Atlas corps

Yatin: Introduction

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

Hi Everyone,

My name is Yatin Sethi and I am an Atlas Corps 2008 Fellow. This is my first post and I would like to give you a little background about myself and how I got to apply for Atlas Corps Fellowship.

I have a different background than my co-fellows. I completed my engineering in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and was working for 3 years with various corporate firms. Concurrently, I co-founded a couple of non-profit organizations - Pankhudi Foundation (www.pankhudifoundation.org) and doSomething (www.dosomething.in) in Bangalore, India.

I always had an interest in doing something different. I had started working with non-profits since my college days. I met various people and went to several places across India, which helped me understand the conditions in which people are living in India. Once I was out of college, I joined with a few like-minded people and started a group to work for the benefit of under-privileged people.

We started small but started growing really fast, similar to an organization. We had the responsibility to manage it. Being in those situations, we not only did some good work, but we also learned management skills. We got to manage the whole organization. We learned about finances, marketing, starting new initiatives, partnerships and so much more. It was all practical learning, and moreover it was fun.

It has been almost 3 years now since we started working. Pankhudi Foundation is currently working with hundreds of underprivileged children in 6 cities across India with approximately 400 volunteers. I wish to learn how to take my organization at a global level; and partner with other global non-profits working with children; to share my expertise and to learn from them. And hence I am here in US, as an Atlas Corps 2008 Fellow, working with my host organization - Ashoka's Youth Venture.

Ashoka supports a global network of social entrepreneurs working in 46 countries. They provides financial and strategic help to social entrepreneurs working towards different social causes. Youth Venture is an initiative of Ashoka to encourage and support youth in the age group of 12-24 to take their ideas forward. I have joined Ashoka as a Manager of Digital Strategy, and would be working for the next 1-year on various digital initiatives to help young social entrepreneurs across the world.

Well begun!

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

As the date and time to leave for the US drew closer, my anxiety and nervousness levels were rising. The journey ahead from New Delhi to DC did not seem exciting, as I do have never enjoyed air travel at all and this one was going to be a really long one! Also, the thought of leaving behind family, home and friends was now dawning more and more. But the excitement to reach DC and get started on the Atlas Corps Fellowship was a strong driver that kept the anxieties and sadness low. So the travel began. Finally after nearly 24 hours DC happened and suddenly I felt all my exhaustion and boredom fade away and my excitement building up. I was finally in the US! And we finally met Scott, Kimi and Alejandra who had made our coming so smooth and comfortable! As we drove from the airport to our to-be home, I noticed that some part of DC were so similar to Mumbai and also Delhi. Somehow, it did not feel like a new country.

The first week in DC was one full of introductions, action and information. Sometimes I felt lost or perhaps overloaded amidst all the information I was getting. There was so much to understand and remember, right from directions to get to downtown DC to how to use the Metro Smartrip card. And doing all of this under the influence of a jetlag was not easy! It all seemed such an uphill task then but now as I look back it doesn’t seem so bad at all. I am glad all of us Fellows (old and new, foreign and from US) got that first week to be together. There were some significant learnings from the training sessions and general interactions with the DC Fellows, outgoing Fellows, Kimi and Scott. And after an action packed week of training sessions, salsa night, sight seeing, dinners, lunches and rain showers we finally said bye to our friends going to Bogota, Columbia and to others too. The fun was not over for me yet because I was all set to tour one of my dream cities, New York for the long weekend to come. The first week was surely a memorable one and one of my realizations was that sometimes too much action can also be so unwinding J

Test

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

Hi All,

What is going on.

It is just the test blog. Stay tuned for the origional one. Will catch you up soon.

Best,

Nilanjana

Test Blog

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

Hello Everyone!

Yes, the blog has arrived. This note is just a teaser for the many more (lengthy) posts to come. Look forward to hearing about the adventures in Colombia and more about the nonprofit sector in another part of the world.

Until I write again, enjoy and feel free to visit www.saldarriagaconcha.org to learn more about where I am working.

-Abby

The Culture Shift

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

My career developed within the social sector…the direct service side of the social sector. I’m accustomed to providing services and to finding resources. Now, within two months, I have changed countries and altered the very nature of my job. Currently, I work for a Colombian Foundation which invests in projects that benefit disabled individuals, the elderly, and emerging organizations. Talk about a culture shift!

My face in foundations is renewed. Foundations don’t just blindly give money. They invest time in developing projects that will achieve social impact. For example, I recently spent a very fulfilling morning reconfiguring a project. The original idea was focused on expansion. Upon visiting some of the project sites, talking to project leaders, and evaluating the performance record, we realized that expansion wasn’t the answer…the answer was evaluation. We advised that the project take one step back before it takes these huge leaps forward. They agreed with our assessment and now we are working together to revise the proposal. Now, that wasn’t so terrible after all.

I have to admit I enjoy walking on another side of the social sector. I believe that I bring a unique perspective while I am also gaining a better appreciation for foundation work. To share a little insight into this new culture, here are the top 5 tips I would like to share with you:

5. Don’t Chase Money: Yes, it is obvious yet so many people still do it. Just stop giving into temptation!

4. Set Reasonable Goals: No one will save the world with one proposal—so don’t. Instead, show how your project is unique, well formatted, and able to provide social impact.

3. Seek Collaboration: No one is an island. Look for like-minded organizations that could be effective partners. It will only serve to strengthen your proposal.

2. Get Some Face Time: Social investment (whether from foundations, individuals, and/or venture capital firms) is heavily based on relationships. People want to have confidence in what they support. So, back away from the computer and attend some events. People won’t know about your project until you learn about them.

1. Communication: Yes, foundation workers are human, too. They talk to people and are available to discuss projects. Pick up the phone and ask questions—you can have the same five questions you ask ever foundation. The important part is that you initiate a dialogue to achieve an understanding (and to build a relationship—see #2).

Mi primer blog en Washington, siendo un Fellow de Atlas Corps, (y en la vida�)

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

Si, lo acepto… nunca antes había escrito un blog… y porque tendría que haberlo hecho? Yo como muchos en mi país aun no estamos tan actualizados en internet... pero es una de las primeras cosas que debes aprender siendo parte del tecnológico equipo de Atlas Corps… en fin, lo único que aspiro es que las personas que lean esto lleguen al final sin aburrirse en las primeras líneas… prometo esforzarme por hacerlo lo más entretenido posible…

Mis primeras impresiones de Washington DC? Como arquitecta lo primero que pensé es que la ciudad completa parece una maqueta, y las personas, personajes increíblemente eclécticos actuando dentro de ella… la verdad es que no estaba muy lejos de la realidad que hasta ahora todo el mundo ha denominado graciosamente como “cultural shock”… (y pueden tener razón, pero como yo soy la que lo está viviendo no puedo ser objetiva).

Sin embargo en mi primer blog de la vida no quiero hablar de diferencias sino simplemente de mis primeras vivencias a nivel personal en una ciudad tan prometedora como esta, llena de vida cultural y gente por conocer.

En cuanto al clima, puede llegar a ser igual o más confuso que el de Bogotá, especialmente si se atraviesa por un cambio de estación… es bastante húmedo y como a todas nosotras, yo también he notado efectos adversos en mi look…en todo caso, debo reconocer que me ha parecido particularmente agradable poder ir a leer a los parques, o simplemente acostarme en los inmensos espacios de el Mall, a tomar el sol.

La ciudad es encantadora, las actividades culturales son inacabables y permanentemente tengo la sensación de estar perdiéndome de cosas interesantes (que además en su mayoría son gratis), como un buen museo, calles para recorrer, fotos por tomar, cafés por visitar, o libros por leer…(no me malinterpreten, simplemente es demasiado)… entre mas salgo y conozco más me doy cuenta de lo que hace falta y a veces es sobrecogedor.

En todo caso, he tratado de aprovechar mi tiempo al máximo repartiéndome entre todas las actividades que propone Atlas Corps y Studen Movement for Real Change (la organización donde trabajo) entre otras.

Las personas que he tenido el gusto de conocer han sido muy especiales conmigo, empezando por Scott y Kimi que desde el primer día se han encargado de facilitarnos las cosas al punto que ya siento estar en mi propia casa… su ayuda ha sido invaluable y sus entrenamientos me han servido para poder empezar mi trabajo con las herramientas necesarias para hacer las cosas con seguridad.

Uno de los temas que más me ha impactado es lo amables y queridas que son las personas acá en general… he tenido suerte de conocer gente espectacular, en mi trabajo y eventos, que no solamente construyen mi “network” sino que me han integrado muy amigablemente a la vida en DC. Son supremamente respetuosos y se han interesado por conocer más acerca de mi, mi familia y mi país… esas son el tipo de cosas que te hace sentir querido…

Ser un Fellow de Atlas Corps significa muchas cosas importantes; una ellas es el honor de poder representar un país, una cultura, una historia y poder dar lo mejor de uno mismo… existen muchos retos a nivel personal, pero creo que después de un mes de estar acá vale muchísimo la pena enfrentar el reto y empezar a abrir puertas para nosotros y las comunidades vulnerables por las cuales trabajamos, que finalmente son la motivación de nuestro trabajo en el sector social.

Pankhudi Bangalore features in Live Mint - Wall Street Journal (India)

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

My NGO - Pankhudi Foundation has been featured in Wall Street Journal paper - Live Mint. When we started Pankhudi Foundation 3 years back, there were only 15-20 people. Now it has grown to more than 400 professionals working across India. Pavithra Jayaraman who covered this article is also a volunteer with one of the activities at Pankhudi.

------------------------------

Pankhudi has no employees and every individual associated with it works only as a volunteer

Pankhudi was founded in April 2005 by Shahzad Wakeel, who had then just passed out of IIT Mumbai. The foundation started as an Orkut community comprising young professionals with day jobs who were keen to contribute to society's well-being. Pankhudi has no employees and every individual associated with it works only as a volunteer. Volunteers with the foundation in other cities work towards the education and health of street children and children living in slums.

Full article at Live Mint - Wall Street Journal.

Check out Pankhudi bangalore activities at Pankhudi Bangalore Blog.

Noble values diminishing in the NGO sector

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

THE NGO sector and network of Washington D.C of U.S.A is as vibrant as that of my home country. The need to know more about this dynamic sector, took me to researching the various aspects of it. And one such aspect that caught my attention is the issue of transparency and integrity of NGOs. We talk about the integrity of the government and the corporate sector, but become lenient when it comes to the NGO sector, may be because of the nobility of the profession and the need and purpose we serve.

During this period of research, I came across a campaign on Facebook on the rising incidence of plagiarism in the NGO sector in India and that caught my attention. I began to probe more and in the process started questioning myself and the profession that I am wedded to. I have been working with the non governmental or non-profit organizations for quite some time.

Defined as the ‘third sector’ or the ‘people sector’ with an estimated population of 1.2 million, the profession has its own professional hazards and merits. It is a profession for those crazy people, who want to change and save the world, end poverty , bring social justice to the most unwanted or the bottom of the population and fight corruption.

People, who have their heart and soul in it are often described as ‘no-gooders’ and even as losers. Ironically, I was also a party to those kinds who saw this NGO business as nothing else but an extended act of minting money by exploiting the poverty or misery of somebody. But, I changed and I have deep and profound respect for my vocation and also those of my peers, who bring hope to the despair, food to the hungry and shelter to the homeless. There are many passionate people who gave up their comfort and social security to pursue this hopeless dream.

However, not everything is good about this sector. Much as I would like to deny it and have an optimistic and positive attitude, the fact is that this profession too is slowly emerging as a profit venture. There are many stories of how corrupt the sector is and how it is becoming corporatized riddled with ‘corporate culture’. It is a ‘me-first’ scenario where the one who is the fittest and the smartest gets all the funds. And also, who can steal others ideas and concepts, add a comma or two, shift sentences here and there and do a jazzy power points. There is also the sadistic trend of ‘showcasing or exhibiting’ crying and malnourished children, anemic men and women, in front of the prospective funders or existing donors.

Referring back to the campaign on Facebook, Jeroninio (Jerry) Almeida, Founder and Volunteer with iCONGO (Indian Confederation of NGOs) pensively says that his idea ‘Joy of Giving’ where everybody in India observes a philanthropic day/week was stolen and is being executed by some other organization as I write this piece.

“As a part of our policy for benefiting the sector we are happy to let people use/ adapt/ borrow our ideas for their fundraising and campaigning and any person or organization may feel free to copy, print, forward any material on this website. Website and the ideas we generate are open for adaptation by any charities and organizations, people as long as it benefits a cause. But what hurt us most this time was that we were not even credited or acknowledged.” There are many who have voiced their stories but do not wish to be named.

Within the NGO sector, we often get to hear about stories linked with an NGOs funder being ambushed by other, proposal and concept ideas being stolen and in some places even the benefactors or communities being manipulated for some interim benefits. The other issue that plagues us is the issue of commission. It is a known fact that most of the NGOs have to pay a percentage of the total funds received as a ‘facilitator cost’ to the person who helped broker the deal from within the donor organization.

It is indeed time that we question ourselves and stop turning a blind eye to it. We have no right to be in this profession if we cannot raise our voice about the corrupt practices that is inflicting it from within. This is a matter of personal and professional ethics.

Let us take a moment and question our system: How fair and honest are we? Where are those values which stood a testimony to this profession? How can some executives of NGOs easily afford to send their children to foreign universities, engage in a lavish lifestyle — fancy cars and bungalows?

As the infallible custodians of the development of our society, we have been vested with immense power and trust. The line gets blurred when this power is exploited for the benefit of few. I read somewhere that as the “the conscience of the world” we must be beyond reproach so that we remain the keepers of the public trust” and with that I rest my case.

(This piece has already been published in www.merinews.com)

Check the trees: a black squirrel could be waiting for you!

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

I had a pleasant surprise some weeks ago: a black squirrel rapidly cross the street and climb up the closest tree. Now, every morning I see these adorable animals in my way to the bus stop.

I was so curious about these exotic animals that I decided to do a short research. And look what I found in an article of the Washington Post:

* 18 Canadian squirrels were released at the National Zoo during the presidency of Theodore Roosevelt.

* Those 18 squirrels -- whose coats of lustrous black set them apart from the native animals -- were the beginning of a shift that has changed the complexion of Washington's backyard critters.

* Now, probably because of a slight evolutionary advantage conveyed with a black coat, the descendants of these squirrels have spread all the way into Rockville and Prince William County.

* Scientists say that they’re a real-life example of natural selection at work

* "That is evolutionary change before your eyes." Richard W. Thorington Jr. (Smithsonian Institution researcher working on a book that includes a history of the District's black squirrels)

* Here's why some scientists believe the black squirrels were multiplying: In winter, their dark coats allowed them to retain heat from sunlight, leaving them less desperate for warmth than their lighter-colored cousins.

I strongly recommend you to be aware of your surroundings; animals could teach you valuable lessons of survival or at least make your morning walking a delightful experience.

Do you believe in reincarnation?

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

I do! But this is not a metaphysical speech, it’s recycling ideas that I want to share with you today. Crushing down plastic soda bottles, aluminum cans and putting your empty bottles in a can; it’s nice of you but it’s not enough. Recycling is about giving a product a purpose beyond it intended use.

Reusing an item is recycling too. These days, recycling has become "reincarnation" for used products, so here you can find some ideas of how you can recycle and give people a second chance:

Work Clothes

Dress for Success is a group providing a business suit or other clothing appropriate for the workplace to women needing outfits for job interviews and, after they get the job, a second suit to wear to work. There are 66 chapters in the U.S. and 78 in other countries. Donate business clothing, coats, shoes, handbags, and briefcases that are in excellent condition and no more than five years old. Clothing in size 14 and up is especially welcome.

Wedding dresses

By donating your dress to "Brides Against Breast Cancer" you will enable brides-to-be to find one-of-a-kind gowns at discount prices and the proceeds will help grant a wish for a woman with terminal breast cancer.

More ideas are coming soon, but if you eager to find more information, check this link http://www.articlesbase.com/recycling-articles/recycle-anythingyes-anything-611836.html

Elements of a Volunteering Program

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

‘If nonprofit leaders want highly skilled volunteers to come and stay, they need to expand their vision of volunteering by creating an experience that is meaningful, develops skills, demonstrates impact, and taps into volunteers’ abilities and interests’ The New Volunteer Workforce, Stanford Social Innovation Review Winter 2009.

Working with the volunteer initiative of Grameen Foundation called ‘Bankers without Borders’ has given me important insights into the critical components of a volunteering program. The key stakeholders in the program include the volunteers, the project managers, organizations from where the volunteers are sourced, communities being served etc.

The key components of the program may range from

Market research & community needs assessment.
Marketing of the program to prospective volunteers, source organization
An internal marketing plan for staff.
Putting together policies, procedures, process flows in place feeding into the program manual.
Training modules for volunteers and project managers.
Interviewing, screening & selecting volunteers.
Ongoing supervision & management.
Volunteer database management.
Recognition & volunteer development.
Measuring outcomes & evaluating the process.

A much needed approach is that planning around volunteering must take place within the overall context of human capital. One needs to take stock of job functions and identify areas that will be most appropriately served by paid or unpaid talent.

