GLOBAL CITIZENship

Civil society movement will revolutionize everyone!

2012-02-16T04:53:00.000-08:00

Global unrest, street protests, and citizen activism are happening everywhere as broad social movements that express civil discontent about social and economic inequalities, and lead to revolution and change. From every level of society around the world, our world is changing. Change is inevitable, healthy, and life-enhancing. In my travels on and offline, I am interacting and working with people-in villages, on webinars, on projects, in cities. As conflicts mount, as traditional power is challenged, we're all feeling a greater interdependence. Average citizens are using collective action to demand social transformation through innovative uses of technology and social networking, anti-violence campaigns, civil society alliances, and community organizing as forms of civic participation. From Occupy Wall Street/Occupy Together and the ‘Arab Spring’, climate change to immigration reform, widening economic inequalities, to the new learning modalities of the Digital Age and Open Courseware that democratizes education, we all are caught in the mix. We ALL have skin in the game. Social movements aim to raise human consciousness, improve the quality of life for all, and challenge political repression or economic crisis through grass-roots movements that resist government crackdowns and confront corporate greed. It is an exciting time to be alive!

Check in with your projects, your commitments, your new circles of co-workers rebuilding society everywhere. Meanwhile, view this episodic cartoon on development in South Africa-using art for civil and political awareness.

http://cdrablog.net/2012/02/13/civil-society-at-the-crossroads/

Racism and Development

2012-01-18T08:33:00.000-08:00

In the 1994 Cairo Conference on Population and Development [Consumption], Chief of Women's organizations, Bisi, Ogunkele stated at a CNN panel that preceded the conference "If the rich nations of the world do not share their wealth with the poor, the poor will share their poverty with the rich". 'Lower-income'/'Developing Nations' demanded that he conference's focus on 'development' be renamed 'population and consumption. Their position was that the 'west'/'developed nations' were over-consuming the planet's resources as rapidly as the 'Developing nations' were overpopulating. Time for a truce and a new approach some 18 yrs. after that conference? The reality is that poverty and its minions have spread globally, despite some increases in some measures (e.g, literacy and disease prevention in some settings).

Where are we to focus our attention? What new directions, principles, or approaches can we imagine?

In the current climate of global chaos, financial collapse, environmental degradation, and widening gaps between wealth and poverty, we have much to ponder, to confront in ourselves , and much t to change. The global development community is a cauldron of individuals, motives, and practices that are unsustainable in their current configuration and worldview. We have been focusing, wholeheartedly, on poverty reduction, "the poor", and the alleviation of problems associated with the lack of material resources. We might shift our attention to 'wealth reduction', a strategy that requires personal reflection and overcoming the fear of living with less. But the latter reveals that living with less is better for human contentment and better for the environment.
Various impact assessments and research studies have provided adequate testimonials to the links between literacy, income, and longevity-even 'happiness'- as one set of indicators of 'quality of life'. 'How Matters' has been blogging about race and development and has been brave enough to raise the spectre of the "R" word-racism http://www.how-matters.org/2012/01/17/the-elephant-hasnt-left-the-room/

To what extent is racism embedded in those constructions of the haves/have not gap and how to resolve this global crisis, esp. in our approaches to local and international development in every country?

These are critical questions we discuss in my "Globalism, racism, and human rights" course at a US university and in my "Changing Ourselves" workshop -'Games People Play'. In mid 20th c. social psychologist Gordon Allport wrote the classic, "The Nature of Prejudice". Among other research insights, he stated that a person is more likely to admit they're a liar, cheat, or thief than admit to being a racist. Being a 'racist', of course, makes everything more personal than discussing 'racism'.
Join in and share both your thoughts and what you are doing to eliminate all forms of prejudice in your own life and work. Don't be shy!

Restoring Dignity: A Toolkit for Religious Communities to End Violence Against Women | Soul Beat Africa

2011-11-10T05:28:00.000-08:00

The religions of the world have a major role to play in restoring peace and equal rights. The nobility and dignity of every human being
hinges on our ability to end the prevalence of gender-based violence. Churches, mosques, temples and every religious fellowship, in their access to
vast populations might use this toolkit to launch campaigns and build programs in their communities to raise consciousness and alter the thinking
of individuals. Violence, in all of its forms, in both peacetime and wartime calls into question the very soul of a family or a nation and marginalizes
its prospects for success. Religious practice, if it calls itself righteous, cherishes women and girls and supports a better quality of life for them.
Men play a major role in these efforts. Since men dominate in clerical roles in most traditional religions for the moment, mens' involvement in
raising the standards of human behavior and modeling true manhood are essential starting points for achieving equality.

Restoring Dignity: A Toolkit for Religious Communities to End Violence Against Women | Soul Beat Africa

Rio rallies for YARAN-imprisoned Iranaian Bahai's

2011-11-05T08:12:00.000-07:00

Brazilians in Rio are supporting the awareness campaign of Iranian Baha'is imprisoned for their Faith. The Baha'i prisoners, currently referred to as the seven "Yaran", have been imprisoned for several years in an effort to wipe out this religious community. Around he world, men and women of peace, social justice, and freedom are is being mobilized. In the US, the "Education Under Fire" campaign being toured with actor, Rainn Wilson, is calling attention to the additional violation of the right to an education being denied to Iranian Baha'i youth. In an effort to provide Rio has diligently mobilized its' citizens to respect religious diversity. For three centuries, the Baha'i Faith in Iran has suffered on-going persecution. With the establishment of the UN Declaration on Human Rights, the persecution of the religious rights of citizens means that Iran has been a relentless violator of those rights and ignores its obligations as a member of the family of nations. Baha'is are only one of the oppressed minority communities in Iran.

