lesvos trip packet v2 - servantgroup.org · email subject: “camp badge for (your name) for trip...

GreeceTripInfoPacket–LesvosIslandThispacketcontainsimportantdetailsandinformationthatiscriticaltothesuccessofthistripandthesafetyofyouandyourteam.Asateammember,youneedtobeabsolutelysuretoreviewandunderstandallcontent.PleaseaskyourTeamLeaderifyouhaveanyquestions.

Location: Lesvos,Greece

Type: OpenTrip

TripDates: TBD

TeamLeader: [email protected]

TeamAssistant: TBD

Clickheretolearnaboutotheravailabletrips

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http://www.servantgroup.org/greece/

TableofContentsIntroduction 3Welcome 3Background 3Whatwillwebedoing? 4TentativeItinerary 4TeamApplication&Selection 5KeyDates 5ItemsyouNeedtoSendtoSGI 5Training&TeamMeetings 6TripCost&Budget 6*SpecialNoteRegardingAirlineTickets&Costs 7Lodging 7PerDiemFunds 8Food&Dining 8WhattoPack 8Cash,CreditCards,andATMs 9LocalWeatherandTime 9Phone&Internet 9EmergencyContactInformation 10

FundingYourTrip 11Self-Funding 11ChurchSupport 12OnlineSupportRaising 12OfYlineSupportRaising 12FundingandSupportRaisingFAQs 15

TravelGuidelines 19Passports&Visa 19ParentTravelingwithChild 19GettingAroundLesvos 20SubwayandGettingAroundAthens 20TripInsurance 21

Safety&Health 22Crime&Security 22Medical&Health 22

TeamGuidelines 24PersonalConductGuidelines 24TeamDressCode 25GreekLaws 25RestrictedPhotos,Posts&SocialMedia 26AllowedPhotos,Posts&SocialMedia 27

BuildingRelationships 29CulturalGuidelines 29BasicLanguageSkills 30MattersofFaith 30

FormstoComplete&Return 31TeamMemberChecklist 37

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Introduc2onWELCOMEThankyouforconsideringjoiningourteamtohelpserverefugeesinGreece.Theworldwiderefugeecrisisishuge,butyoucanmakeadifferenceasyoustepforwardtorepresentthehandsandheartofChristtothosewhohavelostsomuch.

Asyouprayandprepareforthisopportunity,pleasekeepinmindthattherefugeesituationinGreece,andaroundtheworld,isveryJluid.Ever-changingneeds,numbers,events,strikesandgovernmentregulationscanre-directandevensidelinethebestlaidplans.ExtraordinaryJlexibilityandpatiencewillberequiredonyourbehalf;ifyouneedthingstogoaccordingtoplan,pleasereconsiderapplyingforthistrip.

BACKGROUNDOnthistrip,wewillbeservingatarefugeecampontheislandofLesvos,Greece.Duetoitsgeography,GreeceisaprimarypointofentryforrefugeesJleeingwarsandJightingacrosstheMiddleEastandAfrica.

SituatedonlyafewmilesfromtheshoresofTurkey,LesvoshashistoricallybeenthebusiestofentrypointsintoGreece.Thecampwherewewillbevolunteeringseekstoprovideshelterandservicesfornewlyarrivingrefugees,andisincreasinglyservingasamorepermanenthometorefugeeswhohavebeenunabletoleavesinceJirstarrivingoverayearago.

MostoftherefugeesinGreecearrivefromTurkeyfollowingaverydangerouscrossingoftheseaininJlatablerafts.ThisrouteisofJiciallyclosed,yetthesea-crossingisshortbutverydangerous.Refugeespaylargesumsofmoneytosmugglerstohelpthemgetacross.ManyarefromSyria,IraqorAfghanistan,buttheycomefromplacesasfarawayasBangladesh,NorthAfrica,Congo,andeventheDominicanRepublic.

Somerefugeescomefromprofessionalurbanbackgrounds,somecomefromruralpoorareas.SometookaplanetoTurkey,otherswalkedoverlandforweeksormonths.Manyhavelostclosefamilymembers,andallhavelosteverythingtheyknewandlovedabouthometoJindasafeplacetolive.AgreatdocumentaryJilmyoushouldwatchasyouconsiderandprepareforthistripisExodus.

Over50,000refugeesarecurrentlystuckinGreece.MostwanttoJindnewhomesinplaceslikeGermanyorSweden,butbecauseofincreasingrestrictionsbypotentialhostcountries,mostfacethehardchoiceofeitherbeingsentbackhomeorapplyingforasyluminGreece,-acountryalreadyundermucheconomicstrainwithlimitedjobopportunity.

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http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/film/exodus/

WHATWILLWEBEDOING?Duringthisproject,wewillpartnerwithaEuropeanNGO(Non-GovernmentalOrganization)thathasbeenassignedtomanageaspectsofthecamp.ThepeopleofGreecehavedoneanoutstandingjobofwelcominganoverwhelmingtideofrefugees,anditisourhonorandprivilegetogovolunteerastheirhelpers.

Ourresponsibilitieswillinvolveavarietyoftasks.Someoftheteamwillstandatgatestohousinglevelscheckingwristbands,otherswillhelpwithclothingandfooddistribution,otherswillworkattheinfodeskhelpingwithawidevarietyofissues.

Menareencouragedtovisit,hangoutandplaysportswiththemenrefugees.Womendonotengageincloserelationshipswiththemenbutservetheminallotherpracticalways.

TENTATIVEITINERARY

Dependingonourshifttimes,wewillmeetbeforeorafterforashorttimeofdebrieJingandprayer.Wewillhaveteammealsonceaday.Othermealsareonyourownasdesiredbymembers.

Date Location Activity

Day1 TravelDay FlyNashvilletoAthens.FlightTBD.

Day2 Athens ArriveAthensmid-day.FlighttoLesvoslaterafternoon

Day3 Lesvos On-siteCampOrientation

Day4 Lesvos ServeatCamp






Day10 Athens FlightbacktoAthens-tourcity

Day11 Athens TourhistoricAthens(Acropolis,Parthenon,Areopagus)

Day12 TravelDay FlyAthenstoNashville.Eveningarrival.FlightTBD.

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http://www.visitgreece.gr/en/culture/archaeological_sites/the_acropolis

TEAMAPPLICATION&SELECTIONYoumustbeatleast18yearsoldtoapply.Toapply,pleasecompletethisonlineapplication:

Clickherefortheshort-termtrippre-application

Eachpotentialteammember(e.g.,spouse)mustsubmittheirownapplication.

Thedeadlinefortripapplicationsis8weeksbeforethetripdate.YouwillbenotiJiedofyourapprovalnolaterthan6weeksbeforethetripdeparturedate,buttypicallyyouwillhearbackfromuswithinafewweeksofapplying.

KEYDATES26weekspriortodeparture ApplicationsOpen8weekspriortodeparture ApplicationsDue4weekspriortodeparture DeadlinetoTurn-inSupport2weekspriortodeparture TeamMeeting#12weekspriortodeparture PerDiemChecksMailedtoTeamMembers1weekpriortodeparture TeamMeeting#2

ITEMSYOUNEEDTOSENDTOSGIOnceapprovedasateammember,youwillneedtosubmitthefollowingitemsasindicated;copiesofallformsarelocatedattheendofthisdocument.

Part1–HardcopyItemsPleasemailorhand-deliverthefollowinghardcopyitemsinoneenvelopeto:

ServantGroupInternationalATTN:GREECE–TRIPMM/DD/YEAR506TanksleyAvenueNashville,TN37211

1. Ablack&whitephotocopyofyourpassport2. EmergencyContactForm3. LiabilityReleaseForm4. TeamMemberAgreement

Part2–EmailItemsNext,pleaseemailthefollowingitemstoyourteamleader:

1. Apassportstyle,forwardfacingphotoofyourselfagainstaplainbackground(youcanuseyourphonecamera)

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https://servantgroup.wufoo.com/forms/m1g7rynj1l4cvw6/

2. Abriefpersonalbiothatcanbeusedtohelpintroduceyourselftofellowteammembers,tripleaders,andnationalpartners.(3or4sentences).

