July 9, 2007

So, what are we doing in London this summer? Those of us in the “Global Communications in the Civil Society” class are staying quite busy in this international city. My internship this summer is at the Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers, an international non-governmental organization founded in 1998.

The Coalition’s Mission: We are a coalition to stop the use of child soldiers, both girls and boys – to prevent their recruitment and use; to secure their demobilization; and to promote their rehabilitation and reintegration. We work to achieve this through advocacy and public education; research and monitoring; and network development.

The Coalition’s Goal: Promote the adoption and adherence to national, regional and international legal standards (including the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict) prohibiting the military recruitment and use in hostilities of any person younger than 18 years of age; and the recognition and enforcement of this standard by all armed groups.

So what in the world am I doing at the Coalition?
First and foremost, I’m getting a crash course in African studies, international non-profit organizations and global communications. Day to day, I am creating an information packet that the Coalition can send out to companies, foundations and individuals that inquire about their organization. In addition, I am compiling communications suggestions that I will provide to the Coalition at the end of my internship. It is truly an amazing opportunity.

May 19, 2007

One of my first adventures in Taos was visiting the historic Taos Pueblo. Taos Pueblo is a real-life, functioning pueblo that still practices many of their ancient traditions. In fact, the approximated 150 inhabitants choose not to use any modern conveniences such as electricity and running water. Due to the strict way of life, many of the tribal members live outside the pueblo walls, but still on the sacred Indian land. An estimated 99,000 acres of sacred land belongs to Taos Pueblo. When I say sacred, I mean sacred. They have extremely strict rules such as, anyone who is not a member of the pueblo is not permitted to walk down the roads on the sacred land. And, no one except the Pueblo community is allowed on the land after sundown. They have their own police, and they will not hesitate to stop you.

Once you’re on the pueblo, they have free tours every half-hour given by one of the local tribe members. They work on a volunteer basis, and tips are definitely appreciated. While you’re there you can walk around as you like, shop for handmade jewelry and sample fresh baked goods.

Ancient ruins in the Taos valley show signs of inhabitance as far back as 3000 B.C., and the buildings in Taos Pueblo date back to 1000 – 1450 A.D.

May 18, 2007

Paseo del Pueblo

The Basics: Food and Lodging
Coming out to Fort Burgwin, I had no idea what to expect. Fortunately, Fort Burgwin was way better than what I had pictured. First of all, the campus is beautiful and the casitas are great. Every casita has a TV and DVD player, which makes our stay pleasant, and the casitas are kept very clean.

Second of all, the cafeteria is awesome. Every morning the friendly staff makes us something different and delicious, but if you’re not one for a hot breakfast, you can choose from cereal, fresh fruit, bagels and oatmeal.

One thing I was not looking forward to was making my lunch everyday; you see, when you stay at Fort Burgwin you pack a lunch at breakfast. Again, I was surprised at how much variety they gave us.

All in all, I’m excited to be in Taos, and I look forward to starting classes and seeing the sites.

May 16, 2007

I'm going to Taos this summer to participate in Kathy LaTour's class, Strategic Writing for the Nonprofit. It is a three credit class that also includes a 3 credit internship with a local nonprofit organization. I'll be staying at SMU-in-Taos's historic Fort Burgwin located about 8 miles outside Taos in the Carson National Forest. This summer I am excited to say that I'll be interning at the Harwood Museum of Art. At the Harwood, I'll be assisting in writing a case statements, grant proposals and news releases. It is an incredible opportunity to go to class in the middle of a national forest and then get to apply what you learned that same morning to a real organization. My goals for this summer are to obtain a better understanding of the complex nature nonprofit management, become a better writer, make new friends and have a great time.