Chronicle of a ONE Member Abroad: One Week in Nicaragua, 2008
Nothing like starting the New Year with a good load of travel. In a perfectly coordinated travel plan, I left the Power 100 Summit in Washington DC to spend one week in Managua , Nicaragua, Latin America's second poorest country. I went from sleeping under 600 thread-count luxury bedsheets at a Hilton Hotel to sleeping on a wood-board bed frame over a cement floor.
Could there be a better follow up to the Summit?
Now, I've never been to a developing country before, so I thought I would take it upon myself to make the effort and take a trip. A few months beforehand, I received an email advertising a one-week winter break trip to Managua thought CEPAD Nicaragua ( http://www.cepad.org.ni/) , a Christian, non-profit, non-partisan organization with a focus on social issues. The trip will encircle 7 days of touring Nicaragua with an emphasis on women's issues in the country. Why not? Not like I'd be doing much on winter break after the Summit . More importantly, I really should take on the experience of actually seeing economic development at work. Sign me up.
What's up with Nicaragua? A few facts: The Republic of Nicaragua is a small country about the size of New York State bordered by Honduras and Costa Rica in beautiful Central America . As mentioned before, it is the second poorest country in Latin America (behind Haiti ), with a GDP of $3,100 per capita and a growth rate of 3.7% (2006 est.). The economy has not faired well due to a civil war in the 1970s and two Category 5 hurricanes, Mitch (1998) and Felix (2007). The main currency used is the Nicaraguan Cordoba, and about 18.96 Cordobas make 1 US dollar. MDG-wise, Nicaragua signed a 5-year contract with the Millennium Challenge Corporation in July, 2005 for $175 million dollars ( http://www.mcc.gov/countries/nicaragua/index.php).
Just a little summary on the general state of Nicaragua . Luckily, the trip squeezed in just perfectly after the Summit, so there was no conflict of schedule.
I arrived at Augusto C. Sandino International Airport on Sunday morning, and the group was picked up and driven from to CEPAD headquarters. Driving through the urban streets of Managua was an early adventure on its own. My first impressions were, quite frankly, somewhat familiar. It reminded when I went to Mexico D.F. when I was little, and the view driving from the airport to my Grandma's village: clumped commercial streets splashed with vibrant, uncoordinated colors, grass growing wildly through every cement crack in the streets, freshly discarded paper waste on the sidewalks, product advertisement on everything from billboards to bus-sides to home walls…actually, it kind of sounds like a description of driving down the south side of Vermont in LA. Kind of. Might just be the mark of most mega-urban cities.
Nothing beyond a simple tour of the main tourist sites is on schedule for today, which is great because jetlag can really get you. The schedule for the rest of the week seems very promising. We will be visiting a variety of organizations focused on women's issues in Nicaragua , from health clinics to advertisement centers. I can't wait.
I also decided it would be interesting to have one blog post per day of travel. A mini-series, if you will, to a relevant topic from a new point of view. Stay posted!
----------
Betsy Avila
The ONE Campaign, ROA
ONE@USC
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Monday, December 3, 2007
Hey There!
Here's a shout out to all you ONE-lovin' Myspace users!
While procrastinating this morning, I logged onto myspace and noticed the following news from our (myspace) best buddy Tom:
Latest Update:
Dec 3, 9:00am PST
Tune in TODAY: MySpace and MTV have teamed up to give you the chance to meet the candidates LIVE, ask them questions by IM & video, and give live feedback on whether you like the answers or not. Check out our Dialogue with John McCain at myspace.com/election2008 TONIGHT at 7pm ET/ 4pm PT. Your questions and feedback will be broadcast LIVE on MTV.
Also today, view & rate video questions submitted by MySpace users - based on your ratings, one of them will be presented during the event.
This is a GREAT opportunity to see if all those calls that members of the ONE community made in an effort to get the candidates to address the issue of extreme poverty worked! So if you, or someone you know is an avid myspace user, a ONE member, or someone who could be interested, make sure you log in tonight and check it out!