3. AcopyofyourfullJlightitineraryto/fromAthensonceyouhaveitbooked.

Part3–BadgeRequestEmailThe following information is needed in a separate email to request your security badge that will allow you entrance into the camp. Please email the following itema in a separate email as specified:

Send to: Lisa Harris ([email protected]):

Email Subject: “Camp Badge for (your name) for TRIP DATES”

Contents: 1. Headshot with a plain background of each individual/team member

(Camera phone is fine) 2. First and last name (as written on passport) 3. Passport number 4. Nationality (as written on passport) 5. Date of birth 6. Mother’s first name 7. Father’s first name 8. Email address 9. Mailing Address

TRAINING&TEAMMEETINGSSGIwillmailapprovedteammembersasmallbooktohelpintroducethemtothepeoplesandcultureswewillbeworkingwith.

Wewillalsohave2mandatoryteammeeting(typicallyviaaonehourphoneconferencecall)perthefollowingschedulefororientation,training,prayer,anddevelopingupdates:

• Meeting#1 2weekspriortodeparture• Meeting#2 1weekpriortodeparture

TRIPCOST&BUDGETTheestimatedtripcostperteammemberis$1800+round-trip*airfareto/fromAthens.Costmaychangeasneedsandopportunitiesdevelop.

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mailto:[email protected]

*SPECIALNOTEREGARDINGAIRLINETICKETS&COSTSInthebudgetoutlinedabove,thecostforround-tripairfaretoAthensisnotincluded.Pleasenotethateachindividualwillberesponsibletobookandpayfortheirownairlineticketsto/fromAthensandtheirtravelinsurance.Ticketpricesareseasonal,andtypicallyrangebetween$800to$1600roundtrip.

Youarewelcomeandencouragedtoraiseorturn-inenoughadditionalfundstocoverallorpartofairfarecosts(refertosection“FundingYourTrip”).Ifyoudoso,youcansubmitareimbursementrequestalongwithacopyofyourairlinereceipttoSGIusingthisreimbursementrequestformandwewillmailyouareimbursementcheckfortheappropriateamount.Pleasenotethatanyreimbursementrequestmustcorresponddirectlytocostsincurredfortravelto/fromAthens.

WewillprovideinformationonthespeciJicallyrecommendedJlightsassoonaspossibleviaemailsoyoucanbookyourownticket.OurgoalisforallorasmuchoftheteamaspossibletotravelonthesameJlights,butwewillalsospecifyanacceptablewindowforJlightarrival/departuretimesandpointofrendezvousincaseyouneedtobookJlightsotherthantheonesrecommended.

(Forexample,youmayhavefrequent-Jliermileswithaparticularairlineyouwanttouse,youmaybedepartingfromanothercity,oryoumaywanttobookanalternatereturnrouteorextendyourstayoverseas.)

Note:Onceyouhavebookedyourticket,pleaseemailacopyoryourticketitinerarytoyourteamleader.

LODGINGOurlodgingonLesvoswillbeasmallerboutiquetypeofhoteleitherinPangioudaorMytilene.Theymayormaynotservebreakfastbutmanyhaveakitchenette.Coffeeandbakeryshopsareashortwalkforbreakfast.

ForourtwodaysinAthens,wewillbestayingatahotelintheAcropolisectionofAthens.ThisisasafeareaclosetotheParthenonmuseumwithlotsofrestaurants,smallmarketsandplacestowalk.

HotelsinGreecearecleanandcomfortable,butmaybealittlesmallerthanyouareaccustomedto.BreakfastandWi-FiwilllikelybeofferedatthehotelinAthens.

BaseduponteamconstituencyandavailableroomconJigurations,wewillbeputting2(andsometimes3people)perroom.Youwillhaveanopportunitytorequestaparticularroommate.Finaldetailsregardinghotelnamesandlocationswillbesenttoyouviaemailpriortothetripdeparturedate.

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http://www.servantgroup.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/SGI-Reimbursement-Request-Form-for-Greece-Teams.pdf

PERDIEMFUNDSPriortoteamdeparture,SGIwillmailyouachecktocoveryourperdiem.Thesearefundsthatyouwillusetobuyyourfood,snacks,museumtickets,etc.onthetrip.Theperdiemrateisusually$50/day.

Youwillneedtocashthischeckwhenyoureceiveit,takethecashwithyouonthetrip,andexchangeittoeurosattheAthensairportuponarrival.Youcanexchangeitintoeurosstateside,butyouwillpayamuchlargerconversionfee.

Itisdoubtfulthatyouwillspendallyourperdiem.Youarewelcome,butnotrequiredtoreturnanyexcesstoSGIforcontinuingsupportofourworkwithrefugeesinGreece.

FOOD&DININGYoucanusefundsfromyourissuedper-diemtobuyfoodasneeded.Whendiningoutasagroup,pleasedonotaskthewaitertosplittheticket.Instead,askforoneticketandhaveeverybodypitch-incashtocoverthetab.Tipsarenotexpectedbutverywelcome,particularlyintouristareas(5–10%isadequate).Also,inGreeceyouhavetoraiseyourarmandaskforthewaitertobringthebill,otherwiseyouwillsitandwaitalong,longtime.

BreakfastMostmorningsyouwillgrabbreakfastonyourownatthehotelornearbycafé.Therearelotsofcoffeeandpastryshopsinthearea.Breakfastmayormaynotbeincludedatthehotel,butyouarewelcometousefundsfromyourper-diemtobuybreakfast.

LunchIfweareonadayshift,forlunch,wewillprobablybeabletosendoutafewteammemberstopickupsandwichesfortheteam,orifthescheduleisreallybusy,youmayneedtoskiplunch.Forthatreason,itishighlyrecommendedthatyoucarryafewproteinbarsorsnacksandsomewaterwithyoueachdaywhenweheadout.Ifweareonanightshiftwecaneatdinnerasateam.

DinnerFordinner,wewilleatatlocalcafes,asanentiregroupifannounced,orwewillbreakupintosmallergroups.Thiswilldependonwhatshiftweareworkingatthecamp.

WHATTOPACKPleasepacklight.LargesuitcaseswillgreatlycomplicatetransitbetweenlocalesinGreece.Manyteammembersareabletopackalltheyneedforoneweekinasinglecarry-on.Also,pleasecheckwithyourairlineregardingluggagerestrictions.

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Keyitemstobring:

• Yourpassport• Copyofyourpassport,front&backofcreditcards,anddriverslicense• Yourperdiemcash• Amoney/passportbeltorneckpouch• Copyofemergencycontacts• Extraspendingcashifdesired• Comfortablewalkingshoes• Appropriateclothesforvolunteerwork• Asmallbackpackorshoulderbagforeachday’sexcursions• Alightrainjacketorponcho• Yoursmartphone/camera• Proteinorsnackbars• Basictoiletries• Anyprescriptionmedsandcopyofprescription• Sunscreen• Swimsuit(forpossibletriptolocalbeachorhotsprings)

Note:Unlessapprovedbyyourteamleader,donotcollect,donate,buyorpackitemstogivetorefugees.

CASH,CREDITCARDS,ANDATMSWiththeperdiem,youshouldhaveenoughcashtocoveryourdailyexpenses.Bringextrafundsifyouplanondoingsomesouvenirorgiftshopping.Moststoreswillacceptmajorcreditcards,butmayrefuseorhesitateandaskforcashinstead.YoumayormaynotbeabletowithdrawcashfromATMs;thereisadailylimit,sometimesthelinesareverylong,andsometimesthebanksaresimplyclosed.

