the first Haitian-American congress and convention

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NATIONAL CONGRESS AND CONVENTION OF HAITIAN-AMERICANS
"Going Beyond Band-Aids" - Mobilizing the Potential of Haitian-Americans

SHERATON AIRPORT HOTEL, NEWARK, NEW JERSEY
Friday, October 10th - Sunday, October 12th, 2008

be advised both Obama and Mcain are schedule to speak at the first haitian-american congress.

wycleff jean will be honored at the congress.

the haitian prime minister and 5 others ministers are schedules to speak at the convention.

September 25, 2008

Dear...

Friends

On behalf of The Haitian League, its friends and partners, please accept our invitation to participate in the first National Congress and Convention of Haitian-Americans, Friday-Sunday October 10-12 at the Sheraton Airport Hotel, Newark, New Jersey.

Your presence and support as a community representative, interest group member, speaker, sponsor, donor or exhibitor will be invaluable.

Complete registration materials are attached.

The congress is meant to be a weekend of authoritative reports, appeals for action, bold initiatives and spirited discussion to identify and mobilize the potential of more than two million Haitians in America.

The aim is to improve living conditions and opportunities, both here and in Haiti, through coordinated programs that are a match for the problems at hand. We intend to "go beyond band-aids" so that painful problems, once solved, will stay solved - the essence of sustainable development.

Sadly, the problems at hand this year have become worse than imaginable.

Haitians in America are particularly vulnerable to economic downturns, company layoffs, and housing- and financial-sector failures.

These affect Haitians who are trying to feed, clothe and educate their children.

At the same time, Haitians in Haiti are being strangled and starved by sudden high prices and food shortages, and buried in the mud and debris of recent hurricanes.

The full impact has not yet been assessed but it seems that this year's combination of natural and manmade disaster is unprecedented in living memory.

Millions are displaced; the expected response has not yet met the demand for relief and recovery.

In the past month, organizations including The Haitian League have been gathering and sending relief supplies and organizing emergency missions to towns and villages they have long supported.

This is, indeed, the right time for a congress to address the need for remedies -- disaster preparedness, reforesting mountainsides, land planning, restoring damaged communities, managing water, building more lakes, supplying resources for homes, infrastructure, food production and private investment.

A momentum has gathered that needs to be continued with more emphasis to Haiti's crisis.

Now a better part of the congress will be devoted to Haiti's plight.

Both here and in Haiti, it is a time for change, not business as usual.

We welcome your comments and suggestions and thank you in advance for your participation and generosity.

Yours truly

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: September 21, 2008
Zaida Torres torreszthl at gmail.com
Phone: 973.371.0089 Fax: 973.372-7677

"BEYOND BAND-AIDS"
NATIONAL CONGRESS OF HAITIAN-AMERICANS TO PROMOTE
RAPID RESPONSE TO HAITI'S EMERGENCY

In the midst of agonizing costs and foreboding food shortages, Haitians are suddenly also suffering the ravages of hurricanes that struck Haiti over the past month.

Wind, rain and rising waters destroyed much of this year's harvest, the peasants' cattle, crops and the people's spirits.

The storms swirled over the whole country, dumped massive amounts of rain, blew down orchards and forests, swamped and destroyed homes, bridges, marketplaces, and businesses.

Everywhere, there are livestock carcasses, wrecked and abandoned vehicles, overturned boats, uprooted trees, downed power lines, and flooded roads.

According to various sources, more than 500 were killed, one million are homeless, hundreds of thousands are in shelters and 600,000 are helpless, including 300,000 children.

"The challenge is not only Mother Nature, but unpreparedness, the failure to reforest the mountains and manage water, and the uncertainty of relief resource supplies, including materials to rebuild homes, and earthmovers, seeds and tools to replant crops before the end of the year," said Dr. Bernier Lauredan, President of The Haitian League, Irvington, New Jersey.

"The job is to combine emergency response with long-term development.

It is difficult, but not impossible."

On September 20, The Haitian League held an ecumenical service for Haiti where two of their honored guests, Max Antoine and Israna Germain, described the hurricanes' aftermath and appealed for help. Later, they were joined by Ambassador Guy Lamothe, of Haiti's Diaspora investment program, when it was decided to devote most of the congress time to Haiti and the Haitian Americans response.

This week, The Haitian League and other partner associations announced that their National Congress of Haitian Americans, Friday through Sunday October 10-12 at the Sheraton Airport Hotel, Newark, New Jersey, will also host a large delegation of Haitian dignitaries, specialists and community representatives who will report on Haiti's storm damage and propose initiatives combined with international cooperation and aid. "For Haitian victims, we intend to go beyond band-aids," Lauredan said. Special sessions devoted to Haiti will begin Friday evening October 10, then continue Saturday morning and afternoon October 11, then conclude with a Gala dinner and fundraiser Saturday night.

