Fuller Center Global Builders Pre-trip Training

Pre-trip Training

We want your trip to be

healthy and happy

www.fullercenter.org/global-builders

http://www.fullercenter.org/


http://www.fullercenter.org/global-builders

1. Understanding your trip

How it all fits together

Starters: Guidebooks

• Every participant receives a country-specific Guidebook when they register or from your Team Leader. READ IT! It includes:– Project background– Area information– R&R activities– Emergency contacts– Packing list– FAQ’s– Insurance benefit guide– And a lot more…

What is the Fuller Center?

• Incredible founders: Millard and Linda Fuller (www.fullercenter.org/history)• A young organization with old history. Millard and Linda also started and led:

–Partnership Housing (1969-1976) –Habitat for Humanity (1976-2005)

• Based on a simple, powerful idea: that humanity needs partnership with one another and with God.

– Not a handout – each family pays it forward through a no-profit, no-interest loan– Grassroots structure – each project is called a Covenant Partner and is locally-led. Each Covenant Partner shares the same principles and asks to partner. The Fuller Center only goes where it is invited.

• At work in 60 U.S. cities and 15 countries. •Has helped over 2,000 volunteers travel the world.

That’s great. But how does it really work?

http://www.fullercenter.org/history

Volunteers

Volunteers carry this work. It rides on our shoulders.

It’s not carried by government. Or corporations. Or a large staff.

It’s people. Like you and I.

All of our Covenant Partner host sites rely heavily on volunteer leadership, and many of them are entirely volunteer-run.

You’ve given a lot – but so have they.

So remember to be kind and appreciative to your hosts. They, too, may be volunteering today.

Partnership

Partnership.

It’s a profound word.

It denotes equality.

It gives an image of two people working together as equals, facing the world as a team.

It’s how the Fuller Center operates.

What’s the goal?

Our vision

At least decent homes for all.

Peace between peoples.

A healthy community for every child.

Why send teams?

To help provide better homes. That’s obvious.

More subtle: To give you a chance to experience and serve.

Get a small taste of how others live.

Do something that matters.

Participate in the Kingdom of God.

The Kingdom of God?

“Poor” people living in stick houses with dirt floors.

“Rich” people who have never even met any of those who live like that.

Does that sound heavenly to you?

We act to close that gap.

That takes real people.In living color.Flesh to flesh.Sweating and playing together.

What’s all this God-stuff?

We’re a Christian organization.Unashamed.Moving on faith.That’s who we are.

But anyone can help.Volunteers of any religion or no religion.All given equal chance to receive housing help.And we won’t pressure you or try to make you feel bad.

Because that’s how we think God wants us to treat others.

What difference does a house make?

Health

Goodbye leaking roofs and dirt floors.

Hello improved sanitation and indoor air quality.

It’s true preventative care: no wonder the kids get sick 44% less often.

Education

Healthier kids focus better.

A safe place of stability to do homework.

The kids get degrees their parents only dreamed of.


Economics

An affordable home means more $$ for everything else.

The partnership process opens minds and doors.

We’ve seen entrepreneurial self-employment rates triple!

Self-worth

Pursuing happiness.

Fulfilling dreams.

Discovering that others think their lives have value.


Strengthens familiesNo more multi-family overcrowding.Eases the financial stress that is the #1 cause of family disagreements.The home becomes a garden in which they grow together.

Strengthens communitiesHealthy families are the building blocks of a healthy community.Home ownership means they care, because they are there to stay.All benefit.


Remember this:

A home is the foundation stone upon which human development occurs!

How does my trip help?

1. Show the love.You’re giving of yourself – your time, effort and attention.

Demonstrating that you care.

Because some things you just can’t do from afar.

2. $$$.

Your trip fee supports the work financially.

Every dollar counts.

It’s one of the best ways we help.

How does my trip help?

3. Construction.

You help get homes built.

That’s important.

We don’t do make-work.

4. Jobs.

Think of all those construction workers, drivers, cooks, and

lodging hosts.

Then add in all those in the supply chain of the locally-purchased building materials.

