Derek Dell loves meeting new people. As an avid backpacker, encountering other travelers thrills him. As does deepening relationships and helping out when needed.

“Once you know someone, connecting becomes easier and more personal,” he says. “If I can help someone with a project, mission, or job, I’m always happy to write an email or make a phone call if I know someone else can contribute.”

Derek in Jérémie
(photo courtesy Derek Dell)

“When you’re working in a developing country, your mission is always similar to others,” he says. “No one takes sides.”

Jérémie is one of the poorer and more isolated cities in Haiti. Dubbed the “city of poets,” it sits on the lower peninsula of the country and is cut off from the national highway. There are some bigger nonprofits in the area, and a number of smaller ones, and sometimes they work together.

Derek hopes the Idealist Network can add to the existing partnerships, and create new ones. He’s also hoping to meet other like-minded people in the area. His next step? Recruit more members to be on the Team.

“Realists and dreamers are all welcome,” he says. “No ideas are too small or too large.”

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If you’re a one person Team, how have you been finding other members? Let us know in the comments!

Do you live in Jérémie or nearby? Join Derek! No? Look for a Connector Team near you.