Sessions Sunday October 12 will focus on the state of Haitians in America.

Basic registration for the three days is $100, plus an optional $250 for those who want to attend formal Saturday evening Gala dinner and fundraiser.

More details are available at haitianleague.org/congress/index.aspx

FOCUS ON HAITI: "BEYOND BAND-AIDS"

MORNING SESSION - POST-HURRICANEREPORTS & INITIATIVES

8:00 AM - 8:40 AM- POST-HURRICANE REPORTS:
Overview/moderation: Max Antoine II.
Video and evidence of the storm damages: Disaster office
Impacts on hunger and agriculture: Mr. Jonas Gay
Impacts on environment and Infrastructure: Mrs. Germain
Impacts on jobs and governance: PM. Office

9 AM -9:40 AM- LEAVING HAITI
Overview/moderation Joseph Champagne, Esq
Immigration law governing admission to the US, PENDING US.Congressman Conyers
Legal Residencies, Citizenship and their Advantages, Lyonel jean Baptiste, Esq.
Deportation/Removal Proceedings, Temporary Protective Status Michelle Karshan
Uneven application of Immigration Law toward Haitians Landrew Belizaire, Esq.
Next steps action: Awareness, solutions: Lakou USA: Stuart Leiderman

10 AM -10:40 AM Hunger and Sustainable Development:
Overview/moderation:
Where are the arable lands and who is cultivating them: Mr. Jonas Gay
Origin of Hunger and Required resources to Feed Haiti: G. Germain
Practical Skills and Education tools for Nation Building Fr. Armand
Self-Reliance and True Independence from Imported Food FAES
Next steps action: Talent, skills, and knowledge transfer to Haiti: Audience

11 AM -11:40 AM- Infrastructure as deterrence to Economic Development
Overview/moderation:
Lack and Effect of consistent electricity, water and roads:
Lack and Effect of legal infrastructure and Justice Camille Leblanc, esq.
Lack and Effect of Insecurity.

UN
Impact on Cost of living & creation of a larger middle class: Chamber of commerce
Potential solutions toward an eventual end of the issues: Audience

12 PM - 12:50 PM- Lunch & Entertainment

AFTERNOON SESSION HA ITIAN AND GLOBAL RESPONSES:

1 PM - 1:40 PM- Deforestation and Water Management Initiatives
Overview/moderation
Effect (natural disasters) of deforestation on the environment: Mr.Germain
Sustainable water management methods Mr. Celestin
The Pandiassou experience Fr. Armand
Prevention initiatives, guidelines, and infrastructure game plan: Israna Germain
Proposed Solutions to resolve this issue; Audience

2 PM - 2:50 PM- Haiti as Perceived by Haitian-Americans
Overview/moderation
Perspective of Haitian-Americans regarding state of Haiti
Population & Social Classes,
Environment
International Relations: Mr. Raynald Clerisme
What can we do specifically to change these images/perspectives?

Audience

3 PM - 3:50 PM- Foreign Aid: Does it help or hurt the Haitian Society?

Overview/moderation: Stuart Leiderman
Sources & Destinations* World Bank.
Foreign Aid Dependency & Relation with DSNCRP* Minister of Finance
Can the Haitian government set aid guidelines to foster independence?

Sister City Relations Mayor Wayne Smith / Dr. Aldy Castor
What does it take to Free Haiti from?

Cases & Assessment; Audience

4 PM - 4:50 PM- Haitian Diaspora and the Motherland
Overview/moderation
The Importance of Security for Investments in Haiti Placide Michel (C)
Need to harness the Diaspora's talents and skills and resources
Need to Channel Our Remittances to a centralized Diaspora Bank, Marcel Fontin (P)
Creation of a secured Diaspora Bond
Advantage of Investments in Haiti i.e. land, creating businesses...

Amb Guy Lamothe.

(C)

8PM- 12:00 AM- GALA DINNER & CELEBRATION

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2008
FOCUS ON HAITIANS IN AMERICA- THE UNTAPPED POTENTIAL

8 AM - 8:40 AM- "Haitians in America" - State-by-state roll call, statistics
"Haitian in Canada"

9 AM- 9:40 AM- Socioeconomic status: "Poverty in Haitian America"
Overview/moderation
Education as bar to social and economic success Dr. Nicole Loiseau
Employment and Employability of Haitians
Housing & Health Care Access
Community services Access
Next steps action: Better services, language barrier, interpreters, seminars in home language, ad,

10 AM -10:40 AM - Paths to Achievement in America
Overview/moderation
Business/Entrepreneurship, Professions
Public Service, Government
Sports
Arts & Entertainment
Next steps action: can we serve as mentor the next generation?

