America 1 Team Is Back in Action
As the Covid Pandemic shows signs of lessening and travel restrictions are easing, the America 1 team is ready to get back into true Vincentian action.
On Friday, March 25, the America 1 Team met by Zoom to discuss numerous topics including putting together an action plan for 2022-23, visits to America 1 superior councils, updates by the coordinators among other items.
A planning task force was appointed consisting of Frank Voehl, Zone 2 Coordinator, Patricia Collins, Zone 1 Coordinator and Mary Charles, Training Coordinator. They will draft goals and objectives for 2022-23 and submit it to the rest of the team for input and approval.
ITVP, Mike Nizankiewicz indicated that there are five councils he would like to visit this year: Grenada, Dominica, Barbados, Canada, and the U.S. Council for their annual meeting. Sr. Mary indicated that the borders of Grenada are open and sister Patricia Collins said she would advise on both Barbados and Dominica.
Youth Coordinator Kat Brissette gave excellent PowerPoint presentations on both the recent mid-year meeting of the U.S. Council (which Mike Nizankiewicz attended) and a Youth Involvement update. Links to some of the related activities can be found here:
Midyear Videos
https://vimeo.com/showcase/9384603
National Members Website and Resources
USA Youth
https://www.instagram.com/svdpya/
Canada Youth
https://www.instagram.com/ssvp.youth.ca/
Bro. Rudolph gave an interesting report on a new building material that could have very positive implications for SSVP for home projects, where needed. The name of the material is Plycem Board. It is waterproof, fire resistant and earthquake resistant. It’s made from fiber cement and comes in lengths specified. A Mexican company called Elementa manufactures it in Costa Rica. For those interested, I’m sure brother Rudolph will be happy to answer any questions.
Sister Mary Charles reviewed her plans for ongoing training in the Region. Her next training will be Vincentian relationships with international organizations and the church. In recent months her Zoom training included Safeguarding, and the Importance of Successor Leadership (at the council and conference levels).
Pictured below are four of the six America 1 team members. Not pictured in this Zoom shot, but were active participants on the call were sister Patricia Collins and brother Frank Voehl.
Special congratulations go to the Superior Council of Grenada, which is celebrating their centennial anniversary. On behalf of CGI, ITVP Mike Nizankiewicz will be attending their closing celebration on May 7.
