Sunday, December 28, 2008

Rothschild Fellows Program: Dialogue & Social Entrepreneurship

The Ariane de Rothschild Fellows Program: Dialogue & Social Entrepreneurship aims to develop a network of social entrepreneurs with an interest in fostering a culture of mutual respect and dialogue among Jewish and Muslim communities. In a multi-layered approach, the program blends three educational components: an innovative and action-driven social entrepreneurship program; training in cross-cultural dialogue and leadership; and exposure to state-of-the-art scholarship.

Participants need to demonstrate their interest in and commitment to sustainable civic engagement. An interest in building social enterprises and a willingness to engage both in authentic and effective dialogue will be the keys to successful participation in the program.

A social entrepreneur is a type of entrepreneur who relies on innovation to improve the world through market solutions. Social entrepreneurs use their skills and creativity to try and solve an urgent social problem, with the goal being to make a positive impact.

There will be no specific sector focus. These enterprises can be either revenue-generating or not for profit, but as much as possible we would like to attract social entrepreneurs striving for financial autonomy and with proven achievements.

Content

This program will be highly interactive and intensive. Prior to the program, the Fellows will complete a 360-degree assessment, which will provide valuable feedback toward understanding their role as an agent of change. Each Fellow will receive individual, private coaching to interpret the assessment results, and will then learn how to apply this information to achieve personal and professional goals.

Cambridge scholars will provide historical and cultural background to current affairs, with the support of dedicated course tutors. Significant resources will be devoted to classroom dialogue and project work. The program will also encompass extracurricular cultural activites in New York City.

Program details
This two-week program is conducted in English and is delivered at Columbia Business School in collaboration with Cambridge University's Center for History and Economics and Woolf Institute - Center for Muslim-Jewish Relations.

Acceptance to the program is by application only. Selected Fellows will be invited to the program in New York City in July 2009, inclusive of travel, lodging and some meals.

Benefits of the program
* Learn how to be a successful agent of change
* Understand the leadership role and its impact on others
* Use specific tools, frameworks and diagnostics to identify personal and organizational issues and challenges
* Gain knowledge in management, negotiations, accounting, finance, marketing, governance and other fields of business
* Become more skilled in building a successful social enterprise
* Learn to appreciate and apply cross-cultural dialogue
* Experience scholarship and debates across and within participants' respective communities
* Build a deep and far-reaching network

Eligibility
* Social entrepreneurs who have already created their organization and are engaged in the early stages of development (one to four years) and who are interested in fostering a culture of mutual respect and dialogue among Jewish and Muslim communities.
* Eligible participants must reside in the US, UK, and/or France, or operate their venture from these countries.
* In exceptional cases we will also consider individuals with an outstanding background in social activities even if they have not created a legal entity, per se.

APPLY HERE


Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Bringing One Laptop per Child to Colombia: TED in the Field

I love the way TED guys think. They surprise me by doing wonderful things. Here is an example of a new initiative by them: TED in the Field. This new series on TED.com offers updates from past speakers and updates from new speakers, products, and ideas. It is good to know how the TED speakers do the great things they talk about.

This time TED follows Nicholas Negroponte to Colombia as he delivers laptops inside territory once controlled by guerrillas. His partner? Colombia's Defense Department, who see One Laptop per Child as an investment in the region. (And you too can get involved.)

Check out the video:

AID-India Annual Conference, Dec 26-28, Bangalore

The Annual Conference of AID-India (http://aidindia.org) is being held in Bangalore from Friday December 26 to Sunday December 28, 2008. It will involve accomplished social activists, field workers and researchers, apart from volunteers from chapters around the
world.Topics as diverse as globalization, gender equality, climate change, free software, communalism/terrorism and agriculture will be
deliberated upon, under the guidance of eminent speakers.

The objective the conference is two fold: to share the outstanding work of many change agents to a wider audience and to better-equip the existing/potential change makers in taking on the challenges that lie on the path of just and sustainable development.

