Payment and Donation Policies & Procedures

Global Village’s Payment Policies and Procedures guide
applies to everybody who commits to a GV trip, so please
read this carefully. We hope the following guide also proves
helpful for those of you who are fund raising the financial
support necessary to make your trip a reality. Be sure to
review the information here before beginning your fundraising
efforts. These guidelines are in place to ensure that
you have the opportunity to join others in the mission of
Habitat affiliates around the world to help build decent,
affordable houses in partnership with low-income families.

Deposit and balance
Once you are invited to join a Global Village team, you must
confirm your place on the team by submitting a nonrefundable
and nontransferable deposit to Habitat for Humanity
International in the amount of $350. The balance of the trip
payment (trip cost minus the $350 deposit) is due no later
than 45 days prior to departure.

Submitting payments
All payments toward your trip must be made in U.S. dollars
to Habitat for Humanity International, and designated to the
Global Village department (see coding info below).

Payments may be submitted by personal check, money order,
MasterCard, Visa, American Express or Discover.

You or your donors may submit funds by credit card online.
Go to www.habitat.org/gv and click on the link called “Donate in Support of a Global Village Trip”. You can also submit funds by telephone by calling the GV
customer service coordinator at (800) 422-4828, Ext. 7530.

To submit funds online or over the phone, you will need:
your credit card

your eight-digit Habitat ID number

GV event code for Nepal, which is GV9320.

Participants and donors who submit funds by credit card will receive an automatic e-mail acknowledgment that the payment was received.

Checks and money orders must be made payable to
Habitat for Humanity International and mailed to:
Habitat for Humanity International
Global Village department
P.O. Box 369
Americus, GA 31709-0369
Note: It may take up to two weeks for donations to post to
the team’s account.

Your deposit and any payments you submit toward the
cost of your trip will automatically be credited toward satisfying
your financial obligation only when coded as per the instructions.

Coding your donations
For a donation to be credited toward your trip, you personal eight-digit Habitat ID number and GV event code for Nepal (GV9320) must be included on all funds submitted to the
Global Village program on your behalf

.
For online credit card payments

Include your
eight-digit Habitat ID number and GV event code in
the fields provided.

For personal checks or money orders

Please write your eight-digit Habitat ID number above the
name and address in the upper left corner of the
check, and the GV event code on the memo line located
in the lower left corner.

If you are uncertain of your eight-digit Habitat ID
number or the GV event code, please contact your
team leader.

Funding your trip
• Fund-raising Web site

Point your Web browser to www.habitat.org/gv/create.html and in just a few minutes
you can create a personalized fund-raising Web page for
your trip. You can then direct potential donors to your
Web site where they can learn more about the Global
Village program, HFHI and your specific trip. More information is in this blog on the post called "Fundraising Ideas".

• Matching gifts

Contact your company’s matching gift
officer prior to submitting a matching gift form. Not all
companies’ matching-gift policies allow for the matching
of participation fees. If applying for matching gifts,
notify your team leader.

Note: Matching gift funds may only be used to offset the
final balance owed if they are received by GV at least 45
days before the trip departs.

• Tax deductibility

Funding raised toward the cost of a
Global Village trip also includes the cost of food, lodging and
transportation during the trip. Only a portion of the required
trip payment supports the charitable purpose of the hosting
Habitat program. Depending on the participant’s country of
origin, this trip’s cost may or may not be tax-deductible. Please
consult a tax adviser concerning your specific situation.

• Acknowledging donations

All donors who contribute
via check or money order payable to Habitat for Humanity
International, or make a credit card donation designated
to a Global Village team, are sent acknowledgment letters
by Habitat for Humanity International. Those who
donate online (via a personalized Web page or via the
link “Donate in Support of a Global Village Trip”) receive
a prompt e-mail confirmation that the donation was
received, and will also be mailed an acknowledgement
letter. Discourage your supporters from sending cash,
as Habitat for Humanity International cannot acknowledge
cash donations. Talk to the team leader about cash that is collected as a donation at fundraising events.

Donation checks payable to you

If a donor makes a check payable to you, but would like an
acknowledgment letter from HFHI, you may write “Payable
to Habitat for Humanity International,” along with your signature,
on the back of the check. Include the event code and
your eight-digit Habitat ID number on the front of the check.

• Funds raised in addition to the published trip cost—
One of the stated purposes of the Global Village program
is to raise funds for the building efforts of Habitat affiliates
worldwide. To remain consistent with our mission,
the Global Village department is not able to roll additional
funds over to a future GV trip. Habitat for Humanity
International will direct any additional funding you raise
(beyond the published trip cost) to support building
programs in the team’s host country.

• Fund raising for airfare

As of Jan. 1, 2008, funds raised at HFHI in excess of the trip cost may no longer be used to
cover all or part of a GV participant’s airfare. Participants
may still be able to claim their airfare as a tax-deductible
expense even if the funds are paid directly from the
participant to a vendor, as long as the trip is in pursuit of a
charitable purpose. Team members will need to contact a
tax adviser concerning their specific situation. Team members can, however, receive "miles" in an airline mileage program as a donation. No receipt, however, can be given to the donor.

Cancellation policy
No refunds are offered if you must cancel.

• Cancellation more than 45 days prior to departure

All payments excluding the $350 deposit may be transferred
for use on a future GV trip within one year of your original
trip date. All cancellation notices must first be given to
your team leader before notifying GV. All transfer requests
must be sent in writing to the Global Village sending coordinator.
Ask your team leader for more information.

• Cancellation within 45 days of departure

One hundred percent of your payments and donations will be
retained by HFHI to meet current obligations.

• If Habitat for Humanity must cancel

We will makeevery effort to conduct the trip as scheduled; however, if
Habitat for Humanity International must cancel, we will
attempt to place you on another team. If that is not possible,
you may receive a full refund. Global Village cannot
compensate participants for the cost of unusable airfare
or any other expenses resulting from the cancellation.
Your team leader will contact you to explain how to claim
your refund if Habitat must cancel your team’s trip.

• Delays enroute

If delays occur en route, or missed or
cancelled flights cause you to miss your rendezvous with
the team, the Global Village staff will do everything possible
to assist you in connecting with the team. However, Global
Village cannot be responsible for any expenses incurred due
to flight problems.

Special note: As of July 1, 2008, the Global Village program will provide a mandatory trip cancellation insurance for all teams. Information as to what is covered will be available after July 1. The cost of this insurance is included in your fees.

Travel Medical Insurance Information

Travel Medical Insurance

Global Village Program
A portion of your work trip fee established by your team leader
covers the cost of insurance coverage. Through paying your fee,
you will automatically be insured against accidental loss of life,
limb, sight, speech or hearing while participating in volunteer
activities sponsored and supervised by Habitat for Humanity.
This mandatory insurance coverage is consistent with policies
recommended by Habitat for Humanity International’s Legal
department and ratified by the HFHI board of directors on Feb.
10, 1994. The coverage is designed to ensure a comprehensive
risk management program and to provide protection to Habitat’s
Global Village trip volunteers.

We have a serious commitment to risk management and
assume everyone is willing to comply.

Note: Covered medical expenses incurred for treatment
of a pre-existing condition are limited to a maximum
of $50,000. “Pre-existing condition” means any injury or
illness that was contracted or that manifested itself, or for
which treatment or medication was prescribed, prior to
the effective date of this insurance.

Claims
To file a claim, consult with the team leader immediately and
request a claim form. See “Quick Tips for Filing a Claim”
(below) for proper procedures and assistance in filing a claim.

Specifications, Provisions and Exclusions
Coverage is sold on a per-day basis and commences at the
actual start of the trip from the insured’s residence or designated
departure point. Coverage terminates immediately upon
return to the insured’s residence or designated return point,
or at the end of the published itinerary.

Note: Anyone traveling five days before or five days after
their official team dates is offered (automatically) the same
coverage at no additional cost. Unfortunately, no other
extensions of this coverage are available. You must be sure
to properly insure yourself for all other personal travel.

The policy does not cover loss caused by or resulting
from any of the following: intentionally self-inflicted injuries;
suicide while sane; attempted suicide while sane; pregnancy,
childbirth or miscarriage; accident occurring while a passenger
on, operating or learning to operate, or serving as a
crew member of any aircraft. Injuries or sickness sustained
while under the influence of drugs (other than prescribed)
or alcohol are not covered. Injuries or illness sustained while
racing or committing or attempting to commit a felony are
not covered. This is a general summary, but it is still subject
to the policy terms, conditions and exclusions.

Medical Assistance
Medical assistance for Global Village team members is available
24 hours a day, seven days a week. It includes the following:
• Medical evacuation and repatriation benefit. Your expenses
up to $150,000 will be covered in the case that accidental
bodily injury, disease or illness requires your medical
evacuation or repatriation while on a covered trip.
• Multilingual MEDEX assistance specialists.
• Assistance in locating the nearest, most appropriate
medical care.
• International MEDEX preferred provider networks.
• MEDEX program medical advisors (physician) consultative
and advisory services, including review of appropriateness
and analysis of medical care.
• Assistance in establishing contact with family, personal
physician and employer, as appropriate.
• Monitoring progress during treatment and recovery.
• Emergency message transmittal services.
• Translation services and referrals to local interpreters, as
necessary.
• Verification of insurance coverage facilitating entry and
admissions to hospitals and other medical care providers.
• Special assistance regarding the coordination of direct
claims payment.