Huge ripple effect.

How does my trip help?(Hint: It also helps you!)

5. The meaning of life. 85% of our volunteers report greater life meaning.

It’s doing something that matters – and getting hooked.

Now that’s priceless.

6. Learning. We learn so much on these trips.

Read up on the country and on global poverty while you’re motivated.

Ask questions!

7. Encourages local initiative. It’s theirs, not ours.

We support them, don’t undercut.

This is all-too-rare for mission trips.

8. Long-term benefits to both you and them. The impact of a home lasts decades.

Let your trip inspire real changes in your personal habits and choices.

Keep the relationship alive – become a Country Champion monthly donor.

We let their smiles be our sales pitch.

How does my trip help?(Hint: It can help for a long time!)

Final note…Expectations

We come to serve those in need……and discover they have just what we’ve been needing

We come to help……and discover that they are helping us learn so much

We come to help “those people”…and find ourselves learning each others’ names and becoming friends

We come to share the love of God…and find them sharing it right back

We come to change the world…and find ourselves being changed.

2. Be prepared

More than just a motto

for Boy Scouts

Risks

By and large, international travel - especially with an organization like The Fuller Center for Housing - is safe, rewarding, and fun. Still, it does come with risks that have the potential to threaten health and safety.

Before letting fear win, though, remember that not only is a risk-free life probably not worth living, but it’s also impossible! Living your life without leaving your home may be the greatest risk of all – the risk of missing out on life.

Which is more dangerous?

It’s hard for us to comprehend risks. Which is more dangerous, flying to a week spent in a developing country or driving 1,000 miles to a weeklong camp or conference in the United States? It’s hard to say. To be sure, there are greater health and safety risks in a developing country, but consider the safety risks of the travel. By some estimates, it is 190 times more likely to die by auto accident than on an airline. Here’s a visual:

0

50

100

150

200

Automobiles Commercial airline

Risk of death 190x greater per mile traveled in an Automobile than Plane

Source (based on

NTSB statistics)

http://www.airlinereporter.com/2010/09/flying-is-safe-and-i-am-going-to-prove-it/

Causes of unnatural American deaths abroad, 2012 (non-military)

Source: U.S. State Department

Vehicle Accident -All

Homicide

Suicide

Other accident

Drowning

Air accident

Maritime AccidentDrug-related Terrorist action Disaster

Causes of unnatural American deaths abroad, 2012 (non-military)

Less than a quarter from violent crime. This is what most of us worry about.

Three-quarters are from accidents and self-inflicted injuries.

Vehicle Accident -

All

Homicide

Suicide

Other accident

Drowning

Air accidentMaritime

Accident

Drug-related

Terrorist action

Disaster


How we can help…and how we can’t

The keys to managing risk are (1) to decide which of life’s risks are worth taking and (2) learning how to minimize the ones you decide to take.

That’s where this course comes in. It covers tips for preparation as well as for during your trip so that you can increase the likelihood of having a totally healthy and happy experience.

We can’t tell you which risks in life are worth taking. That’s something you need to decide based on your values and current life situation.

What we can do is to try to help you learn how to minimize the inherent risks of international travel.

Comparing causes of American deaths (2011 / 2012)

Sources: U.S. State Department, NHTSA, CDC

33,561

833

38,285

53,667

0

10,000

20,000

30,000

40,000

50,000

U.S. Automobile deaths All reported Americanunnatural deaths

abroad (non-military)

Suicide (in the U.S.) Flu and Pneumonia (inthe U.S.)

A perspective on risk

Most likely risks

• Traveler’s diarrhea from food and water• Heat-stroke and dehydration • Delayed or lost luggage from the airline• Flight delays• Alcohol-related incidents• Inclement weather (hurricanes, flooding, earthquakes)• Mosquito-borne illness• Non-violent crime like theft by pick-pockets or of luggage

Most serious risks

• Vehicle accidents

• Armed robbery

• Kidnapping

• Murder

• Terrorism

• Lodging break-in

• Serious illnesses, particularly if you have not followed the vaccination recommendations

Why we’re telling you all this

• This training can help you stay safe on your trip

– but only if you take it to heart and put it into practice during your trip.

