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Strengthening GHI's Future
Throughout its first 14 years, GHI has attempted to demonstrate innovation, accomplishment and
competence. We have met our goals and shown significant impact in fulfilling our mission. However,
we are still in need of core funding and a larger organizational base to operate efficiently and
with greater impact. In October we were pleased to receive a grant in the amount of $25,000 from
the Flora Family Foundation in support of our organizational development. To strengthen GHI, we
are taking two approaches:
- Strategic Partnerships-—We are exploring the feasibility of partnerships with other nonprofit
organizations that have missions complimentary to our own. The prospect of combining the capacity
of our technical organization with that of well-positioned development agencies offers great promise.
Such alliances could enable all organizations involved to make significant contributions to the
field of natural risk management. We are looking to strengthen our capacity to secure projects in
new regions.
- Corporate Sponsorships-—We are also working to secure financial support from
international corporations with interests aligned to ours, including major corporations in the
reinsurance, construction, oil and tourist industries. We have developed a presentation to tell
the GHI Story. Please send me any suggestions or contacts you might have regarding potential
corporate sponsors for GHI.
The Katrina Disaster and Global Lessons
In the wake of the Hurricane Katrina disaster, we are especially mindful that natural disasters are
everyone's problem. While Japan and the United States offer to share their expertise with other
nations, it is clear that we also still have much to learn ourselves. Even with both a warning of
the storm and a description of the probable results, the United States did not respond well to
this natural disaster. This clarifies the challenge of preparing for earthquakes, which come
without any warning, and often where planning scenarios have not been made. The fact that the
weakness of levees in New Orleans was known but not remedied underscores the importance of GHI's
advocacy role. While deeply saddened by the Katrina disaster, we also realize from it the extent
to which our work to develop awareness and relevant skills is needed.
2006 Membership Campaign
As the year's end approaches, our membership support campaign for 2006 is just beginning.
I hope that you will join or renew your association with us by returning the enclosed membership
materials with your donation. Perhaps you know a friend or relative who would like to join us.
Together, we can take the important steps required to reduce the risk of disasters from natural
hazards in the most threatened and needy regions. I thank you for your support of our work,
and wish you and your families a peaceful and safe holiday season.
Sincerely,
Brian Tucker, President
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