The Commons Synergos News

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Notes from the Field: Social Innovators Wanted for Middle East/North Africa Program | Deadline for Senior Fellows Applications Extends to July 14 | African Public Health Leadership Initiative Assesses State of Namibian Healthcare | In Canada, Aboriginal Leadership Initiative Gets More Connections and a New Name | U.S.-Mexico Border Partnership Begins Transition to Independence | Slideshow: Images from the U.S.-Mexico Border | New Initiatives Address Orphans and Vulnerable Children in Southern Africa | Grantmakers Cooperative in Southern Africa Explores the Positive Influence of the Poor | Brazil Office Leads Efforts to Engage the Poor in Urban Planning | Global Philanthropists Circle Retreat Brings Together 30 Members | Synergos Southern Africa Advisory Board, GPC Members and Partners Respond to Xenophobic Violence

Faces of Change: GPC’s Josh Mailman on Global Giving | Lúcia Moireira Salles Honored by Leaders in Citizenship 2008 | CIVICUS Names Fellow Ingrid Srinath as New Head | Fortune Magazine Profiles GPC Member Ron Bruder | Aspen Institute Elects Fellow Jacqueline Novogratz | PBS Airs GPC Member Henry Ansbacher’s Film “Iron Ladies of Liberia” | Social Philanthropy Blog Launched by Fellow Steven Burkeman | WINGS Elects New Chair, Fellow Fernando Rossetti

Features: From Global Giving Matters: How Three GPC Members are Working for the Environment | Report: Promoting Economic Success for Families along the U.S.-Mexico Border

Synergos Insider: Synergos 2007 Annual Report and Sustainability Report Now Available | Campaign for the Future Reaches $14.5 Million Mark | Open Positions at Synergos | Synergos CEO Robert Dunn Addresses GIFE Conference in Brazil | Synergos in the Media | John Heller Presents Partnerships at the Canadian School for Public Service | Synergos Staff Comes Together in Catskills Retreat

Calendar: June 27: Deadline for Senior Fellows Applications | July 31-August 2: All-Africa Senior Fellows Regional Gathering, Johannesburg, South Africa | September 14-17: Senior Fellows Global Meeting, São Paulo, Brazil | September 15: Deadline for MENA Social Innovators Applications | September 20-21: GPC Montana Alumni Reflection Retreat, Tarrytown, NY | September 22: GPC Partnerships Workshop, New York, NY | September 23: GPC Annual Meeting, New York, NY | September 23: University for a Night, New York, NY | September 24: Synergos Board of Directors Meeting, New York, NY | October 19-29: Learning Journey to Morocco and Dubai

The Synergos Family of Donors: Thanks to 2008 Donors

Photo above of Family Economic Success workshop in Arizona by Bernadette Unis-Johnston/Narrative Images

ABOUT THE COMMONS

The name The Commons comes from the English and early American term “commons,”which was an area of shared land, which the entire community could use for public discussions, local events or even grazing livestock.

The newsletter that bears this name has been created to keep the entire Synergos family of supporters and friends informed about our work. We send out an updated version each quarter that covers our partnership and network activities, as well as other organizational happenings that we think might interest you.

If you have any recommendations for what we can do to make this newsletter of better service to you, please contact Synergos at jtomlinson@synergos.org.

NOTES FROM THE FIELD

Social Innovators Wanted for Middle East/North Africa Program

Synergos is currently seeking 20 individuals from Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco and Palestine to participate in its Middle East/North Africa Social Innovators Program. The call for applications was issued on May 9, 2008, and the application process will be open until September 15. Candidates should be successfully implementing innovative projects that are helping improve conditions and the quality of life for people residing in any of those five geographies.

The Middle East/North Africa Social Innovators Program will invest in high-impact social innovators through training and capacity building, financial awards and strategic connections, with the goal of helping them bring successful ideas to scale, build the sustainability of their programs and contribute to long-lasting social progress. Synergos will connect candidates to our network of professionals, provide technical support to help innovators develop their social venture, and offer financial awards of U.S. $17,000 per year for two years.

We encourage anyone to forward the application to any potentially suitable candidate.

Since its inception in October 2007, Synergos has built the program’s infrastructure and mobilized a broad range of capacities, resources and relationships in the region. Two highly qualified professionals have joined the team and will be in charge of the program’s day-to-day implementation. Hisham El Rouby, based in Cairo, will work on a full-time basis with a focus on Egypt, Lebanon and Morocco, while Husam Jubran, based in the West Bank, has been engaged on a part-time basis to focus on Palestine and Jordan. Both Hisham and Husam bring deep knowledge and first-hand experience in building and strengthening local initiatives aimed at achieving social impact.

Synergos and its local partners are currently disseminating the Program application, with a strategy of reaching deep into rural areas, as well as urban hubs. The online application, available in both Arabic and English, can be accessed through the Synergos website.