Peace building, transformation and the arts

2011-10-26T13:03:00.000-07:00

Learn about the tools and projects of artists and performers around the world from Peru to Serbia.

http://youtu.be/q0Xj8eELbcg

Making it happen: Kiva and the global family makes biz work

2011-10-11T13:17:00.000-07:00

Focusing on partnership and equity in economic ventures.
http://www.westnorthmedia.com/projects/2912564

Cape Verde's Pires wins Mo Ibrahim Prize for African good governance

2011-10-10T07:21:00.000-07:00

Way to go! Along with Botswana and Mozambique, Cape Verdean governance, economy and 80% literacy
rate bodes progress for the small African archipelago. Independent from Portugal since the 1970's, more Cape Verdeans
reside outside the country than inside. This award now recognizes the insistent work done by this country to move to the company of newly middle-income nations in Africa.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203633104576622643418381176.html

Nobel Peace Prize shared by Liberian and Yemeni leaders

2011-10-07T10:56:00.000-07:00

In an effort to shed light on non-violent activism, the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to these women leaders.
Few women have received the NPP since its inception in the last century. Focusing on the world's most troubling public health crisis - gender-based violence - alerts the international community to the role that women have and continue t play at both the grass-roots and policy level in CEDAW- THE Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women.
We applaud the international community for acknowledging the struggles of women peace-makers.
What's your view?

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/08/world/nobel-peace-prize-johnson-sirleaf-gbowee-karman.html?_r=3&hp

Bolivian President Evo Morales up for Nobel Peace Prize

2011-10-06T11:48:00.000-07:00

Who will receive the Nobel Peace Prize this Friday?
http://bcove.me/4vsgq949

Development Experts Present at Boston Baha'i Center TODAY!

2011-10-01T21:49:00.000-07:00

Come hear Dr. Cecil Cook and New Dawn Associates founder Crispin Perberton-Pigott present their
views on spiritual solutions to working in international development.

TODAY, October 2 at 3pm, Bosotn Baha'i Center, 595 Albany St., 3-5pm.

Fear of education/learning=freedom

2011-09-28T05:17:00.000-07:00

In Iran, members of the Baha'i Faith who are educators are being imprisoned. Why? Is there a link between true liberty, training the human intellect, and the growing needs for higher education training in every nation? Why would any nation that seeks true prosperity for all of its citizens, use religious prejudice to persecute professional educators? In "educators Under Fire", actor Rainn Wilson speaks for educational freedom. There is a link between knowledge and freedom- a universal human right.

http://vimeo.com/29493907

Sunday Easy Rider

2011-09-25T15:22:00.000-07:00

Not a great bike day, but I note the quieted city as we move into autumn. As the world moves in and out of disaster and progress, turmoil and reconciliation, remember what moves the world -love- as 13th century poet, Rumi might say: "I went to the doctor. 'I feel lost, blind with love. What should I do?' Give up owning things and being somebody. Quit existing. " (Rumi, #1886, 'We Are Three', 1987)

Thoughts from the late Ralph Bunche on the Palestine-Israeli struggle

2011-09-19T04:10:00.000-07:00

As history watches as Palestinians seek UN recognition this month, remember former UN Under secretary, Ralph Bunche. In fact, in 1936, long before the launch of a distinguished career, Bunche wrote: "And so, class will some day supplant race in world affairs. Race war will then be merely a side-show to the gigantic class war which will be waged in the big tent we call the world." Receiving the Nobel Peace Prize (1950) for his mediation of the Israeli-Arab/Palestinian struggle, Bunche was a political scientist and diplomat who was a central player in the writing of the UN Charter and worked with Eleanor Roosevelt on the UN Declaration of Human Rights. He was one of the most highly ranked American diplomats and, as a person of color, also mediated conflicts in Yemen, Cyprus, and the Congo. In fact the membership of numerous African and Asian states in a post-war mid-2oth century UN was made possible by Bunche who helped to dismantle the old African and Asian colonial systems as they took their eventual place in the UN as independent states.
Despite a prestigious career, Bunche confronted racism in the U.S. throughout his life.

Remember his words in these perilous times:
"May there be, in our time, at long last, a world at peace in which we, the people, may for once begin to make full use of the great good that is in us."
-Raplh Bunche

"Fly Girls" /Season of Peace campaign, Boston

2011-09-14T09:04:00.000-07:00

Are we remembering that ending violence and creating peace is a 365-day job?
Boston's "Fly Girls" work towards ending the cycles of abuse among young girls and women.

http://www.bostontenpoint.org/programs.php

Clever commentary on Global violence at post 9/11 commemorative time

2011-09-12T05:05:00.000-07:00

What has the persistent focus on the 'war on terror' produced? The 'Jihad vs McWorld' position expressed by Barber points to our massive global inequalities in the basic needs of life. We find ourselves in the midst of either affluence or poverty creating entrenched divisions in human societies.