• We want you to know that no matter how you prepare the threat of travel injury or illness is real

– but that all of life has risks

Solutions

1. Prevention– Always the best possible solution

– Prevention is within your control

– Good prevention lowers the risk of incident significantly, although risk always remains

– Good prevention prepares you for how to deal with a crisis, should one occur

2. Dealing with crisis– Know your resources

– Remain calm, and think through your plan

Prevention overview

• Medical insurance• At the airport• Clean water• Safe food• Heat and dehydration• Insect-borne diseases• Vaccinations• Rabies• Vehicle accidents• Worksite• Situational awareness

• Avoid attention• Give wisely• Careful who you trust• Leave behind valuables• Duplicate documents• At the lodging• Social media• Resources and warnings• Tips for women• Learn• Other preparation tips

Prevention: Medical Insurance

• Most U.S. health insurance policies do not cover international expenses!

• You should have a plan that includes– Medical expenses– 24-hour Assist services– Medical referral and case monitoring

• The good news is that we already purchase this insurance for you…so you’re off to a good start!*– Your team leader will receive your insurance card about two

weeks before the trip.– The coverage includes other things like loss of checked

baggage, but does not include stolen items, trip cancellation, etc. Feel free to purchase supplemental insurance.

*See the Guidebook for the full benefit guide, and request the Certificate of Insurance for full details. The Fuller Center does not make any representations regarding coverage provided through Seven Corners.

Prevention: Clean Water

• Most Global Builders do not get sick, but some do

– The more carefully you follow the advice given here, the less likely you are to get sick.

• Only drink water provided by your Fuller Center hosts OR bottled water with the seal unbroken

– Do not trust the bags of water sold on streets

– Only use the clean water for brushing your teeth

• Avoid ice in your drink, as it may have been made from unpurified water

Prevention: At the airport

• Do not leave with anyone other than your scheduled host– Expect lots of offers for taxi rides – just say “no thanks.”

• If someone asks you, “Who are you looking for?” just ignore them. – They may falsely tell you that they know him/her and was sent by

him/her.

• Know the name of the person meeting you at the airport or the other pre-arranged signal your team has made.– If you’re unsure, verify their identity by asking them, “What’s your

name?”

• Most airports have people looking to help you with your bag in exchange for a tip. We recommend just handling your own bag.– If someone does help you, a tip is expected. Carry a dollar for that

purpose in your pocket rather than your wallet– Don’t become separated from your bag – keep it in your sight and near

you.

Prevention: Safe food

• Just because the local people eat it does not mean it will not get you sick– Their bodies are accustomed to pathogens that ours are not, and vice versa.

• Don’t order medium-rare: Never eat undercooked meat, fish, or shellfish when traveling. With less refrigeration, fully cooking meat becomes even more important.

• For fresh produce remember the slogan “Boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it.”– Avoid raw carrots, strawberries, grapes, and anything else that has not been

boiled, cooked, or peeled!– Be very careful with salads, which may have been washed with contaminated

water

• Avoid food sold by street vendors.• The hotter in temperature your food is when it is served, the less likely it

will get you sick. (You can let it cool before eating it, of course.)• Just finished touching the hand of every child in the village? Wash your

hands before eating.• The country hosts will prepare food for you and can advise you on places

to eat that are unlikely to get you sick.

Prevention: Heat and Dehydration

• Drink water!• Drink more water!

– And make sure your teammates are as well.– Some teams assign “water boys” or “water women” to remind

everyone throughout the day– Drinking water even after you leave the worksite throughout the

evening is vital to replenishing your body’s fluids.

• Wear your Fuller Center hat to protect your face from the sun

• Wear sunscreen! Don’t forget to re-apply.• It’s ok to take a break in the shade if you need it. Your body

may not be used to the heat, humidity, and level of physical exertion.– Use your break to talk to the neighbors or play with the kids.