See you on the flip side!
Your BLeader
A
While procrastinating this morning, I logged onto myspace and noticed the following news from our (myspace) best buddy Tom:
Latest Update:
Dec 3, 9:00am PST
Tune in TODAY: MySpace and MTV have teamed up to give you the chance to meet the candidates LIVE, ask them questions by IM & video, and give live feedback on whether you like the answers or not. Check out our Dialogue with John McCain at myspace.com/election2008 TONIGHT at 7pm ET/ 4pm PT. Your questions and feedback will be broadcast LIVE on MTV.
Also today, view & rate video questions submitted by MySpace users - based on your ratings, one of them will be presented during the event.
This is a GREAT opportunity to see if all those calls that members of the ONE community made in an effort to get the candidates to address the issue of extreme poverty worked! So if you, or someone you know is an avid myspace user, a ONE member, or someone who could be interested, make sure you log in tonight and check it out!
See you on the flip side!
Your BLeader
A
Friday, November 30, 2007
Tailgate!
As you may have already heard, ONE is not going to throw its own tailgate this time around. (Bummer!)
However, we are still giving everyone the opportunity to attend a tailgate AND do some volunteer service for ONE!
Anyone who knows a bunch of people who are having a tailgate and are willing to volunteer some time are invited to meet at Tommy Trojan at 10AM tomorrow to pick up a clipboard and go around trying to get sign-ups. I know I've said this every time this even gets messaged but just for reiteration's sake:
WE DO NOT ENCOURAGE YOU TO HARASS DRUNK STRANGERS.
We realize that some people are not as receptive to thinking about heavy topics like extreme poverty and global issues at events like tailgates and game days. For this reason, we would suggest that you start somewhere where you at least know one or two people and aren't completely crashing someone else's tailgate. Don't worry about it if you don't get any signatures, the important thing is the effort.
We're also thinking about trying to get sign-ups from people standing in line, waiting to get into the Colloseum. So if anyone wants to join us in our efforts, even if it's only for half an hour or so, please meet up with us at Tommy Trojan tomorrow morning.
Hope to see you there! Fight on Trojans!
(Let's beat UCLA, huh!!)
Take care and see you on the flip side!
Your BLeader,
A
However, we are still giving everyone the opportunity to attend a tailgate AND do some volunteer service for ONE!
Anyone who knows a bunch of people who are having a tailgate and are willing to volunteer some time are invited to meet at Tommy Trojan at 10AM tomorrow to pick up a clipboard and go around trying to get sign-ups. I know I've said this every time this even gets messaged but just for reiteration's sake:
WE DO NOT ENCOURAGE YOU TO HARASS DRUNK STRANGERS.
We realize that some people are not as receptive to thinking about heavy topics like extreme poverty and global issues at events like tailgates and game days. For this reason, we would suggest that you start somewhere where you at least know one or two people and aren't completely crashing someone else's tailgate. Don't worry about it if you don't get any signatures, the important thing is the effort.
We're also thinking about trying to get sign-ups from people standing in line, waiting to get into the Colloseum. So if anyone wants to join us in our efforts, even if it's only for half an hour or so, please meet up with us at Tommy Trojan tomorrow morning.
Hope to see you there! Fight on Trojans!
(Let's beat UCLA, huh!!)
Take care and see you on the flip side!
Your BLeader,
A
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Another Blog?! Oh No!
http://www.globalvolunteers.org/blog/
Not a long post today, just wanted to bring this website to people's attention. It's a pretty cool blog where people share their experiences volunteering in other countries. There was also an interesting post on how to go about volunteering. It had some really good insight into choosing the right organization for your beliefs, and how to be the best volunteer you can be. Once again, if there's anyone out there who knows someone who is willing to share their experiences like this, make sure to send them this way and I would be more than happy to post whatever it is they write. I think it's pretty neat that they have a website dedicated to global volunteers at all.
