Monday, December 19, 2011

A Message from one of our Guatemalan partners, Volunteer Peten

Dear Friends of Volunteer Petèn,
November 2011
As many of you already know from our past newsletter, 2011 has been a difficult year both for Volunteer Petén and for Guatemala in general.  As the social integrity of Guatemala continues to decline and collapse, tourism, the major component of Volunteer Peten, has also declined greatly and, in the Peten region, has virtually collapsed.  Earlier this year, we made a plea to friends and past volunteers from our program to donate so that we could make ends meet and finish our school program, as well as maintain programs in the ecological park and community library, and we received a great response and are deeply grateful for all your aid and assistance.   Upon facing this crisis, both the decline in tourism and the increased violence in the region, only two decisions were available to continue with Volunteer Peten; one was to continue our projects based solely on donations from friends and family, or to find other sources of income to run the projects based on sustainable projects such as selling firewood, animals, plants, and produce.  Since 2002, when our project first began, our philosophy has always been to manage our program more like a business than a charity and that our success would be based on the participation of international volunteers.  With the volunteer program financially sustaining our program, we were able to put all extra donations towards some amazing projects such as the ecological park, the community library, and building schools for the community. Therefore, the option of having donations sustain the program is does not fit with our philosophy or goal as an organization.  This past year, most of our efforts were put into projects for our students in the natural resource management school, where they participated in growing and selling produce, animals, animal products, plants, and firewood.   And even though these activities are important and integral for the survival of any society, the market doesn’t exist in the Petén to economically sustain these activities.  Therefore, the second option is only viable to sustain one person or one family, but is unable to sustain any type of project or formal program.  Also, since the lack of security and violence is growing in the region, right now it is not even feasible to sustain a project without investing in private security, which also goes against our goals and philosophy.
Having explained the current situation, we have decided to wrap up our project in the next few months and to end all programs in February or March of 2012.  We apologize to those that have already made plans for 2012, and hope that you can make the necessary changes to your agendas. 
              Our project is completing its 10th year this January, and we still have some work to accomplish before we close our doors next year.   We are soliciting donations for one last time to help us put some closure to our projects, as we will be working diligently during the next couple of months to pass our projects to local authorities in hopes that they can sustain the park, library, and school projects that we have created.  Our goal is to raise $6,000 during the next two months to help us with the following goals; continue to fund and organize the 2012 school year for 6 students ($400 for each student for one full year, for a total of $2400), training park personnel to continue running the park in coordination with the local authorities ($2,000), training a community librarian and establishing a community fund to sustainably manage the library ($1,600).
Visit us at www.volunteerpeten.org  for more information or contact us at volunteerpeten@hotmail.com
Thanks to all your help and support for our program, and we will  keep you informed of our accomplishments during the next few months.
Matthew R. Peters
Director 

Thursday, December 15, 2011

GYVN launches its membership program!

A Global Membership allows you to shape and create GYVN as it continues to build generations of young leaders. Your membership benefits include: receiving quarterly newsletters eligibility to sit on the board of directors, an invitation to the annual general meeting and to other events and gatherings, plus more! A one-­year membership donation of $30 to the general fund can be done via http://en.gyvn.ca/?page_id=21

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Photos of Ugunja's current situation as a result of the flooding

Our partner Ugunja Community Resource Centre (UCRC) has been hit by extreme flooding and the conditions are extremely bad. http://myglobalyouthnetwork.blogspot.com/2011/12/ugunja-community-resource-centre-needs.html.   Please see the photos below sent by UCRC's Executive Director of the current situation.










At this time, any assistance whatsoever is welcome and appreciated. If you would like to donate to assist with this crisis, GYVN  can offer a tax receipt for donations over $15. There are 2 ways you can donate: online through Canada helps (select the Ugunja project) or through the mail by sending your donation to our P.O. Box: 

Global Youth Volunteer Network
Waterloo Square PO 40053
Waterloo, ON N2J 4V1

Monday, December 12, 2011

The Ugunja Community Resource Centre Needs Our Help!



This letter is to let you know that our friend and partner organization in Ugunja Kenya – Ugunja Community Resource Centre (UCRC) - is in the midst of a crisis.

