Director of Peace Corps Visits Hopkins

Peace Corps Celebrates 50





Aaron Williams celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Peace Corps with the first ever keynote address at the Bloomberg School of Public Health by the US volunteer program's top executive. Mr Williams, an Obama administration appointee, focused his speech on the founding message and vision of former President John F. Kennedy while providing countless examples of the strong partnership the institution has formed with the "citadel" of global health.

A simple word highlights the strongest motif that carried through the various speeches. Every person touched upon the importance of casting Peace Corps veterans as "Returned Peace Core Volunteers (RPCV)" rather than "Former Peace Corps Volunteers". The stress on returned over former focuses attention to the transformative and lasting experience that volunteers live out in their service and beyond. It is strategic branding of the finest order, but it was clear through the speakers that returned makes all the difference.

For my friends that are RPCV or current PCVs, I thought you'd find the question and answer session interesting. All three questions were from RPCVs, which made me think I should blog them for you. In order:

1. What has been the Peace Corps response to the recent negative Congressional testimony of returned volunteers regarding safety and support systems for victims of sexual abuse.

Williams skillfully handled the first question by focusing the attention on creating systems within Peace Corps to make it better. He emphasized that each person providing testimony stated their goal was to improve the institution and not tear it down. This was a point he argued the media neglected to reiterate. Lastly, he went through a litany of partnerships and outside "experts" who are working to create open channels and training on the issue.

It was clear Williams was very prepared for the hot-button question. His answer had a linear progression from level one framing of broader concepts to level three of details in place to address the issues, such as the creation of a "victim's advocate" within the Peace Corps hierarchy. His last step to highlight that all the plans are laid out on the Peace Corps website was a plus.


2. Given the current funding climate, what is Peace Corps future outlook?

Director Williams was straight from the hip in his assessment of Washington politics and the foreign aid budget, which he referred to as Budget Function 150. He expects Function 150, which includes USAID, PEPFAR, and Peace Corps to name a few, to be prime rib sent to the chopping block. However, his take home message was Peace Corps, unlike other entities in the Function 150, has bicameral and bipartisan support. Four elected officials (three Democrats and one Republican) are RCPVs and they meet with Director Williams every quarter to analyze and discuss continued funding support. He acknowledges impending cuts will curtail scheduled growth and require belt tightening, but does not envision a severe blow to Peace Corps.

I found this the most interesting part of the speech. I wonder what metrics or evaluations go into deciding which programs have the most impact per dollar spent within PEPFAR, USAID, and Peace Corps. It was clear that Director Williams thought PEPFAR and other International Affairs budgets will be disproportionately impacted by cuts simply based on the politics of Washington rather then effectiveness or results.


3. Peace Corps has seen an increase in trained volunteers over the last decades. Will Peace Corps shift away from being a place for graduating college seniors?

Director Williams stated 85% of Peace Corps volunteers are recent undergraduates. He acknowledged the growth of trained volunteers as part of the inclusive approach and high impact results of the program. He maintained that this balance of predominantly recent undergraduates will be held in the future. Interestingly, he noted an increase in former volunteers reapplying and he expects retired baby boomers to get back into the mix.


There you have it! I hope this brief overview of the speech is worth a read. I'd definitely be interested in what you thought of his responses.

Letter to the Editor published!

Letter to the Editor in New Jersey Star Ledger

As a component to my Media Advocacy and Public Health course, I submitted a letter to the editor to the New Jersey Star Ledger regarding an editorial on HIV medication patent pools. I am glad to report that not only was it published but it was the featured letter in its own gray box. Below is a copy and paste of the Letter.

Jump into the pool

The Star-Ledger May 1 editorial “To save lives, Johnson & Johnson should jump into the patent pool” presents a challenging yet vital component in addressing the global HIV/AIDS pandemic. However, it misses one essential piece of the equation: Treatment saves lives and prevents infections.

