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takondwa kaliwo's Friends
| September 3, 2008 | 10:33 PM |
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Responding to a Technical Assistance Inquiry Concerning the Nation of Cameroon
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Hi Joseph --
>>> Item A. NGO Directories Added to The Civic Action Free University's Cameroon Links
Per our recent communications, Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) -- or, Private Voluntary Organization (PVO) -- Directories have been added to The Civic Action Free University's (TCAFU's) Cameroon Links.
http://www.angelfire.com/ca4/yourturf/worldcivactnet02A.htm
Under Cameroon, see links 4., 5., and 6.
***
>>> Item B. International Civic Action, Community Service, and Development Film Clip Collection
At the Free University's main site:
http://www.tcafu.net
On the "Site Contents & Instant Access" panel, click on Item 3. -- "International Civic Action, Community Service, and Development Film Clip Collection."
Or, you can go directly to the Film Clip Collection, at:
http://www.angelfire.com/ca4/yourturf/civactnet.htm#FilmClips
As you will see, some of the film clips in question focus on micro-enterprise development and/or community economic development of various types.
***
>>> Item C. Again, on the TCAFU "Site Contents & Instant Access" panel, click on Item 5. -- "Topic-Focused "Civic Action for Your Turf" (CA4YT) Groups & Links"
Or, you can go directly to the Topic-Focused Groups, at:
http://www.angelfire.com/ca4/yourturf/civactnet.htm#Topic-Focused
Here, in alphabetical order, you will find E-Mail Groups -- each with its own collection of relevant links -- under the following headings:
Appropriate, Innovative, & Sustainable Technologies
Consumer Cooperatives
Credit Unions
Cyber-Business Development
Economic Development
Environmental Quality
Grant Planning & Evaluation
Housing Development
Individual Development Accounts
Job Development & Vocational Training
Micro-Business & Small Business Incubators
Producer Cooperatives
Rural Community Water & Utilities
Rural Transportation
Self-Reliant Sustainable Lifestyle Practices
I hope that some of the above material will prove useful.
Let me know as additional questions arise, and/or if I can be of further assistance.
>>> If you want to forward this material to others, the correct URL is:
http://civact6.tigblog.org/post/461739
Best wishes to all,
Dave Matthews, Facilitator
The Civic Action Free University
http://www.tcafu.net
"Nation-Building: Are You Serious ??"
E-Mail Address: civact6@yahoo.com
***********************************************
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| August 23, 2008 | 3:16 PM |
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The Corporation -- How Can We Maximize Corporate Impacts that are Positive, Life-Affirming, and Sustainable ??
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Screen 01. The Corporation -- Part 01 of 15
Screen 02. The Corporation -- Part 02 of 15
Screen 03. The Corporation -- Part 03 of 15
Screen 04. The Corporation -- Part 04 of 15
Screen 05. The Corporation -- Part 05 of 15
Screen 06. The Corporation -- Part 06 of 15
Screen 07. The Corporation -- Part 07 of 15
Screen 08. The Corporation -- Part 08 of 15
Screen 09. The Corporation -- Part 09 of 15
Screen 10. The Corporation -- Part 10 of 15
Screen 11. The Corporation -- Part 11 of 15
Screen 12. The Corporation -- Part 12 of 15
Screen 13. The Corporation -- Part 13 of 15
Screen 14. The Corporation -- Part 14 of 15
Screen 15. The Corporation -- Part 15 of 15
I hope you will find the material presented in the above film clips to be informative. If you have questions or comments, please share them. Differing and/or alternative perspectives are always welcome.
Would you like to explore the possibilities for volunteer, professional, and/or career involvement in civic action, community service, and other constructive developmental efforts in countries that are of greatest interest to you ??
