Welcome to the Global Sojourns' Giving Circle Update!

Dear GSGC Members and Donors,

Thanks to you, wonderful things have been underway for the three organizations we help support in Livingstone, Zambia and Cape Town, South Africa. Girls are learning to read, building self esteem and preparing to be productive adults in societies where girls and women are often relegated to a back seat.

Thank you for your continuing and increasing support. Your help makes a positive, impactful difference in the lives of many!

Linda Dee, Coordinator
Global Sojourns Giving Circle

Although the GSGC is focused on long-term, sustainable giving, a situation of great need on an emergency basis was brought to our attention by a contact in Livingstone.

In the process of finding the rag dolls a home, a makeshift center where children are abandoned during the day because their parents cannot afford schooling, needed much more. One woman cares for 71 children, aged two to seven years all day, trying to teach them and feed them twice a day.

Member Paige Hasson decided to take on the task of collecting much needed items, involving her Pre-K class in Portland, Oregon. Thus began a project that empowered children to help other children. The enthusiasm for the project was heartfelt, soon the class began collecting underwear (as requested), making simple matching games to help in learning and raising money by creating hand-made stationary. Discussions followed to help the students understand the effects of poverty and appropriate ways to get involved and help.

At the end of the school year, Paige commented that the "project will continue in the hearts of many young and caring children. This connection will hopefully be the first of many in their lives and through education and understanding bring people together to make the world a better place to live."

The collections and money raised will be taken to Livingstone this August by Paige and the rest of the GSGC travelers and anonymously donated. Stay tuned for the next conference call to hear from Paige about the impact on her class and teaching young children the importance of giving.

If you haven't yet sent in your donation for this year, please get it in by August 1st!

Our fiscal year runs from November - October. Each August, the vetting committee evaluates the organizations' grant applications, as well as their end of the year reports of accomplishments, and then determines how much funding to provide for each organization. Thus, it's very helpful to have your donation in by August though all donations are welcome at any time!

Your continued support makes it possible for us to truly make a difference in the lives of many vulnerable children!

*Please note the new address:
The Clarence Foundation
c/o Foundation for Sustainable Development
517 Potrero Avenue, Suite B
San Francisco, CA 94110

(269) 320-8100
use access code:
603003#.

Speaker: Paige Hasson and other members of the GSGC who traveled to Africa in August, visiting the three recipient organizations.

*If you cannot join in on the conference call, it is easy to listen in at a later time to hear what was discussed.

Free Conference Play Back Playback Number: 269-320-8199
Access Code: 603003#

Word is Out
Giving Circles Network, an organization that works to network, leverage and impact giving circles throughout the country, featured the GSGC in their Spring 2009 newsletter in an article about the trend of engaged international philanthropy that has arisen from educational and/or philanthropic travel. We received wonderful coverage, including mention of our book club extension, diverse membership and partnership approach. Learn more about the Giving Circles Network.

GSGC Social Change Book Club Update
The Denver GSGC Social Change Book Club continues to be a huge success. In fact, it is being similarly replicated this autumn in Denver and will be led by the same professor of Anthropology.

Many of you have asked what books are presently being read by the GSGC Club, so you can follow along. Please see below for the next three months:

July - Letters to Cristina: Reflections on My Life and Work by Paulo Friere

August - The Bottom Billion: Why the Poorest Countries Are Failing and What Can Be Done About It by Paul Collier

September - The Paradox of Plenty: Hunger in a Bountiful World by Douglas Boucher

Perhaps you would like to interest a child in reading a book about children in Africa and the concept of micro loans? Here is a suggestion: One Hen by Katie Smith Milway. Also, FACES is an excellent magazine for readers age nine and older that shows how children live around the world. Go to the website or call 1-800-821-0115.

Denver Wine Tasting and Dinner Event
Martha Gart, GSGC member and long time friend of Pricilla Macy's, hosted a fabulous wine tasting and dinner in April to introduce her Denver friends to the Giving Circle. Priscilla débuted a colorful new video presentation and was happy to share the faces and stories of the giving circle. A big thank you to Martha for putting on the event and the warm reception from the ladies of Denver! If you are interested in hosting a wine tasting, we have come up with a template to make it easy.
Contact Linda Dee sandyandlinda@msn.com

The GSGC Leaves for Africa in August!

Stay up to date with their experiences by reading their blog entries during the trip.


Head to the GSGC Blog after August 13th to check it out.

View the itinerary.

Click to see the 2008 trip summaries and photos.

Our fiscal sponsor, the Clarence Foundation (CF) is merging with the Foundation for Sustainable Development (FSD), an organization that they have worked closely with over the years and with which they share many of the same values and objectives. CF feels that this is a terrific fit for them as they aim to grow and strengthen their Giving Circle programs.

We look forward to working with FSD as our fiscal sponsor. Marc Ross Manashil is handing over the reigns of working directly with us to Caitlin Drewes as he leaves to pursue an exciting opportunity at Harvard. Marc has been a tremendous partner and friend- helping us develop our structural model and giving us terrific guidance over the years.

A Note from Marc Ross Manashil:

I just want to say to everyone in the group how much I've enjoyed being a part of the GSGC.

After 10 years of leading the Clarence Foundation I've decided to take some time out for continued learning and reflection. I'm going back to graduate school to get a mid-career Master of Public Administration.

You're in great hands with Caitlin Drewes who has been on the board of the Clarence Foundation for over 5 years and also works with the organization we're merging with, the Foundation for the Sustainable Development.

I look forward to staying in contact with you. I so admire the work that the GSGC has done over the years and feel proud to have been a part of it.

If anyone wants to stay in touch with me on a personal level, you can reach me at marc_manashil@hks10.harvard.edu

Wishing you the best!
Marc

A special thank you to Alexandra Hasson who not only volunteers her time to design our newsletter but also designed and produced our website.