|
|
Head of State visit: President of Iceland
The Future of Climate Change, the Economy, & Energy
Friday, December 11, 2009
11:30am: Walk-in registration/networking
12 to 1:15pm: Program
Athletic Club of Columbus
The New York Times described Iceland as "a sort of test case of what can
happen to a mostly middle-class country that collapses economically
almost overnight." This on the heels of the global economic recession that prompted the nationalization of the country's banks and a bailout from the International Monetary Fund. Arguably, Iceland can also serve as an exemplary case study on the future of green energy. It is blessed with abundant natural resources which provide geothermal power for citizens' electric and heating needs. Yet it has also invested in an aggressive strategy to change the way vehicles are fueled, using hydroelectric power. Come and learn from President Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson about Iceland's prospects for economic recovery and its lessons for the world.
Register online or
by phone with Rhonda Nicholas, 614-229-4599 ext. 401.
|
December 9 -Information here
From Irish to Somali, the story of immigration to Columbus
January 12 - Register online
Human Trafficking: In Ohio, In Our World
February 8 - Register online
Thirst for Power: The Global Nexus of Energy & Water
March 9 - Register online (individuals only)
2010 International Awards Ceremony
For company/group sponsorship opportunities, contact Rhonda Nicholas at 614-229-4599
| |
President of Somalia: education key to peace
Head of State visit to Columbus one of three stops in US
 Sharif Sheik Ahmed's visit was a chance for him to see the progress being made by members of the Somali Diaspora in their new home. It was also a forum for sharing his hopes for the future of Somalia -- a positive outcome he said is reliant on help from Central Ohioans, and the American public at large.
Somalia
needs policies and resources that strengthen the education system
there. This is essential in combatting terrorism, according to Ahmed, who added that young
people have been "taken advantage of by people who are against the
government, who believe in extremist ideologies, and...are holding
the country at ransom." ...Read the full account on our website!
READ an article produced by graduates of our very own Somali journalism
program (for high school students) and posted online in partnership with the Columbus Dispatch in their NOW section for kids;
|
Nominate your favorite teacher!
International Educator of the Year award
You have until December 16 to nominate, or self-nominate, an
 individual for recognition at CCWA's annual International Awards Ceremony. The nomination form simply asks for basic contact information; the full nominee submission is due January 2. Each candidate's instructional focus should satisfy elements of "International Education," which is defined as providing and/or creating:
a. Global Context: Students see and experience relationships among themselves, their communities and the world. Issues are not seen as existing in a vacuum, but within a complex, dynamic web.
b. Global Content: Students learn about the geography, history, economics and culture of other world regions. They can communicate in more than one language. Standards are internationally benchmarked, and assessments are aligned.
c. Global Thinkers: Students think critically and creatively across disciplines, manage complexity, embrace technology and value diversity. They can work effectively in cross-cultural environments, using information from sources around the world.
d. Global Systems: Ohio's education system is benchmarked against the highest performing systems in the world. Ohio educators are connected to communities of practice that extend around the globe and that bring innovative ideas and practices to our schools.
Nomination information can be accessed on our website.
|
Acculturation through journalism
Summer program helps kids succeed
 For five weeks in July and August, 25 youth (ages 14 to 18) were immersed in an exploration of the career of journalism. The Columbus Council on World Affairs provided daily instruction in the fundamentals of news reporting, plus some theoretical discussion of the role of a free press in a democracy. The program included field trips and guest speakers to keep things interesting for the young interns. Hearing the experiences and insights of many different professionals -- from what motivates them to what they like the least and most about their jobs -- broadened the students' understanding of work life in the US. Additionally, the format was a timely and relevant way to expose them to global content regarding environmental sustainability, workplace diversity, and much more. Through their work as journalism interns, the students had to interact with many different interviewees -- sharpening their communication skills, English enunciation, and building their confidence. They were also expected to perform daily tasks that resemble what they will be asked to do in an American workplace.
