1999 Message from Peggy Dulany, Founder and Chair of Synergos

I would like to think that Synergos, like the English derivative of the Greek word, synergy--meaning working together-- is helping to create a change that is greater than the sum of its own parts.

Although we have remained a small organization, with the support of our partners, board, donors, Senior Fellows, International Advisory Council and others, we have been able to have a great impact on global poverty.

The key, I believe, is spreading a desire to bridge the multiple gaps that divide humans from one another, separate humanity from the planet and even separate ourselves from critical aspects of our souls. Our hope is that a much more positive change will result through our networks and commitment to our partnerships.

Those who have tried to build partnerships know how difficult it can be. We must identify the problems to be solved, find common interest, and assure all those at stake are invited to the table to strategize against the resultant sabotage that often occurs, thus, building effective working relationships across groups with different power, levels, ways of thinking, interests and motivations.

Synergos places primary emphasis on alleviating poverty and bridging the gap between the rich and poor. In order to accomplish this, many other gaps must be bridged: across sectors, cultures, nations, ethnic groups, religious and ideological beliefs.

At Synergos, we learn from and with others about how partnerships work; we continuously share what we have learned with organizations in different parts of the world so that we may help human beings approach problem-solving in a networking, partnership-building and trust-building approach.

If we can play some role in reducing poverty, we will be able to create the synergies that would make us worthy of our name. For these synergies are what will ultimately make it possible to alleviate poverty as well as to resolve many other problems that keep us divided from each other, from ourselves and from our planet.