April - July GP Connect Report

1875K Street, Suite 500, Washington DC. 20006 USA

Summary of Quarterly Accomplishments – April/May/June:

A. Making Markets Work for the Poor: Experience, Results and Lessons from Katalyst Bangladesh. (Prepared By: Varun Sood) March 24, 2011 On Thursday March 24, GP Connect! represented by Dr. Charles Phillips and Varun Sood attended the USAID Microlinks Breakfast Seminar. The event was held at

The QED Group, LLC. 1250 Eye Street, NW, 11th Floor Washington, DC 20005. Making Markets Work for the Poor" (M4P) is an approach to poverty reduction that donors such as the DFID-UK, Swedish SIDA, SDC – Switzerland and the Donor Committee on Enterprise Development (DCED) have been supporting in the past decade. Swisscontact has been successfully implementing the pioneer M4P program Katalyst since 2002 in Bangladesh. The approach originally focusing on agriculture was broadened to include the service sector such as Informational and Communication Technology (ICT) and Media and further to traditional public services such as Healthcare. Prashant Rana, a senior Swisscontact expert, who was instrumental in designing and leading Katalyst, shared project results as well as experiences and challenges Old Approach: Organizational Focus: Building capacity of the organization to improve services as desired by the donors New Approach: Market Focus: The organizations focus on market provider and SME. The important principals to note are Informal Market Rules and Supporting Service. Functionality: 1) Supporting Function (Research & Development, Skills, Infrastructure, etc) 2) Core Market: (Demand & Supply) 3) Rules (Laws, Regulators, Standards)


M4P Steps 1) Optimal Ignorance technique: Using marketing analysis tool for demand-supply curve 2) Focus on causes not symptoms. 3) Connecting with private sector and verifying issue 4) Result Chain and Indicators 5) Sector Reports (Strategy and Scale up) 6) Portfolio Monitoring (Reality check about performing and non performing sectors) 7) Project Monitoring 8) Inception Planning: Design the project along with partners during the first 6 months. Include a short break period of 2-3 months. Implementation phase starts after the break period. The Market Development Approach: Making Markets Work for the

Poor (M4P) The Market Development Approach or Making Markets Work for the Poor (M4P) provides agencies and governments a way to promote shared or inclusive growth and achieve sustained impact on poverty by changing how market systems operate. M4P focuses on the underlying causes or “failures” that prevent market systems from working for the benefit of poor people. It is a flexible, comprehensive approach with application in both economic (agriculture, finance, investment climate and livelihoods) and social (water, health, and education) fields. M4P is now being successfully used around the world to reach and change the lives of millions of people.

What is M4P: The Basics

The Market Development or Making Markets Work for the Poor (M4P) approach can be defined by six major features:

• Focused on Improved Choices and Opportunities for Poor People

• Based on an understanding of Market Systems

• Aimed at Systemic Change

• Implemented through Facilitation

• Explicitly considers Sustainability

• Provides an Overarching Framework


Poor people depend on markets for their incomes and for buying basic goods and services. But these markets for jobs, food items and essential services may not operate in ways that meet their needs or may not be easily accessible. Poor people are often trapped in an inefficient and uncompetitive “informal” economy where they get low returns for their labor time and where failing or undeveloped markets require that they pay more for basic goods such as clean water, medicines and electricity than do richer people in neighboring areas. By changing market systems, M4P aims to improve the choices and opportunities available to poor men and

women and increase their participation in mainstream economic activity. The market development approach tries to understand the market systems that are important in the lives of the poor. This approach recognizes that markets themselves are institutions operating within a political and economic context. This means that M4P projects look not only at the core market function of transactions that match supply and demand but also at the supporting infrastructure and the formal and informal rules of the game that affect how market systems operate. This market systems understanding allows market development interventions to facilitate systemic change. M4P addresses the causes or “failures” that prevent poor people from benefiting from market development and economic growth. Because M4P approaches deal with underlying causes rather than symptoms, they can achieve large scale change and impact. Facilitation is the basic approach for carrying out market development projects. The goal is to work with the market, and with legitimate market players, without becoming part of the market. A light facilitative touch is also essential to reach another important element of the M4P approach: sustainability. Explicit consideration of sustainability is central to the market development approach. Finally, the market development approach is not a specific tool or a set methodology. Rather, it is an overarching framework that can incorporate more traditional forms of analysis and tools (value chain, sustainable livelihoods analysis, rural rapid reconnaissance, etc.)

How M4P is Different: A Case Study

The following example related to providing business information to medium and small rural enterprises (MSEs)1 provides a comparison between the market development approach and more conventional development approaches. Two different donors each established projects seeking to increase business-related information available to support medium and small rural enterprises. Both sought to use a similar mechanism to address the problem: use of informational programs on local radio stations. The two projects took very different approaches to addressing this problem. One took a more conventional approach and the other a market development (M4P) approach. Table 1 (below) indicates how these approaches differed.

Table 1: Comparing Conventional and Market Development Approaches

1 The examples used here are illustrative, based loosely on actual projects in Uganda.


As seen in Table 1, the project that took the conventional approach attempted to address the problem directly. It brought in experts to collect and analyze information about the business information needs of the target audience, medium and small rural enterprises. Other experts were brought in to develop and produce radio programs based on this analysis. Efforts were then made to purchase airtime from various radio stations broadcasting to the target audience. A program of coordination and monitoring was also established to assure that the target audience received the appropriate desired business information to support the development of these rural MSE firms. Ten radio stations were engaged for this process, and it was estimated that, at the height of the project, some 7 – 8 million listeners heard the programs developed by the project. Unfortunately, after the project ended, much of this activity was sharply reduced, and what continues is mostly supported by other donors. Chart 1: Comparison of

Outcomes over Time2

2 Chart adapted from “A Synthesis of the Making Markets Work for the Poor (M4P) Approach” DFID/SDC

Conventional Approach Market Development Approach

Increase information for rural medium and small enterprises Goal

Establish sustainable, effective information system for rural medium and small enterprises

Provide information to medium and small enterprises Rationale

Make commercial media work better for medium and small enterprises in rural area

Three years, $2.5 million

Resources Used

Seven years, $1.2 million

Symptoms: What information do rural medium and small enterprises need to prosper?

Understanding Causes: Understand structures, practices, incentives of media system and why it is not pro-poor.

Direct involvement and finance:

• Collect information

• Analyze information

• Produce radio programs

• Purchase airtime

• Coordinate broadcasts

• Collect monitoring information

Actions

Facilitate and catalyze:

• Develop understanding of radio and media networks and credibility

• Influence, demonstrate and link media outlets to potential business clients

• Provide TA to radio stations and other players

• Work through local actors

• Provide no direct finance to local radio stations

• Monitor impact

Unclear: Information is a long-term strategic public good.

View of

Sustainability

Explicit: Commercials and programmes paid for through local ownership and incentives appropriate for local context.

A maximum of 7 – 8 million listeners got information from 10 radio stations, but both figures dropped sharply after the project. Remaining efforts funded by other donors.

Outcomes

By the end of the effort, 25 radio stations were offering 50 new business-related programs reaching 7 million new listeners. This continues today through business support of the media industry.


The project that took the market development approach began smaller and took longer to develop. Its initial focus was through engagement with a single radio station, its media networks and the potential commercial base that could be interested in advertising on the radio. The project staff sought to understand these networks and market players and their credibility. Working as a facilitator with this group, the project built capacity and supported incentives for the radio station and for other players to improve programming in support of rural MSEs. The project was also able to demonstrate a “business case” for the use of radio to provide information to rural MSEs. With these interventions by the project, businesses began to see the value of the use of radio to inform and stay connected with rural MSEs; radio stations began to see the worth of providing services to businesses providing this information and the enabling environment for this effort was strengthened. As a result of these activities by the project, 25 additional stations joined in this effort. A large number of business-related programs were developed locally by these stations, and commercial firms continued to support funding of these efforts after the project ended. The work continued without donor or other outside support. Chart 1 provides a graphic view of the outcomes of both approaches in this example. The conventional approach provided quicker results, but over time the market development approach provided longer-term sustainable development. (For more information on the market development (M4P) approach and

examples of projects now using this approach, visit the www.mmw4p.org Web

site which has a series of background and related articles. Article used from

USAID knowledge database ) B. Resource Development efforts (Prepared By: Donald Bodzo) March 24, 2011 During the Georgetown Public Policy Institute (GPPI) Annual Conference held last month, we met with Vice President of Community Wealth Ventures. On March 23rd, Dr. Phillips, Varun Sood and Donald Bodzo visited the Community Wealth Ventures offices in Washington, D.C. for a follow up meeting. Community Wealth Ventures (CWV) is a management-consulting firm that emboldens and equips leadership teams to innovate, grow and sustain organizations that build a better world. They assist nonprofits with the development and execution of growth and sustainability strategies that allow them to increase impact. We are in the process of mapping out the best services required for the organization. The following services and tools are what we are proposing to have covered by CVW: 1. Sustainability Plans CWV will help Service for Peace and GP Connect build plans that ensure greater mission impact and organizational sustainability in the long term. The end product of this service


is an organizational strategy coupled with a detailed financial model that lays out a plan for sustainable growth for the organization and social enterprises. 2. Impact Model for Entrepreneurial Social Programs This will enable us to connect identified projects, like the Goat Social Enterprise in Nepal, with our approach. The Model will state how we will measure the impact our programs have on one or more causes of the social problem and incorporates the organization’s vision for how things will be different if it is successful in reducing or eliminating the cause it intends to address. Proposed delivery methods: Train-the-trainer customized webinars, workshops and coaching sessions to address the specific areas of interest for the organization. At the end of the delivery process, we expect that our team would have the capacity to implement, teach and transfer this knowledge.