Deadline for Senior Fellows Applications Extends to July 14

Recruitment has extended until July 14 for the next class of Senior Fellows, who will join us in January 2009. If you’re interested in applying to the Senior Fellows program, please visit www.synergos.org/fellows/ or contact the Senior Fellows program manager Azeen Salimi at seniorfellows@synergos.org or +1 212-447-8111.

The Senior Fellows program is open to exceptional leaders from any country working in a non-governmental, nonprofit organization. The organization should be committed to bringing people together across societal divides to address issues of poverty, social justice or equity.

Synergos’ Senior Fellows Network is comprised of distinguished civil society leaders who are committed to achieving sustainable progress through collaboration with others. Launched in 1999, the program involves almost 90 leaders from more than 30 countries around the world. Fellows include the head of one of the world’s largest citizen participation alliances, the creator of a “stock exchange”for social investment, the leader of a network of over 2,000 civil society organizations in the Philippines, the executive director of the first locally-controlled grantmaking foundation in Zimbabwe and the CEO of one of the largest community foundations in the United States.

African Public Health Leadership Initiative Assesses State of Namibian Healthcare

The African Public Health Leadership and Systems Innovation Initiative is conducting its first major activity: a thorough review and analysis of the Namibian public health system.

Significant inequalities exist within the system, and despite relatively high investment in public health, results are poor and have worsened in the recent year: child and maternal mortality rates have increased since 2006, and there has been a 10-year loss in life expectancy among people in Namibia. The analysis is being conducted in partnership with the Namibian Ministry of Health and Social Services, and coincides with the Ministry’s strategic planning process.

Using the system review as a basis, local stakeholders in government, business, nonprofits and local communities will identify a primary health focus area for the remainder of the initiative in Namibia. In this subsequent phase of the project, approximately 40 key leaders from the health sector in Namibia will participate in a range of leadership development and action learning activities, which are set to begin in fall 2008.

In Canada, Aboriginal Leadership Initiative Gets More Connections and a New Name

The Aboriginal Leadership Initiative underway on Canada’s Vancouver Island has organized an intensive series of events to bring together First Nations leaders, government representatives, businesspeople and nonprofit organizations. The purpose of these events is to begin a process of building understanding and relationships across communities and sectors. Within the next few months, the three First Nations involved in the project – Ahousaht, Tseshaht, and Ehattesaht – will each identify one economic and one social development need or opportunity in their community. Community-based initiatives will be designed over the summer, with implementation beginning in the fall.

The Initiative has also received a new name: Ap-Cii-Uk (AHP-see-yook). Named by Nuu-Chah-Nulth (noo-CHA-nooth) elders, it means “from many paths to one direction.“

U.S.-Mexico Border Partnership Begins Transition to Independence and Celebrates 9th Learning Community

The U.S.-Mexico Border Philanthropy Partnership (BPP) began with its first Learning Community in 2002. Since its inception, the Partnership was envisioned as a program that would eventually grow out from under Synergos’ management to become a fully independent, locally directed entity. After six years under its management, Synergos Institute will officially transition the management of the Partnership this summer into the capable hands of its unique bi-national governing board. It will be constituted as an independent, 501(c)(3) organization in the U.S., and an Asociación Civil (A.C.) in Mexico.

On April 16-18, the Partnership hosted its 9th Learning Community in Mesa, Arizona, entitled, “A New Beginning for the U.S.-Mexico Border Philanthropy Partnership: Independence, Expansion and Leadership.” This meeting provided the opportunity to celebrate the BPP’s accomplishments, and advance details of its transition to independence, including expanding membership and determining the areas of focus for the next wave of programs.

More than 80 foundation leaders and experts in philanthropy came together from along and across the U.S.-Mexico border, and as far away as Canada and Germany. Many of the BPP’s generous supporters such as the Ford Foundation, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, Annie E. Casey Foundation and Inter-American Foundations were represented.

Over the summer months, Synergos will continue its close collaboration with the BPP’s executive committee to ensure a successful transition. A new Executive Director is being recruited, $1.2 million in funding has been secured for the new entity over the next three years, and the current membership has exhibited increased leadership in addressing poverty and equity issues along the border.

Slideshow: Images from the U.S.-Mexico Border

In April, photographer Deidre Schoo chronicled some of the work being done through the U.S.-Mexico Border Philanthropy Partnership.

New Initiatives Address Orphans and Vulnerable Children in Southern Africa

Synergos has two projects in Southern Africa that address the needs of orphans and vulnerable children, or OVCs. These are children who have been orphaned and affected by HIV/AIDS, or vulnerable to other issues such as under-nutrition, homelessness and severe poverty. One of the projects is national in South Africa, and the other is regional in South Africa and Mozambique. For the regional initiative, Synergos has partnered with The Foundation for Community Development (FDC) and Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund. Synergos Board member Kim Samuel Johnson has played an important role in the design and implementation of this program.