There has been extreme flooding in the region from heavy rains.  At this time, 40,000 people have been affected by the floods. The large torrents have swept away homes and farms along the riverbanks and have displaced many families. To make matters worse, there is a national Doctors strike so there are no doctors willing to assist with the urgent needs. The floods have forced people from their homes as well as damaged homes beyond repair. The high waters have also increased waterborne diseases like cholera and the number of mosquito related diseases like malaria. More than 100 families are camping in schools and other institutions, waiting for supplies. UCRC has been visiting these people but currently have no resources to offer.

Here are some statements from Aggrey, the Executive Director of UCRC.

“We are hit by heavy floods and in our community houses are submerged and people camping outside.  Deaths are occurring both from the impact of the floods and doctors strike.  The situation is bad.”

“The need is great but the response is slow coming from relief agencies.  Red Cross has not reached many of the places despite desperate calls to assist even infants and old men who we found shivering from the harsh cold.”

“We have immediate needs for cash for medical services (already people are dying out of malaria and water borne diseases), foodstuff, blankets and beddings, etc.  The situation is so bad that any assistance is welcome.”

Global Youth Volunteer Network would like to respond to the needs of our friends in Ugunja but to do so we also need your help. If you would like to donate to assist with this crisis, we can offer a tax receipt for donations over $15. There are 2 ways you can donate: online through Canada helps (select the Ugunja project) or through the mail by send your donation to our PO box listed above.

If you would like to talk further about this please feel free to contact me at dave@gyvn.ca or 1 (250) 516-6210.

Thank you for your consideration,

Dave

 

Monday, December 5, 2011

GYVN Projects in Mizoram, India



 Malaria Detection Clinics 

Mizoram is a remote, mountainous state located on the southernmost tip of Northeast India. It is nestled in-between Bangladesh and Myanmar (Burma), where malaria is the number one killer. In these remote areas, there are no nurses or doctors. Sometimes it takes many days to get to the road, often leading to prolonged symptoms and further health deterioration. It is this delayed in treatment that there is such a high rate in malaria deaths, especially in rural areas. If detection and treatment can be caught and administered early, then malarial death rates can be decreased.

Malaria detection clinics currently exist in 49 villages. The first established clinics were equipped with second hand microscopes donated by Canadian universities and Global Youth Volunteer Network (GYVN). These initial clinics are now self-sufficient. Low cost, high quality microscopes can now be purchased within the country. However, there is a need to open more clinics to effectively combat the increasing instances of malaria. Every year, about 4000-5000 blood samples have been collected and tested for Malaria. The total number of malaria tests performed currently stands at 14,512.

GYVN is continuing its partnership with the Relief and Development of the Baptist Church of Mizoram (R&D BCM) by providing funds for the expansion of these malaria clinics. New clinics are now being called ZoClinics. This expansion includes the building of more ZoClinics in other towns and villages within Mizoram, where the testing of blood pressure and diabetes will be included. The existing 49 clinics are being upgraded to include these additional services. With these added services, there is a need for training local technicians and an upgrade in equipment, such as microscopes.

Benefits and Impacts of ZoClinics
  • A total of 49 villages populating about 51,498 people have greatly benefited.
  •  In 2010, malaria deaths decreased by 50%.
  • Villages where ZoClinics are operational, malaria deaths have been reduced by more than 90%.
  • Expansion on testing for other health issues - typhoid, diabetes, and blood pressure.


 Farmers’ Sponsorship Program 

In Mizoram, 65% of the people are partially or fully dependent on agriculture. As the population increases within the state, the “slash and burn” shifting agriculture no longer allows lands to properly fallow and therefore dampen crop production. This greatly reduces farmers’ incomes, making poverty an inevitable reality as 30% of people are currently living below the poverty line (with an annual income below Rs.36000 or just under $900 CDN).