• Emergency funds transfers.

• Coordination of embassy and consulate services.

• Management, arrangement and coordination of emergency medical transportation, as necessary.

• Management, arrangement and coordination of repatriation of remains.

• Knowledgeable legal referral assistance.

• Coordination of securing bail bonds and other legal documents.

• Special assistance in replacing lost or stolen travel documents,including passport.

• Courtesy assistance in securing incidental aid and other travel-related services.

• Special assistance in making arrangements for interrupted or disrupted travel plans resulting from emergency situations, including:

1. The return of unaccompanied travel companions.

2. Travel to the bedside of a stranded person.

3. Rearrangement of ticketing due to accident or illness and other travel-related emergencies.

4. The return of stranded motor vehicles and relatedpersonal items.

Covered Services Per Volunteer Benefits
Medical Accident or Sickness. . . . . . . $250,000 Max.
Deductible. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . None
Coverage (%) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100%
Permanent Total Disability . . . . . . . . . . . . $250,000
Emergency Medical Evacuation . . . . . . . . $150,000
Accidental Death & Dismemberment. . . . . . $250,000
Repatriation of Remains . . . . . . . . . . . . . $150,000
Medical Assistance Services . . . . . . . . . . . MEDEX

Quick Tips for Filing a Claim
Policy 6404-54-47

MEDEX Code CHB

1. Notify your Global Village team leader of any accident
or need for medical attention as soon as possible.
2. Your team leader will supply you with an accident claim
form that needs to be completed and sent to Habitat
Claims Unit c/o Chubb Group of Insurance Co. Details
are on the form.
3. Be certain the attending physician completes the
“Physician’s Report” section of the claim form, including
diagnostic/treatment, signature and date.
4. Obtain a copy of the hospital/clinic invoices and make
copies of all prescriptions/invoices and submit same
with the claim form.
5. Have your team leader sign the form.
6. Claims must be submitted within 90 days from the date
of the accident/injury/illness.

Important: If assistance is needed in identifying an appropriate
medical provider or facility, contact MEDEX at (800)
527-0218 or collect at (410) 453-6330. MEDEX code is CHB.

Urgent Care and Evaluation: If emergency evacuation
and/or urgent care are needed, contact MEDEX immediately.
MEDEX will make all the appropriate arrangements.
See phone numbers above.

Note: Even if the claim amount is considered too small for
submission, or it is determined by diagnostic evaluation that
the condition may not be serious or requires no further medical
treatment at the time, the Global Village program and its
underwriter recommend completing all of the above steps in
order to establish a basis for admission of a valid claim later.
Toll free numbers are available in some countries as listed
to the right. You should call collect if the toll free number is
not accepted by the local telephone exchange.

International Toll FreeTelephone Access Numbers
Australia and . . . . . . 1-800-127-907
Tasmania
Austria . . . . . . . . . . 0-800-29-5810
Belgium. . . . . . . . . . 0800-1-7759
Brazil . . . . . . . . . . 0800-891-2734
China. . . . . . . 108888-800-527-0218
(North : Beijing, etc)
China. . . . . . . 10811-800-527-0218
(South : Shanghai, etc)
Egypt. . . . 510-0200-1-877-569-4151
(inside Cairo)
Egypt. . . 02-510-0200-1-877-569-4151
(outside of Cairo)
Finland. . . . . . . . . . 0800-114402
France and Monaco. . . 0800-90-8505
Germany. . . . . . . . 0800-1-811401
Greece . . . . . . . 00-800-4412-8821
Hong Kong . . . . . . . . 800-96-4421
Indonesia. . . . . . 001-803-1471-0621
Israel . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-941-0172
Italy, Vatican City . . . . . 800-877-204
and San Marino
Japan . . . . . . . . . . 00531-11-4065
Mexico. . . . . . . . 001-800-101-0061
Netherlands. . . . . . . 0800-022-8662
New Zealand. . . . . . . 0800-44-4053
Philippines. . . . . . 1-800-1-111-0503
Portugal. . . . . . . . . . 0800-84-4266
Republic of . . . . . . . 1-800-409-529
Ireland (Eire)
Republic of . . . . . . . . 0800-9-92379
South Africa
Singapore. . . . . . . . . 800-1100-452
South Korea . . . . 00798-1-1-004-7101
Spain and Majorca. . . . 900-98-4467
Switzerland and . . . . . 0800-55-6029
Liechtenstein
Thailand. . . . . . 001-800-11-471-0661
Turkey. . . . . . . . 00-800-4491-4834
UK and. . . . . . . . . . 0800-252-074
Northern Ireland, Isle of Jersey,
the Channel Isles and Isle of Man
United States. . . . . . 1-800-527-0218
Canada, Puerto Rico,
U.S. Virgin Islands, Bermuda
MEDEX Assistance

Coordination Centers
United States. . . . . [1] 410-453-6330
Baltimore, Maryland

United Kingdom. . [44] 1-273-223000
Brighton, England

Notes:

• When a toll free number is not available, travelers are encouraged to call MEDEX collect. The country code precedes the phone number in brackets. The toll free numbers listed are available only when physically calling from within the country.

• The toll free Israel line is not available from pay phones and there is a local access charge.

• The toll free Italy, Vatican City and San Marinonumbers have a local charge for access.

• The toll free Japan line is available only fromtouch-tone phones (including pay phones) equippedfor international dialing.

• If calling from Mexico on a pay phone, the payphone must be a La Datel pay phone.

Global Vilage department : P.O. Box 369 Americus, GA 31709-0369 USA
phone: (229) 924-6935, Ext. 2549; (800) 422-4828 in the U.S. or Canada fax: (267) 295-8714 e-mail: gv@habitat.org www.habitat.org/gv
3405/2M/GV/12-06

Personal Stories and Pictures

This posting will reflect personal stories and pictures from team members after they return. This is an opportunity for them to share amongst each other, as well as give a perspective to others who may be considering a team to Nepal.

Meet the 2008 Nepal Team!!

The dire situations of the local Nepalese people are often masked by the amazing beauty of this country. Ready for a "mountain top experience", in physical as well as spiritual ways, this diverse team of volunteers is preparing for working with a local community in their challenge against poverty housing, while appreciating the magnificance of their surroundings.

“Never doubt that a small, group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead

Enjoy "meeting" each other!

My name’s Rick Medlen, a resident of Creswell, just south of Eugene, Oregon. I can’t believe that we are all going to travel around the world together! I feel very fortunate to be able to join your team, it’s been a dream of mine to travel overseas to participate in a Habitat build for a couple of years. I have been involved in our local Habitat affiliate for about 6 years and am currently president of our board. We are just starting a 10-lot subdivision so I will have lots of work experience before our trip! I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Bob and Leslie and I think we are in good hands. Let’s just hope they come back from Papua/New Guinea and Mozambique in one piece and ready for more. I can’t wait to see Mt. Everest, maybe take a couple of days afterwards and travel into India to see the Taj Mahal and some other archaeological sites after our build. Of course the best part will be to meet the people of Nepal and to experience their culture for a couple of weeks. Everyone who has been immersed in another culture says it’s a life-changing event. It will also be nice to meet all of you over the few months before our trip. I’m always available at oregonnewfs@yahoo.com if anyone wants to chat.

Bob - I have been a tool dresser, potato planter, log peeler, dog musher, glacier guide, school principal/teacher, Habitat trainer, and dad. I'm known for telling stories, which I'm not really sure is accurate. I like to spend my free time watching animals, especially in Alaska. And I love to be in the outdoors. This picture is of my youngest son and I on our recent trek into the base camp of Everest. When I grow up, I want to be content with what I've done in my life. My birthday is on the same day each year, usually in the middle of the second run of sockeye salmon going up the Kenai River.

Leslie - I have been an Alaska Court clerk, director of youth camps, built my own log cabin, taught 8th grade, built/remodeled/demolished a few houses, served as full-time volunteer for HFHI as a Global Village trainer in Asia Pacific, and as a team leader. My most full-filling, ever-changing job has been, and still is, that of a mom. I enjoy spending my time with Bob in most of the things he does, especially in Alaska and leading Habitat teams around the world. I always look forward to meeting new people on teams, and experiencing different cultures with them. I can be easily bribed with ice cream and can eat more of it than anyone, our three sons excluded (they learned from the best).



Sis Carroll - I've been involved with GV since 1995. This build wll be #14, I think. I live in Denver, have since college in the 60's. I have a limited property management business. I'm single, having raised 4 great kids, 3 of whom have been involved with Habitat over the years. Like Leslie, I'm prone to celebrating my birthdays, often with fund-raising for Habitat. It is so easy to do!

Greetings! My name is Katie and although I live in San Diego, I am an east-coaster at heart. I went to school in Baltimore, Maryland where I received an BS in Accounting and a Masters in Tax. Don't let that fool you, you won't find me wearing any pocket-protectors. I am an avid runner, love to go hiking, biking, pretty much anything outdoors. My past GV trips have been incredible and I expect Nepal to be the same. I look forward to doing alot of hard work, meeting great people, and especially working with the local Nepalese. Bring your running shoes if you have them, there's always a place to run :-)

Hello all. My name is Josie Mulkins. I hale from Springfield, Oregon where I live in a neighborhood full of crazy folks including my next door neighbors Bob and Leslie. I have a BA in French from the University of Oregon, worked for a software company for several years and recently went back to school for my massage license. Now, I work for part-time for Lane Community College and part-time doing massage. I also spend time working on my house (major fixer-upper). I often borrow tools from Bob and Leslie and ask their advice on my projects. Right now I am trying to get a kitchen sink back in. I am very excited for this opportunity to travel to Nepal and be on a Habitat Build. Please forgive my picture I only had photos from birthday parties thus my birthday crown.

