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Nisolo Shoe Founder Touts Clinton School Visit

Woodyard

Nisolo Shoes founder Patrick Woodyard, who participated in the Clinton School Speaker Series last month, is touting his appearance at the school on the Nisolo Shoes blog.

Woodyard discussed Nisolo’s business model, which helps small-scale shoemakers in Northern Peru sell their products to a larger market. Here’s an excerpt of the post on the Nisolo blog:

Patrick first draws listeners in by addressing common misconceptions about the causes of material poverty and those living within it. He notes that inaccurate assumptions about those living in poverty include that the poor have a very defeated spirit, that they remain impoverished because of an unwillingness to work, or, even more commonly, that the poor are not capable of helping themselves and therefore need the help of others. He goes on to note that such common misconceptions about the poor have regrettably shaped the way that those in the developed world (i.e. you and I) choose to go about poverty alleviation efforts, mission work, and even local community service projects.

Click here to watch video of Woodyard’s Clinton School speech.

Posted in Public Programs, Public Service.

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By Ben – February 1, 2012

Speaker: Rule of Law Essential to Afghanistan’s Future

Ambassador Hans Klemm, the coordinating director of rule of law and law enforcement in Afghanistan, spoke to an audience that included many military personnel Friday at the Clinton School.

Introduced by Clinton School student Andrew Morgan (’12), Klemm spoke of his experiences helping the Afghan government put into place a democratic society so as to raise the livelihood of its citizenry. Klemm is the former U.S. Ambassador to East Timor.

Klemm’s position was created in 2010 to better coordinate the military and civilian efforts to put into practice a system of law and justice in Afghanistan.

According to Klemm, the No. 1 factor undermining the justice efforts in Afghanistan is the production and trafficking of narcotics. Afghanistan currently leads the world in the trafficking of opium and cannabis.

An additional concern is that one-quarter of Afghanistan’s districts lack a judge, while one-third of the districts lack a sitting prosecutor, Klemm said.

Klemm sees these statistics as vital to preventing the implementation and spread of the Rule of Law.

Klemm said the United States’ efforts include an attempt to strengthen the legitimacy of the Afghan government while also working within the informal systems and mechanisms that are currently in place. He stated that many people currently do not know how the formal system works, leading to confusion and indifference.

Securing a fair justice system in Afghanistan is high on America’s list of priorities. The largest presence of FBI agents, DEA agents, Attorneys General, and Department of Homeland Security agents overseas are currently in Afghanistan, Klemm said.

Klemm noted that developing the skills necessary to implement the Rule of Law will take time, and he stressed the importance of the Afghan government taking ownership of incorporating their system of justice.

*This post was written by Clinton School student Veena Rangaswami (’13).

Posted in International, Public Service, Students.

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By Ben – January 30, 2012

Rep Panel Discusses Production of ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’

Bob Hupp and the cast of "To Kill a Mockingbird."

It was a packed house on Wednesday at the Clinton School for a discussion of the Arkansas Repertory Theater’s coming production of the classic American tale “To Kill a Mockingbird.”

The Rep’s producing artistic director Bob Hupp, along with actors Kathy McCafferty, Michael Jones, John Feltch and Jason Collins, discussed the excitement that has surrounding the play, which was adapted from the beloved novel by Harper Lee.

The Rep’s version of “To Kill a Mockingbird” won’t be identical to the one most know, as it is played out through different people and different lenses.

Hupp attributed the buzz surrounding the show somewhat to the excitement generated from the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the novel last year, but once the majority of the audience admitted to having read the book and seen the movie, he gave credit where credit is due. In truth, “To Kill a Mockingbird” is popular because it is a really good story, he said.

Hupp described the challenges of bringing a well-known and well-loved story to the stage. The play features a new character, Jean Louise, a grown-up version of the young girl Scout, who is the novel’s central character. Played by McCafferty, Jean-Louise is the catalyst for the play, narrating the story from a modern-day perspective.

