Member Posts
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I might as well introduce myself first, since this is my first post. I am an undergraduate at the University of Oregon, and a member/director of finance and campus outreach of the Students for Global Health group. I want to be a medical translator, and am currently learning Mandarin Chinese. I want to learn minority languages as well.
Overall, over the summer, I'll be focusing on learning about global health issues by reading books, journals, and articles. My radio will become my best friend, and so will the SGH Facebook group - I'll be sharing information on there and talk with everyone. I will also brainstorm (and hopefully begin preparations for, if all the directors communicate often) some fundraising ideas. Read More »
Overall, over the summer, I'll be focusing on learning about global health issues by reading books, journals, and articles. My radio will become my best friend, and so will the SGH Facebook group - I'll be sharing information on there and talk with everyone. I will also brainstorm (and hopefully begin preparations for, if all the directors communicate often) some fundraising ideas. Read More »
Hello again,
Since the last time I wrote, we've solidified our organisation much more. We have structured the group around the three themes of PIH's community organisation - resources, advocacy, and education. For each theme, we have a director in charge of handling that porfolio within the organisation. During our first general meeting, we encouraged students to apply for various coordiantor positions under each director and recieved a wonderful and passionate response. We now have a core team of 18 people to start off fundraising and events in the new school year. We will advertise opportunities to join the organisation to students again at the beginning of the new school year.
For now though, we are starting to plan and set goals for next (our first) year. I would greatly appreciate anybody's input as to what he or she thinks realistic goals and projects should be. We plan to have at minimum three small fundraisers per term, while maintaining a year-long campaign based upon the 25x25 approach that PIH has already initatied. We will adapt this campaign to students, and allow for people to request 10 people to donate $10, or 15 for $15 - whatever people are willing to do!
If anybody has suggestions on good fundraising events that they have held or seen done, please let us know! We have a few good ideas already, but we would love the thoughts of all of you out there!
In addition, we plan to hold speaker events - we will ask doctors, PIH workers, or professors to speak of their experiences or work in the fields in which PIH works and advocates for. While supporting PIH, we hope to raise awareness about the issues that they tackle and overcome daily.
Thank you!
Hello all! This is my first post but by no means my last.
I'm writing today to pose a question. A simple question but one that has troubled me for quite some time. It stems from a very important time in my life. A couple of years ago I went to Sri Lanka to work for a charity that provides aid to children orphaned by the tsunami of 2004. It was of course very distressing and eye opening but crucially, inspiring. On the plane heading into Colombo I fretted about the possibility of being resented by the locals, even hated for my very obvious comfort. iPod in ear and Oakley sun glasses on. The first lesson I learned was, from admittedly limited experience but has since been established in my mind as true, is that the poorer and more destitute the community the stronger the communal friendships and the more wonderfully accomdating the people. Nowhere have I been shown such kindness and welcome.
One day I was confronted by a young boy, about 14. I play guitar and happened to have it with me. He asked me to play. I did but it wasn't long before I realized that there was something wrong. His breathing seemed strained, his skin slightly mottled. His actions lethargic. I took him to the doctor who spoke to him in singalease. Their discussion seemed to become a little heated. The boy left and I attempted to follow but the doctor called me back. He told me that the boy needed treatment but part of his family's religious beliefs prohibited the taking of medicines. He would die and i could not find him to try and change his mind. My question is how, when you have been so graciously accepted by an opposing culture, can you change the mindset of someone doomed by dogma without becoming a medical missionary as it were and imposing your ideologies, albeit based in the realm of fact, on their so accomdating beliefs?
I'm writing today to pose a question. A simple question but one that has troubled me for quite some time. It stems from a very important time in my life. A couple of years ago I went to Sri Lanka to work for a charity that provides aid to children orphaned by the tsunami of 2004. It was of course very distressing and eye opening but crucially, inspiring. On the plane heading into Colombo I fretted about the possibility of being resented by the locals, even hated for my very obvious comfort. iPod in ear and Oakley sun glasses on. The first lesson I learned was, from admittedly limited experience but has since been established in my mind as true, is that the poorer and more destitute the community the stronger the communal friendships and the more wonderfully accomdating the people. Nowhere have I been shown such kindness and welcome.
