Issue9_May2011 Newsletter

NEWSLETTER May 15, 2011

Inside this Issue

Facilitator Corner 2

Other Projects 3

Conferences 4

Regional Updates:

Africa

5

Asia 5

Europe 6

North America 7

South America 8

Executive Team 9

Collaborating

Knowledge Partners

10

Advisory Board 11

Member

Organizations

12

Directory 13

Get Involved 14

Our Sponsors

UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP

FOR SOCIAL ACTION RESEARCH

UCP-SARnet is a growing global social network

that was created at Arizona State University in 2008.

It is governed by students and young community activists.

Its mission is to empower new generations of community leaders to become

actively involved in the realization of the UN Millennium Development Goals.

Utilizing the recent advances of Information and Communication Technologies,

UCP-SARnet offers a platform for the multicultural exchange of visions, ideas and

best practices aimed at achieving MDGs.

We engage university faculty and students in partnerships with community

organizations, local governments and socially responsible corporations.

Creating a powerful educational environment for students preparing themselves to

become leaders, we also bring about a sustainable social change

in their communities.

Newsletter Editors:

Angela Abolhassani

Abidah Khalife Dorav Kumar

Thomas Lane

Dr. Marek Wosinski

Joshua Wyrick

Dear Colleagues,

This month marks the final official meetings of the Executive team for the Spring 2011 semester. A few dedicated members will continue working towards our mission throughout the Summer.

Some of the highlights of the month with UCP-SARnet include the Club’s official acceptance at

Arizona State University, a meeting with IGLOO which confirmed their continued use at a plat-form till August 2011, our participation in the CU Expo Conference in Waterloo Canada, and

preparations for the upcoming Bridging the World Event at SIAS in China.

This newsletter edition also marks the third anniversary of the official inception of UCP-SARnet. On April 18, 2008 UCP -SARnet was officially launched at a session hosted by the Centre for In-

ternational Governance Innovations (CIGI) in Waterloo (Canada) and organized by the Cen-

tre for Community Based Research (Kitchener, Canada). Participants representing local communi-ty organizations, CIGI and CCBR disused the importance of global networking for promotion of

community based research, as well as a need for expanding collaboration between universities and communities. We have made a long journey since that time and a lot of challenges are still in

front of us.

On this occasion I would like to express gratitude to hundreds of our supporters who from the very beginning believed in

our vision of multicultural online community engaging, educating and empowering community leaders. We are grateful to Arizona State University that allowed us to build UCP-SARnet as one of its projects, to CIGI for sponsoring our jour-

ney towards modern technological solutions, and IGLOO for hosting and technologically supporting our platform. We are grateful to all students and young community activists worldwide whose passion made our network alive. Our grati-

tude extends to the members of our international Advisory Board for opening to us a lot of doors by endorsing our plans and projects. But first and foremost I would like to honor Carolyn F. Swift, former President of the Society for Commu-

nity Research and Action. She gave UCP-SARnet its first endorsement at a time when, facing organizational and finan-

cial challenges, our small and not experienced team was about to quit. If not for her understanding of our vision, and her trust that our goal could be accomplished, we would not have been able to celebrate together this third anniversary.

M.W.

Page 2

Facilitator Corner

Our Sponsors Creating a better future for communities through research Founded in 1982, CCBR believes in the power of knowledge to impact positive social change. They are passionate about bringing people together to use knowledge

to provide real and innovative solutions to community needs. Their approach to

research is participatory and action-oriented in a way that mobilizes people to par-ticipate as full and equal members of society.

www.communitybasedresearch.ca

IGLOO's social software solutions help organizations create vital connections

between people, processes and information through the creation of online business

communities. Companies use online communities to improve collaboration, knowledge sharing and drive employee engagement across geographically dispersed

project teams, departments and business units inside and out.

http://www.igloosoftware.com/

Turning theory into practice Warsaw School of Social Sciences and Humanities/SWPS was founded in 1996 by former professors of the Institute of Psychology and the Polish Academy of Scienc-

es. Ever since its foundation, the University has been continually growing and de-

veloping and now consists of 8 faculties located in five academic centers in Poland (Warsaw, Wrocław, Sopot, Poznań and Katowice). SWPS is committed to the

highest academic standards as well as to the transfer of practical knowledge and

skills. http://www.swps.pl/english/index.php

Dr. Marek Wosinski

Page 3

We encourage your collaboration on these projects!

Please contact us if you would like to get involved! OTHER PROJECTS

Our Courses at ASU

Students are able to earn course credit and help the world at the same time by taking certified courses from ASU in conjunc-

tion with UCP-SARnet (University-Community Partnerships for Social Action Research).

