NDIN Partners with USC CRCC to Research and Map California FBOs
With a grant from the California Emergency Management Agency (CalEMA), the University of Southern California's Center for Religion and Civic Culture (CRCC) recently began a 22-month pilot project to formulate strategies, systems and tools to map and deploy the unique resources and capital that can be harnessed before, during and after disasters by California houses of worship and faith-based organizations. CRCC aims to research and document the different characteristics displayed by California faith-based organizations that make for effective partnerships during times of crisis: 1) What are the unique contributions of faith-based organizations that make communities more resilient during times of disaster or emergency? 2) When and in what conditions do faith-based organizations and actions lead to more prepared communities? and 3) How can the specific assets and human skills of the faith-based community be most effectively mapped and tasked to mitigate the effects of disasters and emergencies. NDIN will serve as the principle consultant to CRCC on this project.

USC Contact: responders@college.usc.edu 
USC Website: http://crcc.usc.edu/initiatives/drn/
NDIN Contact: Peter Gudaitis - pgudaitis@n-din.org

Register Now: Upcoming Disaster Chaplain Trainings on Long Island
NDIN will offer its two-day Disaster Chaplain Training September 28-29 at the Mercer School of Theology in Garden City, Long Island. This course prepares chaplains and religious leaders to volunteer in mass-care settings or to serve as disaster chaplains within their house of worship, religious community or professional institution. Each candidate must be endorsed for this training and/or currently serve as a professional chaplain and/or credentialed religious leader. Attendance is limited to 35 participants. Tuition is $195. NDIN also offers this training anywhere in the U.S. on request. Simply contact us with proposed dates and we take care of the rest.

For Information or to register: www.n-din.org/ndin_trainings/Scheduled_Training_13.php
To organize a training in your community contact us at; training@n-din.org
To download our Disaster Spiritual Care Training brochure click here

NDIN Consulting and Training for Faith Communities & Their Partners
NDIN provides consulting and training in disaster human services and faith-based program development to faith communities and faith-based organizations. NDIN also contracts with community-based and government agencies who seek to enhance their mitigation, readiness, response and recovery capacity in partnership with faith communities. To learn more about our 13 different training courses or areas of expertise in consulting, call us or download our Consulting & Training brochure from the link below.

For more information contact: (212) 669-6100 or info@n-din.org.
To download our Consulting & Training brochure: click here

9/11 Workers Comp Deadline Extended to September 11, 2010
Thousands of people, both professionals and volunteers, who participated in rescue, recovery or cleanup work after 9/11 are now sick. Many more may become sick as a result of exposure to contaminated dust and smoke. The New York State Workers' Compensation Law has been changed to allow someone who was exposed, but is not sick, to register. Registering now will protect the right of these professionals and volunteers to file a workers' compensation claim if they become sick at any time in the future. The law also allows anyone who already filed a claim - but was turned down because the claim was filed too late - to re-file. If you do not register and are sick or become sick later, you will not be able to file or re-file a claim. Lead by NYCOSH, this campaign is funded with the support of the United Church of Christ National Disaster Ministries and the American Red Cross Liberty Fund.

Register Now: www.nycosh.org/911info/index_english.html

CDC Begins Gulf Oil Spill 2010 Health Surveillance
The Gulf Coast Oil Spill has the potential to affect human health in addition to the effects already seen on animal and marine life. CDC, along with the affected Gulf Coast states, has developed a plan to track the potential short-term health effects related to the oil spill in the affected communities using National Poison Data System (NPDS), Biosense, and State Surveillance. The National Poison Data System (NPDS) enables CDC to track the number of Poison Center calls and potential health effects, Biosense enables public health officials to track changes in a population's health status through access to existing data from healthcare organizations across the country, and State Surveillance along with the CDC are collecting data from sources such as emergency departments, urgent care facilities, and poison centers for evaluation.

Read more: Click Here

Health Impacts of Oil Spill on Coastal Louisiana Residents Surveyed
LSU Sociology Professors Matthew Lee and Troy Blanchard conducted a survey to gain an understanding of the health impacts the ongoing Deepwater Horizon disaster is having on people living in Louisiana's coastal communities. The researchers, in conjunction with LSU's Public Policy Research Lab, or PPRL, conducted a telephone survey beginning June 17, with more than 900 interviews with coastal Louisiana residents near the spill site.

Read More: Click Here

Alabama Health officials count rising oil spill ailments
The Alabama Department of Public Health officials say at least 103 people have gone to local emergency rooms, clinics and urgent care centers since May 14 with ailments thought related to the oil spill.

Read More: Click Here

Latest CDC Response and Resources for the BP Oil Spill Disaster
CDC and its partners are responding to the oil spill in the Gulf and actively assisting Gulf Coast residents, clean-up workers and others who are affected by the spill. They have developed resources to share with those who have direct recovery responsibilities or have been affected. There is information for coastal residents, clinicians, clean up workers and others, on the CDC's website.

Information for health care professionals includes information about potential health effects of dispersants, health surveillance information, taking an exposure history and health effects of exposure to crude oil.