One day I was confronted by a young boy, about 14. I play guitar and happened to have it with me. He asked me to play. I did but it wasn't long before I realized that there was something wrong. His breathing seemed strained, his skin slightly mottled. His actions lethargic. I took him to the doctor who spoke to him in singalease. Their discussion seemed to become a little heated. The boy left and I attempted to follow but the doctor called me back. He told me that the boy needed treatment but part of his family's religious beliefs prohibited the taking of medicines. He would die and i could not find him to try and change his mind. My question is how, when you have been so graciously accepted by an opposing culture, can you change the mindset of someone doomed by dogma without becoming a medical missionary as it were and imposing your ideologies, albeit based in the realm of fact, on their so accomdating beliefs?
Dear all,
Here's a $100,000 question for you:
How do Canada's charities improve and the quality of life in Canada?
The Students (Verb) Charities contest offers a chance to support PIH Canada in a huge way, and the premise is simple. You create a public awareness campaign in any form – Video, a song, dance, painting, essay, sculpture, chant, etc…answering the question above. $50,000 will be awarded to the most original and compelling entry.
The purpose of this campaign is to engage students and raise awareness about the impact of the “bigger charitable sector picture” in Canada. More information about Students (Verb) Charities is included below, and can be found on their website at: www.studentsverbcharities.ca
Mark and Marika thought this could serve as an exciting opportunity for the fledgling Students for PIH Canada to work together and rally some huge attention around the student movement for health and social justice. As you think creatively about your answer to this question, join the discussion on Students for PIH Canada to get some ideas and strategy flowing.
Chime in by leaving a comment below.
Best,
Elise
Elise Garrity | Student Outreach Assistant | Partners In Health
Join the Students for PIH Canada discussion at http://act.pih.org/StudentsforPIHCanada and invite your friends to chime in anytime.
We hope you'll start your own topic threads, in addition to these initial topics of conversation:
Leave a comment below to keep the discussion going.
We hope you'll start your own topic threads, in addition to these initial topics of conversation:
- B) What ideas for community-building and engagement do you think would work well in your community? Do you have examples from past experience organizing around global health issues?
Leave a comment below to keep the discussion going.
Join the Students for PIH Canada discussion at http://act.pih.org/StudentsforPIHCanada and invite your friends to chime in anytime.
We hope you'll start your own topic threads, in addition to these initial topics of conversation:
Leave a comment below to keep the discussion going.
We hope you'll start your own topic threads, in addition to these initial topics of conversation:
- A) What challenges do students typically face as they try to make an impact on global health? What do you think are some of the best ways students can engage with global health issues?
Leave a comment below to keep the discussion going.
Dear Students for PIH – Canada,
To each and every one of you, thank you for joining this community. We need you all (and your friends, and your families) in order to create an active movement for health and social justice.
Now that Mark has settled into the operations of PIH-Canada, our next step is equipping you all with the tools and vision for supporting the work of Partners In Health. We believe that building community among students across Canada can amplify the impact that each one of you has in this work. So let’s provide a bit of structure to get things going…
To kick things off, we’re hosting a conference call on Thursday, February 16th at 8pm EST to discuss these 3 main questions:
1. Why is movement-building important to PIH-Canada?
2. What can you do now to support PIH in Canada?
3. What tools will you need to organize and st ay organized?
We ask that you RSVP to the call for further details, and so we can learn about where you’re coming from. RSVP for details at: http://act.pih.org/page/s/students-for-pih-canada-mobilizing-call
In the meantime, please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions you may have. And spread the word! Invite your classmates or encourage friends at other Canadian schools to join in by RSVPing here: http://act.pih.org/page/s/students-for-pih-canada-mobilizing-call
All are welcome.
Best wishes,
Elise
To each and every one of you, thank you for joining this community. We need you all (and your friends, and your families) in order to create an active movement for health and social justice.