Venue:
Indian Social Institute (ISI)
, 24, Benson Road, Benson Town, Bangalore 560046.
Phone: 080 - 23536189/23536364/23536960
.
Details and registration:
Visit http://conference.aidindia.org or call Guru 98452 94184 (Note that you need not register a-priory to attend the conference).

Lots of interesting topics and speakers. Check out the Schedule.

-
Thanks to Pulkit for forwarding this.

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Grassroutes: Sponsored Road-Trip + Opportunity to Change the World

A unique fellowship program that combines the adrenaline rush of a road-trip across India with the ways to understand (first-hand) the problems that plague our nation.

http://grassroutes.in

Grassroutes Fellowship Program sponsors teams of adventurous, passionate young people in India on their road-trips to discover change-makers at the grassroots and understand first-hand the problems that plague our nation.

From their journeys, these social journalists will bring back stories of ideas, inspiration and change, that we believe will get the rest of us thinking of ways in which we can do our bit.

Check out the video to know more.

Monday, December 22, 2008

Atlas Corps Enters Finals of IdeaBlob Contest - Vote for us NOW

Atlas Corps is in the Finals of the IdeaBlob Contest. Thanks to all of you who voted!

We now need the last favor from you. Even if you voted before, Atlas Corps need you to vote this week to win $20,000 - http://tinyurl.com/58c5vz.

My Idea

First-time voters are eligible to register and vote too, so recruit friends and family to help Atlas Corps rock the vote. The December showdown takes place from December 22 to December 31 at midnight.

If Atlas Corps has the most votes when the clock strikes 2009, we win $20,000!
http://tinyurl.com/58c5vz

For more information, check out this video!

CRY - Photography for Child Rights Initiative

Photography is one of those creative media that has often captured people's issues and taken them to a broader audience. Many photographers have used their skill and their interest to bring to light the issues of marginalized groups. For instance, the struggle of victims of the Bhopal gas tragedy has been imprinted on the minds of many due to the dedication and commitment of several photographers. This initiative hopes to infuse in photography enthusiasts / journalists / professional photographers, perspectives that enable the use of photography for child rights.

Why form a CRY Photographers' Collective?
* To create a pool of photography enthusiasts who will use photography for Child Rights
* To nurture and encourage initiatives by a cross section of people to campaign for Child Rights through the medium of photography
* To document Child Rights issues in any one area or on any one issue
* To create photo essays and photo documentaries to mobilize people for Child Rights

What will the CRY Photographers' Collective do?
* Participate in a workshop on Child Rights and Photography conducted by a Resource Person sourced by CRY
* Work with a collective of like-minded photography enthusiasts
* Document any one child rights issue along with the group
* Participate in online sharings of photographs and feedback
* Innovate ways to broadbase the initiative and work with each other to ensure this is a sustainable programme

What you, as a participant in the CRY Photographers' Collective may expect:
* Resource persons who are professional photographers, who will anchor and mentor the group
* At least one workshop on how one can use photography for Child Rights
* An online forum will be established to share photos, critiques, comments, issue updates and shooting experiences, which will facilitate communication among different groups formed by Resource Persons
* Selected photographs will be used in CRY communication material. If photo essays/ features emerge, plans for dissemination will be evolved by CRY to maximize impact

For more details and to download application form for participation, visit http://www.cry.org/general/PhotographyforChildRights.html


Friday, December 19, 2008

Give the Gift of Change

Ashoka lunched a new membership initiative today. Check it out.



Give the Gift of Change through an Ashoka Co-Venturer Membership and the recipient will enjoy 8 postcards and a year of Good Magazine. Membership starts at $35. For details, visit www.ashoka.org/membership

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Where Would I Be?

Sometimes I wonder if its all worth while, if I’ll ever make it.
Sometimes I think that my dreams won’t ever come true.
With everyday that passes, I know there is another clue.