Introduction to Community Research and Action (PGS 294), Community Psychology (PGS 365), and Multicultural Perspec-

tive on Community Leadership (BIS 494) are classes to learn more about subjects that are essential to the mission of UCP-

SARnet and at the same time to acquire vital skills that can be used to develop and advance one’s community.

Then there are the courses designed for students who wish to complete college not only having learned about professional

working skills, but having the opportunity to apply these skills. For this, students can sign up to be an Undergraduate Re-search Assistant (PGS 399/PGS 499) which provides realistic, hands-on experience over the course of a collaborative research

project. There is also the opportunity to serve as an Undergraduate Teaching Assistant (PGS 394) while attaining an invalua-ble experience in the role of an educator for various psychology courses. The courses for which UCP-SAR.net has UTA’s

each semester are: PGS 101, PGS 294, PGS 323, PGS 365, BIS 394, BIS 494, and LIA 498. The UTA must have taken a re-

spective course and passed in the A or B range before applying for PGS 394. And a final opportunity that can enhance one’s resume while receiving credits required for a major are Internship opportunities with UCP-SARnet. Students from the English

Department are invited to serve as interns who are depended upon to prepare content for the monthly newsletter as well as to edit content on the online portal.

All opportunities allow for collaboration with other UCP-SARnet team members and provide a better view of global and local community issues as well as how to get involved to solve the societal problems. More information can be found about these

courses, the requirements, and how to apply at: http://ucpsarnet.iglooprojects.org/communityrelatedcourses .

Joshua Wyrick

UCP-SARnet Club Update

UCP-SARnet was officially accepted as a club at the Ari-

zona State University Tempe Campus on April 16th. After

a long and winding road of administrative paperwork, a mailbox load of emails, and a healthy dose of persever-

ance, the club board headed by president Mohamed Ca-mara is now motivated to recruit club members for the

remainder of the year and promote awareness on campus for the UN MDG’s as well as UCP-SARnet itself. The

club has also been consistently tabling on Mondays or

Wednesdays over the last couple weeks in the Memorial Union square where over thirty people have signed up

with an interest in participating in the club. These poten-tial UCP-SARnet club members were all invited to an

informational meeting at the MU on Tuesday, April 26th from around 7-9pm. The meeting included some ethnic

dishes made by board members and a presentation on the

upcoming plans of the UCP-SARnet club. It concluded with a pizza dinner.

The last tabling event for the semester took place on May

4th. Although it was the last week before final exams, and the campus was not the usual lively and crowded place

that it is, UCP-SARnet executive team and club members

used these last three hours to interest and inform passer-bys how they could get involved in either the network or

the club at ASU in upcoming semesters. For more infor-mation on the developing momentum of the club on cam-

pus, visit the State Press website where an article on the club was published by Sophia Charchuk: http://

www.statepress.com/2011/04/19/international-outreach

-club-starts-at-asu/.

Angela Abolhassani

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CONFERENCES

UCPSARnet Participation in CU Expo 2011 Waterloo, Canada

The CU Expo is a Canadian-led conference designed to showcase exemplars in Community-University partnerships worldwide,

and to introduce creative ways of strengthening our local communities. On May 10th-14th, the CU Expo 2011 was held at Wilfrid Laurier University and throughout the Waterloo Region in Canada. The program of the conference was inspired by the UN

Millennium Development Goals through a variety of presentation formats and opportunities for dialogue. UCP-SARnet is proud to highlight its engagement into the CU Expo 2011 not only as a participant, but also as a lead partner and member of the steer-

ing committee. For more information please visit the CU Expo or the Center for Community Based Research websites at: http://www.cuexpo2011.ca/ and http://www.communitybasedresearch.ca/.

The Program of UCP-SARnet during the CU Expo 2011was as follows: Topic: UN millennium development goals for Henan Province, China; Presenters: Jerrie Ueberle, Andy Chen, and Marek Wosinski.

Topic: Model of a community-based institution of higher education: the New Gandhi College of Social Work in India; Presenters: Jerrie

Ueberle, Birendra Kumar, Osee Romeo N. Tcheupgoum, G. Mahesh, Marek Wosinski, and Eric Hartman.

Topic: Networking and partnerships as tools in the education of community leaders; Presenters: Jerrie Ueberle, Marek Wosinski, Osee

Romeo N. Tcheupgoum, Adam Euerby, Andy Chen, Birendra Kumar, and Mohamed Camara.

Topics: Partnerships and Collaboration & Presenting UCP-SARnet; Presenters: Jerrie Ueberle, Marek Wosinski, Osee Romeo N.