11 -11:40 AM- Importance of Haitian-American Involvement in U.S. Politics
Overview/moderation
How to get involved in local, state, national and international politics?

Why is it important to be involved in the U.S.?

Next steps action: How can we be more involved in U.S. politics?

(Volunteer in offices, how to seek office etc.)

11-12:00 PM- "Dual Citizenship: Stimulus or Sidetrack?"
Overview/moderation
A look at pros and cons
Tax benefit for Haiti Option for attracting, bringing back and retaining the financially stable, professional and educational resources of the Haitian Diaspora Process, consequences, and Opportunities.

12-1:00 PM- Lunch, performance, exhibits

1 PM - 2 PM- Dual Citizenship Proposal

2- 3:00 PM- Closing General Session
Deliberations
Summary of Weekend Events
Acknowledgments
Next Steps

REGISTRATION

To accommodate the largest number of participants, we appreciate your prompt application and registration.

If you have any questions, please contact Zaida Torres at 973.371.0089 or torreszthl at gmail.com or visit haitianleague.org/congress/index.aspx Thank you!

PLEASE ACCEPT MY APPLICATION TO PARTICIPATE AS:

__ SUPER DELEGATE (Haitian-American elected or appointed official or civic leader)

__ DELEGATE (Haitian-American representing a community or interest group)

__ NON-DELEGATE (general public, both Haitian-American and others)

__ PANELIST (please indicate panel of choice from the attached schedule)

__ CANDIDATE (please indicate your election district or jurisdiction)

__ SPONSOR (please refer to attachment)

__ EXHIBITOR/ADVERTISER (please refer below)

STREET

CITY, STATE, ZIP

TELEPHONE__________________

ENCLOSED PLEASE FIND FOR MY CHOICE(S):

$______ BASIC REGISTRATION all sessions, but not including Gala, $100/person

$______ SATURDAY EVE GALA DINNER/FUNDRAISER add $250/person

$______ EXHIBIT __display table $500 __space for your booth, $2000

$______ ADVERTISEMENT, in souvenir program __Full-page, $1000 __Half-page, $500
__Quarter-page, $300 __Business-card, $100

$______ DONOR/SPONSOR, at the level of _______ (Gold, Silver, etc. per attached)

$______ I am unable to attend, but please accept my tax-deductible contribution.

$______ TOTAL ENCLOSED

PAYMENT BY SECURE WEBSITE www.thlnet.org or by post mail to

DONOR AND SPONSOR OPPORTUNITIES

We welcome all levels of tax-deductible donations toward delegates' expense, onsite cost and event preparation.

Please return this form or call for details, 973.371.0089

___ DIAMOND ($100,000) gives full access to sessions, VIP lounge, speakers/dignitaries,
5 tables of 10 for the Saturday Gala, speaking privileges at selected sessions, display tables/exhibit space, name recognition in rooms/programs.

___ PLATINUM ($50,000) gives full access to sessions, VIP lounge, speakers/dignitaries,
3 tables of 10 for Saturday Gala, speaking privileges at selected sessions, display tables/exhibit space, name recognition in rooms/programs.

___ GOLD ($25,000) gives full access to sessions, VIP lounge, speakers/dignitaries,
2 tables of 10 for Saturday Gala, display table, name recognition in rooms/programs.

___ SILVER ($10,000) gives full access to sessions, VIP lounge, one table of 10 to the Saturday Gala, display table, name recognition in rooms/programs.

___ BRONZE ($5,000) gives full access to sessions and VIP lounge, five tickets to the Saturday Gala, display table, name recognition rooms/programs.

___ SPONSOR OR COSPONSOR RECEPTIONS, MEALS, PANELS ($5,000-$15,000) helps us keep registration fees as low as possible, gives donor full access to sessions, VIP lounge, speakers/dignitaries, display space, name recognition, Saturday Gala tickets.

___ SPONSOR A DELEGATE ($1000) toward travel, hotel, meals, registration of Haitian-American delegates, gives full access to sessions and VIP lounge, 2 tickets for Saturday Gala, name recognition in rooms/programs.

___ EXHIBITOR ($500-$3000) gives access to sessions and Saturday Gala ticket(s).

___ ADVERTISER ($100-1,000) gives name recognition in rooms, printed programs.

___ OTHER DONATIONS of materials, lodging, travel, equipment, facilities and services gratefully welcomed and appreciated.

Privileges/access commensurate with contribution.

___ INDIVIDUAL ATTENDANCE: A limited number of individual registrations including Saturday Gala are available for $350 per person.

Enclosed is my (our) tax deductible contribution of $__________

NAME, ORGANIZATION

ADDRESS

PHONE, E-MAIL: WE THANK YOU!