View Updates: http://emergency.cdc.gov/gulfoilspill2010/

RFP: Gulf Coast Fund for Community Renewal/Ecological Health
Grants of up to $40,000 will be awarded to nonprofits working to help communities rebuild in hurricane-impacted areas of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Texas, and Florida.  Any organization that has 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) tax status, or has a fiscal sponsor with 501(c)(3) status, is eligible to apply for funding. Preference is given to applicants with a budget under $250,000 that
promote just and sustainable recovery of neighborhoods, cities, and ecosystems throughout the Gulf Coast region.  The deadline for applying is August 16, 2010.

To Learn more or apply:  http://foundationcenter.org/pnd/rfp/rfp_item.jhtml?id=302200002

Emergency Grants for Gulf Coast Communities Affected by Oil Spill
Through the BP Oil Drilling Disaster Emergency Response Fund, the Gulf Coast Fund is working with great urgency to identify resources and provide emergency grants to coastal communities affected by the BP Oil Drilling Disaster. Special priority is given to organizations engaged in community-led responses focused on: building community capacity, independent monitoring and documentation, providing impacted communities with access to key information and decision-makers, and organizing and advocacy for communities most impacted by the disaster. Joint collaborations across the region are encouraged. The Fund will continue to distribute emergency grants approximately every two weeks for the next few months.

To view Website: http://gulfcoastfund.org
To Download Application: http://gulfcoastfund.org/apply-for-a-grant/emergency-grants.html

$52 Million coming from BP for Mental Health
BP announced Monday it will provide $52 million to help with mental health in four Gulf states. Mississippi and Alabama departments of mental health are each slated to receive $12 million; the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, $15 million; the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, $10 million; and the Florida Department of Children and Families, $3 million. The sum is considerably less than Mississippi asked for, said John Hosey with the Mississippi Interfaith Disaster Task Force.  Some of the funds will be used to advertise services to residents.

Read more: Click Here

Volunteer USA Foundation Launches:  National Disaster Recovery Fund
The new National Disaster Recovery Fund will be managed by Volunteer USA Foundation. The Fund will provide a coordinated strategy to make sure disaster funds raised for long-term recovery efforts go where they are needed most. The fund focuses on United States faith-based and community-based groups to rebuild long after a disaster. Under the leadership of Jeb Bush as honorary chair and Walmart CEO Bill Simon as chair - the Fund will provide long-term support to fill gaps where insurance and FEMA funding do not exist.  The states of Alabama, Louisiana, Florida, and Mississippi are new partners in the development of the National Disaster Recovery Fund. 

Read more: www.nationaldisasterrecoveryfund.org 

Rhode Island Long Term Recovery Group Leading Flood Recovery
Newly elected Chairman Paul Salera of the Rhode Island Disaster Long Term Recovery Group (RIDLTRG) said he is hopeful the organization will be able to complete the job of helping flood survivors who cannot recover on their own within 12-18 months. RIDLTRG members number no less than 71 voluntary and faith-based organizations working in Rhode Island to help residents of disaster communities. After the floods hit, nearly 1,000 flood-stressed residents were assisted by faith-based groups responding to the disaster.  

Read More: www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=52202

FEMA: Federal Recovery Effort Tops $275 Million in Tennessee
Since the May 4 major disaster declaration, Tennessee flood survivors have received nearly $150 million in approvedFederal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster grants, bringing total federal assistance to more than $275 million. Activities and assistance provided by FEMA and its partners include helping identify and assist disaster survivors; 1,838 faith-based organizations have played a major role in this effort.

Press Release: www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=52169

Homeland Security Grants for Nonprofits Increase by 40 Percent
At a press conference in New York, Rep. Anthony Weiner (L) and Rep. Carolyn Maloney announced $5.8 million in Homeland Security grants to help protect 80 yeshivas, museums, and other religious and nonprofit organizations, a 40 percent increase over the last year.
The funds are expected to be delivered within the next three months and will provide security measures at institutions selected as potential terrorist targets, including 12 community centers, six hospitals, 36 religious schools, 25 synagogues, and one church.

Read More: www.theepochtimes.com/n2/content/view/39407/

Children's Mental Health Affected by 9/11 Attack
According to a study in the July/August issue of Child Development, preschool children exposed to the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center were found to be at increased risk of having behavioral and psychological problems if their mothers suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder and depression.

To Read this Article: Click Here

Report: DHS Progress on 9/11 Commission Recommendations
On July 22, 2010, Secretary Janet Napolitano noted the sixth anniversary of the issuance of the 9/11 Commission Report and released a 2010 progress report outlining advancements in the Department 's capabilities to protect against and respond to acts of terrorism and other threats. The report also includes a series of unprecedented steps to bolster aviation security in the United States and around the world. Secretary Napolitano said, "By working with our partners across the globe, we have achieved historic advances in international aviation security including bolstering explosives detection, strengthening the vetting of passengers against terrorist watch lists, refining passenger screening techniques and deploying tens of thousands of trained aviation security personnel that make air travel safer for everyone."

Press Release: www.dhs.gov/ynews/releases/pr_1279807353759.shtm

DHS FBCI Visits Caribbean Area to Assess Disaster Preparedness
DHS Director for the Center for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives David Myers toured Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands in July to promote disaster preparedness and response. 
He was accompanied by Josue Diaz of the Voluntary Agency Liaison for the Caribbean Area Division and met with leaders of Puerto Rico's community and faith-based organizations to discuss ways to work together without duplicating services and expanding Long Term Recovery Groups.

