CAPCA NEWS

Chicago Area Peace Corps Association (CAPCA) 1999 Annual Report

  Following two years of above average change in leadership (as reported in last year’s annual report), the Chicago Area Peace Corps Association (CAPCA) had  a year of stability—and generosity—in 1999.
 The convergence of our continuing commitment to high school students in the Connections program with our support for Peace Corps Partnership Programs made 1999 an outstanding year for CAPCA.  As reported last year,
CAPCA has begun to support a service and leadership development program for young people in one of Chicago’s most disadvantaged neighborhoods—Englewood.  Through the program students were able to take their second trip to Ghana and, this year, to visit the village of Mafi-Dove—where CAPCA is supporting a water
& sanitation project.  Continuing the relationship, the Connections students made a well-received presentation to CAPCA members at our October dinner meeting.  PCV Nell Todd wrote and sent pictures (which are now on our web site <http://www.capca.org> ) to bring us up to date on the progress of our Partnership Project.  In addition to $5,000 for the Connections students’ Ghana trip and $2,000 to Mafi-Dove, CAPCA members also gave $2,000 to the Hurricane Mitch relief fund set up through the Peace Corps Partnership Project, $2,000 to the American Red Cross for the emergencies in Kosovo (war) and Turkey (earthquake), and $500 for the Peace Corps Fellows Program reception during their Chicago gathering in the spring.  This outstanding generosity was made possible because of our 430 dues-paying members’ dues as well as the success of our Founder’s Day event and calendar sales (of the Madison, Wisconsin group’s calendar).

   Other 1999 CAPCA highlights included the June Founder’s Day dinner, where President Kennedy’s nephew, Dr. William Kennedy Smith, founder and president of Physicians Against Land Mines (PALM), gave a wonderful presentation about his organization’s work—and about the importance of all of us being engaged in the world.  The dinner also featured a slide show of members’ favorite scenes from their Peace Corps days.  In September we were honored to welcome NPCA president, Dane Smith, to our monthly dinner meeting.  Earlier in the year (March), we had an excellent presentation from Dr. Thomas Derdak, executive director of the Global Alliance for Africa—a small, grassroots NGO that works with health issues and health education projects, e.g., training local nurses, in various places in Africa.

   Other special dinners, beyond our regular monthly dinner meetings, which draw between 30 and 60 people, CAPCA held two “extra special” monthly meetings.  In May, CAPCA invited its members to attend “Experience India,” a community event in Highland Park (Illinois) which RPCV Chuck Sheftel was involved in planning.  In December our year ended with a wonderful holiday potluck (90 members and friends in attendance) at a private club to which one of our members belongs.

   In the non-food event category, in February, about 20 CAPCA members were organized by Lee Losey to volunteer for a day of cleaning up and painting apartments for senior citizens in one of Chicago’s public housing complexes.  Later in the year, a group organized by Maxine Gere volunteered to answer phones for our public radio station, WBEZ’s, regular fundraiser.

  Finally, in December, about 15 RPCVs joined Mary Collins and the rest of the staff and volunteers at the Evanston (Illinois) YMCA to decorate and staff about half of the 30 booths for their annual celebration of holidays around the world.

  These leadership transitions occurred for CAPCA during 1999:
In September, new Directors were elected and appointed and Hannah Leiterman became newsletter editor; in October, Leslie Wilson was elected President and Wallace Goode agreed to continue as Vice President; at year-end, Greg Nessinger became our Web Master (following a brief stint in the job by Todd Guren, who
had taken over from our first and long-standing Web Master, Chris Patzer). Current directors are listed on page 3.

   All of our 1999 activities were made possible because of the active and dedicated participation of all our Directors and many of our members.  Our monthly newsletter, monthly dinner meetings, special events, and ideas for community projects all come from the hands-on, continuing generosity and participation of our members.  For the past four years, Maxine Gere fostered these qualities—largely by example—and a
report of 1999 activities would not be complete without acknowledgement of Maxine’s leadership role in
CAPCA’s success.

