Things have been quiet over here on the blog this summer but that is not because we have lost focus or desire. Behind the scenes, things continue to move along and in the upcoming weeks I will be sharing it all with you here.

However, the purpose of today’s post is to pay tribute to the 10 aid workers who were brutally executed in Afghanistan on Friday. It appears that they were ambushed on the road – lined up, robbed, and then shot.  One of the harsh realities of working in developing countries is the dangers that are presented daily. I have great admiration for those who make the choice in spite of the danger to provide assistance.

One of the stories that has moved me over the last couple of days is that of Dr. Karen Woo, by all accounts she was courageous, brave, and committed. She worked hard to raise funds, awareness, and deliver care to those she felt had been forgotten in Afghanistan.  She had been blogging about her experiences and was planning to be married in two weeks.

And while Dr. Woo’s story moves me, my heart and prayers go out to all of the families during this time.

Technorati Tags: Afghanistan, Courageous, Determination, Dr. Karen Woo, friend, Gratitude

Today, I thought I would focus on life in Marsabit, Kenya, and try to give you a glimpse into the commitment it takes just to communicate and get medical help. Next week I’ll be sharing with you some of the progress we are making even today along with our plans for the future. And I hope, you will be as excited as I am and want to partner with us. We are also working on some partnerships and new ways to garner support to end poverty and bring education to Marsabit.

As the first video cues, think about the craziest thing you have done just to get a signal on your cell phone. Or your greatest frustration in finding the right spot to make that call. But have you ever climbed a mountain?

The video above reminds me of when I was in Ngaamba on a hike with some of the community leaders to survey the village from the highest point. We were about half way up a mountain when all of a sudden their phones started to ring.

This next video gives you a view on public transportation inside Marsabit. The ARVs that are mentioned are the HIV meds that have revolutionized HIV treatment in Africa.

When was the last time you and everyone in your subdivision piled into a car to get a signal? Or you hopped a ride on top of a vehicle just to get to the doctor?

Technorati Tags: Communicate, Community, Consistent, Courageous, Determination, give back, Gratitude, Kenya, Reach, Trustworthy

Over the last several days, I’ve received lots of support and encouragement and I am so grateful for every one of you! But there are two questions that keep popping up:

Why you?
My response to the first question is really…why not me? I’m trained in micro-financing and business, the majority of my career I’ve worked on the international side of business, I am skilled in marketing and multi-lingual, and advocacy has always been important to me. If you look back on my experiences and career it’s as if I’ve unknowingly been preparing for this. But….most importantly the answer is so much simpler, it’s my passion. I know this won’t be easy but it’s a calling deep within. I’ve seen with my own eyes the difference a little education, coaching and community can make on an entire village.  Margaret Mead said it best “Never believe that a few caring people can’t change the world. For, indeed, that’s all who ever have.” I believe!

Why this?
So before I answer the why this let me ask you a couple of questions:
- What If the solution to ending poverty, aids, hunger, war, famine, violence against women was in our control?
- What if there was an unexpected solution and you could be a part of it? And without leaving your comfort zone?
Statistics prove that investing in a girl can change the course of history. Now before you go thinking Robyn you are crazy, just indulge me for a minute.
- Earlier this week I mentioned the woman in Ethiopia who brought change to her village with a $2.00 loan for fertilizer. Her village culture changed and word has spread to other villages. Those villages are starting to experience change as well.
- How about Rebecca Lolosoli and the women in Samburu, she’s educating and empowering these women who otherwise might be crippled by the violence they have experienced. And slowly the tide starts to turn and the men start to value there.
- And of course there’s Mukhtar Mai who changed more than just her course by taking the money Pakistan granted her to build schools for the girls in her village to get an education, get micro-loans, start or get involved in business changing the economics of her village. Sure, she’s in the early stages but the change is happening and will continue.

Another key point, that statistics bear out, is that when you educate a girl or woman, she learns, and she can get a micro-loan. Then let’s say she takes that loan and buys a cow. That cow can provide nourishment for her family and products to sell. Eventually, she has a herd; she’s employing men and women. The economics of her village change, she is now viewed as valuable and the culture starts to change. Word spreads to other villages, change happens over time and the country as a whole experiences the economic boost and history is changed. But Robyn, it’s not that simple….my friend it is.  It has to start somewhere, why not now?

Our plan: Our plan at Project Authenticity is to educate and empower women to become engaged in their community and bring the change that is so critical. We believe every life has value….no qualifiers necessary.  Right now we have three  projects we are trying to fund and would love for you to consider partnering with us.

