EGI Launches New Website

Dear Friends:

On behalf of our Communication Team's web group, I am happy to announce that the Ethiopian Global Initiative's new official website is online! Visit us at www.ethgi.org today!

Please feel free to browse through our website and don't hesitate to contact us here.

From all of us at the EGI family, happy holidays!

Thank you,

Samuel

Reflections from EGI's Boston Holiday Networking Mixer

Blayne Tesfaye introduces herself at the EGI Boston
Holiday Networking Mixer (Photo: Emily Weinstein/EGI)

By: Blayne Tesfaye

December 23, 2010

A few nights ago, a friend and I attended the Ethiopian Global Initiative (EGI) Boston Holiday Networking Mixer. As the new Assistant Project Manager of U.S. College Students for Ethiopia, an EGI project, I knew it would be a great opportunity to get to know other people who are interested in EGI’s mission. This was also an important night for me as it was the first time that I met EGI President, Samuel Gebru, in person (although we’d had a few Skype conversations!).

The mixer was held at the Museum of the National Center of Afro-American Artists (NCAAA), an amazing venue. Having never been to an EGI event, I was not sure who would be there, but the group that attended was a great mix of motivated youth and well-accomplished professionals.

The Museum Director, Edmund Barry Gaither, started the event out with a moving introduction of Sam, and went on to say that many artists and African-American community members have a long sense of connectedness to the country of Ethiopia.

After Barry’s introduction, Sam spoke to us about the origins and aims of EGI. During his discussion of EGI, I couldn’t help but realize the immensity of the organization’s aims, and almost feel like they were a bit ambitious. I was quickly reassured, however, as Sam continued, and as I thought about my own engagement with EGI. I realized that EGI’s aims are ambitious, in a managed and coordinated way. In his discussion, Sam encapsulated what I think draws me most to EGI, which is the sense of drive and momentum.

Later on in the evening, I got the chance to speak to Barry more personally, and found out that he had obtained his MFA from the university I now attend. This of course, got us talking about the continuities and changes between then and now. I think one of those continuities is student interest in their communities and their drive to work across borders to further those interests.

I think it was in that moment that I really appreciated both the mixer and the aims of EGI the most. The mixer brought together a group of people from different backgrounds and generations to think about the common ideal of transformation of Ethiopia.

Blayne Tesfaye is a senior at Brown University and will be graduating with degrees in Africana Studies and Anthropology. With passion in human rights and public health she has extensive experience with nonprofits in the U.S. and Ethiopia. She is Assistant Project Manager of U.S. College Students for Ethiopia, an EGI project that provides college students the opportunity to intern or volunteer in Ethiopia with Ethiopian-led organizations.

EGI Successfully Hosts Boston Networking Mixer with NCAAA

View photos on EGI's flickr site by clicking here

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ethiopian Global Initiative Successfully Hosts Boston Networking Mixer with National Center of Afro-American Artists

Boston, Mass., USA, December 22, 2010 – President Samuel Gebru of the Ethiopian Global Initiative (EGI) successfully co-hosted a networking mixer with Director Edmund Barry Gaither of the National Center of Afro-American Artists (NCAAA) in Boston yesterday evening.

Civic leaders and artists joined African American and Ethiopian American community members for an opportunity to network and learn more about the work and vision of EGI. The networking mixer was the first in a series of monthly networking mixers that EGI will host throughout 2011.

Expressing his excitement at the opportunities for collaboration, Barry said that, “We are pleased with the new beginning ahead and the strengthening of a historic relationship between African Americans and Ethiopians in the interest of building a better global experience.”

Samuel agreed and emphasized importance of the networking mixer. “Working to unite with other communities underscores our organization’s name,” adding that, “Ethiopian refers to any and everyone and the global mindset we are pursuing will lead us to take the collective action to form projects that will impact Ethiopia’s future.”

EGI plans to continue hosting networking mixers with partner organizations and its friends, working to expand its global reach. The events will revive existing connections and build new ones that will enrich the work of EGI. Samuel was enthusiastic by the very engaging attendees and the supporting turnout in what is the first of more worldwide EGI networking events.

Attendees expressed a deep desire to work with EGI as it pursues its goals for 2011. They agreed the “global initiative” aspect will allow people the timely opportunity to get involved in projects transforming Ethiopia and promote civic engagement and economic prosperity worldwide.

Samuel extended an invitation to Barry on behalf the EGI International Board of Directors to join the organization as a member of its esteemed International Board of Advisors and to attend the EGI Global Summit in June 2011. Happily accepting the invitation, Barry mentioned that he looks forward to developing more ways EGI and NCAAA can partner in the future.

Information on the National Center of Afro-American Artists can be found at www.ncaaa.org

About the Ethiopian Global Initiative

The Ethiopian Global Initiative is an international nonprofit organization that combines and captures the social and intellectual capital of students and professionals for the transformation of Ethiopia through a new generation of socially responsible leaders. Working throughout the world, the Initiative serves as a catalyst for community-based projects to promote civic engagement and economic prosperity.