Read More: Click Here

FEMA And National Council On Independent Living Sign MOA
On July 19, 2010, FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate met with officials from the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) at their annual conference. FEMA and NCIL signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to coordinate public engagement efforts on preparedness, response, and recovery. 
This agreement brings together state, local and private sector partners to ensure emergency management is inclusive of people with disabilities and the community as a whole. 

Press Release: www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=52176  
View Webinar: Click Here

Flood Insurance:  Be Ready For Tropical Storm Season
As more homeowners consider purchasing a flood coverage policy from FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to guard against potential flood damage arising from a predicted busy tropical storm season, recovery officials remind purchasers there is typically a thirty day waiting period before the policy takes effect.  On July 2, President Obama signed a bill reauthorizing NFIP through Sept. 30, 2010. It must be reauthorized again to be offered beyond that date. Policies purchased now will be effective 30 days after the premium is paid and will remain in effect for a year.
Homes can be insured against flood damage for up to $250,000 and commercial buildings up to $500,000. Separate policies covering contents can provide insurance up to $100,000 for homes and $500,000 for commercial properties. Renters can insure their personal property for up to $100,000.

For more information click: www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=52157

Napolitano Announces More Than $1.8B 2010 Preparedness Grants
DHS Secretary Napolitano announced more than $1.8 billion in Fiscal Year (FY) 2010 FEMA preparedness grants designed to help states, urban areas, tribal governments and non-profit organizations enhance their protection, prevention, response and recovery capabilities for risks associated with potential terrorist attacks and other hazards.  The Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) is the Department's primary funding mechanism for building and sustaining national preparedness capabilities to help strengthen the nation against the risks associated with potential terrorist attacks and other hazards.

To read the full announcement click: www.dhs.gov/ynews/releases/pr_1279205905487.shtm

Report: New Orleans Making Progress After Katrina, Not Quickly Enough
With the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina just weeks away, a sizable majority of New Orleanians say the rebuilding process is going well, although a substantial number still say the city has not recovered and feel the nation has forgotten them, a new report from the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation finds. Based on the third in a series of surveys conducted since the hurricane devastated the Gulf Coast region, the report, New Orleans Five Years After the Storm: A New Disaster Amid Recovery (65 pages, PDF), found that 70 percent of Orleans Parish residents said recovery and rebuilding efforts are moving in the right direction, up from 56 percent in 2008.

Download at: www.kff.org/kaiserpolls/upload/8089.pdf

National Weather Service Strategic Plan Ready for Public Comment
The National Weather Service (NWS) draft Strategic Plan is ready for public comment.  This strategic plan works to "anticipate service needs in the 2020 time frame, project what science and technology will allow, and establish meaningful outcome-oriented goals and objectives for NWS 2020." 

To Read More or comment on the plan: Click Here

CERT Program Announces Animal Response Modules
The CERT National Program Office is pleased to announce the release of two new supplemental training modules, CERT Animal Response I and CERT Animal Response II.  The supplemental modules are designed to expand the skills of CERT members and teams, and to increase CERT's ability to support emergency response professionals.  The Animal Response modules, as well as other CERT supplemental training to be released in the future, are intended for those who have completed the basic training. 

Read More: www.citizencorps.gov/cert/training_downloads.shtm#animal.

ARC Unveils Improved Technology to Help the Public During Disasters
The American Red Cross has unveiled new and updated technology to help families stay safe and reconnect during a disaster.  As millions of people use the web to connect with friends and family, the Red Cross is using the same technology to help people prepare for, stay safe, and connect with loved ones during an emergency  with a "Safe and Well site," which is a real-time way to find shelter locations this hurricane season.

Read more: Click Here

NEJM: Moving Mental Health into the Disaster-Preparedness Spotlight
As the Deepwater oil spill disaster enters the next phase, State mental health and substance abuse agencies report an increase in emotional distress and demand for assistance. The oil spill is primarily an economic and environmental disaster, but it has also required a public health response.  This catastrophe will be the new face of emergency management with the incorporation of mental health- related emergency response into the core competencies for disaster preparedness.

To read the perspective click www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMp1008304

Anytime Training - IS-366 Planning for the Needs of Children in Disasters
FEMA and the Emergency Management Institute are offering a new online course entitled Planning for the Needs of Children in Disasters.  The purpose of this course is to provide guidance for Emergency Managers and implementers of children's programs about meeting the unique needs that arise among children as a result of a disaster or emergency. 

Access the course at: www.training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/IS/is366.asp.

National Commission on Children and Disasters
901 D Street SW., Washington, DC 20024
Monday, August 23, 2010
9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
The National Commission on Children and Disasters presents its report for the President and the Congress on the Commission's independent and specific findings, conclusions, and recommendations to address the needs of children as they relate to preparation for, response to, and recovery from all hazards, including major disasters and emergencies.

To register, please e-mail jacqueline.haye@acf.hhs.gov  with "Meeting Registration'' in the subject line, your name, affiliation, and phone number, or call (202) 205-9560, by August 18, 2010.  

