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

The last time I was in Kenya, I spent some time working in the preschools. The little ones stole my heart and absolutely amazed me. They walked to school every day without adult supervision and in many cases without shoes. Every day at lunch time the teacher would ask all of them to line up single file, then they would sing a little song and the teacher would make some brief announcements. It’s probably not unlike scenes played out in preschools around the world. It’s what happened next that moved me deeply and I think differs. After the song, the kids joyfully ran in opposite directions. About one-third of them ran to get their lunch, the other two-thirds ran to the playground. That’s right only about a third of the children had something to eat. This scene repeated every day and was increasingly difficult to watch.

It was hard to watch because some of the children never had a lunch. I asked the teacher and she explained that some of these children only eat one meal a week. I have three nephews, who at the time I was in Kenya, were about the same ages as the kids in preschool, 3,4, and 5. I cannot even fathom us letting them walk by themselves to 2-3 miles to school on on unmarked roads (and I use the term roads very loosely here), or them going days without so much as a piece of bread. But that is the reality for these beautiful  Kenyan children. I spoke to my entire team about what was happening and how these children, so many of them were not eating. So we approached our leaders on the ground and with their guidance about what to buy and we provided lunch for children on our last day.

On the last day, the teacher started the line up, they sang, and right before dismissing the children to play and eat, the teacher announced: “Today, every one will eat!” The kids were so excited it was a great moment, many of them only ate half of their small lunch, as they wanted to take the other half home to share with their family. Our team was excited to be able to feed the children on this day. But that is all it was sadly…one day, one meal. Where and when will these children eat again? I worried about that as the days and weeks passed and candidly I still do.

Fast forward, recently, I was eating out with some friends and I hear a mother talking to her 4 year old son say:

“You will eat your dinner, there are children in Africa who are starving!”

And for a moment, her comments set me back, because I immediately replayed the scene of Ruth, David, John, Faith, Hannah and the rest of the children in Kenya who did not have food. You see for me starvation has a name, and it’s real. I have held a child who is starving to death in my very own arms and rocked him to sleep. That’s not something you easily forget, not do I want to forget.

One of the reasons, I am so excited about the work we will be doing in Marsabit is, yes we will be taking food to feed the people. More importantly, we are also working on projects to help them grow their own food, so that eventually they do not need us to feed them, they can feed themselves. Sustainable projects are critical and the ones we will choose to get involved in going forward. We bought land last week in Marsabit and the process of determining what and how to make this land a resource has already begun. I was excited when the opportunity to purchase the land presented itself, because I remembered the story of how a $2.00 micro-loan changed an entire village in Ethiopia. Today, that village is helping the surrounding villages become sustainable.

Next time you hear someone say “there are children starving in Africa” remember the faces here. Remember that poverty and starvation have a name. And remember, it’s possible to end starvation, we don’t need any fancy technology, just a few seeds.

What if we joined together to create a sustainable food source for one tiny village in Kenya? Can you partner with us so we can begin the process of ending starvation in Marsabit?

Technorati Tags: Africa, Hunger, Kenya, Starvation

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

At first glance, Lake Nakuru National Park in Kenya is a peaceful beautiful safari park. It’s best known for the thousands and sometimes millions of flamingos that make their home along the shore.  Recently, the park was enlarged so it could provide sanctuary for more than 25 black rhinos. Overlooking Lake Nakuru is a picnic area called Baboon Cliff. Aptly named because of the troops of baboons that live here.

During my visit to Lake Nakuru I had lunch at Baboon Cliff, prior to entering the picnic area my team was briefed to be “on guard” because the baboons could be very bold. (could be is an understatement) However, there was no amount of briefing that could have prepared us for what was about to happen.  It had been quite a morning seeing rhinos, hippos, vultures, lots of zebras and even hyenas up close and sometimes personal.  As we settled into the picnic area, within seconds, we were surrounded by about 25-30 baboons. Our guides had large sticks and were doing all they could to keep the baboons at bay. And that job quickly became increasingly more difficult.

Baboons are really crafty characters and work  together to distract tourists so the larger more aggressive ones can easily take whatever it is that they want. They gather together almost like a huddle, make disturbing sounds, as if they were formulating a plan. Then one or two come in close and do some kind of trick, or something entertaining while the aggressors watch carefully waiting for just the right time to make their move.  And it’s all fun and games until you are face to face with one of these scary characters.

From the minute we arrived the baboons were on their “A” game and some of their attempts to take our lunch were….well entertaining. There was lots of laughter and well admittedly some anxiety. Taking note of my anxiety one of the men on our team invited me to sit on a bench with him, promising to fend off any baboons that got close.  As we opened our box lunch and started to go through it, a huddle of baboons formed just about 25 yards away.  We had our eye on that huddle and then they dispersed. We all breathed a sigh of relief. After a couple of minutes, a baby baboon made its way over and began doing tricks, making sounds and before we knew it all of us were paying close attention to the baby. Then out of nowhere, the biggest baboon I’d ever seen was on top of Mike, wrestling him for his food and mine. In a matter of seconds, Mike was on his back, with the large creature on top of him. Everyone sprung into action even the other baboons. Needless to say, the big baboon got away with our lunch. And as quickly as he was able to spring into action, he was off and running with the bounty of his efforts. He took it over to where he had huddled up earlier and shared the spoils with the rest of his troop.

