2010 VOLUNTEER

TRAVEL INFORMATION PACKET

VOICES FOR HAITI MISSION STATEMENT

A not-for-profit organization, Voices for Haiti’s mission is to assist in alleviating the needs of impoverished Haitian families, children, and orphans by providing them with medical relief and educational assistance. We further seek to uplift the needy by supporting and partnering with established organizations that share in our values, to provide humanitarian aid and relief to the afflicted.

GOALS

Education – to address the need for comprehensive programs and services that will significantly enhance the educational needs of the targeted areas including the orphanage VFH manages.
- Health – provide an integrated, health-related program to service the residents in the designated areas.
- Housing – To build homes for residents served by VFH.
- Economic Development – To significantly improve the lives of the citizens in targeted communities by nurturing their creativity, and empowering them to be self-supporting.

VOICES FOR HAITI VISION STATEMENT

Voices for Haiti envisions a Haiti where the least fortunate and most vulnerable, the children, will become the educated majority, independent thinkers, and leaders of the future. They will understand a brighter future rests on supporting one another. Equipped to compete in a global society, they will have access to the same educational opportunities with the world community.

The reason for this vision is to provide a sense of empowerment, self fulfillment and self actualization to the disenfranchised communities of Haiti, something they cannot acquire through emergency relief services alone. Understanding the precarious condition of Haiti, VFH is determined to create holistic programs to empower and raise up children with a hope for a better tomorrow. These holistic programs would not only continue to provide the twice yearly relief services to the underserved, but provide educational and vocational services and housing and medical/health support services so that these communities presently struggling for their existence could become sustainable in the long-term.

ORGANIZATIONS WE HAVE WORKED WITH…..

◘ Habitat For Humanity International

◘ Global Child Health Network

◘ Hands International

◘ ADRA

◘ USAID

VFH PROGRAM OVERVIEW:

Decrease poverty in target population:

◘ Improve health and housing conditions

◘ To provide quality education for the poor

◘ Contribute to a clean environment

Provide affordable education and facilities:

◘ Primary school

◘ Secondary school

◘ Vocational school

◘ Literacy programs

WAYS THAT YOU CAN HELP US IN OUR EFFORTS:

◘ Pray for Voices for Haiti (VFH) leaders

◘ Make a financial contribution to VFH

◘ Volunteer to work with VFH

◘ Tell others about VFH’s initiatives

◘ Participate in a Mission Trip

WHAT VOLUNTEERS NEED IN PREPARATION FOR THE MISSION TRIP TO HAITI:

a. A missionary mindset (i.e. willingness to serve; ability to follow instructions)

b. Become a member of the organization

A minimum deposit as required (the estimated cost of the airfare may be as high as $600.00 depending on American Airlines, and based on a round-trip fare).
A valid US Passport or Green Card.
All volunteers are required to be involved in fund raising activities prior to the trip such as:

Volunteer sponsorship (see attached sponsorship form)
Participation in church presentations to raise funds for Voices for Haiti.

Pocket money for miscellaneous spending.
Bible and devotional literature.
Proper clothing (preferably cotton) i.e. work boots, sneakers, jeans, t-shirts, etc. You will be provided with two VFH t-shirts. One to wear on Sabbath morning and one to wear during the week as needed. All volunteers are required to reserve a khaki colored bottom for Sabbath morning worship (Note: skirts only for females)
See your doctor for medical recommendations for travel to Haiti (i.e. vaccinations, etc.). You can visit www.cdc.gov for further health information for travelers to countries in the Caribbean.

*** All those who will be involved in building projects will need to bring work gloves and tools that they can travel with.

***Medical personnel will need to bring their medical tools/supplies, e.g. stethoscope, otoscope, thermometer, gloves, first aid kit, hand sanitizers, alcohol pads etc.