- Our first project is to begin a vocational training and micro-lending in the slums of Mathare near Nairobi, Kenya. The Mathare area is one of the largest and poorest slums in Africa and home for around half a million adults and children. Over 70% are hardworking mothers and their children whose fathers died or abandoned their family. We are partnering with another organization Partners for Care, who has contacts on the ground and can help us get this project started very soon.

- Our second project is in Karima, Kenya, we have been asked to provide basic training to a group of 30 widows who are currently making jewelry. In Karima, we will be partnering with a Community Leader I know well, Phylis Kimeli.

- And finally our biggest project, and this comes from our partnership with Partners for Care, we want to build a school in Marsabit.  A school where both women and children and be educated, a structure that can also serve as a community center and health center for HIV education and screenings. Marsabit is a place where literally no roads lead. I’m super excited about this project because a school is so needed in this region.

Jaime and I are hoping to take our first trip in June to meet with the women in Methare and Karima and provide initial training to our partners on the ground. We also will travel to Marabit to meet the people and sort out the details necessary to build the school. We need your support and are working on securing our 501 (c) 3 but until then Partners for Care has graciously agreed to accept donations on our behalf so that you are assured your donations are tax deductible. Currently we can only receive donations by mail but we are working to provide an online method as well. If you would like to partner with us please mail your donations to:
Project Authenticity
P.O. Box 5606
Alpharetta, GA 30023
Make sure on the memo line you write Project Authenticity

And one last thing…thank you!

Please also join us on Facebook, and follow Project Authenticity and me on Twitter.

Technorati Tags: Audience, Authentic, Authenticity, Collaboration, Communicate, Community, Courageous, give back, Gratitude, Kenya, Listening, Mobilize, Project Authenticity, Thankful

I’m not sure I can tell you the exact date and time when I became keenly aware of the global problem of violence against women (far too often honor killings, bride abductions, rape as a weapon in war…the list goes on), poverty and lack of education. Over the last ten years, there have been stories that have moved me and broken my heart…for each woman, defining moments. I’ve written about some of the women here: Mukhtaran Mai, Rebecca Lolosoli but there have been so many more…many that I’ve met personally and had the opportunity to  sit and hear their powerful stories.

Several years ago, I spent time in Indonesia working on a micro-finance mission. During that trip, I experienced firsthand the dangers of being a women in a third world country….many of those experiences I’ve yet to share with family and friends. That trip culminated in a horrific act of violence, as our team was on Jimbaran Beach when the bombers struck.  During that trip, I worked on the business plans and financing for two brave magnificent women whom I will never forget, Murni and Rosa. And in fact, in spite of all the danger, I would go back in a minute to work with them again, they made an impression on me and in my heart that remains today. I also experienced the difference a small amount of money, marketing, mentoring and fellowship can make not only in the lives of individuals but their communities as well.

Then there’s Kenya….a  place I’d never visited but still felt like home.  Two women on that trip that made such an impression on me were, Phoebe and Lucy, their stories moving, their character and determination inspiring. Phoebe I remain close to and in touch with through social media. In Kenya, I was exposed to poverty that set me back and changed me forever. I met and held children who had been days without food, who played quietly while their classmates had their lunch, a tiny thermos of some kind mush. When was the last time you skipped lunch, not because it didn’t fit into your schedule, but because there were no resources?

A few weeks ago, I started reading Half the Sky by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn, I’ve followed their writings for years. Additionally, I attended the Care event by the same name. It was during that event that my heart was broken for the mission, not just the people. For some time, I’ve had this strong pull inside to be a part of the solution to end violence against women globally, but after Half the Sky I needed to act thoughtfully and intentionally. For me writing letters and donating my money and time is no longer enough. I have the skills, training and the passion to join with other people around the world to end these horrors. I also learned during the  event that just a $2.00 micro loan for fertilizer could be the catalyst for change in a culture of violence. Who among us can’t give up $2.00? Certainly not me….

I passionately believe that EVERY life has value and that there are NO qualifiers. Statistics prove that when you educate the women and teach them a trade, violence in the village dissipates, poverty goes down, and the community as a whole reaps the benefits. So…as of  today Project Authenticity is no longer just a blog…but a mission. A mission to end violence and poverty, our desire is to work alongside country leaders to provide education and empower women to see their worth and get engaged in community. Joining me in this mission is Jaime Earl, you may know her incredible organic skincare line, but Jaime also has a passion to end violence and poverty as well. We are still finalizing the details, but things are coming together so quickly we are amazed and excited. Later this week we will launch our What If campaign and we will have some very exciting news. Out of violence and poverty a passion was born and now a mission begins So…bookmark our blog or check back later in the week to see what we have planned.

Please also join us on Facebook, and follow Project Authenticity and me on Twitter.

