Currently viewing the tag: "Melibee Global"

Interview with Missy Gluckmann, Melibee’s Founder

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I was interviewed recently by Julia V., a vivacious university student who has studied abroad several times. She asked me about gap year vs. study abroad, global citizenship, the Melibee speakers series, what inspires me to write my blog and more. Please enjoy our conversation:

Part 1:

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Part 2:

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Part 3:

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(Please note that the photo that she used was from my website. The hand gesture, in the US, is a symbol of peace. I note this because I realize that it is not a peaceful gesture is some countries! My apologies for anyone who is thrown off by this! The photo was actually taken on September 11, 2010 when I was photographing the annual blue lights memorial at Ground Zero in New York City.)

 




Weeping Alongside Rep. Keith Ellison Today

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Today marks the start of the House’s Homeland Security Committee’s “hearings” intended to investigate the radicalization of Muslim-Americans. Representative Keith Ellison, the US’s first Muslim American elected to Congress, wept today as he shared the story of Mohammed Salman Habdani, a young Muslim-American who died at the World Trade Center on 9/11.  I wept along:

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Ellison said, “Ascribing the evil acts of a few individuals to an entire community is wrong; it is ineffective; and it risks making our country less secure.”  I could not agree more. He went on to say, “Throughout human history, individuals from all communities and faiths have used religion and political ideology to justify violence.   Let’s think about the KKK, America’s oldest terrorist organization; the Oklahoma City bombing; the shooting at the Holocaust Museum by James von Brunn; and bombings at Planned Parenthood clinics.  Did Congress focus on the ethnic group and religion of these agents of violence as a matter of public policy?  The answer is no.” (Ellison’s entire speech can be read here.)

When this happens, this is the outcome – fearful people directing their misinformation and anger toward the WRONG people, such as CHILDREN and legal citizens who have been born and raised in this country, who have done nothing wrong.  And lets be really clear here – it is NOT ok to call children TERRORISTS.   Take a moment to watch this recent horrific “protest” of Muslim Americans in California.  If you cannot watch the entire thing, I understand. It is sickening:

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How can we combat this hatred in our country and this need by many to create a culture of fear?

1) reach out to your Muslim friends, neighbors and colleagues.  Tell them you support them.

2) reach out to your faith community and ask them to facilitate interfaith dialogue opportunities and to share a message of support with the local mosque(s).

3) reach out to your schools.   Ask them to address this issue by developing programming that will challenge the message of fear and hatred.

4) visit a local mosque.  Ask to have a same gender member show you around the mosque.  (If you are a woman,  be sure to bring a scarf to cover your hair and to wear pants or a skirt that reach the floor, and cover your arms. This is a sign of respect in that faith.)

5) write to your local government and ask for their support in educating the community about every day Islam in the US.

6) Melibee offers a couple of different presentations by Muslim speakers.  Contact me for more information at info@melibeeglobal.com if interested.

7) Attend the April 4th screening of the film “Crossing Borders” and participate in the follow up panel discussion afterward. (Here is more information – and I’ll be there so be sure to say hello!)




Islam and the West: Clashing Beliefs or Common Values?

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Mark your calendar! On Monday, April 4th, 2011 from 5 – 8 pm, the International Beliefs and Values Institute (IBAVI) and the Spencer Center for Civic and Global Engagement will be presenting “Islam and the West Clashing Beliefs or Common Values?” in the Francis Auditorium at Mary Baldwin College (Staunton, Virginia, USA).  I am humbled to be part of the panel discussion after the screening of “Crossing Borders”, along with Nihad Awad (Executive Director and co-founder of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), Dr. David Owusu-Ansah, Professor of African Studies at James Madison University and Arnd Wächter, Director of the film “Crossing Borders.”

Many thanks to Nusayba Hammad, Mary Baldwin College class of 2013, for writing up this excellent description of the event:

“Islam and the West: Clashing Beliefs or Common Values?” seeks to deconstruct both the Middle East’s and America’s conceptions of the “Other” by finding common ground to stand on. Samuel Huntington’s theory of the clash of civilizations has dominated our perceptions of the other side of the world, but we must ask ourselves, is it with good reason? Crossing Borders uses the shared experiences of four American and four Moroccan students to bridge the supposedly vast gap between the Muslim world and the West. During their journey through Morocco, these students find that they are not so different after all.