CAPCA Helping to Feed the Hungry in Cook County—April 15, 2000

   Did you know that CAPCA was one of the first organizations to volunteer at the Greater Chicago Food
Depository (GCFD), the not-for-profit food distribution center that provides over 60,000 meals per day to Cook County residents?  It’s been almost five years since a group of CAPCA RPCV’s spent an afternoon at the GCFD’s warehouse repacking, inspecting, and sorting food to be distributed to soup kitchens, shelters, and food pantries.  Time for another volunteer service project at the GCFD!

   In Cook County, 200,000– 300,000 people regularly rely on the food provided by the Food Depository.  Of these, 35% are children 17 years old or younger, 17% are 65 or older, and 25% are homeless.  Hundreds of local and national food companies, grocers, and food service organizations, produce markets, and growers donate food to the GCFD, and food drives are sponsored by more than 200 local businesses each year.  Volunteers make it possible for the GCFD to keep its operating costs low and distribute more food to the needy.

   CAPCA will be volunteering at the GCFD on Saturday, April 15, 1:30–4:30 p.m.  Contact Hannah Leiterman, 773/275-6503, capcanews@yahoo.com if you’re interested in volunteering.  The GCFD is happy to have
as many volunteers as possible, but the sooner we let them know how many of us there will be, the better
they can prepare for a larger group and make the most of our time.  So call soon if you’d like to participate!  Watch the April newsletter for CTA and driving directions.
 

PC NEWS

PC Develops Handbook for Youth Programs
By Paul Sully, Peace Corps Community and Youth Program

  The Center for Field Assistance and Applied Research is developing a handbook that will enlighten all
volunteers to the advantages of involving youth in their development work. The handbook will provide
volunteers with a basic understanding of youth development, and suggest activities, projects, and strategies (such as developing a mentoring program, or establishing a youth camp or student-run credit union) that volunteers can implement to mobilize and engage youth. We are relying on the input of RPCVs, volunteers, and field staff to provide us with promising approaches and lessons learned from their insight gained in the field.   In addition, some of the promising programs you submit will be reviewed for possible inclusion in the Center’s Knowledge Management System (KMS). This system will try to capture the creative and innovative work that has been implemented by volunteers and field staff across the world.  It is our hope that this handbook will provide
future volunteers and staff with promising and effective techniques.

   If you're interested in contributing to the project, contact CAPCA capcanews@yahoo.com for details and a
sample project.  You’ll be asked to provide a detailed description of an exemplary project you were involved
in or developed during your Peace Corps service.  Please submit your project ideas by March 20, 2000. Our hope is that the ideas and insight you share will inspire other volunteers to replicate and build on these efforts. To help our planning, contact me <psully@ peacecorps.gov> now indicating your intent to submit and give us a one-line description of what you will be sending and when we should expect it.
 

International Development News

ISID Seminar on Global Dimensions of Environ-mental Restoration

  On Tuesday, March 14th, at 6:00 pm, Dr. George Rabb, Director of the Brookfield Zoo, will discuss his international work and the global dimensions of Chicago Wilderness at an event sponsored by the Illinois chapter of the Society for International Development.  The event is co-sponsored by the World Trade Center Chicago and the U.S. Agency for International Development.

  Dr. Rabb has contributed significant leadership to the collaborative work of 90-plus area organizations known as Chicago Wilderness.  Countries ranging from Mexico to the Czech Republic are studying Chicago Wilderness to learn more about successful approaches for restoring biodiversity to fragmented and fragile natural areas in urban settings. In addition, Brookfield Zoo provides support to the Species Survival Commission (SSC) of the World
Conservation Union (IUCN).  From 1989 to 1996, Dr. Rabb served as chair of the SSC, which is the world’s largest network of professional conservationists, encompassing more than 6,000 members from 160 countries. SSC members work together to develop strategies, advise governments, and implement field projects for species conservation.  The SSC also gathers the information to produce the IUCN Red Lists of Threatened Animals and Plants.  Dr. Rabb and the Brookfield Zoo continue to support the work of the SSC by housing its communications unit and by providing expert advice on key species conservation issues.

