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Evangel to host international disaster relief expert for two-day seminar, Feb. 20-21

Published on Feb 6, 2015 by Kameron Nettleton

The Evangel University Social Sciences Department will present a special two-day disaster relief seminar “Responding to Complex Humanitarian Emergencies,” on Friday, Feb. 20, and Saturday, Feb. 21.

Mike Clark, global initiatives programs advisor at Convoy of Hope, will lead the seminar. Clark has managed humanitarian operations in more than 50 conflicts, disasters and other complex environments.

The event is open to all Evangel University students and the general public, however preregistration is required by Monday, Feb. 16.

The objective of the seminar is to introduce and explore the basic elements of the theory and practice of humanitarian emergency response. The seminar is designed for those interested in pursuing internship, volunteer and/or career opportunities in the humanitarian aid and development sector.

“The partnership with Convoy of Hope provides a great opportunity for the students in our newly formed Global Leadership major to learn about humanitarian responses to emergencies like national disasters,” says Bryan Sanders, chair of the social science department.

“It is also a great way to experience a ‘hands on’ approach to responding to the types of disasters humanitarian organizations experience every day,” he says.

About the speaker

As a humanitarian aid and development practitioner, Mike Clark brings with him comprehensive knowledge of international humanitarian aid architecture, humanitarian reform, operational security management and aid policy issues.

He has a masters degree in humanitarian logistics and management from the University of Lugano, Switzerland, and is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Groningen, Netherlands.

Clark currently serves as senior humanitarian affairs consultant for VOX Relief Group (United Arab Emirates) and as programs advisor at Convoy of Hope (USA).

Schedule of events

  • Friday, Feb. 20, 6 p.m. — The first day will take place in Evangel’s Cantrell Student Union on the second floor, in the west conference room. Cantrell is located just west of the clock tower in the center of campus.
  • Saturday, Feb. 21, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. — The second day will take place at the Convoy of Hope Operations Center, 330 South Patterson, in Springfield.

During the last two hours of the Saturday portion of the seminar, those in attendance will participate in a dynamic disaster response exercise that will simulate a real-time humanitarian emergency.

For additional information or to register for the seminar, contact the Evangel University Social Science Department at (417) 865-2815, ext. 8213.