Phoenix Rising

The mythical bird, the Phoenix was said to have a 500 to 1,000 year life-cycle, near the end of which it builds itself a nest of myrrh twigs that then ignites; both nest and bird burn fiercely and are reduced to ashes, from which a new, young phoenix or phoenix egg arises, reborn anew to live again. It's a pretty dramatic story dating back to around A.D.170 with implications that exist today...or at least the synopsis of the story, death and life.

In composing this blog entry I hearken to the news in Honduras today. News about the political unrest, the poverty, the demise of some parts of the infrastructure of this culture, and the contributions many passionate individuals and organizations have provided through the years to help the marginalized and are now hesitant to engage. It has been a slow, difficult death in some ways. Pain and suffering have been evident yet, amidst the din a new day is arising. A renewed hope is growing and those who have availed themselves in this advent of change will be stakeholders in Honduras' future.

This is the where the Phoenix rises. I am hopeful you are inspired to engage in this next chapter of Honduras' future.

Representing Hope...

A personal perspective by Brian Crowe, Executive Director of Special Missions Foundation

I’ve had the great privilege of witnessing first hand the broad scope of humanity – its wealth and opulence and its deep poverty and despair, but most assuredly, the opportunities for hope. This exposure to the polar opposites in sociology has provided a unique perspective into the human culture. I’ve been amazed, surprised, affirmed, contemplative, challenged, but most of all, blessed to bear witness to the good, the bad and the promise of humanity. Recently I traveled to India to participate in yet another chapter in the great variety of mission opportunities I’ve experienced in my short 46 years. In India I worked in 3 orphanages of children who are all victims of the caste system. We set up a pilot project providing medical, dental, and optometric care for these kids, most of whom have never visited a doctor in their lives. I’ve been blessed to personally serve domestically throughout the United States, into Mexico, Costa Rica, Honduras, Nicaragua, South Africa and now India. Through mission outreach and response I’ve felt a real sense of responsibility to provide my friends, family and those with whom I come in contact my reflection and reminder of the needs of others. One of our fundamental mandates as citizens of this world is to ensure the hungry are fed, the naked are clothed, the welfare of the marginalized is secured and the fragile ecosystem of our planet is protected. It can be accomplished through the collaborative efforts of all of us working at it through our individual gifts and talents.

My current employment includes the role of Executive Director for Special Missions Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit humanitarian service organization. In this capacity I work in collaboration with nonprofit organizations and individuals that serve around the world, all addressing these identified needs through their specific method. Special Missions Foundation is essentially a hub of information sharing, project and mission development, an accountability facilitator, and a vehicle in securing resources that effectuate mission goals and objectives. This organization has been in existence for over 10 years, making notable impact in the lives of thousands who are desperately in need of support or are in crisis.

At this time, Special Missions Foundation (SMF) is in a crisis of our own. Without adequate funding to support our operations, we will be unable to facilitate addressing the needs children like those I worked with most recently in India. At this time SMF is literally in the midst of developing programs and strategies to continue in response in areas throughout Honduras, Nicaragua, Myanmar, India, Africa, and the United States. There are many other opportunities we would like to consider as well, working within the capacity of our resources however these future considerations are in jeopardy.

I make a personal request for you to consider joining our family in response to the needs of others. Essentially, we are seeking visionaries who share in our passion to connect resources to needs. Due to the economy cooling, our primary donor source that has funded our operational budget has expressed their inability to sustain their contribution. As such, we are actively asking for support to help ensure our viability for nonprofits and individuals serving internationally. Our financial support runs through the end of this month at which time we will be forced to consider other strategies for continuance if in fact, operational resources cannot be gained.

