Above photo: Egypt, one of the five places in which Synergos is supporting social entrepreneurs through our Arab World Social Innovators program.

ABOUT THE COMMONS

The name The Commons comes from the English and early American term  “commons,” which was an area of shared land, which the entire community could use for public discussions, local events or even grazing livestock.

The newsletter that bears this name has been created to keep the entire Synergos family of supporters and friends informed about our work. We send out an updated version each quarter that covers our partnership and network activities, as well as other organizational happenings that we think might interest you.

If you have any recommendations for what we can do to make this newsletter of better service to you, please contact Alex Dolan at adolan@synergos.org.

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NOTES FROM THE FIELD

Arab World Social Innovators Program Selects First Class

Synergos has launched a new network to recognize and support social entrepreneurs in the Middle East and North Africa. The Arab World Social Innovators Program has selected 22 social innovators from Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco and Palestine, who are all working to address poverty and social inequality in the region.

Social innovators are pioneers of change within their communities who offer new ideas, creative approaches and promising solutions to pressing social and economic problems through education, microenterprise, social justice and arts and culture. Synergos will facilitate peer learning among members of the group, and provide professional development, mentorships, financial resources and strategic connections to help the Arab World Social Innovators strengthen their projects to reach more people and make greater social impacts.

“In this program, Synergos aims to support those who are already making social change take the next step and make their organizations more effective and sustainable,” said Robert H. Dunn, President and CEO of Synergos. “We also believe these leaders will partner with others to strengthen civil society throughout the region and collaborate across sectors to promote economic and social progress.”

The new class of 22 Arab World Social Innovators are:

• Ali Abu Awwad (Palestine) is promoting non-violent practices among those who wish to create social change.
• Aref Husseini (Palestine) is introducing new tools and approaches in education to cultivate young scientific minds and critical thinkers.
• Eslam el-Dawy (Egypt) is reviving traditional Berber handicrafts to create income opportunities and preserve local culture.
• Ezzat Naem (Egypt) is helping provide economic opportunities for garbage collectors in Cairo.
• Gamal M. Kamal el-Din (Egypt) is introducing new technology to increase production for sugar cane farmers.
• Jehad H.F. Shejaeya (Palestine) is helping promote access to education by raising funds to help students with financial needs attend university.
• Kamal Mouzawak (Lebanon) is supporting small farmers and preserving organic agricultural traditions through local farmers markets.
• Mohammed K.T. Zaid al-Kilany (Palestine) is allowing greater access to employment opportunities through mobile phone technology.
• Nureddin Amro (Palestine) is working to promote integrated education for the visually handicapped.
• Paul Abi Rached (Lebanon) is producing music and carrying out educational programs for youth that helps teach environmental conservation.
• Rabee Zureikat (Jordan) is using “voluntourism” and microenterprise to build awareness and improve conditions in marginalized communities.
• Raghda el-Ebrashi (Egypt) is empowering communities to find their own locally rooted solutions to overcome poverty.
• Rami Mehdawi (Palestine) is creating an Internet-based social networking platform to promote open dialogue around social issues.
• Ramzi Odah (Palestine) is creating “youth parliaments” to help groom a future generation of Palestinian leaders.
• Rana Dajani (Jordan) is creating a library in local neighborhoods to foster a love of reading among Jordanian children.
• Saadia Zrira (Morocco) is finding sustainable solutions to poverty and environmental degradation in rural Morocco through the cultivation of indigenous plants.
• Sameh el-Halawany (Egypt) is using art to transform and preserve culturally unique neighborhoods in Egypt.
• Tamer Anis (Egypt) is helping change perceptions and secure rights for the deaf and mute.
• Wafa Zerrouki (Morocco) is helping women break the cycle of poverty through traditional handicraft.
• Younes Naoumi (Morocco) is motivating the growing population of youth to become active participants for social change in their communities.
• Yousef al-Deek (Palestine) is building a culture of cinema in Palestine to reaffirm national identity, and build social cohesion.
• Zeinab al-Momany (Jordan) is promoting rural development for women through agricultural cooperatives.

The Program is funded by the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and private donors, and is overseen by a Regional Advisory Committee comprised of prominent women and men, many of whom are leading examples of social entrepreneurs in the Arab world. The members of the Regional Advisory Committee include:

• Deema Bibi, Injaz, Jordan
• Ilhan Zhiri, Association of Women Entrepreneurs, Morocco
• Iman Bibars, Ashoka, Egypt
• Marwan Awartani, Universal Education Foundation, Palestine
• Mona Zulfikar, Shalakany Law Office, Egypt
• Mounir Mabsout, American University of Beirut, Lebanon
• Sabah Al-Haj, Management Plus S.A.R.L, Lebanon
• Sam Bahour, Applied Information Management, Palestine
• Samar Dudin, Takween Open Spaces for Enlightenment and Creativity, Jordan
.