A growing body of scientific literature demonstrates consistent HIV treatment is an evidence-based form of prevention and could be effective to achieve population-level reductions in new infections. One such study, across seven African countries, enrolled 3,408 HIV-positive individuals and their HIV-negative partners with results showing transmission was 92 percent less likely if the HIV-positive person was on treatment.

The science is clear: Treatment saves lives and prevents infections. However, 10 million eligible HIV-positive individuals worldwide do not have access to treatment — a million plus more than the entire population of New Jersey.

Johnson & Johnson already runs meaningful multimillion-dollar programs protecting the environment and deworming children in Cameroon. However, if it is true to its mission statement’s commitment to provide access to its products for people in need, it should follow the lead of others in the pharmaceutical industry and take a seat at the patent pool table.

Marco Ambrosio, Livingston

Letter to the Editor - (Scroll to Bottom)
Original Article

A special invite for World AIDS Day

I've been asked by the African Public Health Network at Hopkins to partake in a World AIDS Day panel. It is an unexpected honor given the amount of MPH students who have conducted research or worked in numerous countries on this topic.

Given the workload and upcoming finals, I will post a more proper and informative blog of the occasion during Winter break. I'm guessing a little after the New Year will do it!

Intro to Linear Regression

I stumbled upon this video last week when I was reviewing some of the concepts we are covering in biostatistics. The video is a great introduction to linear regressions, a concept that depicts the relationship between two variables. Linear regressions are a hallmark of statistical analysis and used in multiple fields that span from economics to medical research. With the biostats midterm two weeks away, I thought it could be helpful to others.

Economics of a Cupcake Factory

My younger sister is using it to learn algebra. My father uses it to explain the stimulus package and now I use it to supplement my Budgeting and Finance course at Hopkins. What is it? It's Khan Academy, a free library of tutorials explaining binomials to biology to banking in one central website. Salman Khan, the voice behind the magic pen, has earned the title "Bill Gate's favorite teacher" and as an introduction I have chosen to post the "Economics of a Cupcake Factory". The series covers the fundamentals of starting and running a product based business and may help supplement some of our Budgeting and Finance lectures before the midterm.

Final Presentation for HIV/AIDS Course

I am currently taking Epidemiology and Impact of HIV/AIDS with Dr Homayoon Farzadegan. As part of the course students present following a guest lecture.

My topic is "future issues" and in my allotted time I have chosen to present the Partner's in Health community health worker model as the future is already here. The argument is founded on my belief that addressing HIV/AIDS is based on three pillars: health, education, and jobs.

I've shadowed Partners in Health community health workers (CHW) in rural Rwanda and seen the central role they play in the community. As scholarly support for their strengths, I have relied heavily on a great journal article by JS Mukhurjee. Her study showed CHW increase access to hard to reach people, increase the social capital within the community, and act as successful referral agents.

In the face of a global recession and restructuring of PEPFAR funds, horizontal programs that integrate and strengthen health systems pose a real path forward. A leader in this field is Rwanda. They have chosen to scale up the Partner's in Health CHW model as their rural health system. Perhaps, no one explains it best then former President Bill Clinton at the 2007 TED Wish talk.

Follow Up to Round Table

1st Round Table Update

Although I couldn't find a round table, the hour long event was full of active discussion and back and forth open exchanges regarding human rights as a means or goal of development and the role of international funds in low and middle income countries.

One specific question posed that generated a great dialogue was what should the priority be for international funds.

Over 20 people attended the inaugural event ranging from MHS, MPH and PhD candidates from Hopkins spanning US and international physicians, former Peace Corps members, and current medical students.

Given the positive response I am in the process of planning and piecing together the next Round Table.

1st Round Table Talk

Monday (Tomorrow) 12:15-1:15pm W4019

The JHSPH Health and Human Rights Student Group will be hosting their first Round Table talk tomorrow at 12:15pm in room W4019. Round Tables will occur at least once a month and will follow a simple pattern - a short TED style video and then discussion. No lecturing but ideas, experiences, and points of view are welcome!