If this speaks to you I urge you to consider partnering with us in response effort soon. To be clear, we are not simply asking for donation. My personal philosophy is to engage in collaborative relationship that provides for the biggest impact. SMF offers limited opportunities for Board Membership selecting donors who embody the same philosophies in humanitarian care and candidates who have expressed an interest in facilitating in nonprofit leadership. This invitation occurs through direct dialog, assessing strengths and needs for our leadership board structure. Special Missions Foundation is a tax exempt organization as a registered 501(c)3 (EIN#74-2918194). Please visit: www.specialmissions.org/donate, annotating this contribution as "undesignated".

I truly thank you for allowing me the privilege of making this plea and most especially, for supporting our efforts in humanitarian service outreach. I sincerely hope you’ve been inspired to consider ways in which you would like to support and participate in partnership. This truly isn’t a singular response but a corporate effort and I continually look to ways with which we can make that difference in the world.

Bless and be blessed!

Brian

The Voice of the Marginalized

Awaiting news on Zelaya's next move is an amazing exercise. It seems as though the momentum of real democracy lies on the head of a pin governed by the sheer will and determination of one man - whether that's right or not is a matter of opinion. And opinions swing wide. What seems to be missing in this picture is the faces and voices of the impoverished, impacted by the dramatic decline of Honduras's economy because of the political unrest. As governments and humanitarian aid is cut off, those that chronically suffer are impacted even more. And their problems increase. Finding a resolve is paramount towards alleviating additional unwarranted pain and suffering.

And so we wait. We wait to see what the next move is in this volatile environment where thus far, everyone is losing.

Please keep the voice of the marginalized at the forefront of the news.

Brian Crowe
Executive Director, Special Missions Foundation

Drive To Survive

Special Missions Foundation is now engaged in a mission critical support opportunity. Over the 8 months:
We’ve developed a Pilot Project for TMF in India serving 3 orphanages with Dental and Optometric care;
We’ve provided over 250 hours of administrative services and organizational development to one of our Affiliate Partners over the past 8 months;
We’ve provided administrative support with registrations for Conference on Honduras;
We’re provided a ‘pass-through’ for contributions to fund organizations serving outside the United States;
We’ve welcomed 4 new Affiliate Partnerships into the fold of the SMF umbrella – Urban Promise serving in Copan Ruinas, The Burma Connection serving in Myanmar, El Maestro en Casa serving La Esperanza area, and Fundacion Sindrome de Downs based out of San Pedro Sula;
We’ve provided $6,500 to Helping Honduras Kids providing resources of school books for the children in their orphanage;
We’ve provided free consulting for numerous NGO’s serving internationally;
We’ve been a source of information on Disaster Relief in Honduras and Costa Rica;
We’ve linked scores of organizations to resources of all types within the last 8 months;
We’ve been affiliated with organizations making national and international notoriety in many forms of media venues;
We’ve had a constant, fresh presence in 5 different social networks garnering hundreds of ‘followers’ to our posts and website;
We’ve had US-wide press on SMF related projects through VOSH International, Rotary International, and the ADA News Magazine;
We're impacting the lives of multiple thousands of marginalized people in developing countries around the world through our Network Members and Affiliate Partnerships.

And now, we're in need of funds to continue our efforts at this level. We're seeking donations to sustain our operational budget ensuring Special Missions Foundation is available to assist organizations serving around the world. Please help us secure the future for the hundreds of organizations that are making a very tangible difference in the lives of those less fortunate. Donate today at http://www.specialmissions.org/donate or contact the SMF office for more information and updates on strategies.

Brian Crowe
Executive Director, Special Missions Foundation

Wheels In Motion

The wheels are in motion.

Immediately upon news of the 7.3 earthquake that shook off the cost of La Ceiba, Honduras, Special Missions Foundation has sprung in to response providing an avenue to donate. We have leveraged our networks and resources to offer assistance wherever it is needed the most. With literally hundreds of network member organizations, partnerships, and individuals on the ground in Honduras providing humanitarian care response, SMF can direct financial resources where they are needed the most.