GP Connect! (Asia Updates) A. HIGHLIGHTS – PHILIPPINES (Prepared: Dondon Marquez)

� Met with Global Peace Alliance (GPA) Philippines for a Community Driven Development (CDD) Orientation . Attendees were Michael Zablan, Ann Montoya, Caroline Anonuevo, Edmund Pacson and Renalyn Del Rosario representing GPA, GPYC and True Love Power groups.

� Finalization of the Community Inventory form translating it to Filipino and met Jed

Estandian and Jonet Morales of GPF Festival for instructions of doing the survey in Davao Del Norte as one of CDD areas. The community inventory form was also sent through email to the community leaders in Davao: Lapaz and Cagahongan community. A presentation of new project Garden of Hope, as a spin off project of Harvest of Hope was also done by Jed Estandian of GPFF in this meeting.

� Announcement of the CDD Program Assistant recruitment. Contacted NGO networks and

pools for potential candidates. An applicant will email his resume on Monday. � Met Aya Goto , Vice President for Field Operation, Global Peace Festival Foundation for

a detailed orientation on CDD and update on Philippines. Aya Goto has also shared what has been started in Indonesia for realigning all projects on CDD. According to him, the Power of Rupiah, a university-based fund raising project in Jakarta will be realigned towards CDD implementation and his team, GPFF Jakarta is now forming a team to initiate it under CDD approach. There has been 2 organizations, an NGO and a university that expressed support to the CDD team. AS the Regional CDD coordinator, I will be in touch with the team not only in Jakarta but also in Malaysia, and Aya Goto will hook us up for continuous communication. I purposely recommend that each potential CDD leaders in each should attend the half day GP Connect-CDD seminar on May in Seoul, and maybe set a more detailed CDD skills training in due time.


� SFP’s identification of potential areas for CDD was already initiated by SFP staff and the

GP Connect coordinator.

Event/Program Description

1. Follow up meeting with Sairah Mandia, Salaam Muslim community leader was made re: Alternative Learning System project in partnership with GPFF. Discussed were future plans of their SFP organization to formally launched as “Community of Peace” and set meeting with the officers for an orientation of GP Connect! as program and Community Driven Development. Their role in Alternative Learning System (ALS) program will also be clarified.

2. Follow up applicant for the Program Assistant in the Philippines. Giving him instructions for his scheduled online-interview.

3. Keeping in touch with Sharleen Tomobe of GPFF for the upcoming 1-week training on ALS next week sponsored by GPFF in coordination with Department of Education. We are also identifying Instructional Manager (IM) to join the ALS team who will serve as teacher in the community.

4. Continuous contact with Department of Education for the training requirements for IM’s. Two (2) staff and the SFP ED will be joining the training.

B. HIGHLIGHTS – MALAYSIA (Prepared By: Nicholas Lee)

Community Program in Malaysia

A brief report


The Malaysia team had a very fruitful meeting last month with Department of National Unity, Prime Minister Department (http://www.jpnin.gov.my/home), as our long-termed partner since year 2008 which is actively involved in Power of 10 Sen program. The department consist of neighbourhood committee, volunteer patrol team, and early childhood kindergarten in every single community nationwide; and neighbourhood committee club (every primary and secondary school nationwide) and neighbourhood committee secretariat (in every public university nationwide). This is the most important agency for strengthening national unity as Malaysia known as a multi-cultural, multi-religion and multi-races country. The proposed strategy is to work with the neighbourhood committee leader, with the support of academia for research and development by local University; additional partner – Dream Asia, the CSR department of Asia Football Confederation (AFC) had assigned Global Peace Festival Malaysia Inc. as a Strategic Alliance to provide football as a platform for the community development. AFC will be commit full finance supports for the community program based on football

related activities.

Issued:

• Lack of Infrastructure and Maintenance Facility

• Alcoholism, Vandalism, Fighting, Drug use to happen during night time.

• Gangsters hub for recruiting

• No integration between neighborhood & no sense of ownership (selfish)

• Racial tension evolve into religious tension (Malay & Indian)

• Define as a hot-spot (killing, violence, raping, discrimination)

• Residents are migrated from various villages; therefore different identity

might cause conflict.

• Sexual harassment for woman.

Current program analysis:

Fig 1: Meeting with the General Director of Ministry of Unity Malaysia

Fig2: Population: 30,000; Diverse cultural of Malay, India and Chinese


• Many program such as community service, sport competition, family

carnival, cultural-exchange had organized, but the residents join because of

their own benefits such as the gifts, food, souvenirs, prize or some materials

that they can get.

• Community leaders are frustrated due to no outcome from their investment

in term of time, finance, energy.

• The racial conflict between Malay & Indian can be happen anytime.

Action Step: • Outsource and integrate with various partners to work out for the program that can

involve with the community for better development.

No Partners Role

1 Ministry of Unity • Provide community network

• Involve in decision making

2 Social Welfare Department • Provide family, and woman

counselling

3 Asia Football Confederation • Provide innovative football

program to involve the

unguided youth

• Funding for the program

4 University Malaya • Provide research, analysis,

assessment of progress,

evaluation.

5 Global Peace Festival Malaysia • Provide innovative character

education program to involve

children, parents and teachers.

• Provide character leadership

workshop for the unguided

youth and involve university

student to be part of the

planning process.

6 GP Connect • To provide strategy support in

term of integration of the

partners, resources and

program.

• Report of the program, analysis,

evaluation

7 Volunteer Patrol Team • To provide security service for

the program.

• Forming the Community Driven Committee


B. HIGHLIGHTS – THAILAND (Prepared By: Editha Srisuttisa-

ard) Event/Program Description

1. Started to read GP Connect information. Making a research of CDD project in Thailand and gathering information and names of organizations that are working for CDD projects.

2. Making materials like power point presentation, brochures about CDD and its connection with SFP and GP connect to present to staff and committee when we have our meeting on the 26th of this month. Translating materials and information from international to Thai language to be able to use when we start a project and campaign

3. Evaluating our project site in Chiangmai and making a strategy on how can we make it a CDD project, SFP Korea would like us to focus in Chiangmai and having a GPM to the project site is a good opportunity to establish a CDD project.

4. Hired a project manager who can help to focus in creating a CDD project. GP Connect! (Africa Updates): WEEK HIGHLIGHTS - Kenya:


During the month of March, the Service For Peace and GP Connect team members coordinated a number of initiatives that included a Book Drive to equip the DreamCatcher Library that was developed at Children’s Garden Home and School, where a partnership has been established. From March 6th -12th,, the teams coordinated the Global PeaceMaker program that brought together a group of fifteen international volunteers from American University in the US, together with local volunteers from the Medical Students Association of University of Nairobi, together with other volunteers from other universities and those working in various fields. On March 9, as part of the ongoing service initiatives, there was an hour long ceremony to launch the DreamCatcher Library. This day not only aimed at launching the Library but also in providing the opportunity for partners to participate, by coming out to the community, joining in the service initiatives and getting to see some of the achievements made. Among the invited guests and partners that joined on this day was the Director of Makini Schools, and representatives from various organizations that included Story Moja, Seeds of Peace, Face of Kenya, Global Peace Youth Corps and Global Peace Festival Foundation.


April 7 – World Health Day GP Connect team in Kenya organized and facilitated a health workshop to mark World Health Day. This has been part of the current effort to develop key partners that would strengthen the ongoing initiatives within the communities in focus. Other Developments The GP Connect team has been working on developing two key focus areas:

i. Research – that will include community mapping for the communities in focus – currently Dagoretti and Kariobangi.

ii. Capacity building – focusing on strengthening ongoing initiatives within the two communities through:

� Seminars

� Local partner development

� Resource building (Information/awareness and fundraising).

� Development of a volunteer database.

Development of key partnerships with universities in developing program related commitments and promoting innovation GP Connect! (Europe & South America Updates):

A) Brazil Registration Within the month of March, with a local lawyer we operate to register GPConnect! chapter in the city of Goiania.


A GPConnect! board members is set up composed by lawyer, banker, business consultant, social activist

Some of the board members, Lidia, Odilio, Richard, Euripides, Massimo, Fabio The GPC Goiania will operate also by the support of advisers from the city prefecture, the business associations, the governor office and several NGO’s and Institutes. A more details list will be provided on later date on the GPC Goiania web site. The organization is set up by a rule, that in case of dissolving the chapter, all the assets, propriety etc will be donated to another nonprofit organization, with similar goals and vision. Funds An action and MOU plan is under revision with local partners, to evaluate the budgets and legal developments with the sponsors from the city hall, the governor office and the private sector. A funds was provided by our regional partners, in supporting a permanent staff for the chapter, with a minimum operational funds. Staff and logistical support An office space was provided for our chapter, by a local partner organization. We will share the expenses of management. Also we received a donation for office furniture of 7000$ value.