9/11 Health Forum
CUNY Graduate Center, 365 Fifth Avenue, Manhattan
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
6pm to 9pm
The CUNY Graduate Center will host the WTC Environmental Health Center 9/11 health forum.  The CUNY Graduate Center is located at 365 Fifth Avenue, between 34th and 35th Street.  The theme is "Surviving and Thriving After 9/11: Addressing the Health Impact of 9/11 on the Community"

For information or to registration: www.nyc.gov/html/doh/wtc/html/news/07202010.shtml 

New York State: Citizen Preparedness Conference
Syracuse, New York
October 7-8, 2010
The Citizen Preparedness Program is proud to announce the third annual Preparedness Conference.  This year's conference in Syracuse, NY will focus on providing information and resources to vulnerable populations.  Participants will discuss how to prepare and respond to the needs of populations before, after, and during a disaster. 

To Register, contact: yvette.james@semo.state.ny.us

The NEMA 2010 Annual Conference
Peabody Hotel, Little Rock, AR,
October 16-20, 2010. 
On-site registration is not available. Only pre-registration via the website will be accepted. Conference registration is fully transferable. The last day to register is September 26. The hotel cut-off date is September 14.

Information/Registration: www.nemaweb.org

World's Largest Volunteering and Service Conference
New Orleans, LA
June 6-8, 2011
The world's largest gathering of service and volunteer leaders will hold its 2011 conference June 6-8 in New Orleans.  With the Gulf Coast reeling from its second disaster-driven economic blow in five years, Patrick Corvington, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service, and Michelle Nunn, CEO of Points of Light Institute and Co-Founder of the HandsOn Network, declared that the region's largest city was not just the natural choice to host the 2011 gathering—it was the only choice.

More at: www.nationalservice.gov/about/newsroom/releases_detail.asp?tbl_pr_id=1802

Brethren Volunteer Makes New York Haitian Community Home
After moving to Brooklyn, Amy Rhoades was looking for a way to connect and contribute through volunteering. After reading about the Haitian Family Resource Center in the Church of the Brethren Newsline she reached out to volunteer full-time. The HFRC opened on January 18th, to assist the New York City Haitian community, following the devastating earthquake that hit Haiti on January 12th. Over the past eight months, the HFRC has worked with over 950 clients, providing legal advocacy services, updated immigration information, counseling, social service referrals as well as food, clothing, and financial assistance. Rhoades says "volunteering with the HFRC and being able to directly assist survivors and their family members has been humbling - a tremendous experience. Thanks to the Center, each day is looking brighter for the Haitian community." The HFRC is a ministry of the Church of the Brethren and New York Disaster Interfaith Services in partnership with the American Red Cross, Church of the Brethren Disaster Services, International Orthodox Christian Charities, ICNA-Relief, Lutheran Immigration Services, Mennonite Disaster Services and the United Sikhs

For more information, to donate or to volunteer contact; info@nydis.org

Faith-Based Agencies Lead Long-Term Disaster Recovery
While FEMA and the State of West Virginia are providing a restart for many homes in the counties hardest hit by June storms, voluntary community service and faith-based organizations are tackling the longer term needs of many households.  These agencies keep residents warm, safe and dry as well as provide hope.  Among the voluntary agencies helping in West Virginia are the American Baptist and Southern Baptist Churches, Appalachian Service Project, Catholic Charities, Community Lutheran Partners, Group Work Camps, UMCOR and Volunteers in Mission, and some non-denominational communities. 

Press Release: Click Here

Lutheran/Episcopal Katrina recovery camps shut down in August
After the fifth anniversary of the devastating storm that destroyed the coast, two stalwarts of the post-Hurricane Katrina recovery effort on the Gulf Coast will close their doors at the end of August.
Both organizations, Mission on the Bay in Bay St. Louis, which merged with the Diocese of Mississippi's Camp Coast Care and Camp Victor are run by Lutheran Episcopal Services of Mississippi. The camps served as staging grounds for volunteers who traveled to the coast to help with recovery and rebuilding and face closure with the downturn in the economy and the reality of other disasters, including the BP oil spill. Officials stated "the fiscal responsibility has surpassed our abilities and our current economy does not show signs of relenting."

Read more: www.episcopalchurch.org/79425_123535_ENG_HTM.htm

Episcopal Bulletin Inserts: Gulf Struggles with Katrina, Oil spill
For those who live on the Gulf Coast, it's not a question of whether a natural disaster will strike, but rather when the next one will come, says the Very Rev. James "Bo" Roberts, rector of St. Mark's Church in Gulfport, Mississippi, one of six churches in the Diocese of Mississippi that Hurricane Katrina
destroyed on August 29, 2005. These Epsicopal News Service Weekly bulletin inserts for Aug. 29, 2010, look at the situation in the Gulf Coast area five years after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastated the area, as the aftermath of the massive BP oil spill continues to threaten recovery efforts.

Download inserts: www.episcopalchurch.org/95270_ENG_HTM.htm

Lutheran Disaster Response/LSS: Camp Beyond the Horizon
In the wake of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill many children along with adults have been experiencing many signs of distress. A partnership was formed in the panhandle area of the Gulf coast between Lutheran Services Florida and the Florida Department of Children and Families. Four sessions will be held in the Pensacola area between July 26, 2010 and August 20, 2010. The week-long session will address the emotional and educational needs of children affected by the disaster and is exclusive to children in grades kindergarten through six.