We will be screening a portion of a provocative Hans Rosling Ted Talk as a launch pad into a student led open discussion on health, human rights, and development. Afterwards, you'll believe the seemingly impossible is possible.

Food won't be provided, but a thought provoking atmosphere will.

Have an idea or video to share? For now send it over at MarcoAmbrosio32(at)Gmail.com or @Marcoambrosio


(We showed from the 10:30 minute mark onward)


Questions to discuss:
Do you agree/disagree with the + marks?
Is Human Rights a means or a goal? What about government?
Where should donor funds and local government funds be spent? Is there a priority?

Dr. Mark Rosenberg - Real Collaboration

Guest Lecture from President & CEO of The Task Force for Global Health

"Collaborative partnerships have the best chance for success when members lay the foundation in the first mile for the last mile success and take mutual responsibility along the journey for leadership, management, and culture within the partnership."

Dr Mark Rosenberg MD MPP, author of Real Collaboration, guest lectured our "Making Change through Policy" course and focused on the art of collaboration. The Task Force for Global Health works with private and public sector partners to address health issues for the most vulnerable populations. Among many things, the task force currently leads the Global Polio Eradication initiative and is credited for creating "Pharmaco-Philanthropy". There were three take aways from Dr Rosenberg's lecture that can be summarized as one story, one line, and one list.

The Story
Dr. Bill Foege MD MPH, the epidemiologist who designed the global intervention strategy to eradicate smallpox, was the first head of the task force. In 1987, Merck approached Foege about donating Mectizan, a drug whose off label use reduces morbidity and transmission of river blindness. Mectizan is better known to animal lovers as Heartguard - a common medication for dogs. Merck was making enough profits on animal sales to donate large quantities for off label use. Coalition leaders fearing the partnership and backlash of working with the pharmaceutical companies advised Foege to not accept the offer. True to what I've come to learn about Dr. Bill Foege, he did it anyway; establishing what is called "Pharmaco-Philantropy". Twenty-five years later the program is responsible for treating millions and its continued efforts have made eradicating river blindness a feasible end goal.

The Line
"Collaborations are like marriages. Easy to get into and hard to make work"

The List - "The Initial Barriers: Seven Cs"

1. Culture – corporate, religion, location
2. Conflicting Goals – need to settle on the goal, a very clear goal
3. Confusion – about roles and responsibility
4. Control – no one wants to give it up (personal and organizational)
5. Capabilities – everyone has different skills, strengths and resources
6. Competition - who is going to get the credit, who is the biggest
7. Costs – people don’t factor in the costs (money and time)

Guest Lecture by the Eradicator of Smallpox

Learning from a Living Legend

In 1796, the British Scientist Edward Jenner documented the first successful example of inoculating a person to prevent future disease. In this case, he used cowpox to protect against smallpox - an infectious diseased credibly traced back to ancient Egyptian mummies 3000 years ago. Jenner would call his work a vaccine (after the Latin word for cow - vacca), but it wasn't until 180 years later that US epidemiologist D.A Henderson led the global effort that eradicated smallpox from Earth.

A disease that plagued man all over the Earth for thousands of years was no more, surviving only in government labs in Russia and the US. The feat can be considered the golden point of science in the 20th century. D.A. Henderson's work garnered him the US Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Japan Prize, and Knighthood by the King of Thailand. Below I've listed three points that I found as takeaway messages from his guest lecture to my "Making Change through Policy Course"

1. Finding a Way
In countless examples, Dr Henderson mixed creativity or found exceptions to the rule to achieve results. After learning less than 10% of global vaccines met quality standards, Dr Henderson was told he could not mandate quality control ("it won't work"). Instead, Dr Henderson withheld World Health Organization funding unless vaccines met third party quality control standards. It wasn't a mandate, but it was one heck of an incentive.