LOCALWEATHERANDTIME

CurrenttimeAthens,Greece

Lesvosweatherforecast

Typicalannualweatherpermonth

PHONE&INTERNETCellcoverageisfairlycomprehensiveacrossGreece,andmostrestaurants,hotelsandcoffeeshopsofferfreeWi-Fi.Youmaywanttocontactyourcellphoneproviderandpurchaseatemporaryinternationalcoveragepackageifyouneedtobereachableatalltimes,versusonlywhenconnectedtoaWi-Finetwork.

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https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/greece/athens

https://www.wunderground.com/gr/mytilene

http://www.holiday-weather.com/lesbos/averages/

EMERGENCYCONTACTINFORMATIONPriortothetrip,yourteamleaderwillemailyoualistofEmergencyContactnumbersandaddresses.Onceyoureceiveit,pleasegiveacopytooneormoreimmediatefamilymembers,printoutacopytotakewithyou,andifpossiblekeepacopyinyouremailinboxavailableforonlineaccess.

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FundingYourTrip

Youcanraisesupportforand/orself-fundyourtrip.Ifyoudon'tliketheideaofraisingsupport,thenyouarenormal.Themainthingtokeepinmindisthis:Byraisingsupport,you’regivingmanyotherswhocan’t“go”achancetoparticipate,encouragingthemtopray,andappropriatelyinvolvingthewiderBodyofChrist.Youmightfeelbadaboutit,butyoursupportersdonot.

Onceapprovedasateammember,youcanself-fundorbeginraisingsupportforyourtrip.DonotsendfundstoSGIorbeginraisingsupportunlessyouhavebeenapprovedtodosobyyourteamleaders,DaveandBeckyDurham.

AllfundingandsupportraisingwillbedirectedthroughServantGroupInternational,a501(c)(3)non-proJitagencyandtax-deductiblereceiptswillbeissuedforallqualifyingdonations.

AllyoursupportneedstobeturnedintoSGInolaterthan4weekspriortodeparturedateforyoutobeincludedontheteam.

FollowingaredetailsandspeciJicinstructionsperfundingmethods:1) Self-Funding2) ChurchFunding3) OnlineSupportRaising4) OfJlineSupportRaising(mostcommon)

SELF-FUNDINGYoucanself-fundallorpartofyourtripcost.Allself-fundingamountsmustcomethroughSGI.Toself-fundviaacheck,pleasemailyourcheckto:

ServantGroupInternationalATTN:GREECETRIP-“TRIPMM/DD/YEAR”506TanksleyAvenueNashville,TN37211

Pleasemakecheck(s)payableto“ServantGroupInternational”andbesuretoput“YourName,Belmont”inthememoJield.

Ifyouprefertoself-fundallorpartofyourtripusingcreditcard,pleasecallourofJicemanagerKimGoddardat615-832-2282fordetails.Pleasenotethatthecreditcardprocessingcompanywilldeduct4%fromtheamountyougive.(Forexample,tofundyourtripanet$1000,youwillneedtomakeagrossdonationof$1040).

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Yourgrossself-fundinggiftamountwillbeconsideredtax-deductibleandyouwillreceiveatax-receiptfromServantGroupInternational.

CHURCHSUPPORTIfallorpartofyourfundingiscomingfromyourhomechurchoranotherchurch,pleaseaskthemtomakethecheck(s)payableto“ServantGroupInternational,”andput“YourName,Greece-Belmont”inthememoJield

Havethemmailittoyourhomeaddress(orinquireandtheymayletyoupickitupatthechurchofJice).YoucanthensendthischeckalongwithyourothersupporttotheSGIOfJiceasnotedintheadjoiningsections.

ONLINESUPPORTRAISINGIfyouprefertoraiseallorpartofyoursupportonline,werecommendyousetupapersonalfundraisingpagewithGoFundMe.Itiseasytouse,interfaceswellwithemailandsocialmedia(Facebook,Instagram,etc.),andconnectstoyourpersonalbankaccount.Itcancertainlymakethewholesupport-raisingprocesssimplerandfaster.

Tofundtheirservice,GoFundMewillautomaticallydeductasmallpercentagefromeachonlinedonationtheyprocessforyou.

PleasenotethatfundsraisedusingGoFundMeorotheronlinecrowd-fundingserviceswillnotbeeligibleforatax-deductionreceiptfromSGI.Pleaseletyourpotentialdonorsknowthatonlinedonationswillnotbetax-deductible,andiftheywantataxdeduction,theyshouldmaketheirdonationviacheck(refertosection“OfJlineSupportRaising”).

GoFundMewillperiodicallytransfernetfundstoyourpersonalbankaccountoncetheyclear.Afterwards,youcanwriteapersonalchecktotransferfundstoSGI.TobefairtoyourdonorsandtheIRS,pleaseattachapost-itnotetothatcheckindicating“online$notax”sowewillnotissueyouapersonaltax-deductiblereceiptforfundsraisedinthismanner.

OFFLINESUPPORTRAISINGThisisthemostcommonandsuccessfulmethodofsupport-raising,-usingnewsletters,stamps,pledgecards,andreturnenvelopes.Therecommendedprocessisoutlinedasfollows:

1. Developyourlistofpotentialsupporters

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Youshouldbeabletocomeupwithalistof50–80familyandfriends,plus1or2churches.Ifyouhaveimmediatefamilymemberswhoaresupportiveofyourplans,askthemtohelpyouthinkofnamesforyourlist.

Note:Youwillneedphysicalmailingaddresses,notjustemails.

2. CraftyoursupportletterPrepareyoursupportletterperthefollowingguidelinesandsendittoyourteamleaderforreview/approval.

SampleSupportRaisingNewsletter

Aneffectivepersonalsupportlettershouldbe:• Brief(200-300words)• Brokeninto3-5shortparagraphs• Atleast11pointfontand1.25linespacing• Fitononepieceofletter-sizedpaperfrontorfront&back• Includeapictureofyouwithaninterestingcaption• IncludeoneormorepicturesdepictingGreeceand/orrefugeeswith

interestingcaptions

Whattowrite?• IntroduceyourselfbysharingbrieJlywhatyourlifehasbeenlike

recently(school,work,family,etc.)• HowGodhasbeenleading/callingyoutojointhistripandgoto

Greece• Whereyouaregoing,whenyouaregoing,andwhoyouaregoingwith.• Somebackgroundabouttherefugeecrisis,andhowyouplantohelp.• Howmuchyouneedtoraise,whenfundsaredue,andwhotomake

checkspayableto• Includeinstructionsformakingdonationsinatextboxatthebottom

ofthepage• Underlinekeypartsoftheletter• Closebythankingreadersfortheirprayersandsupport

Note:Pleasedon’tgetpreachyanddon’tgettoodetailed.Mostpeoplewhosupportyouwilldosobecauseoftheirpersonalrelationshipwithyou,notbecauseofwhereyou’regoing,whatyou’regoingtodowhenthere,orsomegreattheologicalpointorappealyoumadeinyourletter.

3. Printyoursupportletter&pledgecardGetyourapprovednewsletterprintedatacopyservicecenterlikeStaplesorKinkos(Stapleshasaverygoodonlineorderingservice).

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http://www.servantgroup.org/sample-greece-newsletter/

HereisaPDFversionofasamplepledgecardyoushouldeditforyourtripandprintandincludewithyourmailing:

PledgeCardforGreeceTripSupportRaising

• Havethemprintthepledgecardoncardstock,preferablywhite.Takenotethatthecardisprinted3-uptoapage,somakesuretheprinterunderstandstosplitandtrimthecardstosizeandhowmanyJinalcutpiecesyourequire.

• Pledgecardsdonotneedtobeprintedincolor,butitlooksbetterifdoneso.

• Itishighlyrecommendedthatyougetyoursupportletterprintedincoloronwhitepaper.

• Youwillsavealotoftimeifyougoaheadandasktheprintertotri-fold(z-fold)thelettersforyou.