So come on guys! What are you waiting for? It doesn't take a blog post to tell you that ONE is the right group for you! Help end extreme global poverty!
Til next time!
Take care and I'll see you on the flip side!
Your BLeader,
A
Not a long post today, just wanted to bring this website to people's attention. It's a pretty cool blog where people share their experiences volunteering in other countries. There was also an interesting post on how to go about volunteering. It had some really good insight into choosing the right organization for your beliefs, and how to be the best volunteer you can be. Once again, if there's anyone out there who knows someone who is willing to share their experiences like this, make sure to send them this way and I would be more than happy to post whatever it is they write. I think it's pretty neat that they have a website dedicated to global volunteers at all.
So come on guys! What are you waiting for? It doesn't take a blog post to tell you that ONE is the right group for you! Help end extreme global poverty!
Til next time!
Take care and I'll see you on the flip side!
Your BLeader,
A
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Terrific Tuesdays!
Hey y'all!
We're aware that no reminder was sent out for the ONE meeting yesterday, so if you didn't happen to make it, no sweat. Here are some brief updates:
- For those of you who haven't been spammed enough, one more time now: SAVE THE DATE! DECEMBER EIGHT! This is going to be the training session hosted at USC's very own Doheny Library. This is a huge opportunity to get in on the best ways to help fight poverty! Currently the agenda details are unavailiable, but if anything comes up that we can tell you about we'll definitely keep you posted. Also, if there is anyone who is willing to come a little earlier and stay a little later in order to help set up and clean up, please let us know. You can do it through the facebook group, shooting Betsy an email, or even sending it to looma@usc.edu if you don't have access to either of those other options, and I'll forward your message to her. Thanks in advance you guys!
On to more pressing matters...
- The December 1 tailgate is going to be a unique one! Instead of just setting up our own tailgate, we're considering clipboarding at other people's tailgates. We're not encouraging you to go harass a bunch of drunken strangers, but if you've got a bunch of friends who plan on tailgating, they might be a good start to hang out and try to hit up a few people for sign-ups. Our meeting time and place is not yet determined, but I will definitely post it here once it is. We're also considering trying to get a table to set up someplace. That's still in the works at the moment. Clipboarding while everyone is standing in line to get in to the game has also been thrown out there. I'll post details as soon as I get them. Also, if you've got any comments or suggestions, be sure to send them our way!
- As you all may know, the semester is coming to a close and the winter holiday is approaching! Due to finals and the possibility that people will be heading home soon, next Tuesday will be the last planned meeting for our ONE chapter for the semester. Please be sure to come, and bring friends if you can! We're open to as many interested people coming as possible! VKC 158 5PM - 6PM!!
- With that said, we're also currently ranked NINE in the Campus Challange!! Great job guys! Keep up the good work! However, just because we're going to be on break doesn't mean that we can't still do our best to maintain our position! For anyone who hasn't read the fine print for the Campus Challenge (like me), there is actually a CUT OFF DATE for the top ten schools. Meaning, if our school is not in the top ten on this date, we will be DROPPED from the competition. So make sure to look for any opportunity you can to earn points over break! Every little thing counts! (Which also means if you happen to do something or see something interesting and (even remotely) related to ONE, make sure to send me something about it so I can post it in the blog!) Awesome job everyone! We're on the home stretch, I know we can make it!
- The Power 100 Summit! If anyone is interested in going to Washington DC to be apart of the Power 100 Summit (where representatives from the top 100 schools will gather and learn about even more opportunites to help fight poverty, listen to some pretty ace guest speakers AND get a free trip[!!!]) be sure to check out this link ( http://www.one.org/power100application/ ) and fill out the application! Participants will be chosen on a first-come, first-served basis. The app is due by Dec. 5, so if this is something you're really feelin', then by all means you should definitely go for it!
And because we don't say it enough; we would just like to extend warm thanks to anyone and everyone who has helped contribute to our organization. Even if it was something as simple as signing up at our first tabling event, or joining the facebook group, we really appreciate you taking the time out to help us out and spread the word. Every person really counts in trying to eradicate poverty, or even just to make ONE a campus-recognized name. We're so grateful for the support everyone!