Media Contact

Philip Scranage

Press Coordinator

philip@ethgi.org

+1-617-528-9434

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Hands on Involvement

By: Danielle Nispel

December 16, 2010

Ethiopia first came into my life when I entered high school and got involved in Habitat for Humanity. Our club spent most of our efforts raising funds and working to help build homes around our own community. The process was rewarding and life changing. At each house site we worked on, we had the chance to meet with the future homeowners and work with them to help build their future house. Seeing the difference that Habitat for Humanity had in our own community made us want to make more of a global change. That’s where Ethiopia came in.

According to Habitat for Humanity, 85% of houses in Ethiopia are poorly constructed out of mud and stick or thatch walls. These living conditions were precursors to a lower quality of life overall affecting factors such as education as well as health. The idea of being able to bring a family out of those conditions for only $2,500 changed the way our club ran and my own viewpoints. Since raising funds to build houses in Ethiopia I have not had the chance to get involved again until a friend recommended the Ethiopian Global Initiative.

The Initiative brings together such a committed group of people intent on creating a more optimistic future. My hope is that this will just be my first step in working with Ethiopia and other countries to help give power back to the citizens. That hands on experience I received working in my own community is something I’d like to be able to experience again in Ethiopia and I’d like to be able to help others reach that goal as well.

Danielle Nispel, an undergraduate student at American University in Washington, D.C., is majoring in Political Science and serves as a Steering Committee Member of U.S. College Students for Ethiopia, an innovative project of the Ethiopian Global Initiative (EGI) that provides college students from the United States the opportunity to intern or volunteer with Ethiopian-led organizations headquartered in Ethiopia.

EGI Receives Grow Grant

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

EGI Receives Grow Grant

Cambridge, MA, December 15, 2010 – Ethiopian Global Initiative (EGI) President Samuel M. Gebru today announced that EGI received a $1,000 Grow Grant from San Francisco, CA-based Grow Marketing, a strategic marketing and public relations agency that works with global brands on brand marketing and consumer exposure campaigns.

Grow Marketing annually awards ten individuals and nonprofits, known as “Community Rock Stars,” $1,000 each as part of their holiday give back program. The award is designed to honor those who give back to their local and global communities. EGI was nominated and received the award after being selected through a highly competitive program.

“We were inundated with nominations when we announced the Grow Grants program in November,” says Cassie Hughes, co-founder of Grow Marketing in the company’s release.

Grow Marketing co-founder Gabrey Means stated that, “Smaller non-profits and individuals give enormous amounts of their own time, often operating on shoestring budgets,” explaining that, “It was inspiring to read their stories.”

Samuel Gebru expressed his gratitude saying that, “EGI’s expansion efforts will greatly benefit from the Grow Grant. I am honored that organizations, such as Grow Marketing, realize the incredible work EGI has planned for 2011. We appreciate their support.”

Earlier this year EGI began an ambitious expansion program increasing its annual budget and global membership. Leaders from the organization have been engaged in meetings with partners, donors and supporters designing new ways for EGI to become a global leader for Ethiopia.

EGI’s International Board of Directors expressed appreciation to Grow Marketing saying that the grant is a huge assistance in reaching its operating budget goal for 2011.

Find out more about the work of Grow Marketing at www.grow-marketing.com.

About the Ethiopian Global Initiative

The Ethiopian Global Initiative is an international nonprofit organization that combines and captures the social and intellectual capital of students and professionals for the transformation of Ethiopia through a new generation of socially responsible leaders. Working throughout the world, the Initiative serves as a catalyst for community-based projects to promote civic engagement and economic prosperity.

Media Contact: action@ethgi.org or +1-617-528-9434

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A Different Edge on Giving

By: Evan J. Anderson
December 14, 2010

Until recently, the only image of Ethiopia I had was similar to the one above. As a past participant in several of World Vision's "30 Hour Famines," an initiative by the non-profit to encourage students to forego eating for a weekend while raising funds for starving children across the globe, I was frequently exposed to their style of advertising. Everyone has seen an ad on TV for child sponsorship, and everyone knows the feeling they get when viewing one of these. One comment on the YouTube video above says it all, "This makes me feel very bad and sad." And while this sadness and guilt is a very effective marketing strategy in encouraging viewers to donate to organizations like World Vision, it has a lasting effect on the mental set of people in the Global North. Giving becomes a chore, and it is no longer done for the right reasons.

In 2008, my church decided to stop its partnership with World Vision, and create its own fundraiser, while maintaining the fasting element. As can be seen in the video below, the new initiative had an entirely new focus: hope instead of guilt.

The decision to switch to the new pilot program can be interpreted as a fundamental dissatisfaction with the entire system of charitable giving in this country. Instead of seeing the Global South as some distant place, doomed without that next donation, people need to be exposed to a more diverse set of images, especially those that convey positive messages. Now, some may argue that if Americans only hear positive stories from the Global South, donations might decrease, and those who were relying on that aid might die. But if the "flies-in-the-eyes" reporting is replaced with accurate, level-headed accounts of the gaping North-South gap, I believe Americans will generously respond.