VFH CONTACT INFORMATION

Promotional, Fund Raising & Special Events Planning:

Pastor Mario Augustave - (917) 922-5186

Margarette Saint-Jean - (718) 338-0287

Travel information:

Maggarette Voyard – 978-227-5443

Rolston Carryll at 212-947-1973; 917- 734-4859

Finances and Receipts:

Sharon Cole - (203) 389-1536

Jonathan Metelus (516) 642-3627

VOLUNTEER SIGN-UP FORM

Date Completed ______________

I. PROFILE

Name: _____________________________________________________

Title /Occupation: _____________________________________________

Home Address (1) Street: ______________________________________________________

City: __________________________ State: _______________ Zip Code: ______________________

Telephone #:___________________________ Fax #:________________________________________

Email____________________________________________________

Business Address (2) Street: ___________________________________________________________

City: __________________________ State: ______________ Zip Code: ______________________

Telephone #:___________________________ Fax#: _______________________________________

Email: ________________________________________________________

Church Affiliation if any: ______________________________________________________

II. DEMOGRAPHICS

Date of Birth: ___/___/____ Gender: M F Ethnicity:___________

Languages Spoken: ______________________________________________

US Citizen: Yes No Country: _____________ Passport #: ____________________

Resident Alien: Yes Card #: __________________________________ No

Please indicate preferred travel dates: __________________________

III. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Building/Construction Medical Health/ Counseling

Camp Instructor Art/ Education £ Food Preparation Religious Education Other ______________________________

Please note: We will make every effort to honor your preference, but projects may be assigned based on need.

For VFH Office Use Only

Date Submitted _________________ How ___________________

NEC Region ____________________ Cat.____________________

Received By _______________________________________________

Travel Application

Name: _____________________________________________ Age: ____________________

Address: _____________________________________________________________________________

Telephone #: ______________________________ Email: _____________________________________

Passport #: _______________________________ Alien Registration #: _______________________

All travel arrangements should be made through Newarc Travel Contact Rolston Carryl at 212-947-1973; 917- 734-4859 email: newarc@aol.com

Please speci

____________________________________________________

Date of Travel:

Travel Arrangements:

Emergency Contact Name: _____________________________________________________________

Address: ______________________________________________________

Telephone #: _________________________________ Cell phone #: ______________________________

Travel Arrangements to and from Haiti must be made by contacting Newarc Travel personally to make you’re your travel arrangement
All application should be made to Margie at the address below. All application should accompany a initial payment of $50.00
Volunteers are responsible for calling Newarc Travel to make arrangements for their airline ticket. Please contact
Rolston Carryl at 917-734-4859
A $25 application fee is required with each application.
The cost for room and board is $175.00 for 10 days and includes lodging, transportation, t-shirts, and 3meals per day.
If under 21 years of age, the signature of a parent or guardian is required.

Applicant: _______________________________ Parent/ Guardian: _______________________________

Please make a copy of this application and mail with check or money order payable to:

Voices for Haiti, Inc.

c/o Maggarette Voyard

260 Whitney St., #627

Leominster, MA  01453

*Please Note: If we are unable to travel because of political unrest, your money will be refunded.

For further information, contact the following individual: Maggarette Voyard at (978) 227-5443

RELEASE FORM

Name: _________ Passport #:

Date of Birth: ________________________ Alien Registration #:__________________________________

Address: ________________________________________________________________________________

Daytime Tel. #: ______________________________ Evening Tel. #: _____________________________

Emergency Name: _______________________ Emergency Telephone #: ____________________________

Medical Insurance Company:___________________________________________________

Insurance Policy #:____________________________________________________________

Area to Volunteer: ___________________________________________________________

Church Membership: _________________________________________________________

In consideration of being allowed by Voices for Haiti to participate in all or part of the activities of the Voices for Haiti (VFH) home building initiative, the undersigned voluntarily assumes all risks of the project, including but not limited to those outlined below.

1. I agree that I am responsible for my own airline ticket and spending money while in Haiti.

2. I acknowledge that by signing this document, I am releasing Voices For Haiti, The Northeastern Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Greater New York Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Atlantic Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and their respective employees, members, and sponsors from any or all liability resulting or arising from my trip to Haiti.