Now that Mark has settled into the operations of PIH-Canada, our next step is equipping you all with the tools and vision for supporting the work of Partners In Health. We believe that building community among students across Canada can amplify the impact that each one of you has in this work. So let’s provide a bit of structure to get things going…
To kick things off, we’re hosting a conference call on Thursday, February 16th at 8pm EST to discuss these 3 main questions:
1. Why is movement-building important to PIH-Canada?
2. What can you do now to support PIH in Canada?
3. What tools will you need to organize and st ay organized?
We ask that you RSVP to the call for further details, and so we can learn about where you’re coming from. RSVP for details at: http://act.pih.org/page/s/students-for-pih-canada-mobilizing-call
In the meantime, please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions you may have. And spread the word! Invite your classmates or encourage friends at other Canadian schools to join in by RSVPing here: http://act.pih.org/page/s/students-for-pih-canada-mobilizing-call
All are welcome.
Best wishes,
Elise
We are a group of nurses and nursing students committed to addressing and rectifying disparities in healthcare, both here and abroad. We welcome open dialogue, commentary, and critique of means to making healthcare more equal, and as PIH states, "providing a preferential option for the poor in healthcare."
As Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., said, "Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health care is the most shocking and inhumane.”
We seek to continue to make his dream a reality and bring just healthcare to all.
As Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., said, "Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health care is the most shocking and inhumane.”
We seek to continue to make his dream a reality and bring just healthcare to all.
Dear all,
Today's the day -- Our Summer 2012 Internship application is now available at www.pih.org/pages/internship-and-fellowship-programs. Applications will be due by midnight on Friday February 17, 2012.
Please forward this on to friends, family, and any other potential interns. We can't wait to meet you.
Happy Holidays,
Elise
______________________________________________________________________________
From: Elise Garrity
Sent: Friday, December 16, 2011 11:04 AM
To: Students for PIH
Subject: [StudentsforPIH] 2012 Summer Internships
Dear Students for PIH,
Each summer Partners In Health hosts approx. 20 interns here in Boston where PIH's only administrative office is located. This internship program offers an inside look at what it takes to run an organization like PIH, while matching you up with a specific department team and a project they've created uniquely for you.
Applications for summer 2012 will become available next Wednesday, December 21st. I'll send another reminder announcement on the day-of, so forward this message to others who may be interested and invite them to join Students for PIH by registering at www.pih.org/students.
For more details on the internship and to meet some past interns, visit: www.pih.org/pages/internship-and-fellowship-programs.
And to any former PIH interns out there, chime in with your own perspective - What did you learn from spending the summer at PIH?
Best wishes during finals,
Elise
Elise Garrity
Student Outreach Assistant
Partners In Health
Today's the day -- Our Summer 2012 Internship application is now available at www.pih.org/pages/internship-and-fellowship-programs. Applications will be due by midnight on Friday February 17, 2012.
Please forward this on to friends, family, and any other potential interns. We can't wait to meet you.
Happy Holidays,
Elise
______________________________________________________________________________
From: Elise Garrity
Sent: Friday, December 16, 2011 11:04 AM
To: Students for PIH
Subject: [StudentsforPIH] 2012 Summer Internships
Dear Students for PIH,
Each summer Partners In Health hosts approx. 20 interns here in Boston where PIH's only administrative office is located. This internship program offers an inside look at what it takes to run an organization like PIH, while matching you up with a specific department team and a project they've created uniquely for you.
Applications for summer 2012 will become available next Wednesday, December 21st. I'll send another reminder announcement on the day-of, so forward this message to others who may be interested and invite them to join Students for PIH by registering at www.pih.org/students.
For more details on the internship and to meet some past interns, visit: www.pih.org/pages/internship-and-fellowship-programs.
And to any former PIH interns out there, chime in with your own perspective - What did you learn from spending the summer at PIH?