From end of April/beginning of May a permanent assistance, Romel, will start to operate for GPConnect Goiania chapter. That will also provide a more constant evaluation and development for the CDD in partnership with AJA (recycling/bakery) SE programs.

Some of the donated office furniture Communication A web site in English and Portuguese is under development, where the activities of the Goiania chapter will be presented. See the draft at http://www.wix.com/massimotrombin/com-and-munos A power point describing the step by step development of the community project in Goiania was develop for the GPC HQ team. Also a PP on the SE and CDD introduction and applications. Program and Partnership


GPConnect! partner March 26 with the NGO Lar De Maria, our partner Institute Soldiers of Peace, other NGOs plus the local prefecture, in an educational and community advocacy program: Dia Do Bem. About 200 professional volunteers provide the support and services. The programs cover those services and promotions: MÉDICOS - Clínica Geral, Infectologia, Otorrino DENTISTAS - Orientação ás Crianças, escovação e doação de escovas ADVOGADOS - Orientação Civil e Trabalhista com apoio do INSS TERAPIAS - Psicologia, Iridologia e Reiki BELEZA - Corte de Cabelos e Manicure PALESTRAS - Orientação Vocacional com Aplicação de Teste - Prevenção Contra Drogas- Higiene Alimentar – 1º Socorros - Armadilha para Mosquito da Dengue FOTOS - Para Documentos 3x4cm ECOLOGIA - Distribuição de Mudas de Árvores CRIANÇAS - Oficinas, Teatro e Jogos Recreativos Dermatologia, Oncologia ALFABETIZAÇÃO - Lançamento do Projeto Luz do Saber SHOW MUSICAL - Juraildes da Cruz e Banda More than 2000 people from the local community, participated in the full day programs.

Partnership An evaluation of funding request for program is under evaluation in cooperation with two local government agency, the official request will be apply after the chapter registration. A cooperation with GPFF South America is set up for the coordination of the South America summit, that will be held in October 2011 in Brasilia, capital city of Brazil. The mayor of Goiania will participate on the GPFF May conference in Asuncion, Paraguay. Follow up In April and May a field trip is schedule to set up and define the operational development for social activities with our local partners

B) Paraguay Moondo Field is developing the research for the young entrepreneur context, on April 6th the permanent assistant Pablo, originally from Chile, join the GPConnect! team in Asuncion.


By April 26th Emily, the first GPConnect! intern in Paraguay will arrive in Asunción and join the working preparation for the young SE program. She will stay for 4 months, with support from the university in France and the local city administration were she comes from.

C) Europe

In 2010 a partnership with the Irish Peace Institute (IPI) was set up under GPSA, on the first week of April the person in charge of project and program from the IPI Arnold, was introduced to the GPConnect team and will begin a systematical cooperation with our group

GP Connect! (USA): GP Connect team represented by Dr Charles Phillips and Phillip Mlanda presented on Social Media at the Georgetown University on 8th April 2011. Short event report will soon be shared by Phillip Mlanda GP Connect team represented by Varun Sood and Service For Peace (SFP), Vice President Mr Peter Hayes attended the International Corporate Volunteer (ICV) Workshop organized by CDC Development Solutions at the Ronald Regan International Trade and Commerce Center on Thursday, April 14th 2011. Short event report will soon be shared by Varun Sood GP Connect team represented by Dr Charles Phillip and Donald Bodzo will be attending Win Shape Retreat in Atlanta from April 19 – 21st. GP Connect! (Asia Updates) : PHILIPPINES



5. The 5 day training on Alternative Learning System (ALS) that started last Monday, April 11, 2011 was concluded last Friday (See Photo above). ALS is a national strategy of the Department of Education in the Philippines for advocacy and social mobilization of non-formal education particularly for the out of school youth to finish their studies from Elementary and high School level. These are interrelated and interconnected processes that bring together all feasible and inter-sectoral allies to: a) raise peoples’ awareness of, and demand for, the Non-Formal Education (NFE) - Accreditation & Equivalency (A&E) System; b) facilitate the delivery of NFE A&E resources and services; c) and strengthen community participation in NFE A&E Learning Support Programs in order to sustain the Program.

In partnership with GPFF, ALS will be implemented in 5 identified areas assisted by GPFF itself and Service for Peace Communities of Peace. The training was intended for the Instructional Mangers (IM) who will take the lead in the implementation in each area. The strong tie-up with the Department of education and the partnership with communities who are the providers of potential learners (Out of school youth), local government units and private and public institutions are a dynamic representation of the multi-stakeholder that builds strong community project that in itself is a community driven.


6. A new GP Connect! Program Officer in the Philippines has been recruited. His name is Joseph Marin, a registered nurse by profession, but has done a lot of community development work as part of the Nursing course curriculum and from his experience in his former non-governmental organization work. He is now in the process of on-line personality test and will soon be oriented with his role before he assume the position on May 1, 2011.

GP Connect! (Africa Updates): Kenya: (Prepared by Elaine Wacuka Hurt)

On April 8th through 9th, GP Connect team members in Kenya Becky Gitonga and Elaine Wacuka Hurt had the opportunity to join the Character Competency Initiative that was held at Buru Buru Girls High School by the Global Peace Festival Foundation. The Initiative was a partnership between Global Peace Festival Foundation, Brand Kenya Board (BKB), The Ministry of Education, African Nazerene University, KACC, Oxford University Press and Buru Buru Girls High School.


From April 15th -17th,, the GP Connect Kenya team will be coordinating a Global Youth Service Day (GYSD) program in Dagoretti, Kenya that will bring local volunteers from the University of Nairobi, together with other volunteers from other universities, volunteers working in various fields and the Dagoretti Community to plant a community garden at the Dagoretti Children’s Garden, Home and School. On March 17, as part of the ongoing service initiative, there will be an interfaith service to launch the final day of the GYSD. This day will focus on highlighting family through sports, agricultural and service activities, and provide the opportunity for partners to participate, by coming out to the community, joining in the service initiatives and getting to see some of the achievements made. Other Developments The GP Connect team has been working on developing two key focus areas in preparation for seminars focused on Community Driven Development. GP Connect Kenya is soliciting the help of other GP Connect Teams as well as working with Donna Lenaghan to develop the seminars further.

iii. Research – that will include community mapping for the communities in focus – currently Dagoretti and Kariobangi.

iv. Capacity building – focusing on strengthening ongoing initiatives within the two communities through:

� Seminars

� Local partner development

� Resource building (Information/awareness and fundraising).

� Development of a volunteer database.

Development of key partnerships with universities in developing program related

commitments and promoting innovation.

GP Connect! (USA):

International Corporate Volunteerism

Workshop CDC Development Solutions, Inc. 1420 K Street NW, 7th Floor • Washington, DC 20005 Web: www.cdcdevelopmentsolutions.org April 14, 2011 | Washington, DC On Thursday April 14, GP Connect! represented by Varun Sood & Service For Peace (SFP) represented by Peter Hayes attended the CDC Development solution annual International Corporate Volunteerism Workshop. The event was held at the International Trade and Commerce Ronald Regan building near the White House.


Corporations are driving global innovation by using top employee talent to create high-value social impact in

emerging markets. Immersed in specialized international pro bono assignments, employees contribute

expertise to local organizations in areas of social need. What results are relationships that are win-win-win:

companies, their employees, and local clients all benefit from the partnerships developed, new skills

learned, and services provided. ICV programs benefit:

The Company Its Employees Local Clients

New market development

Product development

Brand and reputation

Recruitment

New skills development

(teaming, technical)

Increased motivation

Commitment to company

Access to new resources

Improved service provision

New/improved skills for staff

Growth

Session: ICV Benchmarking 2011 Speakers; Steve Hurley, Managing Director, Solutions Insights and Senior Advisor, CDC Development Solutions Sarah Hayes, Consultant, International Association for Volunteer Effort The State of Health of Corporate Volunteering

� Corporate volunteering is a dynamic, global force: companies want to make a significant

difference to serious global and local problems.

� Optimistic Dynamism

� Globalization and Localization

� Focused Impact

� Corporate volunteering is a “big tent” that encompasses a broad range of activities,

philosophies, approaches and management structures.

� There are regional and cultural variations in how volunteering is understood and

practiced that shape and adapt corporate volunteering to local realities.