3. I understand and agree that this release is binding on me and my heirs, executors, administrators, and next of kin.

Signature of Member ____________________________________ Date _______________

Voices for Haiti, Inc. Mobile: (978) 227-5443

P.O. Box 4147                  Email:   tahiramaggy@comcast.net

Hamden, CT  06514

Dear Volunteer,

In order to supplement or alleviate the cost of travel for this trip, we have enclosed a Voices For Haiti Travel Sponsorship Form.

I. Your sponsor will:

A. Donate towards mission trip.

B. Complete contact information.

C. Indicate if they would like a reciept.

II. Volunteers are responsible for:

A. Collecting all monies by trip due dates

B. Making sure that all sections of the form are completed.

C. Providing a reciept to sponsor if requested

D. Tracking receipts distributed.

If you have any questions you can contact me @ tahiramaggy@comcast.net.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Sincerely,

Maggarette Voyard

Volunteer Coordinator

VOLUNTEER TRAVEL SPONSORSHIP FORM

July

Volunteer’s Name: ______________________________________________

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Policy and Procedures Manual

Dear Volunteer:

It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to the Voices For Haiti (VFH) organization. Voices for Haiti sole purpose is to work to bring about fundamental changes in the lives of people who are desperately in need.

Voices For Haiti had partnered with Habitat For Humanity (HFH) and other non-profit organizations to carry out its mission. As a volunteer you will enjoy being able to make a difference in the lives of many people. So again I say WELCOME to this great work.

As a volunteer you will receive a wide variety of benefits:

Giving hope to impoverished families.
Building long and lasting relationships.
Insurance while volunteering with HFH and VFH.
Travel and Housing arrangements.
Special discounts to VFH sponsored events.

I encourage you to do your best, there will be challenging times, sometimes even conflicts, but through them all we are here for one purpose to work to bring about fundamental changes in the lives of people who are desperately in need.

Remember, we are building up God's Kingdom as we faithfully work for him as we build families and give hope.

By His Grace,

Mario Augustave

Executive Director

Meet the Founder

Pastor Mario Augustave

Chairman/Executive Director

About Voices For Haiti

Voices For Haiti is a non-profit Christian organization incorporated since 2004 in the State of New York and license by the State of New York Department of Education.

The work is supported financially by churches, individuals and other institutions with shared visions and those who care for the poor.

Proverbs 19:17. “He that hath pity on the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.”

Voices For Haiti primarily works within Habitat for Humanity community housing. Historically, we have worked in LaGonave, Port au Princ, Gonaives, Jacmel and Arcahaie. For the past few years, we have been working primarily in Cabaret which is about-45 minutes from Port au Prince.

We support other institutions similar to ours that are struggling in various parts of Haiti. Currently, we operate a primary school in Cabaret. Our school educates children who would have never received formal education if we were not there. We attempt to not only educate them but we also provide we provide medical assistance to them and their community; whenever possible we clothe and feed.

Classes are from pre-K to 12^th grade. Our faculty and staff include the Principal, 10 teachers, 2 cooks who volunteer, a janitor and a helper who assist with the small children.

Introduction

This manual has been developed as a guide for volunteers who are currently working with Voices for Haiti and for new volunteers. It is hoped that this document will be helpful to both groups. Whenever a volunteer encounters a situation that he or she feels unqualified to address, he or she can use this manual as a resource book, however, this manual may be limited in scope and so the volunteer should always consult with the executive director or his designee. It is hoped that this manual gives you an insight to Voices for Haiti.

Voices for Haiti, formerly known as “The Haiti Project”, serves as a not-for profit lay organization whose goals are to provide humanitarian aid and relief to those afflicted and impoverished. Voices for Haiti seeks to create through education a small nucleus of conscientious Haitians from throughout the nation and overseas, who will take the destiny of their nation into their hands; with a burden to lift the nation (their brothers and sisters) out of the educational and economical slavery and complete an unfinished revolution which has been delayed for well over two hundred years. VFH seeks to mend broken lives one person at a time for the love of humanity.