When we speak of poverty reduction, we need to speak simultaneously about 'wealth reduction'. The UN Conference of the 1990's on (over) population and over consumption was expressed in comments by Bisi Ogunkele , then Chief of Women's organizations in Nigeria. She stated: 'If the rich nations of the world are not willing to share their wealth with the poor, the poor will share their poverty with the rich.' So here we are, after several millennia, still preoccupied with a global war industry as our primary means of achieving peace by physical force and violence. Not so clever for such a clever species that claims to be enlightened. Listen to this clever blogger on the subject of the inutility of the 'war on terror' and speak your piece:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/simon-cohen/the-war-on-error_b_956333.html

Remedies (Spoken Word)

2011-08-28T13:18:00.000-07:00

Farmageddon Trailer

2011-08-24T14:49:00.000-07:00

In Gaza, poverty forces children to choose between survival and school

2011-08-23T09:59:00.000-07:00

RSA Animate - Changing Education Paradigms

2011-08-21T07:21:00.000-07:00

Time-lapse, collaborative speed painting

2011-08-18T23:19:00.000-07:00

A world without art? I don't think so! Check out this video as students at 'Artists for Humanity' (Boston), demonstrate the power of art, the impact of unity. One of the instructors-"Problak" featured here and at the end of the video.
http://youtu.be/q2xYZ5xhxbM

Signs of the moral and spiritual degradation of society?

2011-08-15T13:47:00.000-07:00

Today's revelations on financial scandals at Oxfam in both Haiti and Pakistan confirm our worst fears that trust has eroded across the planet. The people of Haiti and the people of Pakistan, both poor and disaster-ridden sites, deserve better--a better kind of human being! Trustworthiness, honesty, and a shared vision are some of the qualities we need in every nation. What's your view?

http://www.devex.com/en/blogs/the-development-newswire/twin-scandals-at-oxfam-haiti-mission-chief-resigns-pakistani-flood-aid-embezzled

2011 Elections Test Peace in Liberia

2011-08-14T15:17:00.000-07:00

Tunisian Election Law Gives Women Equal Chance | Womens eNews

2011-08-12T12:18:00.000-07:00

Turbulent change or peaceful transition---either way, all benefit from equality-women, men, and nations.
Time will tell which nations of the world will move on the path of peace which leads to prosperity.

Tunisian Election Law Gives Women Equal Chance | Womens eNews

'Made' in America? or "We" too )still) sing America?

2011-08-12T09:59:00.000-07:00

http://video.nytimes.com/video/2011/08/11/movies/100000000992277/on-race-and-hollywood.html

What happened to america's sense of destiny, a progressive society? The late Langston Hughes poem "I Too Sing America" foretells that 'nobody' will tell me to eat in the kitchen..and 'they'll see how beautiful I am...and be ashamed. Sorry, little has changed as George suggests in this clip from "The Maid". Successive ethnic immigrant groups from low-income classes still have to 'eat in the kitchen', are not seen as 'beautiful', and few people are ashamed at the living/working conditions of newly arrived immigrant groups, more specifically communities of color. I am not comforted by the fact that not everyone has a 'sense of shame' because it is often the sense of shame that triggers the conscience to be more aware, more open, more ethical, and therefore, more conscientious about issues of equality. Thus, a society and an entertainment industry that still, even with a brilliant, highly educated , and influential African American First Lady, still continues to reward women of color when they are subservient. Is the film trying to 'humanize' white women or Black women? Or is this still the troubled and scary conversation between White women and women of color that everybody's avoiding? What do you think?

As a member of a future-oriented, pragmatic religion-The Baha'i Faith- founded on eliminating all forms of prejudice as the cultural work we need to do in this era, here's the deal. There are three(3) and four(4) sets of behaviors that have to change in ourselves, respectively as 'black' (non-dominant) and 'white'(dominant) individuals for a racism-free society. Governments exist to control the outward expressions of intolerance, nothing more. If you're 'Black', the transformation tasks are to 'show the warmth of your response, your readiness to forget the past, and your ability to wipe out every trace of suspicion that may linger in your heart.' If you're 'White', the transformational agenda is to 'abandon usually inherent and at times subconscious sense of superiority, correct a tendency to reveal a patronizing attitude toward members of the other race, the need to persuade (the other race) through intimate, spontaneous, and informal association them of the genuineness of their friendship and the sincerity of their intentions, and to master their impatience with any lack of responsiveness on the part of a people who have received for so long a period such grievous and slow-healing wounds.' (Shoghi Effendi," The Advent of Divine Justice").
Ok, Hollywood and you moviegoers! Hattie McDaniel already got the Oscar for playing a maid decades ago. No more games. Let's get with the spiritual program and change our world.

SADC Gender Protocol 2011 Barometer

2011-08-11T09:17:00.000-07:00

SADC Gender Protocol 2011 Barometer

How do we measure wealth and poverty?

Pushing forward the 'welcoming partnership'-the equality of men and women is not for 'the foolish or faint of heart'.In
many countries we take our rights for granted. One of the surest means for monitoring progress on equity and equality is 'bean-counting' because data forces citizens and elected officials alike to face the scope of inequality and its cause squarely. But numbers only tell part of the story-the quantitative. Different indicators used measure different results.
SADC scores second only to Nordic countries in the representation of women in Parliament-a critical achievement towards recognition of women's intelligence, nobility, and greater powers of leadership during times of crisis, compared
to men. Yet those of us committed to equality for all realize the hard road ahead. Improving the quality of life for everyone, with a special focus on the most vulnerable groups-women, children, elders, the disabled-is a 'no-brainer' if we believe in and work for global peace and security.
SADC (Southern African)countries are making headway despite competitive disadvantages that include age-old patriarchal systems (male-dominated regimes of power),customary laws, and despite comparatively lower poverty levels
and greater public health challenges. They score second only to So what do they have that described their progress?
SADC uses both the SGDI + the CSC (Citizen score card). Between the two tools for measuring progress toward gender equality the report offers a few insights:
" Across the board, citizens score their governments more harshly than the SGDI. For example Seychelles gets 79% in the SGDI but 61% in the citizen scoring exercise."
In this case, countries that have NAPS(National Action Plans) that include other indicators (e.g., GBV(gender-based violence) show up differently and, according to SADC, here is why:
" Nine SADC constitutions provide for the promotion of women and seven have other provisions that relate to gender equality. But contradictions between customary law and statutory law abound where these are outlawed by the Constitution."
In my work in Liberia, a West African country, I am proud to say their President and Parliament have pushed forward a National Action Plan. This plan directly addresses gender inequality and GBV through citizen education, law, and policy.