Session: Public-Private-Social Partnerships in ICV Speakers; Hilda M. Arellano, Counselor to USAID

Robin Willner, Vice President, Global Community Initiatives, IBM

Kathleen Hunt, Director of Volunteers for Prosperity, USAID Office of Development Partners

Deirdre White, President and Chief Executive Officer, CDC Development Solutions

USAID AND IBM announced development of The Center of Excellence for

International Corporate Volunteerism (CEICV). The plan is to make it a virtual

center to support ICV needs around the world

Three goals for the virtual center:

� Enable companies of all sizes to start and expand International Corporate Volunteer

programs in emerging markets

� Enhance USAID’s sustainable development efforts by leveraging the skills and expertise

of corporate volunteers

� Track development impact and create best practices for International Corporate

Volunteer programs worldwide

Session: Views From the Field: a Conversation with Returned Volunteers and ICV Program Managers Speakers; Nola Bragg, Product Development Engineer R&D, Mars Chocolate North America

Lauren Weinstein, Consultant, Accenture

Nancy Rivard, Flight Attendant, American Airlines and President, Airline Ambassadors International

John Ayayee, Country Coordinator, Direct Relief International and Volunteer Service Trip Country

Coordinator, BD

The session covered experiences of returned corporate volunteers.

Nancy Rivard shared her experiences about Airline Ambassadors which she termed as the only independent relief and development charity of the airline industry. It Began as airline personnel using their passes to assist children and expanded to include members from all backgrounds and ages. Now it has 500 mission and over 6,000 members! The members leverage commercial carriers to provide medical and rescue personnel and humanitarian relief. Member volunteers are from 12 airlines and they have delivered $50 million in aid to 54 countries! John Ayayee, shared his experience about volunteer management with BD in Ghana.


BD has locations in more than 50 countries. Approximately 29,000 associates

worldwide It serves healthcare institutions, life science researchers, clinical laboratories and the general public. BD sells a broad range of medical supplies and services, devices, laboratory equipment and diagnostic products. John also shared the benefits and impact of the corporate volunteer projects on various stakeholders in Ghana. Volunteer:

� Personal fulfillment

� Corporate responsibility

Partners:

� Credibility

� Empowerment

� Expansion

Community:

� Exposure

� Education

� Enlightenment

Corporate/organization:

� Giving back to society

� Engaged staff

� Pursuing our purpose

GP Connect! (Asia Updates) : PHILIPPINES



7. Global Peace Festival Foundation team and GP Connect Philippines director had a site visit to Nueva Ecija province, north of Manila for the Organic Farming and Integrated Farming System being done by Farmer’s association or People’s Organization (PO) as the locals call themselves. The PO’s were federated to strengthen their organization especially in venturing to Social Entrepreneurship and Medium Enterprise. Their produce such as organic rice, other processed food out of their other produce like fruits and honey, some organic vegetables are now sold to different supermarkets and groceries in Manila and other key cities. As their source of income, the medium enterprise now sustains the organization and its mother NGO called Gratia Plena Inc. (Full of grace Inc.), the one who did community organizing and led the people towards social entrepreneurship and continuous capacity building and training.

GPFF team plans to do Sustainable Agriculture project too in some areas in Mindanao and the visit is a part of preparation and also to check the best practice of the program which in itself a community driven.

The photo above shows the dialogue between the farmers and staff of Gratia plena and the GPFF team.

8. GP Connect Philippines Program Officer, Joseph Marin, who will start in May was given a detailed orientation on CDD and his administrative functions at SFP office last Tuesday. To be discussed next with the HQ is the salary and budgeting for Philippines. Meeting is to be set with Varun.

9. Venus Laceste, SFP and GP Connect staff, who had just completed the Alternative Learning System (ALS) seminar already started the community mapping and inventory at Culiat, a community of Muslims in Quezon City, near Manila. Culiat, is one of the 5 areas for Alternative Learning System. On the other hand, GP Connect Philippines Director had a meeting with the Department of Education ALS supervisor, Precy De Guzman to further discuss the direction of the ALS program.

10. Thursday and Friday until Easter Sunday were holidays in the Philippines in observance of the Holy Week as a catholic country. SFP and GP Connect just assumed the office today, Monday.


*GPFF and GPC team and the farmers and staff of Gratia Plena Inc Thailand


11. Did a survey for the next GPM Camp in June. We met Mr. Kim, the GPM Director in Korea and a staff from Cheongshim International Academy. Together we went to 2 schools and 1 school was chosen as a project site. GPM has been finalized to be held in June 11 – 18. Project proposal was already finished and ready to send to sponsors, we will do 2 project at the same time, GPM and Backpack Angel wherein we will be giving 129 backpacks to the students in Chiangmai.

12. We opened booth exhibition to promote our projects and at the same time recruit volunteers to join GPM Camp, it was held at the opening of bangkokyouth.com


website which is an event held by Bangkok Youth Council. This way we can promote our brand, added names to our database of contacts, knew more people and make connections and at the same time we had advertise our projects free.

13. We had our meeting with our President, Mrs. Luksana Jomsueb and her husband that happen to be our board. There was a chance to discuss to them about CDD and GPConnect. They understand very well the concept of CDD and we have discussed project that we can do in the school where Mrs. Luksana will be teaching. The first step that we are going to do is to make a project proposal, it already has a name but not yet translated in English but the idea is to open a school based club or organization that nurture and motivate the students to have a volunteer spirit, it is also a club that can give advice to students who have difficulties. But before making a project proposal, we will first conduct survey so we can get a better idea of what project we can do in the school.

GP Connect! (Africa Updates): Picture 1

Event/Program Description On Friday to Sunday, the GP Connect team in Kenya was at the Children’s Garden Home and school to join in the activities that were carried out for Global Youth Service Day. This included the initiation of seed beds to that would be used for the community garden at the home.


The team has also been working with Donna Lenaghan in the development of seminars. One of the areas discussed being to consider shaping up the seminars as fairs/expos as more effective way to draw interest. The team will be getting started on conducting mapping on the Dagoretti community, starting first with businesses and corporate organizations and focusing on their corporate social responsibility component. The business/corporate mapping will be followed by mapping of other/additional resources and services in the community (schools, hospitals, the general public). This will provide an assessment of needs that would be helpful in developing the seminar/fair/expo. GP Connect! (USA): CoMission Against Diseases Of Poverty On April 19th through the 21st, the CoMission Against Diseases of Poverty held its 3rd Annual Consultation Event in Rome, Georgia hosted by WinShape International. More than 50 established individuals and organizations came together as the Body of Christ from across the USA and Africa to develop strategies and implement sustainable solutions for socio-economic and health disparities around the world. "Diseases of Poverty" are the issues being faced globally from inadequate nutrition, lack of clean water and proper sanitation, high exposure to infectious disease, or illiteracy; and these require the intentional coordination of collaborative efforts globally. The primary goals and objectives of the event were to: 1. Continue shaping a strategy for creating a "culture of collaboration" within the Body of Christ globally 2. Grow and expand the trusted network of relationships and identify sector champions 3. Begin identifying actionable items for eradicating "Diseases of Poverty" within each of the following target sectors: Health, Government & Law, Family, Church and Community, Arts & Entertainment, Media & Technology, Education, Business and Finance.


Picture: Alan Inman presenting Alan Inman and Donald Bodzo represented Global Peace Festival Foundation and GP Connect respectively. They presented on “Social Innovation – the vortex of change” based on a book by Stephen Goldsmith. This model illustrates how strategic partnerships and collaborations have been successfully implemented to fight community problems through GPFF and GP Connect’s projects in Atlanta and Kenya. The 2 days annual gathering’s conversations did not end at the WinShape retreat center. For an entire week following the meeting, the participants will be sharing their ideas together in an online live “CoMission DiscoveryCast” around the 4 key questions: Network: How do we grow a global trusted network to develop consistent relationships? Barriers: How do we remove barriers of individualism to create a culture of collaboration? Best practices: What are the best practices for self-sustainability models for either CoMission participants, or recipients? Problems: What problems can we solve with DiscoveryCast as a CoMissiom platform?


Picture: Donald Bodzo at the WinShape Retreat Center GP Connect is participating in this platform and will also be following up with some of the event participants for value added collaborations in various areas of intersection in the field. 2. GP Connect! (Asia Updates) : WEEK HIGHLIGHTS PHILIPPINES Event/Program Description

1. Meeting with GPFF Alternative Learning System (ALS) Team was again set to talk about finalization of plan for the first year of operation. The discussion was focused on how all the 5 sites will be subject for community inventory, mapping


and scooping. GP Connect, through the new GP Connect program officer in the Philippines will be helping the ALS team to start the community inventory in the area.

2. Meeting with College of St. Benilde (CSB), a prime university here in the Philippines was held and possibilities of partnership with GP Connect and SFP were discussed. CSB in coordination with another NGO, Stairway Foundation, an organization that deals with Children’s issues and protection, have invited GP Connect staff and SFP staff for a training on the 3rd week of May for a 7-day seminar on Children’s rights and protection, part of the staff capacity building.

