Press Releases

19 April, 2010 - GMR's first informational seminar for prospective volunteers took place in Oregon City on April 19th with 28 people attending.  It was our first opportunity to branch out to people from other organizations and skill sets.  The meeting covered an array of topics including our history and mission, GMR's staff member introductions, our expectations, code of conduct, and upcoming missions.

During our infancy as an organization, I believe we were a fairly closed group, providing only fire and EMS training around the world to those in need.  This process required a very unique skill set that we did not feel allowed us the latitude to open GMR to everyone.  As we travelled more, we determined that we could utilize people from all walks of life and abilities.  We discovered that we could benefit from those fluent in different languages & different cultures, those with backgrounds in media with emphasis in photography, video production, website blogs & information distribution, as well as people with strong teaching skills.  In examining our mission, 'To provide the education and resources necessary for the protection and preservation of life and property in developing nations and to serve as a model of disaster preparedness and self-reliance,' we came to the conclusion that this broad statement could also include assistance with adequate shelter and clean water.  Our conclusion is that GMR's services could very well encompass a wide array of global assistance not previously thought of.

As GMR has expanded over the last year, the task-load became too great for one person to handle effectively.  It was decided that the organization needed to be broken down into a more manageable span of control.  Several people within the organization have been subsequently appointed to head different branches within GMR, effective immediately.  All correspondence in the categories below should be directed to the following personnel:

Human Resources: Employment, terminations, documentation, team member placement

Josh Santos: jsantos@globalmissionreadiness.org  

Finance: Accounting records, tax implications, fundraising, grants

Steve Hoffeditz: steve@globalmissionreadiness.org

Public Information: News releases, education, advertising

Brandon Paxton: bpaxton@globalmissionreadiness.org

Mission Campaign Director: Manages mission selection, in-country communications, new campaigns

Brian Rooney: br2cit@gmail.com 

It was asked during the event if we follow a code of conduct and whether or not we require volunteers to sign a document agreeing to it.   Although we do not require a signed document from prospective volunteers, our expectation is that you follow our mission and core values while representing our organization or you will not remain in our organization.  It is expected that all of our volunteers treat everyone with dignity and respect and are culturally sensitive to the areas they are training in.  Our values:

• Let Honesty, Integrity and Positive Values guide our actions.
• Be good stewards of public and private resources.
• Be open to other cultures’ ideas and innovations.
• Cultivate responder safety and incorporate this as our cornerstone.

In regard to upcoming missions, our plan for 2010 is to develop our current relationship with Latin America, specifically in Peru, Bolivia and Columbia.  Our plan is to return to Caraz, Peru in September, 2010 for Advanced Water & Rope Rescue Training, building upon the foundation that we laid in February.  In addition, we will be working on a field office in the area and regional training center to bring all of the local organizations together for a common purpose.  In December, our goal is train within the country of Bolivia for Santa Cruz Fire Department.  The course content is yet to be determined.  Lastly,  we have contacts within the country of Columbia  that are working on a proposal to bring us to their country for  EMS training by early, 2011.  SE Asia is in the works for 2011 as well and is yet to be determined.  If you are interested in becoming in involved  with GMR, please contact Josh Santos at the email listed above.  We appreciate all of your support! 

- Don Davis