Weigh in on your thoughts and experiences with the worlds' most important goal-the equality of men and women.

Zara Solar Ltd, Tanzania, Affordable rural solar pv energy - Ashden Awar...

2011-08-06T13:44:00.000-07:00

Innovations in solar technology for rural citizens may mean that even if the lights go out in the west, people in rural areas may still have sustainable access to electricity. This Israeli innovator is making inroads into affordable universal access and allowing rural citizens to own their own inexpensive natural technology. The sun is the way to go!

Human Rights

2011-07-30T05:23:00.000-07:00

Reducing men's "Gender Jitters" in Developing Nations!

2011-04-29T03:24:00.000-07:00

Fiercely confronting men's "gender jitters" in a 3 hr marathon (1 of many).

If gender equality is to be achieved in Liberia, men at the grass roots level must be willing, informed, and 'welcoming partners' in advancing the principle and practice of the equality of men and women. By the time I finished talking, answering questions, dodging bullets from misanthropes, you better believe these men are taking this subject more seriously. There are a number of earnest supporters already, but this is traditional Africa and our work is cut out for us.

Buchanan City

2011-04-27T02:31:00.000-07:00

Arriving in Buchanan City to a family welcome and office! This morning interviewed by Radio UNMIL (UN Military in Liberia) on gender equality broadcast across Liberia. Later interview w. "The New Democrat" newspaper about the critical issues/gender equality. This is all big and controversial news here. In response to journalist, Paul Harry's last question I shard the importance of the world-embracing Teachings of Baha'u'llah and that Baha'is around the world join them in working toward the equality of men and women as a universal goal!

This is election season. Chatter everywhere, newz stories attacking candidates left and right, and gearing up for safe elections as we watch closely the unfolding electoral process in Nigeria. Liberian Prez hosted visiting Malian Prez and announced that, thanks to many interventions, malaria rates have gone down in Liberia. However, other newz coverage on the situation in Cote d'Ivoire across border southern Liberia is not good. Thousands of refugees crossing the border being chased by new regime military in retaliation against dethroned Gbagbo forces; rise in GBV in these refugee camps as many girls/women forced to engage in transactional sex for food. Liberians have run out of goodwill for these border crossers and UNHCR is doing their best to keep up w. the demand for food and shelter in the camps.

Meanwhile, as the world collapses in many of the world's hotspots, we carry on here in Buchanan City so that the new College and Gender Studies Program may one day be a 'city on the hill'. In preparation for my coming these very together men have formed themselves into a group calling themselves "The Honorable Men" to show their willingness to support the uneasy transition toward equality and their support for the women. This completes a self-organizing principle method in community engagement in which community people define their own reality in working toward common cause. Last August when I was here the 'Wise Women' and 'Learning Women' came into being. Bravo for them!!! Keep us in your prayers...and stay tuned.

[D]air Travel- I dare you to travel..

2011-04-24T02:32:00.000-07:00

Four airports and on my 3rd plane en route to Monrovia, arriving tonight. Am arriving just dayz after President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf has left Buchanan City on her national tour. Am searching for sins of progress since my last trip in August '10. Nuri dispatched me from Boston w. her magic cupcakes from her bizness, "thesweettrooth" (thesweettrooth@gmail.com), and I am attracting every man within inches in all airports across the globe.

The US State Dept. has published its Human Rights Report (2010) on Liberia. There is a great deal of work to be done throughout this country left w. little infrastructure, following the 14-yr war. I return for training, evaluation, and community engagement work with Grand Bassa Community College. This foto portrays an example of one of the few remnants of colonial architecture, once considered palatial. Ask questions, make comments, stay tuned.....

As I depart--Follow my Fulbright work in Africa's oldest Independent nation-Liberia

2011-04-23T05:06:00.000-07:00

Once again, I am about to experience Transportation on Liberia's impassable roads. Follow this blog, ask questions, and view my fotoz. As a Fulbright Specialist, I collaborated with Grand Bassa Community College, establishing the first Gender Studies Program and Women's Resource Centre at a Liberian college. This trip--Interviews, evaluation, and participatory training on how understanding gender assists in development. Stay tuned.....

http://allafrica.com/stories/201104211063.html

Literacy Among Sub-Saharan African Women - Zunia.org

2011-04-21T18:27:00.000-07:00

For those of you up for the next exciting travel sequel "Liberia Rebuilding" 2011, revisit this blog daily.
For every challenge, there is an opportunity. So read about the educational challenges and opportunities
as we travel to Grand Bassa Community College in Buchanan City and see thier achievements for yourself.

READ-Literacy Among Sub-Saharan African Women - Zunia.org

Atlas of Birth

2010-12-09T03:39:00.000-08:00

A Global mapping of maternal health/mortality Atlas of Birth

Share the Story: Volunteering for the MDGs

2010-12-07T15:53:00.000-08:00

Queen Rania addresses Millennium Campus Conference 2010

2010-10-27T18:11:00.000-07:00

Housework or homework for girls ?