In early 2008, Synergos co-designed and began implementation of a Southern Africa regional initiative for OVCs in partnership with the FDC and the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund. This pilot partnership initiative, called the “Kussingatha-Goelama Project,”secured initial funding in 2008 from the Samuel Family Foundation. The project will provide resources and capacity for quality care in two rural communities in South Africa and Mozambique, and will also document, disseminate and promote an African model and approach that can be taken to scale around the region. The approach will be “child-driven, family-centred and community-focused.”

The Kussingata-Goelama project will focus on strengthening the resilience in African communities that allows them to bounce back from the damage and fragmentation caused by AIDS and poverty, ultimately providing a sustainable model for inclusive community care for OVCs and their families. Rather than charity, the aim is to unlock the potential and strengths of traditional culture so that communities can provide sustainable, inclusive care and support to OVCs.

Drawing on African belief systems and traditions of extended family and community help, the project will address the isolation of children and their families by addressing some of the core causes of isolation, including: exclusion from community life, lack of access to education, lack of access to health services, lack of proper documentation (such as birth registration) for them to access social services, lack of adult support for personal development, taking on adult responsibilities (such as caring for siblings in the absence of deceased parents), lack of household income and household food insecurity.

The South African National Orphans and Vulnerable Children Leadership and Innovation Network has moved decisively into its operational phase, securing strong support from government, business and civil society stakeholders and convening its second successful network event in May 2008.

The initiative is a partnership led by Convene Venture Philanthropy in collaboration with Synergos, Reos Partners and the Government of South African, which brings together leaders and representatives across sectors to form a network designed to improve the quality and quantity of care for OVCs in South Africa. The network provides a safe space in which leaders can benefit from peer learning and support, explore practical opportunities for partnership and collaboration, and undertake jointly designed innovations to tackle key challenges across the system.

Network members will be invited to join on an annual basis to participate in a series of activities over the course of the year. These activities will include participation in innovation workshops, project team work, networking events and leadership coaching. The leadership development approach will combine training, dialogue and peer coaching with experiential problem solving, immersion in communities, and action-learning. Synergos will be an active participant in ongoing project design and implementation, and efforts are underway to ensure a systematic knowledge-sharing and learning exchange between the South African OVC initiative, the African Public Health Leadership initiative in Namibia and other Synergos partnership ventures in the region.

Grantmakers Cooperative in Southern Africa Explores the Positive Influence of the Poor

The Synergos-convened Southern Africa Community Grantmakers Leadership Cooperative has begun working with Susan Wilkinson-Maposa, director of the Community Grantmaking and Social Investment Programme at the University of Cape Town, to apply the findings of a study that she led in 2005 on how and why poor people help each other.

The study, entitled, The Poor Philanthropist: How and Why the Poor Help Each Other suggests that the poor do more to sustain and grow their communities than anyone else, with an effect termed the “philanthropy of community.”Over the course of 2008, Wilkinson-Maposa will work with Cooperative members on ways grantmakers can create greater synergy between indigenous and formal philanthropy.

The Cooperative, formed in late 2005, is currently made up of 35 grantmaker leaders from 20 independent community grantmaking organizations as diverse as the well-established Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund and the emerging Lurdes Mutola Foundation in Mozambique. It is a leadership and learning network committed to strengthening community-based development and social justice philanthropy in Southern Africa and meets three times a year.

The Synergos Institute Southern Africa provides convening, financial and support services to the Cooperative, with funding from the C.S. Mott Foundation, the Ford Foundation, the Open Society Foundation for South Africa and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

Brazil Office Leads Efforts to Engage the Poor in Urban Planning

The Brazil office of Synergos has been active in the last few months in regional urban governance programs, encouraging those initiatives to be more inclusive and open to the participation of poor and marginalized communities.

In Rio de Janiero, Synergos has finished the survey phase of a pilot being developed in two favelas (urban slums). The data will be digested and brought to the public and media, highlighting inequities and the need for local interventions. The next step will be to build the capacity of those communities to negotiate better public policies and to involve them in the Rio Como Vamos program, the local urban planning project underway in Rio. In addition, the director of Synergos’ Brazil office is organizing a Health Task Force with an inclusive approach, inviting community organizations to analyze data and discuss proposals, working together with UNICEF to promote the participation of poor children and youth, and helping to define the group that will monitor the City Council activities.

An international network is also being formed of “Cities for Justice and Sustainability”with several initiatives such as Rio Como Vamos and “Nossa São Paulo.”Again, Synergos will play the important role of advocating for inclusion. The first activity has been a preliminary survey of inclusive approaches in Bogotá, Medellin, Baranquilla, São Paulo and Rio.

Global Philanthropists Circle Retreat Brings Together 30 Members

In April, a group of 30 philanthropists gathered at a Global Philanthropists Circle retreat at the Rockefeller Estate in Pocantico, north of New York City. During the two-day event, the group reflected on philanthropy’s role in social transformation.