For more information on any of the above Social Innovators, visit www.synergos.org/socialinnovators/.

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Senior Fellows Announces Class of 2009

Synergos has selected seven exceptional nonprofit leaders as new members of the Senior Fellows Network. These leaders join 100 other Senior Fellows from more than 30 countries.

The Senior Fellows are distinguished social innovators, mostly from the Global South, who are driving forward innovative poverty-reducing programs. The Senior Fellows Network links them to a worldwide learning and action network, thus creating a laboratory for proven innovators to expand their work. For 2009, the new class of Fellows includes the following distinguished leaders. Full bios and other information is online at www.synergos.org/fellows/.

• Marwan Awartani is Secretary-General of the Universal Education Foundation, an advocacy organization that promotes the holistic development of children.
• Maryam Bibi is founder and Chief Executive of Khwendo Kor, a grassroots nongovernmental organization that works directly with the village women, men, children and youth groups in northwestern Pakistan.
• Martin Burt is Chairman and CEO of Fundación Paraguaya, the first organization of its kind in Paraguay with a mission to promote financial literacy and economic and entrepreneurial education.
• Lily Liu is Country Director for Marie Stopes International China, which provides reproductive health education and HIV prevention and care in nine provinces of China.
• Narciso Matos is Executive Director of the Foundation for Community Development in Mozambique, a community grantmaking organization founded by Graça Michel, widow of Mozambique´s first president.
• Janet Mbene is Executive Director of MWENGO, a private voluntary association of nongovernmental organizations in east and southern African countries that focus on gender, children and youth, trade, land issues, the environment, and human rights.
• Andrés Thompson is Program Director for Latin America and the Caribbean at the Kellogg Foundation, with responsibilities that cover northeast Brazil.

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University for a Night Honors Queen Rania of Jordan and Fazle Abed of BRAC

In September, Synergos hosted the 11th University for a Night at New York City´s Lincoln Center. More than 350 leaders came together to learn from each other about how to make deeper impacts in global poverty. The event raises funds for Synergos´ work and also brings together leaders of business, government, civil society and concerned philanthropists. This year´s event also honored two individuals whose work represents what the evening is all about -- building collaboration among different sectors of society. Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan and

Fazle Hasan Abed of Bangladesh, Founder and Chairperson, BRAC received the 2008 David Rockefeller Bridging Leadership Awards. Mr. Rockefeller was on hand to help present the award.

In accepting her award, Queen Rania described the efforts of Jordanian business leaders, civic groups, teachers and families in improving education in her country.  Mr. Abed talked about the way in which BRAC, one of the largest nongovernmental organizations in the world, has attained tremendous scale in its work on health, education and economic development in Bangladesh and other countries.  Nobel Laureate Wangari Maathai, Founder of the Green Belt Movement, and Jeff Skoll, Founding President of eBay and Founder and Chairman of the Skoll Foundation and of Participant Media, also shared their experiences, talking about how they each got started in development work and how partnerships have played a role in their successes.  

A transcript of the event´s plenary and awards sessions, video highlights, photos and a complete listing of table discussion topics are available online at www.universityfornanight.org. Instituto Rukha was the event underwriter.

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Namibia Initiative Focuses on Maternal and Child Health

In Namibia, the African Public Health Leadership and Systems Innovation Initiative has chosen to focus its work on maternal and child health. Specifically, the Initiative will try to address the alarmingly high rates of maternal and child mortality in the country. The maternal mortality rate has risen recently to an estimated 449 per 100,000 live births, among the highest in the world.

The focus on maternal and child health emerged from a system-wide assessment of the Namibian public health system conducted earlier this year, and from consultations with key local stakeholders, including senior government leadership. The African Public Health Leadership Initiative began in early 2008 and operates from Synergos´ office in Windhoek, Namibia, in collaboration with a growing network of local public health leaders and international partners.

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Canada´s Aboriginal Leadership Initiative Will Launch New Projects

Ahp-cii-uk (pronounced AHP-see-yook), the Aboriginal Leadership Initiative on Vancouver Island, Canada, is launching new projects to improve their communities, in partnership with corporate and government partners. The projects include a community longhouse, a multi-purpose lodge to serve the local fishing and logging industries, a spiritual wellness center, an artisans´ market, and a walking trail that is an effort to both build eco-tourism in the region and rediscover the trail´s spiritual and cultural heritage. The projects aim to improve life in First Nations communities, and are helping build relationships across sectors in Canada.

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GPC Visits North Africa and Gulf

In October, an envoy from the Global Philanthropists Circle conducted a Learning Journey to Morocco, Doha, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai, which provided participants with an understanding of the development challenges faced in the region. The visit was also an opportunity to present the philanthropic work of GPC members in the Middle East and North Africa, and to introduce Synergos´ Arab World Social Innovators Program.

