Hello Everyone!
We are less than 2 months away from Honduras! For those of you that missed the meeting or came late, please read this email because it outlines an exciting change to our brigade! Although the excitement and anticipation for all of us is building, so too are our responsibilities and duties. Please keep in mind the key dates outlined at the end of the email.
Also, we are still in need of health professionals. If you have any friends/family that might know anyone that would be interested, please let us know! The fundraising group even thought up with some ideas that could possibly subsidize a part of their trip as an incentive.
Below are important notes that review the topics covered last Sunday.
1. New Brigades Model
The exciting news is that GMB is implementing a new brigades model for our trip! This new model will allow us to stay within one Honduran community, unlike the past when the group would move to a new one everyday. One benefit of this change is that we well be able to exert all of our time and care to one community. We will also have an extra day that we can dedicate to our liking! Some ideas we mentioned at the meeting included having a cultural-exchange day, a tourist-day, and an additional medical/public health day.
We are less than 2 months away from Honduras! For those of you that missed the meeting or came late, please read this email because it outlines an exciting change to our brigade! Although the excitement and anticipation for all of us is building, so too are our responsibilities and duties. Please keep in mind the key dates outlined at the end of the email.
Also, we are still in need of health professionals. If you have any friends/family that might know anyone that would be interested, please let us know! The fundraising group even thought up with some ideas that could possibly subsidize a part of their trip as an incentive.
Below are important notes that review the topics covered last Sunday.
1. New Brigades Model
The exciting news is that GMB is implementing a new brigades model for our trip! This new model will allow us to stay within one Honduran community, unlike the past when the group would move to a new one everyday. One benefit of this change is that we well be able to exert all of our time and care to one community. We will also have an extra day that we can dedicate to our liking! Some ideas we mentioned at the meeting included having a cultural-exchange day, a tourist-day, and an additional medical/public health day.
2. Fundraising:
Our group fundraising event is still confirmed at Blake’s on Telegraph in Berkeley on Dec. 5. We have 2 bands, a DJ and karaoke machine/system scheduled for the event!
Our group fundraising event is still confirmed at Blake’s on Telegraph in Berkeley on Dec. 5. We have 2 bands, a DJ and karaoke machine/system scheduled for the event!
We handed out tickets for the event at the last meeting, so please contact Rommel or I if you still need a set. These tickets are valued at $15 a piece and will go directly towards our trips medications. Any brigader who sells 10 tickets prior to the event will not need to pay the $75 grant fee into our medication fund. Money from ticket sales and/or unsold tickets are due at the Dec 5th meeting
Each ticketholder will get a free raffle ticket, and additional tickets will be available for purchase or in exchange for medication/supply donations (ie a box of band-aids or a bottle of vitamins). Lastly, Blake’s will be having drink specials! Although the event is for the sake of our trip, let’s remember to relax and have some fun.
As far as personal fundraising, Ashley informed us of company matching incentives that many businesses have. Check with your employer to see whether or not they have a program or check in with Trina if you have questions. We can also accept matching donations from other donors' companies. Please pursue this right away, as we can only apply matching gifts that are received prior to payment deadlines towards your trip. A link to a database of companies that offer matching gift programs and other useful fundraising links can be found here:https://docs.google.com/document/pub?id=1FsMZeSWKWh2wseddnPfwg0U0nfZ6qdl0wgdwUeW5mEM
We still have a promotional deal with See’s that can help personal fundraising. If you are interested in selling See’s candy(not limited to a single bar) that has return value, please take a look at the attached flier. You can print this to collect orders or obtain fliers and collection envelopes from Ashley in Berkeley or at the next meeting. Checks for orders should be made out to "Berkeley Medical Brigades". Order forms and money are due Dec 1st.
Forms and documents pertaining to monetary donations can be found on our website (http://berkeleypostbaccsgmb.weebly.com/).
3. Medication Collection
Hopefully you are all having luck with the medication/medical supply donations. Please keep in mind that all donations should be collected by Dec. 5, the weekend of our fundraiser. If you need more information about the kinds of medications and supplies we need, please visit our website and check out the Member Sources tab. You can find two forms on that page with detailed information regarding what we need. You all should have also received an email regarding your collections and how to submit information about them.
4. Reminders/Due dates:
Nov. 17 – GMB Fundraising Webinar
Nov. 21 – Next Group Meeting (noon@Mills)
Nov. 29 – Airfare due ($760)
Dec 1- See's fundraiser due
Dec. 5 – Meeting # 5; Medication (collection/$100) + Grant Fee ($75) due
If you have questions about any of the above, or about anything else pertaining the trip, please feel free to contact me anytime.