Join in this outreach response for the needs of those suffering in the wake of this natural disaster. 100% of designated contributions go towards relief efforts. To donate, go to www.specialmissions.org/donate

Brian Crowe
Executive Director, Special Missions Foundation

Network Response

Social media tools have launched and explosion of opportunities for people to connect with causes. SMF has been actively involved in consistent, regular updates on all of or social medial portals; this blog, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and our own customized network found on Ning.com. These venues work only as long as they are updated regularly and as long as people are reading them.

Most recently, SMF received a Tweet from a new Follower needing critical assistance locating a missing family member off Roatan, Honduras. This message illustrates the potential for broadcast announcements to network membership to move forward aggressively in response to the needs of others, something SMF has pursued aggressively since entering the social media market.

We encourage all of our viewers to frequent our media sites, giving us the added response traffic to effectuate our desired outcomes. Getting the word out is a massive undertaking. Finding the right mix of media tools is paramount toward reaching our goals. Keeping you informed is our responsibility, taking action is your option. We hope you are motivated to make the biggest impact towards address the needs of others who may not otherwise have a voice.

Regarding the missing family member off Roatan, we will be posting links and information immediately upon receipt. Let's all hope our networks work, before it is too late.

Brian Crowe
Executive Director, Special Missions Foundation

Cultivating For Success

Strategies, Action Points, Protocol. Our office is swimming in a sea of NGO development strategies to effectuate goals. It's a very exciting time to be engaged in humanitarian effort internationally, seeing the fruits of our labors come into their season. Cultivation is everything.



Recently, I was provided a copy of a letter of invitation to the President of the country of Honduras to attend our NGO conference in September. It was pretty exciting to see this letter, noting that we'll have the Ambassador of the US in attendance as well as the Director of USAID, each presenting to the hundreds of participants and NGO's represented there. The picture here is of US Ambassador Hugo Llorens and myself attending the 2008 Conference on Honduras. This year is our 10th year to sponsor this event and it goes without saying, cultivation is everything.



You can't develop a comprehensive strategy for success without careful planning. Look at the success records of some of the most recognizable international humanitarian service orgs on the planet: CARE, Médecins Sans Frontières, Ameri Cares, Mercy Corps, Global Aid Network. It happened through the careful and intentional planning that included contingency plans when the trajectory encountered obstacles. These obstacles didn't derail their plans, it added a new dimension to the existing strategies. And all along, they cultivated the mission objectives, never losing sight of the goal.

As we press onward we offer encouragement knowing that collaboration builds capacity which broadens the footprint of successful humanitarian response. We're excited to be in the midst of incredible things happening internationally.

Brian Crowe
Executive Director, Special Missions Foundation

SMF Connection

We've observed a rather interesting phenomenon within our SMF Network Members and Affiliate Partnerships. In just the first 5 months of 2009 we've had several of our organizations experience some international media attention through mediums like CNN's Larry King Live, CNN Heroes, CNN featured stories internationally, a movie release, international press, and web promotions. These are great examples of precisely what we've tried to encourage. In the midst of a down-turned economy it is critically important to be highly visible, leveraging all media types to tell your story to as many different demographics as possible. Despite bleak economic reports there are still philanthropists who are keeping alive humanitarian response efforts. NGO's need to share their stories of opportunity with as wide an audience as possible. The rewards are simply too valuable to deny. When the economy returns, organizations who have invested in broad marketing and media exposure will have the benefit of resources as well as new partnerships in varied demographics. It is an opportunity that expresses itself exponentially.

Special Missions Foundation can be your vehicle for engaging in strategies of sustaining strength and presence. Through Affiliated Partnership, SMF dedicates resources of time and energy to ensure our Partners have thoroughly prepared and are actively involved in programs with design and purpose.

Mobilizing

Special Missions Foundation makes available opportunities for organizational advancement through Affiliate Partnerships. Our resources offer support with organizational development, volunteer management, funds development, leadership training, administrative support, project management, visions and goals and much more.