Voices for Haiti, believes in each individual’s right to have the basic necessities and education, which will enable them to live a productive and purposeful life. Therefore, through community efforts and fundraising, we are working diligently to ensure that each adult and child in Haiti is touched by God’s love and that those without a “voice” can be heard.

Therefore, the central purpose and role of Voices for Haiti is to address the needs of the people of Haiti by providing Christian education, medical assistance, and professional training while supporting community development and sustainment.

WAYS THAT YOU CAN HELP US IN OUR EFFORTS:

◘ Pray for the Voices For Haiti leaders

◘ Make a financial contribution to Voices For Haiti

◘ Volunteer to work with the Voices For Haiti

◘ Tell others about Voices for Haiti initiatives

◘ Travel with us to Haiti

ABOUT HAITI

Geography

Haiti, in the West Indies, occupies the western third of the island of Hispaniola, which it shares with the Dominican Republic. About the size of Maryland, Haiti is two-thirds mountainous, with the rest of the country marked by great valleys, extensive plateaus, and small plains.

Government

Republic with an elected government

History, Geography Economics

National Name: République d'Haïti

President: René Préval (2006)

Prime Minister:

Land area: 10,641 sq mi (27,560 sq km); total area: 10,714 sq mi (27,750 sq km)

Population (2008 est.): 8,924,553 (growth rate: 2.4%); birth rate: 35.6/1000; infant mortality rate: 62.3/1000; life expectancy: 57.5; density per sq mi: 323

Capital and largest city (2003 est.): Port-au-Prince, 1,764,000 (metro. area), 1,119,000 (city proper)

Monetary unit: Gourde

Languages: Creole and French (both official)

Ethnicity/race: Black 95%, mixed race and white 5%

Religions: Roman Catholic 80%, Protestant 16% (Baptist 10%, Pentecostal 4%, Adventist 1%, other 1%), other 3%, none 1%. Note: roughly half the population practices Vaudou (?)

National Holiday: Independence Day, January 1

Literacy rate: 53% (2003 est.)

Economic summary: GDP/PPP (2007 est.): $11.14 billion; per capita $1,300. Real growth rate: 3.2%. Inflation: 9%. Unemployment: widespread unemployment and underemployment; more than two-thirds of the labor force do not have formal jobs (2002 est.). Arable land: 28%. Agriculture: coffee, mangoes, sugarcane, rice, corn, sorghum; wood. Labor force: 3.6 million; note: shortage of skilled labor, unskilled labor abundant (1995); agriculture 66%, services 25%, industry 9%. Industries: sugar refining, flour milling, textiles, cement, light assembly industries based on imported parts. Natural resources: bauxite, copper, calcium carbonate, gold, marble, hydropower. Exports: $554.8 million f.o.b. (2007 est.): manufactures, coffee, oils, cocoa, mangoes. Imports: $1.844 billion f.o.b. (2007 est.): food, manufactured goods, machinery and transport equipment, fuels, raw materials. Major trading partners: U.S., Dominican Republic, Canada, Trinidad and Tobago, Cuba, UK (2004).

Communications:

Telephones:

Main lines in use: 145,300 (2005); mobile cellular: over 500,200 (2005).

Radio broadcast stations: AM 41, FM 26, shortwave 0 (1999). Television broadcast stations: 2 (plus a cable TV service) (1997).

Internet hosts: 7 (2007) Internet users: 650,000 (2006).

Transportation: Railways: n.a.

Highways: 4,160 km (1999) Waterways: n.a.

Ports and harbors: Cap-Haitien. Airports: 14 (2007).

International disputes:

Since 2004, about 8,000 peacekeepers from the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) maintain civil order in Haiti; despite efforts to control illegal migration, Haitians fleeing economic privation and civil unrest continue to cross into Dominican Republic and to sail to neighboring countries; Haiti claims US-administered Navassa Island.