• Also,pleaseprint20–30extralettersandcardsbecauseyouwillinvariablythinkofmorepeopletosendthemto,wanttosharethemwhenyouspeaktogroups,orhavefriendswhoaskforcopiestosharewiththeirfriends.

• Ifyoutakeyourmaterialstotheprinterinpersonversusonline,youwillneedtosavethemasPDFJilesonaportablejumpdrivewithnootheritemssavedonthedrive.

4. Buyyourenvelopes• AtanofJicesupplystorepurchase:

o enoughsendingenvelopes(No.10)foryourletters.o enoughsecuritylined(privacy)returnenvelopes(No.6¾)or

othersizethatwillJitintheNo.10sendingenvelopeandalsoJityourpledgecardandadonorcheck.

• Printorhandwriteyourpersonalhomeaddressonthereturnenvelope

5. Assembleyourmailing• Besuretohandaddresseachsendingenvelopetoensureagoodopen&

readrate.Donotforgettoputyourreturnaddressonthesendingenvelope;thisalsoencouragesagoodopenrate.DoNOTprintyourlabelsorenvelopesusingacomputer.

• Printorhandwriteyourpersonalhomeaddressoneachofthereturnenvelopes.AfJixingastampisveryhelpfulandproducesgoodresults,butmayseempresumptuousbaseduponyouraudience.Yourchoice.

• Personallysigneachletterwithblueorcoloredinkandalsowriteashortpersonalnotetotherecipientatthetopifappropriate.

• TuckthepledgecardinsidetheJlapofthereturnenvelope,andtuckbothintothetri-foldednewsletter.Youdonotwantthepledgecardorreturnenvelopeshowingthroughthefrontorbackofthesendingenvelope.

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http://www.servantgroup.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Generic-Greece-Trip-Pledge-Card.pdf

• MailwitharealJirst-classstamp.Donotusemeteredmail,onlinepostage,ornon-proJitrateservices.

6. CollectChecksandSendtoSGI*Asyoureceivedonationsandpledgecardsatyourhome,makecopiesofthemforyourselfandkeepeverythingtogetherinafolder.

Onceeachweek,mailorhand-delivercollectedpledgecardsandchecksto:

ServantGroupInternationalATTN:GREECETRIP-“TRIPMM/DD/YEAR”506TanksleyAvenueNashville,TN37211

*ImportantNote:Besuretosecurelywrapthechecksinapieceofpaperthathasyourfullnameandtripdatesonit.

7. BuildYourPrayerTeamAssembleateamof5ormorepeoplewhowillbeprayingforyouasyouprepare,go,serveandreturn.Keepthemupdatedviaemail.

8. ThankYourDonorsBesuretosendahand-writtenthankyounotetoeachdonorasgiftscomein.Also,pleasesendthemafollow-upnoteorletterafteryourtrip.Itmakesallthedifferenceintheworldtothosewhosupportedyourtrip.

9. SeekOpportunitiestoShareinPersonApproachandaskthefollowingpeopleorgroupsforanopportunitytocomeshareaboutwhatyouaredoing:

• Churchleadership(re:opportunitytosharewiththechurchatlargeinaservice)

• SundaySchoolclasses• Biblestudygroups• Homegroups• Otherchurchgroups

Hint:Ineachofthesemeetings,besuretoaskpermissiontomakecopiesofyoursupportletter(withapledgecardandreturnenvelopestapledonthebackofeachone)availabletotheaudience.

FUNDINGANDSUPPORTRAISINGFAQS

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Adonorgaveacheck,butmadeitpayabletomepersonally.WhatshouldIdo?Foradonationtobetax-deductible,itmustbemadepayabletoServantGroupInternationalorSGI.Ifthedonorwantsatax-deduction,youshouldaskthemtore-writethecheckpayabletoSGI.Ifyouhavealreadycashedordepositedthecheck,youcanreturnthefundstothemandaskthemtore-writethecheckpayabletoSGI.

Ifthedonordoesnotcareaboutgettingatax-deduction,thenyoucandepositthecheckinyouraccountandsendacorrespondingamountviapersonalcheckintoSGI.IfyoudecidetokeepthefundsandnotrunthemthroughSGI,thenthatamountwillnotbeappliedtowardstheminimumamountyouneedtoturn-inorraise.

Adonororgroupgavemecash.WhatshouldIdo?Ifthedonationwasfromagroup(i.e.,Sundayschoolclass),thenputthefundsinaenvelopemarkedaccordinglyandturnitintoSGIwithyourothersupport.Notaxdeductiblereceiptwillbeissuedto“group”donations.

Ifthedonationwasfromanindividualwhowantsatax-deduction,youshouldputcashinasmallenvelope,writetheirnameandmailingaddressonit,andturnitinwithyourcollectedfunds.

Ifthedonordoesnotwantatax-deduction,youshouldputcashinasmallenvelope,mark“anonymous”ontheenvelope,andturnitinwithyourcollectedfunds.

IfyoudecidetokeepthefundsandnotrunthemthroughSGI,thenitwillnotbeappliedtowardstheamountyouarerequiredtoraiseorturn-in.

Mychurchoradonorwantsto,orisofferingto,supportmedirectlyandnotgothroughSGI.WhatshouldIdo?

Thoughweappreciatethedonor’sgenerosity,supportthatbypassesSGIwillnotbeconsideredtocounttowardsthetotalsupportgoalyouneedtoraisepriortodeployment.SGI’sdomesticandinternationalministryissupportedinpartbyfundsraisedbyallteammembers,full-time,part-timeandshort-term.Withoutthisrevenue,SGIcouldnotoperate,careforitsteams,ormaintainopportunitiestoserveontheJield.

Ouradviceistocommunicatethistothedonor,andaskthemtokindlydirecttheirsupportthroughSGI.IftheystilldecidetonotroutetheirgiftthroughSGI,thenthatamountwillnotbeappliedtowardstheminimumamountyouneedtoraiseorturnin.

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Iamplanning(orable)toself-supportmytravel.WhydoIneedtorunthefundsthroughSGI?

SGI’sdomesticandinternationalministryissupportedinpartbyfundsraisedbyallteammembers,full-time,part-timeandshort-term.Withoutthisrevenue,SGIcouldnotoperate,careforitsteams,ormaintainopportunitiestoserveontheJield.Ifateammemberself-supportsanddoesnotruntheirfundsthroughSGI,SGIJindsitselfinthedifJicultpositionofshoulderingadditionalresponsibilitieswithoutcorrespondingJinancialresources.Therefore,werequirethatyourunyourfundsthroughSGItobepartoftheteam.

Iamself-fundingallorpartofmytrip.WillIgetatax-deductiblereceipt?Yes,itisconsideredadonationandtheSGIHomeofJicewillmailyouatax-deductiblereceipt.

Willmydonorsgetatax-deductiblereceipt?Yes,theSGIHomeofJicewillmailatax-deductiblereceiptforeachgifttothedonor.Donorswillalsogetayear-endtotaltaxreceipteachJanuaryfortheprioryear.

WillSGIrespecttheprivacyofmypersonaldonors?Yes,SGIwillnotaddortransferyourpersonaldonortoanymailoremaillist.

Iwanttocombinethistripwithothertravel.Isthatokayandhowwill_inancesbehandled?

Pleasecontactyourteamleadertodiscuss.Thisisusuallyokayandquitecommon.YouwillneedtobesurethatyoumeetarrivalanddeparturewindowsspeciJiedbyyourteamleader.FundsroutedthroughSGIcanonlybeusedtofundthoseportionsofyourtripdirectlyassociatedwithyourtravelto/fromAthensandyourtermofvolunteerserviceinGreece.

Iwanttogoonthistrip,butneedtoarriveand/ordepartondaysdifferentthanoutlinedinthetripitinerary.Isthatpossible?

