Dear Friends, the academic year starts for us in Canada now bringing back memories of going off to school as a youngster for the first time.  I am teaching a community based research course on-line this term as well as sharing an introductory course on Social Justice Studies to first year students.  I hope that all of you are doing well.  I always enjoy hearing from you.

Budd
============================================================================

CEBEM Launches South-South Knowledge Democracy Network in Mozambique - Congratulations!

Jose Blanes from CEBEM reports that they have launched the African Network on Sustainable Development and the Environment based in Mozambique.  This project links the experience of CEBEM in building communication networks in Latin America----excellent example of the benefits of increased South South collaboration.

See: http://africa.redesma.org/
============================================================================

New e-magazine/blog supports knowledge democracy

The Broker is an independent international magazine on globalization and development. It brings together cutting-edge knowledge and expert opinions from researchers, policy makers and professionals. Supported by HIVOS and other highly respected NGOs and development thinkers, it is a strong contribution to ideas on knowledge democracy.

See: http://bit.ly/ohL5IX
============================================================================

University of Science Malaysia seeks Visiting Scholar in Community-University Engagement

The Division of Industry and Community Network (USM) has an opening for a Visiting Professor for University-Community Engagement in 2011. It can be a six months or 12 months position.  Contact: Prof. Susie See Ching May  [email protected]
USM is a world leader in CU engagement and Penang is beautiful!
============================================================================

Going Global: British Council Conference on Global Trends in Higher Education

 Only 2 weeks left! Submit your proposal online to participate in Going Global 2012 http://t.co/R3mWFNP. Deadline is 16 September.
============================================================================

Engage 2011: Making An Impact – November 29/30, 2011-National Coordinating Committee for Public Engagement in Higher Education (initiators of the Manifesto on Public Engagement and the Concordat on Research and Engagement) 

 Universities are increasingly looking to improve their engagement with the public.  Developing an outward-facing, dynamic and two-way exchange with the world outside the academy is being encouraged by a host of external policy drivers – but also by the values of many in the sector, who believe that universities are there to ‘make a difference’ and to transform individuals’ lives.

The sector is currently facing a range of challenges including: the expectations from research funders to maximise and demonstrate the impact of research they fund; the Concordat for Engaging the Public with Research which outlines the support universities should provide for engagement activities of staff and students; the changes to how universities are funded, and the implications of this on students, access, and sustainability; and the need to better demonstrate the value of the work universities do.

The NCCPE’s second national conference will explore the critical role of engagement in addressing some of these challenges. Delegates will have an opportunity to explore effective models for engaging with the public and ways universities and research institutes can support staff, students and the public to engage in mutually beneficial ways. Contributions are invited from the full range of subject disciplines, university staff, and partners across research, teaching and learning, volunteering and knowledge exchange.

See: https://www.survey.bris.ac.uk/nccpe/engage2011/
============================================================================

Notes from Rajesh Tandon, GACER Chair

Bellagio Initiative
The Institute of Development Studies in the UK has been commissioned by the Rockefeller Foundation to conduct a global consultative process titled ‘The Future of International Development and the Role of the Philanthropic Sector: Promoting Human Well-being in a Challenging Global Context.’ – we call it ‘The Bellagio Initiative’ for short.
‘The Bellagio Initiative’ takes as its starting point the closing invitation of the Report of the Commission on the Measurement of Economic Development and Social Progress: to promote a discussion “… societal values, for what we, as a society, care for and whether we are really striving for what is important.” The Bellagio Initiative is a global consultative process that will culminate in a two week summit, convened at the Bellagio Center. This summit will deliberate on the future direction of, and challenges for, international development and will explore the possible roles of philanthropic efforts in this. It is designed around the twin challenges of a) exploring the role of international development in the meaningful promotion of human well-being and b) operationalising ways of working to promote wellbeing given the threats of an uncertain and crisis prone 21st century.

Talloires Yourth Economic Participation Initiative
The Master Card Foundation has funded a youth economic development initiative designed to identify programmes, projects and initiatives that will provide young people in  marginalized settings in the majority world with job and entrepreneurial opportunities.  Rob Hollister with The Talloires Network is coordinating this effort.

Civil Society at the Crossroads