UNIFEM's video on Promoting Gender Equality and Empowering Women - Zunia.org

2010-10-10T06:05:00.000-07:00

Women, peace & empowerment in Liberia UNIFEM's video on Promoting Gender Equality and Empowering Women - Zunia.org

GenderCC - Women's Voices on Climate Change: South Africa

2010-10-07T07:42:00.000-07:00

Considering Women's experiences in policy-making for climate change

- Zunia.org

2010-10-06T17:34:00.000-07:00

Report on women's peace and security worldwide- Zunia.org

Global Action Atlas - You Can Change the World

2010-10-06T17:08:00.000-07:00

Global Action Atlas - You Can Change the World

Breakaway videogame-anti-violence campaign 4 boys and men?

2010-10-03T08:13:00.000-07:00

share Can young men be educated to help end violence against women? This video game says 'yes'. Play it 4 free and share yr. thoughts.

PRAY THE DEVIL BACK TO HELL - trailer

2010-10-03T08:03:00.000-07:00

For Educators : Center for Global Development

2010-10-03T07:39:00.000-07:00

For Educators : Center for Global Development

- Zunia.org

2010-10-02T16:48:00.000-07:00

- Zunia.org

2010-09-25T13:00:00.000-07:00

- Zunia.org

African First Ladies Sign Declaration to End Maternal and Child Malnutrition :: News :: The Rockefeller Foundation

2010-09-25T10:55:00.000-07:00

African First Ladies Sign Declaration to End Maternal and Child Malnutrition :: News :: The Rockefeller Foundation

Plan USA | Because I am a Girl | Invest In Me

2010-09-20T13:53:00.000-07:00

Turning a House Into a Home

2010-09-13T08:22:00.000-07:00

Turning a House Into a Home

RSA Animate - Drive: The surprising truth about what motivates us

2010-09-03T06:54:00.000-07:00

August 28,2010

2010-08-27T03:08:00.000-07:00

..And the rains came,pelting us w. its blessings. Fortunately, no floods as in China and Pakistan. Kid UN offices allowing this communique as I have no internet. Attended Flag Day celebration in Buchanan City on Tuesday as the guest of the Governor Julia Duncan Cassels and spoke from the podium with a sty-in-school message. My Fulbright workshops with the Wuse Women and Leraning Women were well-rcvd. and I am surrounded by the greatest in Liberian hospitality. We eat, lunch and work together and I am becoming a great fan of chuck rice and stewed barricuda and grouper fish. I have a fan base of young women students who are really on the ball. Last evening I addressed 65 men (mostly Christian pastors)and the Ass't Governor asking them to commite themselves to supporting gender equality. We will see what the men of Liberia are made of!This morning we begin thw two-day curriculum seminars for faculty, staff, and women leaders to begin the first stages of a 'white paper'-a gender studies curriculum which will accompany the women's center. There is talk of making gender Studies 101 a required course for ALL students and most seem to be on board with this proposal. The men had great questions, important concerns, some about feeling displaced by what they felt might become a women-dominant process. I assured them that the principles of the equality of men and women guarantee our metaphor that man and woman are like 'two wings of the bird-if one of the wings is icapacitated the bird won't fly.'
May the blessings of the good God of the Universe keep us all on the road to peace!

Buchanan City-Part II

2010-08-23T04:19:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the world of spotty internet access,bucket showers, and a moodly electrical grid. A bucket shower is a refreshing bucket of water from a lge. vat in the bathrm that you pour over yrself after soaping up, taking water conservation to new heights.Try it to be in touch w. most of the world, and eco-friendly.Have been introduced to the county Sch Supt.,Hon. Julia Duncan Cassell,women leaders throughout Buchanan, and church and business leaders, all of whom are participating in our workshops, seminars, and meetings. Several men's groups are being integrated into our planning/schedule b/c the boys are feeling left out. And let's face it, girls, we can't move forward on the equality of men and women unless we work together. During our planning for developing a gender studies program and women's ctr.at the newly chartered Grand Bassa Community College, a need had emerged to separate the women's sessions based on age. Seems the younger women have issues they want to raise that they're reluctant to share in the presence of older women. So we've split the sessions, calling the younger women- "Learning Women"- and the mature ladies-"Wise Women".
The prospects for girls and women here are bleak but that's why many of us are here contibuting women's empowerment projects at all levels. For those of you following news for The Fast Project, I have just rcvd. the go-ahead fr. the Supt. to join w.a 'learning women's' group-"Girls of Destiny" who will help implement the project in 3 schools selected by the Supt. As soon as I hear fr.the Honorary Consul in ATL (+ "100 Black Women"), we may expect aid in reaching KC for the personal care products.
Yesterday we were taken to the fabulously serene Princess beach for the entire Sunday afternoon, crashing waves, young people playing beach games,blissful. This mostly coastal nations' beaches are yet undiscovered territory by the developers.
Stay tuned for my next internet access.