Tcheupgoum, Adam Euerby, and Mohamed Camara

Osee Romeo Tcheupgoum

Video for CU EXPO

In preparation for the CU Expo which took place May 10-

14 in Waterloo Canada, Executive team member Danielle

Finochiaro coordinated the making of a video by UCP-SARnet members to share what our participation in the

network has meant to us and what our major roles and accomplishments have been with the network.

On April 16th five members of the executive team – Poly-Anna Crum-Queen, Osee Romeo Tcheupgoum, Abidah

Khalife, Mohammed Camara and Angela Abolhassani –

joined Dr. Marek to form a panel and partake in a question and answer formatted session. The video opens with brief

introductions of the panelists including their reasons for joining the network. The entire video can be viewed

through a link from the UCP-SAR.net homepage.

Thomas Lane

Page 5

Regional Updates: AFRICA

Member Organization: CAPEC Cameroon

The Cameroon Association for the Protection of Education of the

Child (CAPEC) has been a member organization with UCP-

SAR.net since 2010. As a non-governmental, non-profit organiza-tion, this organization has served the youth in Cameroon since

2002. The main focus of this organization is to fight for the rights of children by educating people on the UN delineated Rights of the

Child. Their outreach programs especially seek out underprivileged youth; by preparing the younger generations of Cameroon, CAPEC

enables a brighter future for Cameroon an example to other coun-

tries of the world.

Forced Child Marriage and the elimination of all child labor are just

two of the things CAPEC works to combat on a daily basis. To make donations, sponsor a child’s educational progress, volunteer

with CAPEC, or simply to find out more about this organization, please visit their website at: http://www.capecam.org.

Joshua Wyrick

Regional Updates: ASIA

Image from CAPEC Website.

Member Organization: Navjyoti India Foundation (NIF)

As introduced in our January Newsletter, the Navjyoti India Foundation has been an Organizational member with UCP-

SAR.net since 2010. This organization came into effect in the year 1988, founded by Dr. Kiran Bedi and 15 like-minded police officials from the Delhi area. It is a non-profit organization with the goal of promoting welfare policing. The foundation hosts

a rehabilitation program for drug addicts; drug addiction and its relation to crime was the main societal problem that the found-

ers hoped to target when they first registered as an Organization over 2 decades ago. Since its inception, this organization has expanded its vision and made great strides in the areas of education, women empowerment, family counseling, rural and urban

development, health, HIV/AIDS, and environment—nearly everything area that the Millenium Development Goals stand to improve.

At the present, they are running out of Bawana, Holambi Kalan, Jahangirpuri, Karala in North West part of Delhi and rural areas of Sohna Block in Gurgaon. Their philosophy is as follows: ―NAVJYOTI means NEW LIGHT! With every dawn, we

walk into the future. With every step, we hope to bring a new light To every life …‖ The organization is always looking for new members as they strive to achieve their goals. Find out more at: http://www.navjyoti.org.in/.

Thomas Lane

Image from NIF Website.

Page 6

Regional Updates: EUROPE

New Partnership: The East Europe Foundation

As introduced in the March 2011 edition of our news-

letter, the East Europe Foundation (EEF) is a new part-ner of UCP-SARnet based out of Eastern Europe. A

few months ago UCP-SARnet signed a Memorandum

of Understanding (MOU) with the EEF in which both parties have agreed to collaborate on projects which

they decide are mutually beneficial to the objectives of both EEF and UCP-SARnet; such projects will be spe-

cifically towards development in the Europe Region. A staff or faculty member from the EEF will be registering

as a member of UCP-SARnet to serve as a contact per-

son. We look forward to these future collaborations.

As for background on the EEF, the organization’s roots are with the Eurasia Foundation. In January of 2008,

about 15 years after the founding body began operating, the EEF was officially established. Based out of Kyiv,

Ukraine, the CEO of the East Europe Foundation is

Peter Chernyshov, the president is Timothy Pylate, and the Regional Development Manager is Maryna

Nyznyk. The vision of the EEF has been realized over the past few years with the financial support of their

donors including the US Agency for International De-velopment (USAID), European Governments, and

various organizations, foundations and corporations.

The East Europe Foundation envisions the empower-

ment of communities in Ukraine through public-private cooperation, through the effective use of resources, and

through community cooperation, so that the communi-

ty can be in control of the fate of their economic and social successes. As a basis to accomplishing this goal,

the EEF also supports excellence in higher education and seeks to strengthen educational programs by equip-

ping faculties with knowledge and skills for running higher level programs and also to promote international

standards through partnerships between universities in

Ukraine and counterparts in Europe and North Ameri-ca. The foundation also works towards their objective

through the planning of various projects that are cate-gorized under three main programs.