3. GP Connect! (Africa Updates): WEEK HIGHLIGHTS - Kenya: (Prepared by Elaine Wacuka Hurt)

This week and moving forward, GP Connect team members in Kenya will be working on:

v. Setting up the WIX GP Connect! Kenya Website. On this GP Connect! Kenya will be working with Massimo and Marvin Tumbo. Marvin is a social media expert in Kenya and worked with the Global Peace Service Alliance team during the Global Peace Festival Foundation convention in November 2010.

vi. Developing and recruiting for a Kenyan volunteer database. On this initiative GP Connect! Kenya hopes to develop a platform that would link volunteers and hopefully young professionals to NGOs, CBOs, businesses and other organizations focused on a mutual vision and mission as Gp Connect!. The volunteer database could then grow into a resource similar to RealGap.

vii. Developing leadership trainings/seminars/modules (similar to the management skills online trainings Donald is developing) with and for volunteers on the Volunteer Database. This would be coordinated with Magda who has worked extensively with the GP Connect and Service for Peace teams.


viii. Mapping the Dagoretti and Kawangware constituency, as GP Connect! Kenya works towards developing a seminar/fair/expo for a June/July project. GP Connect! Kenya is working with Donna Lenaghan and Carlo Chege on this initiative. Carlo Chege is one of the founders of the East African Social Entrepreneur Network based in Kenya.

ix. Follow up with Sunny of the Kushiri Project to see if and how the Kushiri program might be beneficial to GP Connect!. Visit the Kushiri project website here:http://www.kushiri.org/

GP Connect Kenya has also been working with Service for Peace Kenya to finalize the Alternative Spring Break project at Dagoretti’s Children Garden, Home and School. This week, Artist Zak Kaumbutho, one of the local SFP Kenya volunteers, made the finishing touches to a commemorative board that will be posted on the front end of one of the classrooms at Dagoretti’s Children Garden, Home and School. The board lists all the Alternative Spring Breakers from American University and their handprints. 4. GP Connect! (Europe & South America Updates):

A) Brazil Communication The website for the GPConnect-Goiania, was open this week in English and Portuguese languages and reaching the objective for Brazilian outreach; 80% of the visitors are from Brazil and already some connect with the local office, via the site email and skype link. http://www.gpconnect-goiania.org/ Registration and board Registration for GPConnect-Goiania closed. Now weating for the last accreditation number from the federal office to received the go, for opening the bank account. We will have two accounts, one in dollars and the other in local currency. The board is now completed with Joana a lawyer and Pedro, the chief of staff for the city mayor. Within our work, Joanna and Pedro will also represent the minority black community of Goiania,


PS: see previous report to see all board member photo Office This week the GPC Goiania also open the operational office, with the furniture donations received from Sao Paolo and Romeo, the operational officer, will be permantly operational from next month. The office is not set with in the Institute Soldiers of Peace, like mention on previous reports, because the rent price they request was to expensive for our financial capacity. Funds GPConnect-Goiania will be accredited to received public funds only after one year from the official registration date. In this period, we will build relationship and initiate lobby work with local authorities and departments. Program The chapter will evaluate on the next board meeting, Monday 2 of May, the possible cooperation with a local community center to start a youth entrepreneurship training, HR development, community development and eventually the setting of a SFP library project.

Partner The Foundation Pro-Cerrado invited our group for a presentation to the pilot project young entreperneship training program via internet. Pro-Cerrado is the first fellow Asoka organization set in Brazil. On Monday morning 2nd of May, there will be a follow up meeting with all the other local partners, in relation to the GPF development programs.


GP Connect! (USA): Social Media in promotion of the National Conference on Volunteering & Service (June 6-8). The Message we intend to spread: To inform our networks about the NCVS and SFP’s & GP Connect’s role. To have people attend our workshop To have people meet us at our booth (and learn about the GPMs) and to have them Stay connected with us Things to note when tweeting: Service For Peace - @service4peaceus GP Connect! - @gpconnectors Building Bridges Coalition - @bbcoalition National Conference on Volunteering and Service - @NCVS Templates: 1. Service For Peace & GP Connect! both representing the BBC are getting ready for the presenting at the session at the National Conference on Volunteering and Service “Pathways to Innovation: International Service”. Twitter @ service4peaceus & @gpconnectors as @bcoalition are gettin ready 2 present at @NCVS. Look for “Pathways 2Innovation:International Service” Facebook Service For Peace, Inc & GP Connect as members of the Building Bridges Coalition are getting ready to present at the National Conference on Volunteering and Service. The session is entitled Pathways to innovation: International Service. 2. Make sure you meet Service For Peace at the National Conference on Volunteering and Service in New Orleans (June 6-8)! Twitter U definitely want to check out @service4peaceus & @bcoalition June 6-8 at the @NCVS! Register Here http://bit.ly/2Iw9zD 4. Can USA send 100, 000 volunteers each year as President John F. Kennedy proposed? What are your thoughts? Twitter Can USA send 100k volunteers as JFK proposed? What do you thnk? #globalservice 4. Service For Peace a member of the Building Bridges Coalition discusses how we can send 100, 000 volunteers each year at the National Conference on Volunteering and Service in New Orleans (June 6-8). Join our session. Twitter @ service4peaceus as a member of @bcoalition discusses how we can send 100, 000 volunteers each year @NCVS! Contribute now http://bit.ly/95hCaO

• GP Connect HQ team is working with GP Connect regional offices on strengthening operations on the ground. We are also developing standard operating procedures for budgeting.


• The GPC– SFP team retreat is being planned in Washington DC on June 9-10th. GP Connect HQ team is working on the agenda, travels, accommodation and team building exercises.

• GP Connect! HQ will be interviewing a potential candidate for internship/volunteerism with Washington DC team on May 11th.

GP Connect! (Africa Updates): Event/Program Description Community mapping/capacity inventory/ program development This week both the Global Peace Connect and the Service For Peace teams continue to develop and structure out the community mapping process for Dagoretti Community that included:-

- Continued planning and discussions with Donna Lenaghan on the development of the mapping process for Dagoretti and towards development of the seminars. So far discussions have considered shaping the seminars as Expos or fairs that are likely to attract the interest of a larger pool of corporate and larger organizations as opposed to structuring them as seminars.

- Discussions with Map Kibera that have done a comprehensive mapping of communities in Nairobi that include Kibera, Huruma and Mathare. The important aspect of their efforts being that they have to put these shanty communities that have very poor infrastructure and have the information available online. Map Kibera has also provided tools that the team is reviewing in addition to survey questions that had been put together. A meeting was also set up with them. This information and tools was also shared with the GPFF team as they also do mapping in Kariobangi community.

- There has also been in discussions with Tony and the CCI team at GPFF team in providing support in the promotion of the initiative and possible online/social media channels that can be utilized.

World Environment Day and Global PeaceMakers The Service For Peace team is also in the process of planning for the Global Peacemaker program planned for June 2011 and also World Environmental Day on June 5th. GP Connect! (Europe & South America Updates):

Brazil Follow up plans for GPF 2012 Goiania


A follow up meeting was realized with partners organizations and the representative of the Government of Goias state, responsible for communication and special assistant to the Governor. Within the meeting several parameters of work were set, to build up the political and financial consensus for social activities related to the Goiania GPF 2012. Next week on May 10th there will be a meeting with SEBRAE http://www.sebrae.com.br/ to set the agreements for a 800.000 BRL (500.000 US$) support for activities related to the GPF 2012 in Goiania. Board meeting



On May 2nd the first board meeting of GPConnect was held in Goiania. The meeting started at 7pm and was closed at 11pm, hosted in the office of one of the board member business location. The meeting was open by the chapter president Fabio follow by a general PP over view of the relationship between GPFF, SFP and GPConnect presented by Romeo, follow up by a open discussion session. After that the board member, Odilio introduced a PP presentation for a community project/library follow up by a open discussion; in closing an exercised on what, where, why, with who etc was guided by Lena and a strategically action/plan, set up. Next board meeting in June; in between conferences call by Skype or Go to meeting every two weeks to evaluate the developments of the programs. Brief info. on the next step: from May 20th Romeo will start to work on the analysis’s and research of the community project in Goiania and setting a library. A research on potential funding opportunity will start this month in relation to public and private institution, local and international. The focus/work in Goiania will be on 3 locations: one community were AJA project (recycling) is set, the second were the library is set and the third were the GPconnect office is located. Office


The GPConnect! office was set with 4 working stations, a meeting place, a front yard for meeting. Will be lunch publicly in June with a small party/celebration. Next we will set internet, phones and add the GPConnect logo on the front wall of the location.


The office is also located in a area ideal for community development programs link with SE. Romeo with Fabio will start to investigate and study the community/territory, needs, challenges etc. for possible future programs. Paraguay

The GP Connect working group start to set the system for lunching the YEC in Paraguay. At the moment we are working on the strategically plan for GPConnect development in the capital city. The working group will also identify a specific area/community to implant an action plan for CDD. Also locally, the group can cooperate with a team of 15 young volunteers for service projects and activities. An action schedule plan will be send soon (in Spanish) regarding those programs. GP Connect! (USA): GP Connect! team was represented by Varun Sood at The UN International Day of Families 2011"Confronting Family Poverty " organized by GPFF at the Rayburn Building on May 12th (Report to be shared soon) GP Connect HQ team planned logistics (travel bookings, hotels, etc) for the GPC –SFP Washington DC retreat on June 9-10th


National Conference on Volunteering & Service (June 6-8) preparations are done by GP Connect HQ & SFP team along with partner organization Atlas Service Corps GP Connect HQ shared standard operating template/procedures for budgeting with regional teams. GP Connect! (Asia Updates) : Event/Program Description

1. It’s the GP Connect Philippines Program Development Officer, Joseph Marin’s first week of work in the GP Connect office, so the following is what he did through the supervisory and instructions of the Project Director:

- Reading of CDC related write ups, materials, documents by the newly hired PDO, for familiarization, orientation and updates of what's going on.

