WHO WE ARE

Our “cascading” delivery model and philosophy (we train and mentor local facilitators in their own communities, so they can then share techniques and train others in their communities), began in 1986. The key concepts of the GFSC model were developed by Dr. Gilbert Brenson-Lazan and María Mercedes Sarmiento Díaz (1947-2003), who focused on psychosocial reconstruction after natural and social disasters. In 1986, they worked with the victims of the Arenas volcano eruption and the subsequent avalanche that buried Armero, one of the most beautiful towns in Colombia. Twenty-five thousand people lost their lives and another two hundred thousand people were affected by human and financial losses. Gilbert and “Mechas” wrote several self-help manuals for adults, children, and professionals that assisted in recovery work. Over the years, these manuals have been updated to reflect new research and effective techniques and are available from the GFSC Online Library.

Since the Armero tragedy, nearly a thousand professionals have been trained and advised in these techniques in Latin America (Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru and Venezuela), Europe (Spain and Poland), Australia, Asia (Hong Kong, Malaysia, Nepal, Philippines, Taiwan), Canada and the US. GFSC facilitated a dynamic and successful process of community capacity development in New Orleans, in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. We also work with the Los Angeles Mayor's Office of Emergency Preparedness, training community volunteers.

The success of our support to the communities, institutions and professionals that provide aid to the victims and others affected by some tragedy directly or indirectly, is possible in large part, by the hundreds of professionals and other volunteers who have been trained to work in this area, and from people who have donated time and money to train hundreds of facilitators and distribute thousands of manuals.

Our process and distribution system apply in many more change situations than were originally defined. These help communities build the resilience and self-reliance necessary to meet future challenges in more positive and productive ways. Ideally, our goal is to reach communities before a disaster strikes, rather than in reaction to a tragedy. To address the needs of communities around the world, GFSC seeks to leverage existing technology to communicate, guide and consult with organizations, communities and facilitators, wherever they are.

All workshops are adapted to meet the needs of the applicant group. They can vary in duration from 1/2 day to 2 full days (or more), depending on the audience and the needs of the community. All participants receive a manual and documentation of the workshop activities. Contact us to discuss how to work with local institutions or organizations in your area.

GFSC's Comprehensive Fundamental Workshop is titled “Crisis> Change> Choice - Building Personal and Community Resilience” (formerly Facilitating Disaster and Crisis Intervention). It is aimed at facilitators, organizations and community leaders. The basic elements of this workshop are: learning to learn as a community, remembering and understanding initial reactions to crises, identifying effective and ineffective behaviors and strategies, applying effective leadership styles, taking care of yourself when caring for others, helping the local community to plan how to share the model (cascade it and share effective techniques throughout the community).
GFSC can also offer, upon request, virtual workshops or webinars on topics related to community resilience development and psychosocial recovery after disasters and crises, designed to meet the needs of participants / communities.

GFSC believes that individuals and communities are capable of self-determination and that facilitation is an effective catalyst for building, rebuilding and maintaining self-sufficient communities. By sharing our knowledge, experience and love, we make it easier for communities, agencies and organizations to identify and achieve their goals.

Encourage participation: so that each member of the group contributes their unique perspective.

Maintain Neutrality: in all our work without a political or religious agenda.

Promote sustainability: share strategies, skills and techniques to face the challenges of the future.

Serving communities in need: even if they lack sufficient resources to pay for our services.

Offer mentoring to local networks: to meet the needs of their own communities.

Encourage altruism: for volunteers to develop opportunities that improve the quality of community life.

Take care of ourselves and others: accept, learn, grow as individuals and as a community.