National Animal Health Emergency Response Corps (NAHERC)

Hey All -
One more email I wanted to share with you regarding the NAHERC (who will be represented at the AVMA conference this Fall). This is a government based volunteer organization, that we as vet students can join, to be on call for any natural disasters or disease outbreaks. The tours can last from 21-30 days and you are fully compensated during this time. I pasted some information from their website (http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/ep/naherc/) below and please check out the post comments for the copy of the email sent to me.

What is the National Animal Health Emergency Response Corps (NAHERC)?

When an animal health emergency occurs, an immediate response is necessary to protect both animals and people. The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will look to many sources to obtain the veterinary personnel needed to help meet the critical staffing needs of such an emergency.

In 2001, APHIS established the NAHERC to respond to exotic disease outbreaks and other disasters which effect livestock, poultry, companion animals, and wildlife. More volunteers are urgently needed to assure a decisive response to any potential animal health crises.

NAHERC staff duties during an outbreak or emergency may include:

• Companion animal care
• Boarding, sheltering and evacuation
• Conducting surveillance
• Examining herds or flocks for signs of disease
• Collecting specimens
• Vaccinating animals
• Conducting post-mortem examinations
• Euthanizing animals
• Supervising the disposal of animal carcasses
• Collecting epidemiological information
• Inspecting livestock markets, trucks and vehicles
• exotic, avian, research animal & zoo care and duties

Who May Join NAHERC?

• Veterinarians with a valid United States veterinary diploma from an accredited program.
• Animal Health Technicians (AHTs) and Veterinary Technicians with a diploma and/or equivalent experience. (this includes vet students)
  
• College students are eligible under the Student Educational Employment Program if they are:
  • A student enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a degree-seeking student in a four or five year university program.
  • At least the minimum age required by federal, state, or local laws and standards governing the employment of minors.

Get Information about the Application Process

How to apply:

• Veterinary Medical Officer (VMO)
  
• Animal Health Technician (AHT)

UNESCO Traveling Fellowship

Hey all,

I received an email from the global certificate program regarding this travel fellowship that can pay up to $2500 for a project you may be doing during the year in a foreign country.

The fellowship will help fund a proposal designed by the applicant to conduct brief work in a foreign country related to the mandate of UNESCO – using education, natural sciences, social and human sciences, culture, and/or communication and information to build strong ties among nations. The fellowship is intended for American college/university students who express an interest in international collaboration but as of yet had not been afforded many opportunities to travel abroad. The length of time for the travel is expected to be between 4 and 6 weeks and should include interaction with individuals from other nations. During his/her travel, the recipient should be willing to participate in public diplomacy events arranged with the pertinent U.S. State Department Consulate, Mission, and/or Embassy. Following the travel, the recipient agrees to submit a report describing experiences and analyzing objectives achieved; share his/her experiences with others; and be available to make a presentation at the Annual Meeting of the U.S. National Commission for UNESCO.

There appears to be two rounds of funding:
Fall/Winter - Deadline August 5th at 5pm EST
Spring/Summer - Deadline April 23 at 7pm EST

The criteria for applying:

• Must be a U.S. Citizen eligible for foreign travel
• Must be at least 18 years old and not older than 25 at the time of application
• Must be currently enrolled in an accredited U.S. college or university in the United States

(So us old farts can't apply but that just means there is less competition for everyone else!)

The Application Package:
All material must be submitted electronically to the U.S. National Commission for UNESCO Executive Secretariat (DCUNESCO@state.gov) by the deadline.

• Completed Application Coversheet (form DS-7646)
• One page summary of project, including items that help provide a concise, clear understanding of proposal, such as:
  • Goal/Objectives/Outcomes
  • Timeline
  • Budget, funding and plan for supplementary funding should it be needed to complete objectives
  • Methodology for monitoring/evaluating success
  • Action plan/ideas for follow-on activities, public diplomacy
  • Any relevant resources or photos
• Essay (up to 500 words, double spaced) stating interest in being considered for the award
• Current résumé
• One page letter of recommendation
• Availability via phone the week of August 19 should you be called for an interview

Please check out the following link for more information: http://www.state.gov/p/io/unesco/103476.htm