To Register, Contact Lutheran Services Florida: 850-453-2772 or email jcochran@lsfnet.org

Disaster Chaplaincy Services Participates in Air France Exercise
Disaster Chaplaincy Services was invited to participate in a disaster exercise conducted by Air France at the JFK airport on March 11, 2010. DCS chaplains worked closely on this exercise with teams from the American Red Cross in Greater New York (ARC-GNY), the Port Authority, and staff at JFK.
Deacon Bob Gontcharuk, a chaplain and member of the DCS Leadership Team, was one of the chaplains present for the exercise of interagency collaboration and training.

Read more: www.disasterchaplaincy.org/

Faith-Based Security Initiative Back on Track After Flooding
 On July 22, 2010, officials in Stewart County, Tennessee, met to work out an optional security plan for churches after dealing with flooding issues.  The office of Homeland Security expressed significant interest in modeling and acquiring the plan for other jurisdictions and entities across the nation to utilize.  It presents the opportunity for local faith-based organizations to have the skills to be proactive rather than reactive in the case of an emergency.

To read the article click: www.theleafchronicle.com/article/20100727/STEWART01/7270304

The Economy's Impact on Churches: Congregational Budgets (3 Parts)
The economic crisis of the last year foiled the plans of many businesses and hit millions of consumers hard. How has the downturn affected churches and congregations? A January 11, 2010, Barna Group study, conducted in the fourth quarter of 2009 among a nationwide sample of 1,114 Protestant leaders, explores how the nation's faith-driven organizations are faring in the new economy. You can view each of articles in the three-part series on the economy and the church below.

Part 1 of 3: Click Here
Part 2 of 3: Click Here
Part 3 of 3: Click Here

"Taking a Break From the Lord's Work"

According to an article in the NY Times "The findings have surfaced with ominous regularity over the last few years, and with little notice: Members of the clergy now suffer from obesity, hypertension and depression at rates higher than most Americans. In the last decade, their use of antidepressants has risen, while their life expectancy has fallen. Many would change jobs if they could.

Public health experts caution there is no simple explanation of why so many . . . have become so unhealthy and unhappy but one simple remedy is that of taking more time off.

Read more: www.nytimes.com/2010/08/02/nyregion/02burnout.html?_r=2&hp

FEMA: 1,857 Faith-Based Organizations Lend a Hand in Tennessee
Since President Obama signed the May 4 disaster declaration, the 67,694 people that have registered with FEMA have received $301.6 million in federal assistance. FEMA reports that over 1,857 faith-based organizations and 524 community-based organizations were used to identify and assist disaster survivors.

Press Release: www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=52324

GAO: DHS Needs to Assess Language Needs and Capabilities
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has a variety of responsibilities that utilize foreign language capabilities, including investigating transnational criminal activity and staffing ports of entry into the United States.  The focus of DHS was in three of its largest components: the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).  It addressed the (1) foreign language needs and existing capabilities and identified any potential shortfalls and (2) developed foreign language programs and activities to address potential foreign language shortfalls. After the review is complete, DHS will ensure that these assessments are incorporated into future strategic planning.

GAO Report: www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-714

End Racial Profiling Act Introduced in Congress
On July 15, 2010, Congressman John Conyers (D-MI), Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), and nearly 60 Congressional co-sponsors introduced landmark federal legislation aimed at eliminating racial and religious profiling. This legislation is known as the End Racial Profiling Act of 2010 (ERPA).

To Read the Bill: Click Here

Washington Post: Is Fear of Islam the New McCarthyism?
An August 1, 2010 Washington Post article noted that Joseph McCarthy was censured by the Senate on December 2, 1954, for behavior that was "contrary to senatorial traditions" and for his often-unsubstantiated charges using his position (Senator) to launch investigations designed to document charges of Communists in government.

To read the article: Click Here

Muslim Charities Appeal to President to Protect Zakat
On the first day of Ramadan August 11, 2010, Muslim advocates from over 40 civic local and national charitable organizations sent President Obama a letter discussing the long awaited concrete action by the administration to protect innocent donors and charities.  Muslim Advocates believe the President and Congress should reform current charitable giving laws in order for lawful generous donations from American Muslims possible at home, and abroad to give equal American Muslim charities like other faith-based organizations help fulfilling their charitable obligations.

To read the article and letter to President Obama: Click Here

War Over Ground Zero: Proposed Islamic Center Faces 9/11 Backlash
The fight over the mosque originally called project Cordoba House, after the medieval town in Spain
has been more than ugly.  Its founders are interfaith activist and spiritual leader Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf; his wife, Daisy Khan; and a downtown Manhattan real-estate developer named Sharif El-Gamal.
As people still heal from the after math of 9/11, tensions build with the birth of the new mosque project.

