Volunteerism - International Visitor Leadership Program, (pt.1)

Volunteerism is not dead. Volunteerism is alive and well, and will continue to feature as a prominent component of development strategies to ensure social and economic growth worldwide. But more needs to be done to mobilize people into action and to leverage resources for meaningful development. Hence, I want to pause to salute the many unsung heroes who labour in the trenches and also to recognize and applaud the US Department of State for the unwavering commitment to the promotion of volunteerism and the engagement of civil society et al, in order to encourage increased competence and effectiveness in initiatives across countries and regions.

I was recently selected by the US Department of State as the Jamaican representative to participate in the Prestigious International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), to be held in Washington DC April 10-30, 2010. My sincere thanks to the US Embassy, Public Affairs Section for making the recommendation/nomination for my participation in what promises to be a very enriching experience.

I hold the view that sustainable development cannot be discussed neither attained without due engagement of civil society, volunteer organizations, the non-profit sector and charitable foundations as a whole. The value of the ‘bottom up’ approach, and the importance of participation of the ordinary citizen, cannot be overstated, not only to assure civic pride, but to build a socially, economically and politically harmonious globe, one community at a time.

Consequently, a program such as the IVLP, that seeks to bring players together, who share the common idea, that ‘together we can’ make a difference, is welcoming. It is expected that my participation in this prestigious program will ensure that I, as a leader of an organization in the field, can get further hands-on experience and exposure in an environment where best practices will be examined and valuable lessons learnt in an international context.

I further consider this as a tremendous opportunity to expand networks for the Stella Maris Foundation & its constituents, whereby cross fertilization of ideas and possible partnerships can enhance the reach and quality of our work. Finally, as a citizen who is committed to doing my part in improving my community and contributing to local development both at home and regionally, I believe that this program will play a critical part in the continuous development process of effective leadership....

for further details on the IVLP, go to:

http://exchanges.state.gov/ivlp/ivlp.html

To be continued in pt2...

The People

And the rains come again with loads

of vengeance for the poor who dared

to defy building codes.

And the reigns are held again, shared

by politics, shark and pastor,

speaking plans and promises

in the wake of this disaster.

Economic, social, political,
religious or natural disaster;
most affected are The People
hurting now and after.

So we rescue, relief
and reform the grief
and shacks of nameless people;
meetings in rooms
speaking what looms
over faceless people.
We speak of things about,
and stand and show our clout,
on Boards that run mouth
on behalf of voiceless people.

But, who is talking to The People?

We make plans, hold hands and take stands
for the people;
but who is holding hands and taking stands
with The People?

We give aid and get paid to work for the people;
but who gives aid and pays and really work for The People?
We teach and feed mouths in seminars held about the People;
but who feeds and teaches and make sure it reaches The People?

Economic, social, political
religious or natural disaster;
most affected are The People
hurting now and after.

So when we meet and greet to eat and exude
confidence, speaking for the people;
let us seek to meet and not exclude
the voice and will of The People.

Wisdom ... Let us seek her in 2010 and beyond

We have always heard that 'experience teaches wisdom'. With that, I cannot disagree.

However, Wisdom does not always require many years, but always requires much humility and patience. Because, it is in being humble & patient that one is able to observe, evaluate & learn; and it is in being able to learn and appreciate the new or the 'other', that one is able to comprehend or empathize. With empathy, humility and patience, great and ordinary men alike can demonstrate the rare combination of valor, resoluteness and prudence that wise leadership & general conduct requires. Let Patience & Humility be the preeminent companions for your Passion & Ambition. Permit Humility and Patience to enable you to learn, even from the most unlikely person, group or circumstance.

Finally, notwithstanding Passion & Ambition, strive to be patient and humble, so that you can learn the art of wisdom to guide you through crises or triumph.