In this age of globalization, understanding the commonalities and differences between Islam and the West is crucial. World politics, and especially the United States’ role in the Middle East, are proving to be increasingly portrayed as “us (the West) versus them (the Middle East/Islam).” But is it fair to pit Islam and the West against each other, implying that they are incapable of coexistence? Delving into the archives of American history, we find this not to be the case. For instance, Morocco was the first nation to recognize the newly formed United States of America, and the two countries have had bilateral relations ever since. The first Muslims to arrive to America did so in the 17th century, against their will and on slave ships from Africa. There are accounts of Muslims serving in the Continental Army during the American Revolution, and today, there are over 10 million Muslims in the U.S. Islam is not detached and separate from America, and Muslims are not outsiders but an integral part of our society and nation.

History therefore begs a question: Is the perceived conflict between Islam and the West one that can be traced back to irreconcilable differences found in the essence of each, or is it simply the result of the way in which world politics have played out in the last century?

Crossing Borders will be introduced by Arnd Wächter, the film’s director. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion with Nihad Awad, Dr. David Owusu-Ansah, and Missy Gluckmann. Each will share his or her perspective on the issues presented in the film, framed by unique experiences and expertise in the field.

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Melibee Global Update

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Coming up on Melibee Global:

*  Part 2 of Carrie Wagner’s interview.  Carrie is the author of Village Wisdom.  (Here is part 1 for those who haven’t seen it yet.)

*  Commentary on the Amanda Knox case.  A controversial movie about the case will air on Monday, February 21st on Lifetime channel in the US.  It will also be followed by a documentary about the case.  I’ll once again explore how this impacts study abroad.

*  “To fee or not to fee – THAT is the question”:  I’m considering writing about this hotly debated issue.

*  Announcement about a new international speaker – stay tuned!

*  A guest blog about diversity in international education.

*  Blog to reflect on the 30 mosques presentation.  I spoke with some students who saw the presentation and it makes me want to attack the keyboard with their feedback!

Please feel free to email me at info@melibeeglobal.com or to comment on this post (you do not need to register) to tell me what you’re interested in hearing more (or less) about.  As always, I am open to reviewing guest blog postings, so feel free to email to discuss.

Have a great week everyone, wherever you are in the world!




“Vlog” Video Blog 1: Feedback on Colby College in China

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This past week, I received several emails about the Colby College incident in China and therefore want to share the dialogue that took place ‘behind the scenes’ at Melibee.

This is the first time I’m “vlogging,” so please let me know if this format should be used periodically. Apologizes for the “extreme close up” also! When I filmed it, there was a lot more space around my head. (Ah, technology – I am learning, slowly but surely!)

UPDATE/CORRECTION (February 17, 2011):  Per Brian Whalen, the Forum’s Incident Database Project would capture incidents of significance of this type, but none have been reported so far. The Forum will issue an annual report at the end of the summer, but they are in the process of collecting monthly data and continue to sign up institutions and programs that are reporting.  The report will be issued on an annual basis.




Wish List – Melibee Needs Your Input

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I have received many email messages of gratitude about specific posts – and I sincerely thank you for taking the time to write to me with such humbling words.

In an effort to share information that is most useful to you, I’d like your input.  Please take a moment to comment on your Melibee wish list?  Is there a book that you’ve read that you want highlighted?  Do you want more ESL tools?  Who would you like me to interview next? Do you need more tools for students who are exploring study abroad? Repatriation advice?  Travel tips?

Is there something you want LESS of?

Your wish is my command – so please take a moment to comment (simply by hitting the comment on the upper right of this post) or email me directly if that is more comfortable.

Before I wrap for the weekend, there are 3 more updates for Melibee readers:

1) I will soon be interviewing the author of an exquisite book, 15 years in the making, about her experience in Uganda.  I’ve got a few other surprises on upcoming speakers series and a new, innovative conference idea that I hope to announce soon.

2) Melibee is offering an advertising rate special for December and January. If you know of anyone who would like to reach a very niche market of educators, advisers, students and travelers, please have them contact me.