   The event will take place at World Trade Center Chicago, on the 24th floor of Merchandise Mart in downtown Chicago.  The elevator stops on the 23rd floor;  take the stairs to 24.  There will be a $2 cover charge for non-ISID members.  For more information, contact RPCV Gregg R. Baker at 312/467-0613, gbaker.usaid@wtcc.org

Sustainable Development Seminar
  India Development Service (IDS) invites us to a thought-provoking seminar, “Sustainable Development:
Challenges & Promises,” an examination of how to balance economic development with ecological sustainability.
Date:  Saturday, March 25th
Place: The Unity Temple, 875 Lake    Street, Oak Park (5 blocks    east of Harlem)
Time:  8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Registration: $20 (by 3/20) or $25 at    the door.
Speakers:  Ms. Vandana Shiva, Mr.    Satish Kumar Jain
Mr.     M.C.Mehta, Dr.Debashis,    Mr. Nathaneal Goldberg.
Contact Nila Vora, 630/637-9301, <nilavora@pol.net>;
Anita Sinha, 847/475-1806, <anisinh@aol.com>; or
Nilesh Kothari, 630/637-1391, <nkothari@lucent.com> to register or for additional information.

National Summit on Africa Calls for Major Reconstruction Program

  The National Summit on Africa, a four-year initiative established to boost U.S. support for Africa, closed its five-day national meeting on February 20th in Washington, DC with a call for a massive reconstruction program for the impoverished and conflict-ridden continent.

 “The time has come for the elaboration of a new and bold policy toward Africa,” stated the program’s Final Policy Plan of Action, which will be distributed to policy makers this week as well as posted on the Internet.  The plan’s 250 recommendations are designed to help improve conditions in Africa through debt relief, improved trade and investment, better education, and stronger democracy.

   Funded by the Ford Foundation, the Carnegie Corporation of New York, corporations, and others, the Summit brought together 5,000 individuals—academics, business executives, health and development professionals, and African citizens—to draft the Final Policy Plan of Action and attend seminars and roundtables on U.S.-Africa relations and aid.  While critics of the Summit point out that previous meetings and summits have done little to improve actual conditions in Africa, organizers said the gathering had energized attendees, who could in turn form the core of a new lobby for Africa in the U.S.

  "It’s been extremely uplifting, inspirational.  I’m persuaded that this energy and momentum will be sustained throughout the country...” said Leonard Robinson, summit president and former assistant secretary of state.  “Many, many people said to me that they never thought they would see anything like this in their lifetime.” More information is at <http://www.africasummit.org/>.
 

Around Chicago

Chicago’s Peace Museum
By Shelley Hubman

  As an RPCV (1988–1990), I am happy that I am  again employed in peace service.  I am  Director  of the Education Department at the Peace Museum.  Located in downtown Chicago at 314 W. Institute Place, the Peace Museum is our nation’s only museum devoted to Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution.  RPCV’s can support the museum in many ways.  For those who aren’t familiar with the Peace Museum, I’d like to give a brief description of what we are all about.

   The Peace Museum has a  twenty-year history of  inspiring children, teens, and adults to find creative solutions to the problem of violence.  The Peace Museum accomplishes its mission through exhibits, cultural programs, and the programs of its education department.

   The Education Department currently coordinates a conflict resolution program—“Drive-By Peace”—in Chicago-area elementary schools.  The Peace Museum’s Peace Educators work with students in their classrooms—and with their teachers, administrators, and parents, teaching and modeling conflict resolution
themes and techniques.  The Drive-By Peace Program incorporates the arts as a vital method of reinforcing
the lessons.