In Morocco, the group visited several projects, including an educational initiative from The BMCE Bank Foundation, which is chaired by GPC members Othman and Leila Benjelloun. In addition, they visited the Education for Employment Foundation, a program by GPC member Ron Bruder, and the Fondation Mohammed V pour la Solidarité, Chaired by His Majesty the King Mohammed VI.

In Doha the group was greeted by the Qatar Foundation and visited Education City, where they toured branch campuses of prestigious international institutions, including Georgetown´s School of Foreign Service.  In Abu Dhabi the envoy met with Sheikh Nahyan´s Foundation, and Circle members Uday and Nitya Khemka hosted a dinner with business leaders from across the region.  The group in Dubai had the honor of meeting with HE Princess Haya, the daughter of HM Late King Hussein Bin Talal of Jordan and HM Late Queen Alia Al Hussein, as well as representatives from the Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation and the Dubai Cares Foundation. Neena and Raza Jafar were hosts for the group in Dubai, and held both a lunch and a dinner for business leaders and the royal family.

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Synergos Southern Africa´s Initiatives for Orphans, Grantmakers and LGBT groups

The Leadership and Innovation Network for Collaboration in the Children´s Sector (LINC), formerly known as the South African National OVC Leadership and Innovation Network, has moved decisively into its operational phase, securing strong support from government, business and civil society stakeholders and convening three successful network events over the past six months. The 45 members of the first cohort of Fellows have begun to work in “innovation teams” around key themes. Efforts are also underway to share learning with the Namibia Public Health initiative and other Synergos partnerships.

In addition to the LINC effort in South Africa, Synergos has co-designed and begun a regional initiative for OVCs, in partnership with the Foundation for Community Development of Mozambique and the Nelson Mandela Children´s Fund.  This pilot program, called the Kussingatha-Goelama Project, secured initial funding in 2008 from GPC and Synergos board member Kim Samuel Johnson. It is working with two rural communities in Mozambique and South Africa to provide resources and build capacity for quality care, and will focus on the isolation of children.

Synergos has expanded its support to the growing Southern African Community Grantmaker Leadership Cooperative, a peer learning and leadership development network. The Cooperative is focusing on building sustainable community development foundations in the region and connecting with indigenous traditions of mutual aid in poor communities. A new two-year grant for the Coop was generously provided by the Ford Foundation.

In collaboration with Hivos Netherlands and the Atlantic Philanthropies, Synergos continues to manage the LGBT Sustainability and Partnership-Building Initiative in South Africa. In 2008, the LGBT Joint Working Group focused on a joint anti-hate crimes campaign, as well as continuing leadership and capacity development. Recently, Synergos co-facilitated a strategy and planning workshop to frame an HIV/AIDS program to be implemented in partnership with the national Department of Health.

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Program Annual Meetings in New York City, São Paulo, and Johannesburg

In September 2008, Synergos held the Global Philanthropists Annual Meeting at Rockefeller University in New York City.  In addition to breakout sessions led by GPC Members and other resource people on topics such as “Promoting Peace through Philanthropic Action” and “Intergenerational Philanthropy,” the event included three large sessions. Fazle Hasan Abed, Founder and Chairperson of BRAC; Maria Eitel, President of the Nike Foundation; and Peter Buffett, co-Chair of the NoVo Foundation talked about their joint efforts to empower girls, and the tremendous impact such interventions can have. Wangari Maathai, 2004 Nobel laureate and  Founder of the Green Belt Movement; and Jeffrey Sachs, Director of the Earth Institute at Columbia University talked about climate change and ways in which philanthropists can work on this issue. Finally, Synergos´ Chair Peggy Dulany interviewed Emilio Azcárraga Jean, the CEO of Televisa, about philanthropy in Latin America.  Throughout the event, the 100 participants looked at the benefits and challenges of inclusive partnerships, how to leverage their influence for social impact, and considered new approaches to addressing the root causes of poverty and inequity. Transcripts of the large group sessions, photos, video highlights, and a background paper on philanthropy and climate change are online

Synergos also convened its eighth Senior Fellows Annual Conference in São Paulo, Brazil in September. Thirty Fellows from 15 countries explored the theme of “Partnerships and Public Policy: Working Collaboratively for Social Change.” Fellows engaged with Brazilian social entrepreneurs, visited local initiatives, and exchanged advice in real-time consulting sessions. Oded Grajew, founder of the Ethos Institute for Social Change in Brazil and the World Social Forum, was the keynote speaker for the event.

The Fellows were also joined by leaders from all sectors of Brazilian society at a dinner-dialogue event sponsored by Deutsche Bank, titled “Working Together for Social Change in Brazil.” The panel of speakers featured Synergos Founder and Chair Peggy Dulany; Brazilian Senior Fellow and Director of Instituto Desirderata, Beatriz Azeredo; and Brazilian business entrepreneurs and members of Synergos´ Board of Directors, Marcos de Moraes and Wanda Engel Aduan. The conversation among panelists and guests revolved around working across divides on social issues.