3) The biggest complement that you can give to Melibee is to share our posts on Facebook, Twitter or email it to friends and colleagues.  I greatly appreciate your support.




Sustainability in International Education: Interview with Michael Despines

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Michael Despines, Guest Blogger

Today’s guest post is by the very talented Michael Despines, Sustainability Advocate. I had the pleasure of meeting Michael at the School for International Training in the early 90s. This past year, Michael served as the keynote speaker at the Connecticut State University System’s International Education Conference. His multimedia presentation was talked about for weeks!  He was incredibly effective at breaking down very complicated issues (climate change/sustainability and how it impacts the global community) into digestible morsels, while relaying individual action plans for participants.
For today’s guest blog, I asked Michael about how the crisis facing our planet is impacting communities around the world. Please enjoy his thought provoking responses and be sure to check out his incredible bio below. Michael is available to presentation on your organization.  Click here for more information.

Melibee Global (MG): Michael, what prompted you to shift your career and personal focus from international relief work to environmental sustainability ?

Michael Despines (MD): Early on in my career overseas I realized that our work was to help poor countries become economic replicates of the United States or Europe.  Intuitively, I sensed that our society was not sustainable and I began a lifelong study on issues related to sustainability.  The more I learned, the more my sense of concern and urgency grew.  Over time, I decided to return to the U.S. and work on educating people about these issues and promoting a prosperous and sustainable society.

MG: Melibee Global is a blog that focuses on international education. In this field, there has been a lot of buzz about the “Green Passport” program. Are we moving in the right direction with this program?  How can those of us who plan programs around the world (study/internships/volunteer abroad) be more effective in minimizing or offsetting the carbon footprint?

MD: Your question is a profound one.  I am a passionate believer in the value of travel abroad – my overseas experience completely transformed me and opened untold worlds of intellectual, emotional and spiritual growth.  That being said, international travel has a tremendous cost and recreational air travel will soon be an anachronism.  The Green Passport program is right on – it places travel in proper perspective.  Travel must be revered and respected for the extreme privilege that it is.  The traveler must understand the high cost to the planet of such an experience and be committed to making the changes needed to live his or her life, day in and day out, in balance with nature.  Carbon offset projects rarely produce the promised reductions – do not rely on them.

MG: As individual travelers, what are the changes we should be making to impact sustainability positively?

MD: Use public transportation as much as you can.  Drive as little as possible.  Support local business and local food suppliers.  Carry your own water.  Avoid plastic.  Be aware of your choices and their impacts.  Take your time.  Much of the worst damage we do to the planet takes place when we rush or when we are short on time (eating fast food, buying bottled water, using throw away goods, etc.)

MG: How do you address those who say that climate change is a fairy tale?

MD: The debate was over 20 years ago.  Every, and I mean every, credible scientific body in the world has signed on in support. Every government in the world, including the United States under George Bush, has publicly acknowledged that man-made climate change is a fact.  Get over it.  Climate change deniers now fall among those who believe that world is flat, or that man did not go to the moon.

MG: Can you recommend any books for our readers?

MD: Hmmm, so many.  “The Bridge at the Edge of the World: Capitalism, the Environment, and Crossing from Crisis to Sustainability” by James Gustave Speth. Read this book and you will understand all the key environmental, social, political, and economic issues, problems and solutions related to creating a sustainable society.  “An Agenda for a New Economy” by David Korten.  A thin book that changed how I live my life.  Here is a longer list.

MG: You spent many years working with the International Rescue Committee in Africa.  How are issues with climate change specifically impacting this region of the world?

MD: The poorest people in the world in both Africa and Asia are being hit hardest by the impacts of climate change.  Developing countries are heavily reliant on agriculture – the dramatic shift in climate is causing more frequent floods in some areas and extreme droughts in others.  Either way yields are dropping.  Hunger is rising.  Each year there are an additional 150,000 deaths from malaria as the rising temperatures are allowing malaria laden mosquitoes to move into new areas.  Women are particularly vulnerable –  they have the least access to education and information about how to respond to climate change.  Most farmers are actually women so they suffer most when crops fail.  Women also take care of the children and the household so they are least able to flee the rising number of extreme weather events caused by climate change.

