There are numerous plans for the future of Honduras and most of them now seem perfectly feasible. In fact as time goes on both religious volunteer groups and non-religious organizations are getting bolder in their projects and missions. Why? Because they have been experiencing so much success that they are no longer intimidated by robust long-term goals or what others call impossible dreams. They have already done the impossible indeed they are doing it every day.
Clearing House for Donated Materials
When asked to look at all the hard work that the many different groups helping in Honduras were doing, The Online Think Tank proposed that a computerized clearing house be established and perhaps run by "Austin Helps Honduras" or another neutral group. Each of the groups going on missions could post what they needed and citizens could offer to send in such items.
The clearing house could be set up on an "e-Bay" type platform, only where no money was exchanged. Volunteers with certain expertise could list their skills and resumes to be placed on a team that could do the most good. Items could be shipped to a warehouse located presumably in San Antonio or an area nearby that was donated space from a Corporate Sponsor. Perhaps, it might be located near a UPS Terminal to make it easy to collect shipments. You see, as the Online Think Tank group stated;
"Many of the items that are needed in Rural Honduras are things that you and I would commonly throw away, I know most of us would be glad to send those items if we knew they could do some good for our neighbors in the South…Corporations might be willing to donate other items for tax deductions and PR reasons as well. I certainly cannot think of a better cause, it's clearly a win-win for all concerned."
Each group going in to assist on a mission needs to survey and figure out what is needed and then get online and post it along with the location where it is needed. This will improve the supply chain and efficiency. With a supply chain in place much more will be possible at a much faster pace to assist the rural poor, their children and their future education. Perhaps a warehouse might be run in country as well or a drop off point run by the Honduras Rotary Club or Honduras Catholic Church and once the various groups arrived in Honduras, their material would be waiting for them, safe and sound.
Skilled Expertise
Skilled expertise is needed in Honduras, especially in the rural areas, unfortunately with unemployment so low in the United States those with lots of expertise rarely have time to ditch the rat race of civilization to take the time off needed to do something special for the rural poor of Honduras. It is clear after all the interviews done for this book that people do care very much and they want to do as much as they physically can to help.
By using a data base of skilled people to draw from for assistance most of the missions could be fully staffed and Industry Associations would also promote these efforts in their Trade Journals and websites with links to the online clearing house. The Industry Associations could promote their Corporate Efforts and adopt various organizations and enjoy the Public Relations.
Simple - Inexpensive Technologies
There has been much mention for the need for computers and equipment in Honduras as well. Once strong ties with industry have been made and the associations which represent them; when supplies, computers or equipment was available or surplus existed it would have a much better chance in getting to where it needs to be, so that it can be put to good use. Our nation has abundance and overflows that are desperately needed in Honduras right now.
One thing that people do not understand is that without electricity many of the things we think that people in the rural areas of Honduras need they cannot use due to the lack of power or electricity. However, with a clearing house the exact needs and specifications can be posted and those listed items have a much better chance of being found and united with the non-profit mission groups to Honduras which seek them.
Indeed perhaps eBay might develop such a system as part of a pilot program to help give back? Maybe Dell Corporation in Texas might offer use of their IT system, website or servers and assist in collecting trade-in computer electronics, which could be donated.
The Clearing House system should also seek those with expertise and know-how, even plans and designs for simple systems for sewer treatment, energy making devices, water filtration and building designs using local brick, concrete and/or wood. With 100s of plans a Honduras Mission team can look to find one which is most suited for the project for a particular village during their next visit.
For more information now go to: http://www.mymedicalmissions.com or http://www.drnathaliefiset.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nathalie_Fiset
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