Measuring the total impact of volunteering is another important factor in presenting the efficacy of volunteer programs. This can be done in different ways for instance if a non profit did not use volunteers, what it would have to pay someone to perform a particular volunteer function? An organization should divide the total volunteer value by the total volunteer investment to determine the return on investment for every $1 spent in executing its volunteer management strategy.

When It Rains It Pours...bring on the volunteers!

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

Sí, llegaron las inundaciones 2009 - en Colombia y en Fargo, North Dakota (mi región de crecimiento). Cada día, miro en las noticias la situación, las historias tristes y (más importante) la fuerza de la gente.

Me impresiona que la gente está mobilizando para dar la mano y mejorar la situación. No se quedó esperando que lleguen los aguas. Están llevando bolsas llena de arena. Están empujando camionetas paradas en la calle. Están trabajando con las autoridades para buscar soluciones.

Llegó el crisis y apareció la gente luchadoras. ?Que sucediera si mobilizariamos con la misma energia y fuerza cada dia? ?Que sucediera si en vez de reacionar cuando un crisis nos enfrentara, preparariamos para evitar una situación de emergencia?

Piensetelo bien. Ahora, en este momento, es la hora de involucrarte y hacer la diferencia. Juntos se pueden lograr más y mejorar nuestras comunidades. No espere que llegue el crisis.

La llegada de las lluvias y los voluntarios:

1) Fargo, ND, USA: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALVQ_MW7Mgg

2) Bogota, Colombia: http://www.citytv.com.co/videos/3049/inundacion

Indulge Yourself in Information�

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

There are people to call. Emails to answers. People to manage and an entire To Do List awaiting you! With this seemingly never-ending tasks list, it seems that there are never enough hours in the day. Nor, is there ever enough time to stop and think. There is a fine line between getting things done and learning how to do things better. Often, we are so engrossed in the doing that we don’t invest the time in learning how to do it better.

Recently, we shifted our offices which also inspired the opportunity to clean, purge, and refocus. I got to thinking how often I get swept up in keeping up with the day to day tasks and forget to look at the bigger picture. The thought of taking the time to read the newspaper, check out a study on relevant topics, or just to brainstorm with a colleague seem like unnecessary luxuries. Though, just like our office restructuring, it is valuable to do from time to time.

So, today, I challenge you to indulge! Get out there and broaden your horizons. Here are a few tasty morsels to wet your appetite:

Open Source Giving: http://www.socialedge.org/discussions/funding/open-source-giving

An Outbreak of Autism or Statistical Fluke: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/17/health/17auti.html?_r=1&em

This Blog Just Deserves to be Shared: http://www.rosettathurman.com/

Passion within Reason: the path to real social impact

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

Non-profits have strived for excellence and for reaching real social impact for decades. While the importance of this sector is undeniable, the formula for the success of those organizations is yet to be discovered. NGOs have increasingly been looking at for-profit management models in the search for efficiency and resource management. However, a research done by the authors of “Forces for Good” dismissed the for-profit model as condition for “efficiency” or what they refer to as significant social impact.

After long research, the authors found that successful organizations creating significant impact be that locally or internationally shared some traits in common that could be potentially considered to be the basis of their success:
 Serve and Advocate at the same time
 Build alliances with the private sector
 Support for individual supporters, convert them into evangelists for the cause.
 Establish a good network, creating partnerships and alliances
 Adaptability to a changing environment
 Ability to share leadership

While I agree that NGOs need their own solutions and need not to follow either private or public models, and while I agree with the six best practices are great to guide NGOs seeking to create significant impact, what I got from the book is a need to be passionate, but within the limits of reason. It is time for non-profit organizations to evolve from the blind passion for a cause to a smart, realistic view of the world. While some of the principles were practical, such as the serve while advocating and vice versa, some others are much more reflective of this ideological change, such as the need to combine forces without fearing competition for scarce resources or being seen as “giving in to the enemy”.

Nevertheless, I still believe caution should be the order of the day. It is important to have a realistic account of the status quo and where your organization fits in it, and be careful with whom you are looking to associate yourself with. Many organizations fall prey to corporations who have used NGOs as a tool of manipulation, shielding their malpractices on the support given to NGOs. There’s a saying in Portuguese that says “tell me whom you walk with and I'll tell you who you are.” And trust is something that can hardly be mended.

Optimist in me nods along with 'Forces For Good'

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

I bet you are aware of people, who when you share a perspective with them, their initial response usually comes as a critique and often would appear negative. I tend to think such people are natural critics. I also tend to find such people make great quantitative thinkers and can bring out perspectives that normally would be left out.

I have concluded that I am not one of the natural critics -- perhaps one of the reasons why I am not too good with the quantitative aspects of things. I tend to view myself as a natural optimist, generally quite accommodative, good at seeing the big picture, tend to reach out to the positive in everyone and everything, appreciating their thoughts, opinions and points of view. Yet on the other hand, I do think am also quite opinionated and when it comes to the analysis of issues, I support my opinions, views and thoughts with great passion.

So even when I read a book, I tend to read it more from a point of agreeing with the writer or basically my first impulse is to seek the writer’s point of view and the arguments behind that point. I would probably be nodding in agreement if the book makes a good case and unless there are points that really stick out that I disagree with, I would probably finish the book ready to take the case made and use it as a resource.

As I take a few moments to reflect on my recent read by Leslie R. Crutchfield and Heather McLeod Grant in the book Forces for Good, for those that might get to read my reflections, bear in mind that the ‘critique eye’ might be missing in it all. That my reflections are more focused on appreciating a case well made, reflecting on how it can apply or cases where it has applied, and the possible challenges that are likely to be encountered in seeking to apply the points made.

Well, I guess that was a long way to get to my point. Maybe I could stop here and say ‘to be continued…’ to give you all a reason to come back. That is if at all I give any reason to come back.

Getting to the point; Forces for Good is a book based on a study or research done on what the writers refer to as ‘high impact non-profits’ – in this case, referring to organizations that in the course of their existence have managed to have high impact through the projects and programs they run. The study focused on surveys done with the CEO’s of twelve non-profit organizations and in the book, the writers analyze and highlight their impacts. The writers of the book argue that while most non-profits tend to believe they would find success based on factors such as a good or large budget, good management, great promotion and marketing of their programs, high impact is more achieved by what an organization spends doing outside of their four walls.

Leslie and Heather make the case that while the internal organization of non-profits is important, high impact is more achieved based on how well an organization can leverage outside of the four walls; about how they can build partnerships, networks and systems that work for them, how they collaborate with other sectors and organizations, how they can advocate for policy change that will influence the achievement of their programs even as they serve or provide service, about how they can move markets and other sectors to work for them, about how they learn to master the art of adaptation by being keen on what the trends are and how to keep up with the trends, also about how they are able to inspire others that are not necessary core members of the organization, but who are inspired to take on the role of evangelists and spread the word to massive scales and also about how their leadership is shared and spread within the organization.

No doubt, the book makes a good case and lots of lessons can be drawn. Going to my initial point made, as I read the book, I do think I found myself nodding along in agreement.

That said, I do honestly believe in the writers' argument that for non-profits to make significant impact and take on the crucial role that society has curved and handed to them, they must be willing to step out of the comfort zones of the four walls and take the bull by the horns. In some cases, that might mean standing right at the firing line or biting the bullet? I actually tend to think that the only way to make impact no matter the field (non-profit or otherwise) is by thinking and acting out of the box and being ready to go the extra mile, which often tends to be outside of the four walls.

As I read the six practices shared in the book and as I nodded my head along, I certainly had in mind if and how these practices would apply in the case of non-profits in a country like Kenya.

While I will choose not to delve deeply into the analysis of if they would or how, my first response is that they definitely apply, they definitely are likely to level up the potential for greater impact. I do however think, the bigger challenge lies in how these practices can effectively be adopted. For instance, take the case of advocacy and pushing for policy change. I tend to think that the non-profit sector in the US has achieved significant milestone in advocating and influencing policy change at various levels. When I think of a country like Kenya, that remains a major challenge. I think in some larger scale, non-profits are yet to envision how pushing for policy change can impact their delivery of service/programs. Those that do are mostly human rights and advocacy organizations, who mostly voice the injustices of society but are yet to do a good job pushing and having changes in policy. Not to be too hard on the sector, I do think the other problem lies in the dynamics of a government and political system that is in most cases difficult to work with. If anything, for the most part as their name suggests, non-profits in Kenya (non-governmental organizations) perfected the act of de-linking themselves from government and vice versa. I do think this is definitely a trend that must change and do so fast.

The business (private) sector seems to have achieved some level of success as opposed to the non-profit sector. Of course there are many reasons for this such as the political motivation of policy makers wanting business to support their aspirations and on the other hand, businesses seeking favorable policies that work for them. In the past and even now, government and private sectors have been favorable to each other to some level, whether good or bad.

That said, no doubt, even in Kenya, the potential shift towards greater collaboration and integrating partnerships among sectors is the way to go. It is a trend that is slowly gaining headway. Perhaps non-profits in Kenya can sure learn a thing or two from the business on pushing for policy change, better still, non-profits can strategically partner with the private sector at various levels that would significantly scale up impact. But that’s just one analysis.

Certainly a lot more can be drawn and explored from the case made in Forces for Good, but in a conclusion of my thoughts for now; being strategic about partnerships and networks across sectors, adding advocacy, adapting to trends and making markets work combined with shared leadership are all important and great practices. However, I think one thing that may not have been highlighted as a practice is the having the COMMITMENT to see those partnerships through because along the way, they need nurturing and constant lubrication on the friction points to keep them running.

8 Pasos Para Hacer una Donaci�n

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

En otras palabras, si usted no sabe en quien confiar para darle dinero, tiene que tomar en cuenta las siguientes recomendaciones. Para comenzar, se debe tener claro que el prop�sito de cualquier donaci�n a una entidad sin �nimo de lucro es tener un impacto positivo sobre la causa en la que se est� trabajando; Por este motivo usted debe saber cu�les son sus intereses y realmente como est� buscando hacer una diferencia con su donaci�n. Ojo, esto no tiene nada que ver con la cantidad que usted est� pensando donar, aplica en todos los casos. Lo segundo que debe tener en cuenta, es si la donaci�n la va a hacer una sola vez, o si est� planeando donaciones peri�dicas. En el segundo caso usted debe ver la organizaci�n como un "Socio" que le est� ayudando con su prop�sito personal. Como en una sociedad, la organizaci�n lo debe mantener informado con noticias relevantes, mandar reportes anuales e informes de gesti�n. Usted debe ser capaz de pedir en cualquier momento los estados financieros y dem�s informaci�n que demuestre que la plata se est� usando tal y como se expuso en un principio. En una organizaci�n social, se puede decir que los donantes se vuelven como los consultores, o revisores que permanentemente deben estar procurando el mejor desempe�o de la instituci�n. En resumen, cuando usted deba evaluar a que organizaci�n quiere ayudar econ�micamente debe: 1. Mirar que organizaciones existen con misiones similares y ver cual se adapta mejor a su intensi�n personal. 2. Revisar si la organizaci�n est� legalmente constituida y si le pueden otorgar un certificado de donaci�n deducible de impuestos. Seguramente usted lo puede usar al momento de cancelar sus obligaciones tributarias. 3. Asegurarse que la fundaci�n verdaderamente est� cumpliendo con su misi�n. Mire, si los programas est�n alineados con los objetivos, y que de hecho este dando resultados positivos. 4. Averiguar cu�nto dinero se gasta la organizaci�n en cubrir los costos administrativos, en comparaci�n con los programas. Tambi�n es bueno saber cu�les son los rangos de sueldos de los empleados. 5. Observar la transparencia y rigurosidad en las finanzas de la organizaci�n. 6. Pedir que le den informaci�n sobre los logros que se han obtenido recientemente. 7. Analizar cual es el impacto directo en la comunidad que se est� ayudando 8. Preguntar qu� proyectos nuevos est�n en marcha y a donde se est�n yendo las donaciones. Si usted aun tiene dudas despu�s de seguir estos consejos, puede inscribirse en e l voluntariado de la fundaci�n por un tiempo mientras que se familiariza con las personas, y los programas. Puede aprender al mismo tiempo que gana confianza. Si el problema es que no cuenta con mucho dinero para donar, puede convocar un grupo de gente con los mismos intereses y crear un fondo com�n. Muchas veces las compa��as, hacen donaciones por la misma cantidad que uno piense donar, as� que si usted consigue $100 y una compa��a que le haga un "match" usted duplica el impacto de su dinero. Finalmente, pienso que lo m�s importante y lo que realmente lo debe motivar a hacer una donaci�n, es la causa, no se olvide de su objetivo final.

Social Media Tools for Government

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

I am a fan of the way social media is being used by Obama's Administration - and also while campaigning.

Check out a simple yet great example of how governments can use social media to leverage and reach out to the masses.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/Vivek-Kundra-Takes-Your-Questions/
Federal Chief Information Officer Vivek Kundra held a live chat yesterday to answer your questions from Facebook and WhiteHouse.gov on technology, information, and transparency.

Even if you missed out the live chat, they recorded the live video and posted it to their blog so that anyone can watch it later. Wonderful.
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HZ-BESVVck)

Talking about governments and democracy, don't forget to check out APPS FOR DEMOCRACY (http://www.appsfordemocracy.org) - 47 web, iPhone and Facebook applications built by people to engage the citizens and government in a better way to solve the problems within the community.

The Gift of Water - Film By Mastek Foundation

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

A great example of how small actions of organizations can bring about a big change in this world. These kind of initiatives not only by benefit others, but also help the organizations by building strong leaders and change-makers within their workforce.

Infact, I feel the employees should ask their organization heads and CSR groups to provide them with this experience.

Check out the short video here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCqbrEyScW0

Making poverty history

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

A few days ago I had the opportunity to attend a talk by Dr. Mohammed Yunus, Peace Nobel 2006 and leader of the microfinance movement. Dr. Yunus had come to Washington D.C. to release the paperback edition of his latest book “Creating a world without poverty”. Hundreds of students and professional practitioners gathered eagerly to listen to and learn from Dr. Yunus’ pioneer work and renewed challenges in microfinance. Many people in the audience also had their cameras ready to capture the best angle of the speaker and have the record that they “were there”.

As an Atlas Corps Fellow serving in a microfinance organization, I´ve realized by myself that the field is in a constant search for effective results that help people lift themselves out of poverty. As Dr. Yunus says once and again, poverty should be in the museums, as part of a sad history that should be behind us. However, different people and organizations have different approaches to how pursue effective microfinance. The dualism between social and financial results, and the concern for the so called ‘mission drift’ are now well known in the microfinance sector.

Dr. Yunus’ talk was rather short. But the energy of the audience brought to the table a handful of questions from students and young people interested in replicating microfinance´s best experiences and asking “How can I change the world?”

Que hacer en invierno en DC

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

Estamos a algunas horas de que el año 2008

Muchas veces la gente me pregunta que se hace en invierno en DC, en epoca de fiestas familiares estando lejos de tu familia?, y yo siempre les respondo:
Es realmente increible como pasa el tiempo de rapido, es como abrir y cerrar los ojos...
Bueno despues de esta reflexion, quisiera recomendar varios planes para hacer en DC, durante la epoca de invierno. En primer lugar esta conocer todos los museos del Smithsonian. Este creo que es de los mejores planes. Hace poco estuve haciendo este plan y me gusto tanto que se los voy a describir:
Era un dia de invierno comun y corriente, un sol fuerte en el cielo pero con una brisa helada. El atuendo ideal para este tipo de actividades es un pantalon caliente, un saco , chaqueta y unos buenos zapatos. La idea es estar abrigado pero hay que tener en cuenta que dentro de los museos, la calefaccion esta encendida y si tienes mucha ropa puesta lo que ocurre es que terminas cargando mas cosas de las necesarias. Despues de caminar varias cuadras llegas al sector de los museos, ahi decides a cual entrar. Entre mis favoritos estan el de Historia Natural, el National Gallery of Arts West Wing y el Hirshorn Gallery.

Lo mejor es tomarse al menos unos tres dias seguidos para poder disfrutar de los museos y tambien caminar, y ver los monumentos. En fin, DC es una ciudad paraiso para la fotografia callejera asi que a cargar las pilas, y a ver todo lo que la ciudad nos ofrece.
Y para los que no les gustan los museos, otro buen plan es ir a cine. Les recomiendo Slum dog Millioner, The Reader y Seven Pounds.

Bueno les deseo un feliz año a todos!
Ana

Empowering a Generation: Developing Skills and Capacities in Youth

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

About two months ago, I got the opportunity to participate in a conference organized by the Youth to Youth organization of the World Bank. The conference emphasized the urgency to focus on and invest in the needs of young people all over the world. It was a holistic approach to youth development necessary to address the growing educational and employment needs of youth.
Young people are tomorrow’s workers, leaders and entrepreneurs. Yet, all over the world, we are struggling with a multitude of problems – drugs, crime, violence, unemployment, abuse, illiteracy and natural disasters to name a few.
As part of the conference, during the final brainstorming session a case study competition was open to provided participants the opportunity to solve a realistic youth development case study. The session was facilitated by Charles Abelmann, Lead Program Coordinator, Human Resources and Organization Effectiveness, World Bank.