Take a little time to acquaint yourself with the Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) that are currently engaged in programs of this sort. Link up and learn from them if you can find opportunities to do so. Use the directories below:
TakingITGlobal Organizations Directory
InterAction Membership Directory
USAID Private Voluntary Organizations Directory
Visit and explore the growing International Civic Action, Community Service, and Development Film Clip Collection, at:
http://www.angelfire.com/ca4/yourturf/civactnet.htm#FilmClips
>>> If you want to forward this material to others, the correct URL is:
http://civact6.tigblog.org/post/451765
Best wishes to all,
Dave Matthews, Facilitator
The Civic Action Free University
http://www.tcafu.net
"Nation-Building: Are You Serious ??"
E-Mail Address: civact6@yahoo.com
***********************************************
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The Faces of War -- Why Irresponsible or Fanatical Individuals and/or Governments Must Never Gain Control of Nuclear Weapons
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G'Day All --
Today's students, who are without memories the Cold War years -- from the 1950s through the 1980s -- may not fully understand why it is of the utmost importance that irresponsible or fanatical individuals and/or governments NEVER gain control of nuclear weapons.
Below are some film clips that will help you more clearly appreciate the threats that nuclear weapons -- and the possibility of nuclear attacks of any sort -- pose for ALL peoples of the world.
The following clips generally portray large-scale nuclear exchanges, for which there might be some brief advanced warning. Isolated nuclear attacks by terrorists or "rogue nations" would most likely come without any prior warning. These could be expected to produce equally devastating effects from heat, blast, and radiation -- but of a somewhat more localized sort.
One additional comment needs to be added for people who have very strong religious beliefs. While your religion should be fully respected, if anyone has told you that the use of nuclear weapons will cause Jesus, Buddha, Mohammad, the Messiah, the 12th Imam, or any other "Savior" to return to Earth, you really need to carefully investigate any of the previous great catastrophes in human history for which similar forecasts were made. You will almost certainly find that, in every case, hopes expressed for the miraculous appearance of such deities have not proven to be correct. In short, if we humans take it upon ourselves to destroy most or all of civilization, expectations that some Supernatural Being will suddenly appear and set everything right again are exceedingly unlikely to be fulfilled. Using such predictions to justify or rationalize the use of nuclear weapons under any circumstances would seem to be irrational to a point that very nearly approximates lunacy.
Screen 1. "Threads" -- A 1980's Docu-Film about a Nuclear Attack on Sheffield, in the U.K.
Screen 2. The End, Nuclear War
Screen 3. Nuclear War: Atomic Explosions. Hydrogen Bombs
Screen 4. Nuclear War: A Guide To Armageddon -- Part 1
Screen 5. Nuclear War: A Guide To Armageddon -- Part 2
Screen 6. Nuclear War: A Guide To Armageddon -- Part 3
Keep in mind that just and lasting peace can only be achieved if we work as hard at it as we do to wage wars.
I hope the above material will be thought-provoking. If you have questions or comments, please feel free to share them.
Visit and explore the growing International Civic Action, Community Service, and Development Film Clip Collection, at:
http://www.angelfire.com/ca4/yourturf/civactnet.htm#FilmClips
>>> If you want to forward this material to others, the correct URL is:
http://civact6.tigblog.org/post/417257
Best wishes to all,
Dave Matthews, Facilitator
The Civic Action Free University
http://www.tcafu.net
"Nation-Building: Are You Serious ??"
E-Mail Address: civact6@yahoo.com
***********************************************
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How the IMF Underdevelops Africa -- (Six Film Clip Series)
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Part 1. How the IMF Underdevelops Africa
Part 2. How the IMF Underdevelops Africa
Part 3. How the IMF Underdevelops Africa
Part 4. How the IMF Underdevelops Africa
Part 5. How the IMF Underdevelops Africa
Part 6. How the IMF Underdevelops Africa
Would you like to explore the possibilities for volunteer, professional, and/or career involvement in civic action, community service, and other constructive developmental efforts in countries that are of greatest interest to you ??