PS. Information on Haiti Retrieved by VFH on August 29, 2008 at www.infoplease.com, was not verified for accuracy

Getting Involved

Voices for Haiti humanitarian work in Haiti could not be accomplished except through the generosity of volunteers. It is through their generosity that medical assistance has been given, food and clothing has been distributed and homes have been built.

As you can see volunteering helps people make a difference. Volunteers have the power to change things for the better. Volunteering gives you an opportunity to change people's lives, including your own. It is a great way to learn new skills — from working as part of a team to setting and reaching goals.

The work of volunteering is not easy; volunteers are often faced with many challenges. Thus many people refuse to volunteer because of the challenges they may face. Volunteering with Voices for Haiti is made a little easier because the leadership has been involved in volunteering since the inception of the organization. Through trials and errors the administration has been able to develop knowledge based on these experiences. As result of these experiences, the Voices for Haiti has produced a policy and procedure manual that will ensure a smooth running organization. This manual governs all volunteer participating in activities with and for the organization. This manual has been written for you “THE VOLUNTEER.”

All the VFH committees can not wait for you to get involved, but before you can get started you must first attend a formal orientation.

Formal Orientation

All volunteers will be provided with a formal orientation to help them understand Voices For Haiti's mission, program focus, and value to the organization, as well as how the work of volunteers benefits the organization. In addition to knowing our mission, volunteers also need to know about the organizational culture, morals, and ethics, which are as important to the management of a project as is its strategy and structure. This understanding puts your contributions into context and motivates you to complete your assignments. The administration of Voices For Haiti knows that volunteers can be wonderful ambassadors on behalf of the organization, therefore it is important to help you to understand the mission and focus of the organization so that will give you more to say when promoting the organization to your family and friends.

In ensuring that the selection of volunteers is a good fit for the organization and the individual, VFH leadership has developed the following:

Selection Criteria for Prospective Humanitarian Trip Volunteers and Continued Volunteer Field Work

Volunteers for Voices for Haiti humanitarian trips must be 18 years old or older.

2. Volunteers 14-16 years for Voices for Haiti humanitarian trips must have Parental /Guardian consent (younger than 14 years old must be accompanied by a parent).

***Volunteers must be a minimum of 14 years old to participate in fundraising activities.

All volunteers will complete a Voices for Haiti volunteer application form which provides a valid telephone number, email address as well as address for the volunteer to be contacted. Volunteer acceptance is dependant on volunteer’s contact information being accurate and complete.

Release from Liabilities

In consideration of being allowed by Voices for Haiti to participate in all or part of the activities of the Voices for Haiti, the undersigned voluntarily assumes all risks of the project, that I may be involved in.

1. I agree that I am responsible for my own airline ticket and spending money while in Haiti

2. I acknowledge that by signing this document, I am releasing Voices For Haiti Inc, its partners, employees, members and sponsors from any or all liability resulting or arising from my trip to Haiti.

3. I understand and agree that this release is binding on me and my heirs, executors, administrators, and next of kin.

Orientation Meeting

All volunteers must complete an initial orientation meeting and any other in service meetings there after as needed or specified by the Senior Representative and Volunteer Coordinator. All efforts will be made to accommodate volunteers who are unable to meet at the scheduled orientation meeting.

Volunteers/Membership

All VFH volunteers are encouraged to become vested members by donating $50.00 for the entire year. This membership fee should be paid in full before the trip to Haiti.

Volunteer Responsibilities and Requirements for Humanitarian trips

All volunteers are required to be involved in fund raising activities for their respective humanitarian trip
Volunteers can submit payments for the trips at monthly increments if unable to pay it in one payment.
Deadline to apply for trips is 30 days before trip with all payments paid. (This is not recommended), “Full payment should be in 90 days prior to date of leaving or risk loosing original deposit.”
All payments are due 30 days before the trip or risk late charge fee.
VFH will not be held responsible if cancellation of trip is due to inclement weather or other adverse circumstance beyond their control. VFH will make every attempt to recuperate some expenses for volunteers.
If there are insecurities in Haiti and VFH has to cancel a trip please be advised that there is no guarantee that your funds will be reimbursed as these matters are beyond our control. (This repetition is necessary for emphasis sake due to the nature of the country that we serve).