Technorati Tags: Authentic, Authenticity, Collaboration, Communicate, Community, Courageous, Customer Experience, Determination, Facebook, friend, give back, Gratitude, Kenya, Mobilize, Mukhtar Mai, Project Authenticity, Social Media, Transparent, Trust Agent, Trustworthy

For months I’ve been contemplating a post on social and relationship capital and how it’s built and then how it’s spent. And after a trip to Memphis earlier this week, to see my mom’s aunt (my great aunt) honored at a ceremony where she donated her honors and awards to the University of Memphis it all became so clear to me.

Elma Neal Roane has dedicated her entire life to education and her students, I’m planning to profile her here soon so I won’t go through all of her accomplishments. She is recognized as a pioneer and leader in physical education and sports in the state of Tennessee.  She was head of the Women’s Division for sports at the University of Memphis from 1946-1976. The fieldhouse at the University known as “the house that she built” is named for her and I’m told it’s the only fieldhouse in the country named for a woman.

On Tuesday, there was a reception at Brister Hall, and it was  the formal unveiling of her awards, honors and papers both academic and athletic. There were over 100 people who came to see my 91 year old aunt, not the honors and awards. Everyone who came had a very personal story of how she had touched their lives.  I was in awe to hear the stories from young and old, all of them spoke of the impact she has made on their life.  A life of building relationships, participating in the community, giving back, not just with her money but her time as well. I have to tell you, in my mind, she is the embodiment of what Chris Brogan calls a Trust Agent, person after person stood up and talked about her integrity, the goodness that she worked so tirelessly bring to all of those who knew her and many who never knew her but experienced the fruits of her labor.  At one point during the day, she turned to me and said “Everyone keeps talking about all I’ve done for women, but I worked for the men and human rights as well. I stood up for anyone who needed to be stood up for as long as I believed it was the right thing to do.”

As things were winding down, I had the privilege of sitting alone with my aunt and just chatting. At 91 years old, she’s still a leader and still wanting to mentor and educate the best she can. And while she was thankful for the honor on Tuesday, I’m confident that what she enjoyed the most was talking to the people. She was genuinely moved that so many people gave up part of their day to come and see her. While we were sitting there I said to her, “I’m in awe of all the goodness you have created how did you do it?”  She responded:

“Everything I did, I did because I had a passion for it, not just the education but the students as well. I’ve dedicated my life to promoting fellowship, honor and integrity, and we need more teachers who are pushing that as well. That’s my passion, keep on keeping on!” (her personal mantra)

What I’ve learned from a lifetime of knowing my aunt, is that social and relationship capital is acquired through service, fellowship, and a deep passion for people. And it’s how we build and spend that capital that defines you, I watched on Tuesday as many accomplished people, some celebrities, got up and thanked my aunt for her service, and more than one said she was their hero. They were powerful moments, but she accomplished all she did because she loved her work and wanted to make the world a better place. She never gave any thought to what was in it for her, she fought hard for what was right in her mind, and with honor and integrity, she made sacrifices, had discouraging times but she always stayed the course. She used her capital to build leaders, pave the way for the future and for improving human rights.

My question to you is: what are you doing with the social and relationship capital you are building? Are you leaving a legacy of goodness? Are you working for what really matters most?

Technorati Tags: Audience, Authentic, Authenticity, Baboon, Brands, China, Chris Brogan, Collaboration, Community, Consistent, Courageous, Customer Experience, Determination, Educate, Elma Neal Roane, Elma Roane, Empower, Engage, Facebook, friend, give back, Goodness, Gratitude, help, Honest, Iran, Julien Smith, Kenya, Listening, Maasai, Marketing, Media, Mobilize, Mukhtar Mai, New Media Atlanta, People Matter, Project Authenticity, Reach, Research, Resonate, Social, Social Media, Social Web, Strategy, Target, Thankful, Transparent, Trust Agent, Trustworthy, Twitter, Whisper

Today, in honor of International Women’s Day, I thought who better to highlight than one of the bravest women I know who has made a tremendous impact on me. Her courage, and entrepreneurial spirit is a testimony that all things are possible if you believe, work hard and never ever give up on your dream.

Mukhtaran Mai – I’ve mentioned Mukhtar Mai before, her story of triumph and determination always moves me. Her brother was falsely accused of fornication. She went to court to argue on his behalf and was sentenced to the most severe form of humiliation in her culture. In the eyes of  her family and village her destiny was suicide. However and most importantly not in her eyes, she stood up to her attackers and demanded prosecution. The Pakistani government gave her $8300 compensation and she used that along with money from other donors to build a primary school for girls. The story doesn’t end there, she’s also built a high school for girls, runs a school for boys, she bought a van for the schools that is also the village ambulance and she has a herd of dairy cows that generate an income and help her maintain the schools. And in March of 2009….she married. I’m really in awe of this woman as when she set out to start the primary school she was unable to read and write and enrolled herself. While I think  Mukhtaran Mai”s story is tragic, it’s my hope that in the years to come that she is known for her leadership, entrepreneurship, courage, and the sheer goodness she has brought to Meerwala.

