JustWorld International Leadership Training
Transcription
JustWorld International Leadership Training
Volume 1, Issue 4, June, 2004 Newsletter JustWorld International Leadership Training On April 30 and May 1, JustWorld International (JWI) hosted its first annual Global Leadership Training workshop for student volunteer representatives heading to work at JWI project sites during the summer of 2004. The initial goal of this two-day workshop was four-fold: 1) To help develop the skills and tools JWI volunteers will need while working in the field in order to get the most from their experience; 2) To empower JWI volunteers to make a positive contribution to the local project site as well as the community around them; 3) To understand how to use this experience upon returning to their home country in order to share their knowledge with others and promote global social justice; and 4) To become an integral part of April 30 - May 1, 2004 the JustWorld International team First Annual Global and understand each person’s Leadership Training role in the mission of JWI, before, Workshop Paris, France during, and after the actual field experience. Held in the center of Paris, this workshop brought together fifteen student volunteers, chosen through a rigorous selection process, representing fifteen nationalities and several universities in the United States, Canada, and France. As this was JWI’s first experience conducting an intensive leadership training workshop, the workshop was organized in an atmosphere of experimentation, with emphasis being placed on the volunteers’ reactions to the two days and their feedback on how JWI could improve its training program. On the second day, May 1, Florence Chalamet of the French group ADH Consulting led the workshop. Florence is a corporate coach and trains executives from top international companies in Europe and the United States. The theme for her workshop in the morning was centered on ‘giving’ and ‘sharing’. This involved a serious evaluation of each volunteer’s personal motives for becoming involved in social justice work as well as discussion and debate about beliefs and respect for different communities, cultures, and traditions. The afternoon’s work concentrated on the contribution each student volunteer could make to JustWorld International, both now and in the future, as well as each volunteer’s expectations for JWI. Florence’s workshop offered many practical communication and coping tools for the volunteers that will be of great use to them in the field. The workshop was brought to a close with a lively discussion about building a brand and culture for JWI, especially through long-term individual involvement. Evaluations from the leadership training workshop were evocative. The most important outcome was that, because the volunteers now feel part of a team effort, they also feel empowered to be leaders both at the project site and afterward. The support they have received from JWI has given them the tools to feel confident about their mission, their responsibilities, and their ability to reach their goals. JustWorld International plans to host a similar workshop this fall in order to enable the volunteers to debrief and share their experiences with fellow and future JWI volunteers. On the first day, April 30, Mary Ann Simonds, an American ecologist and behaviorist with over 20 years of experience training students, facilitated the workshop. She focused on preparing students for their time in the field by helping them understand their own vision and intention for the project site where they will be volunteering. Mary Ann additionally placed emphasis on empowering each student to channel his or her energy into becoming a leader working for positive change around the globe, both on-site and afterwards. “Rider Representative Ray Texel, shown here aboard Roxana 112, shows off the new JustWorld signature riding jacket.” Photo by Randi Muster Tostan and JustWorld International Partner for Breakthrough Change in Senegal, West Africa I In June 2004, JustWorld International’s first student volunteers will begin working with Tostan, an international non-governmental organization based in Senegal, West Africa. Tostan, which means “breakthrough” in the Wolof language spoken in Senegal and Gambia, was incorporated in the United States in 1991 and is based in Thiès, Senegal. For over twenty years, Tostan has worked to empower African communities to take charge of their own development. JWI shares this philosophy of empowering local people to take responsibility for their Chakera own development and is excited to McIntosh be partnering with Tostan for the first time. The mission of Tostan is to contribute to the human dignity of African people through the development and implementation of a non-formal, Sabine participatory education program in Panet national languages. Tostan provides learners with the knowledge and skills to become confident, resourceful participants in the social transformation and economic development of their communities. Tostan pedagogy combines traditional and modern techniques to help bring about positive change on a personal, community and national level. A guiding principle of the Tostan method is based on the African tradition of participation and respectful consultation of all those concerned and affected by the implementation of any eventual decisions or policies. Villagers themselves determine their future goals and identify obstacles that must be overcome in order to achieve success. these modules and involves the whole community in the empowerment process. The Toston ‘model’ has met with great success. Since 1997, over 1,271 villages in Senegal and, recently, in Burkina Faso, have publicly declared an end to harmful traditional practices including female genital cutting (FGC) and early or forced marriages upon completion of the Tostan program. The World Health Organization and the Population Reference Bureau have chosen the Tostan model as one of the most promising strategies for ending FGC. Using a human rights approach, Tostan provides communities with essential