The case study addressed the challenges that practitioners face in the design, implementation, and monitoring of a skills-building project. The idea was to solve the case taking on the roles of diverse stakeholders (the private sector, the government, the NGO, the community, and youth themselves) and discussing the implications of the case from the point of view of the role assigned.

The case study was very well received by participants and to facilitate a more in-depth analysis of the case study, Y2Y decided to launch the “Case Study Competition”, open to all attendees of the Global Youth Conference.

I was so impressed by this, that I decided to apply to the competition. Three weeks after they launch the event, me and Carolina Corcione, a lawyer friend from Colombia, submitted our proposal and actually won third place among all the others who submitted.

The organizers of the event will soon upload our case study to the World banks website, and I received an award certificate and the satisfaction of understanding how to develop a economic development project such as that one.

Merry Xmass to all!
Ana

US Presidential Service Awards 2009

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

America has a long and proud tradition of volunteer service. Now more than ever, volunteers are renewing their commitment to helping others and making new connections that bring us closer together as families, as neighbors, as communities, and as a Nation.

The President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation (the Council) was established in 2003 to recognize the valuable contributions volunteers are making in our communities and encourage more people to serve. Recognizing and honoring volunteers sets a standard for service, encourages a sustained commitment to civic participation, and inspires others to make service a central part of their lives. The President’s Volunteer Service Award recognizes individuals, families, and groups that have achieved a certain standard – measured by the number of hours of service over a 12-month period or cumulative hours earned over the course of a lifetime.

To date, the President’s Council has partnered with more than 80 Leadership Organizations and more than 28,000 Certifying Organizations to bestow more than 1.5 million awards to the Nation's deserving volunteers.

Awards are available at bronze, silver, and gold levels for kids who have volunteered over 50 hours in a year, and adults who have volunteered over 100 hours.

I feel this is an amazing way to celebrate volunteering and social service. I wonder if we have something similar in India too?

Speed of light

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

It was hot and humid, when I first arrive. My heart had a mix of emotions, which I am still working on. I was both excited but stress about the fact that I have left my home, my work, my family and everything that was the source of my happiness and comfort.
The goal was clear, all was going to be done to improve my skills as a person and as a proffesional in other to have more tools to be a real change maker. That is the whole idea of this experience that started on a Saturday morning of August.
It was here, where I meet for the first time, 11 people, who apparently have the same thinking pattern as me.
I was happy to meet them all, and to have to be in the training process during a whole week.
A training that had a lot of important information, both logistically related and academic. It gave the exact feedback I thought I needed to start the adventure.

I am know working with and for an organization call Mobilize.org. And my challenge will be not only to actually mobilize, educate, energize and empower all of the people my age, but also live every day at a time, enjoying and fulfilling my dream, with the satisfaction of a work well done.

Lina....just in time!!

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

I never imagined that Washington D.C. had such a cozy atmosphere, combining comfortable open spaces and hidden architectural masterpieces with the modern urban needs typical of the country’s capital city. Yet, for someone who as a child dreamed of becoming an architect, this is something as exciting as having come to this country in the middle of an unprecedented political campaign and see how people feel affected by different political prospects. To me, what this proves is that many of the fundamental debates that concern any society are as alive here as they are in my home country. ..Sooooo... this is a nice time to be an Atlas Corps fellow!!!!!, because we all have a say on this kind of controversies, and in one way or another, they are the very reason why we fellows believe in the importance of advancing the social sector.

The Atlas Corps fellowship is an innovative opportunity to reflect on our deep personal and professional motivations while learning first-hand how the non profits, or more generally, the organizations of the social sector work in the United States and what their values, practices and goals are. It is an opportunity to see how the conventional practices of the private sector, oriented to productivity and result can be combined with the ever-pressing concerns for broader social problems.

Positive attitude and a bit of passion: the year ahead!

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

So… What motivates 13 young professionals to drop everything in their home countries – family, friends, a successful career and everything familiar – to start a journey to the unknown? Well, there is no better way to knowing the answer for this question than… doing it yourself! And that’s where my journey began.

My journey actually began a while back, when selected as a Rotary World Peace Fellowship to complete my Masters Degree at Duke University. Thanks to Rotary Foundation I had a fantastic experience that offered me much more than tools, graphs and academic knowledge: it allowed me to expand my horizons and start putting into practice a long standing will to “do good and do it well”. And that’s the motivation behind my leaving it all behind for another year!

The journey is not easy – I certainly miss the family and friends, the familiar and some particular things about Brazil (thank God for Harris Teeter and its Cheenies – or pão de queijo, as we call them!). But nothing like a pinch of passion (I already have plenty!) and a great dose of positive attitude cannot mend! The experience with Atlas Corps so far has been fantastic and the work at ICMEC has certainly been worth it. I hope you enjoy this blog and the opportunity of – hopefully – sharing a little bit of my passion, my positive attitude and my experience with all of you!

10 Steps to Mobilize!!

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

Part of my work is to do speaking engagement to highschool and college students who want to stop having just wonderful ideas, and turning them into real effective actions.
For this we use 10 amazing steps, that are all put together in a great publication called the Mobilizers Guide book, which you can actually purchase for a discount price of $20.

one last advice: Use them wisely!!!

10 steps to MObilize!!

Step 1: Find an Issue You Care About

Find a problem: It can be anything that is rational but it is concerning you, it can be something local, or global. For example: select an example that came from the group.

Immediately after this, I will explain in detail:

What are your issues? How does everyday life relate to occasionally-foreboding “public policy issues?” Which issues should be turned into reform? The most effective reforms are those that a) are timely, b) resonate with diverse groups of people in a community, and c) have local significance

Step 2: Educate Yourself

Now that you have chosen your topic and reasons for action, it is time to throw yourself into the task of educating yourself. Put simply: it is time to read everything you can find on your issue; go beyond understanding the basic points and become an expert. The issues we care most about are complicated, learn about each angle of your issue and build responses to major criticisms. Once you know what you’re talking about, it will be easy to motivate others.

While explaining this, I will keep on using a common example.

Phase II: Propose Solutions

Step 3: Start a Group or Join Up with Others

You have picked an issue and done your research. It is time to get active! The third step deals with how to form or join a group that will represent your concerns. This is where you need to ask yourself if you are reinventing the wheel or filling a hole within the field.

Step 4: Describe Your Mission and Set a Goal

After you have formed an executive committee to develop your mission, guiding principles and talking points, you should work with your team to establish clear goals and objectives. You’ll want to delineate SMART goals, and separate realistic from unrealistic expectations.

GOALS!

Specific

Measurable

Achievable

Realistic

Tangible

Phase III: Implement Solutions

Step 5: Find a Venue and Hold a Meeting

You are finally ready to begin your public campaign! Your first task should be to hold a meeting and declare your interests to your community. Finding a venue is paramount, and the amount of preparation and planning that goes into a meeting beforehand greatly impacts the success of that meeting and future tone of the group.

Step 6: Build a Coalition

In the same way you needed to build a team before you build a mission statement, you will need to build a coalition before you see results. It is difficult for a single organization to make an impact, adding a few others will make this task manageable and meaningful. Coalition members share best practices and resources.
Step 6 will walk you through making your first few coalition contacts and provide advice for how to turn a friendly conversation into concrete actions.

Step 7: Plan an Event

With your coalition in place, you now have multiple groups to help broadcast your issue to the general public. It is time to plan your first event. The event, like your first meeting, will offer the opportunity to recruit members and explain your talking points, but it will also set the stage for widespread recognition.
This step walks you through the breakdown of goals into events, events into tasks and helps you place those tasks on a timeline. You also learn how to successfully accrue in-kind donations and volunteers.

Step 8: Advocate

A combination of grassroots and legislative action is crucial for effective social entrepreneurship. The best time to advocate for legislative action is now, on the heels of your first successful event.
This step teaches practical advocacy techniques, such as letter writing campaigns, petitions, fact sheets, candidate meetings, decision maker lobbying, and phone banking.

Step 9: Spread the Word

You will become increasingly more involved with members of the media with each accomplishment, be ready to talk to reporters! More importantly, be ready to solicit media attention. In this step we will review how to draft letters to the editor, press releases, and articles for your own newsletters.

Step10: Sustainability

Now that you have your movement in order you face the biggest challenge yet: keeping it all together! Sustainability comes in many forms, you need to keep your members energized, keep the public interested, and keep the funding on track. There are generally two types of sustainability: interest and financial. This step will help you organize yourself to capitalize on past successes in a way that ensures growth and expansion in the future as well as give you practical ways to sustain interest and financial support for your social entrepreneurship initiative

Halloween Questions...(?)

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

Last Friday, before Halloween night, at the Atlas Corps training with Kimi, Scott and the fellows, we were talking about the Echoing Green Application, discussing the topics and common issues with the non-profits organizations.

During the training session I was having trouble finding coherent answers to these important questions.

I believe now I have written some ideas that make sense,

Why is Student Movement for Real Change (SMRC) entrepreneurial?

SMRC believes social entrepreneurship has been defined best by Sally Osberg and Roger Martin in their book called "Social Entrepreneurship: The Case for Definition." They say a social entrepeneur "…should be understood as someone who targets an unfortunate but stable equilibrium that causes the neglect, marginalization, or suffering of a segment of humanity; who brings to bear on this situation his or her inspiration, direct action, creativity, courage, and fortitude; and who aims for and ultimately affects the establishment of a new stable equilibrium that secures permanent benefit for the targeted group and society at large.[1]"

SMRC works to empower promising young leaders to innovate through entrepreneurial development programs that combat the most serious health and education issues of our time. SMRC is entrepreneurial because it is led by a social entrepreneur, Saul Garlick. Saul is someone who perserves to grow SMRC to be as effective as possible and who will not stop until he has been able to "secure a permanent benefit" for SMRC's constituency.

Why is Student Movement for Real Change (SMRC) professional?

I believe professionalism is defined by an organization's presentation of themselves. This presentation includes the office, project materials, staff members, and execution of tasks. SMRC always keeps up office maintenance and is sure to have sufficient office supplies as needed. I have spent a lot of time helping SMRC put together improved project materials with new designs that are helping the organization to be even more professional. SMRC's staff is always dressed in business casual and behaves appropriately. SMRC has high standards for its staff and there have never been problems that I have noticed. SMRC works very hard to execute its responsibilities on time and to the best of its ability. Each member of the team has a great work ethic that allows for an efficient system to get what needs to get done, done.

[1] Osberg, Sally and Roger Martin, "Social Entrepreneurship: The Case for Definition," 2008.

My activist's T-shirt

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

After a sort of blue weekend, while getting ready to start a new week, finally the muses came to visit and doing the laundry provided the inspiration for this post: I had to write about my activist’s T-shirt. After all, very few objects in the world of advocacy and social leadership are as meaningful as the activist’s T-shirt.

Mine is of Free the Slaves, a non-profit whose mission is to end the slavery conditions and human trafficking that still persist today in several countries all over the world and affects around 27 million people. Free the Slaves was one of the Host Organizations of the Atlas Service Corps fellowship in 2007. Some weeks ago, they held a ceremony to award the individuals and organizations that have best performed in the fight against human trafficking and slavery. It was in that event that I got my activist’s T-shirt.

Well, to be fair, maybe I’m not a full-fledged social activist, of the type that would dare to go out naked to protest for animal cruelty or who would tie to a tree to protest for the environmental damage. But I did voice when one of my teachers in college –who had participated in a peace process in Colombia in the 80s and 90s was murdered right inside one of the buildings in the campus. We all felt anger and sadness because thought that universities should be a place of pacific and constructive discussions, not violence.

That was one of the moments that made me think about what being an activist really means. As I said, maybe I’m not as radical as many activists, but at least I do like to think critically on what I do and have a reason for my choices.

And what about you? What is the most meaningful cause and T-shirt you’ve ever put on?

"It's not a hill; it's a mountain, as you start out the climb"

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

It has been two months since we arrived here. The time passes so fast! I remember the first day, when I entered the conference room of that 9th floor. I remember the feeling of finally being there, trying to understand it was just the first day of one intense year ahead. In front of me, there were fellows from seven different countries, maybe thinking just the same. They seemed to be so young and, at the same time, so experienced! The best team Atlas Corps and the host organizations could have ever chosen.

During the training week, we were encouraged to strongly believe in our capacity, carry the responsibility of being an Atlas Corps Fellow, and accept it as a compliment for our professional efforts. But I am pretty sure none of us could understand the real meaning of that until now, two months later.

Now that we have accomplished the first part of this challenge, we are growing accustomed to the different air we have here. We know clearly what we can share and what we want to learn in our host organizations, we know the expectations of our host organizations about our work, we agree we are important tools for Atlas Corps find partners and funders to keep the Fellowship Program the next year, we understand the importance of networking; we know that we need each other, we realize this experience may be unique if we really want to. Everything starts to make sense. And from that comes a pleasant sensation we are in the right place, that we were supposed to be here, knowing these people, exchanging knowledge and experiences of life.

Now, that we have climbed a part of the “mountain”, it seems like we finally perceive the dimension of this journey as a whole. Sometimes we will think we need to slow down a little bit; sometimes we will think we could be more challenged, that we are ready for more; sometimes we may fall, and feel a bittersweet in our mouths; sometimes we will think it is too easy or boring or tough. But as we look behind and see we have already taken so many steps to get where we are today, it will bring us the strength to keep going up to the top. We cannot see the top from here yet, but it is definitely closer than when we start the walk.

Sustainability and/or Collaboration?

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

A day doesn’t go by without mention of the “economic crisis,” and I assume that all social sectors, across the globe, are feeling the weight of this reality. Corporate grants have been scaled back significantly, foundations are protecting their endowments with strategic care, and individual donors have become a rare breed. So what is a nonprofit to do, especially since anyone working in the social sector realizes that it is during these times when philanthropic investments are most needed. Governments and businesses are stepping back from the plate, and if the nonprofit sector doesn’t step up, who will?

Yet awareness of, and sensitivity to, the needs of marginalized and vulnerable populations in times of global economic struggle is not enough to run an impacting, social program. The reality of today situation is that the “bottom line” includes a program’s/organization’s social impact and an accounting of its financial resources. By financial resources, I am not referring to the market and social-profit analysis that has been developed through social entrepreneurship initiatives. Instead, I am referring to the basics –budgeting and accounting 101. Due to the stress of the global economic struggle, there is no more time to read about and contemplate on how to make a nonprofit sef-sustainable. Now is the time to implement a plan – and it better be good.

I am sure we can all think of a program or organization that is facing the challenge of becoming sustainable with less outside resources to help them along, never mind to couch their fall if the process takes longer than planned. The choices they face are difficult to say the least, ranging from a hard lean on the board of directors for in-kind donations as supplements for operational cutbacks, to charging fees for selected services even though it may limit the program’s access to its target population. However, in this challenging environment, there is one option that seems to always fall at the top of list: collaboration.

The idea of collaboration, multi-sector or otherwise, is a fundamental tool in today’s social and economic development fields. It has been a key aspect of my experiences, and one I cannot imagine doing without. Nevertheless, I have recently found myself wondering if the ideals and practice of collaboration can withstand the pressing need for immediate, economic self-sustainability.

Let’s take, for example, a set of organizations conceived of, and created as, strategic allies that share one social mission. Each organization targets a very specific market and the lines between them are defined and respected for years. As the organizations grow in capacity and scale of impact, there are minor clashes of interests, but each one still values the strategic collaboration within which they were formed. The collaboration is, thus, protected.

Now, let’s look at this relationship under the stress of limited availability of grants and donations, and the competitive edge created through organizational independence and individuality. Each organization is forced to reevaluate the collaboration that has been a part of its development and ask itself, “What growth opportunities are created by tapping into the new market?” If the answers to the question are numerous in nature and can strengthen the organization’s self-sustainability, than sooner or later, doesn’t one also ask if the collaboration is still strategic and/or necessary?

What happens then?

Winter is over!!

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

Seasons are one of those things that give people from a country like Colombia nice memories of a long stay in a country like the United States. Each season has its own unique traits, and changing weather is also something that makes me appreciate how people here deal with endless transitions from warm days to windy, cold days and warm again and adapt to different circumstances.

As someone said: “Change is the only thing that is bound to continue”. Well, my apologies if this free translation of a free version of such an important fact of life remarked by someone whose name I don’t even remember is not what you were expecting in a blog like the Atlas Corps blog. But it’s really stunning how department stores can mutate so easily from scarves, boots and heavy coats to colorful flip-flops and swimsuits. Sometimes it feels like each season brings out a different personality inside you.

As you can anticipate, my experience with the weather here has been enjoyable and full of learning for the most part, and even for those awkward moments I’m not going to talk about in this occasion, I can assure you, yes, they are memorable. Of fall, I like wind and red leaves. Of winter, I like the quiet fall of snow. But now winter is over and I am looking forward to seeing the long sunny days and squirrels back from their hibernation break.

El Impacto Social...No Se Olvide de las Relaciones Personales

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

Somos humanos, ¿no? Tenemos relaciones personales, interactúan con millas de personas cada año y nos comunicamos por teléfono, internet y voz. Nos afecta mucho, a veces sin darnos cuenta, nuestra interacción con los demás. ¿Entonces, por qué cuando hablamos del impacto social no tenemos en cuenta esta clase de relación?

Una experiencia mía en un supermercado en Bogotá me mostró el impacto social que logra las relaciones personales...