Sometimes things are right under my nose, And all I had to do is look.
Sometimes all I want is to save a rose, And then just go on with my life.

Sometimes I wonder why life takes such unexpected turns, Then I realize, this is my life. If I had not taken these trails, Where would I be?



A really beautiful message from the Pravs World team. Many times when I am alone, I feel the same. Away from my country and friends and family, with a dream to change the world, I have set out to carve my own path, and sometimes I wonder whether I am following the right trail. Anyways, check it out :)

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

"Gimme Shelter" | UNHCR

Today UNHCR launched the "Gimme Shelter" at a high profile event supported by Ben Affleck at the United Nations in New York.

Actor-director Ben Affleck and Sir Mick Jagger released the short film to highlight the plight of hundreds of thousands of people forced from their homes in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and shows how UNHCR works on behalf of uprooted people around the world.

The fundraising goal of the `Gimme Shelter' campaign is to help raise US $23 million for the UN Refugee Agency - UNHCR in 2009 to help pay for clean water and emergency humanitarian assistance kits in the region. The video is set to the Rolling Stones' song, "Gimme Shelter," which Sir Mick Jagger donated for use by the campaign.





Please help them and get involved. You're just a click away!

YouTube
You can view and rate the films on You Tube!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4GYjZszsCDQ
YouTube is promoting the video on their featured videos page.

MySpace
Visit UNHCR's MySpace profile page - watch the film and post a
message: http://www.myspace.com/unhcr
MySpace is promoting the video on their Impact, celebrity and film sites.

Landing Page
Visit the new UNHCR Gimme Shelter landing page www.unhcrshelter.org
and write your message of support.

Facebook
Go to UNHCR's Facebook page and watch the video or donate your statues
to the campaign: http://www.facebook.com/pages/UNHCR/13204463437

UNHCR is asking Facebook users to change their status messages:
[Your name] is donating her / his status to UNHCR - watch Ben
Affleck's 'Gimme Shelter' film at http://www.unhcr.org

Join our Facebook cause
Join the Gimme Shelter cause:
http://apps.facebook.com/causes/175802?m=9ba1f9c6

Donate
Please donate to the "Gimme Shelter" appeal. Visit
http://www.unhcr.org to make your donation.

Flickr
View the photos on Flickr:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/unhcr/collections/72157608878259299/

Twitter
Keep up-to-date with information direct from the UNHCR staff officers
in the DRC: http://twitter.com/refugees

 
.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

2009 Growing Up CEO - Call for Nominations!

The Initiative for a Competitive Inner City (ICIC) is now accepting nominations and applications for the 2009 Growing Up CEO program, a program which celebrates the remarkable achievements of young men and women leading inner city companies across the country and around the world.

Each year, twenty-five US and five international CEOs, all under the age of 21, are chosen as winners of this unique award. As Growing Up CEOs, these young leaders receive an all expenses paid trip to Boston for the Inner City 100 Summit and join a community where they can network, share best practices, and develop new ideas about entrepreneurship.
If you know of an outstanding young CEO who deserves to be recognized, please click
here. The deadline for US nominations is December 31, 2008 (International nominations- Dec. 1). Nominations will not be accepted after this date.

If you are an outstanding young CEO who wants to build your network and your company, please click
here. Applications will not be accepted after the deadline. All international applicants must have a valid passport at the time of application.

Deadlines:
January 31, 2009- US applicants
December 31, 2008- International applicants & US nominations

http://www.icic.org/site/c.fnJNKPNhFiG/b.3441497/k.907D/Growing_Up_CEO.htm

 

Want more information about scholarships, programs, and grants? Many more are listed on GenV.net. Check out the following links: Opportunities for Venturers and Grants and Scholarship Opportunities for Venturers.