During the panel discussion, Collins, who plays the story’s antagonist, Bob Ewell, described receiving “boos” during curtain call the night before. Because of the reaction, Collins said he had to soften the delivery of some of the plays most hateful lines. But discomfort and even “boos” are appropriate for the character of Bob Ewell who depicts the show’s difficult themes of racism, hatred and judgment.

Hupp’s and the cast’s excitement about the production was palpable on Wednesday, and based on strong ticket sales, that excitement is shared by the Little Rock community.

Click here to watch video of the panel.

*This post was written by Clinton School student Hilary Trudell (’12).

Posted in Arkansas, Public Service, Students.

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By Ben – January 30, 2012

Bob Gee Day

Bob Gee

In recognition the outstanding service efforts of Clinton School volunteer Bob Gee, Mayor Mark Stodola declared today to be “Bob Gee Day” in the City of Little Rock.

Stodola stopped by the school this morning for a surprise ceremony honoring Gee, who has volunteered at more than 90 percent of the school’s 600 public programs since the school started in August 2005.

Stodola read the following proclamation:

Whereas, the Univeristy of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service hosts its 600th program today as part of its speaker series; and

Whereas, this outstanding national and international series could not be possible without the help of a dedicated team of volunteers; and

Whereas, volunteer Bob Gee, has assisted at over 90 percent of the 600 programs devoting hundreds of hours to them; and

Whereas, Bob Gee served as International President of the Sales and Marketing Executives and later founded Robert Gee & Associates and

Whereas, Bog Gee has conducted over 3000 customer service, motivational and sales workshops and advises organizations from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies; and

Whereas, Bob Gee, who describes himself as a “restless achiever” has opened his heart and and his home to Clinton School students and has given generously of his time and his talents.

Now, Therefore, I, Mark Stodola, Mayor of the City of Little Rock, do hereby proclaim January 26th as Bob Gee Day.”

Posted in Arkansas, Public Programs, Public Service.

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By Ben – January 26, 2012

Center on Community Philanthropy launches anti-poverty campaign in AR Delta

Sam O'Bryant and Gina Elias illustrate the Circles campaign concept.

The Clinton School’s Center on Community Philanthropy and the Mid Delta Community Consortium kicked off a campaign last week to eliminate poverty in the Arkansas Delta by pairing low-income families with middle- and upper-income families that can connect them to resources and support.

Modeled on the national Circles initiative, the Delta Circles Campaign gathered representatives from local businesses and organizations for a two-day training session at the Delta Area Health Education Center in Helena-West Helena.

Nationally recognized Circles campaign trainer Gina Elias encouraged the community to get involved in the program and illustrated the campaign’s model that seeks to equip individuals in poverty with new skills and mindsets to become successful.

The Circles methodology has proven effective in more than 23 states, and its inception in the Arkansas Delta represents a new era in the fight against poverty, said Charlotte L. Williams, director of the Center on Community Philanthropy.

“The Delta Circles campaign is a model program of community philanthropy because it utilizes resources already present in the community to bring people out of poverty,” Williams said. “By working together, individuals and organizations can lift up the entire community.”

Roughly 50 people representing area businesses, churches and nonprofits attended the training session. Helena-West Helena native Patricia Ashanti, director of Anderson Williams Consulting, spearheaded the event.

A coalition of organizations helped host the event including the Delta Area Health Education Center, Southern Bancorp Community Partners, the Helena-West Helena School District, Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families, the Arkansas Community Foundation, Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas and the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation.

For more information on this event or the Delta Circles Campaign, contact Sam O’Bryant, assistant director at the Clinton School Center on Community Philanthropy at sobryant@clintonschool.uasys.edu, or Patricia Ashanti at Patricia.Ashanti@gmail.com.

Posted in Arkansas, Faculty, Public Service.

