Look before you leap

There are people who are feeling anxious to help those who are surviving the recent hurricane of katrina. I along with the Men and Women of Respect are also prepared to take action. However there are some things that we all must consider to be the most affective in operating above and beyond.

If you are traveling with a group, do you know who the leaders are and what their leadership will look like? Do you TRUST the leadership. Have you ever worked with a group during a crises. Are you aware of group dynamics. If a member of your group is physically threatened , what are you prepared to do? These are questions to answer before you get on the road to travel that distance. There are some people who have difficulty going to the grocery store together...and that's in their own neighborhood.

Just because someone has been devastated does not make them automatically compatible with you and your family. If you work outside of the home , what will they do while you are gone? If you work from your home will you be able to still be effective with house guest. There are eating habits to consider, sleeping, health issues, use of alcohol and or other drugs, respect for others and their property, sexual behavior. That was just your habits. Now what about your guest? Did you just plan to say "make yourself at home" and all that it may entail from the above list? I know some people who are uncomfortable with their own family putting their hand in the ice tray or not cleaning the tub when they get out or making up the bed in the morning. Does that seem like small things? Well they are...UNTIL it is your personal issue AND it is in YOUR home.

Some of us will travel to assist while others may open their homes , churches and places of business. It is my desire that we "See the end in the beginning." This is not to discourage anyone just make sure that we "Plan ahead to get ahead."

Respect,

Katrina wants to know

This catastrophe that has hit our country is a wake up call on many levels. Take a moment to consider these questions.

• Would you have done things differently if you were in the disaster area?

• How do you respond now when you hear or see warning signs, in health, relationships or threats of natural disaster?

• Can you really count on the government to take care of your basic needs in a crisis?

• If New Orleans was 68% white and not 68% black would the relief efforts be different?

• If race is a factor in the relief efforts, who needs to look at things differently the survivors or the rescuers?

• Is religion a determining factor for those who survive?

• Those who died and are dying, do you believe it was "Just Their Time To Go"?

• Do you feel connected or effected by the devastation from Katrina?

• Does your city have an evacuation plan?If they do, are you aware of what it is?

• Does your family have a strategy for survival in a crisis?

• If you are the leader of your family, does the second in command know what you know?

Based on your answers to the above questions, what are you prepared to do now to function above and beyond???

Respect