Monday, December 15, 2008

Atlas Corps: Help us win $20,000


Ref: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCc5TNjcmIQ

With two minutes of your time you can help Atlas Corps win $20,000! Just Register and Vote Here -
http://ideablob.com/ideas/3995--Atlas-Service-Corps-good-idea

Check out "Davos Debates" on YouTube

Geneva, Switzerland, 15 December 2008 - The World Economic Forum has chosen to open the debates on the key issues facing our world today to the general public. YouTube users are invited to send in their solutions and suggestions for the key issues facing us today such as the state of the economy, the environment, US politics and business ethics. The four questions for public discussion are:

1) Are you confident that global growth will be restored in 2009?
2) Will the environment lose out to the economy in 2009?
3) Will the Obama administration improve the state of the world in 2009?
4) Should company executives have a code of ethics similar to doctors and lawyers?

The winning entry on YouTube gets the unique chance to attend the Annual Meeting in Davos.

Last date - 20th Jan 2009

Check out YouTube - thedavosquestion's Channel for more details

Sunday, December 14, 2008

What the Atlas Corps Fellowship Can Do For You - 1

I remember when I was filling out my application form for the Atlas Corps, I had some expectations that I wished the fellowship could fulfill. In this blog post, I would like to share what Atlas Corps Fellowship did to me over last 3 months.

Personal Growth
My learning curve started the day I got the news about being selected for the fellowship. I remember my mother called up and suggested me to learn cooking and also told me a couple of recipes to try. 3 months into the fellowship, I can prepare more than 15-20 different types of recipes, and I already have developed a few fans for my food. At a recent Thanksgiving Pot-luck lunch in Youth Venture office, a lot of people liked the “Kheer” (rice pudding) that I prepared :).

Another learning is that I have started managing my time in a better way. There is so much to do and so less time that you got to be efficient. You have to wake up really early and go to office. After coming back from work, you got to finish your errands (laundry, cleaning, preparing food, etc). Within the same time, you also need to attend professional events and conferences, meet people, talk to your family and friends back home, catch up with your friends in new country, etc. Don't worry if you are very bad at managing time, even I was, but after being here, I have certainly improved.

Other than that there have been a lot of learning on individualistic level. I hope each of the Atlas fellow has learned something new and worthy by being a part of this fellowship. I will share more views about "professional growth" in my next post. Till then have a look at a my what all I can make at my new recipe blog - Quick Indian Recipes.

Photo: Thanksgiving Potluck Lunch at Youth Venture

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Apply now for Clintong Global Initiative - Univ 2009

See a message from CGI Team.


We are excited to announce the launch of the Clinton Global Initiative University (CGI U) 2009 student application! President Clinton will host the second Annual Meeting of CGI U at the University of Texas at Austin from February 13 – 15, 2009.  

Building upon the success of CGI U 2008 in New Orleans, this meeting will bring together even more young leaders, university presidents, and activists to address pressing global challenges in the areas of education, energy & climate change, global health, human rights & peace, and poverty alleviation.  

If you are a college or university student, President Clinton wants you to join him and hundreds of students from around the world in Austin to make a difference. Apply now and tell your friends about this exciting opportunity! The deadline for early decision applications is November 7, 2008. The final deadline for applications is December 12, 2008. Attending CGI U is FREE, and travel assistance is available for those who qualify.

To learn more about this process, log on to CGIU.org

Commit to making a difference and APPLY TODAY.  We hope to see you in Austin!

Sincerely,

Keisha Senter
Director, CGI U
 

 

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Monday, December 1, 2008

Tata Jagriti Yatra starts Dec 28 - Register Now



Tata Jagriti Yatra '08 (December 24th 2008 - January 11th, 2009) is an annual train journey that will take 350 of India's highly motivated youth (with some participation of international students) between the ages of 18-25 on a eighteen day national odyssey, introducing them to unsung heroes of India. The aim is to awaken the spirit of entrepreneurship - both social and economic - within India's youth by exposing them to individuals and institutions that are developing unique solutions to India's challenges. Through this national event we will inspire them to lead and develop institutions nationally and within their communities.

Find out more about Tata Jagriti Yatra and how you can get involved.