Take a little time to acquaint yourself with the Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) that are currently engaged in programs of this sort. Link up and learn from them if you can find opportunities to do so. Use the directories below:
TakingITGlobal Organizations Directory
InterAction Membership Directory
USAID Private Voluntary Organizations Directory
>>> If you want to forward this material to others, the correct URL is:
http://civact6.tigblog.org/post/398601
Visit and explore the growing International Civic Action, Community Service, and Development Film Clip Collection, at:
http://www.angelfire.com/ca4/yourturf/civactnet.htm#FilmClips
Best wishes to all,
Dave Matthews, Facilitator
The Civic Action Free University
http://www.tcafu.net
"Nation-Building: Are You Serious ??"
E-Mail Address: civact6@yahoo.com
***********************************************
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The First Women Barefoot Solar Engineers Of The World, and World Neighbors
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Screen 1. The First Women Barefoot Solar Engineers Of The World
Screen 2. World Neighbors
Would you like to explore the possibilities for volunteer, professional, and/or career involvement in civic action, community service, and other constructive developmental efforts in countries that are of greatest interest to you ??
Take a little time to acquaint yourself with the Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) that are currently engaged in programs of this sort. Link up and learn from them if you can find opportunities to do so. Use the directories below:
TakingITGlobal Organizations Directory
InterAction Membership Directory
USAID Private Voluntary Organizations Directory
>>> If you want to forward this material to others, the correct URL is:
http://civact6.tigblog.org/post/398145
Visit and explore the growing International Civic Action, Community Service, and Development Film Clip Collection, at:
http://www.angelfire.com/ca4/yourturf/civactnet.htm#FilmClips
Best wishes to all,
Dave Matthews, Facilitator
The Civic Action Free University
http://www.tcafu.net
"Nation-Building: Are You Serious ??"
E-Mail Address: civact6@yahoo.com
***********************************************
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The Universal Declaration of Human Rights -- Guarding Against Two Sets of Nullification Threats
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G'Day All --
Having previously posted some thoughts about the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to TakingITGlobal's Blog Section, I'm apparently one of several people who were recently invited to offer a few comments on the Declaration, in observance of the 60th anniversary of its proclamation.
While this anniversary clearly calls for celebration, we must not overlook the various kinds of threats that could bring about nullification or abrogation of the Declaration's individual provisions, or even of the entire document.
First, however, let us take note of the fact that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is now available world-wide, in virtually every known language, courtesy of the following United Nations web page:
http://www.unhchr.ch/udhr/navigate/alpha.htm
Thus, the document's complete contents can be accessed by anyone who cares enough to pull it up on a computer screen, and/or print it out.
This could be enormously helpful in combating one set of threats that might otherwise serve to nullify the Declaration -- namely, ignorance and/or apathy regarding its existence, contents, and significance.
People who are unaware of the rights to which they are supposed to be entitled under provisions of the Declaration are in a severely disadvantaged position with regard to effectively defending their rights, or in making fully justified demands that such rights be respected.
We must all remember the following insightful words of Frederick Douglass:
"Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will. Find out just what any people will quietly submit to and you have found out the exact measure of injustice and wrong which will be imposed upon them, and these will continue till they are resisted with either words or blows, or with both. The limits of tyrants are prescribed by the endurance of those whom they oppress."
In view of these considerations, people like ourselves around the world who wish to *effectively* celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights would be well-advised to use the above-referenced United Nations web site to print out at least 100 copies of the document in our respective language(s), and distribute those copies to everyone with whom we are acquainted.
You may have additional worthwhile ideas and suggestions about overcoming ignorance and apathy regarding the Declaration and its importance, so please feel free to share them with the rest of us.
A second set of threats for nullification of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights can be found in *any* globalized system of political, economic, or religious dominance or control.
The operative quotation to remember in this regard is Lord Acton's cautionary observation that:
"Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely."
For example, in the years immediately ahead we may discover that corruption and misuse of nearly absolute power will be just as inevitable for globalized banking and capitalism as it clearly would have been if communism or fascism had succeeded in becoming globally dominant in past decades.
