(Also check out the General Board of Global Ministries VIM website for more information)

Appropriate dress in Haiti is important to understand. Shorts are not appropriate on the work site, but only at the guest house during free time. Culottes to the knee are acceptable for casual shopping or sightseeing. Slacks or jeans are preferred on the work site for your safety.

Dress for church simply. Hose and heels, coats and ties are not necessary. However, if a pastor is on the team and is going to participate in a service, a coat and tie, or cleric is required. No jeans for church. All pastors who wish to participate in a service need to let us know in advance.

Pictures are great, but not if they offend people and their way of life. Do not take pictures if you would not want your picture taken in the same situation. It is always best to ask. The person whose picture is taken may expect some money. Use your discretion and always check with the team leader before taking photographs in crowded areas.

Do not promise things to Haitian people. This includes any workers or staff employed by our teams or by the Methodist Guest Houses. This fosters a hope for which you might not be able to deliver on. It also causes problems for team leaders. Any gifts must be given by permission and through the team leader.

Please do not make special gifts to the interpreters without consulting your team leader. This sets up competition between interpreters and puts pressure on other teams and on the Methodist Church of Haiti.

It is appropriate to bring things to Haiti for the people. However, the Church asks that they not be distributed by team members, but by the leaders of the Church. Please be sure your team leaders know of any gift items you plan to bring.

No smoking on the work site or in public places, please. It does not reflect well on our witness as Christians in a foreign country. There will be opportunities to smoke, but consult your team leader for the appropriate time and place.

As a VIM, you work in partnership with the Haitian people. You will have a Haitian leader and we ask that you work together. Together, you will gain new insights in servanthood - even without speaking the language.

We recommend that all VIM teams be limited to (12) twelve members. The organization of housing and transportation can be accomplished more successfully with a team of this size.

You will need a Passport .

All team Members should consult the Haiti Partnership regarding preventive medication while your are in Haiti. It is strongly recommended that anti-malaria medication be taken and that everyone has an updated Tetanus shot . We also require Hepatitis B and Polio vaccinations . If you are a medical professional and wish to work in Haiti in your profession, we will need a copy of your professional license three months prior to your being in Haiti. In addition, if your profession puts you "at risk" or exposure to other dangers, you should consult with your physician to determine what additional shots you should have updated.

It is your responsibility to take the entire amount of medication necessary to last your entire stay in Haiti. There are few, if any, Drug stores in Haiti. Please bring an additional two-days' supply of all medication you are presently taking. In the event of an emergency this will prove helpful.

During the packing phase of your trip, remember that you are in a special place doing something special and in Christ's name. When you pack, remember to include Faith, Love, Compassion, Flexibility, Understanding and lots of Patience. Come with an open mind and listen, learn, love, and be loved.

All team members need to follow the guidelines listed above. In addition, there are other guidelines contained in the application, and general liability release forms that must be adhered to. VIM Team leaders and coordinators have the authority and responsibility to ensure that each member and the team are responsive to the items noted.

The Haiti Partnership provides free Volunteer in Mission training that is required for all VIM's traveling to Haiti.