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By Ben – January 26, 2012

February Speakers at the Clinton School

“The Rise of Social Enterprise: Challenges and Opportunities,” Ben Stone, president and CEO of Indego Africa
Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 12:00 p.m. (Sturgis Hall)
- Indego Africa is an innovative nonprofit social enterprise that promotes fair trade by partnering with cooperatives of women artisans in Rwanda to sell hand-made products online and through partnerships with more than 70 U.S. retailers. Profits from the sales are invested in long-term skills training programs for the artisans in business, literacy and computers.

Julie Gehrki, director of the Walmart Foundation
Monday, February 6, 2012 at 12:00 p.m. (Sturgis Hall)
- Gehrki serves as director of the Walmart Foundation, which funds initiatives focused on education, workforce development, economic opportunity, environmental sustainability, and health and wellness. Last year, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation made a $2 billion commitment through 2015 to hunger relief efforts in America.

Geena Davis, Academy Award-winning actress
Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. (Sturgis Hall) *In partnership with the Clinton Foundation
- Davis founded the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media in 2004. The institute is the only research-based organization working within the media and entertainment industry to engage, educate and influence the need for gender balance, reducing stereotyping and creating a wide variety of female characters in entertainment.

Ron Richard, scholar in residence, Clinton School Center on Community Philanthropy
Thursday, February 9, 2012 at 12:00 p.m. (Sturgis Hall)
- Richard is president and CEO of the Cleveland Foundation, the world’s oldest and second-largest community foundation with assets of $1.9 billion and 2010 grants of nearly $87 million. He will give a lecture as part of the Center on Community Philanthropy “Scholars in Residence” program.

“The Practical Psychic,” author Noreen Renier
Thursday, February 9, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. (Sturgis Hall)
- Renier will discuss her book, “The Practical Psychic,” one of the first how-to books to take a practical approach to psychic development to bring awareness to innate psychic abilities and teach how to apply them through exercises and meditations.

“Evolution, Education and ‘Intelligent Design,’” Kevin Padian, president of the National Center for Science Education
Friday, February 10, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. (Sturgis Hall)
- Padian serves as a professor of integrative biology at the University of California, Berkeley; curator of paleontology at the University of California Museum of Paleontology; and president of the National Center for Science Education. He served as an expert witness for the plaintiffs in Kitzmiller v. Dover, which successfully challenged the district’s decision to include the teaching of intelligent design alongside evolution theory.

“Why Invest in Arkansas?” a presentation and panel discussion
Thursday, February 16, 2012 at 8:00 a.m. (Sturgis Hall) *In partnership with the Political Animals Club
- The Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation and the Arkansas Public Policy Panel will release a new report, “Why Invest in Arkansas?” which makes the case that national foundations with a mission to create social change should target the state for future investment. Dr. Jay Barth, professor of political science at Hendrix College, will present the report. A panel discussion will follow his presentation.

“Daisy Bates: First Lady of Little Rock,” filmmaker Sharon La Cruise
Thursday, February 16, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. (Sturgis Hall)
- In her new film, “Daisy Bates: First Lady of Little Rock,” La Cruise tells the story of her seven-year journey to unravel the life of Bates, a civil rights activist who played a key role as an adviser to the Little Rock Nine in the 1957 desegregation crisis at Little Rock Central High School. The film will be shown on PBS on Feb. 2. At the Clinton School, La Cruise will discuss what she learned through the film-making process.

“Solar Energy Opportunities in the United States,” a panel discussion
Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at 12:00 p.m. (Sturgis Hall)
- Presented by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission Energy Office, this panel discussion on the current economic implications and future of solar energy in America will feature John Smirnow, vice president of trade and competitiveness for the Solar Energy Industries Association; Joe Thomas, president and CEO of MAGE Solar USA; and Douglas Hutching, CEO of Silicon Solar Solutions based in Rogers, Ark.