A number of GPC members shared their work in the context of discussion about social justice and venture philanthropy. The participants also had a chance to look at their philanthropic impact. As in the past, the meeting was an excellent opportunity to share and receive advice from philanthropic peers and experts in the field.

Presenters included several GPC members and guest speakers. Member Greg Carr discussed his work in human rights and views on social justice, and member Mario Morino presented his approach to venture philanthropy. A conversation with Michael Edwards, the author of Just Another Emperor: the Myths and Realities of Philanthrocapitalism, challenged the adoption of business-like approaches to address social issues. A session on “High-Impact Philanthropy”was led by Martin Fisher, the CEO of KickStart International and Kevin Starr, the Director of the Rainer Arnhold Fellows program and authors of A Brief Guide to High-Impact Philanthropy. According to Fisher, large-scale, lasting change requires that projects have measureable and proven impacts, be cost-effective, sustainable and scalable.

The retreat also screened the film, Iron Ladies of Liberia,which was made by GPC member Henry Ansbacher and supported by GPC member Philipp Engelhorn’s organization Cinereach.

Synergos Southern Africa Advisory Board, GPC Members and Partners Respond to Xenophobic Violence

Violence against foreigners -- particularly against migrants and refugees who have fled neighboring countries such as Zimbabwe -- has flared up recently in South Africa. It is estimated that over 50 people have been killed, hundreds injured and up to 100,000 people displaced. Addressing the underlying causes of this tragedy requires deep and sustainable political, social and economic advances in the region that may take years or decades to achieve. Synergos’ partners and network members in the region are working on in different ways to promote more equitable approaches to poverty and inequity that we hope will be part of these advances.

In the meantime, members of the Global Philanthropists Circle and Synergos Southern Africa’s advisory board are working to address the current crisis. Wendy Appelbaum and Precious Moloi are signatories of a widely circulated statement by prominent South African women published in the Star newspaper.

In addition, Synergos Southern Africa advisory board member Kathy Ackerman and the Ackerman family (GPC members as well) have been at the forefront of efforts to assist victims of the violence in South Africa, especially in the Western Cape. Providing both money and resources for the effort, the Ackermans have used their company, Pick n Pay stores (the leading supermarkets in South Africa), as collection points for donations of food, blankets and other materials from the general public to assist people in need. The company has also contributed money to the relief effort, and some Pick n Pay stores are providing hot food to displaced people. The Ackermans are also contributing “nested bunk beds”developed by Shoebox Homes, a nonprofit organization providing affordable and innovative furniture for low-income dwellings. In addition, Suzanne Ackerman-Berman has been working closely with Cape Town Mayor Helen Zille and Western Cape Premier Ebrahim Rasool on crisis management.

Led by its Chair, Graça Machel, longtime Synergos partner organization in Mozambique, the Foundation for Community Development, joined with the Southern Africa Trust to convene an urgent meeting in Maputo on 10 June 2008 to assess the regional impact of the xenophobic attacks in South Africa and to mobilize practical actions by regional civil society and development organizations to assist people affected by the violence.

Patrick Parring, Chair of the Synergos Southern Africa advisory board, expressed his appreciation for the responses and support from the Synergos family in the region saying: “As the Chairperson of Synergos Southern Africa I too want to add my voice to the thousands of South Africans in government and civil society in condemning these resentful events against our fellow African sisters and brothers and their families. I hope and pray that this challenge will soon be something of the past with the support from all concerned South Africans and the international community. We must remind ourselves of a slogan during the days of our own struggle for freedom in South Africa – an injury to one is an injury to all.“

FACES OF CHANGE

Global Philanthropist Josh Mailman on Global Giving

Global Philanthropist Circle Member Josh Mailman describes himself as a “donor activist.” As he puts it, “I help to advance ideas that begin on the edge and move to the mainstream, particularly those that involve disempowered people.” Synergos’ Middle East/North Africa Social Entrepreneurs Program is an example of that, so it’s not surprising that Mailman was one of the programs’ principal initiators and architects, helping us establish Synergos’ first initiative in the region.

Mailman’s views on philanthropy were strongly influenced by exposure to great community activists around the world. He cites Wangari Maathai of Kenya, who he met in 1984 when she received the Right Livelihood Award, as an example. “I was inspired by her humility,” he says. Together with members of the Rockefeller family, he went on to provide support for her Green Belt movement to purchase land for its farm outside Nairobi.

He’s played a similar role with groups that mobilize resources for grassroots activists such as the Global Fund for Women, the Global Greengrants Fund, the Astraea Fund for Sexual Minorities and an organization he co-founded, the Fund for Global Human Rights.

Mailman feels international philanthropy can play an important role in helping such community leaders, who are devoting, and often risking, their lives to change their societies. “Supporting these leaders is especially important in places without well-developed local philanthropy, or when local philanthropy is mainly in the form of charity and not yet supportive of social change,” he says.