Two student graduates from this program went on to cover CCWA's recent Head of State visit, featuring the President of Somalia (one is shown in the photo below, asking a question at the press coference). Thanks to a partnership with the Columbus Dispatch, their learning was extended to hundreds of kid readers who visited the NOW for kids website! You may email Stephanie Calondis Geiger to request a PDF of the student newspaper Aayo Ifis. Special thanks to our partner, Helping Africans in New Directions, and to Kiwanis of Columbus for its sponsorship of a mini-grant to be applied to this program.
|
CCWA series approach benefits community
The Council has strategically defined its programming priorities for the 2009/2010 year. These priorities are highlighted in various symposium series, including Women in International Affairs, Global Health, Current Events and Global Sustainability. The series approach allows us to focus these symposia both in content (e.g. speakers, auxiliary activities) and delivery (e.g. targeted marketing, outreach). Each Series involves an Advisory Group comprised of CCWA staff and board members, but most importantly, community leaders. By engaging the community in shaping the content of these programs, we can better assure that the Council is addressing the needs of our city, maximizing current and potential resources, collaborating with other organizations, and providing a level of continuity beyond one event. In this way, the ideas presented by renowned global thinkers and leaders create momentum for local action.
 We are currently engaged in a Sustainability Series thanks to support from Battelle. Our first of these programs featured Andy Savitz, author of The Triple Bottom Line. This event was held at the Grange Audubon Center, a model of sustainable building and a destination for migratory birds from around the world. The symposium was open to our general membership and the public and it was bookmarked by related youth forum activites.
To see video or chat about content presented at our recent Global Health Series -- made possible by Cardinal Health -- please visit our Vimeo channel, blog, and/or the event archive on our website.
|
Thank you to our support network
Without help from volunteers and community partners, our small staff could not deliver on CCWA's mission. We'll think of them while enjoying green bean casserole with family and friends this holiday. Here are just a few from recent months:
Interns
Tyler Adams - did a little bit of everything, with unique flair Lar Hartigan - sought out speakers for the Great Decisions series John Jakmides - braved a weekend at the Global Issues Retreat
Ashley McAtee - crafted thoughtful blog entries
Support staff
Amanda Linnabary - brought a contagious optimism to our office and worked to bring in new members
Volunteers
Barbara Baressi - oriented students to ethical decision-making
Vasudha Garg - compiles research and materials behind-the-scenes
Dianne Keller-Smith - shared her newsroom prowess with students
Joan Moore - an event regular who helps registration run smoothly
There are many more to thank and we will feature them in subsequent communications and on our website.
|
Iran's democratization
Young people lead the way forward
 Dr. Richard Herrmann is an expert on international security who said at our recent symposium that in the case of Iran, the United States should proceed to "emphasize the need for democracy more and emphasize the nuclear issue less." By adhering to this basic mantra, he feels that many U.S objectives for the region will be achieved. The way to accomplish this is by supporting the reformers and regime changers who have emerged in Iran's recent post-election backlash as "groups to watch," according to Herrmann. These are 1. women and 2. twenty-something men. Read more and comment on our blog!
|
Take advantage of CCWA membership deals
A membership is a tax-deductible investment in Columbus Council on World Affairs educational programs, but it is also a value to you!
We hope you will enjoy two current promotions:
1. Existing members who purchase a gift membership to CCWA in December can attend their next symposium for free!
2. Become a new member in November or December and you may attend one free symposium.
For details, contact Rhonda Nicholas. |
Great Decisions announces new topics
Volunteers needed to finish out 2009 series!
The Foreign Policy Association, our partner in delivering the Great Decisions program to senior centers around Central Ohio, has announced the discussion topics for 2010. CCWA will need knowledgeable presenters on the following themes:
Special envoys
Kenya and R2P
Global crime
U.S.-China security relations
Global financial crisis
Russia and its neighbors
Persian Gulf
Peace building and conflict resolution
If you have expertise on any of these topics and would like to volunteer one hour of time to make it understandable for local seniors, please contact our Director of Community Programs, Maria Bowman, at 614-229-4599, ext. 402.