If you have doubts about this, take a serious look at the following film clips and documents:
"The Barefoot Economist" Explains Tragic Hidden Impacts of Globalization on Poor People in Developing Countries -- Parts 1, 2, and 3, of 6
http://civact6.tigblog.org/post/340547
"The Barefoot Economist" Explains Tragic Hidden Impacts of Globalization on Poor People in Developing Countries -- Parts 4, 5, and 6, of 6
http://civact6.tigblog.org/post/340545
"When Corporations Rule the World" -- Book Review
David Korten -- (Approximately one hour.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xu5RAM_M0dU
David Korten's Review of Thomas Friedman's Book: "The Lexus and the Olive Tree"
"We Are the Capitalists. Resistance is Futile," by David C. Korten -- HTML Version
http://www.pcdf.org/1999/We Are the Capitalists.htm
"We Are the Capitalists. Resistance is Futile," by David C. Korten -- PDF Version
http://www.ratical.org/co-globalize/capitalists.pdf
I hope the above material will be both thought-provoking and useful as we consider the best ways to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and also to effectively guard against any significant threats that might tend to nullify or abrogate it.
>>> If you want to forward this material to others, the correct URL is:
http://civact6.tigblog.org/post/393109
If you have questions or I can be of further assistance, please let me know.
Best wishes,
Dave Matthews, Facilitator
The Civic Action Free University
http://www.tcafu.net
"Nation-Building: Are You Serious ??"
E-Mail Address: civact6@yahoo.com
***********************************************
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Old Scouts -- Where are the Locals?
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G'Day All --
A couple of days ago, I made a brief comment about the "Old Scouts" during a call-in show on U.S. National Public Radio. This morning I received a follow-up inquiry, that is copied below.
Underneath the inquiry is a copy of my response.
I thought that both the question and the reply might be of interest.
************* Text of Inquiry Follows *************
--- On Thu, 6/19/08, "M." wrote:
> From: "M."
> Subject: Old Scouts -- Where are the Locals?
> Date: Thursday, June 19, 2008, 6:17 AM
>
> How do I find out about LOCAL groups of Old Scouts?
> I'm in Florida.
>
> PS - I heard "oldscouts.net" mentioned on National Public
> Radio yesterday -- wish I had known about this before.
>
> "M."
>
************* Text of Reply Follows *************
Re: Old Scouts -- Where are the Locals?
Hi "M." --
Thanks very much for your interest in the Old Scouts !!
To be perfectly frank, Old Scouts has to be classified as a "new idea" -- insofar as the USA is concerned. It is only in the earliest stages of development.
Interestingly enough, if you go to the Links section of the Old Scouts' E-Mail Group, at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/oldscouts/links
... there is ample evidence that the concept is fairly well developed elsewhere in the world -- particularly in the United Kingdom (in the form of "Baden-Powell Societies" and similar groups), as well as in other parts of the former British Empire.
So, in answer to your question about "local groups," I must tell you that -- at the present time -- such groups have not yet begun to develop.
During the past few years, I've tried to promote the concept through the Old Scouts web site:
http://www.oldscouts.net
... as well as the E-Mail Group:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/oldscouts/
... and the "Old Scouts' On-Line Library," at:
http://www.angelfire.com/ca6/yourturf4/oldscoutslibrary.htm
As well, you will find promotional links to the Old Scouts' E-Mail Group in the Links sections of *every* component E-Mail Group of The Civic Action Free University, at:
http://www.tcafu.net
... and the component Groups of:
Major Metropolitan Area Emergency Preparedness E-Mail Groups:
http://www.angelfire.com/ca6/yourturf4/metrocivilprep.htm
In spite of all this effort during the past six or seven years, I have to tell you that you are the *very first* person who has ever asked whether -- apart from the presence of Old Scouts on the 'Net -- there are any local groups or activities in which to participate. BRAVO to you for your interest !!
So, for now, let me pose a couple of questions:
1. Are there any ways (compatible with your current lifestyle, other activities, and responsibilities) that you would like to publicize, promote, and or organize Old Scouts organizations and/or activities in your locality ??