Best wishes during finals,
Elise
Elise Garrity
Student Outreach Assistant
Partners In Health
Dear Students for PIH,
Each summer Partners In Health hosts approx. 20 interns here in Boston where PIH's only administrative office is located. This internship program offers an inside look at what it takes to run an organization like PIH, while matching you up with a specific department team and a project they've created uniquely for you.
Applications for summer 2012 will become available next Wednesday, December 21st. I'll send another reminder announcement on the day-of, so forward this message to others who may be interested and invite them to join Students for PIH by registering at www.pih.org/students.
For more details on the internship and to meet some past interns, visit: www.pih.org/pages/internship-and-fellowship-programs.
And to any former PIH interns out there, chime in with your own perspective - What did you learn from spending the summer at PIH?
Best wishes during finals,
Elise
Elise Garrity
Student Outreach Assistant
Partners In Health
Although the study was preformed using mice, the results are exciting: 80% of the mice injected with Ebola were protected against the deadly disease due to the development of a new vaccine. Let's hope this translates well into human research and beyond!
Read more about it at :http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-16011748
Read more about it at :http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-16011748
Partners In Health invites you to design a sticker for our 2011 Back to School campaign!
Make your mark on Students for PIH and help us connect students nationwide - Design a new Partners In Health sticker! Submit your design before September 25th at 11:59pm EDT.
The winning design will be decided by popular vote, then printed and distributed to you and students across the U.S. Sticker sales will support PIH education programs in Haiti, Rwanda, Peru, Malawi, and Lesotho.
1. Size It Up - The winning design will be printed as a large round sticker (3-inch diameter) through Zazzle.com. "Sticker - Round Large" templates are available at www.zazzle.com/mk/custom/guidefiles
2. Get Crafty - Your design should mention "Partners In Health" and www.pih.org, but the rest is up to you!
3. Submit Soon! - Email me at egarrity@pih.org with the subject line "Back to School Sticker Entry" and don't forget to attach your design file. Or you can mail a paper copy (ask me for details). Submission deadline is Sunday, September 25th at 11:59pm EDT.
Anyone and everyone is welcome to submit a design, so forward this on to friends, teachers, art classes, and more! Voting details will be announced to Students for PIH and posted on our Back to School campaign page: http://act.pih.org/backtoschool
The team at PIH looks forward to seeing your designs!
Best wishes,
Elise Garrity
Student Outreach Assistant | Partners In Health
Make your mark on Students for PIH and help us connect students nationwide - Design a new Partners In Health sticker! Submit your design before September 25th at 11:59pm EDT.
The winning design will be decided by popular vote, then printed and distributed to you and students across the U.S. Sticker sales will support PIH education programs in Haiti, Rwanda, Peru, Malawi, and Lesotho.
1. Size It Up - The winning design will be printed as a large round sticker (3-inch diameter) through Zazzle.com. "Sticker - Round Large" templates are available at www.zazzle.com/mk/custom/guidefiles
2. Get Crafty - Your design should mention "Partners In Health" and www.pih.org, but the rest is up to you!
3. Submit Soon! - Email me at egarrity@pih.org with the subject line "Back to School Sticker Entry" and don't forget to attach your design file. Or you can mail a paper copy (ask me for details). Submission deadline is Sunday, September 25th at 11:59pm EDT.
Anyone and everyone is welcome to submit a design, so forward this on to friends, teachers, art classes, and more! Voting details will be announced to Students for PIH and posted on our Back to School campaign page: http://act.pih.org/backtoschool
The team at PIH looks forward to seeing your designs!
Best wishes,
Elise Garrity
Student Outreach Assistant | Partners In Health
Dear friends,
Sharpen your pencils - School's back in session!
This year Partners In Health wants YOU to design a sticker for our Back to School fundraising campaign. The winning design will be decided by popular vote and distributed across the country to help students support PIH education programs in Haiti, Rwanda, Peru, Malawi, and Lesotho.
We are accepting sticker designs for the next two weeks, until Monday September 12th at 11:59 EDT. The only requirement is that your design mentions "Partners In Health" and www.pih.org. Submit your design as an attachment to egarrity@pih.org with the subject line "Back to School Sticker Entry".