Sincerely,
Jesse Han
Each ticketholder will get a free raffle ticket, and additional tickets will be available for purchase or in exchange for medication/supply donations (ie a box of band-aids or a bottle of vitamins). Lastly, Blake’s will be having drink specials! Although the event is for the sake of our trip, let’s remember to relax and have some fun.
As far as personal fundraising, Ashley informed us of company matching incentives that many businesses have. Check with your employer to see whether or not they have a program or check in with Trina if you have questions. We can also accept matching donations from other donors' companies. Please pursue this right away, as we can only apply matching gifts that are received prior to payment deadlines towards your trip. A link to a database of companies that offer matching gift programs and other useful fundraising links can be found here:https://docs.google.com/document/pub?id=1FsMZeSWKWh2wseddnPfwg0U0nfZ6qdl0wgdwUeW5mEM
We still have a promotional deal with See’s that can help personal fundraising. If you are interested in selling See’s candy(not limited to a single bar) that has return value, please take a look at the attached flier. You can print this to collect orders or obtain fliers and collection envelopes from Ashley in Berkeley or at the next meeting. Checks for orders should be made out to "Berkeley Medical Brigades". Order forms and money are due Dec 1st.
Forms and documents pertaining to monetary donations can be found on our website (http://berkeleypostbaccsgmb.weebly.com/).
3. Medication Collection
Hopefully you are all having luck with the medication/medical supply donations. Please keep in mind that all donations should be collected by Dec. 5, the weekend of our fundraiser. If you need more information about the kinds of medications and supplies we need, please visit our website and check out the Member Sources tab. You can find two forms on that page with detailed information regarding what we need. You all should have also received an email regarding your collections and how to submit information about them.
4. Reminders/Due dates:
Nov. 17 – GMB Fundraising Webinar
Nov. 21 – Next Group Meeting (noon@Mills)
Nov. 29 – Airfare due ($760)
Dec 1- See's fundraiser due
Dec. 5 – Meeting # 5; Medication (collection/$100) + Grant Fee ($75) due
If you have questions about any of the above, or about anything else pertaining the trip, please feel free to contact me anytime.
Sincerely,
Jesse Han
2 Comments
1. Honduras Overview
Here are some resources for information about Honduras:http://www.destination360.com/central-america/honduras/historyhttp://www.everyculture.com/Ge-It/Honduras.htmlSome things to consider when researching are climate, diet and health-related conditions in Honduras. Planning ahead for the trip will ensure a smooth transition and pleasant experience once abroad. In addition, please keep in mind the cultural differences between the US and Honduras. More details about preparing for the trip will be discussed as January approaches.
2. Fundraising
Our group fundraising event will be held on Sunday, Dec. 5 at Blakes on Telegraph. We are planning on having a DJ or live band perform, as well as other activities such as karaoke. Please start spreading word of this event. If you sell at least 10 tickets we will waive your $75 grant fee! All of the remaining proceeds will be used for the groups’ medications/supplies. Also, we will be accepting medically-related donations such as OTC's and band aids at the door for a free raffle ticket!
If you have not started your own personal fundraising, please begin ASAP. At Sunday’s meeting, we discussed selling See’s candy bars and emailing friends/family. Each case contains 24 chocolate bars and costs $21. Suggested retail value is $2/bar, so you stand to make $27/case. If you did not sign up for the See's fundraiser at the meeting, e-mail [email protected] by Sunday and include the number of cases of candy bars you wish to purchase. You will be asked to pay for the candy bars up front, but all proceeds are yours to put towards your trip!
If you have any suggestions regarding personal fundraising, please feel free to share your ideas with fellow members or at the next meeting.
Lastly, you may decide not to participate with the group fundraiser as long as you pay your portion of the grant fee.
3. Medication Collection
All of the personal medication collections are due Dec. 5. A comprehensive list of medications needed for the trip can be found on the right side of our Member Resources page (http://berkeleypostbaccsgmb.weebly.com/member-resources.html). In addition to the medications, please consider gathering other medical supplies for the trip listed on the Meds Flier, also listed on our Member Resources page. Because collecting medications can take a long time, begin asking for donations soon. You may also opt-out of collecting medications by providing $100 towards the groups fund.