You might have read about a few of our Affiliated Partners listed on the Partner tab of our website. These organizations represent an investment of time and energy by Special Missions Foundation assisting in achieving desired outcomes and strategic goals to best serve humanity. As Affiliate Partners these orgs are provided dedicated time resources of human capital to fulfill the formal agreement strategy set forth by both organizations. SMF becomes a team member engaged in a strategy for success and providing invaluable perspective, backed by a strong network of resources.

We encourage you to consider this opportunity for yourself, examining those areas where your organization needs those 'extra' hands to help achieve your mission objectives or desired outcomes. Let us help you customize an Affiliate Partnership that best fits your needs and your budget. Please call the Special Missions Foundation office today at 512-961-5279 or response@specialmissions.org for your free organizational assessment.

We're here to help you make the greatest impact.

Getting On The Map

Recently, I was in need of a map of a certain country SMF would be working in later this year. Our efforts would be in providing a very basic health care response in a community that has had little to no response - extremely remote and virtually inaccessible. Needless to say, this community wasn't on that map. Nor any one of the 20 or so maps I downloaded trying to locate this small community. I wasn't surprised at all, this is the norm when working in third world countries with little infrastructure such as a system of roadways.

It got me to thinking, what percentage of the worlds marginalized aren't 'on the map' so to speak? It is an estimated 60% of the world lives at or below the poverty line (WikiAnswers, 2009) Then there is the question as to how to define poverty. Poverty is the shortage of common things such as food, clothing, shelter and safe drinking water, all of which determine our quality of life. It may also include the lack of access to opportunities such as education and employment which aid the escape from poverty and/or allow one to enjoy the respect of fellow citizens. (Wikipedia, 2009) Scholars frown on pulling data from any public source such as WikiAnswers or Wikipedia however, even if a portion of these results are true, it is still astonishing.

So the impetus is to shed light on the impoverished and get them 'on the map'. We who have a voice must be the voice they lack.

Brian Crowe
Executive Director, Special Missions Foundation

To Shake or Not

This weekend President Obama inadvertently (or not) stirred the pot in the political landscape yet again. In the 5th Summit of the Americas he was recorded 'shaking the hand of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez' at two separate occasions. Crisis!

Speaking only from my personal perspective, I'm not quite as impacted as the media seems to be, nor seemingly a lot of politicians. I understand the implications of such a dastardly act, there's a lot of tension between the US and Venezuela and it is understandable. Chavez has certainly shot a few things past our bow, figuratively speaking. He has incited several adversaries and attempted to pull the rug out from under the US in petroleum exports. We've done our own share of insult, labeling him a threat to US interests and pairing him with the likes of Castro and others. So what makes a handshake so offensive?

As much as this blog post seems like a political rant, I want to make clear it's not my intention to position myself in the political arena. I'm a singular person who probably looks at the world through rose-colored glasses more than I should. I, in fact, truly dislike politics altogether but understand the importance. It is what keeps the world in balance....or out of balance is it may seem. So in that, I find trouble allowing a handshake to wreck our hope for a more amicable world. In fact, on the contrary, I see it as a person to person gesture. Maybe it's the first step towards acknowledging we all need each other in this world. Maybe it's saying, "hey, we put our pants on one leg at a time, just like next guy". Or, it was just a normal, almost voluntary reaction to a hand extended. Remember, both of these guys have spent their lives shaking hands in a gesture of greeting. I just hate for the media to control or influence opportunities for hope. Instead of wasting airtime on the, gasp, handshake seen 'round the world, let's use that for better use such as making aware the magnitude of malnutrition, environmental abuses, human rights, infant mortality and on and on.

So, before this gets misconstrued as anything endorsing an agenda or representing any organization or individual affiliated with Special Missions Foundation, this has entirely been the posit of myself as a human observer. But then again, maybe that simple act is...gasp...just as controversial.

My advice; let's keep everything in perspective.

Brian Crowe
Executive Director, Special Missions Foundation

(and human observer)

One Peace at a Time

Nobility: the quality of elevation of mind and exaltation of character or ideals or conduct.