- Finalization of Community Inventory Form To be used during community data gathering into Microsoft word.

- Signing up to Social Networking Sites like Facebook, Tweeter, Linkedin. Introduction and Promotion of GP Connect to friends.

- Budget allocation meeting for the month of April to June.

- Site Visit/Meeting with the Salam Community regarding ALS in coordination of SFP community of peace and staff Venus Laceste

2. The week is for Administrative concerns. The Admin Assistant and the Program

Director managed to come with the liquidation of expenses and final budgeting for the month of May and June.

3. Continuous coordination with GPFF and other organizations as partners was made. Finalization of the site visit schedule for the Gratia Plena Social Action center was coordinated for the next week

Week of May 10 Event/Program Description


1. GP Connect Team went to Nueva Ecija, 4 hours away from Manila to meet with the Gratia Plena Social Action Center (SAC GP) and to introduce the Program Development Officer. SAC GP is the pioneer organization in the area for community organizing of small farmers association and eventually federated after they have undergone different capacity building training. Now, the federation is one of the biggest organic fertilizer producers in the province and also advocating organic farming and making organic produce as their social entrepreneur. They also promote Sustainable Agriculture as a whole using environmental techniques such as Integrated Farming System and Bio-Intensive gardening.

They are giving 2 areas in the province that will be turned into CDD area. GP Connect and SAC GP will collaborate in these two areas and will undergo with the CDD process. In the visit, there were also dialogues with farmers to hear firs- hand experiences that will be of great help with the process in the future. GP Connect with SFP and GPFF had a meeting regarding finalization of program for the launching of ALS program in Muslim Community in Culiat on Sunday. The first of the 4 ALS areas to launch the program in the community.

GP Connect! (Africa Updates): WEEK HIGHLIGHTS - Kenya: (Prepared by Elaine Wacuka Hurt)


This week GP Connect team members in Kenya have been working on:

x. On May 6th, 2011, GP Connect! Kenya represented by Elaine Wacuka Hurt and Service for Peace Kenya represented by Eric Mogaka met with Jamie Lundine of Map Kibera. Map Kibera is an organization, which has created a program to map one of Africa’s largest slums. Map Kibera works with local organizations to produce free and open maps via open source technology. Jamie and her team have offered to help GP Connect! Kenya on the mapping of the Dagoretti Constituency and have offered advice, GPS and training for our volunteers.

xi. On May 7th, 2011, GP Connect! Kenya represented by Elaine Wacuka Hurt had an online meeting with Sunkyo Im co-founder of Kushiri.org to see how Kushiri could support efforts of the GP Connect! Kenya team. Sunkyo suggested GP Connect! Kenya join the June 2011 pilot project and submit a 4-6 week project with a specific deliverable. GP Connect! Kenya submitted a project to design a working budget and marketing plan. Kushiri.org is a platform that links globally minded volunteer consultants put their expertise into action by advising NGOs & for-profit enterprises in the developing world.

xii. May 9th –May 13th GP Connect! Kenya has been working on budget, program design, volunteer recruitment and surveys for the mapping of Dagoretti and Kawangware constituencies. The meetings have been made up of GP Connect! Kenya staff, Service For Peace Staff, volunteers, Rotaractors, and Fred a community leader in Dagoretti.

xiii. On May 12th GP Connect! Kenya and Service For Peace Kenya attended a Tandaa Tech Talk on Social Media after Facebook at Nairobi’s iHub. Both teams participated in a real time live tweet exercise along with GP Connect! HQ to highlight some of the great points made during the talk. GP Connect! Kenya and Service For Peace Kenya also attended the Nailab soft launch and learned more about their Incubation Lab. Nailab is located next to the iHub and supports small and business savvy entrepreneurs turn their ideas into viable businesses. Nailab would be interested in providing resources to GP Connect! Kenya and Service For Peace Kenya projects in the future.

GP Connect! (USA):

Global Peace Leadership Forum


Rayburn Building, Room 2226 (Independence St. entrance) May 12th, 2011 | Washington, DC

On Thursday May 12, GP Connect! represented by Varun Sood attended an important Capitol Hill Leadership Forum observing the United Nations International Day of Families, with the theme: "Confronting Family Poverty" convened by the Global Peace Festival Foundation-USA in Washington. A panel of distinguished speakers will be followed by a round table discussion examining challenges to the family in contemporary society

Speakers; Mr. Will Davis- Will Davis is currently the Director of the United Nations Information Center in Washington, D.C. In this capacity, he is the United Nations Secretariat’s senior representative in Washington, serving as a spokesman for the organization and working with officials in the executive branch, the Congress, the media, civil society and the business community to further the relationship between the UN and its largest contributing member state. Laura Green Zeilinger- Laura Green Zeilinger currently serves as Regional Coordinator Team Leader at the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH). In this role, she is responsible for overseeing the strategic implementation of Opening Doors in states and major metropolitan areas, while deploying Regional Coordinator resources consistent with full implementation of the Federal Strategic Plan. Senator Emanuel Jones-Senator Jones has served in the Georgia Senate from the 10th District since 2004. He is currently the secretary of the Interstate Cooperation Committee and also serves on the State and Local Governmental Operations, Finance, Veterans and Military Affairs, Urban Affairs and Public Safety and Homeland Security committees. Since May of 2010, as the


Chairman of the Global Peace Festival Foundation-Georgia, Senator Jones was instrumental in facilitating more than 40 organizational partners to join in a coalition to establish the Strengthening Families & Communities Coalition Atlanta.Sen. Jones is currently Chairman of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus. Ms. Maudine Cooper- Since 1990, Ms. Cooper has served as president and CEO of the Greater Washington Urban League, an affiliate of the National Urban League and an organization devoted to education and training, housing and community development, services for the aging and the environment. Cooper is a member of numerous organizations and boards, such as the District of Columbia Bar Association, the NAACP, the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Capital City Chapter of LINKS, Inc., and Leadership Washington. Cooper has received the prestigious Isaiah Award for the Pursuit of Justice, presented by the Washington, D.C. Chapter of the American Jewish Committee and she was named McDonald's Black History Maker of Today in the Washington, D.C. area.

"Confronting Family Poverty" a Global Priority Panel Says"Confronting Family Poverty" a Global Priority Panel Says"Confronting Family Poverty" a Global Priority Panel Says"Confronting Family Poverty" a Global Priority Panel Says”*”*”*”*

Noting the range of United Nations programs servicing the poor and homeless around the world, Greater Washington Urban League President Maudine Cooper told a Washington, DC forum that “we need a United Nations of the United States, because some of our communities are worse off than many Third World countries.”

Ms. Cooper underscored the plight of the poor in America with troubling examples of childhood poverty and cited the disproportionate impact of poverty on African American and Hispanic minorities, who she said were “fighting over remnants from the bottom of the barrel.” One in four in the District of Columbia she noted was living below the poverty level, “more than we want to admit for the capital of the free world.”


Director of the United Nations Information Center Will Davis described family welfare as among the most important priorities of the world body, and he delivered UN Secretary Ban Ki-moon’s message in recognition of the International Day of Families 2011 He noted that UNICEF, one of the most visible of the UN’s many agencies, provides essential health services, vaccination campaigns against communicable diseases, and the innovative “school in a box,” a portable, rapid-response school structure to serve regions struck by natural disasters or post-

conflict areas where formal education is often among the first casualties.

“The UN increasingly understands the importance of improving the lives of women,” he said. “In the aftermath of the Haitian earthquake we found that many men were cutting in line and appearing repeatedly to claim food rations. We learned that by giving out vouchers instead of direct rations we were better able to serve the needs of the families. We learned that when you empower women it can have a ripple effect in the community.”

Poverty and homelessnessPoverty and homelessnessPoverty and homelessnessPoverty and homelessness

Panelist Laura Green Zeilinger, a regional coordinator for the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH), emphasized the critical importance of shelter for the security and stability of the family. “Loss of this most basic family infrastructure has extraordinary costs,” she said, “both for the newly homeless and for society.”

Ending homelessness is not only a humanitarian but an economic imperative, as stable housing provides an essential means for delivering basic services and improving life for individuals and families.


Ms. Zeilinger provided an overview of the USICH initiative Opening Doors, a federal plan to prevent and end homeless in the United States based on the premise that “no one should experience homelessness—no one should be without a safe, stable place to call home.” The Plan focuses on four key objectives:

� End chronic homelessness by 2015;

� Prevent and end homelessness among Veterans by 2015;

� Prevent and end homelessness for families, youth, and children by 2020; and

� Set a path to ending all types of homelessness.

Arguing that it’s better to invest in solutions than pay for the maintenance of homelessness, Ms. Zeilinger said crisis-driven alternatives to a stable home include foster care, emergency rooms, psychiatric hospitals, domestic violence shelters, detox centers, and jails. Ending homelessness is not only a humanitarian but an economic imperative, she explained, as stable housing provides an essential means for delivering basic services and improving life for individuals and families.