The first program – Local Economic and Social Devel-opment – encourages the cooperation between Govern-

ment, Business and Community leaders to stimulate the economy. Various projects focus on improving infra-

structure mainly through incorporating energy-efficient technologies. Projects in this domain also invest in

equal recreational as well as employment opportunities

for underserved groups such as people with disabilities, orphans, and elderly citizens.

The second program – Effective Governance – coordi-

nates projects that make the governing bodies both lo-cally and nationally more effective. One such project is

the E-governance system which makes the work of offi-

cials available to citizens through the use of information and communication technologies. This transparency is

essential to the policy-makers taking responsibility as leaders and also gives the citizens a chance to partici-

pate and give their input to make policies that best serve the general population.

For the third program – Corporate Social Responsibility and Responsible Philanthropy – the EEF raises aware-

ness on these points, it encourages more charities to be built, encourages the support of NGO’s, and encourages

businesses and corporations to make philanthropic poli-cies that take initiative towards social needs. One pro-

ject towards this final point was initiated by the EEF

and the UN Global Compact Network in 2010, which was the national presentation of the European Employ-

ee Volunteering Award to businesses that started em-ployee volunteer programs which offer ways for people

to improve their employment skills.

For more information, visit the East Europe Founda-

tion website at: http://www.eef.org.ua/.

Thomas Lane

Image from EEF website. Cleaning Town Park in Zugres.

Page 7

Regional Updates: NORTH AMERICA

Meeting with the National Center for Children and

Families (NCCF)

The NCCF was founded in 1915 when a member of the Brooklyn Baptist Church in Washington gave 14 homeless

children the thing they most desperately needed – a home. A

few decades later the site of operation changed to their cur-rent location, in Bethesda Maryland, and currently covers

about 13 areas of farm area and serves about 3000 children and families.

IGLOO Software Supporting UCPSARnet

On Wednesday, May 11th, Dr. Marek Wosinski, Mohamed Camara and I met

with IGLOO Software, where we came to an agreement for the use of the IGLOO Social Networking Platform for another year to August 2012. IGLOO was de-

lighted to offer its services in support of UCP-SARnet's unique mission. On behalf of the ICT Team at UCP-SARnet, we are deeply grateful to have use of IGLOO's

broad and rich feature-set that allows us to reach partners and members globally, and at the same time, provide communication tools for meaningful community

conversations.

Soon, IGLOO will be announcing some new features including points and badges.

They will also be setting up a mobile platform set on the latest HTML5 backend

that will make IGLOO much more usable for those in remote regions using their mobile phone to access UCP-SARnet. One might have also noticed new features

in the discussion forum, where UCP-SARnet members can specifically post ques-

tions, and ideas. We will soon be coming up with strategies for how we can begin

to utilize these features in the UCP-SARnet community.

Adam Euerby

Their mission statement is ―To create total, healthy living

environments for vulnerable children, youth, and families, and the quality of life which empowers their ability to

thrive and demonstrate responsibility.‖ The center works to empower vulnerable children and families while

providing them with services and support and also intro-ducing them to communities where they can thrive long-

term. The families helped by the NCCF also serve to be

future advocates of the center’s visions and serve to be strong members of their communities through personal

development as well as through giving back to others. The executive director of the NCCF, Dr. Sheryl Brissett Chap-

man, who earned her Doctorate degree in Education at Harvard University in 1986, and now serves on the board

of Brown University and various community groups in

addition to her involvement with the NCCF. She also serves as an expert panelist for the DC Supreme Court

especially in regards to the juvenile justice system.

Last month Dr. Wosinski and Osee Romeo visited the

National Center for Children and Families (NCCF) in Washington, DC. They were deeply impressed by the

vision and spirit of the staff and the residents at this cen-

ter. Over the course of their visit, Dr. Wosinki invited Dr. Brissett-Chapman, the Executive Director of the Center to

form a partnership between NCCF and UCP-SARnet, and discussed all the potential areas of collaboration to

this effect. UCP-SARnet would like to thank the NCCF for their warm reception and looks forward to future col-

laborations. Please visit their website to find out more:

http://www.nccf-cares.org/.

Thomas Lane

From left to right: Dr Marek Wosinski, Dr Brisett-

Chapman, Heidi Webb, Ralph Belk.

Page 8

Continued Updates: NORTH AMERICA

TESA on the Radio and TV

TESA President Susana Pesis reaches the community through the radio and

finalizes an agreement with Canal Rural.

