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
Monday, April 27, 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
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)
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)
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
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
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
Monday, April 13, 2009
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.
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.
Monday, April 6, 2009
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
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
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
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.
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.
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