Cultural Do’s and Don’ts
(Rules of Engagement)

First, Do No Harm

• Do not promise or suggest something you can do unless you are 100% committed to doing it.
• Do not give out cash.
• Seek to build relationships rather than doing. We do not want to give the impression that WE can fix everything and that Haitians are helpless. They are intelligent, resourceful and hardworking. Our objective is to serve together.
• Do not be judgmental. The Haitian way differs from the American way. Both cultures have pros and cons. Our objective is to share cultures and learn from each other.    
• Remember your place (you are a visitor!).
• We do not understand what is happening in the town on a daily basis, nor do we fully understand the culture. When visiting, it is tempting to see the injustices of a culture and want to correct them. Resist.
• Be flexible and forgiving; they are giving us the same courtesy.

DO

• Treat everyone you work with and meet with the same respect and love that Christ offers you.
• Interact with people. Always say "Bonjour” or "Bonswa."
• Pray for God to open your eyes to the Haitian culture as a means for sharing Christ.
  
  
  Questions? Please contact Elizabeth Hosinski (elizabeth@cchaiti.org).