 How can you help?  Take a peek at the Peace Museum wish list.
• Help the the museum build a sturdy financial base by becoming a member. Individual memberships are $35; $20
for students and seniors) Tell your friends!
• Publicize our existence!  We are the nation’s only Peace Museum and we need friends and supporters to spread the word about us.
• Volunteer as a tour guide (tours generally are scheduled at 10:00 or 11:00 a.m.).
• Donations (art supplies, exhibition supplies, office supplies) are always welcome!
• Visit the museum!  Our hours are 11 a.m.–5 p.m., Tuesday–Saturday.  We accept a $2 donation.
• Attend one of our many programs!  Our next event is an evening of storytelling and song on Tuesday, April
4th in support of The Spertus Museum’s current exhibition: The Nazi Olympics, Berlin 1936.

 For more information, contact Shelley Hubman,
312/440-1860, shellyh@peacemuseum.org.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

March Dinner Meeting

Savor the passion of India after a hard day at work as we meet for a feast at the Indian Gardens Restaurant.
Our feast will feature appetizers, both vegetarian and meat dishes, rice, breads, and dessert—all you can
eat.
When:  Wednesday, March 15th, 6:30 pm
Where: 2546 West Devon Avenue, Chicago
How much:  $15 per person including tax and gratuity
RSVP:    Chuck Sheftel at 847/831-3886.

Directions: It is on the corner of Rockwell and Devon.
By car: Take Lake Shore Drive to the end, get yourself up to Peterson Ave. (6000 north) and go west to Western.  Go north (right) on Western a few blocks to Devon, then west (left) on Devon to Rockwell. Street parking is all there is, and it’s a challenge, so try to get there early.

By CTA: Take the Red Line to
Loyola, then the 155 (which stops right outside the Loyola  “L” stop), which goes along Devon all the way
to the Indian Gardens at Rockwell.
We hope to see you there!

Preliminary Plans for Peruvian Phood!
Our April international dinner meeting is being tentatively planned at Taste of Peru by Brian
DeFilippo.  The likely date is Monday, April 17th, 6:30 PM.  The restaurant is at 6545 North Clark, at the intersection of Clark and Devon.  (CTA Red Line to Loyola; 3 blocks west on Devon by foot or the 155 bus.)  Brian will be taking reservations (which are limited) at 847/650-1080, bdefilippo@aol.com.  The price will be between $10 and $12, tax and tip included.  See next month’s newsletter or the web site for final details.
 

 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

FOUNDERS DAY 2000

Saturday, June 3rd is the date of our annual Founder’s Day gathering, where we celebrate our founding with a
special dinner and a silent auction to raise money for Peace Corps Partnership Projects and an exceptional youth development organization, Connections, which helps young people from the Englewood neighborhood develop their personal, academic, and leadership skills—and to experience the world beyond Chicago ...and beyond the U.S.
 The dinner will be held at the Field Museum again this year, and we are now calling for volunteers to help Helen Haugsnes (630/355-3916/snes@anet.com) and Nancy Kramer (773/725-6944/kramernancy@worldnet.att.net.  We also need items for the silent auction.  You can contact Nancy or Leslie Wilson 773/973-6560/lfwilson@hotmail.com) to donate items—or services—for the auction.
 

CAPCA CLASSIFIEDS
Job Opportunity

The Joyce Foundation Program Officer, Education

  The Joyce Foundation is an approximately $1 billion foundation based in Chicago that makes grants in the areas of education, employment, environment, gun violence, money and politics, and culture.  The foundation distributes approximately $35 million in grants annually to organizations that combine creative ideas for broad, systemic change with a strong strategic sense of how to make change happen.  The Education program distributes approximately $8 million annually to support projects testing fundamental changes in ways schools are organized and governed, and in the content and process of teaching.

   The foundation is seeking a program officer to help develop and execute its education grant-making strategy.  The program officer will also share in investigating and developing new grant-making directions.
 Qualifications:  BA and minimum 5–7 years diverse experience in public education; good understanding of
how schools and school systems operate; advanced degree strongly preferred.  Understanding of how
public policies are created, shaped, and changed; knowledge of the history of and emerging issues in school reform work and of school reform efforts in the Midwest and nationally.  Ability to work creatively with grant applicants and recipients, and with colleagues within the foundation and in the field, to foster innovative program ideas and grant requests.  Demonstrated investigative bent; ability to write clearly under time pressure; willingness to travel.  Ability to think broadly, imaginatively, and strategically about the social and policy goals of the foundation’s work while remaining focused on details and follow-through.  Understanding of the coperation and role of foundations; experience as a grant-seeker and grant-maker are highly desirable.