Buchanan City, 19 August

2010-08-21T16:40:00.000-07:00

Awakening,one peers thru the mosquito netting as a light breeze gives its last breath to the curtains. My Boston insects have been domesticated;Liberian insects do as they please. For just pennies almost, mosquito netting holds off malaria in the developing world and the disease could be reduced, if not eradicated if we in the wets were more generous w. our pennies. Arriving last nite I'm welcomed by a rainy season that lasts from April to November and, accord. to President Sirleaf-Johnson, climate change has extended this season dramatically. Collected @ the airport by Dr. Zangai and his driver, Paul, we make our way fr. Roberts airport located on the Firestone Plantation and the 60 mile trip on the Monrovia-Buchanan Highway. Our 4-wheel drive passes thru bamboo, cottonwood, and rubber tree forests and past the very humble thatched roof homes of the poor. No highway lighting, no electricity on this road, but Liberia has a rainforest so pristine, it rivals the Amazon. There wld have been more of it except that the former 'African strongman'(Charles Taylor) currently on trial at the Hague, chopped down a good deal of it to fund his rebel enterprises and the 14 yr. civil war. Africa is impoverished in many places, but its lush natural richness and the resilience and enterprise of its people will win out eventually. "Ma Ellen"(as the President is known) leads her people to small victories day by day since 2006. The folk stories of Liberian women bringing the war lords to their knees to end the war thru a peace movement is documented in the film, "Pray the devil back to hell". See it if you can....But I digress. The real story is that Monrovia-Buchanan highway on which you can only drive normally for intervals of 500 ft. or so, as you bob and weave snake-like to avoid the notorious potholes w. only your headlights to guide you. And this is the second time I am leaving a little bit of "myself" off the side of the road unable to conquer the nausea. The up-and-down movement did me in and reminded me of watching Nuri as a baby in the 'jolly jumper. Not the same. I am not smiling. Stay tuned for tomorrow's continuing saga of Robin-in-the-bush as I describe a "bucket shower" and the radio programme.

Eastward toward Liberia

2010-08-18T20:13:00.000-07:00

One of the things I like about "This Child Will be Great"(2009), the autobiography of President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf is her prologue.... She starts by describing her country, not herself painting it as a

wonderful, beautiful, mixed-up country struggling mightily to find itself.

If you've read it, post your comments.
I'll be blogging here w. fotoz after I arrive Friday in Monrovia. Follow me, ask questions, comment.

8 Goals For Africa

2010-08-17T07:15:00.000-07:00

2010-08-14T19:52:00.001-07:00

The Promise of World Peace - A Baha'i Perspective

2010-08-14T19:36:00.000-07:00

Haiti's schools six months into crisis

2010-08-11T07:35:00.000-07:00

UNICEF radio reports on Haitian schools six months after crisis. Our energies, time, and money are best invested in the lives of children and youth. If we want a better world, this is the road to walk. Education is the key to eliminating poverty. These global citizens of the present and future in the developing world deserve what many of us have received in the developed world. And our urban and rural school systems in the U.S. need a massive reformation. I hope American school kids will pressure their local, state, and federal governments toward revolutionizing education in the U.S.

International Day of the World's Indigenous People - Zunia.org

2010-08-10T11:00:00.000-07:00

International Day of the World's Indigenous People - Zunia.org

The FAST Project

2010-08-09T17:34:00.000-07:00

Providing personal hygiene products and peer health educators to improve girls school attendance in developing countries. An associate of the Tahirih Association at:
Donate to support this project.

My book release: "Women, war, and violence: Personal perspctives and global activism" (Eds. Chandler, Wang, Fuller)

2010-08-08T08:17:00.000-07:00

Become aware of the impact of gender and violence around the world. My current work on the ground in Liberia is documented in the introduction, chapter two-"Speaking with Post-war Liberia..". The book cover features "Capoeira", a collage work featured on my web site:. Available for purchase on Amazon at

Root Capital and the Liberian Women's Sewing Project - Extended Version

2010-07-31T07:53:00.000-07:00

The Girl Effect

2010-07-20T08:10:00.000-07:00

Many Species. One Planet. One Future - WED 2010

2010-05-31T04:42:00.000-07:00

May 14, 2010 - Replicating the prison conditions of the 7 Baha'i Leaders

2010-05-15T02:34:00.000-07:00

Worldchanging: Bright Green: The Battle Against Malaria: Turning Away From DDT To Greener Weapons

2010-05-11T06:25:00.000-07:00

Worldchanging: Bright Green: The Battle Against Malaria: Turning Away From DDT To Greener Weapons

PhilanTopic: 3rd Annual Clinton Global Initiative University Meeting

2010-04-17T15:52:00.000-07:00

PhilanTopic: 3rd Annual Clinton Global Initiative University Meeting

ART is an investment! Buy RChandler

2010-03-07T08:29:00.000-08:00

Art is an investment. Start your spring art collection. Purchase works by R Chandler online at DiscoveredArtists.com

Earthquake in Haiti

2010-01-13T10:15:00.000-08:00

Photos of our friends in Haiti devastated by recent natural disaster

http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2010/01/earthquake_in_haiti.html

Worldchanging: Bright Green: Worldchanging Interview: Shana Dressler on Global Giving Circles

2009-12-23T06:23:00.000-08:00

Worldchanging: Bright Green: Worldchanging Interview: Shana Dressler on Global Giving Circles

We change the world one person at a time, but start by changing ourselves. Live on less and share the toys, children!