But Mailman’s philanthropy isn’t just about money. He’s also a leader in linking social, business and environmental goals through his investments and through organizations he’s helped create to advance thinking on these issues. As founder of Social Venture Network U.S., Europe and Asia and a co-founder of Business for Social Responsibility, he has helped establish an international network of socially driven business people.

He points to massive change in the practice of corporate social responsibility. Until recently, companies typically focused on not doing bad things and on charity that might relate to marketing or help executives and employees feel good. Today, business leaders and investors increasingly look to aligning business operations with social and environmental goals.

“These were largely untested ideas when we started working together 25 years ago,” says Wayne Silby, the founding chairman of the Calvert Funds and his co-founder of Social Venture Network, “and it took a lot of courage for Josh to reach out and engage people. Through his passion and vision, he brought them into this new understanding about all our roles in the world.”

In this arena, Mailman increasingly finds himself playing the role of “bridge-builder,” connecting business and nonprofit leaders with each other, with ideas and with resources. One example is in Bangladesh, where an associate of his is providing expansion capital to the country’s largest manufacturer of lead car batteries. Mailman has encouraged both the investor and the company to obtain eco-certification for the production of the batteries.

Another example of his linking business with social or environmental goals is also from Bangladesh, where Mailman was a founding investor in the company that created GrameenPhone, the largest provider of mobile phone service in that country (GrameenPhone is part of the renowned network of organizations associated with the Grameen Bank).

Thankfully, these “triple bottom line” approaches are becoming more mainstream. As Mailman puts it “to not only making a profit, but to sustainability and justice as well.”

Lúcia Moreira Salles Honored by Leaders in Citizenship 2008

Leaders in Citizenship 2008 recently honored Synergos Board Member Lúcia Moreira Salles, as president of RioVoluntario, an organization based in Rio de Janeiro that recruits and trains volunteers for NGOs.

Under her leadership, RioVoluntário launched “Projecto Brasileirinho,”an initiative to improve the quality of daycare for children from zero to four years old, and the organization itself has gained national and global recognition as a symbol for voluntarism. Leaders in Citizenship 2008 chose Salles and her organization for their achievement in contributing to social development and strengthening citizen action.

CIVICUS Names Senior Fellow Ingrid Srinath as New Head

In March, CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation announced that Ingrid Srinath would take over as its new Secretary General. CIVICUS is an international organization dedicated to strengthening citizen action and civil society throughout the world.Srinath is also a Synergos Senior Fellow.

Prior to CIVICUS, Srinath served as Chief Executive of CRY (Child Rights and You), which seeks universally recognized child rights for India’s children. At CRY, she led the organization’s transformation from a charity-based grantmaking foundation to a rights-based advocacy and grantmaking organization.

Fortune Magazine Profiles GPC Member Ron Bruder

Global Philanthropists Circle Member Ron Bruder’s efforts to promote employment opportunities in the Middle East were featured in the April edition of Fortune Small Business.

Aspen Institute Elects Senior Fellow Jacqueline Novogratz

In April, the Aspen Institute announced the election of six new members to its Board of Trustees, one of whom is Jacqueline Novogratz, a Synergos Senior Fellow. She will serve a two-year term on its Board.

In addition to her fellowship, Jacqueline Novogratz is founder and CEO of Acumen Fund, a nonprofit global venture fund that works to solve the problems of global poverty by delivering affordable, critical goods and services to the poor. Prior to Acumen Fund, she founded and directed The Philanthropy Workshop and The Next Generation Leadership programs at The Rockefeller Foundation. She also founded Duterimbere, a microfinance institution in Rwanda. She is currently on the advisory boards of Stanford Graduate School of Business and of Innovations Journal published by MIT Press.

The Aspen Institute is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to “fostering enlightened leadership, the appreciation of timeless ideas and values, and open-minded dialogue on contemporary issues.”

PBS Airs GPC Member Henry Ansbacher’s film Iron Ladies of Liberia

PBS aired Iron Ladies of Liberia, a documentary produced by Global Philanthropists Circle member Henry Ansbacher, with support from Circle member Philipp Engelhorn’s Cinereach.

Since taking office as the first woman elected President in Africa, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf,a former Synergos Board member, has taken major efforts to rebuild the country’s economy, control crime and crack down on institutional corruption. With the exclusive cooperation of President Sirleaf, the filmmakers went behind the scenes of this groundbreaking administration during its first year, as it worked to prevent a post-conflict nation from returning to civil war.

Social Philanthropy Blog Launched by Fellow Steven Burkeman

Synergos Senior Fellow Steven Burkeman recently launched a new blog, intended to further discussion on philanthropy and social justice. Based in the United Kingdom, Burkeman is an independent consultant working with foundations and others interested in philanthropy. He served as the head of the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust as Trust Secretary, one of the UK’s older trusts with a tradition of progressive grantmaking in fields such as peace, international relations and racial justice. He currently serves on the board of Allavida, an international development organization that “helps poor people to transform their lives.“

WINGS Elects New Chair, Senior Fellow Fernando Rossetti

WINGS recently elected Fernando Rossetti as its new Chair. Rossetti is the Secretary-General of GIFE (Group of Institutes, Foundations and Enterprises) in Brazil, and a Synergos Senior Fellow.