Namaste, my name is Peter Tea. I was raised in Edgemont NY (Westchester County), went to college at Northeastern University in Boston, currently live in Newport RI and work for Intel Corporation. Wow that sounds like the start of a resume, sorry. I had been involved with Habitat for Humanity in New England for twelve years, my last two as president of a local affiliate’s board. Running the board was a great experience but I much prefer to be hands on building. I took a three year break from Habitat as a lot of other things changed in my life. As I looked at how to get re-involved with Habitat I wanted a new experience, as soon as I saw the Global Village Nepal project I knew that was the perfect way to come back to the Habitat “family” and assist directly in building.I enjoy cycling, trekking, snow shoeing, kayaking (any reason to be outside) and most of all traveling. I got the wanderlust from my parents, both teachers so we spent every summers traveling along with my three older sisters. I recently tried acting, took a small part in a play, glad I had that experience, glad I didn’t quit my day job as I was awful! Regardless it was a great way to awaken the senses. I look forward to meeting each of you on what will certainly be a great experience.Till we meet in Kathmandu bida paau and safe travels.

I'm Andrea. I have Nursing degrees and did direct patient care for a few years. I have volunteered to be the Nepal team’s nurse. I am currently working as a Clinical Analyst using my nursing experience and computer technology to assist in the implementation of a clinical system. My part is to ensure that it is tested thoroughly before the clinicians are able to use it. I have been on 6 GV trips to Anchorage, AK (2), Kauai, HI, Biloxi, MS, Siberia, Russia and PNG. This will be my third international one. This is my forth team with the Bells and my fifth with Bob. They can not get rid of me until I get it right!
What I'm looking forward to the most while in Nepal is working with all you special folks of the team and the Nepalese people. I am also looking forward to the beauty of the country and their spirit. I can not wait to see the sunrise of the Himalayas I like to spend my free time running, playing the piano and working on projects around the house. I am running my first marathon on October 12 as a charity runner for the American Cancer Society. When I grow up, I want to be loving life and never losing the passion of living.

Martha - The Nepal trip will be my eighth Habitat trip since my retirement from Cornell Cooperative Extension. Prior to retiring in June, 2006, I worked as communications and development director in Westchester County, New York. When I’m not traveling to visit my grandson and family in New Hampshire, my son in Kansas City, or family in Indiana (my home state), I live in Brewster, New York (located about 60 miles north of NYC). In addition to Habitat, my volunteer activities include Hospice and a post secondary education program at a state prison. My first Habitat trip was to Senegal, West Africa. This was a wonderful experience which led me to sign up for another Habitat trip to Key West, Florida in 2007, followed by trips to New Zealand, Anchorage, and Northern Ireland. This year, I traveled to Papua New Guinea with the Bells in the spring and returned to Belfast in September. All of these trips were quite different, but each was very rewarding. I’m really looking forward to being part of the Nepal team and the opportunity to combine travel to a wonderful destination with the work of Habitat.

Bobbie- My husband Eric and I have owned our business for 23 yrs. We work together, travel together, and do just about everything together. (Works well for us, not so for many couples) I also find my most fulfilling job in life to be that of mom (to Kristin 27 and Peter 24). We have been blessed with two little granddaughters, Lauren is 2 years old and Eden is 2 months old. They live about 10 minutes from us and we have the pleasure of seeing them almost everyday!! Eric and I are definitely “foodies”, we’ve been known to travel long distances for a great meal. We’ve lead several teams to New Zealand in the past, so we know how rewarding these trips are. We’re really looking forward to discovering Nepal with Bob and Leslie as our leaders and all of you.

Eric- About eight years ago I called up Habitat and inquired about a posted trip to New Zealand and got a response from some guy named Bob Bell. Well, needless to say I was on my way to NZ as a team member along with 17 other folks. What an amazing experience, building with other team members and the locals, trekking the Milford Track, and living in NZ for several weeks. About two thirds through the trip Bob says “I’m leading a team with Leslie to Alaska this summer, anybody want to go”. I was in, of course. I was hooked by then and Bobbie and I then went to leader training and became team leaders. We’ve led several teams (Peter included) to New Zealand and we were about to lead a trip to Portugal when 9/11 hit. Cancelled of course but we will go someday.
Two years ago we moved our business from So. California to Bend, Oregon and it’s kept us very busy just making sure all is settled down. Business is OK right now so it’s time to get into Habitat trips again. We are looking forward to meeting you all and experiencing Nepal and all it has to offer.
I love to hike although I’ve only hiked in NZ and just recently here in the Cascade Mountains of Oregon (this is a feeble attempt at getting into shape before Nepal). I look forward to hiking in Nepal although it will probably kick my butt.

Peter- Hey everybody! My name is Peter Fleming and I'm originally from Southern California but now live in Bend, Oregon. I graduated from the CIA (culinary school) in New York a few years ago and just got back from living and eating my way through Italy for seven months. Needless to say, I'm kind of addicted to traveling and Nepal has always been at the top of my list. And getting to go there with Habitat is going to make it all the better. Aside from traveling, I love to cook, eat, play with my two beautiful nieces, and do pretty much anything outside, running, riding, hiking, etc. I can't wait to m meet you all. See all of you soon.

Hi: I'm Jim White. I have practiced law in Lansing, Michigan, for more years than I like to think about. My practice is entirely in the areas of employment law, mainly for the Michigan Education Association, and agricultural marketing and bargaining. This is my first international project with HFHI, but I have participated in several HFM projects in Lansing, Michigan, and been on several mission trips to Nicaragua with groups from my Church. In 1994 my wife, Barbara, and I were members of a USAID sponsored project in Kazakhstan forming join business ventures between United States agribusinesses and newly privatized Kazakhstan agribusinesses. It's now time to help build some houses in Nepal. I am excited about that and about having the opportunity to work along side the Nepalese and all our team members. I can't wait to see all of you in Kathmandu.

Fundraising Ideas

Fundraising is all about getting out the word – raising awareness. Your trip shouldn’t be a secret. Give friends and family the opportunity to be involved in your excitement and to contribute towards helping a family in need.

You aren’t asking for money as much as you are helping meet the needs of people….the need of those to give AND the need of those who will be receiving. We often think that the people receiving the house are the ones "in need" - but aren't we all in need at one level or another? I know for myself that the act of just going on the team is filling a need of mine. Working with a homeowner fills a need. And for those who can't go on a team, giving towards those homeowners or a team member fills a need of theirs.

Whether those you ask actually donate towards your trip and the work of Habitat or not, they STILL will know more about what Habitat is doing to help eliminate poverty housing in our world. And that’s cool too.

Set an "awareness-raising" goal along with a "fund-raising" goal - see how many people you can make aware of the housing need in this country along with how much money you raise. And no matter what, make it fun-raising as well!

Awareness/Fundraising is a big challenge for some individuals. But once you start you may find, as many previous team members have, that the response is enthusiastic and supportive. Don't limit yourself or your sponsors - there's no harm in going OVER your goal!!

Ready to start raising? Start reading, and get going!!

These ideas are ones that other team members in the past have used and willing to share. Pick the ones that suit you the best. And if you come up with something totally different, let me know so that I can share that as well.

TOP fundraising idea. It's the most often used, the most successful, and easiest.
“The Letter” – sent by email and/or snail mail.
I don’t know what else to call it. But it works. Has worked over and over and over again. The response to it always surprises those who use it. Below, there is a sample letter. You will obviously have to make changes to personalize it. But you get the idea. Some folks have made this letter quite humorous, entertaining, and certainly educational. Be creative - use as much of this sample letter as you want, but make sure it has your "voice" so it doesn't sound like some form letter. Just come up with your own style, personality, and then send it off. You will be amazed at how well it works!!

We once had a team member join a team very late… she only had two weeks to raise money and pack! She didn’t have time for the usual “letter”, and just sent out a quick message to everyone in her email address book explaining briefly what she was doing and ended with “I don’t have time to explain any more right now, but you know Habitat, you know me, so send money NOW….I’ll fill you in when I get back!” And, she had her whole $2000 promised or sent within 48 hours!!!

As Millard Fuller, Habitat’s founder, once said, “I’ve tried asking and I’ve tried not asking. Not asking never works. Asking usually does.”

The sample letter has two important points for you to consider about your own letter:

1) awareness/education: it tells a little bit about how HFH works, the team, and how the monies will be used.

2) the process: it also gives specific information about how they can contribute.