In Johannesburg, the Leadership and Innovation Network for Children (LINC) marked the one-year anniversary of the fellowship in November with a leadership retreat for its 41 members. The retreat provided a space for LINC´s leaders to practice their leadership skills, enhance their collaboration with each other and explore innovative ways to work on the challenges facing millions of South African children. More info is online at www.linc.org.za.

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FACES OF CHANGE

Donor Profile: Vincent and Anne Mai

At a glance, the philanthropic interests of Vincent and Anne Mai are diverse, influenced by the personal and professional backgrounds of these two members of Synergos' Global Philanthropists Circle.

But running through most of their philanthropy are some common threads. One is that many of the organizations they support and work with use education, defined very broadly, as a tool to benefit society. And the second is that many of these groups work to build bridges across divides within society, helping overcome discrimination and promote reconciliation.

The focus on bridging divides is due in part to Vincent Mai's background in South Africa. While he left South Africa as a young man to pursue a career in finance in the United Kingdom and the United States (where he is now Chairman of AEA Investors, one of the oldest private equity firms in the country), he re-engaged with his home country when apartheid ended and the first non-racial government was elected. He told that country's Financial Mail, “Though my life is here in America, my roots are important to me and I was very much shaped by my growing up in South Africa. Notwithstanding apartheid, I feel I owe a lot to the country.”

His feelings toward South Africa, and also his beliefs in reconciliation and social justice, helped spark Mai's helping create the International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ). He was the organization's Founding Chair and continues to serve on its board. Since its inception in 2001, ICTJ has helped 35 countries around the world, including South Africa, pursue accountability for past mass atrocities or human rights abuse. In its work, it promotes sharing of experience between countries to strengthen local capacity for transitional justice.

Another example of their philanthropy is their support for the Ubuntu Education Fund, a nonprofit organization in South Africa that uses education to empower children and adults in the country's townships. The organization helps about 40,000 children through its programs, as well as offering education and health programs to the broader community.

The Mai's also give substantially to Sesame Workshop South Africa.  While many people in the U.S. think of Sesame Street in terms of the impact it's had on teaching kids reading and math skills, Sesame Workshop's programming contains other important elements, particularly building respect for diversity and empathy for others, even among young children. This is very true in South Africa, where in 2002 Takalani Sesame, the South African version of Sesame Street, began including a character who is HIV-positive. This cute Muppet, named Kami, has “arguably has done more than anything else to help overcome the stigma of AIDS in South Africa,” says Anne.

Moreover, in the more than a dozen countries in which Sesame Workshop creates original programming, it is building local capacity to do so -- another form of “education.”

In the U.S., among the organizations the Mai's support is Fountain House, which provides services for people with severe and persistent mental illness, and also advocates on their behalf. Anne Mai was trained as a social worker and has worked on issues of child care, family planning and mental health, and like many knowledgeable people, is critical of the way traditional approaches to mental illness. Fountain House's approach builds community for people with mental illness, while providing support and developing essential skills. It serves as an alternative model to traditional approaches that rely on institutionalization.

The Mai's are also active supporters of National Public Radio, whose programming serves about 26 million Americans each week through over 800 independent noncommercial radio stations. NPR's mission -- “to create a more informed public -- one challenged and invigorated by a deeper understanding and appreciation of events, ideas and cultures” fits right in with the Mai's emphasis on education to bridge divides. Anne Mai also contributes time to NPR as a member of its Foundation Board.

The Mai's philanthropy involves their three children, who recently made substantial financial and personal commitments to their family foundation, as well as donating time to causes they believe in. Their son Tim, for example, is in South Africa working with the Ubuntu Education Fund.

This year the children and the family as whole placed great emphasis on supporting groups involved in protecting the right to vote in U.S. elections, such as the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University.

Moving forward, the Mai's are continuing to support what Anne calls “organizations and approaches that work, and make a difference.”

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Steve Killelea Releases Soldiers of Peace Documentary

GPC member Steve Killelea has just released a documentary film entitled Soldiers of Peace. The film covers the work of people around the world to create “an outbreak of peace.” A One Tree Hill production, Killelea is Executive Producer for the film, which features Sir Bob Geldof, Sir Richard Branson, Desmond Tutu, and is narrated by Michael Douglas. The film was awarded the Angel Peace Award for Feature Film, as well as Best Documentary Director for Feature Film, at the “Angel Film Awards” at the Monaco International Film Festival earlier this month. Information and DVDs of the movie are available at www.soldiersofpeacemovie.com.