The Relief & Development of the Baptist Church of Mizoram (R&D BCM) hopes to implement a 3-year SALT Farming project where they yearly acquire 50 new slope hill farmers and assist them with farmland development using a sustainable, agricultural system through the education and training of SALT farming. SALT or Slope Agriculture Land Technology is an effective and economic farming solution. It minimizes soil erosion and increase crop yields. Farmers plant nitrogen-fixing trees to bind the soil, generate fertilizer, and provide food for livestock. Food crops grown annually and perennially can be planted in-between the hedgerows. SALT farming is an innovative agricultural technique as fruits and vegetables can grow on the farmer’s own lands, phasing out rice production on different plots of lands and increase a farmer’s to profits by 30%. The intended outcome of this project is for each farmer to establish environmentally stable and economical farms to ensure a sustainable livelihood.

Global Youth Volunteer Network (GYVN) has partnered with R&D BCM to help financial support this program which will support 150 farmers annually for 3 consecutive years. GYVN is launching the Farmers’ Sponsorship Program where donors will financially support one farmer participating in the SALT Farming Program and their family for $20/month for 3 years. A monthly donation of $20/month will go towards the farmers’ education and training on SALT farming, purchase of planting seeds, seedlings, and tools for maintaining a farmer’s plot of land.

Benefits and Impacts of SALT Farming in Mizoram
  •  Access to Legal Land entitlement
  •  Land entitlement chances will be created to poor farmers
  •  Restoring the environment, reducing the soil and tree destruction
  •  Labor cost for farming is reduced
  •  Improve the quality of seeds and seedlings to provide crop variety
  • Food security with regular source of income
  • Soil fertility will lead to improvement of socio-economic conditions for farmers
  • Income from farming can potentially increase to about 30% in third year and even up to 50% after 10 years

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Global Youth Network has now officially become Global Youth Volunteer Network!

Global Youth Network has now officially become Global Youth Volunteer Network!

Global has recently gotten a new bank account which does NOT allow cheques written out to Global Youth Network to be cashed. This is because our legal name registered with the Government is GLOBAL YOUTH VOLUNTEER NETWORK, as when there was originally an attempt to register the name, it was already taken. Sticking with Global Youth Network has never been a problem until now, so please help us to spread the word!

Thanks for your support!

Friday, October 7, 2011

Engaging the World!

Hi Everyone,

    I would like to invite all of you to join us this Thursday, October 13th at the 1st Engaging the World session at U of T's Multi-Faith Centre at 12pm!
  
    This one hour session will be exploring how faiths are engaging the world, including how students are making a difference. The topic for discussion focuses on Overseas Programs and Opportunities. Father Terry and the Scarboro Interfaith Department are hosting this session in collaboration with U of T's Multi Faith Centre.

    Mateen will be our Global representative during the panel discussion. We would love to have other Global Alumni present at this event to meet with some of the attendees after the panel discussion and perhaps share some of your personal experiences with Global.
    
    If you are interested in attending this event, here is the address for the venue: U of T Multi-faith Centre, 569 Spadina Ave, Toronto ON M5S 2J7 or visit their website: www.multifaith.utoronto.ca. For information, the poster for this event is attached to this email.

    We hope to see you all there! Please extend this invitation out to other Global Alumni and your friends!

    Thank you and hope you all have a great Thanksgiving Weekend!

--
Christine Suiza and Peggy Hulley
Global Team Program Co-coordinators for Southwestern Ontario

Sunday, September 4, 2011

Staffing Changes


Hello everyone,

As most of you know Global has been going through some staffing changes. As of Aug 31, Gilad and Dawna are finishing up their commitment with Global. They both have been great to work with and I am sure they will be around at Global activities in the future. They have taken Global through some tough times especially some very difficult financial times. They have worked hard  to create some stability and consistency in Global. We have really appreciated the time they have given to Global!

We would like to introduce you to the new Global staff. Peggy Hulley and Christine Suiza will be co workers running Global Teams in Southern Ontario. Peggy was with Global at the University of Guelph in 2006-2007 on the First Nations and Guatemala team.  Christine was with Wilfrid Laurier University in 2007-2008 on the Mizoram and Sao Paulo Brazil team. She also worked with Dawna in 2008 as the Toronto regional coordinator. They will be contacting all those interested in becoming regional contacts and team leaders this coming week.

We would also like to welcome Kevin Field, Katie Keats and Lisa Prince who are now Globals’ Admin team. Kevin will be looking after most of the National administration and pay role. This is his first experience with Global so wish him luck. Katie will be connecting with all national locations working through budgeting and other administrative duties. She has been around Global for a long time traveling to Central America, Thailand, Kenya and was on Global’s First Nations team. Lisa who is still at the University of Guelph will be processing finances for Southern Ontario.

