HOW WE WORK
FRONTLINE RELIEF
Front Line Relief is one of the principle components of the actions performed by the Free Burma Rangers. FBR operates by equipping and empowering small teams with the skills and tools necessary to perform relief missions under any circumstances. The result of this decentralized strategy leads to more pinpointed aid adjusted to the needs of individual communities in some of the most rural areas of the countries in which FBR operates. In this regard, FBR’s unofficial guiding principle is: do not be led by comfort or fear, but be led by love.
Ranger teams primarily serve by doing casualty evacuation, performing medical clinics, buying and transporting food to areas in need, distributing clothing, putting on Good Life Clubs, and sharing the love of Jesus.
CAPACITY BUILDING
FBR, in cooperation with local pro-democracy ethnic groups, conduct combined training programs on ethnic unity, leadership and relief activities in Burma. The program integrates seminars and training sessions covering ethnic unity, leadership, capacity building, humanitarian relief, medical assistance, reporting and advocacy.
The teams receive training in ethnic issues, leadership, ethics, conflict resolution, public health, first aid, advanced medical and basic dental care, human rights interviewing and documentation, reporting, counseling, video and still photography, map and compass, land navigation, sketching, mule and horse packing, swimming, lifesaving, rappelling, rope bridge building, river crossing techniques, security, solar power and battery management, communications, planning, operation orders and the history of ethnic nationalities of Burma.
GET THE NEWS OUT
Human Rights & Conflict Monitoring is a key part of the mission of the Free Burma Rangers. FBR’s network exists throughout Burma and has access to many areas that journalists or conflict monitors cannot normally reach. Through this network, FBR is able to obtain eye-witness testimony, video and photographic proof, and interviews on some of the most pressing news affecting Burma. All of FBR’s teams are equipped with video and photographic cameras, as well as reporting books, computers and communications devices.
It is the intention of FBR to continue to utilize its recorded information for the pursuit of truth, justice and reconciliation in Burma. Reports and international pressure resulting partially from the FBR videos caused the government of Burma to admit that airstrikes were taking place and have temporarily halted attacks in the past.
OUR APPROACH
FBR's approach allows us to bring help, hope, and love where most aid does not reach.
FBR team members are sent to Ranger training by their parent organizations, and upon completion, return to work in their home areas. Working with local leadership, FBR coordinates and supports the teams’ relief missions. This integration with local organizations means our teams have a grassroots level of access and information.