On Wednesday, April 6th, Susana was interviewed by Radio Palermo's Analía

Brodsky about environmental education in Argentina, what we lack and where

we're going in that arena. She took some very interesting calls from listeners and answered questions varying from the fate of plastic bottles to how best to

explain to children about responsible water usage. We are grateful to Analía for the chance to reach the community on such a level, and to Radio Palermo

for hosting us.

On Friday, April 8th, Antonio Monteagudo came to the office for breakfast

and a meeting. He has offered us a chance to reach the farming community

here in Argentina is a very exciting way: we will have an interview on live TV on Canal Rural on the subject of sustainability and the farming communi-

ty. The agricultural industry is lagging behind in sustainability because there is a lack of understanding and a lack of will to spend the money of efficiency

training and materials. TESA is going to reach out the farmers, both independ-ent and idndustrial, to explain how efficiency now means savings and increased

productivity a little later.

Fingers crossed!

Rachel Lysak

Assistant to the President

TESA Foundation Susana Pesis

TESA Foundation President

Regional Updates: SOUTH AMERICA

Meeting with the Council for Faith-Based

Communities

On Thursday, April 28th, Osee and Dr. Wosinski at-

tended a meeting of the Council for Faith-Based Com-munities held in Mesa. The main purpose of this meet-

ing was to decide upon a mission for the council, and

also to create an agenda.

Two interesting aspects were discussed during the meeting. Firstly, the council tried to identify whether

or not they should be involved with advocacy; since there are many denominations of faith-based groups, it

was decided that policy decisions would be difficult to

agree upon. The Council instead recognized that per-haps using a platform for exchange of information

would better serve their purpose.

Many community projects are underway but commu-nity members are not entirely aware of what is happen-

ing and how to get involved with projects. The Council realized that they could coordinate and inform people

of the many community projects taking place so that these projects could be tackled effectively in groups.

This latter point is where UCPSARnet hopes to collab-

orate with the Faith-Based groups. Over the summer, UCP-SARnet will be working on giving the Council a

community space on our website so that they can have a platform for representatives to communicate regular-

ly, as well as a place to disseminate information to each other and to the community.

Abidah Khalife

Executive Team Team Meeting Updates:

Over the last few meetings of the Executive Team, the

main focus has been for all members to disseminate

information about the upcoming Global Leadership Summit in China to Universities and Organizations

around the world. Members were also updated on upcoming Club events so as to participate in Tabling

and Informational sessions. The latest updates to a UCP-SARnet project—the formation of Arizona Re-

solve, a University, Government, and Faith-Based

Organization Collaboration—was also discussed. The final meeting of the Executive Team for Spring 2011

took place on the morning of April 29th. This same evening, a social event at the Wosinski residence took

place as a close to this semester’s accomplishments.

Page 9

Event: St. Joseph’s Table

The UCP-SARnet club participated in its first charity event on Sunday March 20th hosted by Our Lady of Joy Roman Catholic

Church. Located on North Pima Road in Carefree, the church finally materializes like a mirage in the middle of an expanse of

desert after a very long drive. Club members were nevertheless rewarded for their long journey upon arrival, being greeted by the strong scent of Italian spices as well as a warm welcome by the group of volunteers who have put on the event for the last

fourteen years.

The majority of volunteers at this yearly event are composed of the Schembri family, who use old family recipes and pool re-

sources to make the spread of foods which are offered at the event. St. Joseph’s Table is an old Sicilian pescetarian feast that takes place on Father’s day. Volunteers work hard three days prior to the event, laughing and joking while stuffing cannolis (a

wonderful Italian dessert) or layering homemade pasta sheets onto lasagna. On the day of the celebration after mass at noon, church patrons come pay $15 for this authentic Italian meal. The food that was served this year started with four types of pas-

tas, including pesto, lasagna, spaghetti with anchovies, and pasta with marinara sauce. Tossed salad, garlic bread, smoked

salmon, fried gardunna, (Italian soft celery) eggplant parmesan, roasted vegetables, green beans with potatoes, and pizza were also part of the menu. For dessert handmade Italian cookies, cannolis, and coffee topped the whole meal off. The proceeds

from the event go to local women’s shelters and charities and untouched leftovers are donated to the Arizona Food Bank.

The club members, also UCP-SAR.net executive team members, who were in attendance included Abidah Khalife, Mohamed

Camara, and myself. We worked as runners between the main food station and two long buffet tables where people lined up to pile food on their plates. The day was hectic as well as fulfilling leaving members satisfied by a belly full of homemade Ital-

ian food and a way to put the last day of their Spring Break to good use.