Format Guidelines
We're using Zazzle.com to print the winning design on a large round sticker (3-inch diameter)
Sticker dimensions are 600 x 600 pixels. The higher the resolution, the better.
"Sticker - Round Large" templates can be found at Zazzle.com in PNG and other formats: www.zazzle.com/mk/custom/guidefiles
Stay tuned for the Back to School campaign launch...Can't wait to see your sticker entries!
In solidarity,
Elise Garrity
Student Outreach Assistant, Partners In Health
Sharpen your pencils - School's back in session!
This year Partners In Health wants YOU to design a sticker for our Back to School fundraising campaign. The winning design will be decided by popular vote and distributed across the country to help students support PIH education programs in Haiti, Rwanda, Peru, Malawi, and Lesotho.
We are accepting sticker designs for the next two weeks, until Monday September 12th at 11:59 EDT. The only requirement is that your design mentions "Partners In Health" and www.pih.org. Submit your design as an attachment to egarrity@pih.org with the subject line "Back to School Sticker Entry".
Format Guidelines
We're using Zazzle.com to print the winning design on a large round sticker (3-inch diameter)
Sticker dimensions are 600 x 600 pixels. The higher the resolution, the better.
"Sticker - Round Large" templates can be found at Zazzle.com in PNG and other formats: www.zazzle.com/mk/custom/guidefiles
Stay tuned for the Back to School campaign launch...Can't wait to see your sticker entries!
In solidarity,
Elise Garrity
Student Outreach Assistant, Partners In Health
Our world is a big platform with varying talents and people. Whereas some may have the opportunities to prosper, other may not. I sincerely pray that we may become at all times, both now and forever protectors for those without protection, guides for those who have lost their way,ships for those with oceans to cross, bridges for those with rivers to cross, sanctuaries for those in danger, lamps for those without light, places of refuge for those who lack shelter, servants to all in need.
In our many little ways, we can help make the small worlds around us a better place for others. http://idryog.yolasite.com
In our many little ways, we can help make the small worlds around us a better place for others. http://idryog.yolasite.com
“When people are illiterate, their ability to understand and invoke their legal rights can be very limited, and educational neglect can also lead to other kinds of deprivation. Indeed, this tends to be a persistent problem for people at the bottom of the ladder, whose rights are often alienated because of their inability to read and see what they are entitled to demand and how.” – Amartya Sen
Dear Class of 2011,
In a country where 47% of Haitians over age 15 are illiterate, Partners In Health believes that education is a critical tool for overcoming poverty. That’s why PIH teaches basic literacy education to thousands of Haitian children, teens, and adults – creating opportunities for better jobs and better advocacy for Haitians, by Haitians.
As you transition from student to graduate, celebrate this moment and promote literacy in Haiti. Sign the pledge, share it with your fellow graduates, and provide the “luxury” of literacy to Haitians who need it most.
Take the Grads for Literacy Pledge: http://act.pih.org/grads
Tell us why you're taking the Grads for Literacy pledge and you could be featured in the next PIH eBulletin! Write to egarrity@pih.org.
Wishing you the best in all that you do,
Elise Garrity
Student Outreach Assistant | PIH
888 Commonwealth Ave. Boston, MA
www.pih.org | act.pih.org/students
Dear Class of 2011,
In a country where 47% of Haitians over age 15 are illiterate, Partners In Health believes that education is a critical tool for overcoming poverty. That’s why PIH teaches basic literacy education to thousands of Haitian children, teens, and adults – creating opportunities for better jobs and better advocacy for Haitians, by Haitians.
As you transition from student to graduate, celebrate this moment and promote literacy in Haiti. Sign the pledge, share it with your fellow graduates, and provide the “luxury” of literacy to Haitians who need it most.
Take the Grads for Literacy Pledge: http://act.pih.org/grads
Tell us why you're taking the Grads for Literacy pledge and you could be featured in the next PIH eBulletin! Write to egarrity@pih.org.