Each brigader will provide 2 large suitcases to fill with medications and supplies. Each suitcase will weigh up to 50 pounds. Some great resources to find free suitcases are www.freecycle.org and www.craigslist.org. These bags will bear some physical duress during the trip so please keep this in mind if you choose to use your own. Health Professionals and additional brigaders needed!We only have until Monday to secure seats on our flight, so if you know a health professional or anyone else who is interested please have them contact us ASAP! Also, volunteers do not need to be students to join... anyone who is looking for an awesome experience in Honduras is welcome to join!!! CarpoolingSince a number of our brigaders commute, we have created a section of the website where you can get in touch with each other to find carpoolers! http://berkeleypostbaccsgmb.weebly.com/forum.html#/
Reminders & Due Dates:
- Email me a copy of your passport picture or bring 2 photo copies to the next meeting
- Check out our website for updates, news and schedule information
Oct. 25 - $235 Flight deposit due (your fundraising account should have a total of $235)
Nov. 7 - GMB meeting @ Mills College
Nov. 21 - GMB meeting @ Mills College
Here are some resources for information about Honduras:http://www.destination360.com/central-america/honduras/historyhttp://www.everyculture.com/Ge-It/Honduras.htmlSome things to consider when researching are climate, diet and health-related conditions in Honduras. Planning ahead for the trip will ensure a smooth transition and pleasant experience once abroad. In addition, please keep in mind the cultural differences between the US and Honduras. More details about preparing for the trip will be discussed as January approaches.
2. Fundraising
Our group fundraising event will be held on Sunday, Dec. 5 at Blakes on Telegraph. We are planning on having a DJ or live band perform, as well as other activities such as karaoke. Please start spreading word of this event. If you sell at least 10 tickets we will waive your $75 grant fee! All of the remaining proceeds will be used for the groups’ medications/supplies. Also, we will be accepting medically-related donations such as OTC's and band aids at the door for a free raffle ticket!
If you have not started your own personal fundraising, please begin ASAP. At Sunday’s meeting, we discussed selling See’s candy bars and emailing friends/family. Each case contains 24 chocolate bars and costs $21. Suggested retail value is $2/bar, so you stand to make $27/case. If you did not sign up for the See's fundraiser at the meeting, e-mail [email protected] by Sunday and include the number of cases of candy bars you wish to purchase. You will be asked to pay for the candy bars up front, but all proceeds are yours to put towards your trip!
If you have any suggestions regarding personal fundraising, please feel free to share your ideas with fellow members or at the next meeting.
Lastly, you may decide not to participate with the group fundraiser as long as you pay your portion of the grant fee.
3. Medication Collection
All of the personal medication collections are due Dec. 5. A comprehensive list of medications needed for the trip can be found on the right side of our Member Resources page (http://berkeleypostbaccsgmb.weebly.com/member-resources.html). In addition to the medications, please consider gathering other medical supplies for the trip listed on the Meds Flier, also listed on our Member Resources page. Because collecting medications can take a long time, begin asking for donations soon. You may also opt-out of collecting medications by providing $100 towards the groups fund.
Each brigader will provide 2 large suitcases to fill with medications and supplies. Each suitcase will weigh up to 50 pounds. Some great resources to find free suitcases are www.freecycle.org and www.craigslist.org. These bags will bear some physical duress during the trip so please keep this in mind if you choose to use your own. Health Professionals and additional brigaders needed!We only have until Monday to secure seats on our flight, so if you know a health professional or anyone else who is interested please have them contact us ASAP! Also, volunteers do not need to be students to join... anyone who is looking for an awesome experience in Honduras is welcome to join!!! CarpoolingSince a number of our brigaders commute, we have created a section of the website where you can get in touch with each other to find carpoolers! http://berkeleypostbaccsgmb.weebly.com/forum.html#/
Reminders & Due Dates:
- Email me a copy of your passport picture or bring 2 photo copies to the next meeting
- Check out our website for updates, news and schedule information
Oct. 25 - $235 Flight deposit due (your fundraising account should have a total of $235)
Nov. 7 - GMB meeting @ Mills College
Nov. 21 - GMB meeting @ Mills College
UCB Extension offers a medical Spanish course that is perfect for those with limited or no Spanish. This course will provide you with the Spanish skills to triage patients and give instructions on how to take medications on the brigade.
http://extension.berkeley.edu/cat/course1276.html
http://extension.berkeley.edu/cat/course1276.html
Global Brigades has created a new interface for fundraising, social networking, and more at brigades.org.
See our group page at: http://tinyurl.com/bpbgmb
See our group page at: http://tinyurl.com/bpbgmb
Enter the Global Brigades Video Competition!
