The national AFL-CIO is coordinating efforts to help families in Puerto Rico recover in the aftermath of the hurricane. A plane has been charted and will fly from Newark to Puerto Rico the morning of Wednesday, October 4, 2017. Thanks to an outpouring of support from our brothers and sisters across all sectors of the labor movement, the plane is already filled to capacity.
However, we still encourage our affiliates to fill out a volunteer form to be placed on standby in case space opens up or additional transport is arranged. CLICK HERE to download a volunteer form, which you can e-mail to Communications Coordinator Lee Sandberg at lsandberg@njaflcio.org or fax to 609-989-8734. In the case that you are selected for this mission, you will be contacted directly and given all the necessary directions.
There is a need for specialists in construction, transportation and healthcare staff. There will also be a need for able-bodied volunteers who can help with removing debris and general clean up. There is no cost for airfare. Housing, food, and water will be provided, but sleeping arrangements will be on cots at the Coliseum in San Juan. There is limited cell phone service on the island and there is no internet/Wi-Fi in the Coliseum.
Individuals will be assigned work based on their professional experience, skills and the changing needs on the ground. Typically indoor work (such as doctors and nurses) may be asked to work in facilities with limited power, decaying services, etc. Typically, outdoor work (such as construction and transportation) will be in the heat. Expect tropical conditions with humidity and high heat. Each work assignment will be different, but expect long work shifts.