VeNews June 9, 2001

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REGIONAL CONVENING: First Germany, Now Nicaragua

Several weeks ago we reported on the conference "Building Foundations for Stability, Security and Peace" that we conducted with the Loccum Academy in Germany. A number of you were interested in that conference and asked if we support other such convenings. The answer is yes, and the next convening will occur next week in Nicaragua.

Vesper has a commitment to bringing key people together for in-depth dialogue or problem solving. On June 14–15 a group of key leaders from Central America will meet as part of our project, "Expanding Leadership for the 21st Century." The purpose of their convening, and the purpose of the project, is to assist organizations in implementing effective communications and to become a catalyst for change in the region.

The regional Mesoamerican conference will bring together 20 selected leaders from educational and social service organizations throughout Central America, Mexico and parts of South America. These leaders have recognized the possibility of working together to develop service programs for their constituents. By creating communication networks they can share program information on what works and what doesn't work, so that they do not re-invent the wheel.

In addition, these leaders were quick to understand the potential of using networks to provide much needed training for staff and volunteers. The low cost and fluidity of electronic communication as an instructional medium makes it ideal for training in small organizations located in remote areas. Participants in the conference will discuss the potential for rapid advances in training for their organizations and the communities in which they are located.

The regional Mesoamerican conference is being conducted by the Program of Human Resources of CCM (Comunidad Cristiana Mesoamericana) in collaboration with Vesper Society. For more information on Vesper's leadership projects in communications networks, contact us at . For more information on CCM's projects in Central America, contact www.ccmrrhh.org.

Vesper Society is a private operating foundation with programs in leadership, health, and Central America. Our mission is to create opportunities for individuals, groups, and organizations to apply moral and ethical values in decision making on social and economic issues.