Additional Tips:
a If you’re sending letters or cards by regular mail instead of email, it is a good idea to include a self-addressed stamped envelope - that helps make sure they have the correct address and that they send the check to Habitat for Humanity International's GV Department, not the general fund (it takes forever to locate a mis-designated check!) They can also call the office or go online with a credit card donation. People really like personalized letters in the mail. It costs more in time and stamps than an email, but they are very well received, and get results! There is a greater chance for delays in sending in donations by mail or even for them to get lost in the mail, so it would be better if they actually make their donation online or over the phone. But if they would prefer to send a check, make sure that the instructions for coding the check are accurate.

a If you use the GV website (see the post called "Setting up your GV fundraising web page") for sending out an email request, you can use this same letter, and those you send it to can access the online website for donating right from a link that is sent along with your letter. They still get their tax-deductible receipt. You are also notified immediately, by email, that a donation has been made so that you can keep track and write to thank them.

a In addition to or instead of, consider alternative giving for an upcoming graduation, birthday, anniversary or retirement. Put your letter into your announcement, asking for support for this team in lieu of a card or gift. Let colleagues know of your plans after retirement and suggest a monetary donation to Habitat instead of the usual plaque or watch.

More ideas after the sample letter!

Sample Letter

January 2008
Dear friend,

Greetings from under an umbrella in Oregon!

What an amazing community I live in, and what beautiful friends and family encircle me. I would like to share something wonderful and exciting that is happening with me.

The upcoming holiday seasons are for giving thanks for our multiple blessings, and to be reminded of the hope that we have for peace in our world. Hope, however, is difficult in the hearts of those who struggle daily with the affects of poverty. Living in leaky, disease-ridden shacks in unsafe environments is not how parents want to raise their children. They, like all of us, want their families to be healthy and free of danger. Part of that is having a simple, decent, affordable home in which to live.

I've been invited to participate in a Habitat for Humanity short-term mission trip this summer. As you may know, Habitat sends mission teams all over the world to help build houses for people in need. And I've been invited to go to Mozambique!

All the team members are raising funds for building materials and the expenses to make this all happen. Once we get to Mozambique, we will be working side-by-side with future homeowners and others in the village to build "emergency housing". This is a special program where Habitat is partnering with other non-profit agencies to address the phenomenally growing number of children that have been orphaned by HIV/AIDS. There are over 500,000 orphans in Mozambique alone! What makes these homes that I will be building even more special is that they will house children under the Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC)Program.

You can read more about this amazing program at our team's BLOG site: http://www.gv8125mozambique.blogspot.com/

There will be 15 people from the US and Canada on this team, including me!! My personal challenge is to raise awareness of the great need in Mozambique, and to raise the funds that will be used to cover the expenses of the trip (insurance, housing, travel, meals in the village, etc) , as well as a minimum donation of $500 for building materials towards the houses and Habitat for Humanity's housebuilding program.

I am asking for your support in this endeavor. Any amount would be appreciated and you will receive a tax-deductible receipt. You can even charge it to your credit card!! Instructions on how to donate are at the end of this letter.

As always, even if you can’t support the team financially, we ask for support through your prayers and well-wishes.

I will be happy to share stories and pictures with all my supporters when I return so that you can hear about all that we accomplished.Thank you for considering "joining" this team through your "investment" in me and the children in Mozambique.

By the way, for you folks that can make it, I’m hosting a wine & cheese tasting party at my house, Friday night, 7pm. Good music, as always. Your donation for this opportunity will go to the Mozambique fund. Give me a call if you can come so that I’ll have plenty to share!

In partnership and with great hope,

Your name

How To Donate:
Y Please make out checks to Habitat for Humanity International, put my name, my ID# xxxx-xxxx, & "Mozambique GV 8125" in the “memo” portion at the bottom, and mail it in the envelope provided to Global Village. Make sure your current address is on the check because that is where your tax-deductible receipt will be sent.

Y Or, you can call the Habitat-Global Village office at 1-800-HABITAT, extension 7530 to give them your credit card information. Make sure you give them the trip event number (GV815) and my name and ID# xxxx-xxxx.

Y Or, you can donate online. Go to www.habitat.org/gv. Click on the words to the right, "make a donation in support of a Global Village trip". Fill out all the information, including my event number and ID# (above). If you do not receive your tax-deductible receipt in the mail within a few days, let me know.

encl.: self-addressed return envelope
***************************************************************************************************************
OTHER FUNDRAISING SUGGESTIONS

Here’s a few more that other folks have used. Check out #1 – it has worked very successfully, and it’s fun. Some of these ideas can be incorporated in your informational letter as a way of raising money and awareness. Also, don't keep all the fundraising fun to yourself - ask family, friends and co-workers to choose one of these ideas as a way to support you - they may especially like #7, #8, #9, #10, or #11.

1) Sell “shares” of love or “shares” of hope. This works well with business or professional folks. They sell the shares for whatever they think will work: $10/share, $1/share, $100/share… whatever appeals to you and your “investors”. Folks can buy however many shares they want. You can even make up a “share certificate” to give to them. Then promise all of these “stockholders” that you will have a stockholders' meeting when you get back and give them a report on their “investment”. This “report” can be delivered at a dinner in your home, and/or can be mailed out. The report might include photos of the houses you worked on, the new homeowner families, things about your trip, how Habitat has brought hope or love into the lives of those involved, etc. Sometimes team members serve an actual dinner or dessert at this meeting that represents where they have been – like sourdough pancakes from Alaska or kiwi fruit from New Zealand, or whatever you like to do to make it fun.

2) Some people like something more tangible. “Sell” items for building the Habitat house, such as $10 for a bag of cement, $25 for window shutters, $50 replaces some worn out hand tools, $100 concrete foundation. One former team member even sold her pains! (“$10 will help me not think about my hammered fingers, $25 will help me smile even with a sore back, $100 will want to make me sing instead of complain about my aching muscles”).

3) Challenges: for example: “Every dollar you donate will be a nail I’ll pound at our local affiliate, or "for every $10, I'll bring a plate of cookies to the office".

4) Sell your "talents" - "when the office raises $250, I'll sing at lunch", "when my basketball team raises $500, I'll host the pizza party", etc.

5) Ask for sponsors in your self-designed “thon” of some sort (I’ll be walking a mile, swimming a lap, etc for every $xx donated)

6) Promise other groups, (your church, Sunday school class, civic organization) a presentation upon your return in exchange for a "hope offering" now. (this is somewhat like selling “hope shares” and having a “stockholders meeting” when you come back)

7) Non-Bake Sale Bake Sale - This one is FUN and EASY to do for those of you who like to bake/prepare a specialty item (breads, pies, tamales, sushi, etc), but don't like bake sales: Tell your friends, neighbors, office workers…put in your church bulletin… that you are going to be baking on a certain day and what you will be making. Set your price, take orders for that item in advance and let them know when they can pick it up (or when you'll deliver). For example: "I'm preparing some of my infamous sushi platters this Saturday (or every Saturday in January) for $25/platter. If you want to enjoy the best ever made while also helping eliminate poverty housing in Mozambique, please place your order with me by Thursday. You can pick it up at my house any time after 5pm, or I'll meet you at the grocery store parking lot at 6pm for an extra $5 delivery charge." And remind them, they can CHARGE IT!! (they go to the website and donate online or do it over the phone at Global Village). By taking orders, you already have your market, you know exactly how much to make, you make only the kind of delicacy you want, and you don't have to stand around at a bake sale table in front of the grocery store! If you want, especially if you are making large quantities, you can deduct your costs from what you bring in and donate the profit. This kind of fund raising is also very enjoyable to do with family & friends who would like to help you do the baking/preparation as well. Hey, do you have a Valentine cookie or candy recipe that you want to sell in advance?

8) Along the same line, there are those that have a "specialty talents" in other areas: offering house repairs for a few Saturday afternoons, cleaning, foot massages, sewing a specialty design, raffling a quilt, etc. Sometimes the project doesn't have to be complete before the trip. IE: sell raffles based on the quilt design, and tell them when it will be done (before Christmas!); or, the house painting you do may not be until you get back, but you could receive payment in advance; or your babysitting, housecleaning, plant care may start now and continue on when you get back - but you get paid for it all in advance. We all have marketable talents, so figure out how to sell yours!

9) Host a dinner, dessert, or wine & cheese tasting, in your home with your family, friends, co-workers. Tell them you are asking $5, $10, whatever you think is reasonable for your crowd to donate to your trip fund. If you like, you can deduct the costs of your food, and then donate the remainder, or you can donate all of it. If they give you cash, you will then write a check for all the cash your receive and send it in and you will get the receipt. If someone in attendance wants to donate and wants a receipt for themselves, that can be done as well. They just have to write the check to HFHI and you send that it along with other checks you receive as donations (code each check correctly as per the directions). The hosting of these parties can be a weekly or monthly event if you like. People look forward to your parties! Have others in your office or family host the parties at their home as well. Make sure you have handouts available on information about what your team is doing.... something that explains the need. Maps, pictures...it all helps.

10) Host a holiday (Valentine's, Easter) cookie decorating and/or baking party. Tell participants that you are asking for a donation – you set the minimum amount. You can supply all the pre-baked cookies and decorations, or ask them to bring some of their favorites as well. The information in #8 as to what to do with the funds is the same for this situation.

11) Host a garden tea party. Sell your plant starters, bulbs, cuttings. Knowing it's a donation for your team will usually bring a better-than-usual price. They can give cash, or write a check if they want a receipt.

Be creative – be YOU. And share your ideas.

What to Pack and How to Pack It

IN GENERAL:
Conservative dress is imperative. Although many tourists are often seen briefly dressed it is tolerated but not considered polite in larger towns. In the village setting it isn’t appropriate.