“Boldly Going,” actor George Takei
Thursday, February 23, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. (Sturgis Hall)
- With a career spanning five decades, Takei is known around the world for his role in the acclaimed television series Star Trek, in which he played Hikaru Sulu, helmsman of the Starship Enterprise. Takei, a Japanese American who lived in two U.S. internment camps, including one in Roher, Ark., during World War II, is a community activist and outspoken supporter of human rights.

“Blue Revolution: A Water Ethic for America,” journalist Cynthia Barnett
Monday, February 27, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. (Sturgis Hall) *Book signing to follow
- An award winning journalist, Barnett will discuss what she describes as an illusion of water abundance that has encouraged everyone, from homeowners to farmers to utilities, to use more and more. She proposes the most important part of the solution is also the simplest and least expensive – a shared water ethic among citizens, government and major water users.

“Games for Change: With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility,” Asi Burak, co-president of Games for Change
Tuesday, February 28, 2012 at 12:00 p.m. (Sturgis Hall)
- Founded in 2004, Games for Change facilitates the creation and distribution of social impact games that serve as critical tools in humanitarian and educational efforts. Burak leads the curating, development and execution of programs and services to raise the production, quality and influence of social impact games.

“The Future of Nuclear Energy in America,” Christine Todd Whitman, former administrator of the EPA and former Governor of New Jersey
Tuesday, February 28, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. (Sturgis Hall)
- Whitman served in the cabinet of President George W. Bush as administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency from January of 2001 to June of 2003. She was the 50th governor of the State of New Jersey, serving as its first woman governor from 1994 to 2001. At the Clinton School, she will give a lecture titled “The Future of Nuclear Energy in America.”

“A Journey with Many Crossroads,” Tommy May, chairman of the board and CEO of Simmons First National Corporation
Wednesday, February 29, 2012 at 12:00 p.m. (Sturgis Hall)
- May has been the Chairman of Simmons First National Corp. since 1996 and has been its CEO since 1994. At the Clinton School, he will give a lecture titled “A Journey with Many Crossroads” about the impact of choices he’s made throughout his life.

*Reserve your seats by emailing publicprograms@clintonschool.uasys.edu, or calling 501-683-5239.

Posted in Arkansas, Public Programs, Public Service.

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By Ben – January 25, 2012

Students Named Finalists For Fellowship

Clinton School students Kate Cawvey (’12) and Fernando Cutz (’12) were selected as Presidential Management Fellowship finalists. The PMF program is run by the U.S Office of Personnel Management to help develop future government leaders.

The program gives advanced degree candidates the opportunity to work in entry-level positions within agencies of the federal government.

As PMF finalists, Cawvey and Cutz will have the opportunity to apply for jobs with the federal government that are specifically reserved for Presidential Management Fellows.

If hired for a PMF Fellowship, they will spend 2 years working and learning about how the government works with the goal of earning a full-time job after their fellowship is complete.

Clinton School graduate Emily Fischer was a PMF Finalist and now works for the State Department in Washington D.C.

Less than 7 percent of applicants from across the country are chosen as PMF finalists and Cawvey and Cutz are the only finalists from Arkansas.

Cawvey is a native of Oxford, Ohio and a graduate of Sarah Lawrence College where she majored in international development and race relations.

Cutz was born in Brazil and currently hails from Miami, Fla. He is a graduate of Washington University in St. Louis where he majored in international studies and political science.

Posted in Public Service, Students.

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By Ben – January 25, 2012

Student Works with Scouts, Peace Corps to Create Youth Programs in Bulgaria

For her final Clinton School public service project, Shenan Boit (’12) lived and worked in Asenovgrad, Bulgaria, where she partnered with Peace Corps Response and the Bulgarian Scout Organization to help Bulgarian communities create youth programs that promote leadership, volunteerism and self-esteem in children.