Panelist Jeff Street, founder of the Atlanta-based CoMission against the Disease of Poverty, provided a private sector perspective to the problem of family poverty. Family is the place of convergence of government, church, education, entertainment, and media, he said, and human society is “an organism of relationships.”


Reflecting on his experience in many developing countries, he itemized the various challenges facing the poor, saying, “Government and other agencies can’t carry the load by themselves. How do we address the problems? Hire companies or NGOs? They will all grow, and so will poverty.” The current approach, he said, creates dependency and what is needed is “a global network of relationships, a communications infrastructure, a value system that creates trust, and a ‘just in time’ capacity.”

GP Connect! (Asia Updates) : Event/Program Description

2. The Alternative Learning System or ALS project was launched in the pioneering SFP Philippines Community of Peace in Alsalam Muslim Community in Quezon City. The community people headed by the Alsalam Active Women’s Association (ALSAWA) and the Local Government Unit of Bgy. Culiat, and other multi-stakeholders like the Department of Education (DepEd) of the Philippines were all there to grace the occasion. The Muslim elders who have been with SFP since the start of the tie-up were all present to support the program. Twenty-eight (28) individuals signed up as learners for the whole duration of the program until they will qualify for the examination come October to acquire their Elementary diploma.

ALS is a program launched by the Department of Education to enable out of school youth to continue their education in a non-formal way to achieve their diploma whether in elementary or in high school. Dr. Alejandro Ibanez, DepEd


ALS division supervisor of Metro Manila spoke about the overview of ALS program.

3. Joseph Marin attended a week long seminar on Children’s rights in the southern island of Mindoro in coordination with College of St. Benilde.

GP Connect! (Africa Updates): Event/Program Description World Environmental Day The Service For Peace team continues plans for the one day event to mark World Environmental Day on June 6. The event is targeting a 500 youth and students from the private and public sector, and the community in an area called Baba Ndogo. Among the activities targeted include tree-planting initiatives, clean up exercises of a dump sites, beauty pageant, as well as other demonstrational and awareness building activities. Other groups, CBOs and NGOs are expected to join in the day and will showcase their initiatives that include the community jiko, Ruaraka beauty pageant and other clean up organizations the effort and also showcase their initiatives. Service learning curriculum GPC team has been researching on introducing a service learning curriculum that can be adopted among the schools and educational institutions. One of the expected pilots for the curriculum being with the Character Competency Initiative that has been initiated in a number of schools by the GPFF team in Kenya. Budgeting/Accounting procedures The team in Kenya has been working with an accountant to develop an accounting system that will also help the organization in developing audited accounts and plan towards providing one year reporting. Community mapping/seminars The team in Kenya is also focused on the continued planning for a comprehensive community mapping that will also be gathering data towards the development of seminars/workshops to support community driven development. GP Connect! (USA):

• GP Connect Washington DC team welcomes Josephine Onah!


Josephine Onah is currently an intern with Global Peace Connect whilst pursuing a Master’s degree in Communications from Howard University in Washington D.C. She obtained a bachelor’s degree in Languages and Integrative studies from George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. Her family ties are in Nigeria West Africa but she has travelled around the world. Her experiences abroad have given her a global perspective. She has had the pleasure of living in Togo, the Philippines, France and the United States. As a global nomad she has learned to appreciate different cultures. She personally believes in social justice and she admires the tangible work that Service for Peace is doing in the developing world. Volunteerism and service are tenants she lives by through her work with the homeless in Washington D.C. at Covenant House, Habitat for Humanity building low income housing, and teaching French in Nigeria. GP Connect! (Asia Updates) : Event/Program Description

1. GP Connect Program Development officer, Joseph John Marin attended a 6 day

workshop on the Deaf and Hearing Camp 2011 held last May 16-21, 2011 at Barangay Aninuan, Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro.(See Photo above). It was organized by the De La Salle- College of Saint Benilde and Applied Studies in partnership with the Stairway Foundation Inc.- who helps the most marginalized


and endangered street children in the Philippines. The theme of the workshop was entitled “Stand Up and Take Action for Children’s Rights- The Heart of The Millennium Development Goals 2015.” The objective of the workshop was to increase awareness regarding human rights, specifically the children’s rights and Deaf awareness. Also the Deaf students were expected to share their knowledge and experiences on their lives for us to understand them. The Hearing and Deaf participants were given opportunity to embrace each other’s cultures. This is an exploration of another potential partnership on this sector towards CDD project.

2. GPC Director is currently attending the Asian SFP Leaders Forum where GP Connec t will have its time for a seminar in Seoul, Korea. Details of this on the next meeting.

3. GP Connect! Philippines now is in touch with a community in North of Manila, province of Nueva Ecija for a partnership on CDD. After the set meeting, the communities will undergo the process of CDD.

GP Connect! (USA): GP Connect HQ team is attending the International Aid & Development Workshop during the Washington DC retreat. The GPC –SFP team members will start arriving on June 7th Onwards Social Media in promotion of the National Conference on Volunteering & Service (June 6-8). The Message we intend to spread: To inform our networks about the NCVS and SFP’s & GP Connect’s role. To have people attend our workshop To have people meet us at our booth (and learn about the GPMs) and to have them Stay connected with us Things to note when tweeting: Service For Peace - @service4peaceus GP Connect! - @gpconnectors Building Bridges Coalition - @bbcoalition National Conference on Volunteering and Service - @NCVS Templates: 1. Service For Peace & GP Connect! both representing the BBC are getting ready for the presenting at the session at the National Conference on Volunteering and Service “Pathways to Innovation: International Service”. Twitter @ service4peaceus & @gpconnectors as @bcoalition are gettin ready 2 present at @NCVS. Look for “Pathways 2Innovation:International Service” Facebook


Service For Peace, Inc & GP Connect as members of the Building Bridges Coalition are getting ready to present at the National Conference on Volunteering and Service. The session is entitled Pathways to innovation: International Service. GP Connect! (Africa Updates): This week we had a team of eight members begin implementing the initial phase of the mapping process that is expected to run through end of June. This initial phase will cover a pre-survey process that will include visit some of the key local council offices and discussions with key community leaders, in addition, an initial group of individuals that would provide initial information to further shape this phase. The week ended with a review of the this first week’s survey capturing initial feedback, revising the survey questions and discussions with team members on the challenges encountered, the need to present the questions and conversations in a relevant, adequate and informative manner for the community to provide quality data. The meeting also captured feedback received from Donna Lenaghan and the team in DC. Meeting with team of advisory members Becky and Elaine had the opportunity to meet an initial team of advisory members. During this meeting, the team was taken through the developments within GP Connect so far and the expectations moving forward especially in shaping the programs. The three that were able to make it for this first meeting comprised of individuals who are part of a social enterprise network that also focuses on community development/job creation programs, Community to community facilitator organization and also an finance & investment professional. One of the important feedback that was posed as a challenge by the corporate professional was working towards ensuring that the concept that we would want to communicate is simple and to the point, and should have a value proposition, especially if GP Connect was to trigger corporate involvement. One of key discussions being that corporate organizations are likely to connect to a specific project or initiative that is specific and connects to their bottomline(s). The meeting was a great initial step, was provocative and engaging on some of the issues to think about moving forward. Participation in Rotary meetings The GP Connect team has also had the opportunity to participate in a number of Rotary meetings that has provided the opportunity to share on activities and programs. The rotary meetings provide an array of professionals working in various sectors that are interested in supporting service initiatives. At a recent meeting attended, we had the opportunity to share on some of GO Connect mission to develop sustainable solutions to community issues/initiatives. We hope such a forum will generate interests from this group both at advisory level, partnership and connections to funding opportunities. GP Connect! (Europe & South America Updates):

Brazil At the moment we are evaluation the youth and community project in GOIANIA and setting the MOU with a local community organization GEOF. (from google translate from Portuguese to English):


PHOTO: the GEOF classrooms for the program The program will involve: SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES

- Encourage, through training (computer skills, social skills, reinforcement communication capacity, writing and math) for the inclusion of youth in the labor market. - To know the reality of student and highlight the importance of preparation to get a job in the labor market. - Encourage through our courses: sensitivity, healthy ways of living together in groups and the rules of socialization, team work. - Encouraging young people to continue to qualify through other technical or vocational courses. - Insert this young man in the job market after graduation, through partnerships with local area business. TARGET AUDIENCE

The project seeks to reach young people from low-income family, age 14 to 24 who have not yet been included in the labor market. We intend to reach 1,500 young people directly and about 4,000 people (family and friends) indirectly in a period of 12 months. METHODOLOGY The methodology that we will use will cover three hours of class per day, 5 times per week (Monday to Friday). The computer course that has the greatest amount of class hours, will run three times a week. Other disciplines will fill the remaining two days. Initially by the pilot program, we will create two classes of seven students each, one in the morning and one afternoon (according to the round school student). At first we will also provide jobs for students who are already involved in


complementary activities within the partner institution GEOF, after a detail selection. Also we will disclose the work in the community through flyers and organize meeting and a screening in GEOF facility. Saturday will be used for lesson planning and weekly meetings among teachers and assessment of student performance. The pilot course will be approximately two months (depending on the timing, number of holidays, etc.) and we have four classes a year. At the end of the course, students will be sent to a business/partner in order to have chance of entering the labor market Next week we will have the MOU details and parameter of full cost; for GPConnect Goiania we estimate a basic financial monthly investment of about 500$, plus the HR and logistical support Paraguay