MALES: Most men dress casually but modestly. Long shorts are fine and “T” shirts are generally accepted. Shoes can also be casual such as open sandals, however closed shoes must be worn at the work site. Men should not walk or trek bare-chested. Shorts are acceptable but it's recommended to wear long pants. When attending church or more formal occasions, a long sleeve shirt and long pants (not jeans) are expected. Ties are not generally worn.

FEMALES: . Short skirts and shorts are not acceptable. Females need to wear non-figure hugging blouses, and long pants or long skirts that cover the ankles, because exposure of a woman's legs can draw unnecessary attention and are inappropriate. One option females may want to try, if they have time to shop, is the traditional ‘kurta’ – a long dress/shirt over pants with scarf - which can be bought in Nepal and provides comfort and modesty.

You will need mostly work clothes. The only activity that you may want to “dress” for is the farewell dinner. Lightweight clothes are worn in Kathmandu, with a coat for evenings (45-65). It will be about the same in the hill region where we will be working. During our R&R we will be at a little higher elevation therefore possibly requiring more layers. We anticipate sunshine and clear weather. Maybe fog in the morning that may feel cool.


HOW MUCH CAN I TAKE?
Let’s start with that question because the rest of this will make a lot more sense, such as when we’re suggesting “wear your heaviest shoes on the airplane”. The domestic airline from Kathmandu to Bahdrapur will be the limiting factor. You can check in 20kgs (44#) and your carry-on can weight 5kgs (11#). They don’t weigh YOU, however….thus the reason to wear your heavy clothes/boots! One thing to remember is that you will be returning to KTM before we go on R&R. Therefore, if you have clothing that you intend to use ONLY during R&R, you could leave it behind with the national office in KTM.

You may have a higher weight allowance on your flights to/from the US, but do keep in mind the weight restriction for what you are going to take to the local affiliate (check your airline for specifics on weight as well as number of bags allowed).

Depending on your weight allowances once you leave KTM, you may still pack the souvenirs that you purchased. If you think you might do that, consider bringing a simple roll-up type duffle with you in your luggage to use as your second piece going home. Or buy an inexpensive extra duffle in KTM.


WHAT KIND OF LUGGAGE SHOULD I USE?
In general, when traveling internationally, we find that soft-sided luggage works best on public transport and vans. Soft luggage crams more easily in to trucks and buses, as well as smaller overhead compartments on airplanes. Soft luggage/duffels can still have wheels. Check out your Salvation Army or Goodwill for used luggage if you don’t want to buy something new just for this trip. Also, Joe’s (formerly GI Joe’s) and other sports/outdoor stores have heavy-duty cloth duffels for under $25.


HOW SAFE WILL MY LUGGAGE BE?
Travelers are encouraged to secure their luggage with locks, keeping in mind TSA (Transportation Security Administration) restrictions concerning personal locks. Whether you use TSA approved locks or not is up to you. Avoid placing electronics, jewelry, cameras or other valuables in checked luggage.


KEEP IN MIND TO:

KEEP IT APPROPRIATE! Please re-read the introduction. We are told to dress “conservatively”.

KEEP FLEXIBLE! Plan for all kinds of weather, and all of it in one day! Wear layers, knowing you will be taking them on and off throughout the day and evening.

KEEP SAFE! Wear what is necessary to protect yourself from the sun: hat, bandana, etc. and use sunscreen.

KEEP IT MINIMAL! To keep within your weight allowance, consider bringing only 2-3 changes of work clothes for the whole time you are in the village. Laundry will be available at our accommodations for a reasonable fee. Don’t count on laundry opportunities while you are traveling or during “R&R” - wash out at night, or bring enough to change - or just don’t change!



SPECIFIC ITEMS FOR THE WORKSITE:

• Sturdy closed-toe shoes (tennis shoes are OK)
• Shorts, pants as described above
• Blouses, shirts as described above
• Work gloves
• Hat or bandanna - sunburn is a reality and a danger. Some people prefer a broad-rimmed hat, such as a straw hat, to protect the neck.
• Water bottle
• Day pack/small bag - It will be very helpful if you have a small, simple day pack or bag to put your valuables - camera, documents, etc. - when you are at the worksite and while on R&R. We cannot guarantee security for these items if they are left in the accommodations. You may want to wear a passport carrier around your waist or neck for documents, cash, etc, but put them in a zip-lock bag to keep them from soaking up your sweat at the worksite!

OTHER CLOTHING YOU WILL NEED when not at the worksite:

• Comfortable/casual walking shoes for travel & R&R - tennis shoes or sandals
• Shower shoes - something to wear in the bathrooms and showers
• Pants/shorts as described above
• Shirts/blouses as described above
• Medium-weight jacket for evenings (assuming you are wearing other layers underneath)
• Warm hat for evenings & R&R
• Warm gloves for R&R
• Socks
• Underwear
• Sleepwear - it gets cool at night

OTHER ITEMS YOU WILL NEED:

• Flexibility, patience, and a sense of humor
• Passport with Nepal visa
• Spending money - for whatever you need for traveling. It is suggested to have at least $100 cash while in Nepal for souvenirs, gifts, etc. You can change US dollars to Nepal rupees after you leave the airport, close to the hotel.
• Insect repellent - DEET level of 30 or higher is suggested
• Sunscreen or lotion
• More patience
• TP Kit (zip-lock bag with hand sanitizer & toilet paper for a couple of trips to the latrine)
• 1-2 rolls of TP of your own - to refill your TP kit
• Toiletries
• Alarm clock
• Throw in an extra dose of “sense of humor”
• Lightweight, small towel (something that dries overnight) - travel/outdoor stores have them, or use a small, thin worn-out one from home
• An extra dose of “flexibility”
• Extra zip-lock bags - to put your own personal trash in to carry out
• Laundry bag (mesh, or old pillowcase) - please put your name on the outside of the bag/pillowcase
• More and more patience
• Prescription medications, contact lens supplies (could be very dusty) and any other personal needs, including feminine hygiene supplies
• Flashlight, extra batteries
• LED headlamp - These lamps come on a strap for around your head, or there is the kind that snaps onto the bill of a baseball cap
• Waterless antibacterial wash when water is not available (towlettes not recommended because of disposal problem)
• Personal first aid supplies for cuts, blisters, diarrhea, constipation ( we will also have a Team First Aid kit, but it helps for you to have your own available in your pocket at the worksite)
  Electrical adapters and converters, depending on what you are bringing (see note at bottom for more info)
• What the heck - a little more won’t hurt - add even more flexibility, patience, sense of humor
• Snack foods - This is something you don’t need to pack ahead of time, but may want to consider buying in Kathmandu to take to Ilam. it may happen that you don’t care for all the local foods, and find yourself hungry. There may or may not be the opportunity to buy anything once we’re in the village. It wouldn’t be acceptable to bring your own food to a meal prepared by our hosts, but you could have something back at your own room. Keep in mind potential bugs. Bring some extra zip-lock bags to store the food you purchase, and take care of any trash/packaging by packing it back out with you.
  

Tools you could bring if you can: (keep in mind weight and that they have to be in checked baggage). It is not required that you bring tools. However, it is appreciated if you do. It is also greatly appreciated if you choose to leave the tools behind at the village. But you can bring along your own to take back with you as well. Do not bring tools that require electricity! The following are what is needed:

• Hacksaws, with extra blades
• Mason’s hammers
• Metric tape measures
• Levels - 2 foot levels can fit in luggage easily

OPTIONAL (consider value, weight, and security):

• Binoculars
• Back support - the work is all manual
• Extra prescription glasses
• Laplap (sarong, lavalava) to wear to the shower
• Poncho or lightweight rain jacket
• Journal, paper, pencil or pen
• Book
• Bible/meditation material
• Games, cards to use at night with just team members (some may not be appropriate to be used with community members)
  Games to play with children - frisbees, jump ropes, finger puppets (do not give these to children directly - even simple gifts are not allowed. The kids can use them with you, but they must give them back when you are done playing with the kids each time. Then we will give them to the school to use for all the children when we leave)
• Laundry powder- in case you want to wash something out at night on your own - but we suggest just using your shampoo or other multi-purpose soap
• A few photos of family and home to share with team and host (remember, pictures of who we are, not what we have - like boats, houses, cars, etc)
• Camera, batteries, extra memory
• Sunglasses
• Pocketknife
• Small musical instrument - recorder, harmonica
• Ear plugs
  

NOT ALLOWED

• Illegal drugs
• Firearms, firecrackers
• Bad sense of humor
• Inflexibility
• Short tempers

TIPS AND HINTS ON HOW TO PACK IT:

• Read again the info at the top as to the kind of luggage to use.
• Your carry-on should have a little of everything, to get you through several days of waiting for your luggage to catch up with you. You wouldn’t be the first team member that this has happened to.
• For those of you having a tough time with the baggage limit, remember that they don’t weigh YOU! Wear as much weight as you can on the airplane to keep your bags lighter - wear your heaviest shoes, and possibly several layers of clothes. You can take some of those layers off and cram them in your carry-on after you go through the inspection of your carry-on.
• Make sure you can padlock your bag to help insure against theft enroute. Do not put items in unlocked outside pockets. (a simple duffle, with no outside pockets works best). Use a combination padlock instead of a key. Leave the expensive stuff you don’t need (like jewelry) at home - there will be little to no opportunity to wear it anyway. Other valuables (cameras, binocs, etc) should be in your hand-carry.
• Pack leaky items (shampoo, lotions) in zip lock bags - and tighten the cap right before you put them in. Pack most of that in your checked baggage. Read up on the current allowances for liquids in your carry-on. Right now it’s 3oz bottles that will all fit into one quart-size zip-lock bag.
• Be sure your bag(s) are well labeled with your name and contact info (maybe a friend or family) - it doesn’t do any good for them to try and contact you at home about a found bag since you won’t be at home!
• If you need a pillow to sleep, consider just putting your clean clothing in a pillow case or clean t-shirt and using that.
• Simplify your toiletries - if shampoo will work as your body soap, and even laundering your clothes, that will cut down on number of bottles.
• Dr Bonner’s soap - you can wash EVERYTHING, including your teeth, body, hair, laundry, dishes, your roommate …whatever! It’s biodegradable, “green”, plus the bottle is fun to read! Get it in “trial size” and there will be enough for you and a friend. One team member recommends “mint” as it leaves behind a nice tingle, and is the best flavor for tooth-brushing. I think it tastes pretty bad no matter what, so I go for “lavender”. REI (outdoor equipment store) and natural food stores carry it.
• A former team member recommended adding some mouth wash (she likes mint for this too) to a spray bottle of water, and using that to “spritz yourself” - it feels tingly, makes you smell better, doesn’t attract mosquitoes like perfumed sprays do, and actually kills some germs!
• Roll-up style space bags are great for compacting clothing items….no vacuum necessary!
• Hair dryers can be cumbersome. If you can share with others, that will help cut down on your weight and space. (us girls can chat about that on our own).
  

NOTE: Electrical adapters and converters

Adapters: Nepal uses both C & D adapters. Go to:

http://www.kropla.com/!d.htm and it will show you a picture and give a description of what is needed.

Converters: A converter is not the same thing as an adapter. The adapter just makes it so that your plug can fit into their socket. Your appliance, such as a hair dryer, must also be able to change voltage from 120 to 240. If your appliance doesn’t have that kind of switch right on it, then you need a converter as well to accommodate the wattage of your appliance. They come in different capacities (wattage). A hair dryer usually takes a pretty big converter so check that out. Converters and adapters can be purchased at a travel store or online (Amazon.com). Target, Joe’s (formerly GI Joe’s) and REI carry them I have been told that Lowe’s does as well. Check department stores that carry luggage.
.

Immunizations and Tips on Staying Healthy

The following information concerning food and water is provided by our Habitat host coordinator. Other information concerning immunizations as well as other health concerns follows, and is provided by the CDC and WHO.

Food in the village or building site is generally simple and will consist of Dal-Bhat (dhal and rice with vegetables). If you have special needs such as diabetic or vegetarian requirements then please make this known to your Team Leader so that provisions can be made to assure your needs are meet.

The water provided is mineral water. Try not to swallow any water while taking a shower or swimming. The fruits and vegetables we serve you are peeled, thoroughly cooked or washed with filtered water.

Do not buy fruit off the streets unless you can peel or wash in iodized water before eating.
We will provide mineral water bottle to you everyday. The water can be kept at the work site. Please feel free to collect the water bottles from Hosting coordinator/Administrator everyday, or appoint somebody from your group as water in-charge. Please ensure that you drink only bottled water. It is a good idea to carry a small plastic bottle with you while in country. Drinking the local tap water is not wise!

Some basic rules:

• Fruits should be washed with purified water of peeled before eaten
• Beware of ice-cream that is being sold on the streets
• Take care with fruit juice if you suspect water may have been added
• Milk should be well boiled or pasteurized
• Tea and coffee should be okay since the water has been boiled
• Eat curd (Nepali yogurt) with most meals. This soothes the stomach and the risk of getting diarrhea
  

The rest of the information is from the CDC or WHO. Your team leaders cannot recommend any immunizations or medications, but we can encourage you to seek the advice of a travel medical clinic. To find a location of one near you, go to www.cdc.gov/travel/contentTravelClinics and click on your state.

Before visiting Nepal, you may need to get the following vaccinations and medications for vaccine-preventable diseases and other diseases you might be at risk for at your destination: (Note: Your doctor or health-care provider will determine what you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities.)

To have the most benefit, see a health-care provider at least 4–6 weeks before your trip to allow time for your vaccines to take effect and to start taking medicine to prevent malaria, if you need it.

Even if you have less than 4 weeks before you leave, you should still see a health-care provider for needed vaccines, anti-malaria drugs and other medications and information about how to protect yourself from illness and injury while traveling.

CDC recommends that you see a health-care provider who specializes in Travel Medicine. If you have a medical condition, you should also share your travel plans with any doctors you are currently seeing for other medical reasons.

If your travel plans will take you to more than one country during a single trip, be sure to let your health-care provider know so that you can receive the appropriate vaccinations and information for all of your destinations. Long-term travelers, such as those who plan to work or study abroad, may also need additional vaccinations as required by their employer or school.
Although yellow fever is not a disease risk in Nepal, the government requires travelers arriving from countries where yellow fever is present to present proof of yellow fever vaccination. If you will be traveling to one of these countries where yellow fever is present before arriving in Nepal, this requirement must be taken into consideration.

Be sure your routine vaccinations are up-to-date.

Routine vaccines, as they are often called, such as for influenza, chickenpox (or varicella), polio, measles/mumps/rubella (MMR), and diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus (DPT) are given at all stages of life.

Routine vaccines are recommended even if you do not travel. Although childhood diseases, such as measles, rarely occur in the United States, they are still common in many parts of the world. A traveler who is not vaccinated would be at risk for infection.

Recommendations or Requirements for Vaccine-Preventable Diseases
Routine
Recommended if you are not up-to-date with routine shots such as, measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus (DPT) vaccine, etc.
Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG)
Recommended for all unvaccinated people traveling to or working in countries with an intermediate or high level of hepatitis A virus infection where exposure might occur through food or water. Cases of travel-related hepatitis A can also occur in travelers to developing countries with "standard" tourist itineraries, accommodations, and food consumption behaviors.
Hepatitis B
Recommended for all unvaccinated persons traveling to or working in countries with intermediate to high levels of endemic HBV transmission and who might be exposed to blood or body fluids, have sexual contact with the local population, or be exposed through medical treatment, such as for an accident, and for all adults requesting protection from HBV infection.
Typhoid
Recommended for all unvaccinated people traveling to or working in South Asia, especially if visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas and staying with friends or relatives where exposure might occur through food or water.
Rabies
Recommended for travelers spending a lot of time outdoors, especially in rural areas, involved in activities such as bicycling, camping, hiking, or work. Also, children are considered at higher risk because they tend to play with animals and may not report bites.
Japanese encephalitis
Recommended if you plan to visit rural farming areas and under special circumstances, such as a known outbreak of Japanese encephalitis
Polio
Recommended for adult travelers who have received a primary series with either inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) or oral polio vaccine (OPV). They should receive another dose of IPV before departure.

Malaria
We are going to working and living in the Jhapa region. According to information from the World Health Organization (WHO), the districts of Jhapa, Morang and Ilam in East region, Dhanusha, Mahottari, Sindhuli and Kabhre in Central region, Nawalparasi in West region, Bardia in Mid-west region and, Kailali, Kanchanpur and Dandeldhura in Far-west region (see Map below) are the most affected districts where malaria transmission is high. The total population of these districts are around 6 million ( 34%) and contributing around 90% of the total confirmed malaria cases in the country. We are, however, going to be there in the fall when it is the driest. As to whether there is still a malaria threat will be determined by your travel doctor.

Drugs to Prevent Malaria (antimalarial drugs)
If you take an antimalarial drug in Nepal, you will need to take one of the following: atovaquone/proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine (primaquine in special circumstances and only after G6PD testing).

Note: Chloroquine is NOT an effective antimalarial drug in Nepal and should not be taken to prevent malaria in this region.Malaria risk area in Nepal: Risk in rural areas at altitudes below 1,200 m (<3,937>

A Special Note about Antimalarial Drugs
You should purchase your antimalarial drugs before travel. Drugs purchased overseas may not be manufactured according to United States standards and may not be effective. They also may be dangerous, contain counterfeit medications or contaminants, or be combinations of drugs that are not safe to use.

Halofantrine (marketed as Halfan) is widely used overseas to treat malaria. CDC recommends that you do NOT use halofantrine because of serious heart-related side effects, including deaths. You should avoid using antimalarial drugs that are not recommended unless you have been diagnosed with life-threatening malaria and no other options are immediately available.

More Information About Malaria
Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. Humans get malaria from the bite of a mosquito infected with the parasite. Prevent this serious disease by seeing your health-care provider for a prescription antimalarial drug and by protecting yourself against mosquito bites (see below).

Travelers to malaria risk-areas in Nepal, including infants, children, and former residents of Nepal, should take one of the following antimalarial drugs listed above.

Symptoms
Malaria symptoms may include
fever
chills
sweats
headache
body aches
nausea and vomiting
fatigue
Malaria symptoms will occur at least 7 to 9 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Fever in the first week of travel in a malaria-risk area is unlikely to be malaria; however, you should see a doctor right away if you develop a fever during your trip.