2. Science and Evidence Trump Experts and Textbooks
There were four key examples in which Dr. Henderson and his team had to buck the stated norm or thoughts at the time. In each they set up experiments and tests to use science as their evidence against the textbooks. Each played a vital role in proving Smallpox could be eradicated. The first was proving smallpox did not spread easily meaning a vaccine campaign could work. The second was revaccination wasn't needed - a one time dose could work saving money, time, attrition, and follow up efforts. The third, smallpox wasn't stable in nature, thus eliminating it from humans could eradicate it.

3. Managing Guidelines
- Recruit good people who want a challenge
- Delegate authority and responsibility
- Adapt program to the individual country
- Get out from the desk (he mandated 1/3 time in field)
- Communicate regularly and frequently
- Harmonize practices
- Exceptions are necessary

I invite classmates to share any lessons learned or comments from the D.A. Henderson Lecture. What did you think?

Book Review: Polio - An American Story

Pulitzer winning book depicts the inner workings of Public Health

Within the first few weeks at Hopkins multiple lecturers have defined Public Health. Some used online dictionaries, others quoted names not yet familiar to me, and still more drew up definitions from international organizations. Whenever the slide with the bold white letters and question mark would appear, my mind would drift to our summer orientation book - Polio: An American Story.

Public Health is perhaps a field more difficult to define than others. From the molecular level of cancer mechanisms or chemical toxins to macro concepts of land degradation, sustainable development, and alternative energy, there are varying areas of concern which draw upon the medical, legal, engineering, and humanitarian aid fields (just to name a few). The picture is rather broad, but Hopkins did a service to itself by choosing David Oshinsky's Pulitzer Prize winner.

Oshinsky's book elaborately brings a reader into the moment through rich story telling while not sacrificing the proverbial meat and potatoes. He chronicles the development of the polio vaccine with all the theory and understanding of how vaccines work, the ethics of trails, and the stepping stone discoveries that produce a successful vaccine. However, he brings the story to life by focusing on the pushes, the pulls, the rivalry, the pressure, and the pieces of the puzzle that often go unnoticed.

For instance, he brilliantly captures the campaign that mobilized a nation. The first half of the book is a "how to" for creating a movement. It starts with the personal story of Franklin D Roosevelt, a victim of polio, and his creation of the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis (Polio). The foundation had two unique factors that played mighty roles - a sitting US president as its figure head and Basil O'Connor, the visionary put in charge. O'Connor took the newly created and still young public relations and advertising fields and brought on personnel to brand and develop campaigns. Before he knew it the Foundation became a Juggernaut.

Before President Obama's heralded fund raising machine, the foundation revolutionized the concept and approach to soliciting donations. Instead of focusing attention on large sums from the wealthiest few, they shifted for the first time ever on small donations from the many. They believed it had potential to generate more funds, a deeper connection, and a broader movement. With concerted effort at "relentless optimism", the foundation made millions around the country believe they could play a role in the vaccination against a virus that plagued innocent children and kept parents in fear of summer months.

With the help of the President, the foundation was the first organization to use celebrity power to spread the word and solicit donations. For instance, Eddie Cantor, the highest paid actor/comedian of the time, is credited with coining the phrase "March of Dimes", the eventual name the Foundation would take. Through radio campaigns, people were encouraged to mail a dime right to president Roosevelt. The inaugural event, still in the midst of the Great Depression, brought in 2,680,000 dimes alone; a whooping success. With each dime mailed in there was a psychology of "Yes We Can!"

Two other interesting strategies were the creation of a "poster child" and the polio blankets. In 1946, six year old Donald Anderson was hand selected to be the face of the polio campaign. His pictures and interviews become a rally cry for donations and increased support over night. It was controversial but a successful tool. It also organized volunteer groups to sew over sized Polio blankets for victims and their families. These blankets are thought to be the "forerunner to AIDS quilts".