Wishing you the best in all that you do,
Elise Garrity
Student Outreach Assistant | PIH
888 Commonwealth Ave. Boston, MA
www.pih.org | act.pih.org/students
This summer, six riders from around the country will bike 4,000 miles in the 2011 Ride Against AIDS: Meet Lili, Michael, Vadim, Katie, Laura, and Tim!
They can’t wait to meet you, your couch, your grandparents’ floor, or your friend’s former bunk bed…
The Ride Against AIDS is organized by FACE AIDS – a nonprofit organization that fights AIDS by building a global movement of youth dedicated to social justice and global health equity. The 2010 Ride Against AIDS raised over $50,000 for PIH programs in Rwanda.
Help out this year’s riders by offering a place to stay along the route, and forwarding this message to friends and family who are spending their summer in the following places. Your help is also welcome in setting up speaking engagements in any of these locations (See the full Ride timetable here):
JUNE – California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado
CA – Fairfield, Folsom, South Lake Tahoe
NV – Carson City, Fallon, Austin, Eureka, Ely, Baker
UT – Delta, Manti, Little Cedar Mountain, Thompson Springs
CO – Palisade
JULY – Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania
CO – Vail, Bailey, Wiggins, Sterling
NE – Ogallala, North Platte, Lexington, Grand Island, Lincoln, Council Bluffs
IA – Casey, Newton, Iowa City, Davenport
IL – Peru, Batavia
IN – South Bend
OH – Bryan, Toledo, Sandusky, Youngstown
PA – Pittsburgh
AUG – Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut
PA – Connellsville
MD – Cumberland, Williamsport
DE – Wilmington
PA – Philadelphia
NJ – Princeton
NY – New York City
CT – Old Lyme
Requirements – Hosts are only required to provide a place for 6 people to sleep (includes couches and floor space). In addition, any of the following is greatly appreciated: 2 meals (dinner and breakfast), shower access, and washing machine access.
For housing offers, speaking event suggestions, and other questions, cont act Ride Against AIDS coordinator Austin Keeley (austin@faceaids.org)
To learn more about FACE AIDS, the Ride Against AIDS, and how to support the riders, please visit: www.faceaids.org/rideagainstaids.html
In solidarity,
Elise Garrity (egarrity@pih.org)
Student Outreach Assistant | PIH
They can’t wait to meet you, your couch, your grandparents’ floor, or your friend’s former bunk bed…
The Ride Against AIDS is organized by FACE AIDS – a nonprofit organization that fights AIDS by building a global movement of youth dedicated to social justice and global health equity. The 2010 Ride Against AIDS raised over $50,000 for PIH programs in Rwanda.
Help out this year’s riders by offering a place to stay along the route, and forwarding this message to friends and family who are spending their summer in the following places. Your help is also welcome in setting up speaking engagements in any of these locations (See the full Ride timetable here):
JUNE – California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado
CA – Fairfield, Folsom, South Lake Tahoe
NV – Carson City, Fallon, Austin, Eureka, Ely, Baker
UT – Delta, Manti, Little Cedar Mountain, Thompson Springs
CO – Palisade
JULY – Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania
CO – Vail, Bailey, Wiggins, Sterling
NE – Ogallala, North Platte, Lexington, Grand Island, Lincoln, Council Bluffs
IA – Casey, Newton, Iowa City, Davenport
IL – Peru, Batavia
IN – South Bend
OH – Bryan, Toledo, Sandusky, Youngstown
PA – Pittsburgh
AUG – Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut
PA – Connellsville
MD – Cumberland, Williamsport
DE – Wilmington
PA – Philadelphia
NJ – Princeton
NY – New York City
CT – Old Lyme
Requirements – Hosts are only required to provide a place for 6 people to sleep (includes couches and floor space). In addition, any of the following is greatly appreciated: 2 meals (dinner and breakfast), shower access, and washing machine access.