Typicallynot,becauseoftheaddedcomplicationtoteamlogisticsandvolunteerworkassignments,butpleasecontactyourteamleadertodiscuss.

WhatifIraiseextrafunds?Youcanuseextrafundsto[reimburseyourairfareasnotedinthissection].Beyondthat,fundsoverandabovetheamountyouarerequiredtoraiseorturninwillbeappliedtowardsSGI’sworkwithrefugeesinGreece.

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Adonorgaveacheck,IturneditintoSGI,butitstillhasnotbeendeposited.Iseverythingokay?

Yes,SGIwillholdallyourdonationsuntilyouhavereachedtheminimumrequiredtotalamountbeforedepositingthem.Bydoingso,weareabletovoiddonorchecksandreturnthemtoyou,thuseffectivelycancellingor“returning”donationsifyoudonotraiseenoughfunds.Pleasenote,oncedonationsareprocessedbySGIweareunabletoreturnthemtoyouortothedonor.

WhathappensifIdon’traiseenoughsupport,decidenottogo,ormustcancelmyplans?

Asnoted[above]SGIwillholdallyourdonationsuntilyouhavereachedtheminimumrequiredtotalamountbeforedepositingthem.Bydoingso,weareabletovoiddonorchecksandreturnthemtoyou,thuseffectivelycancellingor“returning”donationsifyoudonotraiseenoughfunds.

OncedonationshavebeenprocessedanddepositedbySGI,pertaxregulationsweareunabletoreturnthemtoyouorthedonor.Ifyourfunds/donationshavealreadybeenprocessedandyouareunabletojointhetrip,yoursupportcaneitherbe:

1. TransferredtoanactiveSGIprojectorteammember,or2. HeldatSGIforupto12monthsifyouthinkthereisareasonablechance

youwilltrytogoonanothershort-termmissionstripwithSGI.Afterthe12monthwindow,fundswillberedirectedtoanotherSGIprojectoraccount.

Ineithercase,pleasecontactyourteamleaderassoonaspossibletodiscusstheseoptions.

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TravelGuidelinesPASSPORTS&VISAYouwillneedavalidU.S.passportforthistrip.Theexpirationdateofyourpassportmustextendatleast6monthsbeyondouranticipateddateofreturn.PleaseJindandcheckyournow!

HowtoobtainorrenewaU.S.Passport

YouwillnotneedtoacquireaGreekvisaforthistripaswewillbethereunder90days.TheU.S.Passportisallyouneed.

Note:IfyouhavetraveledtoorspenttimeinEuropeduringthepast12months,pleaseensurethatyoustillqualifyforanothervisitatthistimeperSchengenterritoryrestrictions.IfyouspendthreemonthsintheSchengenareaduringanysix-monthperiod,youmustwaitanotherthreemonthsbeforeyoucanapplytoentertheSchengenareaagainwithoutavisa.

ClickhereformoreinformationregardingSchengenterritorytimerestrictions.

PARENTTRAVELINGWITHCHILDIfachild(undertheageof18)istravelingwithonlyoneparent,theU.S.CustomsandBorderProtectionServicemayrequireadditionalpaperworkintheformofanotarizedletter.

AlthoughthereisnospeciJicstandardwordingforthepermissionletter,itshouldbewordedalongtheselines:

“Iacknowledgethatmywife/husband/(fullnameandpassportnumber)istravelingtoGreeceon(tripdates)withmyson/daughter(fullnameandpassportnumber).He/Shehasmypermissiontodoso.Mypersonalcontactinformationis(fullname,address,phone,email).”

Finally,pleaseproducethree(3)signedandnotarizedcopiesoftheletter.Giveonecopytothetravelingparent,onecopywiththetravelingminor,andonecopystayswiththeparentnottraveling.

Also,besuretobringanofJicialcopyoftheminor’sbirthcertiJicatewithyou.

Clickhereformoreinformationforaparenttravelingwithaminor.

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https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports/apply.html

https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/go/schengen-fact-sheet.html

https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/268/~/children---child-traveling-with-one-parent-or-someone-who-is-not-a-parent-or

GETTINGAROUNDLESVOSTheteamwilleitherutilize:

(a) rentalcarsanddesignateddriversapprovedbytheSGITeamLeader,(b) publictransportation,and/or(c) transportationprovidedbythecampforvolunteerworkers.

LisaHarriswillinformyouregardingLesvostransportationdetailsandrequirementsonceteamplansareJinalized.

SUBWAYANDGETTINGAROUNDATHENSTogetaroundAthens,wewillbedoingalotofwalkingandlotsofsubwayridingeachday.

ItmayseemcomplicatedatJirst,buttheAthensMetroSubwayisveryefJicient,safeandsimpleonceyouJigureitout.Youwillpurchaseoneortwosubwaypassestocoveryourweekandkeepitwithyoueachday.(During2017,theMetroisintheprocessoftransitioningfrompaperticketstoelectroniccards,soitisnotcertainatthispointwhatthesituationwillbeduringourtrip.)

Thereare3mainlines(Red,GreenandBlue)with4terminalsthatallowyoutocrossbetweenlines.Theplatformandtrainnamewillcorrespondtothelaststoponthatparticularlineinthedirectionthatthetrainisgoing.Plotyourcourseusingtrainnamesandcrossoverterminals.

Note:Pleasebeabsolutelyawareandcertainofyourtargetstopbeforegettingtothetrain.Writeitonyourhandifyouneedto.Thesubwayisoftenovercrowded,andyoumaynotJitinthecarwhenthedooropens.Ifthathappens,makesuresomeoneonyourteamknowsit,thenwaitforthenexttrainandgotoyourtargetstopandwaitontheplatformwhereyouexitthetrain.Oneormoreteammemberswillwaitandmeetyouthere.

AlwayscarryyoursubwaypasswithyoutoavoidbeingJined.Also,pleasepickupabusinesscardfromyourhotel’sfrontdeskandkeepitwithyoueachdaywhenyougoout.Thatway,ifyouneedto,youcanshowittoataxidriverandaskhimtotakeyoubacktothehotel.

Tip:Ifyouhaveasmartphone,downloadtheappCityMaps2GoandloadtheAthenscitymaptomarkandsharekeylocations.

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http://www.athenstransport.com/english/

TRIPINSURANCEWewillpurchaseforyouashort-termtripinsurancepolicythroughTalentTrustConsultantsandprovideyouwithacopyofpolicydocumentation.Youwillneedthiswhetherornotyouarealreadycoveredorcarryinsuranceforinternationaltravel.Thecostofcoverageisincludedinyourbudget.

ClickhereformoredetailsregardingtripinsurancecoverageandbeneJits.

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http://www.talent-trust.com/insurance-programs/outreach/benefits/

Safety&HealthCRIME&SECURITYAthensisawonderfulcity,butasoneoftheworld’sforemosttouristdestinations,thereareinvariablypeopleandareasyouneedtobeawareof.Herearesomeimportanttips:• Nevergoanywherealone;alwaysbewithanotherteammember.• Donottraveltoorwanderaroundpartsofthecitywithoutgettingapprovalfrom

yourteamleaderorassistantteamleader.• Alwayscrossstreetsatdesignatedpedestriancrossings.• Ifyouencounteranytypeofprotestordemonstration,smallorlarge,turnand

walkfarawayassoonasyoucan.• Alwayscarryacopyofyourhotel’saddress(pickupabusinesscardatthefront

desk)andacopyofyourteamleader’sphonenumberwithyouatalltimes.• Ifyougetbumped,surroundedbyanargument,musician,beggarorother

distraction,beawareorgetpick-pocketed.• Wearamoneybelt(neckorwaistwornunderclothes)andsplitupyour

valuables.• Wearyourbackpackinfrontofyouonsubways,andkeepyourwalletthinandin

frontpocket,nothippocket.Secureyourpantspocketopeningwithasafetypin.• Neverlayyourphoneonthetablebesideyou(grabandrun!).• Ifyoubecomehopelesslylost,keeptryingtocontactyourteamleaderoranother

teammemberbyphone,text,WhatsApp,ANDemail.Ifyoudon’thaveaphone,kindlyaskalocaltotryandcallonyourbehalf.Ifyoucan’treachyourteamforinstructions,pleasemakeyourwaybacktothehotel.