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Hardys Launch Green School in Bali

GPC Members John and Cynthia Hardy opened Green School in September 2008. Set in Bali, Indonesia, the school has a diverse student body from 16 countries with 20% local Balinese students. The inaugural class of more than 100 students is enrolled in preschool to year 8, and is expected to double in size next year. The school incorporates environmental sustainability into the curricula and the campus, and promotes stewardship for the environment. Using holistic learning methods, students are taught practical subjects such as sustainable agriculture and entrepreneurship. For more information, visit www.greenschool.org.

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Border Partnership Names New Executive Director

The recently independent U.S.-Mexico Border Philanthropy Partnership (BPP) has named its new Executive Director, Andew Carey.

Prior to joining the BPP, Carey served for 15 years at Kiwanis International, the third largest service club organization in the world today. He has traveled extensively to the U.S.-Mexico border region, engaging American and Mexican businesses in philanthropic activities such as health and awareness campaigns, education initiatives, and fundraising programs.

Based in San Diego, CA, the Border Philanthropy Partnership is a network of 19 established border community foundations that are advancing an improved quality of life in over 20 border communities or regions. The focus of the Partnership is building family assets, engaging youth in philanthropy, community health, and grassroots community development.

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Pablo Borquez Calls for More Active Philanthropy in Mexican Business

Mexican GPC member Pablo Borquez exhorted Mexican business leaders to play a more active role in the transformation of their communities at the inauguration of the Forum on Corporate Philanthropy in Sonora, Mexico, in early October. The Forum on Corporate Philanthropy was a groundbreaking event in Sonora, bringing together, for the first time, local businesses, public sector and civil society representatives to discuss collaboration. Co-hosted by FESAC and the Government of the State of Sonora, the Forum was attended by close to 200 participants in its first day.

“The time has come for us to grow as business leaders and assume a more active role in our community,” Borquez noted, adding, “Equity and social justice are issues that should concern us, precisely because we are amongst the most privileged members of our society.”

Mr. Borquez, a successful businessman, President of his own family foundation and of the Foundation of Sonoran Businesspeople (FESAC) mentioned that businesspeople must generate wealth not just for themselves and their families, but for their communities.

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Celso Grecco Wins Vision Summit Award

Senior Fellow Celso Grecco, President of Atitude Social Marketing and creator of the world´s first Social Stock Exchange in Brazil, was the recipient of the Vision Award presented at the Vision Summit 2008, the second annual conference organized by Germany´s Genisis Institute for Social Business and Impact Strategies. Mr. Grecco was recognized for his pioneering and innovative economic approaches to social problems. Nobel Prize laureate and Vision Award 2007 winner Muhammad Yunus presented the award.

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FEATURES

Global Giving Matters features Emilio Azcárraga

The September issue of Global Giving Matters looks at the philanthropic efforts of Mexican businessman Emilio Azcárraga Jean, Chairman and CEO of Grupo Televisa. Azcárraga´s philanthropy uses tremendous leverage -- through partnerships with government at all levels, with other businesses and with nonprofit organizations. It also builds upon the ability of Televisa, one of the largest media companies in the Spanish-speaking world, to reach huge portions of the Mexican public to raise awareness and promote action around issues such as breast cancer and education. The result is, according to a colleague, a 1-to-14 multiplication of the resources the company and foundation put into their efforts.

Read article at www.globalgivingmatters.org.

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Climate Change and Poverty: A Brief Guide

As background for discussions at the Global Philanthropists Circle Annual Meeting, Synergos and the Global Philanthropy Partnership prepared a short paper entitled Climate Change and Poverty: A Brief Guide. The paper gives an overview of issues in climate change, and the impact of climate change on the poor. It then examines ways in which communities are adapting to climate change and ways in which its effects can be mitigated. Lastly, the paper provides suggestions of ways in which philanthropists can support action to address these issues, including support for advocacy, for initiatives to help communities and countries cope with climate change, and to strengthen institutions working on the issue.
Read paper.

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Lessons from the Partnership for Child Nutrition and Bhavishya Alliance

Synergos´ Surita Sandosham and David Winder, who played leading roles in the Partnership for Child Nutrition Partnership in India and in the creation of the Bhavishya Alliance, an Indian institution created to organize efforts in that country, have produced paper on that experience. The paper lays out 10 lessons from the initiative, such as the importance of testing new interventions before scaling them up and the need to identify and nurture leaders who can act both as change agents and bridge builders.