WINGS is a worldwide network that seeks to strengthen philanthropy and a culture of giving through mutual learning and support, knowledge sharing and professional development among its participants.

FEATURES

From Global Giving Matters: How Three GPC members are Working for the Environment

The February-April 2008 issue of Global Giving Matters looks at how three members of the Global Philanthropists Circle are supporting conservation, biodiversity, and carbon reduction while also addressing the needs of poor communities in the developing world. Avoided Deforestation Partners, founded by Jeff Horowitz, is building market-driven solutions for saving tropical rainforests and ecosystems with communities and indigenous people at the center. Daniel Feffer, in partnership with his family’s paper company Suzano, is restoring Parque das Neblinas, a 2,800-hectare preserve in the Brazilian state of São Paulo. Finally, Enki Tan, through his work on the board of Conservation International, is supporting a pair of innovative preservation initiatives in Indonesia.

Promoting Economic Success for Families along the U.S.-Mexico Border

The U.S.-Mexico Border Philanthropy Partnership (BPP) recently released a report, Building the Financial Vitality of Border Families. The report examines the unique role of community foundations in supporting and promoting Family Economic Success (FES) strategies in the U.S.-Mexico border region. It was authored by Carla Roberts of the Arizona Community Foundation and Ann Tartre from Synergos, and supported by the Ford Foundation, Annie E. Casey Foundation and JPMorgan Chase.

This report intends to create a greater understanding of FES initiatives. The FES model helps low-income working families realize their potential to build strong financial futures. The model integrates three key components: asset building strategies that empower families to build wealth and save for the future; family economic supports, such as public and private assistance for establishing credit, reducing debt and increasing family financial security; and workforce development, ensuring the skills and education necessary to obtain good jobs and build careers.

Initiated in 2002 and managed by Synergos, the BPP is a partnership of 19 border community foundations and 12 regional, national and international funders. The BPP improves the quality of life in the border region by strengthening community foundations and promoting philanthropy.

THE SYNERGOS INSIDER

Synergos 2007 Annual Report and Sustainability Report Now Available

In an effort to be more transparent in our operations and more sustainable in our business practices, Synergos also offers its 2007 Sustainability Report. The report covers our structure, governance, fiscal responsibility, program impacts, environmental impacts, workplace practices and values. A summary of the report is also included in our 2007 Annual Report, also available.

Campaign for the Future Reaches $14.5 Million Mark

Synergos’ Campaign for the Future has raised over $14.5 million of its $20 million goal. The Campaign provides funds for new programs, expands Synergos’ current initiatives and builds permanent capital to support our work on an ongoing basis.

Open Positions

Synergos has several open positions. Descriptions of some of these follow. For complete listings, visit www.synergos.org/employment/. To apply for any open position, send a resume, cover letter and salary history to synergos@synergos.org. No phone calls please.

This person will initiate, design, and lead a new initiative to provide fee and pro bono consulting services to corporations, governments, multi-lateral organizations, civil society groups or others wishing to engage in collaborative efforts to address poverty and social justice issues.

The ideal candidate would combine a passion for international development with the energy, experience and risk-profile of an entrepreneurial business-builder. Such a candidate would creatively develop a new set of service offerings that build from and leverage Synergos’ 20 years of development experience, its extensive global relationship network, and its strongly-held set of organizational values.

The position reports to the Senior Director of Partnerships and will be based in New York City. Candidates should have at least 10 years working experience.

This person will help strategize how best to use the networks Synergos currently has and develop additional networks for the organization. The Senior Director represents a great opportunity for an entrepreneurial, innovative and experienced development leader to exert significant influence on the design and activities of a set of global networks involving some of the most innovative and important individuals and entities committed to the reduction of poverty and the promotion of social justice. The position reports to the President and CEO and will be based in New York City. The broad responsibilities of this position are to: build and support our existing networks (the Global Philanthropists Circle and the Senior Fellows Network); and design our offerings to help both groups initiate, lead, promote and participate in inclusive partnerships that enhance the quality of life and opportunities for poor and marginalized communities.

The Senior Director will work in close collaboration with the directors of Synergos’ other programs and the Board of Directors. This person will also be responsible for department planning, budgeting, staff/mentoring, resourcing and evaluation, as well as contributing to the overall advancement of the organization. The Global Networks Department has professional staff of approximately seven and a program budget of $2 million.

Candidates should have a minimum of 10-15 years experience in senior leadership capacity at a multilateral organization, overseas development agency, foundation or civil society organization engaged in innovative and/or partnership-based approaches to international development and poverty alleviation. Candidates with relevant experience and skills from the corporate sector will be considered.