Read more: www.newsweek.com/2010/08/08/war-over-ground-zero.html

Bloomberg/Obama Condemn 9/11 Backlash against "Ground Zero Mosque"
Mayor Michael Bloomberg is known for giving sharp, sometimes biting quotes, but on July 31st he produced what some claim to be his most memorable speech - a stirring oration in defense of the planned Islamic center near Ground Zero. The following week, during a speech at the White House's Annual Ramadan Iftar Dinner, President Obama added his support, stating, "I believe that Muslims have the same right to practice their religion as everyone else in this country. And that includes the right to build a place of worship and a community center on private property in Lower Manhattan, in accordance with local laws and ordinances." Both have faced overwhelming right-wing criticism - 9/11 families are also divided in their support.

Read Bloomberg Speech: Click Here
Read Obama Speech: Click Here
9/11 Families - Con: www.911familiesforamerica.org/
9/11 Families - ProTo read click: www.peacefultomorrows.org/article.php?id=977

Children's Preparedness

Preparing Children for Emergencies
Ready.gov has created a separate Web site that offers ways to teach kids to ready for possible disasters.  It gives them four easy steps to communicate what to do in an emergency.  Site also includes games and information for parents.

More online at: www.ready.gov/kids/home.html

Woman's Preparedness

Fact Sheet - Emergency Preparedness Information for Pregnant Women
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) offers emergency preparedness tips for pregnant  women.  Emergencies can be a scary and stressful time, especially for pregnant women or  women with infants or children.  The fact sheet will help pregnant women prepare for emergency birth, prepare for an emergency or disaster, evacuate, stay in a shelter or place   other than your home, be prepared during and just after a disaster, and recover after a disaster.

CDC Fact Sheet: www.emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/pregnantfactsheet.asp

Progress Report on Children and Disasters
The National Commission on Children and Disasters has delivered a report to the White House and Congressional leaders that detailed the progress of federal agencies in implementing recommendations designed to ensure better protections of children during major domestic disasters.

Report: www.childrenanddisasters.acf.hhs.gov/

Earthquakes & Natural Disasters

GAO Website Now Focuses on Quakes, Natural Disasters
View more: www.gao.gov/haiti/

Prepare-aphernalia for Earthquake Preparedness
Since April is Earthquake Preparedness Month, the American Red Cross gathered up a list of interesting items you could add to your earthquake preparedness kit.  Or, as they like to call them, "prepare-aphernalia." See the list and more information by going to the American Red Cross blog.

For more, view: click here

Earthquake Audio, Video, and Multimedia Resources
The CDC has a variety of earthquake audio, video, and multimedia resources available to provide timely messages about what you can do to protect yourself and your family from   earthquakes.  The resources include Public Service Announcements (PSAs), Podcasts, TV   Crawls, and American Sign Language Resources.

Sign up for these podcasts at http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/earthquakes/psa.asp

Hurricanes

NOAA Hurricane Mapping
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has developed a new interactive mapping application allowing you to search tropical storms affecting your area since 1851.

More at www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/history.shtml

FDA Hurricane Preparedness Tips
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released information on how to keep food, medical products, and pets safe during an emergency, especially during the current hurricane season. By knowing what actions to take, you can reduce the effects of hurricanes or other disasters. Food that has been exposed to flood waters or that hasn't been properly refrigerated can cause illness, so if in doubt; the FDA recommends throwing it out and not eating any food exposed to flood water.

More at: http://wireupdate.com/wires/7047/fda-relases-hurricane-season-preparedness-tips-for-food-medicine-and-pets/

Hurricane Season Resources from DiversityPreparedness.Org
June 1st signaled the official start of Atlantic hurricane season. This year's hurricane season marks the five-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, the tragic storm which graphically highlighted the urgent need to address racial/ethnic disparities in preparedness and disaster outcomes. While federal, state, and local efforts to address these issues have gained momentum in recent years, disparities continue to persist. Below is a select list of resources to strengthen hurricane preparedness in diverse communities and inform planning across all phases of an emergency.

Disaster Supply Kit: Provides general information on creating disaster supply kits in English, Croatian, Haitian Creole, Kurdish, Russian, Serbian, Spanish, and Vietnamese.

To Download: Click Here

Hurricane Super Course: Information on health-related issues associated with hurricanes and basic emergency preparedness in English, Chinese, and Spanish.

More at: www.diversitypreparedness.org/Topic/Subtopic/Record-Detail/18/search__Hurricane/resourceId__17615/

Emergency Wound Care After a Natural Disaster: Provides tips on how to treat small wounds to prevent infection and defines injuries for which immediate medical attention is necessary; in English and Vietnamese.

View at: www.diversitypreparedness.org/Topic/Subtopic/Record-Detail/18/resourceTypeId__7782/search__hurricane/resourceId__16264/

 

Summer Flooding and Extreme Weather

Federal Flood Insurance
Everyone lives in a flood zone. Any home can suffer water damage, even if it is in a so-called low-hazard zone, such as an area of "higher ground." That's the clear and unchanging message from recovery specialists who want to change long-held and widely mistaken attitudes regarding flood insurance. Understanding flood risks is critical to understanding the benefits of purchasing flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), run by FEMA.

Learn more at: www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=51354  

Flood Safety
NOAA's National Weather Service has a site, "Turn Around, Don't Drown," to educate Americans about flood safety. The site reports that more deaths occur because of floods than any other form of severe weather, largely because people underestimate the power of even small amounts of water. The site presents a collection of flood safety resources and stories to encourage Americans to be prepared for flooding and make smart decisions during floods.