Behavior/Safety procedures on the trips

For safety purposes while in Haiti Voices for Haiti Volunteers are to always remain with the group.
While in Haiti, volunteers must adhere to all instructions and directions of the group leader. VFH reserve the right to terminate any volunteer and return the volunteer to the United States (US) before the end of the intended tour.
If a volunteer becomes un-cooperative and fail to follow the rules and direction of leadership, services will be terminated and travel arrangements will be made to return the volunteer to the US as soon as an affordable airline seat becomes available.
Always be in touch with your team leader.

Volunteers are encouraged not give any money or other personal items to nationals unless first cleared with the group leader as required by insurance.

Volunteers are advised not share any personal information with nationals.

Do not offer random information to strangers or acquaintances concerning Voices for Haiti trip.

Voices for Haiti will not provide transportation to places and activities that are not Voices for Haiti related.

Voices for Haiti encourages all volunteers not leave the Voices for Haiti grounds during the humanitarian mission trip.

10. Volunteers will not be provided with transportation to visit extended family and friends on any mission trip. If a volunteer leaves the Voices for Haiti grounds with a family member, the family will assume all responsibility for the volunteer while away from Voices for Haiti grounds and personnel. Furthermore, such travel arrangement should be made prior to official date of arrival or after all arrangements must be made and approved by trip coordinator prior to leaving the US.

11. Volunteers must wear their Voices for Haiti name tags at all times or as directed

Dress code for Humanitarian trips

Volunteers are required to wear appropriate work attire during the trip/or must wear a Voices for Haiti official attire (T-Shirt) when conducting Voices for Haiti assignments

Volunteers work in the United States

All volunteers are required to be involved in Voices for Haiti fundraising initiatives and committees in one form or the other
Voice for Haiti volunteers must be engaged in at least one of the following fundraising activities

a. Medical supplies

b. Food drives,

c. Campaigns, stuffing envelopes,

d. Public speaking,

e. Data Entry Assistant

All fundraising Materials must be preserve the integrity of the organization and approved by the Executive Director.

4. Volunteers will be provided with materials for fundraising initiatives i.e. penny drives, promotional events etc. In extreme cases where none is available, volunteers must seek the approval of the Executive Director.

5. Sponsorship forms will be provided.

6. Thanksgiving and Holiday seasons promotions will be announced.

Property

Volunteers are strongly encouraged to take all necessary caution to protect their personal property. VFH will assist in providing volunteers with a safe environment as is possible. However, situations may develop where VFH cannot control its environment and shall not be responsible for lost or stolen personal property. Please follow instruction and keep your personal property in a safe place.

Volunteers as Recruiters

All volunteers are encouraged to recruit at least one member for Voices for Haiti
Volunteers will be provided with a recruitment tool kit.
All volunteers will be allowed to chose any additional campaign to participate in, here in the United States.

Volunteers’ Evaluations

- Understanding that VFH may not be the proper fit for all our volunteers: VFH Volunteers are on a 90 day probation period during which time suitability will be determined.
- During the 90 day trial Volunteers will be able to participate in VFH activities and assignments and determine if this is a proper fit.
- Each volunteer are encouraged to complete any given assignment as it pertains to VFH campaigning and fundraising event assigned by their senior representative.
- At the end of the trial period Volunteers will be given the opportunity to discuss areas of concerns with their Senior Representative.
- At the end of the year each Volunteer will be evaluated and the volunteers will evaluate their Senior Representatives as well to find ways to enhance performance of both volunteers and Senior Representatives.

Voices for Haiti Volunteers receive Supervision

Each Volunteer will be assigned a VFH Senior Representative to whom he/she will be accountable. It is recommended that he/she reports on a monthly basis.

Volunteers can also suggest an event to their Voices for Haiti Senior Representative as a possible alternative to the fundraising events given.