Polio: An American Story pays heed to the traditional definition of public health; "the science of preventing disease, promoting health, and prolonging life with emphasis on populations rather than individuals". However, Oshinsky brings to light the wide ranging factors that affect the process and application. Science, politics, economics, culture, communications, and technology are but some of the players touched upon in this easy to read page turner. I recommend the book and I look forward to Oshinsky's upcoming visit in mid-August.

Revamped, Redesigned and Ready to Go

Launching The Round Table

Fourteen months ago I sent in my deferral to Johns Hopkins School of Public Health (JHSPH). I knew I wasn't ready to take advantage of the one year accelerated program. Ranked #1 in the world, with renowned faculty and over four-hundred courses, I knew the program warranted a clearer path and more focus. Considering I raised all the funds for my previous work abroad, a year delay to work and draft a half a manuscript made sense financially and personally.

Along with my deferral notice came one regret; having to wait a year to be immersed in a rich atmosphere of movers, shakers, and individuals eager to make an impact on the world around them. It was the free flow of ideas, the debating, and the unique perspectives that would have to wait another year.

This past June 28th, the fast paced journey began and I can not think of a better way to share and record the opportunity than through this blog and my website. Revamped and redesigned, this blog will be highlighting lessons learned, take away concepts, and engaging ideas from some of the best and brightest Hopkins has to offer. From guest lectures by Pulitzer Prize winners, Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients, and titans in the field of public health to guest blogs by students and general topics of discussion, I hope the blog continues to inform, challenge and inspire.

As always remember to check the side archive for titles of interest

Museum Trip Update!!!

This is the text of an email I've sent out to individuals that donated to the Museum Trip. The reasons for the trip, which celebrates African American History and Art, can be found here. Learn more on my website.


Thank you for contributing towards the Christ the King Prep (CTK) field trip! Within four weeks of the kick off date we raised over $700 with contributions from 24 individuals. I am happy to report that donations ranged from over 50 years in age, multiple states, and varying religious denominations; including all 3 Abrahamic faiths (Islam, Christianity, and Judaism).

In the wake of Haiti's devastation, I decided many weeks ago to call the Montclair Art Museum and pro-actively approach an agreement for them to cover the remaining gap in costs. Now that it is finalized, I can fill you in on the great news! The Museum will be covering ALL costs for not only the 86 Sophomores, but has invited the entire Junior class to join as well! The Museum was eager to provide CTK students the opportunity to explore African American Art of the early 20th century and engage in an amateur studio session. Expect photos and video responses from the students following their March trips.

Your donation will be used in another meaningful art endeavors. Cristina Lewis, a young muralist, has generously accepted to volunteer and work with six students on the creation of a "multicultural" mural at CTK. The students were chosen through a submission process and each one will play an active role in the development, sketching and painting of the mural. The first meetings have already produced great ideas and acted as a new outlet for gifted students to share their talents. The raised funds will cover the cost of this mural and perhaps a second. I will be documenting the process in a short video to share with you.

Thank you again for making this possible. Your impact will certainly be felt and your support is already appreciated.

Best regards,

Marco Ambrosio

PS More can be learn at GlobalSocialJustice.net

Cura Personalis - Educating the Whole

Christ the King Prep and a Field Trip for Black History Month

“You will be the first ever Senior class at Christ the King, excited?” – Me

“Possibly” – Chris

“Care to explain?” – Me

“Well, yes and no – all we do is work and study” - Chris

It is not the typical answer expected from a high school Junior, particularly when speaking for the collective whole. However, this is no ordinary prep school. I knew that from the beginning. What I didn’t know was how best I could help.