Learn more at: http://tadd.weather.gov/

FEMA Launches Mobile Applications Site
Recognizing that during disaster events, many individuals will attempt to gain information via their mobile devices, FEMA has launched a mobile-specific application.

Visit: http://m.fema.gov

Visitors Can Now Explore 3D Model of WTC Site
Visitors to the Sept. 11 Memorial Museum website can now view a 3D model of the planned World Trade Center memorial. The model is used to help the public visualize lower Manhattan.

View more at: http://www.national911memorial.org/site/PageServer?pagename=New_Home& cvridirect=true

Using Social Media Tools for Emergency Preparedness
Citizen Corps is using a variety of social media as tools for delivering preparedness news and information.

Go to: twitter.com/citizen_corps and www.citizencorps.gov/widgets.
List of social media tools available:  American Red Cross blog.

Applying For Disaster Aid on Your Smart Phone
Financial assistance for disaster survivors becomes available when a disaster has been declared by the President. Survivors of a disaster will now be able to apply for federal disaster assistance on their Smart phones, making aid more immediately accessible for people after a disaster hits. Smart phones can help ensure that survivors have immediate resources and information at their fingertips.  This new tool was created at the direction of FEMA Administrator Fugate and can be accessed directly at FEMA's new mobile web site m.fema.gov.

For more information including a demo: Click Here

Earthquake Audio, Video, and Multimedia Resources
The CDC has a variety of earthquake Audio, Video, and Multimedia Resources available to provide timely messages about what you can do to protect yourself and your family from earthquakes.  The resources include Public Service Announcements (PSAs), Podcasts, TV Crawls, and American Sign Language Resources. 

Sign up for these podcasts at http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/earthquakes/psa.asp

Website - Public Health Emergency Portal
The US Department of Health and Human Services in conjunction with cross-governmental partners has launched a new public health emergency portal that serves as a cross-governmental portal for residents in the U.S. and worldwide to obtain information from all U.S. federal agencies and their state and local partners involved in a public health emergency, medical disaster or public health aspects of a natural or man-made disaster. 

To access the portal: www.phe.gov.

Online Internet Presence of FEMA
Do you know where to find FEMA online? We utilize numerous digital communication channels and tools as part of our mission to provide information to the public before, during, and after a disaster.

This page outlines all of our official communication channels and resources and why we use them.
www.fema.gov/help/social_media.shtm

The New 911: Social Media Seen as Emergency Option, Ready or Not
Social media is changing the way we communicate, even in emergencies. Agencies are using social media like Facebook and Twitter to get news and information out and post alerts.

Read more: www.colorado.edu/hazards/dr/archives/dr551.html#3

Lawmakers Starting to Question Nonprofit Executive Salaries
In several states, including New Jersey and New Hampshire, government leaders are investigating compensation among nonprofit executives and, in some cases, putting limits on what nonprofits can pay their leaders if they have contracts with the state.  Faced with the prospect of painful budget cuts, state and federal officials are starting to eye the compensation of nonprofit leaders as an area ripe for trimming, the New York Times reports.

To read more click http://foundationcenter.org/pnd/news/story.jhtml?id=303000002

Report: CNCS Releases 2010 Volunteering in America Annual Report
Despite difficult economic times, the number of Americans volunteering in communities across the country has increased at the fastest rate in six years, according to the Corporation for National and Community Service's annual Volunteering in America Report. The research, produced by CNCS as part of its efforts to expand the reach and impact of America's volunteers, is the most comprehensive data on volunteering ever assembled. The report found that 63.4 million Americans volunteered last year, giving more than 8.1 billion hours of volunteer service worth an estimated $169 billion.

View homepage: www.volunteeringinamerica.gov/
View report: www.volunteeringinamerica.gov/assets/resources/IssueBriefFINALJune15.pdf

Bulletin: Child Welfare Organizations Assisting Haitian Families
The Casey Foundation has published a bulletin to provide practical information for agencies and advocates working with earthquake-impacted Haitian families, with special guidance on filing federal Temporary Protective Status applications. Many of the bulletin's resources apply not only to Haitian children and families but also to other immigrant populations in child welfare settings. The deadline for filing the application is July 20, 2010, and must be filed by each individual Haitian child and adult. These applications are needed for Haitians in this country who wish to avoid deportation and maintain employment.

To View the Bulletin: Click Here

Report: Heat Waves Could Be Commonplace in the US by 2039
Exceptionally long heat waves and other hot events could become commonplace in the United States in the next 30 years, according to a new study by Stanford University climate scientists.

To read the article click www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100708122617.htm

Coping With the Gulf Oil Spill: Disaster Mental Health Resources
Following a disaster, when many people have suffered great losses, it is normal to feel sad, angry, or nervous. Some who have experienced a disaster may have bad feelings right away. Others may not notice a change until much later, after the crisis is over. It can take time to feel better and for things to return to normal, especially with so much loss. Many people find support and comfort by talking to family members, close friends, doctors, nurses, and religious leaders. Sometimes, help from mental health professionals may be needed. Links to CDC resources and those of other organizations are below. Individual experiences and needs may differ, so sites may be more helpful to some than others.