El Pasado:
En el verano de 1998, trabajé en un campamento venezolano (Campamento La Llanada - www.lallanada.com). Fui la primera estadounidense que haya trabajado en el campamento y (más o menos) la primera persona de estar encargada de las actividades de canoa y natación. Fui un verano inolvidable y me encantó conocer a todos los venezolanos (niños y compañeros de trabajo). Después del verano, intenté mantener contacto con mis nuevos amigos pero fue difícil pero, por lo menos, el campamento siguió creciendo y siempre pensaba en ellos.

El Presente:
Ahora, 11 años después, estoy en Bogotá y algún día fui el supermercado. De repente, alguien me llamó, "¡Abby! Soy Daniel." ¡No puede ser! Fue Daniel, un compañero venezolano del campamento. Él estaba en Bogotá para participar una capacitación. Hablamos de la vida, el campamento y me contó que todavía habla de mí en el campamento. Un niño que participaba en el campamento cuando estuve ahora es el director de las actividades de canoa y natación y empieza las clases, "Algún día una americana trabajaba aquí y nos enseñó..."

El Futuro:
¿Impresionante, no? Yo todavía pensar en esta experiencia venezolana y ellos piensan en mí. No nos hayamos comunicado en 11 años pero la experiencia nos impactó y afectó nuestro desarrollo como persona. ¿Quién sabe el impacto futuro que esta experiencia de 1998 va a lograr en el futuro?

El mensaje es que siempre tengamos en cuenta de nuestro impacto personal en el mundo. Cada palabra, relación y saludo, se puede tener un efecto grande. ¡Aproveche hoy y deje una impresión inolvidable con otra persona!

A dip in the Potomac

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

It was a sunny Sunday morning, an easy Sunday morning. Yet it wasn’t like any other Sunday mornings before. No, no señor. It was the day before my birthday, and I was getting ready to meet with a good friend of mine and have brunch at one of those cozy Latino places in the Mount Pleasant neighborhood that makes you feel as when you were a child and your mom sent you to the bakery around the corner. Well, yes, that corner is now a bit further away.

The eggs and bread were very good, it’s just that I was so focused on my meal that I couldn’t hear what my friend was arranging with a friend of hers that called while we were having our weekly treat. An orange juice later, and already on my way to Dupont Circle, I learnt that an extra second of nodding to a friend can end up in a quite hazardous experience.

Little by little, when I found myself in the Waterfront in Georgetown, it had become clear that I was about to join my friends, for the first time, in this kayak exercise, of which I had no idea. Amid the excitement for this entertaining hobby, with the paddle in my hand, the meaning of on-the-job training was crudely vivid. Yet despite all our efforts, the canoe turned over and we had a refreshing dip in the Potomac River.

Niagara Falls - A memorable weekend

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

My Memorial Day weekend has been one of the most memorable times during this year. It was a nice surprise to see all these new places, landscapes and stories of the history of this country. I had learnt that this is the unofficial beginning of the summer season, with people going out for vacation, to see relatives, or just going shopping. Indeed, I saw all of this and many more things during these nice days.

One of my co-workers took me and a couple of friends more to Niagara Falls. We were very excited right from the beginning with the prospect of spending three days out of DC and seeing some very nice natural landscapes in the U.S. That is, before reaching Niagara Falls to see one of the most renowned waterfalls in the world.

The 8-hour drive to Buffalo was a fascinating opportunity to see the landscape in Maryland, Pennsylvania and part of New York state, and also a brief sight across the Canadian border. That same weekend, hundreds of people came to Niagara Falls to admire the natural scene before us. We all were in a sort of pilgrimage, and shared the same enthusiasm to witness first-hand what we had read about, and took some pictures to show our friends and family.

Los ni�os colombianos al frente de la proteccion ambiental

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

Según el Espectador, un periódico colombiano de distribución nacional, La Red Guacharos es la iniciativa de la oficina de Parques Nacionales Naturales (PNN) para incentivar a los niños de Colombia a cuidar al medio ambiente y en especial las áreas protegidas del país. Esta cuenta con 75 instituciones educativas vinculadas y más 700 estudiantes encargados de difundir la información en los medios de comunicación de las instituciones educativas.

Iniciativas como estas son indispensables para que los niños, niñas y jóvenes bogotanos puedan acercarse a la naturaleza, conocer su patrimonio natural y aprender amarlo. Además, este proyecto es muy importante porque, en una comunidad tan dinámica y urbana como lo es esta, las oportunidades de acercamiento a los recursos naturales son muy limitadas y los canales de comunicación permanente entre la juventud y las instituciones no son suficientes.

Para más información o para apoyar este programa visite www.parquesnacionales.gov.co

Colombia Responsable Intenta Promover Responsibilidad Social

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

El 24 a 26 de junio, El Segundo Encuentro de Responsibilidad y Desarrollo Social, Colombia Responable se acaba de desarrollar en Bogotá con un balance que dista mucho de ser positivo. Como muchas iniciativas, la idea era buena pero faltó la fuerza para lograr el impacto que esperaba.

Como parte del equipo de la Fundación Saldarriaga Concha y becaria de Atlas Service Corps, tuve la oportunidad de participar como presentadora y asistente. En mi opinion, fue una oportunidad de conocer que está pasando en Colombia en las áreas de responsibilidad social pero, de acuerdo con los críticos, no me impresionó tanto. Lo más importante es que Colombia se vaya creciendo su compromiso con responsibilidad social (me dice que este año fue mucho mejor que el año pasado...para mí, es un logro!).

Aquí colgue la impresión de un participante:

http://www.colombiaincluyente.org/contenido/contenido.aspx?conID=968&catID=1

The embarrassing moments of the non-native speaker

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

Needless to say, living and working in a 24-7 English-speaking environment is one of the most challenging aspects for an Atlas Corps Fellow in the U.S. However, my experience so far has been good. Most of the people I live and work with understand this challenge and have helped me to come to terms with so many different meanings present in the U.S. society and culture. My housemates and colleagues in office either are learning or speak Spanish, or other languages, and therefore are aware of how challenging a foreign language can be –and I am glad to help them practice Spanish.

No matter how many hours and how much money you spend learning a second language, the encounter with the real world beyond the classroom always comes with something unexpected that requires your mind to work very quickly. For instance, it is very difficult to avoid words that sometimes can sound lame such as ‘interesting’ or ‘nice’. Someone reminded me of this a few weeks ago, and I have to admit that fixing new vocabulary can become tricky after certain point.

The funny thing is when you make a mistake in a foreign language, most of the times the mistake is, of course, not only misleading, it can also be either outrageous and funny, or shockingly impolite; in a word, very embarrassing.

Seeing Is Believing: The Site Visit

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

I admit that I am human. I believe that it is easier to believe something that I have experienced with all my senses. I think it is much the same with foundation work. An idea, an organization, or a person can look excellent on paper though it isn´t until you have personal contact with that concept that you truly believe the concept.

I look back to my former life in fundraising for a nonprofit. Our success rate in recruiting new funders greatly increased after face-to-face contact was made. This contact was in the form of a site visit to one of our projects or a face-to-face meeting. In fact, I may be so bold as to say we averaged about an 85% success rate after that direct contact occurred. Thus reaffirming the fact that seeing is believing!

Recently, I had the opportunity to travel with the Fundación Saldarriaga Concha for a site visit. We visited Fundación Integrar in Jenesano. This rural-based organization that offers services to disabled youth invited us for their end of the year celebration. It was fabulous (and the view of the Colombian countryside amazing!). The energy in the event was overwhelming. The support from the local community was empowering. And the involvement of the youth they serve was inspiring. It reaffirmed the value of the Fundación´s support for this organization and also offered us a first-hand view of how we might help to continue to improve the services they offer. The visit inspired me to jot down a few tips for hosting a successful site visit (based on my experience in both hosting and being the guest of site visits):

Be Organized. Define all the logistics for the trip including times, directions, phone numbers, and contact people. It is important that everyone arrives calm, cool, and collected.
Be Prepared. Have an agenda for the visit (it can be a hidden agenda; just make sure you have a plan to keep it moving an interesting). It is important that you know ahead of time what you want to highlight, what you want to achieve in the visit, and what will be the follow-up activities.
Be Welcoming. Appoint someone to be the guide for the visit. They will meet the people when they arrive and ensure that they are introduced to the proper people and activities. It is great to involve the visitors in the organization—avoid treating them like royalty. They just need an actual idea of how the organization operates.
Say Thanks. Yes, everyone loves receiving a thank you note. It can be an email, a handwritten note, or a follow-up phone call. This thank you is also a great opportunity to highlight the conversation that you had during the visit, "Remember when you expressed interest in our expansion of the program, here are our 12 months plans…." It is an opening to discuss further funding.

These brief tips are just a few suggestions for a successful site visit. Once you have a format that works, write it down and use it over and over again. You can always be prepared for a visit from an individual supporter or a large potential donor. With a little preparation, you can avoid the stress and enjoy the interaction. Make your visitor a believer because as we all know seeing is believing!

Colaboraci�n Internacional: La Soluci�n Existe en el Nivel Ciudadan�a

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

La otra noche estaba “chateando” con una amiga de Costa Rica—ella vivó con mi familia como estudiante cuando tenía 16. Nosotros hablamos de la vida y especialmente de mi trabajo en Colombia. En Colombia, trabajo con discapacidad y ella tiene una hermana con discapacidad. Me explicó los logros, actividades, y trajazo que ellos han hecho en Costa Rica. Me envió algunas propuestas y fue bien interesante a ver otros modelos exitosos. (Tal vez, serían modelos que se puedan replicar aquí…) ¿Quién hubiera pensado que después de 15 años hubiéramos estar compartido información sobre inclusión social en América Latina?

Después, empezamos hablar de un terremoto que sucedió en Costa Rico al principio de enero. Fue horrible. Pero, ella dijo que los Ticos estaban bien agradecidos después de la intervención internacional (especialmente de Colombia) que han recibidos. Esta intervención fue importante para las personas que sobrevivieron el terremoto y también dejó una impresión positiva en el corazón de este país. ¿Quién hubiera pensado que la ayuda internacional se pudiera impactar más que solamente servicios directos?

Esta conversación me puso a pensar en mi experiencia en Colombia. Entiendo que no puedo impactar todas las partes de Colombia ni resolver todos sus problemas. (Si estuviera en los Estados Unidos, no podría lograr eso tampoco.) Aunque, yo podría tocar la gente con quien trabajo, interactuar y conocer en la calle. Eso sería un ejemplo de colaboración internacional—en el nivel ciudadanía. No debemos olvidar que cada persona tiene la habilidad y la responsabilidad de hacer la diferencia (en las maneras grandes y pequeñas). Por eso estamos participando en la oportunidad de Atlas Service Corps. Queremos impactar el sector social paso a paso y persona a persona…y, en mi humilde opinión, estamos logrando la meta.

Technology Platforms: Let the Surfing Began!

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

I received my first email account when I entered college (and yes, monochrome Apple IIe still existed on campus) - and it was big news! It was a revolution in communicating with friends across the country and world. Then, I started researching online. My world has never been the same.

Now, a few years later (no revealing any dates here), access to online technology is more accessible, more user-friendly, and more necessary than ever. In the past, nonprofits struggled with allocating precious budget resources to develop a quality web presence. This no longer needs to be the case as many opensource and economical options are allowing anyone to get their message out there. In fact, there is no excuse for not having a web presence.

Recently, my office transitioned email providers and it made me think about the many tools available. So, I thought I would share a few of the basic resources to inspire the techie in all of you. I admit these sites may be old news to most of you but it never hurts to revisit an old friend for new ideas!

Google: We all have heard it. Now, take the time to look at the apps and the labs features. From email to sites to analytics, there are so many great tools to enhance any office.
WordPress.com: Great for blogs and/or to build a website. It is free and with a little time and investment can come out great.
Ning.com: Another tool for creating websites - with a community focus.
Facebook.com: Yes, it is not just for kids anymore. People are using it to promote social causes, raise money, as well as find friends.
Skype.com: A free and/or low-cost way of talking via the internet...it even includes video.
Youtube.com: Upload your videos. Showcase your cause. Create links for people to see what you are you doing!
Socialactions.com (http://my.socialactions.com/profiles/blogs/change-the-web-conversation): You can even attend free online conversations to learn more!
Yogatoday.com: Who couldn´t benefit from free yoga delivered daily?

And, believe you me, this list is so small and there is so much more out there to discover. So today´s assignment, spend a few minutes surfing the web!

Oruga o Mariposa?

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

La semana pasada hicimos una reunión para evaluar nuestras experiencias de los últimos 6 meses y quisiera compartir algo que no solamente fue impactante sino revelador.

Haciendo este ejercicio me he dado cuenta del poder que tiene usar símbolos para poder expresar nuestras ideas, y la claridad que le dan a la lógica del pensamiento.

Nos preguntaron que animal escogeríamos para representar nuestros sentimientos actualmente

Hubo muchas opiniones diferentes, la verdad muy creativas: Alguien se identifico con una jirafa, ya que aparte de su belleza y su forma estilizada, siempre están escondidas detrás de los arboles, para que nadie las vea, pero en realidad son criaturas gigantes e imponentes, inteligentes y prudentes.

Otra de mis amigas nos dijo que se identificaba con un burro, ya que al principio conocer el sistema le pareció complicado, y solo podía seguir el camino que le indicaban sus supervisores… ahora se identifica con un mono, porque se siente libre y alegre en su trabajo.

Algunas de las mas creativas mencionaron ser un gato, ya que aunque aparentemente son independientes y a veces despreocupados, en el fondo las personas que tienen gatos saben acerca de su fidelidad y ternura.

Yo me hice esta pregunta, y aunque tenia varias opciones, unas mas llamativas que otras, decidí identificarme con una oruga… quiero que entiendan que no es precisamente por su belleza, sino por los estadios que recorre en su vida..

Al principio uno se siente saliendo de la tierra (casi literalmente) para conocer un mundo nuevo. Como saliendo de una cascarita, pero con ganas de conocer que hay mas allá.

Sin embargo, todavía no he llegado al estadio de “Mariposa”, no podría decir que me siento todavía en ese punto, porque una de las cosas mas fascinantes de esta experiencia es que cada día eres mas y mas conciente de las cosas que te hacen falta por aprender para sentirte seguro profesionalmente y poder volar muy alto.

3D�s of my life

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

1^st ‘D’- Durgapur, a very small township in Eastern India where I was born and brought up. I was told to touch the feet of elders in order to get blessings (A typical Indian Custom). I was not only told that the caste or religion of an individual does not matter but was also helped to practice it. It was always enough to know that the individual was an elder and touching feet is a way of showing respect. I learnt “The only way to get respect is to give respect”.

By the time I was in my high school as an adolescent I started thinking it was enough of Durgapur…I was striving to get out of the cocoon. I wanted to feel my freedom and I did what I wished….

2^nd ‘D’- Delhi: My second destination Delhi, the city where I met myself. There was no comparison between my small town Durgapur and the Capital of India, Delhi. People hardly had time and everybody seemed to be just running around. I missed the warmth, comfort and security that my small town gave me till this time. I learnt, “It is very important to value whatever we have rather than running behind utopian happiness or we might lose even what we have.”

Delhi is the place that has enormous contribution in shaping me as a thorough professional. I realized my dreams and my potential. I personally owe a lot to Delhi. We call Delhi, ‘Dilli’ in Hindi and people call it “Shahar Dilwalon ki” which means “City of warm people!” I was lucky enough to experience that with the passage of time.

3^rd ‘D’- District of Colombia (DC): It was the time of decoration in my life in the capital of United States. Life gave me another opportunity to shape my desires with latest accessories of world. The best thing about DC is it welcomes strangers with warmth and provides a space for curving out one’s own niche. My experience in DC so far has taught me that every single individual has some potential to contribute and one should give chance to that individual to share his ideas to make a difference. It reminds me what I learnt in my early days once again, “The only way to get respect is to give respect”….

This is only a very brief introduction to the 3Ds of my 3D life that I treasure. As we know the kaleidoscope of life rejects getting bound to words beyond a point…

El derecho al agua y el deber de cuidarla

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

Los derechos humanos, los del trabajador, los del ciudadano, los de la mujer, los del niño y muchos otros son difundidos en los diferentes medios de comunicación e incluidos en los currículos educativos de colegios y universidades.

Pero no tan frecuentemente hablamos de los deberes que cada derecho trae implícito. Así como cada acción tiene su consecuencia, cada derecho tiene su deber.

El referendo del agua es una iniciativa privada que ha recolectado dos millones de firmas, para garantizar el acceso gratuito al agua de todos los colombianos. Esta iniciativa ha producido distintas reacciones y ha abierto una discusión sobre su viabilidad y la responsabilidad del Estado de garantizar este derecho, considerado como fundamental. (El tiempo; Crece polémica del referendo del agua, iniciativa que proponer acceso gratis al líquido; 12-01-08).

En esta polémica se discute sobre un cambio de modelo en donde el Estado asuma la prestación del servicio; pero poco se habla de las acciones que deben tomar los ciudadanos, las empresas y el estado para cuidar este líquido.