AP reports extensive child slavery in Haiti

2009-12-23T06:11:00.000-08:00

Before the French Revolution of 1789, Haiti launched a revolution in 1791. Under Dessalines the Haitian Constitution guaranteed freedom of religion, elimination of race prejudice among the mixed populations, and declared slavery illegal. How did the first Black Republic in the western hemisphere pass from its "enlightenment" through to social and political instability, poverty, and educational deprivation?
" ..[I]t is incumbent upon the friends of God to exert such an effort and strive with such eagerness to promote divine knowledge, culture and the sciences, that erelong those who are school children today will become the most erudite of all the fraternity of the wise....that every child, according to his need, will receive his share of the sciences and arts-until not even a single peasant's child will be found who is completely devoid of schooling."
-'Abdu'l-Baha, Baha'i Education: A Compilation:38-9

Go to Yahoo News:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091222/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/cb_haiti_child_slaves

Reviewing Avatar: 'Let us pray, let us chant, let us holler, let them be'

2009-12-21T19:30:00.000-08:00

Clyde Taylor's concept of a 'Master Text' (Screen, 1988) is as ever-present in Avatar as it was in Stars Wars cycle decades past. It seems all western European mythologies orbit around recurring plots of modernity vs. primitivism as discourses of power. Whether Disney or Cameron, "the indigenous" haunts Americas' sense of shame, re-exploiting the rubble of imperialism with the instant replay of the noble savage and his spiritual habitat-the wilderness that we desire ravish once again. That spiritual habitat-Pandora-is opened, entered, of course without permission, and plundered, in yet another phallic dream undeferred. We've read other critics referencing Pocahontas and Dances with Wolves and I do wonder why the 'white man' needs to keep rubbing this old wound? Coming so soon after a disappointing Copenhagen climate treaty talks, the billions spent to make this movie might have relieved the requirements of global warming provisions in several small countries. Will we continue to be mesmerized and conquered by the visual text-the seduction of technological visual effects-and lose no sleep over the colonial nightmare of indigenous conquest that continues into the 21st century in many countries of Asia, Africa, the Americas, the Middle East? I believe in the oneness of humanity. And I believe there are many more compelling stories to be told in the cinematic medium, one of the most significant wells in which science and art coalesces. Don't miss those other subtexts here-cloning, the military industrial complex, and the western superman going native with the native princess, thus disgracing her intended. Thus spake [Cameron].
'Something's rotten in Denmark', Cameron-of-the-dying-planet. Let the natives be. Let them be.
[*"Let us pray....let them be" from the poem Museums (2001-Robin M. Chandler); Collage entitled Taking Away the Medicine.]

samimi-extremie is boss.: Iranian B-Boys

2009-12-07T15:40:00.000-08:00

Follow transcultural b-boying in Iran! The mobility, versatility, adaptability and energy of Black American culture makes us one
people. The Iranisn 'differently-abled' bro makes the case for the beauty of art to transform and inspire. This is from the early 1990's,
but it's a great meditation on why Iran needs to join the community of nations.

samimi-extremie is boss.: Iranian B-Boys

International Aids Day!!

2009-11-30T09:56:00.000-08:00

Let's support compassionate health care. Check out Gordon Brown's International Aids Day message from the UK at : Let's support compassionate health care at

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63B0PP0UugQ

Race Talk

2009-11-12T07:33:00.000-08:00

From the U.S. to India, the Dominican Republic to China, the media report on our underlying attitudes and feelings about skin color. What do u say?

2009-10-15T18:08:00.000-07:00

BOSTON OPEN STUDIO
ROBIN CHANDLER
OCTOBER 24 & 25, 2009
12Noon-5:00PM

ALL WORKS FOR SALE

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
DETAILS: rchandler82@gmail.com
www.robin-chandler.com

The UN -Doing the right thing?

2009-09-15T19:15:00.001-07:00

"UN to Consider New Structure for Women: Making Change Matter"Ã‚Â -Ã‚Â Zunia.org

Shared via AddThis

FRANCE Express blog-Laissez le bontemps rollez

2009-08-03T09:18:00.000-07:00

Yes, let the good times roll! We spent a few days in Paris (as you can see), then drove to Carcassonne by car through windmill and agricultural country, rainstorms and high winds in our Opel Minerva. Here are some of our visual treats for you*, express from France. This is French holiday time, so everyone in France was on the road. So much of where I am located in the south of France - an artists' retreat-is mountainous and reminds me of my stay in Cayey, PR-winding, steep roads, lush vegetation. Differences you ask? Well in Cayey the waftings of the lechoneras, felled babmboo across the roadway, children in the street, immovable dogs sleeping in the middle of the road, and drunken guys riding up the mountains on horses in the dark--- Ain't none of that in France. People tend to live in their interior spaces a lot more. More on that next time.
* View of the Seine from top/ Le Tour Eiffel, Cathedral de Notre Dame de Paris)
-A bientot

2009-07-07T09:17:00.000-07:00

Voice your concern for the upcoming trial of the Baha'is now in prison in Iran fighting for their religious freedom!

The report was done at a meeting held at the Los Angeles Baha'i Center last month.
http://www.myfoxla.com/dpp/news/local/Bahai_Leaders_Await_Trail_in_Iran_20090629

Global Human Rights in the 19th century

2009-07-04T05:31:00.000-07:00

American diplomat and former slave, Frederick Douglass delivered this speech in July 1852. In another part of the world, in August 1852, the Bab'i heroine and poetess Tahireh was killed in Iran for asserting the equality of men and women and removing her veil in public.

"What to the American slave is your Fourth of July? I answer, a day that reveals to him more than all other days of the year, the gross injustice and cruelty to which he is the constant victim. To him your celebration is a sham; your boasted liberty an unholy license; your national greatness, swelling vanity; your sounds of rejoicing are empty and heartless; your shouts of liberty and equality, hollow mock; your prayers and hymns, your sermons and thanksgivings, with all your religious parade and solemnity, are to him mere bombast, fraud, deception, impiety, and hypocrisy - a thin veil to cover up crimes which would disgrace a nation of savages. There is not a nation of the earth guilty of practices more shocking and bloody than are the people of these United States at this very hour.

Go search where you will, roam through all the monarchies and despotisms of the Old World, travel through South America, search out every abuse and when you have found the last, lay your facts by the side of the everyday practices of this nation, and you will say with me that, for revolting barbarity and shameless hypocrisy, America reigns without a rival."