Another lesson is that opportunities for reflection should be constantly provided during a partnership´s development. Too often, this is overlooked in the rush to quickly produce results. Sometimes, as in the creation of the Partnership for Child Nutrition in India, this reflection can be built or complemented by local reflective practices. Acknowledging the existence of indigenous reflective practices as well as incorporating them into the work allows for experimentation and the generation of new tools to use in creating and sustaining a partnership.
Read paper

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Leadership for Social Justice

In November, Barry Smith, Synergos´ Senior Director, Southern Africa, led a session at the Community Foundations of Canada annual conference. His presentation at the session, entitled Leadership for Social Justice: A Dialogue, examines attributes of leaders who can promote social justice, including the ability to transform the hearts and minds of others, to bring different actors together, and to be able to work in shifting and complex contexts.
Read presentation

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THE SYNERGOS INSIDER

New Synergos Appointments

This September, Synergos´ Surita Sandosham moved from a position in the Partnerships program (where, among other responsibilities, she helped create and served as interim CEO of the Bhavishya Alliance in India) to Senior Director, Global Leaders Programs and Networks. In this new position, Ms. Sandosham is helping coordinate, strengthen and support Synergos´ formal networks of leaders: the Global Philanthropists Circle, Senior Fellows and Arab World Social Innovators, as well as our “virtual network” of foundations, companies, development agencies, thought leaders and others.

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Synergos in the Media

GPC member Greg Carr was interviewed on 60 Minutes for his work in Mozambique. His Cambridge, Massachusetts-based Carr Foundation is working in partnership with the Government of Mozambique to preserve and restore the Gorongosa National Park, which was damaged by three decades of civil war. The project aims to develop community-based ecotourism in the park to assist local residents with employment and improvements in social services such as schools, clinics and improved water supply.
Watch program.

The Global Philanthropists Circle´s recent learning journey to the Middle East and North Africa made headlines in several papers including Le Soir, La Reporter, and Aujourd´hui Maroc (all Morocco).

Synergos Senior Fellow Christa Kuljian was in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania just before the U.S. elections, and reported in the Times of South Africa on the great interest that people in East Africa took in then-candidate Barack Obama.
Read article.

Synergos President and CEO Robert H. Dunn was featured in the Fall 2008 issue of Stanford Lawyer, in the article “Kinks in the Global Supply Chain: Can Laws Keep Us Safe?” The article looks at the challenges companies, and ultimately consumers, face as global sourcing of production becomes more complex. Dunn points out that measures such as social auditing by companies are not working well enough to ensure that products are responsibly produced, nor has the marketplace yet been able to do so either.
Read article.

In November, Global 3000, Deutsche Welle´s new globalization program, reported on Un Kilo de Ayuda, an initiative created by GPC Member José Ignacio Avalos to improve nutrition and children´s health in poor communities in Mexico, particularly in indigenous areas. It offers not only food, but education and counseling to help mothers and families care for their kids. “Un Kilo de Ayuda” has become a household name in Mexico, with donors contributing by rounding up their bills at supermarket checkouts.
Watch program.

GPC member Precious Moloi-Motsepe was featured in South Africa´s Drum Magazine in the October 30 issue. In the article she discusses her love of philanthropy and her husband Patrice, and her latest initiative, The Design for Life Campaign, which sells limited edition T-shirts for breast cancer awareness.

Synergos Senior Fellow Jaqueline Novogratz was profiled by ForbesLife Executive Woman for her accomplishments as founder of the Acumen Fund, which manages over $35 million from investors who are looking to support social projects and while receiving some financial returns on their money.
Read article.

Synergos Board member and Global Philanthropists Circle member Uday Khemka was interviewed in the December issue of Alliance magazine about how his family´s philanthropy, through the Nand & Jeet Khemka Foundation, has focused on the issue of climate change. He shares his thoughts on connections between climate change and other development issues, the value of an India-based organization working on a major global issue, and the process through which the foundation shifted its priorities.
Read interview.

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Campaign for the Future Seeks Remaining $5 Million

Synergos´ Campaign for the Future has raised over $15 million of its $20 million goal, and now seeks to raise the remaining $5 million of the campaign. The Campaign provides funds for new programs, expands Synergos´ current initiatives and builds permanent capital to support our work on an ongoing basis.

For more information on the Campaign, or if you would like to contribute, please contact Alissa Desmarais at ourfuture@synergos.org or +1 646-963-2168 or visit www.synergos.org/ourfuture/.

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CALENDAR

January 29, 2009: GPC Next Generation Meeting, New York, NY

A gathering of Next Generation members of Synergos´ Global Philanthropists Circle will gather at Synergos in New York City. The meeting is an opportunity to share information about members´ projects and to receive feedback from peers. In addition, Pamela Hawley, GPC member and founder of Universal Giving, will lead a discussion on philanthropy in the Internet era.

Open to GPC members. To participate, please contact Daniel Domagala at +1 646-963-2135 or at ddomagala@synergos.org.

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February 5-8, 2009: Arab World Social Innovators Orientation, Location TBD

Synergos will convene an orientation for the first class of twenty-two Arab World Social Innovators.  The orientation will take place in either Amman, Jordan or Cairo, Egypt and will mark the first convening of these Social Innovators.  This meeting will promote integration, linkages, and joint activities among Social Innovators and other participants and to foster a corps d´esprit among this cadre of social pioneers.  