Independientemente de quien asuma el costo de la producción, debe existir una iniciativa privada, respaldada por el Estado, para evitar el desperdicio. El agua es un derecho fundamental y un bien público. Como derecho tenemos el deber implícito de conservarla y como bien público, todos deberíamos tener acceso a ella y la responsabilidad de promover su buen uso.

En mi opinión, primero debemos asegurarnos que todos los colombianos tengan acceso al agua, al mismo tiempo que comprender y generar una cultura de cuidado del líquido. Luego, podemos plantear cambios en el modelo de prestacióndel servicio para hacer este acceso socialmente más justo.

No hay acción si consecuencia, ni derecho sin deber. Si el agua es derecho de todos, es deber de todos cuidarla.

One month as a Fellow.......

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

Have you ever heard the expression, time flies when you are having fun?. Well its been a whole month, since I have been in DC and as a fellow. Time has gone relatively fast, and there is a lot of things that contributed to it. One of the things I have to say it has been remarkable is the constant support of my host organization,the Mobilize staff (Maya, Ian, Christina, Joe, Nick and Kenneth), who have made me feel closer to home. Also, I want to thank Mike McTiernan, the coolest social sponsor ever.... He has not only showed me around DC, but is also someone I can turn to for advice.

The expectations and concerns I have had during the first month regarding the fellowship are slowly but surely being clearify, I have also learn to speak up, and feel confortable to talk about several issues, and finally come up with a win to win solution.

I believe in the bottom of my heart, that this experience, will give me the tools that I dont have to come back home and continue with the great work, but with more elements to create a continue, sustainable impact on my field.

So please keep in touch and travel with me in this interesting adventure. Find out what happends throughout the year......

Top 5 Ways to Know that You Are in Colombia

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

The first month in Colombia can be defined as a personal paradigm shift: change in geography, climate, language, work responsibilities, work styles—and not to mention all the little details that are below these categories.

To better explain the experience and to acclimate you to this change, I present you a Top 5 list. It best captures what I have experienced over the past first few weeks and affords you the opportunity to walk in these shoes—however big they may be. Que disfrutes!

Top 5 Ways to Know that You Are in Colombia

5. Sizes are limited. I have been laughed out of every shoe store because who would think of carrying a Women´s size 11! Sorry, Dad, I don´t think that I´ll ever find a size XXL t-shirt for you.

4. The Transmilenio: It's a bus. No, it's a metro. No, it's a bus that you get board as if you were on a metro/subway. Genius! Of course, the city bus system is another story....

3. BRRRRRRR! Surprise, it is actually a little chilly here in the mountains of Bogotá (and I don't mean Puerto Rico in February chilly). I mean the crisp fall weather that you experience while watching the hometown football game.

2. Aromática y Arepas: I like to call them my A-Team. This hot beverage and these tasty corn cakes are the answer to the cool temps. Aromática is like apple cider made with the fruit of the day and arepas are kind of like a thick tortilla. So, as I sit here bundled in my layers of clothes, I find comfort in these delightful culinary treasures.

1. Buena Gente: Yes, the people here are eager to welcome you with a kiss and to invite you to know their country. Last night, I attended the opening for a photo exhibit highlighting the struggles of the pacific region (Pacífico Olvidado). It was an amazing exhibit that captured the hopes, fears, and struggles of another community—only hours from Bogotá yet a world apart. With one question to a fellow attendee, I was immediately introduced to the photographer and given an audience to really learn about her motivation, experience, and inspiration behind the show. This immediate access is a direct reflection on Colombian hospitality.

I hope this brief introduction into Colombia gets you excited for the upcoming year. I look forward to the experiences that lie ahead of me and will keep you posted as to the personal and professional activities that occur.

Hello Everyone

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

You have just entered Nilanjana's den…Yes, it is NILANJANA, I know it's quite difficult name to pronounce and remember but I can assure you that you will neither forget my name nor me once you memorize.

Down the memory lane-Journey to be an Atlas Corps fellow was full of thrill. I enjoyed every bit of it-from submission of first application to getting the VISA done. I still remember the day I received the final confirmation of selection from Kimi. I was spellbound and did not know how to express my feelings and just said, "Is it really for me, oh my God!" Yes, I was one of the fellows this year. I sincerely thank my referees, my mentors, my family, my dear friends and ofcourse Atlas Corps and InterFaith teams who had shown trust on my experience and professional skills.

Ahhhh!!!Enough of that, let's get back to the point- coming to US, leaving all luxuries behind was really full with apprehensions and the funny part is all apprehensions attacked me just four days before our departure from New Delhi, India. Till that time I was enjoying get together with my friends and ex-colleagues. The real problem started when I started packing, it was difficult to make choices between dresses and utensils, sweaters and Indian spices J….Huh!!! At last it got over and surprise…surprise...it also got cleared by both Indian and American customs. Thanks to GOD and instructions from Kimi and ofcourse from Dad, Mum, two sisters, two bros-in-law, friends, relatives and many more….

Arriving at DC airport was like a 'Dream Come true' for me, hope I was not in day-dreaming….I had to pinch myself to realize yes I had landed in the capital, the political hub of US, rather world. The next moment I was thrilled and had goose bumps, do u guys feel the same when your dreams come true?

It was so nice of Scott, Kimi and everyone who so ever took their time off to make us feel comfortable in the foreign land. We felt at home, when we saw our group house. The orientation days were the most significant part- and I think a good beginning always makes things easy. But it was not only good, it was just GREAT! The facilitators, co-fellows, Atlas Team .... everything was just perfect to prepare us for the thrilling coming year. Thanks to the 2007 fellows for their suggestions and their sharing, those were really really impressive and motivating. Thanks to Atlas Corps for providing this unique opportunity to the non-professionals.

Stay tuned...lots more to come in the next blog….I am yet to describe my emotional moment with “9/11 Unity Walk” J

How writing, Richie, Jacky and Jay changed me

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

I used to write a lot back in high school. As an editor-in-chief of our school paper and associate editor of our church publication, writing, to me, is not just a requirement. It is not just a commitment to fulfill the roles and duties of the post. It is to me, my very soul translated into visible images in the form of words, phrases and sentences. I write a lot (or used to) about even the most simple, nonsense mundane things, thoughts and feelings in my journal or in my electronic, MS Word format diary. Writing gives me a different feeling. It takes me into a different dimension, into a world where, no matter how simple the words were written only I can truly understand – my thoughts, feelings, emotions and ideas.

I created a blog – thrice! But I never took time to maintain any of those. I was too busy, or rather felt or thought I was too busy to write. I also felt I suddenly lost my writing style. I was so envious of my friends, my bestfriend Marinel in particular, on how good they have become as writers. But, when I went to the university and pursued my undergraduate and master’s degree, I was too preoccupied with term papers, reflection papers, critical analysis papers and thesis works that I got too engrossed into the technical and academic style of writing. I departed from my freestyle-type of writing features materials and simple news articles, but I love it! I love the feeling of writing in an academic and technical style as I became more inspired by the authors of book articles and reading materials handed over to us by our professors. It makes you feel very intellectual, I thought.

Over the years, as I work on projects in the social development sector, I am becoming more passionate about writing proposals, grants, project briefings and the like. I feel good about my craft! All the hard labor, all the long sleepless nights and no-“gimik”-Saturdays or weekend night outs back in college and graduate school are slowly paying off. I can see the fruits of my tedious cut-throat training back when I was still a student slowly bearing. I feel satisfied seeing and knowing that I am able to apply my skills and knowledge into my work and that writing an academic and technical papers show how mature I have grown with my craft. More importantly, I felt extremely happy and excited when Sir Tony asked me to co-write a book article with him that will be published by the university this year.

Then one day, I got an email from Atlas Corps and One World Youth Project that I am to go to Washington DC for a fellowship training and work to learn the best practices of the US non-profit sectors. GREAT! I can improve all my skills, particularly technical writing, during the training, I told myself.

So I flew to DC. At first I was so excited to be in a new place. I am excited about the fact that I get to stay, live and work abroad for more than my usual two-to-three-weeks trips abroad. The first week was so busy and fun, but after several days, homesickness started to take over me. I was feeling extremely emotionally sick, like a dry well in the desert and a barren wasteland that misses the rain.

God, I was in a flight! I tried to escape the loneliness living in a foreign land where the only faces you meet everyday are those of strangers, like blank walls without any image or life in them. I tried to make friends but my mind was set that I will not stay here for more than a year, thus an effort to do such would be futile. I can make friends but not deep relationships with those that I meet. Friends back home are always better. I tried to come up with ideas on how to divert my attention to other things. I stayed up until three in the morning finishing off work from my last project in the Philippines that I still have to accomplish (by the way) and I constantly called my family and Joseph until my phone card minutes would run out or until my neighbor shuts off his wireless internet connection that I regularly leech at night just to be able to connect to Skype for free call. However, they were only helpful to the point that these activities tire me out ‘til I fall asleep. They made me forget about homesickness and how I badly miss mama’s Adobo and Kare-Kare, my brother’s mess in his room that I regularly tidy up and Joseph’s gentle voice that calms me down whenever I’m stressed at work (or to be more accurate, the 3-to-4-hour commute going to work). But it only cures the symptoms; it doesn’t really solve the issue.

On September 17, I went to New York with my colleagues for three missions – meet with Isabelle of UN Alliance of Civilizations and attend the International Day of Peace at the UN HQ as well as meet with Jeffrey Sach’s team at the Earth Institute in Columbia University.

Richie and Jay, two of my friends back in college happened to be in New York. Richie was doing rotation (an internship-type of immersion program) for his med school together with his sister Jacky (who happens to be my friend and senior in a school organization back in college – I only found out they were siblings when I went there and stayed with them by the way. Comment to self -- Great Tieza! It took four year before you realized they were siblings). Jay was in his last semester in grad school in Fordham. When Richie and Jay found out via Facebook that I am bound to NYC, they immediately messaged me and I was offered a place to stay.

Thursday night was set for Jay, Richie and I to meet and have dinner at Serendipity Restaurant. Finally, friends! Friday became more interesting as I also met three other Ateneans – Peter, Ariel and Mel – who are in the same program that Jay is taking up. Good! More familiar people! Then it occurred to me... Back in college, I never went out with Jay or Jacky on a weekend. At least for Richie, there were few times when we went out together but that was with other friends. Ariel was in my batch in college but I never knew he existed (and I thought I knew half of the population of the university!). Same goes with Mel and Peter. But in New York, we went out at night, had fun at the festival in Little Italy and at the bar, went to Times Square and Ground Zero and tired ourselves out. I asked Jacky and Richie when we were taking photos at Time Square, “When we were in Ateneo, did you guys ever imagine we would see each other in New York and hang out together?”

What happened to us in New York was unimaginable back in college as each of us had separate barkadas and friends, living separate college lives. Yes, we were friends but we were not that close and the only moments we would hang out together are when there are organization activities or team-buildings. But never in our wildest imagination that being miles away from home would bring us closer together in one of the busiest, craziest and fast-paced cosmopolitans in the world.

The NYC trip was a retreat for me. It also made me realize and value two important things:

· You do not realize the value and importance of the person you meet until you are brought together by fate or circumstance; especially in a place where only you and the other person could both understand the life away from the usual comfort zone. Sometimes, the people you take for granted or used to have no time for would end up to be your best ally in times when you feel threatened or a link that will reconnect you to your roots

· Old friends are gold and they are truly the best, but you will never know when the new ones are gold too until you give it a chance

Similarly, the process of writing is like reconnecting with old friends and finding new ones. The techniques do not matter as to having friends being listed under the “old” and “new” categories don’t. It does not matter whether you feel more comfortable with your new style or with the old style. What is important is the process of doing it, the process of jotting down your thoughts, writing them in phrases until they complete a paragraph and a great written masterpiece. And regardless of whether you have forgotten about your old style or not, part of your “old” skill still remains; that no matter how good you have become at being a technical or academic writer, when you feel you need to write a simple blog or a journal entry to pour out your thoughts and feelings, you will still be able to find your old magic trick. Friends are like that. There are new finds and there are some like old toys forgotten on the top shelf gathering dust. Most of us are able to find new friends. We get very excited about the acquaintance. When a relationship has been established, we will feel drawn into relating with the people we meet on a more personal level. A new comfort zone has been made. The old one is still there, forgotten, but not entirely lost. But then again, when you see familiar faces, when you have previously had a connection with these people in the past, no matter how strong your relationship has become with the new acquaintances, you will realize that the old ones are not lost. They are strengthened.

That has been me for the first month of living in DC. I was too scared to make friends because I fear the day that I might be too comfortable with the new ones, just like I have become too comfortable with my new writing style for the past years. I was too scared to lose connections with my family and friends back home, scared I might no longer be the same person that I was before I decided to embark on a new journey to a foreign land. I was frightened by the thought of not being able to write a blog entry that would not bore my readers because of the development and academic jargons I might put. But when my fingers touched the keypads of my laptop, when I began writing my first blog as an Atlas Corps fellow, I suddenly realized, hey, I still have my magic! Not a single technical jargon is written here. It’s just me, the real Tieza pouring her soul out.

Thank you Jay, Richie and Jacky, for the experience in New York! More than just enjoying the scene at Times Square, the fiesta at Little Italy, Richie’s Japanese Chicken Curry and the crazy subway-bus station marathon we did so I won’t miss the bus, I had a great experience of sharing a wonderful friendship with you. Yes, I am still crying at night, missing my family and all the folks back home. I am still missing Mama’s Adobo and Kare-Kare and my brother’s messy room. But I am no longer afraid to make new friends because I believe that one day, one of them would be travelling with me to a far-flung province in Tibet or to the Eternal City of Rome.

''When God said 'Love your enemies', I think he meant don't kill them�.."

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

This statement on a T-shirt caught my attention. I was walking with more than seven hundred strangers on the Massachusetts Avenue in Washington DC for '9/11 Unity Walk' on the following day of serial bomb blasts in New Delhi, India. I thought this strap line certainly convey a message to the world therefore put it as the signature statement in my personal e-mail id. Very strangely I started receiving mixed reactions from my friends. Although it seemed strange in the beginning I remembered later the class room lesson in my early childhood days "A glass can be half filled or half empty, it depends on how we perceive it”.

Incident after incident provoked me to think deeper on this issue. I received an e-mail from a very dear friend with pictures of beautiful locations with the captions of "Beautiful Kashmir under Pakistan". I asked him, "Does it really matter if those heavenly locations are under the occupation of Pakistan or India or anywhere in this earth? Is it not enough that God has been kind enough to let us have this piece of heaven on earth" I have a similar question for all of you whoever is reading this, "Does it matter to you whether a piece of land is part of Israel or Palestine? Or let me put it in a better way…Do you think it matters to those who have lost their loved ones on a bright sunny day due to a sudden bomb blast in a public transport?"

I asked myself, "Haven’t we suffered enough loss till the date due to our ignorance? Can't we, at least the Generation X be the catalyst of bridge building”? My answers were 'YES, we can and we have to'. Try asking the same to yourself if life matters and in case death matters too.

It was one of the best day of my life when I saw the priests of all significant religions standing on the same platform- Christian, Jew, Hindu, Muslim, Zoroastrian, Bahai, Buddhist and many more along with the people from different culture, countries, faiths with the same hope in their bright eyes and saying "We need Peace, Love and Care to live our lives which God give us". I felt goose bumps when I saw a Hindu priest blowing a 'Shankh' (Conch) from the platform of a Masjid (Mosque) during the holy days of Ramadan and Imam Magid said, "All our holy books say the same, 'God is consistent', in whatever way we may call him, He is CONSISTENT….”

It's very much doable, friends! Let's try not to forget to be Human first in the race of being something in our lives. I am leaving the decision on you to see the glass half full or half empty, it's your choice now. Let Ghalib not say again, “Aadmi ko bhi mayassar nahi insaan hona…” meaning “Even a man does not have time to become a human being”!

P.S. - I am glad to be part of ‘Unity Walk’, Thankful to InterFaith and Proud to be an Atlas Fellow.

Como llevamos tantas maravillas a Colombia?

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

Estar en otro país, trabajando en el sector social, especialmente en Estados Unidos, tiene muchos retos para un colombiano….una de las preguntas que personalmente me hago con bastante frecuencia es: Como podemos hacer para traer recursos, proyectos y nuevas ideas a nuestro país? Y eventualmente, hacer que esto funcione?... bueno, pues ese es mi dilema el día de hoy…

SMRC trabaja mediante un programa llamado “Global Development Program”, el cual se divide en tres etapas. En la primera, los interns (estudiantes universitarios) viajan a las comunidades de los países seleccionados (actualmente Suráfrica, Kenia y Sierra Leon) y viven con la comunidad durante tres semanas. Este tiempo se usa para conocer y entablar una relación significativa con la comunidad. Se establecen cuáles son las necesidades básicas que no están cubiertas y cuales requieren atención inmediata.

La siguiente etapa se usa para que los estudiantes regresen a Estados Unidos durante un año, estructuren el proyecto y recojan los fondos necesarios para su realización.

Después de ser elegidos por el “Board of Trustees” los proyectos seleccionados (vean los del 2008: http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/2681/t/2896/content.jsp?content_KEY=4761) entran en la etapa final, y SMRC se encarga de cubrir TODOS los gastos de los fellows durante el tiempo que requieran para completar todas las etapas y dejarlos funcionando. (Esto puede ser entre 3 meses y un ano)

Así que como dije al inicio de este blog… como jovenes emprendedores colombianos debemos construir proyectos para llevar iniciativas como esta a nuestras comunidades o replicar el modelo, con las personas que estén interesadas en trabajar por nuestro pais.

