Issue #47 | February 2017
A Note from the Team
Hi All,
The last few weeks have seen many disasters across the US, including several tornado and storm outbreaks. We lift up our prayers for all who are recovering from and responding to these disasters.
As Bishop Curry says, we are called to have a "loving, liberating and life-giving relationship with God, each other and creation." Thank you all for living into this – not only in the work you do for disaster preparedness and response, but also in every aspect of your lives.
We wish you all peace as we transition into the Lenten season.
In peace,
Katie, Lura, Sara & Tamara
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Welcome Christopher!
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We have exciting news from the US Disaster Team! In January, Program Director Katie Mears and her partner welcomed their first child, Christopher. We're very happy for them and wish them the best!
Katie will be on parental leave through the beginning of April. In the meantime, please reach out to Sara Lowery (slowery@episcopalrelief.org) or Lura Steele (lsteele@episcopalrelief.org) during Katie's absence.
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Program Update: Gulf Coast Flooding in Louisiana
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In August 2016, the state of Louisiana was hit hard by widespread flooding that damaged or destroyed tens of thousands of homes. The Diocese of Louisiana is responding through a homeowner-directed housing repair and remediation program in the greater Baton Rouge area, with particular focus on those most vulnerable and those who have fallen through the cracks. So far, more than 40 families have received building materials, appliances and other needed supplies through this program, and they are continuing to identify additional families who need assistance.
Diocesan Disaster Coordinator Elaine Clements recently wrote an update and reflection on the program. Check it out!
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How To: Participate in a Zoom Webinar
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This year, the US Disaster Program will be hosting several online trainings. We host our webinars on Zoom, an online meeting platform. Here are some tips to help make your webinars run smoothly!
Before a scheduled call, you will receive login information including a URL, which links directly to the Zoom meeting, and a phone number.
We recommend that:
- You install Zoom prior to the meeting.
- Find a quiet place with high-speed internet.
- Use a computer or smartphone with a web camera. You can join just using your phone, but it is really nice to see the people you are speaking with.
- If you are joining with a webcam, pick a well-lit location with the light in front of you, rather than behind you, so we can see your beautiful face!
Other Tips:
- Connection via ethernet is better than wifi.
- If you are using the sound on the computer, you do not need to call in on a cell phone.
- Try to be in a location that has limited ambient sound. Sometimes a lot of noise in the background can create feedback. If you are in a location with background noise, mute your audio when you are not speaking.
- Using headphones with a microphone can also cut down on ambient noise issues.
- If you are having trouble with Zoom, try restarting your computer.
- In the upper right hand corner of your screen, you have the option of switching between active speaker and gallery view. Gallery view gives you a Brady-Bunch style view of the call participants. It’s the best way to see everyone on the call at one time.
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