Grass Roots Partners: Understanding the incredible people we work with, locally.

The global communities we serve face the spread of AIDS, separatist conflict, hunger, environmental devastation and other threats to their health, their culture-- their survival. (Criteria below)

While fostering a sustainable economy and cultural richness in the USA, EW empowers grass-roots partners in the world's most vulnerable, yet culturally rich communities to apply their vital knowledge in creating health, economic & environmental solutions - from the ground up - for everyone's future.

Current Programs:

Zimbabwe, Southern Africa Orphan Care & Sustainable Development (see video)

Senegal, West Africa Casamance Institute of Arts & Sciences, EW Music (see video)

In Development:

Sudan, East Africa Promoting sustainable livelihoods through eco-restoration +

South Africa Empowering at risk mothers to take control of their health and livelihoods

Past Projects:

Kenya, East Africa Amani Children's Center - Youth Education Pilot Project (see video)

Suriname, South America Micro-grants for Social Entrepreneurs

 


EW Criteria for Program Investment

Before working in a new community, EW measures:

1. Human & Environmental Security.

EW measures the severity of human and/or environmental security threats. While all communities have "needs" EW measures its investment of time and donor funds within a global context. For example, globally, what is the significance in terms of public health, bio-diversity conservation- why should we be focusing here? For example, Zimbabwe has THE highest % of AIDS orphans per capita and LOWEST life expectancy of women. Senegal's Casamance region is THE barrier between the Sehel desert and West African rain forest- pivotal to desertification.

2. Local Partnerships.

EW measures local motivation and demonstrated commitment to sustainable development. For Example a) Who are/ will be our Partners in Empowerment in the area, Citizens, local NGOs, do we have volunteers working in area? b) Need clear commitment, stated interests of pre-identified grass-roots partners. See Our Approach/ 7 Steps

3. Global Impact.

EW measures its own capacity and potential to leverage organizational time and financial resources to improve global human and environmental security. This includes our understanding of geographic area, institutional and other partnerships, and our expertise of critical local social & environmental issues to be addressed.