Frederick Douglass - July 4, 1852

Human Rights Unfolds in Iran

2009-06-30T05:22:00.000-07:00

Iran is in the midst of a comprehensive human rights struggle. A new generations' worldview is putting social justice at the center of that nations' vision for the future. What constitutes a 'religious state' and how do citizens create unity through peaceful, nonviolent change? This photo(above) from Salvador, Brazil, says that the struggle of Mandela is our struggle, against apartheid there(South Africa) and here(Brazil).Baha'is in Iran have struggled for human rights and religious freedom for more than a century, including those currently imprisoned, and are a model for social justice and peace. In so doing, they are "serving the entire human race", or in the words of the Sioux-Mitayuke Oyasin (We are all related).

Gender HIV and the Church: A Case Study

2009-06-24T07:38:00.000-07:00

For those concerned about spiritual solutions or whole life approaches to preventative health in communities of color around the world, Development Gateway's Imran Uddin reports "Gender HIV and the Church: A Case Study". This two-year pilot project in Burkina Faso and Zimbabwe used a faith-based , culturally-specific intervention to confront issues of gender inequality, human sexuality and relationshsips, and HIV disease prevention. Go to Development Gateway, become a member, and read more at: http://www.developmentgateway.org

MAKE ART NOT WAR-"Fear No Art" exhibition on point

2009-06-22T08:17:00.000-07:00

Last nights' exhibition reception of Fear No Art at the Achilles project in Boston featured some of planet earth's prominent "underground artists" including Marka 27, Problak, and Kenji Nakayama with 13 other artists displaying their creative chops. Combining traditional media, portraiture, 3-D toys-for-adults, and technology, artwork snaked its way through the space molting a call and response aesthetic that celebrates a global urban sensibility. Spectators were awed at the multiple screens playing Wildstyle, wii stations in tables at the boutique-cum-gallery, and open bar ambiance.
Check out the one-month-long exhibition at 283 Summer St, Boston, MA. For more information go to http://www.fearnoart3.blogspot.com/.

Peace series-Collage

2009-06-11T13:18:00.001-07:00

Between 1988 and 1991, I created a series of nine 2-D collages that examined how humanity had approached the peace process from our ancestral origins to the presenbt. I began with the internal life of every individual with the first work entitled “The Descent of the Spirit of War ” to the last entitled “The Lesser Peace.” To Check out my gallery.
(L., "The Lesser Peace # 6")

PEACE MARATHON

2009-06-11T12:57:00.000-07:00

PDP will select three projects from around the world to demonstrate how many individuals and
groups are working for peace. We will change these stories weekly, so stay in touch AND send us your recommendations.[Note: Listing of any organizations, individuals, groups, initiatives, or campaigns is not an endorsement of those individuals or projects.]

1-Boston-based Peacegames keeps the peace

Peacegames is a national Boston-based project that em,powers young choildren to solve problems without violence. With satellite projects in Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York, the partnership between PG and Boston's Cathedral Grammar School, an inner city school, helps students “create their own safe classrooms and communities”. An impact study reports that 84% of teachers state that Peacegames has improved students’ ability to achieve more peaceful approaches to school life. Read more at: www.peacegames.org/

2-A Thousand waves as one: Baha’i Faith most organized, diverse, and peace focused

The recent persecution of Baha’is in Iran in the midst of that nation’s current upheaval is making people ask the question-‘What’s the Baha’i Faith all about?” For information on this newest
world religion, go to: info.bahai.org
Click on ‘A New Vision for Humanity’s Future’ to learn more and study the principles and teachings of the Baha’i Faith and its Prophet-founder, Baha’u’llah. It suggests that our collective future depends upon achieving world unity, embraces “likely the most diverse organized body of people on the planet”, and a focuses on moral behavior and character development as indispensable to world peace.

3-Silverton Foundation plants seeds of social justice that lead to peace

Through U.S. and international grant making SF supports school readiness, transition to college and career, and promotes economic inclusion to foster community awareness and commitment to social enterprise. Groups funded include Citizen Schools, Literacy Coalition of Central Texas, and Boikarabelo Children's Village in South Africa. The latter provides social services and partial funding for the facility in support of educational programming at this village-based HIV\AIDS orphanage (funded through Keep A Child Alive of Brooklyn, NY www.keepachildalive.org). Visit their site at www.silvertonfoundation.org

Join the Peace Doors Project Team-PDP Online

2009-06-10T07:30:00.000-07:00

In my experience around the world, most of us are hungry for peace. Transforming ourselves and our societies from war-like, tribal, and nationalistic to peace-building communities requires daily exercise and attention. The PDP team online is an interactive and global community involved in changing the discourse and staging an international and intergenerational dialogue on making our deeds match our words. We want to involve everyone on planet earth in thinking differently about what we can each do to promote peace, regardless of our religion, class, race, gender. If we live in stable societies we may have the luxury of postponing active engagement with the social justice work that must precede peace.

As director of The Peace Doors Project, I am throwing out a challenge to everyone. The PDP is a plan to build nine monumental "peace doors" at nine sites around the world as a symbolic gesture. The real work of PDP is to create
a positive worldwide movement, young and elder, East and West, North and South to develop programs, activities, and workshops at the "sacred sites" where the doors will be built.
Let there be peace and let it begin with me and you.
Let's hear what you think, what you're doing, and what others are doing in your communities and around he world, that you admire. Far from being 'developing' and 'developed' nations, we are all related in one world, developing a new consciousness of human rights, social justice and peace.