Angela Abolhassani

Collaborating Knowledge Partners

Page 10

Amity University (India) is one of the best private universities in India with over 50000 students. http://www.amity.edu/ Centre for Community Based Research brings people together to share knowledge in order to impact positive social change.

http://www.communitybasedresearch.ca/ Coaching the Global Village works with social changers to use coaching to create innovative solutions to pressing global challenges. Website:

http://coachingtheglobalvillage.org/ Comunitaria provides technical support and tools for community and psychosocial intervention programs. Four professional psychologists run

this organization. http://www.comunitaria.cl/

Community-Campus Partnerships for Health promotes health through service-learning, community-based participatory research, broad-based

coalitions, and other partnership strategies. http://www.ccph.info/

Community Toolbox provides resources for community leaders.

http://ctb.ku.edu/en/default.aspx?404;http://ctb.ku.edu:80/en/default.aspx

East Europe Foundation seeks to support successful community-driven development initiatives. http://www.eef.org.ua/

Global Alliance for ICT & Development creates an inclusive global forum and platform to promote discussion on using ICT for the achieve-

ment of the Millennium Development Goals. http://www.un-gaid.org/

Global Alliance for Community Based Research promotes Community-Engaged Research as a fundamental means to contributing to human

betterment by the sharing of knowledge across the world. http://communityresearchcanada.ca/

Global Interactions, Inc works with professionals to interact with domestic and global counterparts to increase exchange of practices, technolo-

gies, and research. www.globalinteractions.org/ Indira Gandhi National Open University (India) offers 338 programs of study through over 3,500 courses to a cumulative student strength of

over 30 million students. http://www.ignou.ac.in/

Jagiellonian University (Poland) is the second oldest university in Europe located in Krakow. http://www.uj.edu.pl/en_GB/

Leadership Learning Community identifies, evaluates, and applies ideas and practices in leadership development in order to make leadership

more effective. http://leadershiplearning.org/community-connections

Orbis Institute develops global leaders through programs that advance awareness, critical thinking, and action.

http://www.orbisinstitute.org/index.php?id=141&no_cache=1 SIAS International University combines Chinese educational philosophies with Western educational models to develop professionals who are

prepared to meet the demands of trans-national corporations and enterprises. http://www.sias.edu.cn/en/ SoReCom conducts and disperses research that focuses on social issues relevant to Europe and its policies.

http://www.europhd.eu/html/_onda03/01/00.00.00.00.shtml

Taking It Global uses the power of online community to facilitate global education, social entrepreneurship, and civic engagement for millions

of youth worldwide. http://www.tigweb.org/

UN Millennium Campaign supports and inspires people from around the world to take action towards the Millennium Development Goals.

http://www.endpoverty2015.org/ United Nations Foundation advocates for the UN and a platform for connecting people, ideas and resources to help the United Nations solve

global problems. http://www.unfoundation.org/

Video Voice Collective: brings academic researchers, filmmakers, technology mavens, social justice champions, and community leaders togeth-

er to improve the health conditions of underserved communities. http://video-voice.org/

Warsaw School of Social Sciences and Humanities is a private university that educates students in psychology, philosophy, humanities, and

social sciences. http://www.swps.pl/english/

World for World Organization (Italy) is an Italian-based non-profit organization, operating in Italy and internationally. http://

www.worldforworld.org/

Page 11

The following distinguished colleagues agreed to serve on our Advisory Board:

Robert Cialdini, Arizona State University (USA), Liz Cunningham, University of Brighton (England), Aecio

D’Silva, University of Arizona (USA), Kim Eagles, Grassroots Activist (USA), William A. Foster, Foster and

Brahm Management Consulting (USA), Rajesh Jangareddy, Vitesse Semiconductor (India), Joanna Ochocka,

Centre for Community Engaged Research (Canada), Grazyna Prawelska-Skrzypek, Jagillonian University

(Poland), Jan Sadlak, Warsaw School of social Sciences and Humanities (Poland), Jerrie Ueberle, Global In-

teractions Inc. (USA), Christopher Zambakari, Student Representative (USA).

Introducing members of our Advisory Board

Advisory Board Member: Liz Cunningham

In addition to being an advisory board member of UCP-SARnet, Liz Cunningham

is a Senior Lecturer at of Community Research and Practice at the University of

Brighton. She teaches courses at both the undergraduate and postgraduate level that focus on Community Development, Psychology, and Qualitative Research

Methods. One of her current projects in the UK explores the problem of personal debts, a growing socioeconomic issue in the region. Professor Cunningham has

been immersed in the field of social development, with six years of overseas experi-ence working towards capacity building within the community and volunteer sec-

tors in developing countries such as Cambodia and Vietnam. In 2007 she was ap-

pointed Adjunct Professor of Psychology at the Royal University in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Along with two professors at the Roehampton Institute, she has been

developing a program aiming to bring a Masters in Psychology and Counseling to the University in Phnom Penh. Another of her current overseas projects is a Com-

munity in Action project with Arizona State University.