Our mission is larger than just completing the house!

Prevention: Insect-borne diseases

• Insects like mosquitoes and ticks can be more than uncomfortable, they spread dangerous diseases like Dengue fever, Chikungunya, Zika and Malaria.

• Mosquitoes are especially prevalent around dawn and dusk and in places with nearby stagnant water, but the mosquito that spreads Zika is most prevalent during the day time.

• Be sure to pack long-sleeved pants and shirts, even if you are going to a warm climate, and wear them when needed

• Socks and closed-toes shoes protect your feet• Many places provide mosquito nets. Don’t be afraid to use them.

– Sleeping totally within a light sheet can help as a lesser substitute if needed.– You may bring your own mosquito net with you if you’d like.

• Wear mosquito-repellent on any exposed skin as well as sprayed on any thin clothing.– Buy repellents that are water-resistant so they stay on through sweating– Like sunscreen, don’t forget to re-apply– Recommended products are those that contain 20-40% DEET (higher than 40%

is not better and can cause irritation) , Picaridin >20%, or IR3535

Prevention overview



Prevention: Vaccinations

• We recommend that you follow the up-to-date vaccination advice given by the Centers for Disease Control (“CDC”) or your local physician who is knowledgeable about traveler’s health.

– CDC website: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

– Don’t neglect the malaria pills if they recommend it!

– Find a local travel health clinic here: http://www.mdtravelhealth.com/travel_health_clinic

• Tetanus vaccines are good for 5-10 years

– Tetanus is a bacteria found in soil, dust, manure, nails and other metal that can be deadly.

http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

http://www.mdtravelhealth.com/travel_health_clinic/

Prevention: Rabies

• It is transmitted by animal bites

• Just because a place has dogs or animals you think of as pets does not mean they should be petted.– Bats, such as from spelunking, are a lesser-known, but

common way of getting rabies.

• Rabies must be treated; it is almost always fatal if left untreated.

• A vaccine is available, but it is usually only recommended for those at high risk and does not eliminate the need for treatment after a bite.

Prevention: Vehicle accidents

• Roadways are more chaotic in developing countries than at home – to some degree you just have to live with it

• Wear your seatbelt if you have one• Don’t carry anything in your lap that would injure you

in case of an accident or sudden stop• It is not uncommon for a driver to try to impress his

“important, wealthy” international passengers. If your driver is aggressively passing others, don’t be afraid to say several times things like:– “It’s ok, we are not in a hurry”– “Please slow down”– “I am not feeling well. Let’s just take it slow.”

Prevention: Worksite

• If you do not know how to use a tool or perform a task, stop and ask.

• Wear safety equipment like gloves and safety goggles– It never hurts to bring simple items like these with you

from home

• Always wear sturdy closed-toed shoes on worksites

• Only go on ladders or roofs if you are comfortable with it

• Keep the worksite clean

• Use special care with power saws and power tools

• If you see a safety concern, say or do something about it right away. Be proactive.

Prevention: Situational awareness

• Situational awareness is the single biggest safety piece of advice given by safety professionals.

• Be alert and observant.– You are not in the comforts of home. Remove distractions

like iPods/earbuds.– Keep your eyes watching what is happening around you,

even when you are with a group.

• Avoid traveling alone, especially after dark• When traveling with bags, keep them where you can

see them– Keep purses and bags strapped over your shoulder so they

cannot simply be grabbed– Never leave a valuable, like a laptop, unattended, even for

a moment

Prevention: Situational awareness

• Notify your team leader and country host if you see something that makes you suspicious or uneasy

• Avoid crowds, demonstrations and protests

• Beware of common maneuvers intended to distract you while another picks your pocket or takes your bag– Someone “accidentally” bumps into you

– A spilled drink or dropped item

– A choreographed dispute between others

• Remember that you are subject to all local laws, regardless of whether they match the laws of your home country.