Last, but definitely not least, congratulations to ONE@USC's very own Sarah Hivner for her blog entry being posted on the National Campus Challenge Blog! If you haven't already read it, be sure to check it out here! Great job!
As always, if there are any questions, comments, corrections, submissions or suggestions, please feel free to shoot me an email at looma@usc.edu. I'll be more than happy to post what you have to say, correct myself, field questions (or direct you to someone who can) or even just answer crazy emails! =)
Don't forget to come to our next meeting everyone!
Hope you all had a fantastic Thanksgiving weekend, and a great week.
Take care and stay safe!
See you on the flip side!
Your L3373R BLeader
A
We're aware that no reminder was sent out for the ONE meeting yesterday, so if you didn't happen to make it, no sweat. Here are some brief updates:
- For those of you who haven't been spammed enough, one more time now: SAVE THE DATE! DECEMBER EIGHT! This is going to be the training session hosted at USC's very own Doheny Library. This is a huge opportunity to get in on the best ways to help fight poverty! Currently the agenda details are unavailiable, but if anything comes up that we can tell you about we'll definitely keep you posted. Also, if there is anyone who is willing to come a little earlier and stay a little later in order to help set up and clean up, please let us know. You can do it through the facebook group, shooting Betsy an email, or even sending it to looma@usc.edu if you don't have access to either of those other options, and I'll forward your message to her. Thanks in advance you guys!
On to more pressing matters...
- The December 1 tailgate is going to be a unique one! Instead of just setting up our own tailgate, we're considering clipboarding at other people's tailgates. We're not encouraging you to go harass a bunch of drunken strangers, but if you've got a bunch of friends who plan on tailgating, they might be a good start to hang out and try to hit up a few people for sign-ups. Our meeting time and place is not yet determined, but I will definitely post it here once it is. We're also considering trying to get a table to set up someplace. That's still in the works at the moment. Clipboarding while everyone is standing in line to get in to the game has also been thrown out there. I'll post details as soon as I get them. Also, if you've got any comments or suggestions, be sure to send them our way!
- As you all may know, the semester is coming to a close and the winter holiday is approaching! Due to finals and the possibility that people will be heading home soon, next Tuesday will be the last planned meeting for our ONE chapter for the semester. Please be sure to come, and bring friends if you can! We're open to as many interested people coming as possible! VKC 158 5PM - 6PM!!
- With that said, we're also currently ranked NINE in the Campus Challange!! Great job guys! Keep up the good work! However, just because we're going to be on break doesn't mean that we can't still do our best to maintain our position! For anyone who hasn't read the fine print for the Campus Challenge (like me), there is actually a CUT OFF DATE for the top ten schools. Meaning, if our school is not in the top ten on this date, we will be DROPPED from the competition. So make sure to look for any opportunity you can to earn points over break! Every little thing counts! (Which also means if you happen to do something or see something interesting and (even remotely) related to ONE, make sure to send me something about it so I can post it in the blog!) Awesome job everyone! We're on the home stretch, I know we can make it!
- The Power 100 Summit! If anyone is interested in going to Washington DC to be apart of the Power 100 Summit (where representatives from the top 100 schools will gather and learn about even more opportunites to help fight poverty, listen to some pretty ace guest speakers AND get a free trip[!!!]) be sure to check out this link ( http://www.one.org/power100application/ ) and fill out the application! Participants will be chosen on a first-come, first-served basis. The app is due by Dec. 5, so if this is something you're really feelin', then by all means you should definitely go for it!
And because we don't say it enough; we would just like to extend warm thanks to anyone and everyone who has helped contribute to our organization. Even if it was something as simple as signing up at our first tabling event, or joining the facebook group, we really appreciate you taking the time out to help us out and spread the word. Every person really counts in trying to eradicate poverty, or even just to make ONE a campus-recognized name. We're so grateful for the support everyone!