GB wants to hear how you inspire others to join/support Global Brigades. If your video is selected, your in-country fees are free!
More info at: http://www.brigadesblog.org/?p=1575
GB wants to hear how you inspire others to join/support Global Brigades. If your video is selected, your in-country fees are free!
More info at: http://www.brigadesblog.org/?p=1575
http://www.practicingspanish.com/
http://medicalspanish.com/learning-resources.html
http://www.medicalspanishpodcast.com/
The iTunes store has a number of podcasts and apps available as well.
iPod/iPhone app: AUDIO- Medical Spanish by Mavro Inc (this is free!)
For those of you with limited to no Spanish, this book covers basic grammar as well as useful medical phrases and terminology:
http://www.amazon.com/McGraw-Hills-Quick-Medical-Spanish-Audio/dp/0071459642/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1269801859&sr=1-6
As long as you practice speaking and listening, this book should be enough to prepare you for working triage.
-Ashley
http://medicalspanish.com/learning-resources.html
http://www.medicalspanishpodcast.com/
The iTunes store has a number of podcasts and apps available as well.
iPod/iPhone app: AUDIO- Medical Spanish by Mavro Inc (this is free!)
For those of you with limited to no Spanish, this book covers basic grammar as well as useful medical phrases and terminology:
http://www.amazon.com/McGraw-Hills-Quick-Medical-Spanish-Audio/dp/0071459642/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1269801859&sr=1-6
As long as you practice speaking and listening, this book should be enough to prepare you for working triage.
-Ashley
- The fundraising event will be on Sunday, April 18th from 8-12am in Berkeley at Blake's on Telegraph. Tickets will be $15 before the event and $20 the day of. We have yet to decide if we will be charging to take place in the Karaoke part of the event.
- Fundraising Information:
2) Ticket Minimum: Each member is required to sell 10 tickets. After selling 10 tickets, your grants fee of $75.00 will be waived. IN ADDITION, for any amount of tickets you sell above the 10, all of the proceeds will go towards your $100 pharmacy meds contribution!!!!
3) Marketing for Event: Please announce the event to your classes and bring your tickets to sell them in class (this will help towards your minimum). We will be posting a spreadsheet on google docs and you can go online and plug-in the details about the courses you are taking and making announcements. This will help others who are not currently taking classes make announcements in classes that have no representation, making them able to reach their minimum. We will also be posting on google docs a flyer to post in your class buildings or email out to friends/family and quarter sheets for you to cut and distribute during your announcements to help you advertise.
4) Additional fundraising: An idea was proposed to compile a World Music CD which would require people to either submit their own original works (songs, spoken word, etc) or works from others we know and sell the CD as another way of raising money for this trip and future trips. This would be an ongoing fundraiser. Since Alana and husband have volunteered to produce the CD, we would simple need to cover the minimal costs and submit the material and sell the CDs. WE NEED TO KNOW: how many people are able to submit material and/or know others who can and are willing? Also, are you willing to sell the CDs once they are produced??? We need to know this before going forward with this idea.
- Any responses/questions/concerns about the fundraising points mentioned above, please email Trina ([email protected]). If you simply need to get your tickets and have not made alt. arrangements, please contact Maria. She is available to distribute tickets in the mornings to anyone who did not pick them up or who need more to sell. She can deliver to it anywhere you are in the bay area. Please call or text her at 510-691-2500 to give her your info and she'll take the tickets to you.
- A version of the flyer is attached to this email and is good for posting on bulletin boards, etc. Of course it is up to everyone how they may want to print (can print 2 on one page for example and hand out half pages), but we are also creating a basic small handout (sans graphics) as well that contains all the necessary details as well.
- We still need more raffle prizes so please try to find donations for the event from any connections you have. Ex. Dinner certificates, discounts, buy one get one free, etc. We might be able to make a shout out at the event for the company's. This is good for newer companies trying to get their name out and might help them to donate some things.
- Medication collection
- Bring in used ink and toner cartridges: we can recycle those and get $$ toward the purchase office supply type items.
- You can opt-out by pitching in $100 (by check, payable to Berkeley Medical Brigades). It would be appreciated if anyone who will be going this route pay sooner rather than later, so that we can go ahead and get those purchases underway.
- For anyone who has not started, do so right away! April is right around the corner!
- Another reminder: supply and most medication donations are considered "in-kind" donations and are tax deductible. Form for doing this is on website under Member resources---> pharmacy
- If you unknowingly receive expired meds, please turn them in in a separate bag/box/whatever clearly labeled "expired". We can donate them elsewhere.
