Developing a Partnership with Native American Nations

1. Developing a Partnership with Native American Nations Roles & Responsibilities of a Red Cross Tribal Liaison

2. Roles & Responsibilities of a Red Cross Tribal Liaison • This is not a “how to” training • This is a “lessons learned” training

3. Roles & Responsibilities of a Red Cross Tribal Liaison Critical Questions • Why is a Tribal liaison needed? • How do we find a Tribal liaison? • What characteristics are we looking for • in a liaison? • Who “selects” the liaison? • possible resources

4. Roles & Responsibilities of a Red Cross Tribal Liaison First Step The liaison must gain support from the responsible Red Cross Chapter. The process to be suggested to the Tribe must first be reviewed with Chapter leadership and “buy off” must occur. Without this, nothing should proceed.

5. Roles & Responsibilities of a Red Cross Tribal Liaison Putting a Partnership in Place • Due diligence • Are there similarities between Nations? • Are there differences between Nations? • How are these similarities/differences handled? • Initial contact – who is present?

6. Roles & Responsibilities of a Red Cross Tribal Liaison How does the liaison establish this relationship? Developing a Mutually Trusting and Honest Relationship • Recognize and honor the sovereign Nation. • Review Red Cross protocol that will be important for • this partnership. • Establish a Tribal contact and always work through • that person unless directed to do otherwise. • Maintain consistent communication with the Tribal • contact.

7. Roles & Responsibilities of a Red Cross Tribal Liaison Developing a Mutually Trusting and Honest Relationship • Make it clear: the purpose of the partnership is not • to give orders on what or how to do anything. • Whatever level of support if requested, be certain to • indicate what can be done and do it. • Never commit or make a promise that cannot or will • not be filled. If a commitment is made that is • discovered not to be possible, immediately contact • the Nation and make amends.

8. Roles & Responsibilities of a Red Cross Tribal Liaison • Make clear that this partnership has no time limits • and is meant to go on in perpetuity. • If MOU’s are requested, do so to meet the Nation’s • needs. • Present options that the Nation can choose from (a • menu) according to their needs and accept their • choice. • Briefly explain available training and its benefits. Developing a Mutually Trusting and Honest Relationship

9. Roles & Responsibilities of a Red Cross Tribal Liaison • If training is requested, be prepared to see that it • happens according to the Tribe’s needs. • Explain the process that can, if desired, lead to a • fully trained Tribal DAT team. • Talk about local and national deployments and • explain that these are voluntary options. Developing a Mutually Trusting and Honest Relationship

10. Roles & Responsibilities of a Red Cross Tribal Liaison • Review the entire subject of shelters and how they • can meet the specifics needs of the Tribe. • Always be willing to go to the site chosen by the Tribe • – including the reservation – for trainings and • meetings. Developing a Mutually Trusting and Honest Relationship

11. Roles & Responsibilities of a Red Cross Tribal Liaison Liaison Responsibilities • Work with the Chapter to ensure that everything • happens according to plan and commitments • are followed-up on. • Always be available to the Tribe and resolve • issues that occur. • Constant relationship between Chapter and Tribe – • provide appropriate feedback to both parties. • This is the beginning of the permanent phase of • “nurturing” by the liaison.

12. Roles & Responsibilities of a Red Cross Tribal Liaison Liaison Responsibilities • The liaison’s position should be as a support role, not a “go-between.” • All of the actual activities between the Tribe and • Red Cross should be directed to the appropriate • Chapter or Tribal member. • Both parties must trust and have faith in the • liaison – if that is lost, the liaison should be • changed.

13. Roles & Responsibilities of a Red Cross Tribal Liaison • The liaison must act as the “gate-keeper” • All members of the Red Cross who are/will be • dealing with Tribal members must maintain the • spirit of mutual trust, respect, and honesty • developed by the liaison. • One insensitive person can reverse the whole • process. • The liaison is the “gate-keeper” until the process can • function on its own. Liaison Responsibilities

14. Roles & Responsibilities of a Red Cross Tribal Liaison Contact Information John Zingg Cell - (509) 991-9093 JohnZingg@gmail.com