Christ the King (CTK) is unlike many high schools. It is one of only twenty-four schools in the national Cristo Rey Network, an innovative urban education model started by Jesuits in Chicago. It seeks to provide quality, catholic, college preparatory education to economically disadvantaged urban youth with limited educational options. It utilizes a longer school day and year, academic assistance, work skills boot camp and counseling to prepare students for college. The biggest difference, as echoed by the above dialogue, is these students are working for their education – quite literally. Once a week they partake in corporate internships that lower the cost of tuition by 80%. Besides learning the value of an education, the internships cement the end goal – college. Nationally, the network boasts a 96%
acceptance rate to 2 or 4 year colleges.

After my first meeting with Administrators, I realized there were many more needs then I could possibly provide. So, I reflected on my own high school experience at St Peter’s Prep and tried my best to pinpoint what was most formative. I soon realized the majority of my memories were not confined to the walls of the classroom. Instead, it was the hours after the final bell that the school came alive. Whether it was planning a pep rally with friends at Fr Hoag’s SJ School Spirit Committee meeting, waiting around for an Emmaus Retreat Homecoming or Arrupe Evening Lecture, or figuring out rides to soccer practice and what train or bus to take home – they rounded out the experience. I learned that you can’t control time, but you’d better learn to manage it. I learned that academics only scratches the surface of a school. I learned that each person has a talent and it should be used to help the greater good. These were all equal parts of an education. In short, I felt overwhelmed by what I wanted to offer the CTK students.

What could I do? At this juncture the school is unable to fund the majority of activities that they recognize as part of the Jesuit motto Cura Personalis. It is a dictum for educating the whole person including physical fitness and a broad based education (think your college “core”). In the end, people should have a working knowledge or appreciation for the sciences, history, math, literature and the arts. Administrators and faculty have been very creative to fill the void. There are chess tournaments, basketball teams, and workshops and presentations from college professors and community artists. With a mix of flexibility and drive the school succeeds despite a very tight budget.

Since the school does not have the resources. I am reaching out to my extended network to sponsor a student for a two hour trip to the Montclair Art Museum for Black History Month. My goal is to take all 86 sophomores, the only class yet to leave the school, over the span of four days. The first hour will be a tour of the exhibit “Forces of Change: African American Art and the Julius Rosenwald Fund” and the last hour will be a studio art session. With no arts program, I see this as a great opportunity to introduce the sophomores to a local museum’s historically relevant exhibit while exploring their own abilities.

I am asking for whatever amount you feel comfortable with. This is entirely pro bono on my part and the ChipIn widget deposits all money directly into the school’s PayPal Account via all 4 major credit cards and paypal.

You can give in any increments. Every dollar counts as this is the only fundraising for the trip. $15 covers the entrance fee, the supplies fee and transportation cost of one student.

Your $15 by FEB 5th = 1 Student going to the Art Museum

I’ve contributed the first $15.

I promise this will be a new experience and something very appreciated by the students. I will be following up with pictures and video responses after the February trip.

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam
Marco Ambrosio

The Shop of My Hope Video

Video of La Tienda Mi Esperanza

Three years ago I sat with a handful of HIV positive Nicaraguans who had one goal - to establish the first official HIV self help group in the Occident Region of Nicaragua. For over a year individuals had been meeting at CISAS (a public health non-governmental organization) to talk through their problems, counsel one another, and collectively protest any abuses at the hospital. Together we planned radio commercials and designed banners to bring awareness that HIV positive individuals were meeting near weekly at CISAS to start a self help group.

The vision and drive originated from three HIV positive individuals who had varying life experiences. The following year I would return for World AIDS Day and see Maria, one of the founders, give a public declaration on her rights as a woman living with HIV. She, along with the president of a German NGO, the German Ambassador and CISAS would sign their vision into reality. The group was official and had its first funding grant to start an office and begin an income generation project.

The group struggled at first to get traction. The members were unaccustomed to having, accounting and allotting funds or working with specific titles of President and Vice President, which are elected two year positions. However, after reorganizing and creating the position of Treasure, this last year the group started "Tienda Mi Esperanza" (Shop of my Hope). When a product is purchased, 50% of the sale goes to the member that made the item and the rest goes back into the group for materials and supplies. This short video below will introduce the shop, the products, and give you a better feel of the sights and sounds.