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March 1-10, 2009: Learning Journey to East Africa, Kenya and Tanzania

GPC Members will visit groundbreaking initiatives in health, water, education, environment and microenterprise, most of which are supported by GPC Members and Synergos Senior Fellows. Through firsthand connections to the work on the ground, participants will engage with and learn from the leaders who are shaping the future of these countries.

Open to GPC members. To participate, please contact Desirée Younge at +1 646-963-2145 or at dyounge@synergos.org.

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March 21, 2009: GPC Forum Hosted by Synergos and Desmond Tutu Peace Trust, Cape Town, South Africa

This forum will engage participants in dialogue on how multi-stakeholder collaboration can help address homelessness, landlessness, xenophobia and other key social justice concerns in South and Southern Africa.

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March 25-27, 2009: Synergos Social Innovators at Skoll World Forum, Oxford, England

At the annual Skoll World Forum on Social Entrepreneurship in England, Synergos will host a session that features three representatives from the Arab World Social Innovators Program. They will discuss the challenges in scaling up projects, and the issues they have to face in trying to create social change in the Middle East.

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May 1, 2009: GPC Next Generation Spring Meeting, Tarrytown, NY

The Circle´s NextGen group will focus on the systemic causes to key poverty issues. Group exercises and real-time consulting will help participants integrate new ideas and approaches into their work.

Open to GPC members. To participate, please contact Daniel Domagala at +1 646-963-2135 or at ddomagala@synergos.org.

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May 2-3, 2009: GPC Spring Gathering, Tarrytown, NY

GPC Members will explore approaches toward systems change using diverse case studies. Located at the Rockefeller Family Estate in Pocantico Hills, NY, this gathering will bring together Synergos GPC Members and Senior Fellows as part of a series of trainings for more effective philanthropic leadership in addressing global poverty.

Open to GPC members. To participate, please contact Kathleen Freis at +1 646-963-2132 or at kfreis@synergos.org.

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May 14-19, 2009: Synergos Social Innovators at EFC General Assembly, Rome, Italy

At the annual European Foundation Centre General Assembly in Rome, Synergos will host a session that showcases the Arab World Social Innovators Program. The session will focus on how social entrepreneurship offers a fresh approach to creating social change in the Middle East.

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May 28-June 4, 2009: GPC Montana Alumni Reflection Retreat, Bartlett Island, Maine

Intended for those who attended the Montana retreat, this retreat in Maine will provide space for participants to look at where they are in their lives, drawing from their reflection in Montana to deepen understanding and tap further into their potential as global leaders.

Open to GPC members who have participated in the Montana retreat. To participate, please contact Kathleen Freis at +1 646-963-2132 or at kfreis@synergos.org.

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July 21-28, 2009: GPC Retreat, J Bar L Ranch, Montana

GPC Members will explore their personal purposes as global leaders working for social justice. The Montana retreat engages participants in meaningful discussions and guides them through practical exercises aimed to deepen connections and increase effectiveness of their social engagement. This retreat also offers preparation and coaching to guide the experience.

Open to GPC members. To participate, please contact Kathleen Freis at +1 646-963-2132 or at kfreis@synergos.org.

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THE SYNERGOS FAMILY OF DONORS

Synergos thanks our Family of donors, who help make our work possible. Listed below are donors who have given to Synergos from the end of 2007 to December 15, 2008.

Ackerman Family Adelson Family Foundation Ad Hoc Foundation, Inc. Andrew Adelson Etienne Allard The MCJ Amelior Foundation American Express Foundation Anonymous The Atlantic Philanthropies (USA), Inc. Valentin von Arnim Janet Averill John Avery José Ignacio and Verónica Avalos and Family Alberto and Tere Baillères and Family Percy Barnevik Bard College Dudley Del Balso Batho Bonke Capital (Proprietary) Ltd. Richard Bayles Schon Beechler Ian Benjamin Othman and Leila Benjelloun Edward Bergman Stanley and Marion Bergman Richard A. Berman Angelica Berrie BNP Paribas David Bohnett Foundation William Bohnett Joseph Bolless The Boston Foundation James M. Brasher III Kim Brizzolara Ron Bruder Magalen O. Bryant Carlos Bulgheroni Charles Butt Paul Buttenwieser Laura Callanan Niko Canner Greg Carr Annie E. Casey Foundation Ray Chambers Laura Chasin Laura Chen Dr. C. C. Chen Dhanin and Tawee Chearavanont and Family Petr Chitipakhovyan and Family Christie's Joy Craft Tony Custer Elizabeth de Cuevas Alan Detheridge Deutsche Bank AG The William H.  Donner Foundation William H. Draper Sam Dryden and Sandy McLeod Peggy Dulany Jerry Dunfey and Nadine Hack Robert H. Dunn Elsa Echavarría Tony Echavarría Mac Constance and Corson Ellis Energy Developments and Investments Corporation Philipp Engelhorn Kurt A. Engelhorn Corinne Evens and Family Anthony B. Evnin The Flora Family Foundation Ford Foundation FSG Social Impact Advisors Garcés and Echavarría Family George P. Gardner Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Nili Gilbert George Gilder Eleanor Gimon Anna M. Ginn Global Fund for Children Ben Goldhirsh Dorian Goldman and Marvin Israelow Goldman Sachs Foundation Van der Graaf Family Eileen Growald Agnes Gund and Daniel Shapiro Mimi and Peter Haas Fund Hardy Family Harp Family Roland Harris Pamela Hawley John Heller Heller Family Foundation Judith F. Hernstadt Marlene Hess and James Zirin The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation Linda A. Hill Conrad N. Hilton Foundation Jerry Hirsch and Family Heidi Honchariw Houston Endowment Inc. Michael O. Hübener and Family Swanee Hunt Institute of International Education International Development Research Centre International Women's Health Coalition Invesco Raza Jafar Dale E. Jenkins Franklin and Catherine Johnson JPMorgan Chase Albert and Diane Kaneb