Angela Abolhassani

Advisory Board Member: Kim Eagles

Kim O’Guinn-Eagles brings a combination of qualities and experiences to UCP-

SARnet and its projects. Her academic background includes a Bachelor’s in So-

cial Ecology and Master’s in Global Leadership and Entrepreneurship. She has used her business and political prowess to provide a consulting firm to help wom-

en develop leadership and business strategies so as to pave their own way to suc-cess. An interesting tool in her professional coaching firm is the use of ODAT

Systems for Women which is a platform developed by Global Thinking Women – which also happens to be an organizational member for UCP-SARnet.

Ms. Eagles has been the Director of Community Outreach for UCP-SARnet since the start of the project. She has displayed proficiency at delivering information to

the community through hosting a local radio talk-show which interviews influen-

tial women leaders. She also works at Arizona State University on an Adult and Family Development Project and is currently the Dean for the World Academy

for the Future of Women at SIAS International University.

Joshua Wyrick

Member Organizations

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AASRA for Community Transformation (ACT) is a non-profit advocating for universal human rights and children’s rights. Website:

http://www.aasraindia.org/

African Woman and Child Features Service (AWC) ensures that the voices of the women and children in Africa, and the is-

sues they face, are better represented in mainstream media. Website: http://www.awcfs.org/

Ann Foundation empowers people who live with the daily challenges of vision impairment, hearing loss and other disabilities in some

of the world’s most impoverished places. Website: http://www.AnnFoundation.org

Anti-Poverty Project (TAPP) assists communities through job training, personal development training and providing technology to

non-profit organizations and to the disadvantaged. Website: http://www.tapp.org.

Association for Welfare, Social Action, and Research—India (AWSAR) is an organization comprising of a group of professional so-

cial development workers from diverse background. Website: http://www.awsarindia.org/.

Beam Foundation provides needy children in the developing world with school uniforms and necessary school supplies.

Website: http://www.beamindia.org/

Cameroon Association for the Protection and Education of the Child (CAPEC) works with children, youth, parents, and govern-

mental bodies to identify the needs of underprivileged children in Cameroon. Website: http://www.capecam.org.

The Canadian Forum on Civil Justice works towards a civil justice system that is accessible, effective, fair and efficient.

Website: http://cfcj-fcjc.org/news/

The Centre for Community Research and Action, Laurier works to advance community knowledge, social policy, and

practice for community wellness and social equity. Website: http://www.wlu.ca/homepage.php?grp_id=2615

The Community University Research Alliance explores new ways of providing community mental health support. Website:

http://www.communitybasedresearch.ca/takingcultureseriouslyCURA/

Ecuador Volunteer Foundation volunteers for social, community, educational, healthcare, and ecological projects throughout

Ecuador. Website: http://www.ecuadorvolunteer.org/

Global Thinking Women empowers women of all ages throughout the various stages in their lives. Website: http://

www.odatsglobaltrainingandrecruitmentservice.com/index.html

Helping Lives International: a non-profit focusing on eradicating poverty. Help youth gain employment and to work as Am-

bassadors and leaders. Website: http://www.helpinglives.7p.com/

India Vision Foundation: founded in 1994 by Dr. Kiran Bedi as an organization to expand upon the works of Navjyoti India Foun-

dation. The main objective is to improve conditions in prisons and improve the lives of those incarcerated as well as the lives of their children who otherwise would be left on the streets. Website: http://www.indiaviosionfoundation.org/

LUKMEF helps Cameroon to embrace peace, non-violence, social justice, and sustainable development in order to alleviate poverty.

Website: http://www.lukmefcameroon.org/

Navjyoti India Foundation (NIF) was founded in 1988 by Dr. Kiran Bedi. NIF works in collaboration with India Vision Foun-

dation for positive change, beginning with a flagship program for correction, drug-addiction and rehabilitation. Website: http://www.navjyoti.org.in/

Nigerian Youth Climate Coalition (NYCC) is focusing on climate change and collaborates with collaborating with youth, policy

makers, and other stakeholders. Website: http://nigerianyouthclimatecoalition.blogspot.com/

Students Travel and Exposure South Africa (STAESA) is a non-profit organization promoting and enhancing cultural exchange and

development in Africa. Website: http://www.staesa.org/

TESA is a nonprofit organization aimed at researching, training researchers, outlining an implementing projects for the pro-

motion of sustainable economy. Website: http://www.fundaciontesa.org/

Unreasonable Institute: supports globally-minded social entrepreneurs who are developing solutions to pressing is-

sues. Website: http://unreasonableinstitute.org/

UCP-SARnet The Gambia undertakes a diverse and creative range of educational, humanitarian, and peace-building

initiatives in to help achieve MDGs. Website: http://ucpsarnet.iglooprojects.org/gambia.