Synergos seeks a motivated, creative and results-oriented manager to join the Global Philanthropist Circle team. This person will primarily manage relationships with global philanthropists, working to help members of the Circle deepen their philanthropy and understand how they can better support efforts to create sustainable changes to the root causes of poverty. The position reports to the Senior Director for the GPC Network and will be based in New York City.

This position will serve as primary relationship manager for 20-30 member families and at least 10 prospect families in a geographic region or issue area; plan annual events enabling member and prospect philanthropists to have the opportunity to connect to each other; and generate revenue through member recruitment and renewal to ensure financial targets are achieved. Candidates should have at least eight years of professional experience related to philanthropy or international development.

Synergos CEO Robert Dunn addresses GIFE Conference in Brazil

On April 4, Synergos CEO Robert Dunn gave a keynote address at the fifth GIFE Conference on Private Social Investment in São Paulo, Brazil. GIFE (Group of Institutes, Foundations and Enterprises) is Brazil’s largest grantmakers’ association.

Held every two years, the conference is the largest event on philanthropy in Brazil, bringing together more than 600 social leaders, foundation executives and businessmen to address pressing issues, discuss common challenges and share experiences.

This year’s conference focused on the challenges and opportunities Brazilian philanthropy faces during social, cultural and economical globalization. The aim was to have Brazil’s social sector learn from other countries’ experiences and play a more active role globally.

Synergos in the Media

In the June issue of Alliance, Synergos Chair Peggy Dulany and Synergos Board and Global Philanthropists Circle member Adele Simmons co-authored the article, “Effective Strategies for Making a Difference,”on how individual philanthropists can make a deeper impact in their giving. Dulany, Simmons, and Rory Tolentino were guest editors for the issue, which focused on “Individual Giving-Making it Count.“

Synergos Chair Peggy Dulany shares her thoughts on what it means to be an engaged philanthropist in the March 27 issue of Business Day (South Africa).

On April 15, the Yuma Sun covered the work being done by the U.S.-Mexico Border Philanthropy Project (BPP) to address poverty in the region.

Greenleaf Publishing has just released a book by Sandra Waddock entitled The Difference Makers: How Social and Institutional Entrepreneurs Created the Corporate Responsibility Movement. Synergos President and CEO Robert Dunn is featured as one of the leaders who helped influence fair labor practices in the U.S. During his tenure at Levi Strauss & Co., Dunn helped pioneer the first company code of conduct, which in turn led to the widespread adoption of such practices in corporate America and influenced the creation of workplace standards by many non-governmental organizations.

John Heller Presents Partnerships at the Canadian School for Public Service

Synergos Director of Partnerships John Heller recently gave a presentation to the senior management training team at the Canadian School for Public Service outside Ottawa. The presentation covered Synergos’ Inclusive Partnerships approach, “Theory U”and Bridging Leadership, through work in India’s Partnership for Child Nutrition. Members of the school’s Advanced Leadership Course attended, comprised of senior management from the Canadian government.

Synergos Staff Comes Together in Catskills Retreat

From April 30 to May 2, Synergos staff from across the globe came together for an all-staff retreat at the Menla Retreat Center in Catskill Park, part of New York State’s Forest Preserve.

The staff had the chance to form stronger personal and professional bonds, and the retreat was structured to lead the staff through exercises in organizational dynamics while allowing time for staff to reflect on their personal goals and sense of purpose. As much of Synergos’ work comes from deepening interpersonal relationships and aligning individuals’ personal and professional lives, this was a chance for every member of our staff to experience the work we do in our partnerships and networks.

CALENDAR

July 14: Deadline for Senior Fellows Applications

Recruitment has been extended to July 14 for the next class of Senior Fellows, who will join us in January 2009. If you’re interested in applying to the Senior Fellows program, please visit www.synergos.org/fellows/ or contact the Senior Fellows program manager Azeen Salimi at seniorfellows@synergos.org or +1 212-447-8111. The Senior Fellows program is open to leaders from any country working in a non-governmental, nonprofit organization. The organization should focus on poverty alleviation, social justice or community development.

July 31-August 2: All-Africa Senior Fellows Regional Gathering, Johannesburg, South Africa

Senior Fellows residing in Africa will convene at a learning community in Johannesburg for this three-day gathering. The Fellows will discuss the major events in the region and explore possible joint activities to address them. On the evening of July 31, the African Fellows will be joined by members of Synergos’ other regional networks, including the Global Philanthropists Circle’s sub-group on Africa.

Open to Senior Fellows. To participate in the event, please contact Azeen Salimi at +1 646-963-2125, or asalimi@synergos.org.