health information so that they may fairly evaluate the merits of tradition against a potentially harmful practice. Tostan’s model is not simply an education program, however, but includes support for serious community mobilization and, ultimately, a public declaration. In order to prepare for their interactions in the Senegalese villages, JWI volunteers have been learning the Wolof language. The volunteers will spend two to three months this summer in the field assessing the continuing success of Tostan’s programs one year after select communities have composed and signed public human rights declarations. The volunteers’ assessment will greatly contribute to measuring the success of the Tostan program in these villages. Based on their observations and experience in the field, the volunteers will additionally be able to assist Tostan in developing new human rights curriculum and training other villages to adopt human rights declarations and practices. Upon returning from this project site, JWI volunteers will use their experience to help promote human rights in other parts of the world. For more information regarding Tostan, please visit www.tostan.org. Quality, holistic education and development activities based on principles of human rights provide JustWorld International communities with the tools to direct their own social and extends its heartfelt thanks to economic transformation. Tostan’s holistic education ERNEST AND JOAN program was founded on the belief that every citizen KALMAN has the potential to shape community change when for generously funding this provided with learning that is accessible, relevant and project site. Their support adaptable. Modules covering themes of democracy, has enabled JWI volunteers human rights, problem-solving, hygiene, health, and to work as partners with basic math and literacy are taught in participants’ own Tostan for positive change this national languages. Training in the implementation summer in Senegal. of practical development activities often follows Photo by Andrew Robitaille Eye on Honduras - PART 2 In the second part of a Series, JustWorld International Executive Director Jessica Newman continues to share with us her encounters in Honduras. She and Titi Mills, a ‘Jump for a JustWorld’ rider representative and a native of Honduras, traveled to the underprivileged nation in April of 2004. There, they met with First Lady Aguas Ocana de Maduro to discuss the role JustWorld International can play in forming a project that would help build orphanages and get young kids off the streets. Tuesday, April 13 In the morning before our meetings with the First Lady and the Minister of Tourism, Titi and I went to the Maya hotel, and Erick was there waiting for me! We were thrilled to finally see each other again. Erick had grown and changed a little, but when I saw that innocent smile and his eyes light up, I knew he was happy. Although Titi and I had to leave for our meeting with Thierry de Pierrefeu, the Minister of Tourism followed by a meeting with the First Lady, we would be back in the evening to take Erick to dinner. We parted with light hearts and a sense of joy from our long-awaited reunion. MEETING WITH THE MINISTER OF TOURISM Our meeting with the Minister of Tourism went very well. Thierry de Pierrefeu, who studied in Paris and is of French noble background, welcomed us with open arms and showed us a presentation on the Tropical University Institute. This vast project is being initiated by the Ministry of Tourism in Honduras to create a research and environmental conservation educational institute to save the country from destruction of its natural resources and to develop the eco-tourism industry. JustWorld International shares this philosophy of education and targeting the next generation of leaders, as do the Institute’s distinguished funders including National Geographic, the Smithsonian Institute, and the World Wildlife Fund. Once the Institute is completed, JWI will explore the possibility of becoming one of its partners. From left to right: Titi Mills, First Lady Aguas Ocana de Maduro, Jessica Newman MEETING WITH FIRST LADY AGUAS OCANA DE MADURO Honduran First Lady Aguas Ocana de Maduro’s passion in life is helping the street kids. She has already adopted five and dedicates 100% of her time to them and those who are still living on the street. I was able to share with her my own experiences in Honduras working with street kids and even showed her the picture of Erick in the JWI brochure, explaining how this child changed my life and inspired me to found JWI. After describing the mission and methodology of JustWorld International to the First Lady, I explained that we were looking to build long-term partnerships with local organizations in order to provide college students with opportunities that would shape them as they become leaders for social justice. Being very impressed by JWI, First Lady Aguas Ocana de Maduro proposed that JWI send volunteers this summer to work with her own local project to help street children. Titi and I were invited to visit one of the centers with the First Lady’s assistant and concluded the meeting with many new ideas and much excitement about the possibilities for helping improve the lives of street children in Honduras. To Be Continued . . . Covert Claims Grand Prix of Pepiniere JustWorld Rider Representative Angela Covert of Canada claimed numerous titles at the two-week St. Lazare Spring Horse Show held at Pepiniere Stables in St. Lazare, QC On the final day of competition, May 30, Covert claimed the top two spots in the $10,000 Metro International and Thermo King Grand Prix. From the starting field of 22, only three were able to master the course set by Hector Loyola of Puerto Rico to advance to the jump-off, and Covert did it twice! When John Kersley, the first back in the jump-off, had two rails down for eight faults riding Moritze, the pressure was off Covert’s shoulders. has been so good here over the technical courses, and it was a bit easier for him.” Covert has been partnered with Marc Sabbah’s Tomboy Major, an