Malaria may cause anemia and jaundice. Malaria infections with Plasmodium falciparum, if not promptly treated, may cause kidney failure, coma, and death. Despite using the protective measures outlined above, travelers may still develop malaria up to a year after returning from a malarious area. You should see a doctor immediately if you develop a fever anytime during the year following your return and tell the physician of your travel.

Items to Bring With You

Medicines you may need:

• The prescription medicines you take every day. Make sure you have enough to last during your trip. Keep them in their original prescription bottles and always in your carry-on luggage. Be sure to follow security guidelines, if the medicines are liquids.
• Antimalarial drugs, if traveling to a malaria-risk area in Nepal and prescribed by your doctor.
• Medicine for diarrhea, usually over-the-counter.
  Note: Some drugs available by prescription in the US are illegal in other countries. Check the US Department of State Consular Information Sheets for the country(s) you intend to visit or the embassy or consulate for that country(s). If your medication is not allowed in the country you will be visiting, ask your health-care provider to write a letter on office stationery stating the medication has been prescribed for you.

Other items you may need:

• Sunblock and sunglasses for protection from harmful effects of UV sun rays.
• Antibacterial hand wipes or alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.

To prevent insect/mosquito bites, bring:

• Lightweight long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and a hat to wear outside, whenever possible.
• Flying-insect spray to help clear rooms of mosquitoes. The product should contain a pyrethroid insecticide; these insecticides quickly kill flying insects, including mosquitoes.
• Bed nets treated with permethrin, if you will not be sleeping in an air-conditioned or well-screened room and will be in malaria-risk areas. For use and purchasing information, see Insecticide Treated Bed Nets on the CDC malaria site. Overseas, permethrin or another insecticide, deltamethrin, may be purchased to treat bed nets and clothes
• See other suggested over-the-counter medications and first aid items for a travelers' health kit.
• 
  .
  Indigenous wild polio was present in 2005-2006 in India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan; cases from Bangladesh and Nepal were confirmed in 2005-2006.
  Measles occurs in the South Asia region and can be a source of infection for unvaccinated travelers.

Be Careful about Food and Water

Diseases from food and water are the leading cause of illness in travelers. Follow these tips for safe eating and drinking:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially before eating. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand gel (with at least 60% alcohol).
• Drink only bottled or boiled water, or carbonated (bubbly) drinks in cans or bottles.
• Avoid tap water, fountain drinks, and ice cubes.
• Do not eat food purchased from street vendors.
• Make sure food is fully cooked.
• Avoid dairy products, unless you know they have been pasteurized.

Diseases from food and water often cause vomiting and diarrhea. Make sure to bring diarrhea medicine with you so that you can treat mild cases yourself.

Prevent Altitude Illness and Sunburn
If you visit the Himalayan Mountains, ascend gradually to allow time for your body to adjust to the high altitude, which can cause insomnia, headaches, nausea, and altitude illness. If you experience these symptoms descend to a lower altitude and seek medical attention. Untreated altitude illness can be fatal.
Use sunblock rated at least 15 SPF, especially at high altitudes, where the risk of sunburn is greater.

After You Return Home
If you are not feeling well, you should get medical attention and mention that you have recently traveled.
If you have visited a malaria-risk area, continue taking your antimalarial drug for 4 weeks (doxycycline or mefloquine) or seven days (atovaquone/proguanil) after leaving the risk area.
Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever or flu-like illness either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the physician your travel history.

Important Note: This document is not a complete medical guide for travelers to this region. Consult with your doctor for specific information related to your needs and your medical history; recommendations may differ for pregnant women, young children, and persons who have chronic medical conditions.

Passport and Nepal Visa

All participants on the Nepal team must have a valid PASSPORT that does not expire before May 22, 2009.


Participants must have a Nepal VISA before entering the country. Obtaining a visa on arrival takes hourrrssssss! And it doesn't save you any money.
Cost: $40 (NOTE: as of July 18, this is an increase from what was posted before)

You need one passport photo, no more than 6 months old, for the visa. (If you are having photos taken, have several done. You may want them for other visas for extended travel. Also, having one or two extra along can sometimes be helpful.)

To download and print a Nepal visa application, go to www.traveldocs.com/np/index.htm


It is only one page. There are instructions of where to mail it, along with your passport (NY or Washington, DC). Allow a few weeks for this process. I suggest using FedEx to mail it, with a return mailer and pay whatever it takes to insure safe passage for your passport!

You can use a travel document agency if you prefer. You still have to mail them your passport and visa application. They just hand carry it to the embassy and make sure the visa is obtained. Costs about an additional $45. If you are interested in this kind of service, that same website can give you more information.

Government of Nepal - History and Current

The information below comes from the State Department website as of January 2008. For future updates, go to www.state.gov/nepal


GovernmentType: Interim. An interim Parliament was formed on January 15, 2007 after a comprehensive peace agreement between the ruling Seven-Party Alliance and the Maoist rebels. Prime Minister and Council of Ministers chosen through political consensus among the eight ruling parties on April 1, 2007; role of monarchy suspended, with future status to be decided by upcoming Constituent Assembly.Constitution: Interim constitution promulgated on January 15, 2007.

HISTORY
Early HistoryModern Nepal was created in the latter half of the 18th century when Prithvi Narayan Shah, the ruler of the small principality of Gorkha, formed a unified country from a number of independent hill states. The country was frequently called the Gorkha Kingdom, the source of the term "Gurkha" used for Nepali soldiers.

After 1800, the heirs of Prithvi Narayan Shah proved unable to maintain firm political control over Nepal. A period of internal turmoil followed, heightened by Nepal's defeat by the British in a war from 1814 to 1816. Stability was restored after 1846 when the Rana family gained power, entrenched itself through hereditary prime ministers, and reduced the monarch to a figurehead. The Rana regime, a highly centralized autocracy, pursued a policy of isolating Nepal from external influences. This policy helped Nepal maintain its national independence during the colonial era, but also impeded the country's economic development.

In 1950, King Tribhuvan, a direct descendant of Prithvi Narayan Shah, fled his "palace prison" to newly independent India, touching off an armed revolt against the Rana administration. This allowed the return of the Shah family to power and, eventually, the appointment of a non-Rana prime minister. A period of quasi-constitutional rule followed, during which the monarch, assisted by the leaders of fledgling political parties, governed the country. During the 1950s, efforts were made to frame a constitution for Nepal that would establish a representative form of government, based on the British model.

Democracy DevelopsIn early 1959, King Mahendra, who had succeeded his father Tribhuvan in 1955, issued a new constitution and the first democratic elections for a national assembly were held. The Nepali Congress Party, a moderate socialist group, gained a substantial victory in the election. Its leader, B.P. Koirala, formed a government and served as Prime Minister.
Declaring parliamentary democracy a failure eighteen months later, King Mahendra dismissed the Koirala government and promulgated a new constitution on December 16, 1962. The new constitution established a "partyless" system of panchayats (councils), which King Mahendra claimed was a democratic form of government closer to Nepalese traditions. As a hierarchical structure progressing from village assemblies to a Rastriya Panchayat (National Parliament), the Panchayat system enshrined the absolute power of the monarchy and kept the King as head of state with sole authority over all governmental institutions, including the Cabinet (Council of Ministers) and the Parliament.

King Mahendra was succeeded by his 27-year-old son, King Birendra, in 1972. Amid student demonstrations and anti-regime activities in 1979, King Birendra called for a national referendum to decide the nature of Nepal's government--either the continuation of the Panchayat system with democratic reforms or the establishment of a multiparty system. The referendum was held in May 1980, and the Panchayat system won a narrow victory. The King carried out the promised reforms, including selection of the prime minister by the Rastriya Panchayat.

Movement to Restore Democracy
In 1990, the political parties again pressed the King and the government for change. Leftist parties united under a common banner of the United Left Front and joined forces with the Nepali Congress Party to launch strikes and demonstrations in the major cities of Nepal. This "Movement to Restore Democracy" was initially dealt with severely, with more than 50 persons killed by police gunfire and hundreds arrested. In April, the King capitulated. Consequently, he dissolved the Panchayat system, lifted the ban on political parties, and released all political prisoners.

An interim government was sworn in on April 19, 1990, headed by Krishna Prasad Bhattarai as Prime Minister presiding over a cabinet made up of members of the Nepali Congress Party, the communist parties of Nepal, royal appointees, and independents. The new government drafted and promulgated a new constitution in November 1990, which enshrined fundamental human rights and established Nepal as a parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarch. International observers characterized the May 1991 elections as free and fair, in which the Nepali Congress Party won 110 out of 205 seats to form the government.

In mid-1994, the Parliament was dissolved due to dissension within the Nepali Congress Party. The subsequent general election held November 15, 1994, gave no party a majority. The 1994 elections resulted in a Nepali Congress Party defeat and a hung Parliament, with a minority government led by the Communist Party of Nepal-United Marxist Leninist Party (CPN-UML); this made Nepal the world's first communist monarchy, with Man Mohan Adhikary as Prime Minister. The next five years saw five successive unstable coalition governments and the beginning of a Maoist insurgency.

Following the May 1999 general elections, the Nepali Congress Party once again headed a majority government after winning 113 out of 205 seats. But the pattern of short-lived governments persisted. There were three Nepali Congress Party Prime Ministers after the 1999 elections: K.P. Bhattarai (5/31/99-3/17/00); G. P. Koirala (3/20/00-7/19/01); and Sher Bahadur Deuba (7/23/01-10/04/02).