(Editorial Note - María, founder and ex-president, plays an active role teaching members how to hand make bracelets and necklaces. Her help was vital in the bracelets order I made, which will be a topic of an upcoming blog.)

Next Blog - A Learning Experience: Using the Order as a teaching tool

A Rwandan in the City for Christmas

Three days in NY/NJ for the first time - What to do and what to see?!


I returned from my trip to Nicaragua at 1am yesterday full of stories, videos and pictures of water projects in the rural countryside and income generation projects by the HIV/AIDS group I’ve worked with through the years. They are inspiring, insightful and informative but won’t be featured until the coming weeks. There are several reasons why, including Christmas travel, but a main reason is a special guest. A guest that I hope you’ll help me welcome with ideas.

When I was researching in Rwanda, a Jesuit named Pierre Cornielle Namahoro welcomed me to the country with open arms. He became a teacher and a friend willing to discuss the history, politics, and culture of his homeland. I would meet his younger brother Jean Luc during one of our road trips into the countryside. Given my propensity to interact with locals and start games for kids, Jean Luc became part translator and part photographer. The children quickly multiplied as the “Muzungu” (Whitey) started juggling and tossing balls to be caught.

Now it is a year and a half later and Jean Luc has been studying engineering and telecommunications at the University of Arkansas as a Presidential Scholar – a joint program by the US and Rwandan governments. He is visiting my family in NJ for a week – mostly to spend Christmas but also as his only chance to see New York City.

Yesterday coming out of the airport he was introduced to snow and was so taken by the “cold ash” that we went sleigh riding at night with my younger siblings before an authentic Italian dinner. Let’s face it Arkansas’ ethnic food can’t hold a candle to NJ and NY. For dessert we had a snow ball fight and my sister taught him how to make a snow angel.

So here is the question! If you had a few days in New York City and New Jersey what would you suggest are can’t miss things to do or see?! Pizza? Chinese food? Street Vendor hot dogs or chestnuts? Hot cider? An I Love NY winter hat? Let me know what's memorable for you. Below I have our itinerary… please leave your remarks, ideas, suggestions as comments – Thank You!

Tuesday
Museum of Natural History
Central Park
Times Square
KNICKS Game (my Christmas gift to Jean Luc)

Wednesday
Ground Zero
United Nations Tour
Rockefeller Center & St Patrick’s Cathedral
Metropolitan Museum of Art??? (good idea or something else?)

Sunday
Statue of Liberty
Ellis Island

Rise of Pentecostalism (Field Notes from Nicaragua)

I will be working on this theme for a larger piece, as much of my previous and first research in Nicaragua focused on the cross sections of theology, reproductive education, and poverty. However, it can be stated that within the last few years there has been a noted increase in Pentecostal churches within the historic center of Leon - a location where nearly each corner has a cathedral dating as far back as the 1800s.

Through the years I've noted that on trips into the countryside and rural communities, evangelical churches apppear to be the sturdiest and newest buildings. Many of these chruches are built by religious or service delegations from the United States.

The chruches are nothing new to me. The location is. Leon is a colonial city built around the central plaza of the Cathedral. Built by the Spanish in 1747 this Cathedral is second largest in Central America. At one corner of the plaza what used to be a public theater has recently been transformed into a Pentecostal church (see above photo). If that is not evidence of change, one of Leon's largest night clubs (located a mere 4 blocks away from the Plaza) has been reborn into an Evangelical church.

The rise of pentecostalism is a topic of conversation with everyday Nicaraguans. I think the deeper reason as to why the change has been occurring is the more interesting story but there is one thing for sure. I hope they scrubbed the night club's floor real well before starting the renovations.