Awareness Test

Go ahead, go to the next slide and play the video for a fun

Awareness Test

Prevention overview



Prevention: Avoid Attention

• Be smart with cash– Think through how much to carry / leave behind.– Do not flash your cash. Carry a few small bills in your pocket to give

tips or buy a bottle of water without needing to pull out your wallet.– Reduce the number of credit/debit cards. Do you need more than 1-2

on your trip?• Separate your credit cards and your cash into different places/pockets. If one

gets stolen, you may still have the other.

– Carry your wallet or purse in your front pocket, not back pocket.

• Leave expensive-looking jewelry and other signs of wealth at home• Dress modestly by THEIR standards of modesty, not your own

– When in doubt, wear something else. Most cultures where we work are more modest than ours. We’re here to serve and learn, not to attract attention.

• Don’t wear a camera around your neck unless you trust the area, and be thoughtful and respectful when you take pictures.

• Radiate confidence

Prevention: Give wisely

• Handing out cash or stuff can create jealousy between families, highlights power and wealth differences, encourages begging, and hurts the local economy. Don’t do it!– Sometimes the negative impact is immediate, but more often it’s long after

you leave…impacting the experience and safety of future teams.– Especially please do not hand out cash.

• Handouts also undercut the message of partnership that our program leaders work hard to instill.– Handouts teach that life is improved through begging and receiving, not from

working to achieve a goal.

• Better ways to give include:– Bringing or purchasing tools for the project– Giving financially to the Fuller Center in support of that project– Giving items to the Fuller Center host for giving to the community quietly

when your team is gone– Giving items of non-monetary value, such as photos or cards– Giving items that the whole community can use, such as a soccer or volley

ball. – Purchasing your gifts locally within the country to support the local economy

Prevention: Careful who you trust

• Be friendly, but cautious in what information about yourself you disclose– this includes on the plane

– Don’t leave your name easily visible on your luggage tag

• Except for those you know and Fuller Center hosts, keep your travel plans confidential– never tell a stranger that you are traveling alone

• Talk to someone you trust, like the Fuller Center host, before obtaining cabs or other transportation

• Tourist destinations and public transportation are places of high theft including pick pocketing

Prevention: Leave behind valuables

• As a general rule, don’t bring anything of monetary value that you could not afford to lose.

• Bring low-cost clothes that you won’t mind getting dirty.

• Leave those pricey electronics at home – take it as a chance to disconnect and focus on the real world around you.

Prevention: Duplicate documents

• If something gets lost, stolen, or soaking wet, be sure you have extra copies of your:– Passport– Travel medical insurance– Itinerary– Driver’s license or other ID– Back of your credit cards (phone number to report lost/stolen

card)– Contact information for those you would contact in an emergency,

especially as found in the Guidebook provided by the Fuller Center

• Consider emailing copies to yourself ahead of time so that you can always retrieve it…but carry things on paper, too --don’t rely on having instant web access.

• Leave copies of these items at home with someone you trust

Prevention: At the lodging

• Test your locks

– Shut and lock your doors when you are in, especially at night. Do not leave the door open “for a breeze.”

• Don’t leave your valuables visible or on a table where they could be easily snatched

• Do not invite those you meet into the place where your team is staying (your official Fuller Center country hosts are OK, of course)

• Identify fire escape routes

Prevention overview



Prevention: Social media

• Don’t…– Assume that local people will not see what you post – do not be overly

trusting of your privacy settings.– Criticize the country or those whom you meet there– Ever post a picture showing you breaking a law– Share your personal information including where you’re staying or

your itinerary– Add the locals as Facebook friends. This often becomes a channel for

them to ask you for money later on.

• Do…– Share pictures or brief updates that show your excitement to your

family and friends.– Follow the Fuller Center pages and like and comment on our posts

• www.facebook.com/fullercenter• www.facebook.com/globalbuilders

– send us pictures afterward that can be shared

http://www.facebook.com/fullercenter

http://www.facebook.com/globalbuilders

Prevention: Resources and warnings

• The Centers for Disease Control provides excellent country-specific information regarding traveler’s health. Use it: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

• The U.S. State Department has a number of resources of which you should take advantage before traveling– A traveler’s checklist as found here:

http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/go/checklist.html– Travel advisories and warnings as found here:

http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/alertswarnings.html– A Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) that informs the U.S.

embassy of your presence in the country and improves any communications with them.• We already enroll you in this one!• Note for non-Americans: They have told us that in an emergency they would

care for our groups together, including any non-U.S. citizens who are part of the team. However, non-U.S. citizens and groups entirely from outside of the U.S. may wish to register with their own embassy as well.