September 14-17: Senior Fellows Global Meeting, São Paulo, Brazil

At least 40 Senior Fellows from 20 countries are expected to come together in São Paulo, Brazil from September 14-17 for the annual meeting of the Senior Fellows Network. The theme of the summit is Partnerships and Public Policy: Working Collaboratively for Social Change. On September 15, the Fellows will be joined by members of Synergos’ Board of Directors, Global Philanthropists Circle members, donors, Brazilian social justice advocates and philanthropists, Brazilian Ashoka fellows, and other local figures from all sectors of Brazilian society to engage in dialogues and explore collaborative solutions.

Open to Senior Fellows. To participate in the event, please contact Azeen Salimi at +1 646-963-2125, or asalimi@synergos.org.

September 15: MENA Social Innovators Applications Due

Synergos has issued the call for applications for the Middle East/North Africa Social Innovators program. Twenty Social Innovators from Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco and Palestine will be selected by mid-September, with the goal of helping them bring successful ideas to scale, build the sustainability of their programs and contribute to long-lasting social progress. The online application, available in both Arabic and English, can be accessed through the Synergos website at www.synergos.org/socialinnovators/.

September 20-21: GPC Montana Alumni Reflection Retreat, Tarrytown, NY

This gathering is for those who took part in past retreats at Peggy Dulany’s ranch in Montana. Participants will gather at Peggy’s Tarrytown home to further connect with each other and to explore how they might deepen the Montana experience to increase their philanthropic effectiveness.

Open to GPC members who have participated in past Montana retreats. To participate, please contact Daniel Domagala at +1 646-963-2135 or at ddomagala@synergos.org.

September 22: GPC Partnerships Workshop, New York, NY

Circle Members will explore tools for engaging in partnerships across sectors for greater scale and impact in addressing poverty challenges. Participants will take part in dynamic conversations on how they can leverage their philanthropic work by engaging with others in the field. We will be joined by experts and participants who have had extensive cross-sectoral partnering experiences in the field.

Open to GPC members. To participate, please contact Daniel Domagala at +1 646-963-2135 or at ddomagala@synergos.org.

September 23: GPC Annual Meeting, New York, NY

More than 100 philanthropists from around the world come together at this special event to exchange successful approaches and challenges to poverty alleviation with their peers, increase their knowledge and capacity to act effectively, find inspiration and explore possibilities for collaboration. Nobel Laureate Wangari Maathai and Jeffrey Sachs have been invited to discuss how they have successfully improved lives of the poor. Smaller group discussions will allow participants to interact with fellow Circle Members on key areas of interest.

Open to GPC members. To participate, please contact Daniel Domagala at +1 646-963-2135 or at ddomagala@synergos.org.

September 23: University for a Night, New York, NY

University for a Night is a unique annual gathering of leaders from business, government and civil society organized to highlight innovative work and offer opportunities for serious discussion on issues related to global poverty and development. Over the last decade, the event has provided many organizations with an opportunity to showcase their work and make important connections. More than 400 participants, from approximately 50 countries, will gather in New York City on September 23 for University for a Night 2008.

Each year Synergos presents the David Rockefeller Bridging Leadership Awards to two people or organizations that have done exemplary work in poverty and equity. In 2008 we are very pleased to hone Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and Fazle Abed, Founder and Chair of BRAC. Mr. Rockefeller will be on hand to present the awards given in his name.

The awards ceremony is preceded by a plenary discussion moderated by Peggy Dulany, the Founder and Chair of Synergos, which offers the honorees and a distinguished corporate CEO the opportunity to share perspectives on effective ways to improve the lives of poor and marginalized communities. Following the plenary is a Q&A session with the audience.

University for a Night concludes with a series of table discussions held over dinner. Each table is organized around a specific topic, with conversations lead by our Distinguished Faculty – experts from around the world with particular knowledge and experience to share. Recent examples of table topics have included “Partnerships for Access to Safe, Clean Water,”“Making a Difference through Microcredit”and “Empowering Women and Girls.” (see 2007 topics and faculty for other examples)).

September 24: Synergos Board of Directors Meeting, New York, NY

Synergos convenes its semi-annual Board of Directors meeting at its New York headquarters. This is a chance for Synergos’ Board to give counsel on the organizational strategy and operations. Any major decisions that come out of this meeting will be included in the Synergos Commons and in other organizational announcements.

October 19-29: Learning journey to Morocco and Dubai (Dates to be confirmed)

Circle Members connect with local leaders, philanthropists, and social innovators to explore collaborative ways of addressing issues of social inequality and injustice. Highlights include site visits hosted by local GPC Members and meeting the first class of Synergos Social Innovators who are successfully implementing innovative projects which improve the quality of life for people in Morocco. In Dubai, Circle Members will gather to explore their philanthropy in the backdrop of one of the world’s fastest growing economies.

Open to GPC members. To participate, please contact Daniel Domagala at +1 646-963-2135 or at ddomagala@synergos.org.

THE SYNERGOS FAMILY OF DONORS

Synergos thanks our Family of donors, who help make our work possible. Listed below are donors who have given to Synergos from the end of 2007 to June 15, 2008.

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