We also have created a new national leadership structure to support all the locations in Canada. JP. Morris who is on the Global Board, Dave Skene co founder of Global and Elise who has been the regional coordinator at Guelph will make up this leadership group. Their goal is to create a cohesive national Global team. To do this we will need to develop a strong communication network which this team will be responsible for.

We are having a staff retreat Sept. 2-5 after that there should be more news coming out on whats going on in Global!

Thursday, July 21, 2011

We're Hiring!

Follow this link for more information:
http://myglobalyouthnetwork.org/global/EmploymentOpportunities.html


Closing Date: Monday, August 15, 2011
Contact: Dave Skene, Executive Team Member
(m): 250 516-6210

National Team Coordinator (10 hours/week)
The National Team Coordinator will be responsible to the Board of Directors for the following:

Working with a diverse national team, with programs established in South Western Ontario, Ottawa Region, Montreal, Alberta and BC. The team is diverse in activity, working with university and high school volunteer projects an adult volunteer program as well as First Nations programs.

- Your priority would be to create a healthy, team focused working environment for the staff and volunteers of Global Youth Network.
- You would be responsible for continuing to build and maintain the philosophy of Global Youth Network with the staff and volunteers. 
- You would create and work with an educational team to manage education, training and resources for Global Programs.
- You would develop and work with a financial team responsible for the financial health of the organization.
- You would coordinate the response to project problems, emergencies and crisis situations.

National Operations Manager (30 hours/week)
This position will be accountable to the National Coordinator for the organizations financial health and fund raising, with some office administration duties.

Must have exceptional program management and organizational skills. You will work with the organizations staff as a team  to create regional budgets, and balance those budgets. You will also be in charge of developing and chairing a fundraising team made up of board staff and volunteers. Fundraising for the organization both national and locally. As well as develop and chair communications team responsible for all Global's Communication Media (web page, Facebook, Twitter, newsletter, public engagement). 

Southern Ontario Project & Volunteer Team Manager (30 hours/week)
The candidate for this position will be responsible to the National Coordinator and to the National Operations Manager for all aspects of the management, promotion, development and evaluation of Global Youth Networks programs in Southern Ontario.

- Develop and manage teams of volunteers in region
- Build and maintain strong relationships with new and existing Southern Ontario partners. 
- Work with International team to build and maintain strong relationships with international partners. 
- Collaborate with international team partners on program development
- Work with other regions and National team to creating a budget for the region
- Perform general duties related to the administration of Programs 
- You will be responsible to the National Operational Manager for all accounting procedures related to the region
- Oversee and Mentor Volunteer of Southern Ontario Programs   

Saturday, June 11, 2011

Check This Out! The Institute for Cultural Diplomacy is accepting applications....


The EU as a Global Actor
From the Inside Out: The Internal Development of the European Union and its Future Role in an Interdependent World
(Berlin, International Conference, July 7th - 10th, 2011)

Cultural Diplomacy in Europe: A Forum for Young Leaders (CDE)
(Berlin, Weeklong Seminar, July 4th – 10th 2011)

Europe Meets Russia: A Forum for Young Leaders (EMR)
(Berlin, Weeklong Seminar, July 4th – 10th 2011)

The International Symposium on Cultural Diplomacy on Africa
"Strategies to confront the Challenges of the 21st Century: Does Africa have what is required?"
(Berlin, International Conference, 14th - 17th July 2011)

Cultural Diplomacy in Africa: A Forum for Young Leaders (CDA)
(Berlin, Weeklong Seminar, 11th - 17th July 2011)

-------------- All programs are currently accepting applications ---------------


Dear Sir/ Madam,

The Institute for Cultural Diplomacy is currently accepting applications for the events outlined above, all of which will take place in Berlin during early summer 2011. Each Program will bring together young professional and students interested in the relationship in question for a program of lectures, workshops, group discussions and cultural excursions featuring leading figures from the fields of politics, the arts, academia, media, and business.