To view the CDC resources click: http://emergency.cdc.gov/gulfoilspill2010/coping_disaster.asp

FEMA: FY 2010 Grants Overview Document 
FEMA's comprehensive suite of grant programs is an important part of the Administration's larger, coordinated effort to strengthen homeland security preparedness for the risks associated with potential terrorist attacks and other hazards. The Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) is composed of five related grant programs: State Homeland Security Program (SHSP), Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI), Operation Stonegarden (OPSG), Metropolitan Medical Response System (MMRS), and Citizen Corps Program (CCP).

To see the Homeland Security Grant Program Funding Distribution click: www.fema.gov/pdf/government/grant/2010/fy10_grants_overview.pdf

Report: Ongoing Challenges in Protecting Children during Disasters
In a new Save the Children report conducted by the consulting firm, Brown Buckley Tucker revealed that the vast majority of states are still not fully prepared to protect children in disasters.  Fewer than one quarter of all states and the District of Columbia have enacted four basic safeguards to protect kids who are in school or child care during disasters.  These four areas include; plans for evacuation, reunification with families, and evacuation for special needs kids at childcare facilities, as well as evacuation plans at schools.  The report is the second disaster preparedness report released by Save the Children's U.S. Programs.  The 2010-year report found that 38 states and the District of Columbia did not meet all four basic standards, and seven states met zero.  Only 12 states meet all four standards, including Mississippi and Alabama, five more than in the 2009 report. 

View Report: www.savethechildren.org/publications/reports/2010-Disaster-Report.pdf.

Grant - Do Something.org
Do Something.org gives $500 to young people (ages 25 or under) who have projects that assist in emergency situations - from disaster preparedness to first responders to those who are still working hard to rebuild.  There is no deadline to apply. 

For more information, visit www.dosomething.org/grants/disaster/apply.

ARC Report: Examining Response to Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma
The American Red Cross issued a report of the group's response to hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma.  The report found the Red Cross gave nineteen times more than the group's previous record.
Donors gave the agency a total of $2.2 billion to help 4.5 million people affected by the storms.  The financial assistance provided shelter, meals, home repairs, and physical and mental health services to help individuals cope with stress and ease trauma.  Most importantly, it also provided disaster preparedness training.  

Read more: http://foundationcenter.org/pnd/news/story.jhtml?id=305000017

Federal Emergency Management Jobs
View online at: www.fema.gov/career

Mennonite Disaster Service in Urgent Need of Volunteers
The Mennonite Disaster Service is in urgent need of volunteers for staff positions in American Samoa, Cheek Texas, New Orleans, Pass Christian, Miss., and Dulzira and Ramona, Calif.

More online at: http://mds.mennonite.net/urgent_needs

New York City Office of Emergency Management
NYC OEM is hiring several positions, including Watch Command Supervisor, Regional Weapons of Mass Destruction Planner and Transportation Program Manager. Internships include Procurement, Archival Research, Training & Exercises and Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).

View or apply online at: www.nyc.gov/oem

Points of Light, GA: Director, Disaster Services
The Points of Light Institute, HandsOn Network, is seeking to fill the position of Director, Disaster Services in Atlanta, Georgia. Interested persons should send, fax or email a cover letter and resume to: Points of Light Institute; no calls will be accepted.

Apply at: resumes@HandsOnNetwork.org

Cargill Foundation: Program Officer-Disaster Preparedness/ Recovery
The Margaret A. Cargill Foundation is seeking to fill the full-time position of Program Officer at the Minnesota Location. Salary is commensurate with experience; the application deadline is August 31, 2010. To apply, qualified and interested parties should submit their resume, cover letter, and salary requirements to careers@macfoundation.org

View Profile: http://philanthropy.com/jobs/0000641614-01/?sid=ja&utm_source=ja& utm_medium=en

Tribute Center Begins Recruiting Volunteers for 10th Anniversary
The Tribute WTC Visitor Center in Lower Manhattan is gearing up for a huge influx of visitors for the 10th anniversary of 9/11.  According to David Barrette, volunteer program manager, finding volunteers who were in Lower Manhattan on 9/11 is challenging because many have moved and others are avoiding painful memories.

To read the full story click: www.downtownexpress.com/de_380/tributecenter.html

Welcome to iNET, the e-newsletter of the National Disaster Interfaiths Network (NDIN).

To date, there have been five federal disaster declarations in August. Four major declarations were storm-related floods and tornados - and one declaration in Texas for Hurricane Alex. Recovery efforts remain underway from earlier seasonal storms, resulting in severe flooding and tornados. However, the early-May Nashville floods and the Deep-Sea Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico remain the largest responses underway.

Please keep all these impacted communities and their caregivers in your prayers and give generously to National VOAD agencies and established disaster interfaiths and long-term recovery committees. If you can make a donation or lend a volunteer hand recovery efforts, please contact your National VOAD partners!

September is National Preparedness Month - NDIN recommends you join the National Preparedness Month Coalition and use other social media forum and house of worship gatherings to focus your members on all mitigation education and preparedness training initiatives available.

As always, if you have questions or comment about iNET, or if you have news that you want to submit to us, please e-mail Joshua Wilwohl, Editor, at editor@n-din.org.

Peter B. Gudaitis, M.Div.
President, Board of Directors