   The Joyce Foundation is an equal-opportunity employer and aggressively seeks a diverse staff.  Competitive compensation, commensurate with experience, and excellent benefits package.  Send a résumé and cover letter to Susan Himmelfarb, Search Consultant;
711Superior Street; Oak Park, IL  60302
708/848-0086;    FAX 708/848-8001.
2000 Graduate Summer Internship Program

  Applications are invited for the 2000 Graduate Summer Intern Program of the John D. and Catherine T.
MacArthur Foundation.  The purpose of the program is to encourage talented graduate students to consider careers in public interest work and to provide short-term learning experiences through carefully supervised tasks.  Three internships are available, one with Program-Related Investments, one in the Program on Global Security and Sustainability and one in Grants Management, Research and Information (GMRI).

   The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation is a private, independent, grant-making foundation created in 1978 for charitable and public service purposes.  It has developed programs in selected areas where it believes a targeted philanthropic effort can make a distinctive contribution.  In 1998 a total of $170.53 million in grants were authorized.
• Dates:  mid-June to mid-September
• Location: the Foundation’s offices in Chicago
• Compensation: $14.35–$16.13/hour
• Eligible Applicants: Current graduate students who plan to return to school in the fall.
• Deadline: March 31, 2000
• For more information and detailed job descriptions, see the website, <www.macfound.org>.

 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Meet Your Membership

 Ted Jankowski, Zimbabwe (94–96)
Prior to Peace Corps, I was an engineer at Caterpillar, Inc. in Peoria (a good reason to head for Zimbabwe!). While in Peace Corps, I taught general science at Chirumba Secondary School in Bikita, and loved it. The school library received a fine book collection during my stay, and the township received its first ever basketball court. Upon returning home, I began work towards an M.S. in Applied Math, which was recentlycompleted. I’m now working for an engineering consultant in Chicago, solving interesting problems, and I’m far from Peoria, too. Life is as good.

Kara Malenfant (Armenia 92–94)
   Kara Malenfant says, “Being a librarian is about more than wearing a bun and whispering ‘shhhh!’ I admit I do wear comfortable shoes, though. I’m rewarded by helping members of the DePaul community find a good path through the maze of information out there.” After teaching English in the Peace Corps, Kara worked in advocacy/fundraising with an Armenian-American non-profit in DC, then moved to upstate NY where she worked for an independent bookstore. Last August, she finished her M.S. in Library Science at U of I in Champaign-Urbana. Originally from Minnesota, Kara is glad to be back in the Midwest and even happier that
she moved from C-U to Chicago where there’s more to see than endless rows of corn and soybeans. “I’m looking for a fun dance class that has some cultural element to it (hula, tango, etc.). CAPCA folks seem like a lively bunch; if you’ve taken good class in the area and want to pass on a suggestion, let me know.”
You can reach her at <malenfan@alexia.lis.uiuc.edu.

Jen Marks, Bolivia (97–99)
   Jen Marks served in Bolivia as a community health educator in the Basic Sanitation project. Her primary project was coordinating a health project in the schools, but she also trained the local Special Olympics Team in rhythmic gymnastics. Recently back from Bolivia (in November),  life in the States has brought her to Chicago working as a Health Educator for Saint Anthony Hospital. Her current job offers her many opportunities to speak Spanish and enjoy Hispanic culture. Originally from Wisconsin, she studied at UW-Madison, International Relations and Latin American Studies/Spanish, and currently has a strong interest in going back to school for a Masters in Public Health.

If you’d like to tell us a bit about yourself, please
send a 100–150 word bio to capcanews@yahoo.com.
Editor reserves the right to edit for space!