BAINBRIDGE OMETEPE SISTER ISLANDS ASSOCIATION

DELEGATES MANUAL (3/2000)

PURPOSE (from Bylaws)

The purpose of the Bainbridge Ometepe Sister Islands Association is to encourage mutual understanding, education, friendship, cultural and peaceful exchanges between the people of Bainbridge Island and Ometepe Island, and between the peoples of the United States and Nicaragua.

PHILOSOPHY

The Bainbridge Ometepe Sister Islands Association (BOSIA) is devoted to cultural exchange, education, and humanitarian efforts. We believe that the peoples of Ometepe, Nicaragua, and the Puget Sound area can learn from each other while building a lasting friendship. Our relationship is based on mutual respect and trust. We help with projects which are initiated by groups on Ometepe and which are important to the community rather than to individuals or one family. We are non-partisan and non-sectarian. Working together we learn about each other and derive mutual benefit. Keeping this process in place helps prevent us from seeing ourselves as "do-gooders" and helps our partners on Ometepe to not see us as "patrones." When we travel to Ometepe as a part of BOSIA, we are not on a personal vacation, but become diplomats who represent our community. We extend and nurture the relationships which have been carefully built by previous delegations. Our actions and the commitment we make are seen by the people on Ometepe as actions and commitments of BOSIA.

The fact that you represent a larger community gives you a comfortable way to handle the requests for aid which you may receive on your trip. Community leaders may show you partially completed schools, roads, clinics, or housing and ask for help. You will see and hear of needs for medical and school supplies. You can explain that you can't make decisions about the requests yourself, but that you would carry a written request to the board on Bainbridge.

DESCRIPTION AND HISTORY

BOSIA is a non-profit educational organization founded in 1987 by Kim and Ela Esterberg and other Bainbridge Islanders who have been concerned with the long history of poor relations between the U.S. and Nicaragua. The charter of the organization is to educate residents of both islands about each other's cultures, and to establish person-to-person ties between the islands. The Association also provides material aid to Ometepe, particularly to promote education and improved health.

BOSIA is a membership organization, with dues helping to fund on-going work. Membership is open to anyone sympathetic with the goals of the group, and residency of either island is not a requirement. Contributions to BOSIA are tax deductible under Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. In November of 1986 a group of about 60 people made small contributions to send Kim Esterberg to Nicaragua to search for a sister island. DAMUR, the Nicaraguan government office responsible for managing the nearly 100 US-Nicaragua sister relationships at that time, suggested Ometepe and sent a representative with Esterberg to the Island. He returned home with photographs, stories, and an ambitious program to begin building inter-island ties. The association hosted Nicaraguan visitors and sponsored cultural and educational events on Bainbridge.

In the spring of 1987 videographers Mark Dworkin and Melissa Young carried a video portrait of Bainbridge to Ometepe and brought back footage from the Nicaraguan island. In early 1988 they released Island Sisters, an excellent 20-minute video about the developing relationship. Interest in Ometepe and has grown steadily since then. Mark and Melissa have just finished a new video which shows the breadth of the ties between our two communities.

WHAT DELEGATIONS DO

Delegations make friends, learn first-hand about life on Ometepe, strengthen the bonds between Bainbridge and Ometepe, and have fun. Some work in construction, provide medical care, gather information, help with reforestation, teach, assess possibilities for future projects and delegations.... use your imagination!

Delegates traditionally carry two suitcases of materials for their project, or medical, school, and sports supplies for schools and clinics on Ometepe. They pack their personal belongings into a carry-on bag. Being well-prepared for your trip will increase the success of your delegation and your own personal satisfaction. Previous delegations to Ometepe have brought back specific information which will be useful in preparing medical, construction, and environmental teams for new and continuing projects. Be sure to network with previous delegates and tap into the information which the BOSIA has already gathered. The process of planning projects, gathering materials, and packing together for the trip creates a team out of the individual delegates before the delegation begins. When delegates return home they report back to the Sister Islands Association and to the community.