My desire to fundamentally change the way Americans look at the developing world was a major factor that led to my involvement with EGI. Rather than knowing a country only by some video footage of children gathering water from a dirty well, I decided to get to know that country on a more personal level. I am highly satisfied with the work I have done with EGI so far and can not wait to see what the future brings!

Evan J. Anderson, an undergraduate student at American University in Washington, D.C., is majoring in International Studies with a concentration in International Development and serves as a Steering Committee Member of U.S. College Students for Ethiopia, an innovative project of the Ethiopian Global Initiative (EGI) that provides college students from the United States the opportunity to intern or volunteer with Ethiopian-led organizations headquartered in Ethiopia.

EGI Boston Holiday Networking Mixer

Facebook invitation: http://on.fb.me/dHLDK3

Join President Samuel Gebru of the Ethiopian Global Initiative (EGI) and Director Edmund Barry Gaither of the Museum of the National Center of Afro-American Artists (NCAAA) on Tuesday, December 21 at 6:00pm for the EGI Boston Holiday Networking Mixer.

The reception will be held at the NCAAA Museum on 300 Walnut Avenue, Boston, MA. Come and learn more about the work of EGI and how to get involved. You will network with other Ethiopian Americans, African Americans, students, professionals and activists from the Boston area. You can also donate to help continue EGI's mission.

Email Abraham Asfaw at abraham@ethgi.org or call 617-528-9434 to RSVP. If attending, please include the total amount of people attending (including yourself).

___________________________________

About the Ethiopian Global Initiative

The Ethiopian Global Initiative is an international nonprofit organization that combines and captures the social and intellectual capital of students and professionals for the transformation of Ethiopia through a new generation of socially responsible leaders. Working throughout the world, the Initiative serves as a catalyst for community-based projects to promote civic engagement and economic prosperity.

Exploring Ethiopia at Olivet

President Samuel M. Gebru poses for a picture following
his presentation and is joined by Olivet Pastor Kris Gorden
and other members of the Ethiopia delegation.
Photo: Lori Bakken

By: Samuel M. Gebru

December 6, 2010

I went to Olivet Lutheran Church in Fargo, North Dakota, yesterday afternoon to speak about the Ethiopian Global Initiative and Ethiopian history and culture. 

Having been invited to speak by members of the Olivet delegation to Ethiopia, I enthusiastically accepted the invitation as an opportunity to share the richness of Ethiopia. The group, composed of young and old, is a cross-section of various professions and interests.

My presentation, entitled "Exploring Ethiopia," gave the group an overview of the Ethiopian Global Initiative's history, mission and projects. I highlighted the importance of building a global coalition of like-minded thinkers who share one thing in common: an affection towards Ethiopia. 

Since the group is going to Ethiopia for the first time, with the exception of one adult who previously adopted two young girls from Ethiopia, I gave an overview of the country. Beginning from the geography, explaining that Ethiopia is about twice the size of the U.S. state of Texas, I took the group 5,000 years back to describe an ancient empire that controlled the Red Sea and traded with other empires as far as India and China. 

I also went over certain customs and traditions that Ethiopians consider to be very important; whether it is how to properly greet others or to partaking in the Ethiopian coffee ceremony, customs are very important in Ethiopia. It was fun going over the practice to prepare food and insist that your guests eat, even if they claim that they are not hungry, which is also customary to claim you are not hungry even if you are! A sort of back-and-forth exchange ensues before the guest accepts the food.

Following my presentation, I had the opportunity to answer questions from the delegation members and I also asked them questions about their goals in going to Ethiopia. Their goals ranged from learning more about Ethiopia to finally meeting the orphans they have sponsored at the Kolfe Boys Orphanage in Addis Ababa for some years now.

Most importantly is their continued involvement in Ethiopia. I encouraged them to become Ambassadors of Ethiopia when they return to the United States; to share their experience with their families, Church community, colleagues and friends. Not only do they serve as Ambassadors of Olivet when going to Ethiopia but they return to the United States with a duel perspective.

They all agreed that at the end, we're all just that--Ethiopians.

Tomorrow: EGI President to Speak at Olivet Lutheran Church

December 4, 2010 -- The Ethiopian Global Initiative's President, Samuel Gebru, will speak at the Olivet Lutheran Church in Fargo, North Dakota tomorrow, December 5. In his presentation, Samuel will introduce the goals and mission of EGI. He will also talk about and answer questions on Ethiopia's culture and history to members of the Olivet Lutheran Church delegation to Ethiopia that will leave on December 26. The President's presentation tomorrow is part of a greater EGI plan to continue its community outreach and fundraising efforts throughout the world. 

The presentation and luncheon will be at Olivet Lutheran Church's Fellowship Hall at 12:30pm. For more information please contact action@ethgi.org.