Boit and her co-worker Antoaneta Gribaceva, a member of the Bulgarian Scout Organization’s national board, created resources for recruitment, advertising, registration, and activity planning for newly forming Scout groups throughout the country. They also created a Games and Activity Manual for already functioning groups. All information was created in both English and Bulgarian and was made available online.

“Creating these resources has already started to increase the number of active Scouts in the country,” Gribaceva said. “Before, when leaders couldn’t think of something to do for the day, they might have canceled their meeting. Or when someone wanted to start a new Scout group, they may have given up because they didn’t know where to start. Now they can just go online and find the tools they need to start new groups.This is exactly the kind of thing we have been hoping for.”

The Bulgarian Scouts are part of a global youth movement that is aimed at encouraging young people to achieve their full physical, intellectual, social and spiritual potential so that they can contribute to creating a better world. They do this through hands-on activities and civil service projects.

Peace Corps Response is a branch of the Peace Corps that offers short-term, high impact, assignments for former Peace Corps Volunteers in areas throughout the world. All projects focus on helping people in interested countries meet their own self-defined needs while promoting cultural understanding between Americans and the host country nationals.

Globally, the number of active Scout groups is in decline, while the need for youth programming remains on the rise. The Bulgarian Scouts and the Peace Corps agree that an effective and sustainable way to encourage local youth development is by providing the foundation and materials necessary to easily start-up and run youth groups.

Boit partnered with the Bulgarian Scouts and the Peace Corps for her Clinton School Capstone project, one of three required field service projects she has completed in the Master of Public Service degree program.

The program is designed to provide students with leadership skills and expertise for careers in nonprofit, government and private sector service work.

Posted in International, Public Service, Students.

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By Ben – January 24, 2012

Center on Community Philanthropy to Host Scholars

The Clinton School Center on Community Philanthropy has announced its Spring 2012 Scholars in Residence. The scholars will each spend a week at the school interacting with students and faculty and writing about a topic related to community philanthropy. This semester’s scholars are:

Richard

Ronald Richard (February 6-10) is the president and CEO of the Cleveland Foundation, the world’s second largest community foundation with assets of $1.9 billion and 2010 grants of nearly $87 million. Early in his career, Richard was a U.S. diplomat in Osaka/Kobe, Japan and at the U.S. State Department. He chairs the Ohio Grant makers Forum’s task force on educational reform and is on numerous boards including the Council on Foundations, Living Cities, Cleveland Center for Arts and Technology, Cleveland School of Science and Medicine and Global Cleveland. MrHe holds a master’s degree in international relations from the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies, a bachelor’s degree in history from Washington University in St. Louis, and honorary doctorates from Notre Dame College and Baldwin-Wallace College.

Powell

John A. Powell (March 26-30), J.D., is an internationally recognized scholar on race, poverty and regional equity. Powell serves as the executive director of the Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity, as well as the Williams Chair in Civil Rights and Civil Liberties at the Moritz College of Law. Under his leadership, the Kirwan Institute has taken a national leadership role in researching, developing and advocating for regional solutions to problems associated with racialized space. Powell has developed an “opportunity-based” framework for thinking about how an individual’s destiny is affected by a complex and interconnected web of opportunity structures that significantly affect their quality of life. Previously, Powell founded and directed the Institute on Race and Poverty at the University of Minnesota. He has also served as the director of Legal Services of Greater Miami and was national legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union.

Posted in Arkansas, Faculty, Public Service.

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By Ben – January 19, 2012

Students to Attend Diversity Conference

Clinton School students Laura Crosby, Spencer Lucker, Dylan Perry, Andrea Price and Syndney Shearer will attend a diversity and inclusion conference sponsored by Just Communities of Arkansas this weekend in Little Rock.

The conference, titled “Our Campus: A College Leadership Institute for Inclusion,” will include representatives from colleges across Central Arkansas. The goal of the event is to prepare young adults to become socially responsible and productive citizens in an increasingly pluralistic society.

Posted in Arkansas, Public Service, Students.

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By Ben – January 19, 2012