Technology, Networks, and Wikipedia (oh my!)

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

Yes, the possibilities that come with technology seem endless...and a little overwhelming. To shed a little light on the subject, my office (Fundacion Saldarriaga Concha) marked their 35 years with a special forum: Social Investment: New Strategies for New Challenges. The forum featured Don Tapscott, the world-renowned author of Wikinomics (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikinomics). His presentation focused on how mass collaboration can stimulate positive change. The four principles of Wikinomics:

Openness
Peering
Sharing
Acting Globally

The event brought together more than 350 representatives from the private, nonprofit, and governmental sectors of Colombia to discuss ways to utilize social networks and technology to strengthen the social sector in Colombia. It was an opportunity to not only hear the principles of Wikinomics but also to translate these principles locally.

The concept of networks is growing in Colombia. Already, Colombia is one of the largest Facebook markets in the world. In addition, many groups are promoting like-minded, internet-driven networks to cover such topics as youth engagement (www.recojo.net) and child protection (www.redpai.org). Collaboration is the key to success and this forum fueled this fire. Now, the challenge is to take this energy and information and transform it into action.

The moment of obligation

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

I have been in Washington DC and as a fellow for almost two months. It has been more difficult than I ever thought it would be. Basic and simple things, that I have always took for granted, are now the most impossible things to find in a city, that inspite the fact of been very warm and welcoming, makes me feel like a stranger. However, it is part of life, and as they say, what does not kill you, makes you stronger and I am becoming stronger.
Every day is a new challenge, a new scene of the play, that I have to tackle and make the best out of it. The work at Mobilize.org has been very inspiring. Maya, Ian, Christina, Nick and Kenneth ( Mobilize staff), have been true role models to follow. I am learning every day, the passion with which they work every minute of the day, and it is this passion that makes me believe, that I am where I am, for an specific reason. Along side with the work, I have also been doing the assignments that Atlas Corps, requires. This month assigment is a true challenge. We have to read the book by the name of "Be Bold" (Which I strongly recommend, but I warn you, that it makes you question yourself, and demands you to see a bit farther than you are use to), and after that I have to write a real life proposal for a Grant.
I love challenges, and hopefully this one will help me follow the path to the road where my mission is completed.

P,S: I apologize if this blog does not make any sense to others but to me, but I do want everyone who is interesting in reading it, to feel what am feeling. and if you have any comment, please feel free to let me know...
Chao Hastaluego!

People who serves the people.

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

Through the time that I’ve been working for non profit organizations I’ve had two different experiences: one is improving the life’s quality of a community and the other is improving the life’s quality of the people who serves this community.

In my experience, the latter is highly unattended in many non profits. Several times, the Human Resources Department is a sort of channel to hire people or to dismiss employees. If it exists, it’s a hybrid between HR and Finance with an unclear role inside the organization.

Also, it’s true that for many non profit which are struggling to find founders for their programs; it’s a total luxury having HR. But the question here is: what is HR for?

And my answer will be: to keep your staffs healthy. Healthy people work better and they’re more effective. Do non profits need a whole department to do this?

My answer will be: it depends of the size of your organization. If it’s a large organization I would say yes, off course. But if your organization is small, I would say not yet.

In both cases, it’s a decision that comes from the Executive Board. It’s most be an organizational policy to keep your staffs healthy. Remember, that an organization could not offer what they don’t have. I believe you can’t improve the society if you are not able to offer good work conditions at your own organization.

But here it’s a good new for all the non profits, it’s not always about money. It’s more about to be strategic and clever in the way you communicate and acknowledge all the hard work and personal sacrifices that your staffs do every day to run gracefully the organization.

If you want to know more about this topic, don't miss my next blog!

TO BE CONTINUE...

Prologue-my journey

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

Heartwarming farewells, visits to familiar neighborhood, funny jokes, comfort of the family, teary goodbyes, inconsolable sobs, stillness of the moment … more tears…reflections…and then Washington D.C .This is how my last day in India was, as I braved forward to be where I am today.

At the Dulles Airport, I meet Scott Beale and a warm smile spread on my face. I also met my co-fellow and house mate, Masoora Ali from Pakistan. Later, I met my other two co-fellows and house mates, Becky Gitonga from Kenya and Paola Parra from Columbia. I heaved a sigh of relief and found comfort in all of them.

The days that followed thereafter were chaotic .In between; we had a great orientation program, tasted different cuisines, had some great speakers and met the other amazing fellows – all leaders in their own way. There were also moments of fun like getting lost on our way home, running around the city as we competed for a scavenger hunt, meeting/connecting with our social sponsors and most of all bonding with fellows who now have become friends and family.

The most exciting aspect that we all looked forward to was the first day at work with our host organizations. As I walked into the lofty building of my host organization Population Action International (PAI), I was heavy with lots of emotions. But all those emotions were put at ease. I saw smiling faces welcoming Ana Raquel Dutra, fellow from Brazil and myself. And at that moment I knew, I will have a great year of learning and productivity. The work environment is very conducive at PAI and I am getting a real hand experience of understanding the sexual and reproductive health and right issues and the donor environment of the U.S. By the end of my fellowship, I hope to learn as much as I can about the issue and use all the skills for the advancement of the non profit sector of my country.

In days to come (it has been more than a month) I am looking forward to getting to know more about the American culture and the way of life, the way the government functions, policies are shaped etc. I also want to travel and visit different places and share my experiences with my people back home.

Time is ticking and I am all raring to face this challenging phase of my life… Family, friends, peers, my country…I miss you all

2009-05-27 The Value of Intermediary Organizations in Philanthropy

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

In the list of sessions scheduled during the Council on Foundation’s 2009 annual conference, held early this month, there was one that caught my attention: Global Impact: How Intermediaries are Transforming Grantmaking. I did not have the opportunity to attend the session, but its description did get me thinking – has the day arrived when intermediaries are finally considered first-class participants in community change?

The majority of my experiences in the nonprofit sector has been with intermediary organizations. Thus, I have a very clear understanding of the historical and present-day value they bring to the field. The Council’s session explored “how intermediaries are transforming philanthropy with increased collaboration across borders and why their impact far outstrips the size of their grants.” It mentions that they strategically disperse “large pools of money to groups on the ground that would otherwise not have access to such resources” and they “...pool funds and leverage other resources and bring together leaders to...facilitate the exchange of ideas and best practices.” In my experience, I have found all of this to be true, in both the national and international fields.

However, one of the first things I learned about working with Intermediaries was that I had to defend and justify their value in the “system” that is now the non-profit sector. The impact of such organizations, as summarized above, is commonly neglected or denied. If a donor can donate directly to a project-executing organization, then why should funding pass through a middleman organization? Why create more administration, more levels of project management, and more distance between on-the-ground organizations and a donor? These were the questions I faced on a regular basis. Some organizations would tackle the questions head-on and challenge the disbeliever argument for argument. Others in my network have responded to these questions by avoiding the term altogether, as if the word “intermediary” was a matter of marketing and not the definition of their work.

Despite the positive advancements and increased levels of global impact that philanthropy and their grass-roots organization have achieved in the last 30 years, there are still many gaps that leave poor and vulnerable communities outside of the “system” and without access to opportunities for social and economic development. In other words, as means are created to reach more countries and more people, we also learn of more communities that exist just beyond our reach.

Intermediary organizations help fill these gaps and are often the difference between a good intention and a strategic social investment in hard-to-reach, marginalized communities. They provide an understanding of the local context (political, cultural, historical, etc...), as well as an insight into the multitude of actors, methodologies, and models that are being used across isolated initiatives occurring in and/or around the community. Additionally, a philanthropic investment through an intermediary organization connects donors to a network of social actors in a way that encourages and facilitates coordinated strategies, collaborated actions, and the ever-so-valuable exchange of experiences, knowledge, and human resources.

In short, I was glad to see this topic on the list of conversations to be had during one of most notable gatherings of leaders in the nonprofit and grantmaking fields. Intermediary organizations are valuable partners in the non-profit sector’s ability to impact the hard to reach corners of all our communities in need – at home and around the globe. Their recognition as such has been long-in coming and undeniably earned.

Healing through Art

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

Some people have realized the healing power of Art, but only those who have had the opportunity to spill creativity over their wounds can talk about it. During this month I had the chance to participate in a unique series of discussion where women artists of all races, ethnicities and ages presented their art as an example of survival and therapeutic expression.

The plasticity of words and all kind of media is the only medium that allows artist to articulate the pain in a virtuoso of beauty. These local artists, in such a singular gathering, have shared their art and their hope with other women for healing and finding peace in unexpected places.

Atlas Corps gets a spotlight in the Washington Post

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

Atlas Corps recently got highlighted in the Front Page of the business section of the Washington Post. Please check out the article, spread the word and leave a comment at the bottom of the article: http://voices.washingtonpost.com/washbizblog/2009/03/value_added_17.html

I wondered what the possible business applications of Twitter could be. While I was wondering, I got a pitch from entrepreneur Scott Beale, who used Twitter, Facebook, Craigslist and a bunch of other web sites to win $100,000 from online contests to fund his District startup.
The start-up is a non-profit. Don't press the snooze button yet. Beale approached the project as if he were building the next Google.

The article is, in part, how we are winning online contests to support our organization. So, if you want to keep things going strong, we would LOVE to have your support for an online contest that we are participating in currently - your help with a $10 donation now help us win $10,000: http://www.razoo.com/organization/Atlas-Service-Corps

Also, Atlas Corps is currently looking out for Class of 2009 Fellows. The application deadline is April 1, 2009. Do you know amazing nonprofit leaders who would like to be Atlas Corps Fellows? If so, they need to apply soon: http://www.atlascorps.org/apply.html

A�orando la naturaleza

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

Cuando se piensa en el estilo de vida de paises como Estados Unidos, las imágenes que primero nos vienen a la cabeza son las de aquellas grandes ciudades, modernas, entornos urbanos individualizados donde el bullicio y las luces no dejan tiempo para pensar en muchas cosas más alla de las preocupaciones del día a día, y donde, como le gusta decir a un amigo mío, la gente va y viene sin saber si va o viene.

En efecto, las imagenes más arraigadas en la mente de las personas cuando vienen a Estados Unidos, son las de Nueva York, Washington, Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, entre otras. Dadas estas ideas, es sorprendente, relajante, y es un alivio encontrar que existen tantas áreas naturales, zonas de reserva de grupos nativos, parques nacionales, en fin, muchas otras áreas naturales donde los esfuerzos y recursos por conservar y preservar para el futuro, son tan cuantiosos como los que se dedican a otros negocios en las ciudades.

Hace unos pocos dias tuve la oportunidad de ir a uno de aquellos parques naturales junto con unos amigos, y alli pudimos comprobar cuánto valora la gente tener disponibles estos espacios naturales para acampar, pescar, o tan solo caminar y descubrir rincones nuevos cada día. Cada fin de semana se forman temporalmente nuevos vecindarios donde la gente se reune para armar fogones de leña y conversar desprevenidamente. El humo de estos fogones me recuerda a los asados familiares de la infancia, y me hace añorar la naturaleza que tratamos de conservar todos los días.

Arepas Offer Some Food for Thought on the Nonprofit Sector

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

Arepas (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arepa) are an amazing culinary creation. This little corn cake is the perfect accompaniment to a main entree or an excellent meal all by itself. My first contact with the arepa occurred in 1998 in a Venezuelan summer camp. Each morning, we awoke to these delicious corn cakes fresh from the oven. Now, more than 10 years later, I have learned to make arepas and have also sampled the many varieties (white corn, yellow corn, filled, baked, with cheese, with tocineta...and the list continues). Everyone has their favorite and ever region prides themselves on their own unique version.

As I nibbled on my first arepa santanderiana (yellow corn and lard) this past weekend, I started to think how arepas are a great metapor for the nonprofit sector. The arepa is the basic concept and the specific variations are developed based on the needs, resources and preferences of each region.

Nonprofit work is also based on a basic model that strives to improve quality of life. The most successful implementation of this model occurs when it is modified according to the need, resources, culture, and interests of the local population. Instead of a set model that is implemented from outside, the local population really needs to be engaged and invested to improve their community (utilizing their unique style). Which means, what works in South America may not necessarily be applicable in Africa.

Through Atlas Corps, I see we are very much promoting this idea. Each Fellow arrived at our host organizations with skills to offer and an eagerness to apply our knowledge to these already functioning models. Though we are all Atlas Corps Fellows, the work I do in the Fundación Saldarriaga Concha is quite different from the work being completed by Lina in the Grameen Foundation in DC. Yet, we are both achieving valuable social impact. We have learned to adapt and apply our skills to enhance the local "flavor" of where we are working. It is an important lesson to keep in mind when leading nonprofit-based initiatives: analysize, utilize, and engage local resources to achieve maximum results.

The arepa teaches us a lot in this regard. There is no one perfect model. It all depends on the population with which we are working. We need to be adaptable and open to these new and unique combinations. In the end, it is amazing the delicious combinations that may result. Now, that is a mouthful!

Buen provecho!

This needs a witty title

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

If there is a single lesson that has become clear to us through this fellowship is how the nonprofit sector has made a way into many diverse areas of knowledge and social agendas. First, in recent years the nonprofit sector has become increasingly visible in countries like Colombia, even if people and organizations have been working in the field for a long time. Also, it is not just in the areas of the so called Millennium Development Goals (which include gender, environment, education, among other issues) that nonprofits are having many beneficial results. Arts is probably the area where creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship are best expressed through the nonprofit sector.

During this time in Washington DC, we have been able to appreciate some of the most impressive cultural and artistic efforts that reach to millions of people every year thanks to nonprofit organizations. Museums, concerts, different types of performances,… sometimes it is difficult to pick one event to attend.

A few weeks ago, the group of fellows went to Richmond, VA for the weekend. We had the opportunity to attend a very nice performance: the reenactment –in the oldest church in Richmond- of one of the most decisive moments in the history of the U.S., when, more than two centuries ago, the call for “liberty or death” led pioneers’ wills and hearts. Personally I was amazed by the presentation, which was accompanied by a musical introduction. At the end, the actors –and the characters- went outside to chat briefly with the visitors, who were eager to take home a picture of George Washington or Thomas Jefferson. This was also an occasion for the organizers to raise some money to continue the good work. It was a fun day. Promotion of the arts and culture is certainly an area where nonprofits are critical for success and advancement, and I’d like to see more initiatives in many countries following the example we saw in Richmond.

How Do We Achieve Total Impact?

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

During such a historic week, it seems fitting to discuss impact. I mean, how are we to know the impact that this election will have on generations to come. It is something that we can estimate but something extremely hard to evaluate using standard research methods…so let´s talk about the social sector.

Whether it’s a direct service project, a grant to an organization, or lobbying for change in public policy, how do we really know that nonprofits are making a difference? Yes, it is the ever-popular question: How do you measure social impact?

The only thing clear at this point is that we know, when it comes to our work in the social sector, it is more:

-than the number of people that receive a meal each day

-than the number of positive legislative changes that occur each session

-than the number of dollars that are invested into nonprofits each year

We are looking for a broader measurement of our activities that delves into the deeper layers of our work. So, if we know that much, why is it so hard to put our finger on the exact measures to define social impact?

Personally, I think it is because the word social comes from the concept of companion which has a lot to do with people. And, as we all know, people are hard to define. The challenge in trying to figure out someone is what makes them interesting and, in much the same way, our efforts to define social impact offer many of the same challenges. This question is one that has been circling through my thoughts for years and I admit that I still have not determined a definite answer.

One tool that I have enlisted to assist me in my quest is just to go with gut feeling along the lines of relationship question: Does my relationship with this individual have a positive purpose? Are we better people for having known one another? I can honestly tell you that there are numerous people in my life that achieve a undeniable YES! Though, I could never prove it with statistics or physical evidence. It is just the truth—they had definite social impact on my life. In much the same way, are the beneficiaries of my work better off for receiving these services? While such a question cannot be answered with statistics and cannot provide any hard scientific evidence, it does get down to the very heart of our work. So, I ask you:

What do you think? How do you measure social impact? What tools do you recommend to help others achieve that goal? How do you determine that the work you support is having a positive impact?

Reading up-side-down.

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

"Hey ladies. Hope you are all enjoying the beginning of your vacation time. (Some of you perhaps are just beginning to enjoy it right now). I only want to remind you all to get a hold of The Tipping Point, by Malcolm Gladwell to read for our Jan 29th training session."-- yet another book reading reminder from Atlas Corps Training Manager! Oh! I just want to crawl back to bed...but then instead I crawl into the pages of the book. We have to read it to be able to participate in the intellectual discourse during the training. No superficial contributions are celebrated.

Leaders are readers! And as An Atlas Corp Fellow training to be among the best non-profit leaders in the world, you must be willing to read-- something new! From books about non-profit management to Harvard Business Review :)

Reading a book per month, amidst the rigorous training and busy work schedule in our work placement/organizations, is not as easy as its spelling. I am excited about books, especially personal and professional development books but lately....phew! I have them all piled up on my desk...each page bleeding (not literally) for my attention.

