Thursday, May 14, 2009

The Australian Leadership Awards

Opportunity for Young Asian Leaders
By Hayadin.

The Australian Leadership Awards (ALA) program aims to develop leadership, build partnerships and linkages within the Asia-Pacific, and address priority regional issues. The ALA program is comprised of Scholarships and Fellowships. Awardees are selected from the public, private and community sectors within countries where Australia has a significant aid program.

ALA Scholarships are offered to high achievers from the Asia-Pacific region to undertake postgraduate study (Masters or Doctorate) at an Australian university. Study programs must relate to AusAID’s priority areas of disability, economic growth, education, environment, food security, gender, governance, health, human rights, infrastructure, regional stability, rural development and water & sanitation. Scholars also undertake an extensive Leadership Development Program while in Australia.

Selection for ALA Scholarships is highly competitive, based on leadership qualities and on academic excellence.

ALA Scholarships are an investment in the future of the Asia-Pacific region. In this regard, ALA scholars are required to return to their home country or the region for two years after they have completed their studies. For More information, CLIK HERE

Relevant information:


Proposal opportunity;

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Service to Others Vs Monetizing Business

Which Takes Prominence - Service to Others Or Monetizing Business Activities?
By Charlon Bobo

Based on my observations, when business owners focus on making money first, service to others often suffers. However, when those same business owners shift their focus instead to "service first," the ideas and money seem to flow much easier.
Why?
I cannot say definitively because many factors are involved, but let's explore what's behind each approach.
Money first
Until we live in a society in which each person takes only what s/he needs and gives in equal measure based on individual abundance, choices, talents and strengths (this is the subject of a very different article!), we all agree cash money is the method of exchange for goods and services.
Okay. With that said, when we approach business with a "how can I monetize my (ideas, newsletter, information, Web site, expertise, etc.)" mindset, inherent is a myopic perspective. Our viewpoint is so narrow, we limit ourselves without even realizing it. A "Money first" mentality can only ever deliver money first... above everything else. Service takes its place as a second priority, if at all.
Service (and people) first When we grow business based on how we can best serve others and that is the heart's true desire, a spiritual/magical element is introduced to facilitate our success. It not only allows us to achieve our money-based goals, but it does so in a much more creative and supported fashion. On some level it just "makes sense" and "feels better" based on recent energetic and cultural reprioritizations around money.
A "Service and People first" mentality delivers results and relationships. Money and deep fulfillment just seem to follow organically.
There's nothing wrong with money. Depending on your personal relationship with money, though, it can be hard to generate more by focusing exclusively on money first. What makes the process easier is opening up to greater possibility. It begins by asking yourself...
How can I best serve others with my efforts?
A simple shift in thinking is all that's required. The result is a beautiful fusion that meets both economic needs and philanthropic desires.

Monday, May 4, 2009

Call for Climate Care Project Proposals

Call for Climate Care Project Proposals
Adopted from www.climatefrontlines.org

With assistance from the Government of Denmark, the Frontlines Forum is now calling for community-level projects focusing on local experiences with climate change impacts and adaptation
Background
Despite broad recognition that small island, Arctic, high altitude and other vulnerable communities are on the frontlines of climate change, community voices have remained on the margins of global climate change debates. It is these voices, however, that most need to be heard. They provide first hand evidence, experience and expertise on climate change impacts and adaptation.
In response to this concern, the global internet forum On the Frontlines of Climate Change was launched in June 2008 by UNESCO, in partnership with the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Secretariat of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues and the Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights.
The goals of the Frontlines Forum are to:
• Draw international attention to the knowledge and experiences of indigenous communities and peoples living in small island, Arctic, montane, desert margin and other vulnerable environments;
• Seek community-level observations on climate change impacts, as well as local efforts to cope with and adapt to these changes;
• Provide an opportunity for communities to voice their observations, experiences and concerns, and to share and exchange them with other communities;
• Build up a global database of local observations, experiences, practices and coping strategies;
• Support community-level research and educational activities related to climate change, highlighting the role of local knowledge, practices and coping strategies;
• Heighten the profile of local and indigenous peoples in international climate change debates, to build recognition of their unique knowledge and expertise.
What are we funding?
Community-level projects focusing on local experiences with climate change and its impacts. These could involve field research, interviews with community members, workshops, photo projects, film projects etc.
Who are we funding?
Proposals can be made by interested groups or individuals, for example, local and indigenous organisations, research centres, researchers, graduate students with interdisciplinary training, community members (youth groups, women, elders) etc.
What topics?
Projects could explore any topic relating to climate change and local communities. For example:
a) Local observations and understandings of climate change impacts (negative or positive) on communities, livelihoods or local environments;
b) Ways that your community is adapting to or dealing with climate change;
c) Strategies and practices developed by local communities to cope with changes in the environment;
d) Local impacts (positive or negative) of measures to fight climate change. For example, planting trees to reduce greenhouse gases (through carbon sequestration); or building hydroelectric dams or avoiding deforestation (e.g. REDD) to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases.
However, we invite all kinds of proposals related to climate change and local communities, so do not feel limited by these suggestions.
What output?
Your project should result in a detailed account – either in the form of a written report, a video or other media production - in English, Spanish or French. It should contribute to a growing body of information about community-level concerns, observations and experiences relating to climate change impacts and adaptation. These submissions will also contribute to the development of postings and discussions on the Frontlines of Climate Change Forum.
Where are we funding?
We invite proposals from anywhere in the world, as long as they are for local-scale projects involving peoples and places vulnerable to climate change.
How much funding are we providing?
Between US$3000 and USD$5000 per project. Further funding may subsequently be provided for projects with interesting outcomes.
When are we funding?
Project grants will be distributed from mid-2009 onwards. Initial results would be expected before October 2010.
What is the deadline for submission?
Proposals should reach UNESCO on or before 15 July 2009
For More information Klick HERE