Facebook Link: https://www.facebook.com/DisasterAidCanada/posts/4699401366796628
Conference on Honduras and Guatemala
Developing a Path Forward
Post Hurricanes Eta & Iota and COVID-19
December 15, 2020 - 9:00 am Pacific Time
Welcome and Overview
This meeting is about making connections, strengthening collaboration and enhancing sustainability.
This meeting is about making connections, strengthening collaboration and enhancing sustainability.
Central America needs help now but unless there is collaboration on a long term plan, we are but a band-aid.
Our focus for this meeting is on identifying mechanisms of effective support for Honduras and Guatemala post-hurricane and post-COVID. Rotarians have been working there for years and making a difference for many communities.
What is the role of Rotary over the coming decade? What resources are available from Rotary International? With whom can we partner to be more effective and create synergy? Which organization can act as a backbone to a collective impact council?
Program Hosts: Gerry Beltgens, Executive Director Disaster Aid Canada, Rotary Club of Ladysmith,
Master of Arts Leadership and Training 2004 Royal Roads University.
Co-host and Keynote Speaker: Dr. Elaine Hernandez, Rotary Club of Mission, Texas, and Baylor Collaborative on Hunger and Poverty.
Lessons Learned and Future Opportunities for Investment in Honduras and Guatemala
Introduction of Speakers: Subject to change
The Silent Emergency: Responding to Hurricanes Eta and Iota - Lai-Ling Lee, Head of Region - Americas, Canadian Red Cross
Rotary Action Group on Refugees, Forced Displacement and Migration - Quentin Wodon, the World Bank, Rotary Club of Washington Global
The Role of Academia in Addressing Migration and Reintegration - Dr. Victor Hinojosa, Baylor University
Reintegrating Returned Honduran Youth Back into their Community - Shadia Garcia Hilsaca, Rotary Club of Tegucigalpa Sur
Situation on the ground in Honduras/Guatemala - Josue Murillo Rivera, Pan American Development Foundation
Situation in Comayagua - Fernando Martinez, Rotary Club of Comayagua, COPECO, Municipal Emergency Commission
Topics for the Panel Discussion
- Benefits of Collaboration - Building a network
- Migration - the impact on families and communities
- Impact of Climate Change and the Pandemic
- Alternatives for youth, employment instead of gangs
- Education and training as a way forward
- How can Rotarians help with the big picture
- Questions
Conclude Panel Discussion with Next Steps for moving forward
Program Hosts:
Dr. Elaine Hernandez is a seasoned public health professional with experience in emergency disaster planning, infectious disease control and prevention, maternal and child health promotion, food security, and international development project design and implementation. She has served with the American Red Cross as Health Delegate to Mexico and with the Canadian Red Cross as Delegate to Honduras, and is currently the Regional Director in South Texas for the Baylor Collaborative on Hunger and Poverty.
Elaine serves as the current President of the Rotary Club of Mission, the District 5930 International Service Coordinator, a member of the Rotary Foundation's Cadre of Technical Advisors, and a Board member of the new Rotary Fellowship on Global Development. She was recently named the 2020 Rotary Alumni Global Service Award recipient and her story is presented in the December 2020 edition of the Rotary Magazine.
Dr. Elaine Hernandez is a seasoned public health professional with experience in emergency disaster planning, infectious disease control and prevention, maternal and child health promotion, food security, and international development project design and implementation. She has served with the American Red Cross as Health Delegate to Mexico and with the Canadian Red Cross as Delegate to Honduras, and is currently the Regional Director in South Texas for the Baylor Collaborative on Hunger and Poverty.Elaine serves as the current President of the Rotary Club of Mission, the District 5930 International Service Coordinator, a member of the Rotary Foundation's Cadre of Technical Advisors, and a Board member of the new Rotary Fellowship on Global Development. She was recently named the 2020 Rotary Alumni Global Service Award recipient and her story is presented in the December 2020 edition of the Rotary Magazine.
Gerald (Gerry) Beltgens, Executive Director Disaster Aid Canada, Master of Arts, Leadership and Training 2004 Royal Roads University, District 5020 Team Leader, Crisis Management External Environment, Rotary Club of Ladysmith BC, President 2016-2017, Rotary Club of Tsawwassen, Vice President 2008, Shelterbox Program Coordinator, 2007-2009, Delta Chamber of Commerce, Director 2001-2009, President 2004-2005. Post Secondary Trades and Training Consultant working with First Nations, various levels of Government, the Canadian Home Builders Association and the BC Chamber of Commerce. (Semi Retired) Avid Boater, Writer and Photographer.