We are also in need to volunteer speakers for a few remaining opportunities on 2009's featured issues, specifically "Energy & the US Economy" and "The Arctic."
|
Congratulations Mildred Chavous
CCWA founder to receive Distinguished Service Award
At the time of our organization's founding, Mildred Chavous was instrumental. Along with her husband Jarret, she helped create a plan for addressing our community's need for informed discourse about globally prominent and locally relevant issues. We applaud her as she accepts the Distinguished Service Award from The Ohio State University on December 13.
|
Items of interest to importers, exporters, and aspiring entrepreneurs
The US Department of Commerce Commercial Service Great Lakes division coordinates trade missions, webinars, and other resources to help Central Ohioans establish and sustain businesses in overseas markets. A selection of upcoming opportunities will allow entrepreneurs to evaluate prospects in Singapore, Senegal and South Africa. A webinar series called "Trade Winds 2010: The Americas" began November 16 and will run through March 15. This webinar series is an opportunity
for new and experienced exporters to gain knowledge of the export opportunities,
financing options and best prospects in The Americas region as well as
to understand and appreciate the cultural differences, economic conditions
and technological capabilities of potential partners.
More details at http://www.buyusa.gov/westvirginia/twws.html.
Test your Global IQ now!
The William J. Clinton Foundation has put together a 10 question online quiz designed to test your knowledge of major global issues. After you take the quiz $1 will be donated to the Foundation, which works to resolve these challenges. Take the quiz at www.clintonfoundation.org/iqquiz.
Immigration Legal Remedies for Survivors of Crimes
This two-day introductory level course on December 8 & 9 (co-sponsored by Catholic Legal Immigration Network and Community Refugee and Immigration Services), covers immigration law and practice pointers for representing immigrant survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking in persons and other violent crimes. Attorneys Julia Alanen and Susan Schreiber will describe the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) self-petitioning requirements and processing with CIS, VAWA adjustment of status and waivers, U nonimmigrant visas and adjustment requirements, and a brief introduction to trafficking in persons and the T visa. The training method combines a balance of lecture, interactive exercises and the use of mock case files to demonstrate application of the law. The training is intended for the staff of community-based organizations with IRS 501(c) (3) status, and attorneys and legal worker staff of private law offices. For more information visit: http://www.clinicle gal.org/calendar /2009/oct/ 14/immigration- legal-remedies- survivors- crimes.
China Town Hall event
Merson Center for International Security Studies will co-host a two-part lecture and webcast event on December 8. Featured speakers will address Ohio revitalization strategies through partnerships with China and an examination of the bi-lateral issues between our two nations. For details on this and other upcoming Mershon events, see http://mershoncenter.osu.edu/.
Opportunity to take a trip overseas with Grameen Foundation
Through its recently-created Ingenuity Fund Challenge, Grameen has set up a fundraising format for individual citizens to raise money in support of microfinance. From November 2009 through February 2010, Challenge participants will develop compelling, creative personal fundraising pages on Grameen Foundation's website, and raise awareness of and funds for Grameen Foundation's work through personal networks, social media and other offline activities. The participant judged to have the most creative, ingenious web page and outreach effort will win the grand prize of an overseas field visit. For more details see: http://www.grameenfoundation.org/take-action/ingenuity-fund-challenge.
Ohio State University offers online course in Teaching World Cultures
EDU T&L 883d Teaching World Cultures and Global Issues will be taught in Winter 2010. Instruction and collaboration occurs totally online (no coming to campus). This three credit hour graduate course prepares teachers to use online (and other resources) from Africa, East Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and Slavic and Eastern Europe to teach diverse cultures, world history and literature, and global issues. A focus of the course is learning about other cultures and the global status quo through the knowledge, voices, and experiences of diverse people around the world. Includes online
cross-cultural interaction with educators in other countries. For more information see http://people.ehe.ohio-state.edu/mmerryfield/ or email the instructor, Merry Merryfield at merryfield.1@osu.edu .
EdSteps: A Call for Work Demonstrating Global Competency
EdSteps seeks work done by students and professionals from the U.S. and around the world that demonstrates global competency: the knowledge, skills and disposition to understand and act creatively on issues of global significance. EdSteps will publish the work online to show examples of global competency at various levels of expertise. Once the work is published, it will help teachers strengthen instruction and better evaluate student work and provide examples for students to help them strive for greater achievement. More details at the EdSteps website.
| |
|
|
|
|
|