The EU as a Global Actor
From the Inside Out: The Internal Development of the European Union and its Future Role in an Interdependent World
(Berlin, International Conference, July 7th - 10th, 2011)

"The EU as a Global Actor" is an international conference held by the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy in cooperation with other leading organisations. The aim of the conference is to consider the political, economic, and cultural development of the European Union, both as a regional organisation and as a key player in global affairs. The issues raised during the conference will be discussed from a range of interdisciplinary perspectives, which will enable the generation of best practice guidelines and policy recommendations for stakeholders in the field. The forthcoming conference has the title “From the Inside Out: The Internal Development of the European Union and its Future Role in an Interdependent World”. It aims to explore the challenges and opportunities facing the EU with regards to internal reform and growth, whilst also reflecting on the roles and responsibilities the organisation faces has on the global stage.

Speakers during the Conference will include leading figures and experts from politics, academia, diplomacy, the private sector, and civil society from across the world.  These speakers will include a number of individuals from the ICD Advisory Board (for further information about the Advisory Board please click here

The conference is open to applications from young professionals, students and scholars, diplomatic and political representatives, civil society practitioners, private sector figures, journalists, and other interested stakeholders in international relations from across the world.

To apply please visit:


Cultural Diplomacy in Europe:
A Forum for Young Leaders (CDE)
(Berlin, Weeklong Seminar, July 4th – 10th 2011)
**Participants of the next CDE weeklong seminar will take part in: " The EU as a Global Actor: From the Inside Out: The Internal Development of the European Union and its Future Role in an Interdependent World “(Berlin, July 7-10, 2011)

Cultural Diplomacy in Europe: A Forum for Young Leaders (CDE) is a network of young, influential people from across the world, who have an interest in exploring and strengthening relations between European States. The program is based on the recognition that the increasing economic and political integration of the European Union must be accompanied by sustained activity to ensure that public opinion and relations between individual member states, and between member-states and non members states, remain positive and constructive at the grass roots level.

Cultural Diplomacy in Europe: A Forum for Young Leaders (CDE) is open to all individuals with an interest in international affairs in general, and Europe in particular. To join the forum you must take part in one of the CDE Weeklong Seminars, which will be held every 4 months in Berlin. The next CDE Weeklong Seminar will run from July 4th – 10th 2011.

If you would like to be considered for a place in the Weeklong Seminar please complete the online application form at:


Europe Meets Russia:
A Forum for Young Leaders (EMR)
(Berlin, Weeklong Seminar, July 4th – 10th 2011)
**Participants of the next EMR weeklong seminar will take part in: " The EU as a Global Actor: From the Inside Out: The Internal Development of the European Union and its Future Role in an Interdependent World “(Berlin, July 7-10, 2011)

Europe Meets Russia: A Forum for Young Leaders (EMR) is an active network of young, dynamic, and influential people from across the world who have an interest in the European-Russian relationship. The program has been developed in recognition of the importance of the relationship between Russia, Europe, and the global political system. Once they have joined the EMR Forum, members are supported by the ICD in organizing leadership initiatives, conducting academic research, and are invited to join the ICD Online Forum - enabling them to share information and communicate with likeminded individuals across the world.

Europe Meets Russia: A Forum for Young Leaders (EMR) is open to all individuals with an interest in international affairs in general, and the European Russian relations in particular. To join the forum you must take part in one of the EMR Weeklong Seminars, which will be held every 4-6 months in Berlin. The next EMR Weeklong Seminar will run from July 4th – 10th 2011.

To apply please visit:


The International Symposium on Cultural Diplomacy on Africa
The Rise of Africa - "Strategies to confront the Challenges of the 21st Century: Does Africa have what is required?"
(Berlin, 14th - 17th July 2011)

The year 2011 serves as a milestone in African history, presenting an excellent opportunity to take a look back at the continent's achievements, and consider the next steps for addressing its remaining challenges, along with those emerging on the horizon. Over the past five decades, significant effort has been put into Africa's development on multiple fronts, ranging from economic growth to social and political stabilization. However, with the rapid economic and political trend towards a global society, and the arrival of new global challenges, such as climate change, the water scarcity, and the growing gap between rich and poor, there is now more than ever a dire need for innovative new strategies to ensure an equitable and sustainable future for the African continent. The Symposium will explore the range of new ideas and initiatives being implemented in support of Africa's development, and assess the challenges and opportunities that will present themselves to the African continent in the near future.