The books we have read so far includes-- "How to change the world", "Be Bold", "Tipping Point" and "Forces for good".

David Bornstein in his book "How to change the world" gave a clear perspective in defining who is a Social Entrepreneur. He also provided an indept profile of different Social Entrepreneurs around the world doing extra ordinary things to create positive change...it projected the "best practices" worth emulating and inspired ordinary people like us to be bold and take a leap and not relent in our commitment to make a positive difference in the world. (I am yet to finish reading this book).

What does it mean to be bold? Then came the next book of the month- "Be Bold" by Echoing green- " A meaningful life will mean something different for everyone. It may mean following a lucrative career track in the for-profit world, it may mean pursuing athletic or artistic talents, or it may mean being a terrific Parent... For many, a career of service is the path to meaningful life..." Pg 12.The goal of Be Bold is to inspire you to make a powerful personal movement that will impact the world around you. The Book "Be Bold" is not just another inspiring or motivational book. Okay, I admit it will certainly get you all pumped up with a provoking but inspiring attitude after reading :)

Hmmm... what is the difference between David's "How to Change the world" and Echoing Green's "Be Bold"? While mulling over that, allow me flaunt one of my favorite book so far-- The Tipping Point!

Reading "The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference" by Malcolm Gladwell was a different cup of tea. In a nutshell, the book really changed my perspective on how to view issues-- especially social issues and how change occur. Many have argued that it doesn't take one person to start a change, but if as Gladwell states, "Ideas and products and messages and behaviors spread like viruses do" then we now know that ideas, like viruses...starts with one person and tips....spread to others...through "The law of the few", "The stickiness factor" and "the power of context".

Tonight, I am flipping through, the last few pages I can read before tomorrow's training, "Forces for good" by Heather McLeod Grant & Leslie R. Crutchfield. For this book reading, I found it interesting doing a group-reading and discussion (before training discussion) with Paola and Masoora and then sharing an online Google document where we all input our thoughts as we made progress with the reading. (A method we must adopt each time we feel overwhelm with finding time to read).

Reading these books aint no child's play. We are expected to put the lessons we learned from each book into practice--- and so far, so good.

Atlas Corps Fellow monthly book-reading is exciting in its own way-- I look forward to receiving the next email buzz from the training manager announcing the book of the month. Step by step, putting one foot in front of the other and striving to embrace opportunities over excuses-- opportunities of imbibing the lessons learned in the books for professional development, over excuses of how little time we have to read. After all, leaders are readers ...and good time managers :)!

Hmmm...yeah, I wonder what book we will be reading next month! I hear it is "The Spider and The Starfish". Bring it on!

Oh! the title of this blog has nothing to do with my reading style. Have you ever tried reading up-side-down? It is easy ,just change your reading position if you are lying on your bed (as oppose to actually flipping your book up-side-down).

DISCLAIMER: This is NOT a book-review. Just a one-naira reflection on the adventure of a fellow in the pages of her books.

Forces for Good

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

The six strategies— advocacy and services, make markets work, inspire evangelists, share leaderships, nurture non-profit networks and adapting to change environment— mentioned in the book “Forces for Good’ which are being practiced either in isolation or collectively by high impact NGOs of US such as ‘Habitat for Humanity’, ‘Second Harvest USA’ to name a few out of the 12 NGO’s, elaborately mentioned and elucidated in the book, in my opinion is being practiced in India by some of the NGOs— depending on the leadership, mission, vision and resources of the organization. The NGOs in India, estimated to be more than 1.5 million, are very diverse in their functions, structure and operation methods.

The types of NGOs in India include volunteer sector, civic society, grassroots organizations, transnational social movement organizations, private voluntary organizations, self-help groups (SSG) and many other related organizations. It also includes temples, churches, mosques, gurudwaras (Sikh place of workshop), sports associations, hospitals and educational institutions, and ganeshotsav mandals . Most NGOs in India are small and dependent on volunteers. The majority of the NGOs is one-person organization while two-thirds of NGOs focus mainly on areas based in rural parts. They receive funds from different sources, including individual investments, government grants, donations, corporate sponsorship, foreign aid or cause marketing.The NGOs in India vary in their methods. Some act primarily as lobbyists, while others primarily conduct programs and activities.

NGOs such as STOP adopt some of the strategies mentioned above. It works with the Government to create a policy for repatriation of cross border trafficked victims and also provides community services to victims and survivors of human traffickings.They are also in the process of partnering with corporate ,however they are very conscious of the fact that their mission values are not drifted. STOP is also a part of a number of coalitions at the national, regional and international.

The NGOs in India are also increasingly becoming members of NGO coordinating bodies such as Voluntary Action Network India (VANI) is a national apex body of NGOs in India. It is a network that comprises of 237 organizations, 2,500 NGOs, 19 network federations and 42 individuals. VANI is a platform for national advocacy on issues and policies confronting the development sector, and for coordination and action to promote and support volunteer involvement.It represents NGO concerns through advocacy, networking, and sensitization of the government and other stakeholders.

WWF-India, the largest conservation and environment NGO in India, uses all of the six strategies. It addresses policy issues related to the survival of species and habitats, climate change and environmental education. It has adapted itself and has started to engage corporates as a stakeholder. They work with business and industry to promote social responsibility and help find market -based tools for sustainable development. They have partnered with corporates and media outlets such as Titan, Ogilvy and Mather, HSBC, HBO and HP.WWF-India also encourages the participation of volunteers and evangelists.

My analysis is that the strategies mentioned are applicable globally and wouldn’t have been very different if written in the context of NGOs in my home country.

Oportunidades en la tempestad

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

La ciudad de Washington, D.C. tiene una de las tasas de desempleo más altas en el país. Es evidente que esto es un motivo de preocupación para muchos sectores, pero particularmente para el sector social.

El cambio se está sintiendo y son muchas las organizaciones que están cerrando sus puertas, reduciendo sus servicios o explorando nuevas alternativas para sobrevivir. En mi experiencia en el sector social en Colombia la adversidad económica ha sido una constante, por ello se han buscado soluciones creativas y algunas veces poco convencionales para sobrevivir.

El primer paso para sobrellevar la tormenta, sería tener claras las prioridades de la organización y encontrar oportunidades que ayuden a cumplirlas. De la misma forma que una empresa ofrece un producto y tiene que posesionarlo en el mercado, las organizaciones sin ánimo de lucro deben posesionar su servicio frente a los donantes y los beneficiarios.

Buscar ayuda no es de débiles, las alianzas oportunas pueden desencadenar un fortalecimiento inesperado. Desperdiciar menos e invertir más en el capital humano con el que se cuenta. Cada persona es un mundo de oportunidades inexplorado.

Finalmente, es importante pensar a largo plazo. No sabemos si estamos enfrentando un fenómeno permanente o algo pasajero, pero es importante imaginar que las oportunidades existen si somos creativos al buscarlas. Por lo tanto, al crear estrategias a largo plazo que nos permitan proponer en lugar de reaccionar, estamos garantizando una mejor calidad de vida para la organización.

I found my path...

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

This year I completed ten years of my work in the development sector. A substantive part of this time I spent working on rights and issues of women. These have included a wide array, namely, economic empowerment, health, legal rights, local governance, mental health and human-trafficking. After working closely with women around these issues, I decided to commit myself to them for the rest of my life. But the question that continued to press on my mind was which particular women’s right did I want to dedicate myself to. The process of determining that one area or one right was increasingly becoming difficult. I understood that most definitely no right supersedes the other and a comparison between them cannot be drawn. I could have chosen to be a generalist on women’s rights but I wanted to make that transition to specializing in one thematic area and contribute to that. The question continued to bother me untill I began my Atlas Corps Fellowship at Population Action International and began learning the significance of Reproductive Health rights of women to their overall empowerment.

My very first learning about Reproductive health was that it implies that people are able to have a responsible, satisfying and safe sex life and that they have the capability to reproduce and the freedom to decide if, when and how often to do so. Implicit in this are the right of men and women to be informed of and to have access to safe, effective, affordable and acceptable methods of fertility regulation of their choice, and the right of access to appropriate health care services that will enable women to go safely through pregnancy and childbirth and provide couples with the best chance of having a healthy infant. (Source: WHO). Reproductive illnesses are a major threat to the health of adults especially in the developing countries. According to the World Bank and World Health Organization, the reproductive health burden is highest in Africa and South Asia. In sub-Saharan Africa, reproductive illnesses, including complications of unsafe abortion and AIDS, cause about one-third of all disability and premature death among females, and about one-quarter in males. In India, they cause roughly 18 percent of the total health burden of females. The WHO estimates that more than 500,000 women die each year from pregnancy-related causes and unsafe abortion.

The gender inequities that are so inextricably woven in the socio-cultural fabric of these societies make women more vulnerable to reproductive health illnesses, so they are the worst hit. Because women experience pregnancy and childbirth, they are about seven times more vulnerable to reproductive illnesses than men. In addition, women’s risk of acquiring HIV is five to 10 times higher than men at each exposure. (Source: PAI) Unfortunately due to the lop-sided and discriminatory gender situation in these countries, which also includes my own country, India, women experience the greatest reproductive risks; they have limited access to the supplies, services and information that can save them from these illnesses and negligible role in decision-making. Further, women are seldom able to negotiate the conditions of sexual intercourse and contraceptive use with men which aggravates their vulnerabilities. Thus, I learned that reproductive health rights of women and issues linked to it cannot be overlooked if the penultimate goal of women empowerment and human development has to be achieved.

These and many more learnings around reproductive health policies, financing of reproductive health programs, and inter-linkages between reproductive health and poverty, climate change, environment, and security, answered my question and gave me the path to walk on. Hereafter, reproductive health rights of women is what I want to commit myself to and contribute to in both a professional and personal capacity.

Where Would I Be?

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

Sometimes I wonder if its all worth while, if I’ll ever make it.
Sometimes I think that my dreams won’t ever come true.
With everyday that passes, I know there is another clue.

Sometimes things are right under my nose, And all I had to do is look.
Sometimes all I want is to save a rose, And then just go on with my life.

Sometimes I wonder why life takes such unexpected turns, Then I realize, this is my life. If I had not taken these trails, Where would I be?

A really beautiful message from the Pravs World team. Many times when I am alone, I feel the same. Away from my country and friends and family, with a dream to change the world, I have set out to carve my own path, and sometimes I wonder whether I am following the right trail. Anyways, check it out.

Sports - Working Together to Achieve a Common Goal

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

On Sunday, I ran the 10th Bogota Half Marathon...along with more than 40,000 others. It was a great experience! The people, the energy, the t-shirts and everything made it very inspiring. Team Atlas Corps 2009 made a proud showing that day!

We ran through parts of Bogotá that I had never visited. People lined the streets and inspired our every step with their cheers and high fives. They cheered because I was a woman, a foreigner (everything from Canadian to Brazilian - ha!), and, most importantly, because I was a participant.

I ran alongside...wait, I don´t even know who. They may have been Colombian/foreign, rich/poor or young/old. At the time, it really didn´t matter. We were all united because we were sharing this common experience. It was an experience that erased all those characteristics that we use to define and categorize people. On Sunday, the spirit of healthy competition united thousands of individuals.

This spirit is one that we should strive to achieve everyday. Instead of focusing on a person´s individual status, where they come from, how many resources they have, we should focus on our shared goal. Where are we trying to go and how can we get there together?

Sports provide that lesson of utilizing collaboration to achieve a shared goal. Let´s take that example and cross the finish line together!

Conferencia de L�deres 2009

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

Hace unos pocos días, los fellows de Atlas Corps en Washington asistimos a la Conferencia Nacional de Lideres de YNPN (Young Nonprofit Profesionals Network, o, traduciéndolo informalmente, Red de Jovenes Profesionales del Sector social), un evento que reunió mas de 300 profesionales que trabajan en organizaciones sin animo de lucro en todo Estados Unidos. Nuestra participación fue organizada como parte de los entrenamientos que hacemos mensualmente durante el año de fellowship de Atlas.

Fue un evento muy dinamico, con panelistas dispuestos a compartir su experiencia de largos años y sus perspectivas sobre lo que significa trabajar en el sector social, particularmente en estos tiempos tan convulsionados en cuestiones economicas y politicas. La incertidumbre a nivel organizacional y la escasez de recursos, que hace inclusive que muchas ONGs este cerrando sus puertas o reduciendo su tamaño, fue una de las principales preocupaciones.

Como uno de ellos recalcó, cada persona tiene una experiencia totalmente unica e irrepetible, influenciada por circunstancias familiares, academicas, sociales, del azar, de convicciones. Tuvimos la oportunidad de escuchar testimonios de diversos colegas que trabajan en temas de educación, niñez, medio ambiente, entre otros. Finalmente, lo que quedó claro es que cada uno, desde la posicion que ocupe, debe dar lo mejor de sí para sortear las dificultades actuales, las cuales brindan enormes oportunidades y potencial de desarrollo profesional.

Verbal vs. Written Cultures

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

Working and living in Colombia has made me more aware of the extent to which American culture is a writing-based one. A lot of my frustrations at work stemmed from not really understanding that Colombian culture is much more verbal than written. The establishment of some work contracts (or amendments to them) without paperwork and the low rate of response to e-mails were completely new to me. Deadlines and project structures can be altered simply by two people agreeing to do so over the phone, and the other coworkers involved have to hope that they receive the message in time. Much more interpersonal verbal communication goes on here, as co-workers usually walk to each others’ desks for most answers to questions rather than e-mailing or phoning each other.

In the States, it is assumed that you will confirm agreements, meeting times/locations, and other important information by e-mail or letter. Written confirmation also provides proof that an agreement, understanding, or assignment actually existed at all. Trying to operate from a different mindset on this has been difficult, but doing so helps explain a lot of my observations in the office. The key is to find what works for where you are and apply it to complete the work you need to do. Upon my return to the U.S., hopefully it will allow me to better understand and appreciate the working styles of future co-workers.

Dress for Success - Develop Leadership Style

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100
Developing your own style doesn´t just apply to clothes - it´s a major factor in leadership as well. As people committed to positively impacting the world, it is important to determine how to apply our skills (based on our abilities) to achieve the best results.

Recently, I came across this article from Forbes regarding developing your leadership style. It shed some valuable light on the subject. While directed toward women, the basic techniques could apply to anyone:

Learning to be a Leader
(http://www.forbes.com/2009/04/14/careers-management-skills-forbes-woman-leadership-executives.html)

Bottom Line: Be True to Yourself

Recognize your style. Learn how to adapt it to your work/community/social environment. Become the leader that you are meant to be.

Richa Blog 6th September

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100
6^th September 08  I joined my host organization Grameen Foundation on 2^nd September. This has been a week of meeting people in respective departments and getting oriented to the work of GF. I remembered the communication session, the elevator speech while introducing myself. I made it a point to emphasize on the distinctness of Atlas Corps in terms of involving mid career professionals from non profit sector, emphasis on learning and teaching, the programme opening up to select Fellows from different countries. I found that while listening to me the first thing that came to people’s mind was Peace Corps. I hope that in the times to come, the very name of Atlas Corps will be an explanation in itself. In these two weeks of training and being with GF, it struck me that clarity comes fast on what all I need to learn than what I would like to teach and share. I think that is a very important question to be kept in mind. I hope I will be able to answer this in due course.

CentroN�a: una oportunidad para los ni�os y las familias

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100
¡Hola a tod@s! Hoy quiero contarles sobre la organización en la que estoy trabajando y lo que me parece más sobresaliente de ella. CentroNía ofrece programas educacionales de alta calidad para niños hispanos y afroamericanos de bajos recursos. Pero lo que la hace especial y le permite tener tanta acogida en la comunidad, es que involucra permanentemente a los padres de familia en el proceso educativo de sus hijos. Los padres tienen la oportunidad de crecer con sus hijos en la organización y recibir apoyo para mantener una familia sana. A diferencia de otras organizaciones y a pesar de las restricciones en su presupuesto, CentroNía siempre ha apoyado las artes. Cree en una educación integral que más que enseñar números quiere enseñar a los niñ@s a ver la realidad a través de un prisma de colores. En estas semanas en CentroNía he tenido la oportunidad de conocer su personalidad y sus sueños, si ustedes quieren saber más pueden entrar a www.centronia.org. ¡Hasta pronto!

Richa Blog 30th August

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

30th August 2008
It has been eight days now since I landed in DC, a new world for me. The last week of training at Atlas Corps was exciting and very helpful as an initial step towards getting adjusted to life in DC. The training gave important insights into the distinctness of Atlas Corps programme, American culture, marketing and communication for non profits, writing workshop, my personality type, introduction to Salesforce software etc. The overall experience was enriching. The learning that I have drawn from these sessions includes the following:
It is inspiring to see the immense energy and professional approach of the Atlas Corps team. Atlas has a core team of 5 people with a great network of volunteers and supporters. This is a good example of non profit that may be small in size technically, but is effective in its work and has a tremendous network.
It is not just enough to do good work, it is equally important to disseminate it through effective marketing strategies. One has to make a conscious effort to build a network for funding, technical and other support.
I keep recalling Prof. Gary Weaver’s session on American culture. The understanding of differences between ‘To Do’ culture and ‘To Be’ culture helps me to handle the cultural shock better. It is indeed surprising that being in a new country, different context actually enhances the awareness about my home culture.
This has been a good initial preparation before joining my host organization, Grameen Foundation. I look forward to the week ahead.