Part of proceeds to benefit hunger relief and sustainable development through the "Lakou-Haiti" project of The Haitian League.

Full details at thehaitianleague.org

PREPARING FOR THE NATIONAL CONGRESS AND CONVENTION

Every participant - delegate, superdelegate, speaker, exhibitor, donor, general public - has an important role to play. We will make every effort to help you prepare for the Congress/Convention.

Please call 973.371.0089 or write torreszthl at gmail.com if we can be of help. Thank you!

"DELEGATES" - If you are participating as a delegate, please prepare a brief survey and report (say, five pages) on the population, activities, problems, concerns, and accomplishments of Haitians and Haitian-Americans in your neighborhood, community, city, state, citizens organization or interest group.

We will combine your report with those of other delegates to make a comprehensive picture of life in "Haitian America, 2008." We encourage you to bring photographs, maps and other illustrative material.

We will make time for delegates to give "virtual tours" during the weekend.

"SUPERDELEGATES" - If you are participating as a current or former elected or appointed Haitian-American official or civic leader, we ask you to continue to recruit and assemble delegations from your particular city, state or interest group.

Then, Sunday morning will be the time to lead your delegation in reporting and debating issues of concern, and proposing plans of action for the coming year. Your photographs, videos or films are welcome.

Bring plenty of handouts!

SPEAKERS - If you are participating as a speaker during the topical panels on Saturday, please prepare and send us an advance a copy of your speech or presentation so that we can include it in the Congress/Convention program book. Please also tell us if you will need any special equipment.

CANDIDATES - If you are participating as a candidate for public office, we have scheduled Sunday afternoon for you to address the Congress/Convention about your campaign and positions on issues of concern to the Haitian community.

Your campaign literature is welcomed.

EXHIBITORS - If you are setting up a display table or bringing a booth, we hope you'll "put your best foot forward" with good-looking, informative and engaging exhibits.

Please arrive early on Friday and plan to keep your exhibit open through adjournment Sunday afternoon.

DONORS - If you have made a donation, we want to give you full recognition for your generosity in all meeting rooms and printed material.

Please send us the correct and complete information, as you would like it displayed, including any logos or signage.

A VIP lounge will be available.

GENERAL PUBLIC - The general public is warmly welcomed to participate in all sessions, receptions and Gala Dinner/Fundraiser, by ticket admission.

FOR MORE DETAILS: haitianleague.org/congress/index.aspx

HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS

Congress & Convention participants are responsible for making and paying for their own accommodations.

For convenience, we have asked nearby hotels to hold blocs of rooms for participants, but you must reserve soon. As indicated below, you either call our office or call the hotels directly.

The weekend's activities begin promptly at 6:00 pm, Friday October 10 with a sponsored welcome reception, therefore we advise participants requiring hotels to check in by Friday afternoon.

Please call our event office, 973.371.0089, if you encounter any problems.

SHERATON AIRPORT HOTEL, 128 Frontage Road, Newark, NJ 07114, 973.690.5500, www.sheraton.com/newark
We have reserved 100 rooms at $129 plus tax per night.

The Sheraton has requested that participants contact us directly, so please call us 973.371.0089 as soon as possible.

HOWARD JOHNSON NEWARK AIRPORT, 20 Frontage Road, I-95 Exit 14 & Frontage Road, Newark, NJ 07114, 973.344.1500 www.the.hojo.com/newark02762
We have requested 50 rooms at $65 plus tax per night.

To reserve, please call Gary Panchal.

COURTYARD NEWARK ELIZABETH, 87 Glimcher Realty Way, Elizabeth, NJ 07201,
908-436-9800 marriott.com/hotels/travel/ewrez-c...
We have requested 50 rooms at $125 plus tax per night.

To reserve, please call us.

WYNDHAM GARDEN HOTEL NEWARK LIBERTY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, 550 Rte 1 South, Newark, NJ 07114, 973.824.4000 www.ramadanewark.com/
We have reserved 50 rooms at $95 plus tax per night.

For rooms, call the hotel and mention "Convention of Haitian Americans".

HOTEL-TO-HOTEL TRANSPORTATION - Some of the referenced hotels have offered morning shuttle transportation to the Sheraton.

For others, you may have to drive or taxi. For return, the Sheraton hotel has offered to transport participants back to the referenced hotels.

SUNDAY CHECK-OUT, LUGGAGE - Sessions run continuously on Sunday, therefore participants checking out of their hotels that day should make arrangements for storing luggage.

Accommodations at the Sheraton event site may be limited.

any media who wish to cover the congress and convention please contact Mr. |Hugues Sanon at:973-5178566 or huguesanimator at yahoo.com

Hugues Sanon, October 6 2008, 8:53 AM

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