So what does this have to do with community and marketing? What’s the lesson here? It’s the power of collaboration and working together to accomplish a goal. It’s so amazing that the troop of baboons knew that unless they worked together, there was no way they would have been able to get a single morsel. It’s the same in our communities and organizations. As organizations find themselves running very lean collaboration is critical to overcome the challenges of today’s competitive landscape. The social web has made it easier than ever before to collaborate and overcome any barriers that previously existed. If the baboons can grasp the power of working together to achieve a common goal, how do we often miss that truth?

I think Margaret Mead said it best and interestingly enough after her time in Africa. “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever does.” While she doesn’t mention it, the collaboration factor is is implied.  Even the animal kingdom recognizes they are more powerful when they work together. Are you harnessing the power of collaboration or do you think you can do it on your own?

Technorati Tags: Authentic, Authenticity, Baboon, Chris Brogan, Collaboration, Courageous, Determination, friend, Honest, Kenya, Project Authenticity, Transparent, Trust Agent, Trustworthy, Whisper

Maasai men gathering to start the greeting dance

As many of you know, I had the opportunity to visit Kenya last summer. I was there to work on a water project and in the preschools. It was an intense experience yet somehow I long to return early next year.

I opened up my google reader this morning and here’s the first article that literally mooed at me (yes I did say moo). I just wrote about Maasai last week and I did not know about this moving story about how a tribe in Mara Mara, where I met the Maasiai, helped us after 9/11. They reached across the world to help us, by donating their most sacred possession, a cow. I’m practically speechless.

Did I say cow? Yes…so I did a little digging and came across the original story in the NY Times. I think it’s an example of someone with little means, but a big heart and a sincere desire to what he could to help. Kimeli Nalyomah was in NYC on 9/11 and was so moved by the attacks, that when he returned to his tribe some months later he was determined to do something. So he asked for the blessing of his tribe to give away his only calf, (cows are very sacred and the Maasai would never give one away) and 13 other tribesmen followed suit. While I’m moved by the gift, I’m in awe of how Nalyomah’s community joined in to help. His sincere desire to help us after experiencing that horror inspired an entire tribe to respond as well.

Maasai Homes, Amboseli

I’m speechless, because I have seen first hand how the Maasai in Mara Mara live. I’ve walked among their cattle and listened intently as the shepherds described how important their cattle are to them and their survival.  Their homes are made of cow dung and built by hand by the women. They have no electricity or running water and their life is very primitive. I have experienced their hospitality and generosity first hand by being invited inside the home of the Chief’s son Wilson for a tour of his home. He and his wife and four children living in a space half the size of my garage. The Maasai are a tribe of little means yet they wanted to do their part to help us – a nation of plenty and excess.

Is there some issue or cause tugging at your heart these days? Have you shared that with your communities? You might be surprised to find that others are feeling the same tug. What’s so poweful in the Web2.0 age is, that you could share that tug on your Facebook, Twitter or other online community and I am sure you would be surprised at the response, as well as the new relationships that might form.

Community is no longer defined by your zip code, and relationships can reach across oceans, continents and language barriers. My encouragement today is act on that tug and see what develops you might be surprised.

The rest of the story: The US embassy accepted the cows but asked the Maasai tribesmen to keep the cows and tend to them on behalf of the American people. Today the herd of cows is 35 strong and they are marked on their ear with a symbol of the twin towers. You see not only will we as a nation not forget what happened on 9/11, neither will the Maasai.

New friend, Wilson and Me July 2008, good times

Technorati Tags: Audience, Authentic, Brands, Communicate, Consistent, Customer Experience, Facebook, give back, help, Kenya, Listening, Maasai, Marketing, Mobilize, Reach, Resonate, Social, Social Media, Social Web, Target, Twitter

Today’s a big day for me… (drumroll please) I have officially moved my wordpress blog to my own domain. I’ve been theatening to go live for about a week now. Everytime I am about to pull the trigger, something happens. One of the things that’s been keeping me from going live is figuring out how to get the picture of the elephants in my header in my wordpress blog, in the header over here. I know it sounds like a small thing to you but it’s huge to me. (And I’m sure you’ve noticed I’m still working on that). So, I’m inserting them here.

Those elephants mean a lot to me because they remind me of my trip to Kenya last summer and my desire to return. I learned many lessons in my short time in Kenya related to community. I often say it’s the trip that keeps on giving.

What you are about to watch is video I was able to capture as we were stopped for lunch. You see, we are stopped by the side of the road taking a break, on the road from Amboseli National Park to Nairobi and its treacherous road. While stopped for lunch, up over the hill coming towards us are some Masaii shepherds  moving their cattle.  The Maasai live a very primitive life and it centers around their cattle. Cattle are a primary source of food and a symbol of wealth for them.

The video doesn’t do this moment justice. So what’s my point? For a very brief moment we took our eye off the shepherd, and missed that he needed assistance. We took for granted that he knew that a bottle of water has a plastic wrap and it has to be removed before he could open it. We were caught up in the moment not noticing that someone in arms length needed just a little assistance. The good news is that we looked back, and saw he needed assistance and were able to help.

So my question to you today is have you taken your eye off your community? Is there someone in arms length that you could help?

Technorati Tags: Audience, Authentic, Brands, Communicate, Community, Consistent, Customer Experience, Facebook, Kenya, Listening, Maasai, Marketing, Media, Mobilize, Reach, Resonate, Social, Social Media, Social Web