UMVIM: Team Leader Resources

Team Leader Handbooks

Anyone who has been a part of a United Methodist Volunteers In Mission (UMVIM) team knows that when everything works, it can be the most extraordinary experience of a person’s life. And there are those who also understand that it can be frustrating and chaotic when things don’t click.

Good UMVIM team experiences don’t just happen; they need to be carefully and thoroughly planned. The key is having committed team leaders who prepare first themselves and then the team.

The UMVIM Team Leader Handbook is designed with the team leader in mind. It has practical help and timelines. It has suggested resources and team-building exercises. It has general information related to any volunteer team experience and includes help for specialized volunteer teams.

Handbooks are available from the UMVIM website.

Team Registration

Prior to taking an UMVIM team into the mission field representing the United Methodist Church, and as a UMVIM trained leader, it is HIGHLY recommended and advised that you register your team through UMVIM, SEJ.

Missional Exchange Grants from the NC Conference

Missional Exchange Grants are intended to encourage UMVIM initiatives by various United Methodist Church organizations. All team leaders from the North Carolina Conference of The United Methodist Church must receive approval from the Conference UMVIM Committee. Training by the Conference UMVIM Committee is required. This enables the team leader to carry out their special responsibilities, understand what is expected as a representative of the United Methodist Church, and obtain the support of the Conference UMVIM Committee. Missional Exchange Grants are limited to $1,000.00 for international destinations and $500.00 for domestic destinations.

NOTE: In order to receive a Missional Exchange Grant from NCC UMVIM, the team leader will be required to attend the team leadership training course offered by the Conference. Leaders must have taken an initial or refresher course within the four-year period prior to the trip. Additionally, teams seeking this grant must register for insurance through UMVIM, SEJ.

Submit an online Missional Exchange Grant application or download a PDF version and send to umvim@nccumc.org.

Grants are also available for persons on your teams needing financial assistance. Please visit the Grants and Scholarships page to access these applications.

Team Insurance

NCC UMVIM strongly encourages obtaining appropriate insurance coverage for teams serving in the field. Too often, teams find out too late that their individual insurance policies do not cover them outside of the United States. UMVIM Teams are advised to check with their current insurance company to find out if coverage is provided for medical costs while serving in mission internationally.

UMVIM offers insurance through the Southeastern Jurisdictional Office of Coordination, which includes coverage for medical costs incurred after accidents but does not include medical costs due to illness. However, a rider is included that provides for medical evacuation in the event of any serious medical emergency or repatriation in the event of a fatality.

Additional coverage for medical costs due to illness may be obtained from UMVIM’s agent directly.

To obtain insurance premium information, proceed to the UMVIM SEJ Insurance page.

Note: Insurance through UMVIM, SEJ is required for teams seeking an NCC UMVIM Missional Exchange Grant. Insurance applications must be received by the UMVIM, SEJ office no later than two weeks prior to the team’s departure.

Team Forms

It is required that team leaders have team members complete the following forms. Team leaders must keep these documents, completed in full, with them during the entirety of the missional exchange.

Required Forms:

These forms are to be kept with the team leader and are not turned into the Conference Coordinator with the exception of the Liability and Photo Release form.

• Liability and Photo Release (must be submited to the Conference Coordinator)
• Medical and Emergency Form
• Mission Covenant
• Notification of Death
• Parental Consent (for minor team members only)
• Missional Safe Sanctuary Guidelines (each team member must receive a copy of this policy)

Additional Forms:

These forms are to help you as a team leader plan and lead your team effectively.

• Team Leader Checklist
• Team Member Application
• Building a Budget
• Missional Partnership Covenant
• Suggested First Aid Kit List
• Team Member Evaluation Form
• Team Orientation Resources
• Suggested Reading