• The Fuller Center provides this training, your Guidebook, and a list of resources at: www.fullercenter.org/global-builders/prepare

http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/go/checklist.html

http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/alertswarnings.html

http://www.fullercenter.org/global-builders/prepare

Prevention: Tips for women

• As at home, female travelers are more likely to receive unwanted attention– Dressing modestly in keeping with the local

expectations helps.

• As a guest, it is best to follow the local cultural norms and social protocols– For example, while no one should explore an area

alone, in some places your host may also insist that groups of women going out have a man in the group. They are merely looking out for your safety.

Prevention: Learn

• Understanding as much as possible about the country and the culture will always help you. Good resources include:– Your Fuller Center Guidebook

– The CIA Factbook (it’s public and not as scary as it sounds)• But still, we don’t recommend you printing off anything that says

“CIA” and carrying it around with you

• https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/

– Find a book(s) about your host country at your local library or on Amazon.com

– Just Google “History of (country name)” and see what you can learn• Beyond safety, this helps you get the most out of your trip!

https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/

Other preparation tips

• Many cell phone carriers require activation before they work internationally. If you hope to use your phone, call your carrier prior to your trip.

• Team Leaders should carry a small first aid kid. Ask your team leader if you can help bring anything to add to it.

• Bring enough of your prescriptions to last a little beyond the end of your trip, in case you find yourself delayed in the country for any reason. It’s a short trip: bring any OTC medications with you as well.

• Alert your credit card company to your travels.

• Avoid contact with live chickens and poultry farms in Asia where Avian flu is present.

• Always pack a little toilet paper and anti-diarrheal!

Final tips: Visa and entry

• Some countries require advance Visas (entry permits) while others simply let you purchase the visa upon arrival or do not require one at all. – Your trip Guidebook has information about Visa

requirements for your country– An easy way to determine if you need a visa is to check on

www.travisa.com, which is a company that can also help you obtain a visa if needed.

– If a visa is required, our volunteers typically apply for a “Tourist” visa.

– Carry the name and/or address of the place where you will be staying. Many entry documents require this information.

– In countries where you do not apply for a visa in advance, some places have entry fees, usually in the range of $10-20. Be sure to be carrying at least this much cash as you enter.

http://www.travisa.com/

You made it!

Prevention overview



Now, onto dealing with crises…

Dealing with Crisis: Overview

• Every situation is different. We discuss a few general ones in the slides that follow.

• We have put together a Crisis Manual for dealing with crises that you may want to read through and print to bring with you.

– It is here: https://www.dropbox.com/s/f4b1elk34ovlk17/Crisis%20Manual.pdf?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/f4b1elk34ovlk17/Crisis Manual.pdf?dl=0

Dealing with Crisis: Know your resources

In case of emergency, you have several layers of support:

• Local medical and police • Country hosts • Seven Corners Insurance • Embassy or consulate • Fuller Center Headquarters • Fellow team members • Hotel facility

• Contact information for these places is usually found in the Guidebook we provide to you.

Dealing with crisis: Health

• Evaluate the situation. Most just require anti-diarrheal pills or time in the shade drinking water.– Some travelers carry Cipro (Ciprofloxacin) for use as an

antibiotic. In the U.S. Cipro requires a prescription that most doctors will give in advance of a trip.

– Diarrhea drains your water, so be sure to drink plenty of fluids and get electrolytes (bananas, crackers, juices).

– If the symptoms persist, medical assistance may be required.