La Tienda de Esperanza

The First "Order" for León's HIV/AIDS Self Help Group


Five of the last six years I have found my way to Nicaragua, the largest and poorest country in Central America. What started as a research project as a sophomore at Fairfield University turned into a self conceived summer internship that changed the path of my life. This larger story of transformation and discernment will be featured in a piece I am putting together for BustedHalo.com. What I want to get across (less than 10 hours from my flight) is why I am returning this time.

My summer internship in Nicaragua introduced me to a world I had not personally known. One of the projects I was assigned to work with was logistical and planning support for the city of León’s first ever HIV/AIDS self help group. I had never known anyone with HIV/AIDS let alone work with someone. Yet, on my first day at work I was brought to the hospital to meet María, the catalyst behind forming a group. María’s struggle to triumph is one I featured at my World AIDS Day presentation last week at Fairfield University. It merits its own entry and will be saved for another day.

A year after first meeting María her dream of the first ever HIV/AIDS self help group became a reality. They received a grant from a German non-governmental organization that officially cemented a joint HIV/AIDS self help group that bridged to cities in Nicaragua’s Occident region. From three individuals the tally at the inauguration, which I attended, was near 35 members. Within the last year the group has grown to 70 and started “Tienda de Esperanza” (The Hope Shop). It is an income generation project that addresses a major human and development need – a job.

I have been keeping tabs on the HIV group. Last March when I acted as a field aide for the research team from Fairfield University I brought students to meet the group members and, of course, become customers. I myself bought a few colorful bracelets that my sister wears all the time. Handmade with multiple colors and metal designs I know the bracelets are catchy enough to the eye. Yet the relatively new shop has had some difficulty building a market given their non-touristy location. Therefore, I have started the wheels turning on the first commissioned order for a product made by the group.

It is a process and learning experience for both myself and the HIV/AIDS group, but the final product will be sold at my speaking engagements. It will be a great connection since María and the group are often featured in my examples of individuals and groups creating hope in their community against seemingly endless odds. I look forward to sharing photos and videos of the process these coming weeks.

BVA - Alisa Miller's take on Media

The Bi-weekly Video Award (BVA) is announced Sunday nights every other week. These videos are stamped with my "Guaranteed to Inspire or Inform" tag. Check out GlobalSocialJustice.net for more information.

Growing up in a first generation household from Argentina, I already new that Latin America was never on the radar for mass media or the evening news programs. Hurricanes, the drug trade and an occasional piece on a Latin American president – these were the stories. Likewise, being four years younger than Britney Spears taught me that pop culture always has an ace up its sleeve. Despite these understandings I was still taken aback by the sheer disproportion in news coverage as demonstrated by Alisa Miller, CEO of Public Radio International.



Given the global recession and nearly two years of social media and technological advances, it would be very interesting to see a new installment of this same presentation. For instance, print media has continued slashing costs with foreign bureaus and correspondents treated as fat rather than red meat. In addition, would the rise of twitter and internet news sites such as Globalpost and Huffington post alter the landscape, or would the fixed attention trends continue with the balloon boy or Michael Jackson simply replacing Anna Nicole Smith?

For shining a light on a topic often overlooked, Alisa Miller’s 2008 TED talk is stamped as “Guaranteed to Inform”

Three Presentations, Three States, All Welcomed

I will be presenting “Faith in Action” the following days at Jesuit Universities. I invite students and individuals in the area to attend. I will be focusing on the theme of hope in global HIV/AIDS using stories and examples from my research in the field. The goal is to challenge, inform and inspire the audience to believe in the power of the individual to impact their communities.

I hope you can make one of the presentations.

Thursday, Nov 19 at 10am
St Peters College
Roy Irving Theater
Jersey City, NJ

Monday, Nov 30 at 7pm
St Joesph’s University
Philadelphia, PA
Location TBD

Thursday, Dec 3 at 7pm
Fairfield University
Fairfield, CT
Lower Lobby BBC