Volunteer Responsibilities

Volunteer are encouraged to commit to at least 5 hours a week to Voices for Haiti or to a given event.
Volunteers are encouraged submit time sheets on a monthly basis to their Senior Representative as well as a monthly report on the progress of fundraising/campaigning initiatives.

Attendance

Volunteers are encouraged to make every effort to attend events given by Voices for Haiti. It is also recommended that they keep in contact via telephone or e-mail.

Public Publicity

Volunteers are not allowed to give public statements (newsletter, news stations, television, radio or internet (any media) on behalf of Voices for Haiti. Sole responsibility of such will be in the hands of the executive director.

Purpose of Letterhead

Volunteers are official representatives of Voices for Haiti and so are to use Voice for Haiti Letterhead for business and professional correspondence pertaining to VFH work.
A volunteer must receive prior written authorization from a Voices for Haiti Senior Representative before stationery with VFH letter head can be used.
Letterhead cannot be used for personal business.

Dress code on the field

Volunteers are required to look professional at all times and /or must wear a Voices for Haiti T-Shirt or Voices for Haiti name tag when conducting Voices for Haiti assignments in the field (i.e. presentations, public speaking engagements).

Changes in policy and procedures

VFH can change the policies and procedures at it own discretion without prior discussion with Volunteers. VFH can terminate a volunteer’s services if the volunteer is not fully compliant with policies and procedures.

Disciplinary Actions:

Immediate dismissal / non- voluntary termination

Volunteer violates program policies as specified above.
Volunteer shows inability to follow through with the orientation process, even after adequate provisions were made for him/her to do so.
Volunteer demonstrates inability to follow through and complete a given assignment even after assistance was given.
Misrepresenting VFH in a written communication.
Transferring confidential information to third parties.
Grievance

If a volunteer has a grievance he/she can first speak with his/her immediate Voices for Haiti Representative. If he/she is not satisfied with the resolution they can request a meeting with the Volunteer Coordinator to address the issue.

If a volunteer is still not satisfied he/she can make a request in writing to the Executive Director and request to speak to the Executive Director concerning the grievance.

Conflict of Interest

Conflict of interest can arise in any organization therefore, VFH has provided guidelines to help avoid such conflicts or the perception of conflict of interest. These guidelines must be applied to each situation. These guidelines are to protect the reputation of VFH and to help members and volunteers avoid conflict of interest and to permit the organization to operate effectively and with integrity. These guidelines rely on its members and volunteers to act with honesty and integrity in identifying situations in which there may be a potential conflict of interest.

Accepting financial contracts with suppliers who are relatives or close friends
Assisting your NGO in writing policy as an employee and providing consultancy to another similar organization as if to pass on the intellectual property of your NGO without obtaining consent of the Board to do so

Representing your NGO formally on another committee and taking part in decisions of vital interest to it without reporting back to the Board

Additional information is available as part of the policy and guidelines of VFH.

References

McNamara (2000) Free complete tool kit for boards. Retrieved August, 29, 2008 at www.mapnp.org/library/boards/brdjobs.htm

Information sheet 14:

Information sheet #14: Managing Conflicts of Interest Council of Social Ser vice of New South Wales (NCOSS). Retrieved August 29, 2008 at www.ncoss.org.au/msu

AGREEMENT

To VFH Volunteer Coordinator and Volunteer Services:

I have read through the entire volunteers’ policies and procedures manual and I understand its contents and I am agreeable to abiding by the policies and procedures written therein.

Signed:_______________________________

(Volunteer)

Date: ___________________________________

Signed:___________________________________

(Senior Representative/volunteer coordinator signature)

Date: _______________________________

Brief History …

Explored by Columbus on Dec. 6, 1492, Haiti's native Arawaks fell victim to Spanish rule. In 1697, Haiti became the French colony of Saint-Dominique, which became a leading sugarcane producer dependent on slaves. In 1791, an insurrection erupted among the slave population of 480,000, resulting in a declaration of independence by Pierre-Dominique Toussaint l'Ouverture in 1801. Napoléon Bonaparte suppressed the independence movement, but it eventually triumphed in 1804 under Jean-Jacques Dessalines, who gave the new nation the Arawak name Haiti. It was the world's first independent black republic.