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Directory

HEAD OFFICE

Arizona State University

Department of Psychology P.O. Box 871104, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA Tel. 480-965-6253 Email: [email protected]

FACILITATOR

Executive Officer

Dr. Marek Wosinski Email: [email protected]

ASSISTANT FACILITATOR FOR

AFRICA

Osee Romeo Tcheupgoum Email: [email protected]

ASSISTANT FACILITATOR FOR ASIA

& PACIFIC

Birendra Soni Email: [email protected]

ASSISTANT FACILITATOR FOR EU-

ROPE

Ganeswar Sahoo Email: [email protected]

ASSISTANT FACILITATORS FOR

NORTH AMERICA

Randi Burggraff Email: [email protected]

Joshua Watson

Email: [email protected]

ASSISTANT FACILITATOR – SOUTH

AMERICA

Susana Pesis

Email: [email protected]

ASSISTANT FACILITATOR

John Mabey

Email: [email protected]

ASSISTANT FACILITATOR

Robby Uppal

Email: [email protected]

COORDINATOR OF

INTERNATIONAL EVENTS

Andy Chen

Email: [email protected]

ICT COORDINATOR

Adam Euerby Email: [email protected]

ICT ASSISTANT COORDINATOR

Dorav Kumar

Email: [email protected]

ICT TEAM

Adam Euerby Uttam Bhat

Rajesh Jangareddy

Smitha Kamath Dorav Kumar

Nikhil Sridhar Robby Uppal

EXECUTIVE TEAM

Dr. Wayne Goulet

Dr. Eric Hartman Dr. Eva Szeli

Angela Abolhassani

Mohamed Camara Zoe Cavanar-Levandowski

Talitha Collins

Joanna Dalotto Danielle Finochiaro

Abidah Khalife

Birendra Kumar Thomas Lane

Quihong Li Francesca Mercurio

Shannon Monn

Maria Navarro Eean Patterson

Renato Ramos

Ganeswar Sahoo Maureen Schirmer

Marianne Shively

Joshua Wyrick Shelby Vick

REGIONAL OFFICES

AFRICA

Contact person: Osee Romeo Tcheupgoum

No. 1 Ansumana Ceesay Street, Dippakunda UCP-SARnet -The Gambia

(Non-Profit & Charitable organization)

P.O.BOX 2192, serekunda, KMSD. The GAMBIA Tel. (00 220) 6548963/7953521/

3438 808 /6717761

Email: [email protected]

ASIA & THE PACIFIC

Contact Person: Birendra Kumar University Community Partnership for Social Action Research Network. UN Commission on Sustainable Development (Youth and Children Major Group )

Tel. +91-9910711112

Email: [email protected]

CANADA

Contact Person: Adam Euerby

Candidate M.ASc. Systems Design Engineering, B.ASc. Systems Design Engineering, University of Waterloo Advanced Interface Design Lab

1.519.888.4567 x34904

[email protected]

EUROPE

Contact Person: Ganeswar Sahoo

via s cosma e damiano 103

trento, tn 38122, ITALY

Tel. +39 3319782685 Email: [email protected]

USA

Contact Person: Randi Burggraff Department of Psychology P.O. Box 871104, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA Tel. 480-965-6253

Email: [email protected]

SOUTH AMERICA

Contact Person: Susana Pesis

Email: [email protected]

ADVISORY BOARD

Robert Cialdini, Arizona State University

(USA)

Liz Cunningham, University of Brighton

(England)

Aecio D’Silva, University of Arizona (USA)

Kim Eagles, Grassroots Activist (USA)

William A. Foster, Foster and Brahm

Management Consulting (USA)

Rajesh Jangareddy, Vitesse Semiconductor

(India)

Joanna Ochocka, Centre for Community En-

gaged Research (Canada)

Grazyna Prawelska-Skrzypek, Jagillonian Uni-

versity (Poland)

Jan Sadlak, Warsaw School of social Sciences

and Hummanities (Poland)

Jerrie Ueberle, Global Interactions, Inc (USA)

Christopher Zambakari, Student Representative

(USA)

For more information about our worldwide network

of educators, researchers, students and community leaders,

please visit our website:

http://ucpsarnet.asu.edu

If you want to get involved, please click CONTACT US

and fill in the relevant application form.

Educating, Empowering and Engaging Communities Page 14