Clyde's Corner: Not Again!! Over the course of the last few days, we have been reminded that preparing for disasters remains a priority for those living on the Gulf Coast. Almost seven years to the day after Katrina brought so much devastation to New Orleans, Isaac has brought more grief to this region. We are hopeful that all of our friends in New Orleans are well and have dodged the devastating impact of this storm. And our hearts go out to those who have been impacted. Our fond memories of helping to build a home for a proud man and his sons, are now accompanied by the hope that Tyronne's house was not damaged. We know it was built sturdily (we used a lot of nails), but I've spent the past few days wondering if his home is high enough should his neighborhood be flooded by the huge amounts of rain. Looking back on the rewarding work we did in New Orleans, we recognize that our efforts are much needed, as it takes a long time to recover from major disasters. I am hopeful that New Orleans will not need to rebuild and recover again. I am hopeful that damage is limited. With our next volunteer day already on our radar screen in Philadelphia, please think about planning to attend DRI2013 and working with us to build a home, support a food bank, or do other meaningful volunteer efforts (maybe a community vegetable garden?). 
Philadelphia, like New Orleans, is a town with equally interesting history, great food, and good music. Come on down and learn some new BCP best practices, take a course, build a house. You won't be sorry. Over the course of the next nine months or so, please take time to read this column to learn about all the treasures awaiting you in Philadelphia. Send me a note if you have a favorite spot in Philly. And for those of you who wrote to me last week, your e-mail messages were day brighteners. Keep 'em coming! And please keep New Orleans and the surrounding area in your thoughts. I'm sorry to say that it looks like a "here we go again" moment. | |
All the best,
Clyde
cberger@driif.org
Director of Volunteerism and Vice President
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Greetings!
What an icky news week! First, there were the bed bug stories. It seems after being a hot news item and big time travel risk a few years back, bed bugs are making a comeback. Yuck! Then, continuing coverage of West Nile virus and the mosquitos that carry it. Double yuck! Bed bugs are icky, but bed bug bites aren't going to do you in. West Nile, well, that's far more dangerous. And then this morning, the headlines (at least the ones in the science section, which is where I head first) are screaming about hanta virus at Yosemite! I thought falling rock and bears were the mortal danger there, but no, it's mice! Well, that reinforced my house rule governing pets, which is "No venom. No vermin." We've still got two dogs, two birds, and two lizards. But the rule rules out rodents and creepy crawlies, like tarantulas and hissing cockroaches, that my son would bring home in a heartbeat. I think it's a good rule. It works for us. And then I cleaned out my son's backpack. And there among the papers he forgot to give me, was a warning that a case of head lice had been discovered at school. And that is my own worst nightmare. Those of you who've met me over the years, know I've got lots of really long hair. And when I was in grade school, my mom invariably and intricately braided it every time there was a surprise lice check. So, there I sat for what felt like hours while Mrs. Hoff, the school nurse, thoroughly inspected every strand of my hair with the help of an alcohol-soaked tongue depressor. I never had lice, and I never will forget the poster-sized poem that hung above the cot in Mrs. Hoff's office: Share a thought, share a ride Share a feeling deep inside But never share your hat or comb Or lice will make your head its home! So, I recited the poem for the kids this morning, and I thought I'd pass it along to you too. But really all this germy, icky news made me wonder what's in store for us this flu season. In her second week at school, my daughter was already sent home sick. Not the flu, but when I dragged her into the CVS Minute Clinic (where I will go because they don't spell it Minit), there were flu shot ads everywhere. In fact, the new Walgreens and the CVS seem to be engaged in a kind of Coke vs. Pepsi war over who can give the most flu shots in the most convenient and comfortable way. Anyway, I figured I'd ask all of you if the pandemic scare that sent us all scrambling resulted in real, long-term changes in your organizations. Do you feel better prepared? Do you think that you (and those in your organization) have a better understanding of the risk? Do you do anything special leading into flu season to raise awareness? Let me know. And then I'll share your responses (anonymously, of course) for the greater good. In the meantime, may you and yours be bug free! Buffy Rojas
DRI International Director of Communications
brojas@drii.org
(610) 792-4802
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DRI2013 Call for Presentations
Deadline is TODAY!
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What??!! Yes, you heard right. The deadline for the DRI2013 call for presentations is today, August 31. We're looking for innovative, thought-provoking, advanced-level sessions and topics to inspire DRI2013 attendees and fuel the kind of interesting and informative discussions that you want to have with your peers. DRI2013 is all about ideas and information exchange. Raise an issue, and then raise your hand to comment, concur, or question. But first, submit a session by clicking here. |
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Registration Is Now Open for DRI2013!
Sign Up Today!
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Convenient, online registration is now open for DRI2013. Our conference website has all of the information you need about DRI2013, to be held June 4-7, 2013 in Philadelphia, PA.
If you attended DRI2012, you know that this is an event not to be missed. If you didn't attend our inaugural event, here's a little video from the conference to give you a glimpse of what happened in New Orleans and what to expect in Philadelphia.
DRI2013 promises a top-notch, conference program, an exhibit hall with the vendors you most want to see, the Awards of Excellence Gala, Volunteer Day opportunities, and networking opportunities that are unique and meaningful. Click here for more information or to register.
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Smartphone Problems? Raise Your Hand
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Smartphone users are more likely to experience problems - like dropped calls, slow Internet connections, and unwanted SPAM - according to a CNN report. And given how heavily we rely on these devices, especially in a time of crisis, this is probably something you should know about.
The report highlights new research from the Pew Internet and American Life Project. Among other findings, "Pew found that nearly eight in 10 people who access the Internet from their cell phones experience slow download speeds at least occasionally, and nearly half of cell users experience this problem at least weekly," according to CNN.
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