• NEVERacceptaninvitationfromsomeoneyoudon’tknowtogowiththemtoashop,restaurant,touristspotorotherwiseforanyreasonwhatsoever.Theymayseemnice,buttheyarelikelyafteryourmoney,dignity,orkidney.

MEDICAL&HEALTHGreeceisamoderncountry.Emergencyorroutinemedicalcarewillbeavailableandaccessibleifneeded.Pleaseletyourteamleader,assistantornationalpartnerknowifyouneedmedicalattention.

EmergenciesThegeneralEmergencynumberinGreeceis112.

VaccinationsTheU.S.StateDepartmentdoesnotrecommendanyspecialvaccinationsfortraveltoGreece,butitisrecommendedthatyoucheckwithyourphysician,lethimknowyouaretravelingtoGreece,andmakesureyouareup-to-dateonroutinevaccines.

Prescriptions

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Carryprescriptionmedicationinoriginalpackaging,alongwithacopyofyourdoctor’sprescription.

AnimalContactDonottrytomakefriendswithcats,dogsorotheranimalsyoumeetonthestreet;theymaycarryunwelcomediseases.

Food&WaterTherearenoguarantees,butfoodandwaterinGreecetypicallydoesnotcauseanyissuesfortravelers.Evenso,itisrecommendedthatyoudrinkbottledwater,nottapwater.

JetlagYoucan’tavoidit,butclickhereforsometipstohelpyoucopewithjetlag.

AftertheTripIfyouarenotfeelingwellafteryourtrip,youmayneedtoseeadoctor.Besuretotellyourdoctoraboutyourtravel,includingwhereyouwentandwhatyoudidonyourtrip.Alsotellyourdoctorifyouwerebittenorscratchedbyananimalwhiletraveling.

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http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/features/jet-lag-remedies#1

TeamGuidelinesPERSONALCONDUCTGUIDELINESAsameasureofsafetyandconsideration,pleasekeeptheseguidelinesinmindatalltimes.Also,don’tbeafraidtoremindafellowteammemberofguidelinesifneeded:

1) Ifyoususpectorfeelharassed,assaultedorindangerforanyreason,orknowofanotherteammemberwhofeelsthesame,itisyourimmediateresponsibilitytolettheTeamLeaderknow.

2) Nevergoanywherealone;alwaysbewithanotherteammember.

3) Donottraveltoorwanderaroundpartsofthecitywithoutgettingapprovalfromyourteamleaderorassistantteamleader.

4) Donotrentordriveacar,motorcycleorothervehicleinGreecewithoutapprovalfromyourteamleader.Thereareseriouspotentialliabilitiesthatmustbeconsidered.

5) Donotbealoneorisolatedwitharefugeeoftheoppositegender,orwitharefugeeworkeroftheoppositegenderfromanotherorganizationorteam.

6) Donotseektobuildcross-genderrelationshipswitharefugee.Manycomefromveryconservativecultures.Menshouldworkwithmen;womenshouldworkwithwomen.

7) Donotbealonewitharefugeeminororanyminornotyourown.

8) Don’tbeloud,overlygigglyorboisterousinpublic,-itscreams“Heylookatme,I’mfromtheUSA.”

9) Ifasked,youcametoGreece“tohelptheGreekpeoplecarefortherefugees,”versusyou“cameonlyfortherefugees.”

10)Donotoffertohelpanyrefugeewithresettlementorrelocationcosts,paperworkorprocesses.Also,donotinviteorsuggestthatarefugeecomevisityouintheU.S.ormovetotheU.S.Offerstohelpcaneasilybemisconstruedaspromisestohelp,resultinginbrokenrelationshipsforyou,therefugeeandthelongtermworkers.

11)Beveryslowto(i.e.,never)suggestordemonstratebetterwaystodosomethingtoaGreek,arefugee,oranyotherinternationalyouwillbeservingalongside.RelationshipismoreimportantthanefJiciencyinmostcultures,andGreeceisnottherightplacetopracticeAmericaningenuity.

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12)BeveryquicktorespondtoandfollowinstructionsfromyourTeamLeaderorAssistantTeamLeader.

13)Ifyouhaveaproblemwithanotherteammember,speakdirectlytothatteammember,notothers,aboutit(Matthew18:15).

TEAMDRESSCODEModestyisimportantwhenworkingamongrefugees.Manycomefromcountriesand/orfaithbackgroundswhereamuchmoreconservativestyleofdressiscommon.Inordertomoreeffectivelyservethemandnotputupbarriers,allvolunteers,maleorfemale,mustabidebythefollowingdresscodewhenservingamongrefugees:

Approved• Jeansorotherlongpants• T-shirts,poloshirtsorlongsleeveshirts• Dresses/skirtsbelowtheknees

Prohibited• Shorts• Tanktops/muscleshirts/spaghettistraps• Topsthatdonotcoverentireshoulders• Pants/jeans/skirtsthatdonotcoverknees• Tight-Jittingclothing• Tights/leggings/yogapants(unlesscoveredbyanitemthatmeetscode)• Barefeet• Militaryfatigues• Apparelthatadvertisesalcoholortobacco• Apparelthatisovertlyreligious• Clothingwithholes/tears

Whennotservingamongrefugees,youmaydresscomfortablyandappropriatelyfortheweatherandvenue,butmodestyisstillappreciated.

GREEKLAWSYouaresubjecttolocalGreeklaws.Ifyouviolatelocallaws,evenunknowingly,youmaybeexpelled,arrested,orimprisoned.Herearesomebasicstokeepinmind:

1) TheGreekConstitutionandlawprohibitsproselytizing.Donotproactivelyseektoimposeyourbeliefsystemuponanotherperson,orofferitemsormaterialsthatcouldbesoconstrued.

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2) Donotgive,share,oroffertopayforaride,ticketorlodgingforanyrefugee.DoingsomaybeconsideredhumantrafJicking.Ifpressuredtodoso,youranswerissimply,“Myorganizationdoesnotallowmetodothat.”

3) Youarenotallowedtophotographmilitaryinstallations.Ifyoudo,policemayarrestyou.

4) Ifyouareinvolvedinanautomobileaccident,GreekauthoritiescanrequireyoutostayinGreeceforlongperiodsoftime(+12months)pendingsettlementofanyrelatedcourtcases.

5) Maceorpepper-spraycanistersareillegalinGreece.SuchitemswillbeconJiscatedandmayresultindetentionandarrest.

6) IfyouviolateregulationsonGreekantiquities,youcouldfacealargeJineorevenaprisonsentence.CustomsauthoritiesstrictlyregulatetheexportofGreekantiquities,includingrocksfromarchaeologysites.Makesureyouarenotpurchasingarestrictedantiquityandcarryareceiptforanythingyoubuy.

7) CarryyourpassportorsomeformofphotoidentiJicationatalltimes,preferablyinaconcealedmoneybelt.Policemaydetainyouforquestioningifyoudon’thaveyourpassportwithyou.

8) IllegaldrugpossessionanddrivingwhileunderinJluencecangetyouarrestedandcarryheavysentencesinGreece.

9) Ifyouarearrestedordetained,askpoliceorprisonofJicialstonotifytheU.S.Embassyimmediately.

RESTRICTEDPHOTOS,POSTS&SOCIALMEDIAUnfortunately,weneedtoexercisestrictdisciplineregardingallphotos,email,andonlinecommunicationassociatedwithrefugeesorthoseservingamongthem.