This evening I've just returned from my first-ever World Premier Release of a movie, complete with a red carpet, live music, cash bar, free food, silent auction, celebrities and more. It was produced and directed by Turk Pipkin (The Sopranos) who lives here in Austin and is an outspoken advocate for peace. Turk and his wife created a 501(c)3 called the Nobelity Project which was the ultimate producer of this movie. The title was "One Peace At A Time". The film asks one very big question - Can we provide basic rights – water, nutrition, education, health care, opportunity and a sustainable and peaceful environment – to every child on earth?

Since this was my first world premier of a movie I can't speak with the authority of a critic but I can say that this movie presents some very interesting thoughts to consider on the subject of these humanitarian issues. Instead of simply identifying problems, Turk took an angle of looking at solutions. I was jazzed as this is my hearts desire.

I was introduced to Turk through a mutual friend, someone who said we embody the same spirit. That was a really kind affirmation, something I've now been humbly touched by.

So the concept of providing opportunity to every child on earth is worth the effort. They are the heirs to our legacy, for good and for bad. I'm saddened by what we are leaving them but I'm encouraged to work on education and empowerment, that they might find solutions as well. Can we provide these basic rights? Why not simply try. Rather than sitting on the sidelines and wondering, I'm voting we put our words into action.

There are many organizations and individuals taking on this challenge, day in and day out. This movie highlighted 5 that are actively in pursuit of solutions to ward off poverty, sickness, and marginalization. But action can take shape anywhere. We're not limited to just the name-brand opportunities. Consider the act of simple kindness toward the homeless person on your street corner. Or that neighbor you know isn't feeling very well. Practice action within your own family first and let it naturally flow out to others.

Nobility is response in action...for simply the reward of doing what you know is right.

Thanks, Turk, for making us all think.

Brian Crowe
Executive Director, Special Missions Foundation

Accountability of SMF Affiliates

Accountability in humanitarian service response is one of the most critical factors for nonprofit organizations serving internationally or domestically. Philanthropists providing resources seek careful and thorough measures of success. Recipients of care similarly deserve the utmost in accountability of the services rendered, providing careful and intentional strategies towards success. Sustainability is paramount ensuring project goals are congruent to the social values and norms of the clients and community served. Positive deviance ensures sustainability, engaging 'buy-in' strength of the community served.

Accountability raises the bar for all NGO's. At Special Missions Foundation we are actively engaged in pursuing Partnerships and Network Members who seek careful and deliberate accountability practices. NGO's affiliated with Special Missions Foundation are vetted to ensure they represent the values of our organization.

We are happy to present our affiliates as organizations serving with careful intent and accountability.

Reaching The Goals

Over the course of the weekend, Special Missions Foundation composed and generated our April E-News featuring the most recent news related to our Partners and to the SMF Network members. We've been excited to note the continual expanse of our footprint in humanitarian service awareness throughout the world. There is much being a accomplished through the passionate pursuit of individuals and organizations with focus.

The most interesting aspect of our news on the many works being accomplished is the unbelievable diversity. From faith based to non-faith based, medical to construction, capacity building to awareness, community development to individual response, the responses are a very clear affirmation that people make the difference.

On behalf of the Special Missions Foundation staff and Board of Directors, we congratulate each and every individual in response to the needs of others. We're here to help you achieve your goals and objectives.

Brian Crowe
Executive Director, Special Missions Foundation

Exellence in Service

Terry Orlick, Ph.D., author of, In Pursuit of Excellence once said, "Excellence is a combination of passion and focus. When you have passion for what you are doing and get your focus in the right place, everything else will follow. Embrace the moment." (Adrain, 2001)

The privilege of serving the marginalized anywhere in the world comes from the combination of passion and focus. Passion is the yield of that first seed planted, that first 'turning point' when you saw a need and determined you wanted to make a difference. Focus is fine tuning all the skills and energy to address that desired outcome and like an arrow to a target, zeroing in on the resolve.