2. Are there any ways that I could be helpful and/or supportive of any such efforts on your part ??
Another alternative, of course, is a standing cordial invitation for you to join and participate in any of the already existing Old Scouts and related web activities for which links are provided above -- i.e., the E-Mail Group, The Civic Action Free University, and/or Metro Area Emergency Preparedness Groups, etc.
All of these web resources are available for any responsible and constructive use you want to make of them -- either as an individual, or in conjunction with groups or organizations in your locality and/or State.
In conclusion, I regret that there are not already local Old Scouts organizations that I can suggest for you. But there are open opportunities for you to function as a "sparkplug" to "fire up some action" if you have the time and the inclination to do so.
I hope the above information will be useful. If you have questions or I can be of further assistance, please let me know.
Best wishes,
Dave Matthews, Facilitator
The Civic Action Free University
http://www.tcafu.net
"Nation-Building: Are You Serious ??"
E-Mail Address: civact6@yahoo.com
>>> If you want to forward this material to others, the correct URL is:
http://civact6.tigblog.org/post/392443
***********************************************
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A New Networking Site for You at TCAFU
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G'Day All --
During the last couple of years, networking sites such as FaceBook and MySpace, have become quite popular.
Now, a new service provides anyone (including you, if you wish) with the opportunity to set up a page that offers many features of the above-referenced sites:
http://www.ning.com
We are trying out the service as an experimental activity, so this is a cordial invitation to check out the many features and options now available for your use on The Civic Action Free University's new Networking Page, which has been added as Item 14. on TCAFU's Site Contents and Instant Access Panel, at:
http://www.tcafu.net
Or, you can go to the Networking Page directly, at:
http://civicactionfreeuniversity.ning.com/
Give it a whirl. See if you find anything that excites your interest and motivates your participation.
Drop a note back and share your reactions.
And/or see if you feel like taking advantage of Ning's invitation, and crank up a similar site for yourself or your organization.
I hope you will find the above information to be useful. If you have questions or I can be of further assistance, please let me know.
>>> If you want to forward this material to others, the correct URL is:
http://civact6.tigblog.org/post/382479
Best wishes to all,
Dave Matthews, Facilitator
The Civic Action Free University
http://www.tcafu.net
"Nation-Building: Are You Serious ??"
E-Mail Address: civact6@yahoo.com
***********************************************
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Tiger Tanks Versus "Do-Gooder" Civic Action & Community Service Projects
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G'Day All --
An occupational hazard often encountered in the "helping professions" is an attitude that good intentions, altruism, energy, and enthusiasm will be sufficient to solve complex community, social, or economic problems.
Program participants who are excited about launching a given civic action or community service project occasionally seem puzzled and impatient when questions are raised regarding the adequacy of funding support, organizational capabilities, knowledge, information, skill, professionalism, coordination, or research and preliminary testing that are likely to be essential for success.
For purposes of illustration, consider the kinds of knowledge, research, skill, and organizational effort that we humans routinely allocate for the purpose of developing, manufacturing, and deploying any significant military weapon system.
By comparison, many of the most elaborate and well funded community, social, or economic development projects are laughably simplistic and superficial.
A YouTube filmclip that may help to exemplify this point is: "How to Build Your Own Real Tiger Tank" (Germany's main battle tank during World War II), at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMN_GG9qISQ
If you watch this clip, give a little serious thought to how much time, money, and human effort went into the design and production of this one vehicle.
Although there may be other analogies that would be better for the purpose, the above example helps to illustrate the difference between "half-baked do-gooder" projects -- that end up being either unsuccessful or even counterproductive -- as compared with thoroughly planned, adequately resourced, professionally operated projects that result in success.
I hope the above material will be of interest. If you have questions or comments, please post them. Differing and/or alternative perspectives are always welcome.
>>> If you want to forward this material to others, the correct URL is:
http://civact6.tigblog.org/post/365375
Best wishes to all,
Dave Matthews, Facilitator
The Civic Action Free University
http://www.tcafu.net
"Nation-Building: Are You Serious ??"
E-Mail Address: civact6@yahoo.com
***********************************************
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