On June 1, 2001, Crown Prince Dipendra reportedly shot and killed his father King Birendra, his mother Queen Aishwarya, his brother, his sister, his father's younger brother Prince Dhirendra, and several aunts before turning the gun on himself. After his death two days later, the late King's surviving brother Gyanendra was proclaimed King.

Maoist Insurgency
In February 1996, the leaders of the Maoist United People's Front began a violent insurgency, waged through killings, torture, bombings, kidnappings, extortion, and intimidation against civilians, police, and public officials in more than 50 of the country's 75 districts. Over 13,000 police, civilians, and insurgents were killed in the conflict. The government and Maoists held peace talks in August, September, and November of 2001, but they were unsuccessful, and the Maoists resumed their violent insurgency. Shortly after the 2001 peace talks failed, King Gyanendra declared a state of emergency, which the Parliament approved by a two-thirds vote. On the recommendation of Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, the King dissolved the House on May 22, 2002.

Struggle for Democracy Continues
In a sudden turn of events on October 4, 2002, King Gyanendra removed Prime Minister Deuba and assumed executive power. The entire Council of Ministers was also dissolved, and the November 13, 2002 elections to the dissolved House of Representatives were called off. After a week-long consultation with the leaders of various political parties, on October 11, 2002, the King appointed Lokendra Bahadur Chand as Prime Minister with a five-point directive that included creating an environment of peace and security as well as holding elections to the local bodies and the House of Representatives.

Under Chand's premiership, the government and Maoists declared a cease-fire on January 29, 2003. This marked the second cease-fire with the Maoists; the first, in 2001, had been broken by the Maoists. The 2003 cease-fire included an agreement to undertake initiatives to resolve the Maoist problem through dialogue and bring the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) back into mainstream politics. After the announcement of the 2003 cease-fire, the Chand government held two rounds of peace talks with the Maoists, in April and May. But in its effort to end political instability, it failed to secure the support of the leading political parties. In the face of growing pressure from political parties and their mass movement, Chand resigned from his post on May 30, 2003, after only seven months in power.

The King appointed Surya Bahadur Thapa as the new Prime Minister on June 4, 2003, amidst opposition from the major political parties. Another round of peace talks was held in mid-August 2003, but on August 27, 2003 the Maoists broke the second cease-fire. Thapa resigned in May 2004 as a result of political pressure. In June 2004, the King reinstated formerly dismissed Sher Bahadur Deuba as Prime Minister.

King's Direct RuleCiting a steady deterioration of conditions in the country, King Gyanendra dismissed the Cabinet and constituted a Council of Ministers under his own chairmanship on February 1, 2005. He stated that the Council of Ministers (i.e., Cabinet) would try to reactivate multi-party democracy within three years. The King subsequently declared a state of emergency and suspended almost all fundamental rights for nearly three months. His new government was sworn in on February 2, 2005. The Council of Ministers under the King's chairmanship was reshuffled twice during the King's 15 months of direct rule.

People's Movement
In April 2006, the major political parties, in cooperation with the Maoists, organized massive countrywide demonstrations for the restoration of democracy, forcing the King to relinquish power. On April 24, 2006, King Gyanendra reinstated the 1999 Parliament. Former Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala of the Nepali Congress Party was selected by the Seven-Party Alliance (SPA) of political parties to again lead the government. The Maoists declared a unilateral cease-fire on April 26, and the new Koirala government announced its own unilateral cease-fire and plans for peace talks with the Maoist insurgents on May 3, 2006. The SPA and the Maoists have since signed a number of agreements, including, in November 2006, a comprehensive peace agreement to end the decade-long insurgency. Both sides also agreed to an arms management process and elections for a Constituent Assembly. On January 15, 2007 a 329-member interim Parliament, including 83 Maoist representatives and other party representatives, was constituted. The first sitting of the Parliament unanimously endorsed an interim constitution, which replaced the constitution of 1990. On April 1, 2007, the ruling eight-party government formed an interim Council of Ministers through political consensus, including five Maoist ministers.

GOVERNMENT AND POLITICAL CONDITIONS
A Maoist insurgency--punctuated by cease-fires in 2001, 2003, 2005, and the latest one from April 26, 2006--has been ongoing since 1996. After King Gyanendra announced the reinstatement of Parliament on April 24, 2006, the Maoists declared a three-month unilateral ceasefire on April 26, 2006 which the new Koirala government reciprocated on May 3, 2006. Since then the Seven-Party Alliance (SPA) and the Maoists have signed five agreements, culminating in the comprehensive peace agreement of November 21, 2006, effectively ending the insurgency. However, Maoist violence and intimidation have continued since the agreement.

The main agenda of the SPA and the Maoists is to hold a Constituent Assembly (CA) election. The Constituent Assembly would draft and promulgate a new constitution defining the future political system in Nepal. The interim constitution, adopted on January 15, 2007, expressed full commitment to democratic ideals and norms, including competitive multi-party democracy, civil liberties, fundamental human rights, adult enfranchisement, periodic elections, press freedom, an independent judiciary, and the rule of law. The interim constitution also guaranteed the basic rights of Nepali citizens to formulate a constitution for themselves and to participate in the Constituent Assembly in an environment free from fear. The interim constitution transferred all powers of the King as head of state to the prime minister and stripped the King of any ceremonial constitutional role. Under the interim constitution, the fate of the monarchy will be decided by the first meeting of the Constituent Assembly. The interim Parliament is a unicameral house.

After promulgation of the interim constitution, many socially marginalized ethnic communities, including the Madhesis of the lowland Terai, began widespread protests against the proposed proportional representation system incorporated in the new constitution. After a Maoist shot and killed one of the demonstrators, violent protests erupted with clashes between police and demonstrators and attacks on government facilities in at least 10 districts, resulting in the death of over 30 people. Prime Minister Koirala, in an address to the nation on February 7, 2007 promised to amend the constitution to meet the demands of the Terai people. However, the situation remains tense, with continuing protests and violence.
Nepal's judiciary is legally separated from the executive and legislative branches and, in practice, has increasingly shown the will to be independent of political influence. However, by asserting executive control over the judiciary, the interim constitution called into question this independence. Under the interim constitution, the Prime Minister appoints the Chief Justice on the recommendation of the Constitutional Council, and the Chief Justice appoints other judges on the recommendation of the Judicial Council. All lower court decisions, including acquittals, are subject to appeal. The Supreme Court is the court of last appeal.
Human RightsSince political reform began in 1990, some progress has been achieved in the transition to a more open society with greater respect for human rights; however, substantial problems remain. Poorly trained police sometimes use excessive force in quelling violent demonstrations. In addition, there have been reports of torture during detention and widespread reports of custodial abuse. In 2000, the government established the National Human Rights Commission, a government-appointed commission with a mandate to investigate human rights violations. The government is sometimes slow to follow the commission's recommendations or to enforce accountability for recent and past abuses. The King's February 2005 dismissal of the government, subsequent imposition of emergency rule and suspension of many civil rights--including freedom of expression, assembly, and privacy--was a setback for human rights in Nepal. During this three-month period, censors were deployed to major newspapers, and many political leaders were kept under house arrest. The King's government restricted the media from publishing interviews, articles, or news items against the spirit of the royal proclamation of February 1, 2005 or in support of terrorist or destructive activities. The reinstated government, led by Prime Minister Koirala, reversed these decisions in May 2006. The interim constitution promulgated on January 15, 2007 ensured unrestricted freedom of expression.

Both the Maoists and security personnel have committed numerous human rights violations. The Maoists have used tactics such as kidnapping, torture, bombings, intimidation, killings, and conscription of children. Within the Nepalese security forces, violations ranged from disappearances to executions. After the royal takeover on February 1, 2005 and subsequent imposition of the state of emergency, the security forces arrested many political leaders, student leaders, journalists, and human rights activists under the Public Security Act of 1989, although all were released by June 2005 when the King ended the state of emergency.
After the April 2006 cease-fire announced by the government and the Maoists, incidents of human rights violations by the government declined substantially while incidents of human rights violations by the Maoists remained relatively unabated. Even after signing a comprehensive peace agreement with the government in November 2006, Maoists' extortion, abduction, and intimidation largely remained uncontrolled. Although activities by other political parties have increased significantly in the rural parts of Nepal, political party representatives, police, non-governmental organization (NGO) workers, and journalists reported continuous threats and intimidation by Maoist cadres. During the January-February 2007 uprising in the Terai, reports of government security forces using excessive force to quell demonstrations were common.

There are three major daily English-language newspapers, "The Kathmandu Post," "The Himalayan Times" and "The Rising Nepal." The last and its vernacular sister publication are owned by a government corporation. There are hundreds of smaller daily and weekly periodicals that are privately owned and of varying journalistic quality. Views expressed since the 1990 move to democracy are varied and vigorous. Currently, 75 radio and four television stations are privately owned and operated, following liberalization of licensing regulations. Radio Nepal and Nepal Television are government-owned and operated. There are nearly 200 cable television operators nationwide, and satellite dishes to receive television broadcasts abound.

Trafficking in women and child labor remain serious problems. Discrimination against women and lower castes is prevalent.