September 15, 2005 | Read Time: 1 minute
The Humanitarian Companion: A Guide for International Aid, Development and Human Rights Workers, by John H. Ehrenreich, offers advice on how to overcome the challenges and risks of providing relief to people facing a humanitarian crisis. Mr. Ehrenreich, a psychology professor at the State University of New York College at Old Westbury, has organized the book to reflect chronologically the phases of an overseas assignment. He begins by discussing how to assess one’s suitability for humanitarian work and the characteristics, abilities, and skills that could be potential liabilities or strengths. The book continues with a discussion of safety and security on the job, followed by advice for staying healthy and managing stress. The last two chapters aim to help humanitarian workers understand the emotional impact their work can have on the people they are aiding, and make the transition back to home life after an assignment has concluded. Supplementary materials include a checklist of what to do and what to take along on assignment, a first-aid manual, relaxation exercises, other guidelines for helping employees manage stress, and references to additional resources.
Publisher: Stylus Publishing, 22883 Quicksilver Drive, Sterling, Va. 20166-2012; (703) 996-1039; fax (703) 661-1547; http://styluspub.com/Books/Features.aspx; 170 pages; $25.95; ISBN 1-85339-601-x.