The web site of GPConnect Paraguay is open at http://www.gpconnect-paraguay.org/ The GPConnect YEC in Paraguay: (from google translate Spanish to English) Achievements: - call is sent to contacts of outstanding students from different universities. - It continues to formalize a budget - It works in a ppt presentation. in Spanish GP Connect! - Meetings with: Department of Business Incubator (Ministry of Industry and Trade) dept. micro-enterprises (Ministry of Industry and Trade) Responsible for HUB in Paraguay, Director of Schools

venture of Columbia University; Coordinator to organize volunteers in Paraguay; Officer Senavitat technical area (state organization). With each of them under the provision of databases with people who can participate. - Emilie attended a mass meeting where 500 young people participated. Contact monitor related to database event which will have a meeting. - Two organizations we enter Facebook and any other platform. - Defined lines of action in case of any alliances with 3 of the organizations contacted so far. Next Week: - Define each person and organization previously collected, how it will help. - Prepare document bases and criteria for the competition. - Meeting with massive event monitor by the Society of Paraguayan entrepreneurs. - Meeting with American University in person, interested in being able to take this


opportunity. - Start briefing details GP Connect! (Asia Updates) : Gratia Plena Site Visit: GP Connect! (Asia Updates) PHILIPPINES Event/Program Description

1. Site Visit at Gratia Plena Social Action Center last June 3, 2011. 2. a. Meeting with Ms. Basilia Padilla, one of the staff of Gratia Plena, who introduced me to the working staff of the center and to the Board of Federation of Damayan Kristiyano Farmers. b. Brief Orientation was given by Ms. Basilia Padilla about the Gratia Plena Development Framework for me to have knowledge and background about what GP was all about, what programs they are implementing and what they are doing. c. Interview with one of the staff, Mr. Eblas Blancas, a documenter, researcher and community worker. He gave subjective information and data just like what Ms. Padilla provided. d. Asked Ms. Basilia existing data of the community that needs to be validated- to be sent through email. e. Community inventory- questions asked to Ms. Basilia and she provided subjective data.( Situation of the community)initial info to visualize how the community looks like. f. Courtesy Call with Fr. Cesar Vergara- positive response of support from him for the partnership.

Pintong Bukawe Site Visit:


GP Connect! (Asia Updates) PHILIPPINES


1. Site Visit at Pintong Bukawe, Rizal last June 7, 2011, a potential CDD community area. 2. a. Courtesy call to the Brgy. Captain, Cecilia Laceste, and explained to her the purpose of our visit. b. Brief Introduction of GPC and SFP to the local officials of the barangay and explained to them what and how CDD project is all about. Has established rapport with them. c. Provided us demographic data of the barangay including it’s community background and history. d. Initial Interview with the local officials and people about the needs of the community. They provided subjective data.


e. They allowed us to have an ocular survey to see the community. f. The pictures above show land owned by the former barangay captain. And he is willing to lend us his land to be used and developed for future CDD community projects.

La Paz Site Visit: GP Connect! (Asia Updates) PHILIPPINES


Event/Program Description 1. Site Visit at La Paz National High School, Davao City Last June 16-17, 2011-there is an ongoing project that was initiated by the people that is a potential CDD project, the SIFISH project an aquaculture fish condo. 2. a. During our visit there was a brief program prepared by the school headed by Ms. Lourdes Navarro, the school principal together with the local officials represented by Councilor Conejo, the SIFISH officers, ALS learners and the students. I had the opportunity to introduce the GPC -SFP and what and how CDD programs work. I was able to establish rapport to the community, that is very supportive and I may say very motivated. b. The purpose of the visit also includes the monitoring of the aquaculture project in partnership with the GPPF as represented by the ED Jed Estandian and Project Director Joneth Morales with the ALS group in the school to assess the progress of the project and possible strategies to be done to address the needs for improvement sustainability. c. Interview with the SIFISH officer, Ms. Jovelyn, I was able to gather initial subjective data regarding the community in terms of it’s demographic data and needs of the community. Still data are needed to be validated on the next visit using the community inventory. They will give us data of the community on the next visit. d. On the next day, we had our meeting with Dr. Ventura of the Mariculture, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in the region for the future partnerships and agreements especially on the scheduled training on July about the new skills and technologies in the aquaculture. The meeting was very positive because of their strong support. The purpose of the training is to train the people to acquire the skills and technology for the development of the community in the entrepreneurial aspect. e. Meeting with the DepEd Officials with Mrs. Allen T. Guilaran, District Supervisor, Dr. Aurora B. Cubero, Schools Division Superintendent and Mrs. Lorna Mapinogos, Assistant Chief OIC, ALS. Since the project in the La Paz National High School is with the efforts of ALS which is under the program of DepEd, as for La Paz NHS becoming a model for other schools and communities, there would be a possibility for the other schools to expand just LaPaz. The school officials are very supportive with the project and also asking us to visit the other schools to share best practices the La Paz has started. f. Overall the entire visit is more on monitoring the CDD projects and how it would be possible to expand it little by little in the community. Sustainability is also important and for the people to cooperate with the project.

GP Connect! (Africa Updates):

Event/Program Description Community mapping update


The team continues to be engaged in the field undertaking the survey:- - Following an initial pre-survey in Dagoretti, the team found that it was difficult to

implement the initial survey questionnaire as it was not fully engaging the respondents or ensuring that the needed data was collected. The questionnaire was revised and has since been more effective.

- From initial data review, the team can begin to cite some of the issues/needs that include security, jobs/youth employment, access to funds for business/projects, sanitation, low literacy, access to water, AIDS incidences, drugs, corruption among others.

- The team had the opportunity to join the GPFF team that was reviewing results from a community mapping in Kariobangi. The review was made significant by the Jim Copple team (SAI, LLC) that has been a supportive partner of GPFF.

Day of the African Child - The teams also continue to engage in events to connect with other partners and

initiatives, such as having Children’s Garden Home and School in Dagoretti participate in the Day of the African Child by joining in the Kenya Reading Revolution Campaign that is being run by Story Moja in collaboration with the British Council.

- This years theme focuses on the plight of millions of street children on the continent.

- On the Day, the campaign had a target to have 30,000 children reading from the same script at the same time. The script that was read was a story that was co-authored by two street children.

- Among the achievements of the day being the opportunity to interview with media and other magazines.

Interviews for Character Competency Initiative

- Following the review of application sent in for the position, and identification of about ten candidates, interviews begun today with a total of eight candidates scheduled for interview between today (Friday 17th) and Monday 20th.

GP Connect! (Europe & South America Updates):

Europe Cooperation between Arnold and Tony for Ireland growing and so Arnold support for the strategic and structure plan/discussion on GP Connect

Brazil


Finally all document set and we have a full GPConnect office registered and with an operative bank account. The last furniture details add to the office like doors, wall painting, microwave and area out door for larger meetings. This week the team research hotel and facilities in support of the GPFF summit in

Brasilia and research more details related to the community base project with GEOF in Goiania. Also the team work in support of the lunching of the GPFF program prevention and rehabilitation against drugs and lunching of GPFF activities in Goiania, with an official mini festival promoted by the city Mayor office and Governor and coordinated by the Soldiers of Peace NGO. Next week we set the third conference call, with the board members.

Paraguay Programs (translated via Google from Spanish to English) - Confirmed with individuals and institutions concerned. - New contacts established: University of Southern Cone Garden tech, and meeting with SINAFOCAL. - Meeting with Lidia Edith and Maria Esther Jimenez: Bases are defined and Evaluation Form 100%. - Define program, presentation, banners and accompanying documents (advertising GP Connect, FPG, and Institute SFP) - Meeting for some legal issues to define. - Forms received 22, till now. - Constant update webcast - Talks will be by a way of launching the Competitive Fund.

Lecture Information: From 19:00 to 20:30. GPFF Foundation lecture given (Ernesto); Education Area (Tominaga) GPConnect presentation (Pablo). Involving 12 enterprises (15 persons attending). It ends with open discussion and small meal.

Results: The team adhered to this stage of the work. We believe that for now there are a number of stakeholders that need to be confirmed, and within a month see who else might be involved.


The people involved are between 18 and 48 years with various proposals among others private business, a cooperative, micro clothing, recycling business, sale of rural production. They have different social implications, impacting a greater or lesser number of people. Also, different levels of economic sustainability. People from different areas and departments of the GPFF Foundation gave a very good support. Next Week: - Contact on Wednesday to chat participants to confirm whether to apply. disadvantages: - Advertising in newspapers agreed not aired. projections: - On how things have been, we would expect some new candidates between now and June 24 July 22 (deadline for proposals)

April - July GP Connect Report

Documents

poor m4p approach

market development approach

market focus

core market

market provider

markets work

comprehensive approach

informal market rules