Richa Blog 14th September

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100
14^th September 08:  Tom, my house mate asked me if I would be interested in being part of a fund raising dinner this weekend being hosted in the neighborhood. I accepted the offer to be one of the guest cook as the dinner theme was Indian. The dinner was organized to raise support for Raynard Williams, a young boy going to DeMatha Catholic High School. The food items included rice biryani, egg plants, lady finger (okra), kheer, mango lassi, lentil & potato soup. I was responsible mainly for lady finger & starters. It was a challenge for me as I had never cooked for a group of 35 people. Anyway the guests liked the dish, so thank God I was saved. It was a wonderful opportunity to meet people from different sectors. Many of them were interested to know about Atlas Corps, so I got a good opportunity to practice the elevator speech. I was indeed moved to know about Raynard who had a difficult past and no support from his family. Despite the ongoing tough phase in his life, not only did he do well in his studies but at the same time excelled in extra curricular activities like basketball, music. Above all always had a big smile on his face. His middle school teacher spoke passionately about him. He said that it appears that Raynard did everything thinking as if it was his last chance. Unfortunately Raynard was not well and could not make it to the dinner. I really wish I could meet him.

Making the experience count...

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100
Three weeks ago, I took the plane from Kenya to head back into the US. This time on a management development program that provides the opportunity to work for a year within a non-profit organization here in the US. My host organization during this time will be Service for peace (www.serviceforpeace.org), an organization that focuses on service and learning opportunities as a medium to promote communities of peace whille adrresing social needs. No doubt the opportunities to learn, create new networks, explore and analyze are enormous. A conscious mind, a powerful will and a great attitude are some of the few things to keep close in keeping plugged to it all. Every opportunity, every experience should count: - � Being part of a team that is championining biking and walking Eco-tours within DC is a great expereince to see how US non-profits apply events as a way to promote and raise awareness of their initiatives and causes. � Witnessing a domestic incidence at the neighbours is a great opportunity to analyze how the emergency response is coordinated, whether after the 911 call is made or after a neighbor calls the police concerned about the ongoing events. It is also a highlight of the daily social needs that every society has to deal with in making the needed services accessible. � The visit to a Government office in order to obtain a certificate for the organization�s office provides an opportunity to draw parallels or differences on Government issuance of services to its citizens and businesses. I am excited about all these prospects. More so, I am determined to have an experience that will go beyond my expectations and beyond the goals that I have set to achieve. At the end of it all, I must have a clear sense of goals achieved, lessons learned and a new zeal moving forth. Well, how about you keep updated with me throughout the year to see how it is going?

A CRY FOR PEACE (Happy International Day of Peace).

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

A CRY FOR PEACE

It always makes me cry

When I hear of young children

being hurt without a cause

with no hand of justice to help.

It always makes me cry

when I see suffering and poverty

in this part of the world

where there is sufficiency.

It always hurt that bad

when I hear of war, war, war

with no room left for peace.

But Mother says it will be better soon

and this makes me wonder

why it can’t just be better now.

Let Peace rain into this land,

Peace, Peace! I want Peace!

© 2004 Jennifer Ehidiamen

***********************************************

What was the crux of the event? Was it the Bee-Bee Demo led by Kathleen Sullivan, Educational Consultant to the Office for Disarmament Affairs that sent chills down our spine as the sound of what the state of the world will be, the ruin caused by War, if government leaders and all war lords refuse to disarm now for a better world? Was it the presentations by young people from all around the world? or everything?

During this year’s International Day of Peace student observance session at the United Nations HQ in New York, The One World Youth Project was one of the organizations that led a delegate of High School Students to participate in the event. After the UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon’s message on the need to "disarm now for a better world", and remarks by prominent adults such as Dr. Jane Goodall, UN Messenger of Peace, the discussion forum moderated by Alexandra Francis of Peace Academy ensued.

This consisted of presentations by students at UN Peacekeeping missions via video conference- “When Flowers are killed No conscience can rest” the Iraqi youth postulated. And the Congolese students in Goma reaffirmed this by presenting “The impact of Armed Conflict on Development of Children in the Democratic Republic of Congo.” In a more relaxing but equally important message, the Sudanese students performed a Drama and Song on Disarmament. And then came Liberian students’ “We have suffered enough”.

It was obvious how powerful technology has become to the extent of connecting young people from all around the world simultaneously, to share ideas on how to move the world forward, from the current state of derision, anger, greed and hate that causes war. It was a very intense event.

Another thing that amazed me in the course of the event, was when during the question and answer session, a young girl in the UN HQ asked the Liberian students “…what can we do to help you…?” It was an innocuous question but the hall went silent. I sat on the edge of my sit. Anticipating what the answer coming from the other side of the world will be…I held my breathe… waiting, waiting. Did they not hear the question? Why haven’t anyone stood up to answer? We all watched the big screen, everyone waiting for the answer. "What can we do to help" was the question.

And then it came! A young girl walked up to the microphone. We all saw her approach and heard her speak. She echoed the very thought we all share in this field. In my words, she pointed out that the only way young people around the world can help is by making sure they pass on the message of Peace. She advised young people around the world to build bridges instead of walls. She also advised us to collaborate more. It is no longer a matter of one continent thinking they hold the solution to the world’s problem, it is about everyone taking personal responsibility. It is no longer about one group sending aids to another but about Collaboration and Partnership. She spoke once but twice have we heard her words. It is no longer about "how can we help", but about understanding, to applied empathy...through collaboration.

It is through collaboration that we can effect a positive change in the world. Happy International Day of Peace! Spread the message of Peace not war!

Blog Testing

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

Hi there,
Hope everyone has settled in their houses and respective host organisations. The past two weeks have been very good for me getting to understand the work of Grameen Foundation.
Stay tuned to know about my experience as one of the guest cooks at a fund raising dinner in my neighbourhood this weekend.
All the very best and look forward to know about your experiences.

Working for Student Movement for Real Change

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

I have to start this blog saying that it was not my intension to make a whole poem in my previous blog… I have to keep working in my writing skills because as a good Colombian in my school they teach me too that a good essay should have at least 5 pages (not matter of what)…and I know now is not an excuse, but I am still paying the price…Sorry!

Well, now, working in SMRC… I will have to use words like Energetic work, Enthusiasm, Happiness, True Commitment and Pride… yes, Pride…

First of all, the founder of SMRC, Saul Garlick is a young man, full of good feelings about others, with an incredibly capacity of hard work, passion about helping and improving neglected regions of the world and the lacks of services in those places. I am sure that this description is not fare enough with all the things that you can tell about him, but for me he has become in a great mentor. He teaches me every day how to run a non-profit organization. For me it’s still amazing knowing young people with this sense of philanthropy and professional achievements in humanitarian work. It's so inspiring...for more information you can visit www.studentmovementusa.org

So far I love my job here…

(I feel again that this is too short)

Observations

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

One word that comes to my mind for the fall season in DC is ‘exotic’. I find the numerous hues and shades of the leaves as overwhelmingly beautiful so much so that I cannot take my eyes off them. I have tried to capture these colors as much as possible in my camera. One creature that I find to be enjoying the fall far more than me is the squirrel. Squirrels seem to be present in every nook and cranie of DC, always busy and ecstatic. This experience is truly a source of positive energy for me, simply rejuvenating. I hope the same for all of us.

Few words that register with me when thinking about public life in DC are ‘discipline’, ‘order’, ‘patience’, ‘inclusion’. The city is systematically organized and has a very good signage. It is remarkable to see the spirit of patience and concern among people, be it in crossing the road, traveling in bus & metro, waiting in a queue in stores, restaurants etc. I really appreciate that the infrastructure: public transport, buildings are quite accessible for the elderly and people with disabilities.

Museums in DC are a rich insight into the cultural ethos of the American society. Last week I visited the National Museum of the American Indian which among other things introduces the cultural, social, linguistic and political issues of native people and communities in America in

the 21^st century. American society is largely recognized as individualistic. Little does one realize that the native Indians hailed from a collective orientation where community \was a very important unit. The natives now mostly live in the west coast on Indian reservations and attach great importance to the preservation of their language, heritage and tradition.

This weekend I got a chance to try ‘pupusa’ and ‘baliada’, cuisines from El Salvador and Honduras. Yesterday evening we were invited to ‘day of the dead’ celebration party in the neighborhood. The main attraction of the evening was Peruvian dinner and Mexican band and dance. It is indeed exciting to know and experience various aspects of the culture here.

Every society has a deep rooted background and details. My observations are based on what I have seen so far on the surface.

The Desire to Serve Is Not Enough...

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100
Serving, volunteering, helping...whatever term you use, I feel that it is a great way to contribute to a community while also getting to know that community.

For that reason, I actively initiated a volunteer search upon my arrival in Bogota. I wanted the opportunity to contribute to the community beyond my day job. The goal turned out to be more challenging then I anticipated. The reason: while a lot of Colombian organizations are more than willing to accept volunteers, they don't necessarily seek them out nor do they have an established infrastructure to support them.

Thank goodness I found the Bogota YMCA. They have an inspiring commitment to actively utilizing volunteer skills while also developing up and coming leaders!

The contributions and potential investment of volunteers is becoming a key discussion topic these days. Not only can volunteers benefit an organization, the government is seriously looking at the concept of national service. In honor of this topic, here are a few things that I learned in my search for a genuine volunteer experience. These tips are valuable to creating a effective volunteer structure that will have long-lasting results on both the individual and the organization:

Keep it simple stupid: People don't need fancy. They just need to know the key details (hours, duties, requirements, activities) to make an informed decision. They want to know why you want a volunteer and how they can contribute. Through a website, email, phone conversation, pamphlet, find a direct way to communicate this information.

Teach, teach them well: Training is important. The initial investment in training and overall organizational presentation will result in a more informed, committed, and engaged volunteer. Engage a volunteer as if he/she is an employee of the organization - challenge them to contribute.

Create community: While there are many motivations for seeking a volunteer experience, most people will stay because of the people - fellow volunteers, the people they serve, the coordinator of the experience, etc. It is important to create a sense of community with any experience and to help people connect with one another.

Basically, appreciate a volunteer for who they are and utilize those skills to invest in the organizations. The rewards will be endless...I know that I am fully enjoying my volunteer experience at the YMCA and hope that I can also provide some benefit to the organization to return the favor!

11 AM: Where Were You?

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100
(a delayed reflection on election night)

It was a dark and stormy night in Bogota. The rain continued to fall and flooded my desire to leave the house. So, I cuddled up in my slippers along with my laptop and settled down with all my friends at CNN to watch the election results (holograms included!).

Though far from the USA, I never felt out of touch with mi gente. The days leading up to the election were filled with questions. Friends, co-workers, and random people on the street asked me my thoughts and my candidate of choice. (Which, I guess is a testament not only to international interest but to the fact that I will never truly look Colombian:) It is true that the entire world was watching. So, when the day of the election finally arrived, a few things became evident:

1. Voting by mail is pretty amazing. I admit that I took such an opportunity for granted. I mean, I am thousands of miles away and I can still participate in the democratic process. The ability to vote by mail and the trust that it represents is a highlight of the USA's political process. I was honored (and glad) to take part in it.

2. The world does watch the USA. I turned on my favorite morning show Arriba, Bogota to the phrase, "The most important country in the world holds their elections today..." It seemed to me a pretty bold statement from a Colombian broadcast. This sentiment was reinforced throughout the day as there were ongoing questions and discussions.

3. We are never really alone. Yes, I chose to stay in for the evening but I was far from being out of touch. Thanks to the wonders of the internet, I chatted with friends in Arizona, Minnesota, Chicago, and Washington, DC. Our interactions were immediate and the energy transmitted itself well over the internet-driven modes of communication.

4. News is at our fingertips. The speed at which news travels is amazing. It is up to the minute so that we never miss a minute. At approximately 11:05 PM, all major Colombian newspapers had already updated their online publication.

5. The election doesn't stop on November 4. At least, it hasn't stopped for me. I am still approached on the street or invited into conversation with taxi drivers. People are so curious to hear the gringa opinion as well as to interject their own thoughts. As a Colombian said, "The world watches the USA. What you all do effects everyone?"

Of course, all of these factors lead me to one overall interesting conclusion (not meant to be positive or negative): While other countries may have to overcome a lack of position in the world or limited resources, the USA actually has to overcome our saturation of the world. Basically, you can be in almost any part of the world and see a TV show from the USA or see a brand name. On the other hand, it can be difficult to find a foreign language show or product in all parts of the USA. It is not an excuse for our limited geographic knowledge, monolinguistic tendencies, or inward-focused tendencies...it is just my observation on the current situation.

With that said, I am inspired by the energy ignited by this election (regardless of political views, this election inspired people to action!). Now, I am eager to see where it will take us...both domestically and internationally. It is time to get ready to become part of this next chapter in history. Today, just like everyday, is an opportunity to leave a mark on the future.

Transformation

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

Organizational change is a very important phase in the life of any organization. For organizations to develop, they often must undergo significant change at various points in their development. Significant organizational change occurs, for example, when an organization changes its overall strategy for success, adds or removes a major section or practice, and/or wants to change the very nature by which it operates. There is a direct correlation between organizational change management and mission achievement. It is intended to shape the beliefs, attitudes, values and structure of organizations, allowing them to better serve their customers and better adapt to a rapidly changing environment.

I studied this concept, related theories, and models during my course on human resource development & management. It actually makes sense now when I am getting to witness the strategic planning process guiding the organizational change in Grameen Foundation geared towards its mission to enable the poor, especially the poorest, to create a world without poverty.

Successful organizational change can be quite difficult to accomplish -- it can be like trying to change a person's habits. On one hand one can see the robust plans on paper, on the other hand is the confusion, anxiety, nervousness, fear in the minds of people at all levels.

That is why the role of senior management is critical to steer the organization through this change. The onus is not just on the senior management but on each individual down the line to make that change happen. The enhanced pace of growth of such an organization impresses upon an individual to ask – how can I be proactive, what and how can I do things differently in order to facilitate the change process.

Obama, change and bailout....the buzz words!

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

The history of US presidential election for the year 2008 will be written in golden words. It’s time when America has arisen above the race and proved the rationality of democratic ethos beyond prejudice. The wind of change was largely blown by the American youths who desperately realized the need for the change for a better American government and social security. America’s engagement in war against terrorism has a reason during the last one decade not to generate the required number of opportunities for the youths. Thousands of billion dollars have been drained in the war and human sufferings are non the less. But it’s not easy to win a war and even it’s more difficult to lose a war. Whatsoever may be the result…if you win a war, you cry inside your home and if you lose a war, you cry outside of your home. There is a feel good factor at the moment in America.

Definitely, the change has come to white house …the change is awaited in America and so is hoping the rest of world. It still seems the bumpy rough road ahead for the elect president Mr. Barack Obama and his team. Since the legacy of the previous government can’t be shed over night and bailout package can provide only temporary relief. There is no magic wand that this government can change the wear and tear away from the past. But definitely an honest approach will lead to the right direction.

The change is historic but not absolute. American democracy is over two century old and it has succeeded in electing (1/44) one president from African-American community. Even larger question yet remained to be answered….not a single women president in the whole history of American democracy. Definitely America is not a male chauvinist society but what about gender sensetivity. .does the democratic rights are more favorable for the male…perhaps not.

Yes, you have done it…and hope...you will do the rest!

Upon reflection...

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

Few things in life could be bitter and sweet at the same time: love and volunteerism are two of them. And in certain ways these two are alike: volunteering needs a great amount of passion and patience to succeed.

When you truly believe in a cause, you are willing to give up your economical profit, and you develop a new way to feel rewarded. Sometimes you feel discouraged and you do not realize how your sacrifice can make a difference, but often you correct yourself and take the challenge to believe in social investment.

Well, each person finds a different answer to this question the day they decide to volunteer. Volunteering is the fastest way to make a transition between believe and own a cause. When you have a first hand experience and work to contribute to a cause you love, you stop saying THEY can make the difference and start saying WE made the difference.

Be aware, your contribution is not always emotive or easy to measure. When you are volunteering, you will not always have the chance to build a house for a low income family or to save an animal from being abused. Sometimes, your contribution is to help those who are directly serving the community. For instance, you could volunteer for a fundraising event or as pro bono consultant, or just helping with administrative duties could improve the effectiveness of a struggling nonprofit.

I have been involved in the nonprofit sector in my home country (Colombia), since I was 16 years old, and at the age of 21, I co-founded a nonprofit organization. I also have extensive and diverse experience volunteering. I have found that in each new opportunity I am able to give a better input, because I bring valuable learning from previous experiences.

Many times people see volunteerism as a way to give but you forget that you are receiving as well. You learn to feel rewarded in ways that sometimes are more fulfilling than having a title or economic recognition. You gain knowledge in areas that you are really interested. Last but not least, you feel the power to transform an unimproved reality knowing it is just the beginning of a strong commitment that you will develop through the course of your volunteer experience.

So, yes volunteering is like love. I hope you will choose to volunteer, because if not, you will lose a unique and wonderful experience in your life to learn and to love.