Update from Christina, May 14, 2007
As an Outbound Scholar I am required to attend an Outbound Orientation
and I am delighted to say that mine was an absolute treat. It was held
in Pittsburgh on May 4th for a group of 20 or so vagabond Rotary
Scholars---we gathered together in a common space despite coming from
many different districts and universities. I had the pleasure of
meeting other scholars who were each impressive in their passions and
principles. Fortunately, I also connected with a scholar who will be
studying in Uruguay too; we split up logistical tasks and are trying
to coordinate our departures.
The speakers were engaging and inspiring, illustrating in detail why
Rotary is indeed "leading the way." Through Polio vaccinations and
grant-matching programs, scholarships and study exchanges, Rotary is
executing relief work all across the globe.
Along with speakers there were also a group of scholarship alums, who
answered the questions that were brewing in the minds of us outgoing
scholars. Of note was Kimberly Berls (of District 6630) who studied in
Argentina and founded Project Patagonia
(http://www.projectpatagonia.org/) while abroad. Project Patagonia
works to improve the quality of education and increase the
availability of information technology for low income families in
rural Argentina. Through her work, I was encouraged to consider the
countless possibilities of my own evolving research desires.
Originally I was looking at coursework in the public health sector, as
I believed it to be extremely relevant in the South American context.
However, through my current position at the Presbyterian United
Nations Office in New York, I have discovered a field that has closer
personal ties to my hands and heart: fair-trade arts & crafts.
Unbeknownst to me, fair-trade offers a chance to combine my love of
arts & crafts with my commitment to gender justice.
Many groups that are making and selling artisan goods at fair-trade
prices are largely comprised of female artisans (an artisan is a
skilled worker who practices some trade or handicraft). I would like
to research existing groups and use that information to convince
exporting organizations (not currently working in Uruguay) that
quality goods are being produced there---and that many of the women
who are making them could use more outlets of purchase.
Chip Ossman, Ambassadorial Scholarship Chair of District 5300, is
helping me think of ways to involved the District in my pursuits.
Needless to say, I am excited to get started...but I've 9 months to
wait! This summer I'm hoping to work with a fair-trade retail store to
learn of their buying processes.
Thank you, as always, to District 5300, the Rotary Club of Las Vegas,
my sponsoring club, and my excellent counselor, Karen Whisenhunt. I
feel honored to be a part of this process.
Cheers, Christina Maria
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