safety each day but teams need to be prepared in case a medical situation or accident occurs. As previously mentioned, there should be a designated safety person who will preferably had some formal training in first aid safety procedures and this person should be sought immediately. Depending on the seriousness of the injury the team leader may have to contact the In-‐Country emergency contact and they will need to know the location of the accident. Prior to starting work the team leader will get the information from the In-‐Country emergency contact concerning availability and location of medical services in the area the teams are working. Basic Accident Procedures Serious Injury 1. 2. 3. 4.
Ensure the accident scene is safe and there is no further danger to you or the injured person Do not move the injured person unless there is a high risk of further injury and it is safe to do so Keep calm and do not leave the injured person Contact the team leader and designated safety personnel immediately and report the location and patient’s condition , if possible 5. Team leader and safety designate will decide if medical action or further treatment should be sought 6. Team Leader will contact the In-‐Country emergency contact to seek medical assistance Minor Injury or Illness 1. 2. 3. 4.
Contact Team Leader and designated safety person immediately Follow the instructions of any medically trained person Ensure the Team Leader is informed and fill out an accident report First responders should: 8
a. b. c. d. e. f. g. h. i. j.
Note the name of the injured The date and time of injury Who the first responder was Names of witnesses Description of how the accident occurred The nature of the injury or illness Description of the treatment Description of and subsequent treatment Signature of person giving treatment, signature of victim Team leader’s name and VT number
Team Member Safety and Behaviour Protocols Safety of the team members travelling to El Salvador is of paramount concern and for this reason, it is important that all team members know El Salvador as a destination is still the second most dangerous country for violent crimes in Central America. Though it appears safe, each team member needs to understand that their unfamiliarity with the local culture can put them at risk. Therefore, the following protocols have been set in place by Shelter Canada to assist with the safety and security of team members while on mission in El Salvador. Keep in mind that Shelter Canada’s overall goal is to share to gospel and reflect Christ in all we do while we are a visitor in El Salvador. 1. Possession or use of illegal drugs, alcohol, tobacco products or pornographic materials is prohibited. 2. Possession or use of firearms or explosives of any kind are prohibited. 3. Never “wander off” on your own alone – it is critical that the teams and sub-‐teams always stay together. 4. If a small group is leaving the area where the rest of the team is, make sure you inform and have permission from your leader. They need to know where you are going, and with whom for safety sake. 5. No inappropriate or culturally unacceptable public displays of affection will be tolerated. 6. No developing of romantic relationships between team members and locals will be tolerated. 7. When leaving your room, make sure that you take all valuables with you. 8. No profanity or fighting. 9. Leaders must know where their team is at all times. 10. Never leave the hotel or housing facility and obey the times that you are to be quiet by. 11. Please note that there will be no extra meals other than those provided so you are encouraged to eat those.
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12. Please respect the local dress code, i.e. men wear pants and women wear skirts or dresses to church. Clothing that is revealing or with inappropriate slogans is not acceptable. 13. Please submit and respect those in authority over you, remember this is not a vacation you organized for yourself, you are a member on a team and there is a need to respect and show appreciation for your team members. 14. Respect the families you are working with whether it is building them a house, working in a medical or optometry clinic or doing a food distribution. 15. From the time you leave home to the time you get back you are working on a team that represents Christ and people are watching how you contribute as a team member so please pay attention to those around you and share the hope we have in Christ by being sensitive to their needs and sincerely caring by diligently working with and getting to know the people you can influence. In general please remember that you are in another country representing Shelter Canada and that there has been years of work and effort behind the scenes to establish a positive and Christ like presence for the organization in El Salvador. This work, relationships, and trust can be jeopardized very quickly by behaviours that are unbecoming so please follow the above protocols and seek to reflect a Christ like attitude in all you do while on your short term mission. If these protocols are not followed and a team member continues inappropriate behaviour they will be dismissed from the team and sent home at their own expense. Best Practices Communication -‐ communicating with the locals prior to your team arriving is not encouraged as this can cause unreasonable expectations and possible rifts amongst the locals. Again, the goal is to share the love of Christ but not to “rock the boat”. Even the best planning cannot prepare for all that a team has to deal with while they are in El Salvador and if local expectations are not met, this can cause potential issues for all the teams travelling to EL Salvador. As we are in the age of virtual communications via texting, emails, etc., it’s unreasonable to expect there will not be any communication between Canadian and El Salvadorian friends; Shelter advises that the intent of the communications should not raise expectations of locals upon a teams’ arrival. FAT – all team members are encouraged to be Flexible, Adaptable and Teachable. This principle has a universal implication for all people but even more so for team members while in El Slavador as there are so many needs that often require teams to change their plans as well as their expectations. By keeping the FAT principle in mind while on their mission, team members should be encouraged to view their actions from a Christ like perspective. Getting to know the families you are helping, being prepared to try something new, getting them to help build the houses (even in the smallest way), and 10
keeping in mind that God has given everyone different gifts are just some ways to help keep the FAT principle in mind while on mission in EL Salvador. Giving – when travelling to a developing nation such as EL Salvador we Canadians have a tendency to want to give stuff such as money in order to help others. While this may seem logical and caring at first, all of us need to realize that there can be devastating impacts from giving too much. Requests for money by locals or any donations should be brought to the attention of Stuart and Carie by the team leader. An average monthly income for a person in El Salvador is about $350.00 dollars per month and Shelter Canada is working in the poorest communities where it is much lower than the average. In order to not create a dependency attitude Shelter Canada recommends that while at Church team members giving be limited to a maximum of $5.00 and that any ideas to improve the well-‐being of the people we help include not only direct one way handouts but that they include a component of capacity building and long term sustainability. Caring – our goal is to share the Gospel and to let the people of EL Salvador know that they are valued, loved and made in the image of Jesus Christ whom we can all place our hope, dreams and aspirations.
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