CULTURAL PREPARATION AND AWARENESS

We are guests on Ometepe, and our actions should reflect some understanding of and respect for our hosts, their customs, and values. While working as a team is important for us, it is also important to work, interact, and play with our friends on Ometepe as much as possible. We are primarily a cultural exchange organization. Homestays with families are an important component of our trips because they give an opportunity to get to know real people on Ometepe and give them a chance to know us. It would be easy for us to be seen as the rich people staying at the hospedaje who only meet with them in formal settings. Here are a few of the cultural issues and experiences that may await you during your stay on Ometepe:

Conception of Time

On Ometepe one's conception of time is closely linked to the experience of living with uncertainty. Transportation, electricity, water, and other resources we may rely on without much thought, are in short supply, or are simply more time-consuming on Ometepe. If you set up a meeting with some Nicaraguans, they may be late. The bus may have broken down; the power may have gone out; they may not own a clock; the list of possibilities is endless! Please be on time and be patient. The cogs turn at a slower pace on Ometepe.

Flexibility

It is important to realize that plans are often changed. Flexibility, better known as "going with the flow," is essential to your enjoyment and to the success of the team.

Language and Communication

Sometimes people feel frustrated by their lack of speaking/understanding ability. It is important to brush up on some useful phrases before you arrive on Ometepe. At a minimum you should know polite greetings, words of thanks, and a few useful questions. Your trip will be more rewarding to you and more effective if you learn some Spanish before you go. Regardless of your language ability, it is important to express your appreciation for your host family's efforts. There are many effective forms of communication which are not spoken. Smiles will relax you and your Nicaraguan friends. People understand body language, tone of voice, and facial expressions, even if you are not trying to communicate with them.

Food

Rice, beans, platanos, fish, and fruit are the staple foods of the people of Ometepe. As guests you will probably be given large portions. Many Nicaraguans do not eat meat because they cannot afford the luxury. They may make a special effort to prepare a dish with meat for you because you are a guest in their home. Vegetarians should explain to their families what their dietary needs are. Many Nicaraguans do not understand why one would choose not to eat meat. This discussion is often an interesting, and somewhat humorous opportunity for cross- cultural discussion.

Role in Family

Sometimes folks feel awkward at first with their family. They want to help their Nicaraguan family wash clothes, cook, clean the house, and feed the animals. The Nicaraguans are sometimes unsure how to treat their guests as well. If you offer to help wash the clothes, for example, your host may insist on doing it for you. If you phrase the question slightly differently, "Could you teach me to wash my clothes Nicaraguan style?" you may have better luck.

To ease into communication you might plan to teach your family some simple games and ask them to teach you some. Games are good ice-breakers which allow a lot of interaction without requiring an extensive vocabulary.

Formality

It is important to appreciate the concept of formality on Ometepe. As a guest from the Sister Island, you may be invited to an event and given special recognition. To show appreciation of this honor, there are several small things you can do -- wear "formal" clothing (skirt or dress for women, dress shirt and slacks for men) to a school graduation; take notes during meetings; ask questions; make a statement of gratitude. These actions show interest and respect.

Culture Shock

If you feel frustrated, depressed, alone or "peopled-out" chances are you are experiencing "The Dreaded Culture Shock." Each person deals with culture shock differently, but the following is a brief list of suggestions to help you:

--Keep a journal. Write out your frustrations. Find a quiet place to write and reflect on your experience.

--Do something you are familiar with. Play a sport, listen to music, take a walk, speak in English.

--You might want to talk about your feelings. Sharing often helps people realize that they are not alone.

Machismo

Some people are very offended by the machismo aspect of Nicaraguan culture. There is no prescribed way of dealing with these frustrations. It is an issue that Nicaraguan women are often willing to talk about. Dialogue seems to be a very effective way to understand and better cope with cultural differences.

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It is important to read about Nicaraguan history and culture before your trip. You may borrow some books from BOSIA. Remember that you are part of the Sisters Islands Association. Your opinions and actions will be associated with the group. It is challenging and worthwhile at times to set aside your opinions to listen to Nicaraguans. It is also useful to express your own ideas. Sister Islands projects provide a wonderful opportunity for cross-cultural exchange of ideas.

Gifts

Often when people travel to Ometepe they live with host families. By sharing the joys and struggles of daily life on Ometepe, very special friendships emerge. Islanders from both communities gain a deeper understanding of a foreign culture and an appreciation of the different challenges each face. When we return to our homes in the North we want to leave a "recuerdo" with our friends and "family" on Ometepe. Gift-giving is a sensitive issue in both cultures. It is essential to show one's appreciation for Nicaraguan hospitality while also respecting the Nicaraguans' sense of dignity and pride. Although it may be tempting to leave lavish gifts with one's host family, it is important to remember that our relationship is based on community cooperation and a growing sense of international awareness and understanding. Gifts should reflect these principles. Lavish gifts also set up competition among folks on Ometepe.

