Category: News

Pressure Remains on the American Red Cross to Explain Fund Expenditures in Haiti  We remain skeptical, along with others, on how funds were used in Haiti by the Red Cross since the Earthquake in 2010. Two up-to-the-moment stories that capture the growing controversy:  This one at the New York Times, which calls for the Red… Continue reading Red Cross and Haiti

New Developments Unfolding in Colombia – Peace Process Impacted The international reports coming out of Colombia in recent days, reflect the most current on-the-ground information from our Global Associate in Bogota, Lissette Mateus Roa.  Although the situation is volatile and things are changing almost daily, Lissette remains committed to finding solutions to the violence in… Continue reading Colombia Update

This week we turn our attention to stories that our project work has us personally vested in: the human rights toll of ‘conflict minerals’ in the DRCongo and how best to reintegrate child soldiers into civil society after they have paid the price in the name of these minerals.  Here in Chicago, not far from… Continue reading Conflict Minerals: Impact and Hope

Marking an important anniversary date on microfinance policy  Today we revisit our appearance on Worldview exploring the policies and ongoing scrutiny put on the effectiveness of microfinance programs in places like India and Bangladesh.   Informed by our project work in Bangladesh, where we set out to improve the way that microcredit was implemented from… Continue reading Revisiting Microfinance

Two recent developments on ‘water rights’ We are in strong agreement with last week’s encylical release where it concerns clean water as a basic and free human right. As Pope Francis made clear in his statement:  [quote]Fresh drinking water is an issue of primary importance, since it is indispensable for human life and for supporting… Continue reading Water ‘Rights’

Inspiration in the face of adversity is the common thread weaving throughout this month’s newsletter as we share with you updates from around the globe including stories of heroic work by strong female leaders, breaking boundaries to strengthen societies and the dynamic possibilities of leveraging technology to promote grassroots partnerships for global change. Watch a… Continue reading June 2015 Newsletter

Recent interview provides inspiration and plans for future expansion of KOFAVIV We recently caught up with Global Associate Malya Villard-Appolon, although not in Haiti running KOFAVIV as you would normally expect to see her, but in Philadelphia. Malya’s work to reduce all forms of violence perpetrated against women and girls living in camps and communities… Continue reading GI Associate Malya Villard Reports from Philadelphia, PA

Partnership with Arigatou International Continues Effective Peacebuilding   Because we remain committed to the issue of child soldier prevention and reintegration, our project work often exposes us to the disturbing reality of youth participation in militant violence. East Africa in particular has suffered from a growing problem of terrorist groups focusing their recruitment efforts on the… Continue reading Partners in East Africa Build Community Strategies to Fight Violence

Over the weekend, our global associate in the Philippines, Dr. Susana Anayatin celebrated Earth Day 2015 by leading a series of trainings on Environmental Protection and Cultural Sensitivity to over 129 soldiers of the 61D Division Training School, Philippine Army. The partnership that Susana has created with this Division is key to ongoing efforts in… Continue reading Celebrating Earth Day 2015

NPR’s WorldView focuses on Fr. Leonel Narvaez  We are excited to announce that our friend and colleague, Fr. Leonel will be making a live appearance on NPR’s WorldView news program on Monday, April 13 at 12 p.m. central time. Fr. Leonel will speak about his work promoting forgiveness and reconciliation in his home country of Colombia,… Continue reading Partner and Peace Advocate in US