The revolution wrecked Haiti's economy. Years of strife between the light-skinned mulattos who dominated the economy and the majority black population, plus disputes with neighboring Santo Domingo, continued to hurt the nation's development. After a succession of dictatorships, a bankrupt Haiti accepted a U.S. customs receivership from 1905 to 1941. Occupation by U.S. Marines from 1915 to 1934 brought stability. Haiti's high population growth made it the most densely populated nation in the Western Hemisphere.

In 1949, after four years of democratic rule by President Dumarsais Estimé, dictatorship returned under Gen. Paul Magloire, who was succeeded by François Duvalier, nicknamed “Papa Doc,” in 1957. Duvalier's secret police, the “Tontons Macoutes,” ensured political stability with brutal efficiency. Upon Duvalier's death in 1971, his son, Jean-Claude, or “Baby Doc,” succeeded as ruler of the poorest nation in the hemisphere. In the early 1980s, Haiti became one of the first countries to face an AIDS epidemic. Fear of the disease caused tourists to stay away, and the tourist industry collapsed, causing rising unemployment. Unrest generated by the economic crisis forced Baby Doc to flee the country in 1986.

Throughout the 1990s the international community tried to establish democracy in Haiti. The country's first elected chief executive, Jean-Bertrand Aristide, a leftist Roman Catholic priest who seemed to promise a new era in Haiti, took office in Feb. 1991. The military, however, took control in a coup nine months later. A UN peacekeeping force, led by the U.S.—Operation Uphold Democracy—arrived in 1994. Aristide was restored to office and René Preval became his successor in 1996 elections. U.S. soldiers and UN peacekeepers left in 2000. Haiti's government, however, remained ineffectual and its economy was in ruins. Haiti has the highest rates of AIDS, malnutrition, and infant mortality in the region.

In 2000, former president Aristide was reelected president in elections boycotted by the opposition and questioned by many foreign observers. The U.S. and other countries threatened Haiti with sanctions unless democratic procedures were strengthened. Aristide, once a charismatic champion of democracy, grew more authoritarian and seemed incapable of improving the lot of his people. Violent protests rocked the country in Jan. 2004, the month of Haiti's bicentennial, with protesters demanding that Aristide resign. By February, a full-blown armed revolt was under way, and Aristide's hold on power continued to slip. The protests, groups of armed rebels, and French and American pressure led to the ousting of Aristide on Feb. 29. Thereafter a U.S.-led international force of 2,300 entered the chaos-engulfed country to attempt to restore order, and an interim government took over. In September, Hurricane Jeanne ravaged Haiti, killing more than 2,400 people. Lawlessness and gang violence were widespread, and the interim government had no control over parts of the country, which were run by armed former soldiers.

After numerous delays, Haiti held elections on Feb. 7, 2006. The elections, backed by 9,000 United Nations troops, were seen as a crucial step in returning Haiti to some semblance of stability. Former prime minister and Aristide protegé René Préval, very popular among the poor, was seen as the favorite. But when the election count indicated that Préval's lead over the other candidate was dropping and that he would not win an outright majority, Préval contested the election and charged that “massive fraud and gross errors had stained the process.” On Feb. 14, the interim government halted the election count, and the following day, after the votes were retabulated, Préval was declared the winner.

In April 2008, Prime Minister Jacques-Édouard Alexis was removed from office by the Senate, which held him responsible for the poor economy. On April 12, after violent street riots, President René Préval announced that he would cut the cost of rice by nearly 16%. On April 27, President René Preval designated Ericq Pierre as the new prime minister, but the lower house of Parliament rejected Pierre, 51 to 35, in May. On July 14, parliament approved the nomination of Michèle Pierre-Louis for prime minister. On July 31, 2008, Michèle Pierre-Louis was approved by a 12-0 Senate vote, making her the second woman prime minister of Haiti, and ending the country's three-month political stalemate.

Voices For Haiti