Some Suggested Gifts and "Recuerdos"

Photos or a little photo album of your family Post cards of Bainbridge

Calendars with scenes of life in the U.S. Flashlights and batteries

Books in Spanish Spanish-English dictionary

Maps Caps, hair accessories, bandannas

Tee shirts Kazoos or harmonicas (muy popular!)

Pocket knives, tools Cassette tapes of popular music

Artwork Colored pens or pencils, crayons

Canvas tote bags Small balls, jacks sets, playing cards for kids

PACKING LIST

The following is a check list of items that previous delegates have found useful during their travels to Ometepe.

Jeans or lighter weight long pants--these protect from sun and mosquitos

Skirt or slacks for "events"

Quick-drying "long" shorts --- short shorts are inappropriate

Lightweight, loosely woven shirts are cooler than tee shirts

Cotton tee shirts

Light weight rain jacket/wind breaker (not necessary for spring trip)

Socks, underwear

Closed shoes for hiking and working outdoors

Sandals

Swimsuit Fabric hat

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Toilet paper Tampons

Deodorant Soap

Toothbrush Toothpaste

Shampoo Brush or Comb

Razors Contact lens supplies

Laundry bar soap or liquid detergent

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Sunscreen (high protection for tropical sun) Alarm clock and /or watch

Insect repellent with DEET (prevents insect-borne diseases)

MALARIA PILLS

First aid kit

Anti-Bacterial ointment

Alka-seltzer, aspirin, acetomenaphen or ibuprophen

Imodium

Pepto Bismol

Water purification tablets and/or fine filter

Your prescriptions (in their original bottles)

Septra or Tetracycline for intestinal bacteria (check with your physician)

(Tetracycline increases sensitivity to sunlight.)

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Towel Water bottles

Sleeping sheet 2Plastic bags

Flashlight Pocket knife

Batteries Sunglasses

Pens, pencils Spanish/English dictionary

Notebook Camera

Sewing kit Address Book

Money belt Film

All this will fit in a carry-on suitcase/backpack style bag.

CONFIRMATION OF TRAVEL

It is essential to reconfirm your international travel plans 72 yours in advance. If you will not be near a phone, be sure to make other arrangements.

IMMUNIZATIONS

This is only a guide. Please check with your county health department for updated recommendations.

1. Tetanus-diphtheria -- booster within 5 years

2. Polio -- One lifetime booster after original series

3. Typhoid -- shots or pills

a.Typhim Vi injection: Booster dose needed every two years. Primary

vaccination is a single injection. For people two-years old or older.

b. Typhoid injection: Booster required within 3 years. If you have not

had a typhoid shot before, you will need one at least 6 weeks ahead,

followed by a booster at least 2 weeks before arrival in Nicaragua. These shots give a fever reaction and arm pain, so try to plan a convenient

time. (Pregnancy warning.)

c. Pills: available at Kitsap County Health Dept. This is a series of 4 capsules which should be completed 3 weeks before travel. The series takes 8 days and protects for 5 years. For people six years old or older. Currently difficult to find.

4. Hepatitis A--vaccination protects from Hepatitis A, which is spread through fecal contamination. Two shots six months apart. The first injection, at two weeks before, will protect for the trip.

5. Chloroquin for protection against malaria -- take weekly for one to two weeks before your trip, during the trip, and for 4 weeks after you return home. Take weekly on the same day. Take with meal to avoid nausea. The generic cholorquin has been scarce lately, so you may need the more expensive Aralen.

6. Cholera -- check with the Health Department to see if Nicaragua is currently a risk area. Injections provide a 40-50% protection (i.e. decrease in severity of illness). Tetracycline is recommended at onset of symptoms. Check with your physician and the Health Dept. before deciding on your protection.

7. Hepatitis B -- recommended for everyone, especially health care workers people who will come into contact with blood or needles, and long-term volunteers. Shots are a series of 3 (one, another one month later, the third six months later). These are expensive, but probably give lifetime protection.