Donna Katzin Peter Kellner Stephen and Debbie Killelea The W.K. Kellogg Foundation Shiv Khemka and Uday Khemka John and Pat Klingenstein Maritta Koch-Weser Carola B. Lea John P. Lennon H. Peter Karoff John W. Kluge Daniel Kropf Deborah Landesman Stephen S. Lash The Lodestar Foundation Oscar Lopez Lorenz Family The John D. & Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation Vincent and Anne Mai Josh Mailman Darren Manelski Cornelio Marchán Marga Incorporated David Maurrasse Chris Mathias McCune Charitable Foundation Curtis W. McGraw Foundation The MCJ Amelior Foundation and Ray Chambers The Meadows Foundation Rohinton Medhora Ikram and Sabina Mian and Family Kirsten Mickelson Peter J. Miscovich Deborah A. Moore Marcos de Moraes Lúcia Moreira Salles The Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Kenneth F. Mountcastle Enrique Muñoz Elizabeth Munson Dikembe Mutombo Nike Foundation Cherie Nursalim and Enki Tan George D. and Abby O'Neill Open Society Foundation for South Africa Open Society Institute Ayşen and Hüsnü Özyeğin Ann Partlow PepsiCo Peter G. Peterson and Joan Ganz Cooney The Philanthropic Collaborative Philip W. Pillsbury John C. Portman, Jr. Alejandro Ramírez Magaña Marie Rautenberg Rockefeller Brothers Fund David Rockefeller, Sr. David Rockefeller, Jr. The Rockefeller Foundation Larry and Wendy Rockefeller Richard Rockefeller Rockefeller Trust Companies Daniel Rose Harold Rosen Donald and Shelley Rubin Mark Rubin Instituto Rukha The Samuel Family Foundation Kim Samuel Johnson Bruce Schearer Linda Saul Schejola Scott Schilling Tsugiko and William Scullion Sesame Workshop Tokyo and Judy Sexwale and Family Shell International Limited Rena Shulsky David Adele S. Simmons Skoll Foundation Charles Slaughter Alan B. Slifka Foundation, Inc. Gordon V. Smith Michael Sonnendfeldt and Katja Goldman and Family Theodore and Vada Stanley and Family William L. Staudenmeyer John A. Steiner Sue Stoffel Jon Stryker Maurice Tempelsman Robert C. Timpson and Peregrine Whittlesey Sarah Timpson Sedgefield Thomson Laura Thorn Turney Tse Amy and Stephen Unfried United Nations Foundation US Agency for International Development Marc Van Ameringen Paul Volcker Jennie Walker Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Foundation Hermine Warren Curtis Webster Barnett Weiss William White and Mott Family David and Molly Winder The Oprah Winfrey Foundation Wolfensohn Family Foundation Lorenzo Zambrano

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ABOUT THE COMMONS

The name The Commons comes from the English and early American term “commons,”which was an area of shared land, which the entire community could use for public discussions, local events or even grazing livestock.

The newsletter that bears this name has been created to keep the entire Synergos family of supporters and friends informed about our work. We send out an updated version each quarter that covers our partnership and network activities, as well as other organizational happenings that we think might interest you.

If you have any recommendations for what we can do to make this newsletter of better service to you, please contact Synergos at jtomlinson@synergos.org.

HELP SYNERGOS FIGHT POVERTY

Please note, subscriptions to The Commons are free. If you would like to contribute to Synergos and support our work to reduce global poverty, please visit www.synergos.org/donate.

MANAGE YOUR SUBSCRIPTION

The Commons shares news about The Synergos Institute with our networks, supporters and partners. It is published quarterly, with a digest delivered by email.

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