• A more serious injury may require a trip to local medical care. Your country host will know nearby medical facilities; you may also contact our insurance Seven Corners.– Our insurance includes emergency medical

evacuation/repatriation, but only as a last resort. Care starts local and proceeds to regional health care facilities before a return flight to the U.S. would be deemed medically necessary.

Dealing with crisis: Weather

• Developing nations are more susceptible to natural disasters and less capable of responding to them

• In most cases, the best strategy is to “shelter in place,” since you have your best resources there– Public areas can grow chaotic– You may need to delay your return home. Airlines are

usually understanding in such situations.– The Fuller Center is structured as a long-term

development organization, not one equipped for immediate disaster relief.

• During an earthquake, get outside where nothing can fall on you.

Dealing with crisis: Robbery

• In general, go along with what the perpetrator demands

• Your stuff can be replaced; you can’t.

– In most cases they want your stuff and would prefer not to hurt you.

– Always be willing to give your stuff. Don’t start a fight.

• Be polite, quiet, and calm – do not escalate.

Dealing with crisis: Abduction, Kidnapping, Terrorism

• We have never had an incident of this type• Know the policies of your government. The U.S. will not pay

a ransom• Humanize yourself; develop rapport over time• Remain inconspicuous; avoid direct eye contact• Beware of discussing contentious issues to which they may

see you as connected (politics, religion, ethnicity, etc.)• Eat the food they provide; avoid alcohol• Avoid using threatening language or movements • Attempt to escape only if you are certain to succeed• Try to develop a personal routine to keep your body

physically, mentally, and emotionally healthy.• It goes without saying, but pray.


Did we scare you? Didn’t mean to. Remember this:

Comparing causes of Americandeaths (2011 / 2012)

Sources: U.S. State Department, NHTSA, CDC

33,561

833

38,285

53,667

0

10,000

20,000

30,000

40,000

50,000

U.S. Automobile deaths All reported Americanunnatural deaths

abroad (non-military)

Suicide (in the U.S.) Flu and Pneumonia (inthe U.S.)

A perspective on risk

And remember this!This is why you go…

3. Follow-up

Don’t stop now.

Final tips: Follow-up

• After your trip, if you have information that would be helpful to add to the Guidebook or to this orientation, please tell us!– This work rides on the shoulders of volunteers. We

need you!

• Your trip leader should give you an evaluation. The leader can collect them, or feel free to send it to us directly.

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (229) 924 - 2900

mailto:[email protected]

Final tips: Give it long-term impact

• “I feel changed. I don’t want to go home and act like this never happened.”

• “I don’t want to stop helping this community, even though I need to leave. I care about my new friends and want to do more.”

• Most people have feelings like these. But these goals can be super-hard to fulfill after you get home!

• So we created a program to help: Country Champions

Country Champions: The post card

• The team leader brings a very important Country Champions post card for each person.

• The cards invite you to take two steps– 1. Give sustainable support to the local work (monthly

giving)

– 2. Write down one personal change you want to make because of the trip

Front Back

Country Champions: Monthly donor

• The gifts will be used specifically for the work in that country.

• Monthly gifts provide a sustainable and predictable way to continue the progress, even when visitors are not there.

• The opportunity you had to visit this place of need was rare. Who else would be more likely to help this community than you?

• Monthly gifts of any amount help, the important thing is the total number of people participating.– Start thinking about this even before you leave!– You will be able to indicate what you want to do on the

post card.

Country Champions: Personal change

• Don’t just feel changed, actually do something differently.• The post card offers a chance to write down your goal and

tell others (us) what you intend to do – those are two BIG steps that make it far more likely that you will follow-through on the change you want to make.

• Examples of personal changes are endless. Some examples include:– Volunteering with a local ministry (Fuller Center or otherwise)– Changing how you spend your time– Altering your spending habits– Simplifying your life from your stuff– Helping immigrant communities in your own backyard– Taking on new hobbies

Country Champions visual: How we used to view trips

Country Champions visual:What we now remember to include

One thing more…

THANK YOU!It is only because of volunteers like yourself

that we can “build a better world” together.

www.fullercenter.org/global-builders



http://www.fullercenter.org/global-builders