For housing offers, speaking event suggestions, and other questions, cont act Ride Against AIDS coordinator Austin Keeley (austin@faceaids.org)
To learn more about FACE AIDS, the Ride Against AIDS, and how to support the riders, please visit: www.faceaids.org/rideagainstaids.html
In solidarity,
Elise Garrity (egarrity@pih.org)
Student Outreach Assistant | PIH
EXPLORING THE COCOA INDUSTRY:
Child Labor, International Protocols and Fair Trade
When: Wednesday April 6th, 2011 @ 3:30pm - 6:00pm
Where: Auditorium 404, 66 W 12th Street, NYC, NY
*Screening of the documentary "The Dark Side of Chocolate"
*Panel with the Director & Experts in Cocoa Industry and Fair Trade
Free Fair Trade CHOCOLATE will be served!!
Description:
The panel will explore the possibilities and opportunities for a fair and equitable international food trade and the challenges facing consumers, corporations and governments today. The panel discussion will be preceded by a screening of The Dark Side of Chocolate, a documentary by the award-winning journalists Miki Mistrati and U Roberto (Robin) Romano that investigates the continued allegations of trafficking and child labor in the international chocolate industry. The screening will be used to launch a broader debate on three major issues, such as the relationship between child labor, human trafficking and the international trade system, the difficulties of enforcing international protocols (e.g. Harking-Engel protocol, also known as "The Cocoa Protocol", and the role of fair trade, direct trade and consumer awareness campaigns. The purpose of this event is to encourage a dialogue about solutions and how to make western producers and consumers more accountable for a!
buses in the global markets.
Panelists:
U. Roberto Romano, Filmmaker
Roberto Romano is the co-director (with Miki Mistrati) of the documentary "The Dark Side of Chocolate" (2010). Award-winning human rights educator, filmmaker and photographer, U. Roberto Romano began his activism on the issue of child labor in 1995 when in Pakistan to film a story of the murder of Iqbal Masih, a child carpet slave turned activist. Since then, Romano has traveled extensively and documented the many manifestations of child labor that invisibly penetrate the lives of countless Americans. Romano has worked with numerous human rights organizations including Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, The International Labor Organization, Stop The Traffik, The Hunger Project, The Farm Labor Organizing Committee, Council on Foreign Relations and Antislavery International. He recently directed and produced The Harvest, on the life of migrant children and their families in America.
Elizabeth O'Connell - Green America
Elizabeth O'Connell is the fair trade coordinator of Green America. Green America is the nation's leading green economy organization. Founded in 1982, Green America (formerly Co-op America) provides the economic strategies, organizing power and practical tools for businesses and individuals to solve today's social and environmental problems.
Jim Kielkopf, AgriBank
Jim Kielkopf is a 4th year PhD student at Milano, The New School for Urban Policy and Management and is also the chief economist of AgriBank, FCB, a cooperative bank which is the nation's largest agricultural lender as well as the country's largest remaining Government Sponsored Enterprise (GSE). In his work at AgriBank, Jim has done a lot of research into the food crisis of 2007-2008 as well as the recent run-up in food commodity prices in the past year. James Kielkopf, is also owner of an active cocoa farm in Ecuador.
Moderator:
Mark Christian C-spot
Christian earned his Ch.D while researching the chocolate underground, surveying bean-to-bar makers in some of the most far-flung places before delving into the seedy world of cacao breeding & genetics where he was mentored by Dr. Basil Bartley (field & lab scientist at CEPEC in Brazil; author of The Genetic Diversity of Cacao & its Utilization). Owner of the private travel firm Airtech.com, he has been able to visit the "20/20 Zone" -- that magic belt 20º north & south of the equator -- in which cacao only grows. Christian currently resides in NYC where he moved from the West Coast to attend Columbia University. He sometimes receives unsolicited bars and boxed assortments on his doorstep, so much so that he has had to share or even give some of it away to family, friends and neighbors a few of whom have been known to call in the middle of the night asking "Hey Mark, got any more of that stuff?". In 2010 he founded The C-spot, the most comprehensive online resource of the premium niche for consumers & professionals alike, featuring independent chocolate ratings & reviews, history & news, as well as an in-depth chocolate tasting-course.