Last, but definitely not least, congratulations to ONE@USC's very own Sarah Hivner for her blog entry being posted on the National Campus Challenge Blog! If you haven't already read it, be sure to check it out here! Great job!
As always, if there are any questions, comments, corrections, submissions or suggestions, please feel free to shoot me an email at looma@usc.edu. I'll be more than happy to post what you have to say, correct myself, field questions (or direct you to someone who can) or even just answer crazy emails! =)
Don't forget to come to our next meeting everyone!
Hope you all had a fantastic Thanksgiving weekend, and a great week.
Take care and stay safe!
See you on the flip side!
Your L3373R BLeader
A
Monday, November 26, 2007
Something To Contemplate
I'm not sure if I'm technically allowed to post this here, but since there has been a bit of a lull in posts I thought I'd give it a shot.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with the above video, it is the music video for Fall Out Boy's song "I'm Like A Lawyer With the Way I'm Trying To Get You Off". I bet right now you're asking what this has to do with ONE. It doesn't directly. This has to do with what I personally would consider a sister-organization. Most of you are probably familiar with Invisible Children. For those who aren't, they are the child soldiers that are being abducted and forced into war in Northern Uganda. The org is trying to raise awareness about the situation there and how people like us can help.
I saw this music video while at the gym the other day, and I totally forgot what I was doing at the time simply because it was such a unique music video. It follows the plight of two young lovers who are separated when the boy is kidnapped and forced into the war. If you want to know how that all plays out, you should definitely take a gander at the vid if you haven't already. Invisible Children Inc., like ONE, is trying to make things better in an underdeveloped nation that is suffering from all kinds of not only economical, but political horrors. In the end this led to me think about whether things like this would still be happening if these countries weren't in such an economic quagmire. Would they have to continue to kidnap children and force them to become killers? Or would they instead send their children to schools so that they could learn to become effective political negotiators? Could the sons, brothers, cousins, lovers maintain their innocence if they could only escape the poverty that oftentimes leads to wars like this? And overall, if we could make a difference, wouldn't it be great to save them? ONE child at a time?
Think about it.
Til next time,
Your BLeader
A
Friday, November 23, 2007
Fantastic Opp!
Great news everyone! The official information for the NATIONAL ONE training event has been released! The ONE training session will be held on our campus at the University of Southern California!! If you or anyone you know is interested in participating in this great opportunity to not only learn about ONE, but also train in ways you can help fight poverty, here is the event information.
Event is free and open to the public
Come meet with ONE staff and other local volunteers and find out how
you can get involved in the fight to make poverty history!
Date: December 8, 2007
Time: Registration: 1:30-2:00 Training from 2-4:30PM
USC Campus - Doheny Memorial Library Room: 240
USC Campus Map:
http://www.usc.edu/private/about/visit_usc/upc_map_index.gif
RSVP or for questions contact Kim Smith, ONE Regional Field Organizer:
Kim@one.org or 502-475-5564
We'll definitely be there, so it also gives you an opportunity to meet people from USC's ONE organization in case you're even remotely interested in getting involved with us. Take care, hope you have all been having a fantastic Thanksgiving weekend!
See you on the flip side!
Your BLeader,
A
Event is free and open to the public
Come meet with ONE staff and other local volunteers and find out how
you can get involved in the fight to make poverty history!
Date: December 8, 2007
Time: Registration: 1:30-2:00 Training from 2-4:30PM
USC Campus - Doheny Memorial Library Room: 240
USC Campus Map:
http://www.usc.edu/private/about/visit_usc/upc_map_index.gif
RSVP or for questions contact Kim Smith, ONE Regional Field Organizer:
Kim@one.org or 502-475-5564
We'll definitely be there, so it also gives you an opportunity to meet people from USC's ONE organization in case you're even remotely interested in getting involved with us. Take care, hope you have all been having a fantastic Thanksgiving weekend!
See you on the flip side!
Your BLeader,
A
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