The "Cost" of Overhead

This TED talk moves me.  I get a feeling of real possibility.  A possibility to truly change the way our societal system works.  We are truly in need of a paradigm shift toward addressing "who benefits?" from the way capitalist economies are set up.  These statements feel to me like the on-ramp to building up enough energy and attention to make a shift.

This presenter is talking about raising money for charity.  Though, the charity model is outdated and looking toward rights-based activism affecting legislation or inclusivity models (empowerment) might be more effective in creating systemic change to eradicate human suffering.  These projects still need funding.  They still need overhead to raise money on a scale beyond the bake sale or car wash.

Though, corruption is still a reality: mismanagement of funds, misappropriation of funds, and just plain stealing happens often.  We've got to start somewhere.  It just seems like such a huge hill to climb.

The Precis

Here's a link on how to write a precis.  And here's a sample one.

This is a tool I use in my class when a good deal of new information needs to be communicated through the writings of different authors.  I want to make sure the students are 1. doing their readings, 2. comprehending the articles, 3. able to contribute well to class discussions on the material.

Students are also able to synthesize the ideas from different authors/change agents into something from their own minds.

I often ask the students to write a precis for each reading and include a short one paragraph reflection of the group of articles at the end of their submission.

OPENing Development

Sanjay Pradhan, native of Bihar, India, talks about how global south to south idea inspiration is changing the accountability of development and governance through technology ultimately creating a voice for the underserved in many communities.  This is a clear balance to the north-south 'traditional' development practices championed by the Brettonwoods institutions over the last 60+ years.