Mukhtar Mai’s story has had a profound impact on me personally in ways that I still struggle to put into words. I am currently working on a plan to put action behind the impact and to thank Mukhtar Mai….stay tuned as I will share that here.

So now it is your turn….is there a woman in your life who has had an unexpected profound impact? What’s the cause and effect of that impact? I’d love to hear your story and hers!

photo credit: Ronda Churchill

Technorati Tags: Audience, Authentic, Authenticity, Brands, Chris Brogan, Collaboration, Communicate, Community, Consistent, Courageous, Customer Experience, Determination, Facebook, friend, give back, Gratitude, help, Honest, Kenya, Listening, Maasai, Marketing, Media, Mobilize, Mukhtar Mai, New Media Atlanta, People Matter, Project Authenticity, Reach, Research, Resonate, Social, Social Media, Social Web, Target, Thankful, Transparent, Trust Agent, Trustworthy, Twitter, Whisper

The last couple of days I’ve heard several people question what they have to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.  And while I know times are very tough, and I really do feel for those folks. I would submit we all  have something to be thankful for everyday. Candidly, it makes me sad to hear people ask why they should be thankful.  Thanksgiving isn’t a one day event, its an expression of thanks that shouldn’t be reserved but shared freely.

I’m reminded of these two beautiful girls Faith 5 and her sister Ruth 3 that  I met in a tiny village in Ngaamba, Kenya ,when I worked in their village for a week last summer. These girls walked over one and a half miles to attend preschool by themselves everyday and without adult supervision. The shoes they were wearing didn’t fit and were coming a part at the seams. On the days I was there, they didn’t have food for lunch everyday, and I later learned there were days that they went without food all together.  Yet every single morning they arrived at school with a joyful heart and arms wide open. I spent long days with them and I never heard a complaint and the only request I ever received from them was to hold them close.

The amazing thing is that Faith and Ruth were not the exception – the entire village  was incredibly happy and thankful. I was there to work in the preschool and on a water project,  You see their village had no running water. And  they are in serious drought.  The crops were dying or already dead. There’s no easy way to say this – these people were hungry and thirsty and to see the toll that puts on a person is really difficult.  The homes in this village are very simple structures that are made from bricks that comprise mud and straw and there’s no electricity anywhere. Every single day the people in this community showed up (men, women and children – young and old) ready to work hard – many of them hungry, thirsty, no shoes, no tools – yet happy and willing to share whatever they had with us. As they worked alongside us ,they worked just as hard, if not harder than we did.  And on my last day there – when we turned on the water and it started flowing to the community water spot it was one of the most incredible moments I’ve ever experienced…the kind you want to savor.  My entire time in Ngaamba I never heard a complaint, a cross word or even a criticism. This is a community of very happy, thankful people, despite the fact that there are no cars, no computers, no ipods and the list goes on. What they do have is community and each other and that seems to be enough.

After our time in Ngaamba, we headed to Amboseli and I had the fortunate opportunity to visit a Maasai village. The Maasai are interesting people and even more primitive than the friends we made in Ngaamba. Life is even tougher for them yet they still have a deep sense of joy about them. Their community means everything to them and together they work through the challenges and celebrate the victories.

So what’s my point? All of these people are happy and thankful for what they have, they were not complaining about what they didn’t have. They are focused on helping each other and working together to improve the community. Many of the things we take for granted, they have never seen and probably won’t in their lifetime. If you’re reading this that means you have access to  the internet – yet another item many of them will never see. YOU have the power to change our outlook. Instead of waiting for someone else to change things why not start the process yourself? Why not look around your community whether it be your physical community or online community and see what you can do to help out? One thing I know for sure, once you start giving your outlook will change and you might be surprised at how thankful you begin to feel.

Last week at the Web 2.0 Open, I heard Julien Smith speak, he’s co-author of Trust Agents, and I loved his talk. He spoke passionately – one of the things he said was ” facilitate the exchange of social capital,” Simple words yet a powerful message – are you facilitating the exchange of social capital? He ended his presentation with a challenge and I’m going to extend it to you – “Be the person who will go for it and helps others!” Let’s stop focusing on what we don’t have and focus on what we do have and where we can help others.  Can we do that? Will you share your stories with me?

Technorati Tags: Gratitude, Thankful