Collaborating Partners: projectafrica at The New School, Amnesty International, [AID], Global Cocoa Project, Global Studies at The New School
No cost to attend.
Child Labor, International Protocols and Fair Trade
When: Wednesday April 6th, 2011 @ 3:30pm - 6:00pm
Where: Auditorium 404, 66 W 12th Street, NYC, NY
*Screening of the documentary "The Dark Side of Chocolate"
*Panel with the Director & Experts in Cocoa Industry and Fair Trade
Free Fair Trade CHOCOLATE will be served!!
Description:
The panel will explore the possibilities and opportunities for a fair and equitable international food trade and the challenges facing consumers, corporations and governments today. The panel discussion will be preceded by a screening of The Dark Side of Chocolate, a documentary by the award-winning journalists Miki Mistrati and U Roberto (Robin) Romano that investigates the continued allegations of trafficking and child labor in the international chocolate industry. The screening will be used to launch a broader debate on three major issues, such as the relationship between child labor, human trafficking and the international trade system, the difficulties of enforcing international protocols (e.g. Harking-Engel protocol, also known as "The Cocoa Protocol", and the role of fair trade, direct trade and consumer awareness campaigns. The purpose of this event is to encourage a dialogue about solutions and how to make western producers and consumers more accountable for a!
buses in the global markets.
Panelists:
U. Roberto Romano, Filmmaker
Roberto Romano is the co-director (with Miki Mistrati) of the documentary "The Dark Side of Chocolate" (2010). Award-winning human rights educator, filmmaker and photographer, U. Roberto Romano began his activism on the issue of child labor in 1995 when in Pakistan to film a story of the murder of Iqbal Masih, a child carpet slave turned activist. Since then, Romano has traveled extensively and documented the many manifestations of child labor that invisibly penetrate the lives of countless Americans. Romano has worked with numerous human rights organizations including Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, The International Labor Organization, Stop The Traffik, The Hunger Project, The Farm Labor Organizing Committee, Council on Foreign Relations and Antislavery International. He recently directed and produced The Harvest, on the life of migrant children and their families in America.
Elizabeth O'Connell - Green America
Elizabeth O'Connell is the fair trade coordinator of Green America. Green America is the nation's leading green economy organization. Founded in 1982, Green America (formerly Co-op America) provides the economic strategies, organizing power and practical tools for businesses and individuals to solve today's social and environmental problems.
Jim Kielkopf, AgriBank
Jim Kielkopf is a 4th year PhD student at Milano, The New School for Urban Policy and Management and is also the chief economist of AgriBank, FCB, a cooperative bank which is the nation's largest agricultural lender as well as the country's largest remaining Government Sponsored Enterprise (GSE). In his work at AgriBank, Jim has done a lot of research into the food crisis of 2007-2008 as well as the recent run-up in food commodity prices in the past year. James Kielkopf, is also owner of an active cocoa farm in Ecuador.
Moderator:
Mark Christian C-spot
Christian earned his Ch.D while researching the chocolate underground, surveying bean-to-bar makers in some of the most far-flung places before delving into the seedy world of cacao breeding & genetics where he was mentored by Dr. Basil Bartley (field & lab scientist at CEPEC in Brazil; author of The Genetic Diversity of Cacao & its Utilization). Owner of the private travel firm Airtech.com, he has been able to visit the "20/20 Zone" -- that magic belt 20º north & south of the equator -- in which cacao only grows. Christian currently resides in NYC where he moved from the West Coast to attend Columbia University. He sometimes receives unsolicited bars and boxed assortments on his doorstep, so much so that he has had to share or even give some of it away to family, friends and neighbors a few of whom have been known to call in the middle of the night asking "Hey Mark, got any more of that stuff?". In 2010 he founded The C-spot, the most comprehensive online resource of the premium niche for consumers & professionals alike, featuring independent chocolate ratings & reviews, history & news, as well as an in-depth chocolate tasting-course.
Collaborating Partners: projectafrica at The New School, Amnesty International, [AID], Global Cocoa Project, Global Studies at The New School
No cost to attend.
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