1. Welcome everyone and introduce ourselves: Matt R, Kim, Jenessa, Mary, Matt S, Charlie ( Barb, Michelle, Mari)

2. Brigades Definition: Groups of passionate volunteers who mobilize toward positive social change.
Global Brigades is the world’s largest student-led global health and sustainable development organization. Since 2004, Global Brigades has mobilized thousands of university students and professionals through nine skill-based programs that work in partnership with community members to improve quality of life in under resourced regions while respecting local culture.
Jenessa: So what is Global Brigades? I’m sure you’re all here because you know about medical brigades, right? (show of hands)
Even if you are all interested in going on a medical brigade it is important to remember that GB is a ten part movement. It is this holistic approach that is making GB so successful.
Since it’s start GB has been constantly evolving its strategies to come up with ten different programs that work towards sustainability within under resourced countries. Global Brigades is always evolving to make changes that will benefit the communities. The over-all goal of GB is to enable communities to become self-sustainable so GB’s presence is no longer needed (GB has sustainably exited from 2 communities)

3. You can’t work for what you can’t imagine- Elise Boulding
Our Vision
To improve equality of life by igniting the largest student-led social responsibility movement on the planet.
Our Mission
To empower volunteers and under-resourced communities to resolve global health and economic disparities and inspire all involved to collaboratively work towards an equal world.
You can’t work for what you can’t imagine- Elise Boulding
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4. Someone can take this: CEO Steve Atamian discusses GB’s mission and how the different brigades fit into the picture.

5. Global Brigades’ Mission Video: http://vimeo.com/76724345
Someone can take this: CEO Steve Atamian discusses GB’s mission and how the different brigades fit into the picture.

6. RURAL NICARAGUAN STATISTICS:
Average level of education is approximately 5th grade
Typically no doctors within a 20 mile radius
70% of the population have no access to a dentist
65% have no access to public sanitary services
Typical families walk 6 hours a day to get access to water
Limited/no access to microfinance
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7. PUBLIC HEALTH BRIGADES
Improve health through the construction of eco- stoves, latrines, water storage units, and concrete floors
The four projects were chosen based on observations of medical brigade patient records, which illustrated high levels of respiratory illness, chagas disease and other preventable ailments caused by poor in-home health infrastructure
Brigadistas are trained in communities to ensure project sustainability and maximum health impact
Possibly 2 days working with Water Brigades
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8. Health Infrastructure Affects:
Community Selection:
Based on
Need
Health infrastructure
Community commitment
Health Infrastructure Affects:
Health
Sanitation and hygiene
Time and ease
In-home Health Infrastructure:
Reduces time spent walking to water sources
Reduces skin diseases
Reduces respiratory illnesses
Increases sanitation
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10. BRIGADE PROCESS – Public Health Portion:
11:13
Check out the whole video for a better idea of our entire brigade process!
Special thanks to Kevin Clancy and Adriana Peréz for their time and talent.
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11. Cost: TBD $1,500-$1,650 (includes flight)
LOGISTICS
Public Health Brigade
Dates:TBD 7 days, shortly after classes get out but returning before Easter, March 2016
Cost: TBD $1,500-$1,650 (includes flight)
**this reduced cost is made possible through group fundraising and generous donations
Commitment: Second semester:Bi-monthly meetings, fundraisers, reflections, service projects, and cultural sessions
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12. Nicaragua Population: 6.0 million (2013)
Per Capita Income: $4,500; 46.2% of population below poverty line
Politically stable and safe country
Located in Central America
Capital – Managua

13. Nicaragua Someone can take this slide. - Located in Central America
Capital – Managua
We stay in Estelí

14. QUESTIONS?