Our Special Missions Foundation Partners and members of the SMF Network all speak the language of excellence in humanitarian service. Their commitment to achieve unimaginable goals sets a precedence in the for-profit world yielding globally evident results. Each day we, in the SMF office, are amazed to hear of the stories of the numbers of persons positively impacted by humanitarian care. Additionally, and perhaps more importantly, we are even more encouraged in hearing of the depth, scope and quality of response each person receives as a result of this 'excellence' in humanitarian service work.

As Dr. Orlick states, "Embrace the moment." Be encouraged in knowing the fruit of excellance is found in the opportunities that lie ahead as result caring. We are honored to share this journey with you.

World Economic Impact on NGO's

The volatility of the world economic markets are making a dramatic impact in humanitarian service. This is nothing new to you if you work with an NGO. No doubt, you've seen changes in the bottom line of your budgets thus far. First quarter indications are suffering as result and we are all scrambling to anticipate the best way to meet our mission objectives while simply keeping the lights on. But what is the best strategy in dealing with a roller-coaster ride economically?

Clearly, organizations need to look where they are hemorrhaging donor dollars the most. Thankfully, in the world of nonprofit, we're pretty much in tune with how to get the greatest bang for each dime we spend, but look at the operational strategies and make certain each one has a direct feed to your mission goals. Minimize the 'reflection strategies' or those strategies that have a zig-zag pattern towards reaching your objectives.

Another important consideration is the continual visibility of your org. Our instinct is to hunker-down in times of economic crisis, waiting out the storm in the safety of an organization sitting in 'idle'. Now is the time to rev up your visibility. Let people know your doors are open and you are serving humanity in the most cost efficient manner. Use the many free powerful tools out there found in social networking to get your message 'in play'. And always make certain you include active links to your website and an alternative phone number or email you can be reached at.

Collaborate. Find organizations that have resources to support your mission objectives or provide similar services. This is not a time to be an island unto ourselves but ensure our primary objectives are met in humanitarian aid - saving lives, alleviating suffering and maintaining human dignity. The end result might mean your organization structure looks different than when you started and that's okay - accept that as the natural evolutionary track in your growth curve. But don't be afraid to make new alliances. This creates a win/win/win.

Strategies for success start by taking that first step. Careful planning is critical but it still important to be bold and take that first step. This world economic landscape is quite different than it was just 2 years ago. As much as it is important to hang on to operational models used in the past, it is ever more important to be able to consider changes for the future.

Brian Crowe
Executive Director, Special Missions Foundation
www.specialmissions.org

Slumdog Millionaire LIVE in India

I'm ashamed to admit it but I've yet to see this Academy Award winning movie. Yes, I know it's not the best thing to promote something I've yet to see however I'm going on good faith of friends and family, this movie has a direct relationship with the work that is being done in India. Turk Pipkin, an actor, author, and creator of a major documentary entitled "One Peace At A Time" which will have its world premier April 14, 2009. "One Peace at a Time" is Turk Pipkin's inspiring look at the possibility of providing basic rights - water, nutrition, healthcare, education, opportunity and more - to every child on earth. It coveres India through the eye of a camera and similarly tells the story of a life seldom seen by the rest of the world. Turk follows our partner organization, The Miracle Foundation in the work they are doing for kids living in several orphanages in India. The correlation between Slumdog Millionaire, SMF and TMF is the story of India. The caste system creates poverty unlike the rest of the world. The 'have-nots' are forever without.

August 7th - 16th, 2009 SMF in partnership with The Miracle Foundation is offering an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the 'untouchables' residing at 3 orphanages sponsored by TMF. We will be developing Optometric and Dental field teams to serve one week and perhaps considering an annual response at these orphanages.

We welcome applications for this team through the SMF Volunteer Application found on our website. Lay and Professional alike are encouraged to participate.

For more detailed information, be sure and check out the SMF Global Connections Network or contact the SMF office at 512-961-5279 or by email at director@specialmissions.org.