Speakers during the Symposium will include leading figures and experts from international politics, academia, diplomacy, the private sector, and civil society from across the world. These speakers will include a number of individuals from the ICD Advisory Board (for further information about the Advisory Board please click here).

The Symposium is open to applications from young professionals, students and scholars, diplomatic and political representatives, civil society practitioners, private sector figures, journalists, , and other interested stakeholders in international relations from across the world.

To Apply Please Visit:


Cultural Diplomacy in Africa:
A Forum for Young Leaders (CDA)
(Berlin, 11th - 17th July 2011)
* Participants in the CDA Weeklong Seminar will also take part in the International Conference: The Rise of Africa -
"Strategies to confront the Challenges of the 21st Century: Does Africa have what is required?" (Berlin, 11th - 17th July 2011)

Cultural Diplomacy in Africa: A Forum for Young Leaders (CDA) is a network of young, dynamic individuals from across the world, who share an interest in the African continent. The program is based on the recognition that cultural diplomacy represents an important tool in helping Africa to address the challenges it currently faces. The network conducts ongoing activity aimed at supporting development and strengthening relations between different countries and cultural groups within Africa, and between African and external partners. Individuals can join the CDA Forum by taking part in one of the CDA Weeklong Seminars, which are held every 3-4 months in Berlin, Germany. Each CDA Weeklong Seminar will be focused on a specific theme related to the African continent and the goals of the Forum. These Weeklong Seminars include lectures, seminars, and workshops lead by experts from the fields of politics, academia, and civil society, as well as cultural and social activities. In addition to raising awareness amongst the participants of the field of cultural diplomacy and salient issues concerning the African continent, the week also provides an opportunity to network and experience the vibrant Berlin.

The program is open to applications from young professionals, students and scholars, civil society practitioners, private sector representatives, journalists, and other interested stakeholders from across the world.

To Apply Please Visit:



******

The Institute for Cultural Diplomacy

The Institute for Cultural Diplomacy is an international, not-for-profit, non-governmental organization with headquarters in Berlin, Germany. The goal of the ICD is to promote global peace and stability by strengthening and supporting intercultural relations at all levels. Over the past decade the ICD has grown to become one of Europe’s largest independent cultural exchange organizations, hosting programs that facilitate interaction among individuals of all cultural, academic, and professional backgrounds, from across the world.

Previous Events
Previous events held by the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy include the Berlin International Economics Congress 2011 (Berlin, March 9th - 12th 2011 – www.biec.de ), which hosted The Hon. Nahas Angula - Prime minister of Namibia; The Hon. Jean-Paul Adam - Foreign Minister of the Republic of Seychelles; The Hon. Alberto Jose Guevara Obregon - Minister of Finance of Nicaragua; The Hon. Al Imam Al Sadig Al Mahdi - Former Prime minister of Sudan; The Hon. Akua Sena Dansua - Minister for Tourism of Ghana; and The Hon. Edmund Bartlett - Minister of Tourism of Jamaica.

In January 2011 the ICD hosted "The Future of US Foreign Policy" (Washington DC, January 4th-6th), which hosted The Honorable Michael Chertoff - Former United States Secretary of Homeland Security; Senator William Emerson Brock III - 18th United States Secretary of Labor; Admiral James Milton Loy - Former Commandant of the Coast Guard; Vivian Schiller – Former CEO and President of NPR; Governor William Weld - Former Governor of Massachusettsand The Hon. Senator Tim Hutchinson - Former United States Senator from Arkansas.

For more information on speakers who have attended previous ICD events, please click here.

Please address any additional queries to info@culturaldiplomacy.org 

We look forward to seeing you in Berlin.

Mark Donfried
Director & Founder

Institute for Cultural Diplomacy (ICD)
Ku´damm Karree (3rd Floor/Hochhaus)
Kurfürstendamm 207-8 Berlin, Germany-10719
Phone: 00.49.(0)30.2360-7680
Fax: 00.49.(0)30.2360-76811