MG: Is it too late for us to change to deal with climate change?  Is it too late to create a sustainable society?

MD: The way we live our life right now in America is taking us on a path to societal suicide.  Our demands on the planet are overwhelming the planet’s life support systems.  The signs are everywhere.  Temperatures rising.  Fish stocks collapsing.  Forests disappearing.  Water tables dropping.  That is the bad news.  The good news is that all the solutions are here, right now, today.  We don’t need any new technology to create a world that is prosperous and in balance with nature.  We simply have to make different choices.  The future can be astounding.  Really.  In my talks I help map out both the bad and the good and the potential that awaits us.  But the clock is ticking, and we must start making these changes NOW.  Mother Nature will not wait much longer before she takes corrective action.

MG: Before we wrap up, I’d like to switch gears for a moment. You are an accomplished photographer. Tell our readers about how you got started with this hobby.

MD: As a child I was always crazy about animals: my room was full of stuffed toy animals and animal picture books.  Every Sunday night I would anxiously await the next episode of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom.  I had seen every animal documentary made.  So, when I went to Africa as a Peace Corps volunteer I bought my first cheap Nikon camera.  Over the years I gradually taught myself how to take a decent photo and I went on safari every chance I could.  Connecting with nature is essential.  Nature nutures.

MG: Thank you, Michael, for sharing your wisdom with our readers.

Michael Despines' safari photo: Zebras

About the Author: Michael’s 17 years of experience with the International Rescue Committee in Africa inspired him to act on behalf of some of the people who are most negatively impacted by decisions made in the west. Michael worked as a senior manager, strategist, and advocate for several international relief and development organizations.  As Regional Director for the International Rescue Committee, he supervised programs in Rwanda, Burundi, The Republic of Congo, The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Tanzania.  As the Asia Regional Director for CHF International Michael supervised community development programs in Pakistan, Afghanistan, India and Mongolia.  Michael spent six years in eastern DRC as the country director overseeing a broad range of humanitarian and development programs.  He has also worked for the International Medical Corps in Angola, and Action against Hunger-USA in Rwanda.  He began his overseas work as a Peace Corps volunteer in Gabon. Over the last several years Michael has focused on promoting sustainable development in the United States.  He has worked with Environment America, Clean Air-Cool Planet, and spent a year with Friends of the Earth advocating for sound US policy to address the impacts of climate change and he co-authored a report on the risks associated with the use of carbon offsets.  He is currently the Vice President of International Programs at the Institute for Sustainable Communities,  Michael has conducted extensive reading and research on environmental science, climate science, energy technology, consumption, economics, and other topics related to sustainability.  Based on this research and life experience, Michael created “The American Dream – The World’s Nightmare,” a powerful presentation that he offers to high schools, colleges, universities, churches and other public venues to increase public awareness and action on these issues.  Michael also writes a blog called Sustainable Thoughts. Michael holds a B.S in Electrical Engineering, a B.A. in General Arts and Science, and a Masters in International Management. He is fluent in French and English.




Interview with Melibee Global’s Founder, Missy Gluckmann, featured on Wandering Educators

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WanderingEducators.com - the photo is from a flight that I took from San Jose to Quepos (Costa Rica).

While I’m the one who is usually looking for people to interview for my blog, I was humbled to be asked to be interviewed by Dr. Jessie Voigts from Wandering Educators.

Wandering Educators is an international community of traveling educators. It serves as a resource for discovering extraordinary travel destinations, fascinating people, and global artists and photographers, among our many published articles.  As the largest source of travel guide reviews on the internet, it is a place site you’ll want to bookmark! With more than 35 editors, they represent nations around the world and a plethora of intercultural and travel-related areas. Their audience is diverse – travelers who are K-12 teachers (US system), homeschoolers,  students, higher education professors and administrators, as well as life long learners.

After being interviewed by Dr. Voigts and learning about her inspiring background, I asked her to write a guest post for Melibee Global in the near future.  I look forward to sharing her piece with you in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, here is her interview about Melibee Global.  Please let me know what you think!

And let me add how grateful I am to have been recognized by such a valuable resource in the field. It is certainly a very humbling experience.