eight-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding by Major de la Cour, since last fall while Hamsa Grannius, owned by Frank J. Motter Construction, is a new ride. One day earlier, on May 29, Covert celebrated her 28th birthday with a win in the $5,000 Molson Speed Derby riding Louise Sabbah’s nine-yearold selle francais mare, Heve de Mazure. Covert and Tomboy Major also enjoyed victory in the first Talent Squad competition of the show, and they currently lead the National Talent Squad Series, a means of Covert guided Hamsa Grannius to a clear Photo by Cealy Tetley recognizing horseround on her first attempt over the shortened Angela Covert and Tomboy Major, winners of jump-off track, but exceeded the time allowed the $10,000 Grand Prix of Pepiniere in Quebec, rider combinations to Canada, are congratulated by owners become future members to incur one time fault. Practice makes Louise and Marc Sabbah. of the Canadian Show perfect, however, and with her final ride, Jumping Team, by a large margin. Tomboy Major, Covert picked up the pace and again left all the rails in their cups to claim victory. Covert generously donated a “With the stallion, Hamsa Grannius, I knew he could jump portion of her winnings to JustWorld Photo by Cealy Tetley clean because he is very careful, but he has never jumped at International, and her owners have also Jump for a Just World Advisory Board Francois Ferland, judged the this height before,” explained Covert who operates Eastwood been extremely generous in supporting member, event while JustWorld associate Hector Loyola designed the courses. Equine Inc. in partnership with her husband, Mike Lawrence, the ‘Jump for a Just World’ initiative. one of Canada’s top equine dentists. “For Tomboy Major, he Owner Spotlight Saly Glassman Volume 1, Issue 4, June, 2004 Executive Director Jessica Newman Director of Operations Hilary Betaille Programs Director Dr. Susan H. Perry Operations & Programs Assistant Angelyn Sides Administrative Assistant Mireya Cano Website Designers Debbie Salem Amanda MacDonald Interns Christiana Ball, Lisa De Sousa JustWorld International Advisory Board HRH Princess Haya Jordan Ernest Kalman USA Mildred Robbins Leet USA Raymond Offenheiser USA Michael Speiser USA Komlavi Francisco Seddoh Togo Jump for a Just World Advisory Board François Ferland Canada Hervé Godignon France Karen Golding USA HRH Princess Haya Jordan Serge Houtmann France Jean Morel France Jessica Newman USA/France Leopoldo Palacios Venezuela Rhonda Rioux Canada Mary Ann Simonds USA Ray Texel USA Riders Angela Covert Eric Lamaze Hervé Godignon Eric Navet Kevin Babington Candice King Titi Mills Ray Texel Natalie Johnson, Junior Jessica Speiser, Junior Laura Spillmaker, Junior Canada Canada France France Ireland USA Honduras USA USA USA France For further information on JustWorld International, please visit: www.jus t w o r l d i n t e r n a t i o n a l . o r g JustWorld International (USA) 925 Westchester Avenue, Suite 308 White Plains, NY 10604 JustWorld International (France) c/o The American University of Paris 6 Rue du Colonel Combes 75007 Paris, France Editor, Jennifer Ward Designed and Produced by Starting Gate Communications jward@startinggate.ca Saly Glassman, owner of international show jumping superstar Carling King, has quickly become a prominent figure in the ‘Jump for A Just World’ program. While Carling King’s rider, Kevin Babington of Ireland, is a JustWorld Rider Representative, it is Glassman’s commitment as owner that has enabled Babington to donate a portion of his winnings to the organization. World Equestrian Games in Jerez, Spain, Babington and Glassman’s Carling King have helped Ireland to secure major Nations’ Cup victories. Babington and Glassman’s Irish Sport Horse gelding are currently on the path to gold medal glory at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece. Glassman is Senior Vice President of Merrill Lynch and has been listed multiple times as one of the top Photo Courtesy of Saly Glassman 20 financial advisers in the United In March, Babington and Carling King won the $100,000 Cosequin States. She and her husband, Allan Saly Glassman, U.S. Open Jumper Championship owner of Carling King, Syphers, and their two daughters in Wellington, FL, and, with is a strong supporter of the make their home on the 128-acre ‘Jump for a Just World’ Glassman’s blessing, immediately ‘Kindle Hill Farm’ in Gwynedd Valley, program donated ten percent of the $30,000 Pennsylvania, which also provides in prize money to JustWorld. In the training base for Babington and May, the same scenario presented itself when Carling King. Babington and Carling King won the Grand Prix of CSIO La Baule, France, and picked JustWorld International would like to up 22,000 Euros in prize money from the total acknowledge the important role that Saly purse of 100,000 Euros. Glassman, Kevin Babington and Carling King have played in bringing ‘Jump for a Just World’ “I have been involved with children and child to the forefront of show jumping sport and wish welfare for over 20 years as a Director of them the best of luck as the Juvenile Justice Center of Philadelphia, the set their sights on and JustWorld International provides a great this summer’s Olympic opportunity to help merge my greatest interests Games. in horses and children,” noted Glassman, a long-time rider and currently a successful show JustWorld International jumping competitor in the amateur divisions. congratulates “We are looking forward to involving others in KEVIN BABINGTON AND CARLING KING this outstanding cause.” Glassman formed a partnership with Babington as coach, trainer, and rider in the mid-90’s, and together their success continues to grow. Following an eighth place finish at the 2002 - owned by Saly Glassman for their spectacular win at the CSIO France Grand Prix in La Baule on May 9. Photo by PSV The Board of Directors of JustWorld International expresses its sincere gratitude to the Directors of the Jerome A. and Estelle R. Newman Assistance Fund for their enduring support of JustWorld International’s mission and programs. PARTNERS