News flash: delegation moved to summer 2009

As we have investigated the challenges for bringing clean water to Carama, we have learned how much is called for to work wisely and carefully in partnership with community.  We have decided it best for a small ‘away team’ to go this summer of 2008 to help lay the ground work to develop a Water and Sanitation Plan with the community of Carama, as well as to initiate planning for Town Hall meetings.  Then, next summer, we will bring a full delegation over.  So for those of you who wanted to join us but couldn’t do so this year…  Join us!

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Still accepting applications… get yours in soon!

YES! We are still accepting applications and have a number of openings — so please get yours in and spread the word to others who might be interested. We’d especially like the delegation to include some with interest and knowledge about — water systems for a small community, post traumatic stress and healing, teachers, etc.

We hope to have all delegates live in the Puget Sound area, since that allows for maximal team building, preparation, and mutual support before and after the Journey. We have had a number of requests from out of towners, and have devised the following criteria: we are open to consider delegates from out of the area if they are willing to commit to coming to Seattle for a weekend training/team building before the Journey — and a weekend debrief/sharing after the Journey. We also ask that they find at least one or more other delegate to join with them from their community, so they will not be isolated.

We are watching the situation in Kenya closely — and are considering flying to Bujumbura via Addis Ababa instead of Nairoba. We have found this route is considerably less expensive and then keeps us out of what may continue to be a volatile situation.

We have just updated the application so be sure to use the version dated 3/12/08

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Slide show on life in Lagos

There is a new Nigerian slide show up on the site of The Common Language Project with photos and captions that give a glimpse into life in Lagos. While you’re at the site, take a look at the many fascinating stories, audio pieces and slide shows. The young people who have created this independent media project dedicated to humane journalism provide provocative and inspiring stories, with insights vital to global citizens and a mission akin to Global Citizen Journey. As they describe themselves:

“The Common Language Project reports news from around the world about groups and individuals working outside of the mainstream, with a specific focus on stigmatized regions and peoples underrepresented in the traditional media. Our coverage is focused on issues of human rights, gender equality, social and economic justice, education, labor, and health We believe that the best stories are told from the bottom up, not the top down, and seek out people working on the ground and those directly affected by the issues, not bureaucrats and politicians, as our primary sources.”

They will be traveling to Ethiopia and Kenya this Spring, when their reporting will focus on water in East Africa. Special note: One of the CLP founders is Jessica Partnow, daughter of GCJ founder Susan Partnow. Look for her 5 part audio series on the Duwamish River in Seattle, aired this fall by NPR.
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Welcome to the Nigeria Blog!

It’s hard to believe that it’s been two years since 40 Global Citizen Journey delegates gathered in the Niger Delta: 19 from the Puget Sound Area and 21 from around Nigeria.

We are welcoming you to this blog so that we can share news, help keep our Nigerian relationships connected and alive — and expand our understanding of Nigeria.

It is thrilling to see the legacy of the journey grow. US delegate Ryan has made five return trips. The film Sweet Crude is nearing completion. The library has new computers, air conditioning, and a generator — and a v-sat which you’ll see in the photo, which now brings the internet to the remote village of Oporoza! Stay tuned for a blog entry on the microlending project.

nigeria library

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New Burundi Blog! Apply now to join the delegation

This is the new blog for the Burundi journey!  Stay tuned for developments.  We are currently reviewing applications and still have slots available — so be sure to get your completed application in as soon as possible.  We are especially hoping to add some delegates with background in civil engineering, water, agriculture and PTSD/healing & reconciliation – among others.  Please help spread the word.

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Workspace

This is a private workspace for GCJ. You may post documents here, and then use the discussion pages to post revisions, etc.

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