- IMPORTANT DATES: March 28th: Ticket sales due for first 5 tickets!!! Also, next meeting for GMB.
- April 14th: Ticket sales due for 10 tickets!!!!
- April 5th: full payment on airfare
- April 29th: all program fees due
- Next meeting: 3/28
- Bring $$$ from 1st 5 tickets for Blake's
- Bring 2 copies of passport photo page (and Honduran visa, if applicable)
- Bring proof of immunization
- Bring medications
- Location for next meeting is the same as last. If you are facing the Bear Cafe go to the right door on the second story. It should be open. The meeting room is 242 Cesar E. Chavez Student Learning Center. If you have any problems finding the room or getting in please call me on my cell phone: (650)-580-3624
Hi everyone,
So Minutes from last meeting:
Laura Dekker
So Minutes from last meeting:
- Please bring in all documentation (passports and immunization records)!!!! I need them by Wednesday, April 7th, 2010.
- Complete airfare due (~$664): Monday, April 5th, 2010.
- If you have not gotten your HepA or HepB vaccinations yet, go to Berkeley Free Clinic on Saturdays from 3-5pm. All information regarding vaccinations are online at www.berkeleypostbacsgmb.weebly.com. Look on there to see areas that offer vaccinations near you. Also, remember to bring in documentation to me at the next meeting.
- Good news: We have 12 people signed up for Public Health Brigades, therefore this is now a go.
- Correction: 10 day Public Health Brigade is only $950, not $1050 as thought before, this does not include the ~$664 airfare.
- Tell pharmacies and doctor's offices that they are eligible for $250 tax deductions for giving us medical supplies or other goods needed for the trip.
- Please remember to fill out everything on the online medication inventory form. We need to keep track so we don't get too much of one item. Thank you!
- Bring all medication in to meetings!!!
- For out of country donations, there is a PayPal account that can be used. No tax deductions are allowed for this account and make sure to add your name so that the donation goes to you. Look up information on our group website (indicated on the first bullet point above). Follow instructions there.
- To help personal fundraising, consider writing a personal email to people who might donate (friends, family, coworkers, etc) and offering incentives (such as Honduran coffee, souveniers, etc.). This might give people the extra push to donate to your cause!
- If you get a pharmacy, doctor's office, work, church, etc. to donate to Berkeley Medical Brigades group, 10% of the donation will go to your own personal fund for the trip. The check should be payable to: Berkeley Medical Brigades.
- The Fundraising Bar Night will be April 18th at 8pm. Please remember to invite and tell all of your friends!!!! Everyone will have to sell 10 tickets, probably priced around $10-15. Kareoki will be provided. Tickets will be given out at the next meeting so please think about who to invite.
- When in Honduras, remember to be culturally sensitive and be appropriate when taking photos. All privacy issues in US hospitals and care facilities should be observed there also. Thank you for cooperating.
- Anyone who has yet to give their $100 deposit needs to do it BY March 7th, 2010.
- Next meeting: March 14th 3PM, location TBA.
Laura Dekker
- Make it Personal. What does providing medical and dental care for those in need mean to you? How does this brigade play into your career/life goals? Make sure that your friends and family know why this trip is exciting for you!
- Use Social Networking. Facebook, LinkedIn, and other online networking tools can help you get the word out.
- Offer Something in Return. Promise that if donors pledge $x, you will bring back a souvenir from Honduras! You can also offer to give your time in return for a donation- babysit, help with chores, yardwork, etc.
- Accept Donations as an Alternative. Ask that friends and family donate rather than giving you a gift for birthdays, holidays, etc.
- Contact people directly. Most people respond better to direct, personal communication than mass mailings. This option is a bit more time consuming, and not all volunteers are as comfortable with this method, but friends and family will appreciate the personal touch. Advocate strongly for your cause, but be understanding if a person cannot contribute.
Ex-President of Honduras Manuel Zelaya went into exile today, perhaps signaling the end of the turmoil that has surrounded his ousting and re-entry into the country. Since many of our families and friends will have questions about safety in Honduras, volunteers are encouraged to keep up with current events. Below are links to BBC's coverage of today's development, as well as some background information.
"Honduras ex-leader Manuel Zelaya heads into exile"
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8484181.stm
BBC "Q&A: Honduran Crisis"
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8124154.stm
-Ashley
"Honduras ex-leader Manuel Zelaya heads into exile"
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8484181.stm
BBC "Q&A: Honduran Crisis"
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8124154.stm
-Ashley