Sustainable Global Coalition Update

May 10, 2016

 

Dear Global Coalition Member,

 

Several things have happened since our coalition meeting on March 19.  I’ll apprise you of those before moving forward with recommendations.

 

 

1. Our existing Global Grant has been successfully completed and is now closed.  The missing bank statements were secured and submitted and the final report has been accepted by TRF.
2. The Mission where we have been staying will not be available to us this year because it is increasingly being occupied by Guatemalans.  This is not necessarily a bad thing but will be a change from past protocol.
3. Mick Shea, who will be taking the lead in writing the new grant, has been dealing with a lung issue that will preclude him from traveling with us on this trip.  I will assume Mick’s role until he gets healthy.
4. The Rotary club of Helena Noon has expressed interest in applying for a Global Grant in the focus area of education and our partner club in Mazatenango has expressed interest in partnering with them in this endeavor.  This will not impact our projects, but one or more of their members may accompany us on our upcoming trip, as they will need my assistance in making the necessary travel and personal connections.
5. Bill Spath raised $1,500 for an international education project.  I will take that money with me to purchase books and supplies for El Progresso School.

Now – looking forward

 

David Ruiz, our Guatemalan engineer, is already at work getting cost estimates – not final budgets – for the two water projects and these figures should be available to us when we arrive in Guatemala.  Mick is also in contact with an American well driller who does volunteer work in Guatemala.  This is a possible partnership with us, the primary concern being the 400 mile distance between his and our locations.  Mick will continue to explore this possible opportunity.  The latrine part of the project will be engineered and constructed under the supervision of Engineers Without Borders, so we will not have final design nor costs until after EWB engineers have had the opportunity to meet with community leaders and consult with engineer Ruiz.

 

This brings you up-to-date on the current status of the proposed projects.  I’m recommending Mick not begin the formal grant application process with TRF until after the new Rotary year begins in July 1.  This recommendation is based on past experience we’ve had dealing with Guatemalan government requirements for tax free projects and the requisite signatures on those documents.

 

This brings us to the point when we need to begin to think about travel plans.  To assure best prices and available seats, as well as lodging availability, we need to consider making reservation about two months in advance.  As far as travel is concerned we don’t have many options in Montana, basically United and Delta, The prices are generally similar and my experience leads me to choose United.  The tickets are currently running about $900, and I expect this to hold since we will be traveling during the rainy season.  I also recommend we use a travel agent because they are able to hold a block of seats and hold the same price for 24 hours and we all need to be on the same flight for the last leg of the trip.  Currently I am TENTATIVELY recommending one week, travel included and over one weekend, during August.  Please let me know as soon as possible:

Once I have a number and location from which people will be departing, I will begin the process of making the necessary arrangements.  I will check first with D5390 to see if there is a preferred travel agent before selecting one.

 

Please remind everyone that mosquito borne diseases exist in Central America.  I would NOT recommend travel for women who are pregnant or considering pregnancy.

 

One final thought for those interested in learning more about the Global Grant process.  Prior to our trip I will provide an update on what we hope to accomplish and how those tasks relate to the Global Grant application.  After our trip I will let you know how successful we were in accomplishing those tasks.

 

If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions, please let me know.

 

Sincerely,

 

George