Somerefugeesarestillbeingsoughtafterbythosewhowoulddothemharm.Also,giventheubiquitousnatureofsocialmedia,picturesorpostsmaybeseenbydistantfamilymembersandgenerateunwelcomeconfusion,grieforconJlict.

Fivesimplerules.Ifyourparticularquestionisnotaddressed,pleaseassumeitisprohibited.

1) People.Donottake,share,postphotosormentiontheactualnameoridentifyingcharacteristicsofanyrefugeeoranyworker,nationalorexpat(otherthanafellowteammember)thatisservingamongrefugees.(Ifanewrefugeefriend

Page�26

wantstotakeaphotowithyouforthemselvesitisokay,butpleaseuseyourdiscretion.)

2) Places:Donottakephotosormentiontheactualnameoridentifyingcharacteristicsofanybuildingswhererefugeesorrefugeeministriesreside.

3) Groups: Donotmentionorposttheactualnameoridentifyingcharacteristicsofanyorganization,ministryorchurchservingamongrefugees.

4) Government:Donotwriteorpostanythingnegativeregardinganyeffortbythegovernmentoranyorganizationthatisworkingtohelpcareforrefugees.

5) SocialMediaDonot“friend”oraddanyrefugeetoFacebookoranysocialmediaplatform.Theirfriendshipwithyoucanharmthemortheirfamiliesintheirhomecountries.Also,youractivitiesandthoseofyourfriendsonFacebookmaycauseculturaloffenseandconfusion.Theonlyacceptableexchangeisemailaddresses,butonlyifyouarethesamegender.

ALLOWEDPHOTOS,POSTS&SOCIALMEDIAEvenwiththeaforementionedrestrictions,wehopeyouwillstilltaketimetocommunicateyourexperiencesduringthisweek,astheyarethekeytohelpingusgetthewordoutandsupportthesetypesofopportunities.Herearesomeparticularguidelinesandrequests:

1) AskFirstIfyouareunsureifapicture,postorarticlewouldbeokay,pleasecheckwithyourTeamLeaderorAssistantTeamLeader.

2) IncludeSGIAddSGI’sDirectorofCommunications,ColleenMcGarry,([email protected])toyouremailupdateslist,friendheronFacebook,andsendherlinksofanyblogsyoumaypost.Shewillcheckwithyoubeforere-sharinganythingverypersonalwithSGI’sonlineaudience.

3) SendPicturesPleasesend(viaemailorFaceBook)toColleenMcGarryinterestingpicturesandvideosofyouandtheteaminaction(serving,traveling,dining,etc.).

4) TagUs

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Aswewillbepostingapprovedmaterialfromthistrip,pleasefollowServantGroupInternationalonFacebooktostayintheloop.Also,pleasetagServantGroupInternationalinyourpostsonFacebookorInstagramaboutthetrip.

@ServantGroupInternational#ServantGroupInternational#SGIgreecetrip#SGIathens

5) UsePseudonymsRefrainfromtaggingoridentifyingrefugeesorthoseservingthembyname.Thisisrelevanteveninyourpersonalemailupdateletters.

6) TelltheStoriesPeoplelovestories.Whenrelatingtheexperiencesofarefugeeoraconversationwiththem,becarefulthatdistantfriends,familymembers,orevenenemiescouldnotdiscernthespeciJicidentiJicationorlocationofthepersonyouarewritingabout.

7) BeDiscreetCertainwordsandterminologyrelatedtofaithcantriggerunnecessaryattentiontowardsSGI,ourteamsoverseas,orothersservingamongrefugees.Pleaseuseappropriatediscretionandcheckwithyourteamleaderifyouhaveanyquestions.

8) BeHonestShareaboutyourexperiencesandhowitaffectsyouasaperson.Tellaboutthework,funnystories,culturalsurprises,andhowyouaremakingadifference.

9) HelpUsFinally,ifyoublogorwouldbewillingtowriteablogpostforSGIpleaseletColleenMcGarry([email protected])know.Thanks!

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BuildingRela2onshipsCULTURALGUIDELINESTherichculture,historyandhospitalityofEasternculturesisusuallyoverwhelmingtothosewhohavetheprivilegeofbuildingthesefriendships.Herearesomeculturalguidelinestohelpyouonyourjourney:

1) GreetingsUsethelanguageguides(LINK)onthispageandlearnhowtosay“hello”andafewotherkindphrasesinGreek,ArabicandDari.Itwillopenupmanydoorsfornewfriendships.

2) ConversationsAsklotsofquestionsandlistentotheirstory,evenifitishardforyoutounderstand.Yourpatienceandattentioncanhelpvalidatetheirfeelingsandbringsmallmeasuresofhopeandhealing.

3) PoliticsDon’tbeluredintodefendingorcritiquingAmericanforeignpolicy.KindlydeJlectsuchconversationsbacktoyourpersonalhopeforthesafety,welfareandGod’scareofyournewfriend,theirfamily,andallpeople.

4) TraumaManyrefugeeshaveexperiencedoverwhelmingamountsoftrauma.Behaviorthatmayappearaggressive,greedy,orunusualcanallbeverynaturalresponsestotheexperiencestheyhavesurvived.Childreninparticularmayacttroubledorexhibitabnormalpatterns.Bepatient,awareandunderstanding

5) HandsMengreetmenwithahandshake–righthandonly.Thelefthandisconsideredunclean.Mendonotgreetwomenwithahandshake,exceptinraresituationswherethewomanextendsherhandJirst.Youcangreetmostwomenwithapolitenodofyourhead.Cross-genderhugsandbodycontactareadeJinite“no”inalmostallcircumstances.

6) EyesEasternculturesareveryconservative.Menshouldlimitinteractiontoonlymen,andwomentowomen.Donotmixthisup.Forexample,awomanshouldavoidintentionaleyecontactorlongconversationswithamanandviceversa.

7) ShoesTakeyourshoesoffbeforeenteringahome,tentorroom,evenifyourhostinsistsyoudon’tneedto.Thebottomofyourshoesmightnotbedirty,butitcanbeconsideredreligiously“unclean.”

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8) ShouldersDressveryconservative.Menshouldnotweartanktopsorshorts.Womenshouldwearloose-Jittingclothingthatcoversshoulders,belowtheelbowsandwellbelowtheknees.Nolownecklines.

9) FeetDon’tcrossorstretchoutyourlegsinamannerthatpointsthebottomofyourfeetorshoesatsomeone.Thiscanbeconsideredveryimpolite.

BASICLANGUAGESKILLSItisnotexpectedthatyouwilllearnaforeignlanguageforatripofthisduration,butahandfulofGreek,Arabic,andDariphraseswilladdmuchtoyourtripenjoymentandcertainlyhelpyoumakenewfriends.Yournewrefugeefriendswillbedeeplyhonoredifyouknowafewkindwordsintheirlanguage.

BasicGreekwordsandphrases

BasicArabicwordsandphrases

BasicDariwordsandphrases

MATTERSOFFAITHBemindfulthatproselytizingisagainstGreeklaw.OurfriendsintheGreekchurchknowtheircountryandknowhowtohandleparticularsituations.Weareguestswhoshouldbeverycarefulnottobringanytroubleuponthemorourselves.Wearegoingtosimplyserve,loveandhelp.

• Donotinsultorspeaklightofanyone’sreligionorprophetatanytime.Alwaysberespectful.

• Itisokaytooffertoprayforneedsoffriendsyoumake,justaskpermissionfromthemJirstanddon’tmakeabigshowofit.

• Whenserving,ifyouareaskedaboutyourfaith,youcanalwaysanswer,“AsafollowerofJesus,Ibelievethat……Whatdoyoubelieve?”

