VICE-President 2009-10 - SHem BUNDI

Background

In October 2008, I completed an Honours BA in Applied Disaster & Emergency Studies and Philosophy from Brandon University. I also obtained a Certificate in Justice Studies from Brandon University and a Certificate in Crash and Rescue Operations from Kenya Air Force. My interests in Disaster & Emergency Management include Disaster Ethics in an international context. In addition to my educational interests, I have a desire to help students excel in post secondary education. In October 2008, I founded a post-secondary education consultant and placement agency for international students, new immigrants and local students in Canada (www.myisap.com)

Vision for DEMSA

I had an opportunity to review DEMSA’s constitution and Vision Statement, I quickly learned that despite this being a new student organization in an emerging field, a lot has been achieved. However, since York's MA-DEM stands out as an internationally recognized program, there is more to be accomplished to make DEMSA a unique student organization.

First, as a Vice President for this organization I believe a system works better with a Mission Statement and Values to support DEMSA’s current (and brilliant!) vision. The council (with assistance from DEMSA members) should draft the Mission Statement and Values for the organization and have a timeline in which to accomplish this goal.

Also, I understand that a new undergraduate program will soon be introduced at York. As Vice President, I believe I can help provide the leadership needed for DEMSA to assist the DEM department with information dissemination and promotion of the program to prospective candidates.

While our goal is to expand our network to established Disaster and Emergency Management, it is also vital to promote disaster awareness to the larger community. Therefore, I believe DEMSA should look towards expanding the information on its website. Furthermore, graduates of MA-DEM will need to network with potential EM agencies for future employment. Expanding our website will help employers understand the MA-DEM program and what its strengths are.

In addition, as graduates of MA-DEM it’s necessary to seek partnership with internationally recognized EM agencies to negotiate for certification upon completion of DEM program.

In the past few weeks we have seen several opportunities for DEM professional conferences in which DEMSA members can networking, however the fee charged on these conferences are equivalent to the cost of part-time student. As your Vice President I will negotiate discount rates (or free access) to attend disaster & emergency conferences; I believe you can agree with me that there is no networking if DEMSA members can’t afford attending these highly expensive conferences.
To summarize, I believe that DEMSA's vision captures the major theme for the MA-DEM program; "to encourage, stimulate and enrich the academic and social interests of its members in the field and related fields of disaster and emergency management". How I intend to promote this vision comes my ability to work with and listen to MA-DEM students to advance our program's goals.

What is the advantage of electing me? The advantage of electing me is that: I bring diverse knowledge in Ethics, Society, and Disaster & Emergency Management. While we just met, I interact well when or if I have understood your goals. I am confident that my skills, experience and placement expertise makes me the right candidate for this position.   

Finally if according to your conscience you think I can be of assistance I am willing to take up any position that I could serve you!!!!