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https://whyathens.com/basic-greek/

http://www.transparent.com/learn-arabic/phrases.html

http://www.17-minute-world-languages.com/en/dari/

FormstoComplete&Return

Pleaseprint,completeandmailahardcopyofallthefollowingattachedformsto:

ServantGroupInternationalATTN:GREECE-Belmont506TanksleyAvenueNashville,TN37211

1) Photocopyofyourpassport2) EmergencyContactForm3) LiabilityReleaseForm4) TeamMemberAgreement

Remembertoemailthefollowing3itemstoyourteamleaders,DaveandBeckyDurham([email protected]@gmail.com)

1) Apassportstyle,forwardfacingphotoofyourselfagainstaplainbackground(youcanuseyourphonecamera)

2) Abriefpersonalbiothatcanbeusedtohelpintroduceyourselftofellowteammembers,tripleaders,andnationalpartners.(3or4sentences).

3) AcopyofyourfullJlightitineraryto/fromAthensonceyouhaveitbooked.

The badge information to enter Camp Moria must be sent to Lisa at least 2 weeks before departure.

Send the following by email to Lisa Harris ([email protected]) at least 2 weeks before you are due to arrive on Lesvos. The subject of your email should be EuroRelief Badge for (your name) arriving on May 17, 2017

1. Headshot with a plain background of each individual/team member (Camera phone is fine!)

2. First and last name (as written on passport) of each individual/team member

3. Passport number of each individual/team member

4. Nationality (as written on passport) of each individual/team member

5. Date of birth of each individual/team member

6. Mother and father's first name of each individual/team member

7. Email address

8. Mailing Address

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Page�32

BlackandWhitePhotocopyofPassport

�

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EmergencyContactForm

MyName _____________________________________________________________

Pleaselistanyallergiesand/ormedicalconditionsyourTeamLeadershould beawareof:

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

EmergencyContact#1

Name _____________________________________________________________

Relationship _____________________________________________________________

Phone _____________________________________________________________

Email _____________________________________________________________

EmergencyContact#2

Name _____________________________________________________________

Relationship _____________________________________________________________

Phone _____________________________________________________________

Email _____________________________________________________________

PrimaryContactatyourChurch

Name _____________________________________________________________

Relationship _____________________________________________________________

Phone _____________________________________________________________

Email _____________________________________________________________

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LiabilityReleaseForm

InconsiderationforvolunteeringtoservewithServantGroupInternationalinGreece,I/(we),theundersigned,being21yearsofageorolder,dofor(myself)/(andforandonbehalfofmychild-participantifsaidchildisnot21yearsofageorolder)herebyrelease,foreverdischargeandagreetoholdharmlessServantGroupInternational,itsstaff,associates,boardandadministratorsthereoffromanyandallliability,claimsordemandsforpersonalinjury,sicknessordeath,aswellaspropertydamageandexpenses,ofanynaturewhatsoeverwhichmaybewhileparticipatingintheabovedescribedtriporactivity.

Furthermore,Iherebyassumeallriskofpersonalinjury,sickness,death,damageandexpenseasaresultofparticipationinthemissiontripministry,travel,recreation,andworkactivitiesinvolvedtherein.

TheundersignedfurtherherebyagreetoholdharmlessandindemnifyServantGroupInternational,itsemployees,board,associatesandagents,foranyliabilitysustainedbysaidorganizationastheresultofthenegligent,willfulorintentionalactsofsaidparticipant,includingexpensesincurredattendantthereto.

Intheeventofbeingunabletomakeaninformeddecisiononmyownbehalf,Iherebygrantmypermissiontobetakentoadoctororhospitalandauthorizeemergencymedicaltreatmenttobeadministeredtome.Further,shoulditbenecessaryfortheparticipanttoreturnhomeduetomedicalreasons,disciplinaryactionorotherwise,Iherebyassumealltravelcosts.

IgivemyexpressconsentfortheU.S.StateDepartment,U.S.Embassyofareastraveledoranygovernmentalagencytoreleaseinformationregardingmylocation,welfare,intentionsorproblemstomyfamilymembers,ChurchleadersandCongressionalrepresentatives.

Onlytheparticipantneedsignif21yearsofageorolder.Ifunder21,bothparentsmustsignunlessparentsareseparatedordivorcedinwhichcasethecustodialparentmustsign

__________________________________________________________________________________________________printnameasitappearsonpassport passport#expiredate

________________________________________________________________________________signatureofparticipantdate

Iftheparticipanthasnotattainedtheageof21years:

(I)/(we)aretheparent(s)orlegalguardian(s)ofthisparticipant,andherebygrant(my)/(our)permissionfor(him)/(her)toparticipatefullyinsaidtrip,andherebygive(my)/(our)permissiontotakesaidparticipanttoadoctororhospitalandherebyauthorizemedicaltreatment,includingbutnotinlimitationtoemergencysurgeryormedicaltreatment,andassumetheresponsibilityofallmedicalbills,ifany.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________signatureofparent/guardian1date

_________________________________________________________________________________________________signatureofparent/guardian2date

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TeamMemberAgreement

□ IhavereadtheentirecontentsoftheGreekTripInfoPacket,andwillberesponsibletofollowallincludedinstructions,guidelinesandpolicies.

□ IwillletmyTeamLeaderknowimmediatelyifIoranotherteammemberfeelsharassed,threatenedorindangeratanypoint.

□ IwillsubmittotheauthorityofmyTeamLeaderswhileonthistrip.

□ Iunderstandthatalltripplans,schedules,activities,andlocationscandrasticallychangedependingonsituationaldevelopments.IwillbeJlexible.

□ IwilldemonstraterespectforthebeliefsystemofothersandrespectbothGreeklawandSGI’spositionregardingMattersofFaith.

□ Ihaveread,understandandagreetotheTeamDressCode.

□ IwillnottravelaboutaloneinGreece,butpurposetobewithatleastoneotherteammemberunlessotherwisespeciJicallyapprovedbymyteamleader.

□ IwillnotrentordriveavehiclewhileinGreeceunlessspeciJicallyapprovedtodosobymyTeamLeader.

□ Iunderstandtheruleofconductwhenservingamongrefugeesismenwithmen,womenwithwomen.Iwillnotservealonewitharefugeeminor.

□ Iwillnotprovideorpayforanytypeoftransportationforarefugee.

□ Iwillnottakeorsharephotosofrefugees,facilitieswheretheymeetorlive,orofotherworkersservingamongrefugees.

□ Iwillnot“friend”refugeesonsocialmedia.

□ Iwillnotmentionrefugeesorotherworkersbynameinpostsorwrittenmaterial,norrevealinformationthatcouldbeusedtodeterminetheirlocationoridentity.

□ IfIhaveaproblemorissuewithanyoneontheteam,IwillspeakopenlyJirstwiththatpersonbeforeIspeakwithanyoneelseortalktotheteamleader.

□ Iunderstandthat$1800supportmustbeturnedintoSGI4weekspriortotripdeparturedate.

□ IunderstandIamrequiredtobookandpayformyownairlineticketto/fromAthens,andmytravelinsuranceandthatIcanbereimbursedforallorpartofmyairfareandinsurancefromexcessfundsraisedorturnedin.

Signature________________________________________Date_____________

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TeamMemberChecklist

(forpersonaluse)

□ CarefullyreadthroughTripInfoPacket

□ CompleteOnlinePre-Application

□ MakesurePassportisup-to-date(notexpiringwithin6monthsoftripdate)

□ MailordeliverhardcopyformsandagreementstoSGITeamLeader

□ EmailphotoandpersonalbiotoSGITeamLeader

□ Bookround-tripJlighttoAthensperSGITeamLeaderguidelines

□ EmailSGITeamLeadercopyofairlineticket

□ Sendsecuritybadgerequestemail&attachmentstoSGITeamLeader

□ Buildaprayersupportteam

□ Raisesupportorself-fundtrip

□ TurninfundstoSGI

□ SubmitairfarereimbursementrequesttoSGI(optional)

□ Attendteammeetings

□ Makeandsecurecopyofpassport,personalIDs,creditcardsfortrip

□ Pack(light)

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