Update April 2024
The Sixth and final Session of the 23rd Infopoverty World Conference will be moderated by Pierpaolo Saporito, President of OCCAM and Infopoverty Programme, and will include interventions by John Steffens, Executive Director Emeritus at The University of Oklahoma, David Neely, President and CEO of Affecting Change International (ACI), Giacomo Mazzone, Secretary General of EUROVISIONI and Member of CICT-ICFT, and Imtiaz Dharker and Chancellor at Newcastle University.
Kara Neely assumes executive director role at aci
Kara Neely has assumed the role of Executive Director of ACI effective May 22, 2024. Transitioning to the Executive Director role within ACI from leading ACI's Operations and Communications position, Kara was born in Kenya to missionary parents, Kara grew up in the highlands of Kenya. Having been exposed to a multitude of cultures in her formative years, Kara has traveled extensively and has studied international relations at Cottey College in Nevada, Missouri. She has served in the United States Navy, and completed her undergraduate degree in East Asian Cultures at the University of Kansas concentrating on Chinese and Korean languages. She is starting a graduate degree in linguistics at the University of London in the Fall of 2024. She was an ESL teacher in Seoul, South Korea for 13 months. She has experience as a Certified Nurse Assistant in both hospital and clinic settings. She has interned and presented as a project manager for ACI at the United Nations World Conference for InfoPoverty and is the youngest daughter of ACI's founder and president, David L. Neely.
ACI wants to thank Jeff Herman for his many years of service as the Executive Director who transitions to an ACI board member role moving forward.
ACI wants to thank Jeff Herman for his many years of service as the Executive Director who transitions to an ACI board member role moving forward.
the unfinished task network rebranding as project transformation
The Unfinished Task Network (UTN) is a catalyst for holistic indigenous church planting that results in transformed lives, communities, and people groups. There are currently 7,041 unreached people groups in the world. Even more disturbing, no one is even attempting to engage half of them. The Unfinished Task Network equips Christian church planters, trainers and local congregations to plant indigenous churches that become bases for community transformation among the unreached people groups they adopt.
Clearly, much work is left to do to finish the task set forth by Jesus Christ himself more than two thousand years ago. The UTN sees the indigenous local church as the proper and best agent of indigenous church planting movements. For too long the church has relinquished to governments and non-government organizations (NGOs) her responsibility and opportunity for community transformation. UTN helps equip these churches and leaders to engage the least reached as God directs.
Clearly, much work is left to do to finish the task set forth by Jesus Christ himself more than two thousand years ago. The UTN sees the indigenous local church as the proper and best agent of indigenous church planting movements. For too long the church has relinquished to governments and non-government organizations (NGOs) her responsibility and opportunity for community transformation. UTN helps equip these churches and leaders to engage the least reached as God directs.
aci partners with the unfinished task network
(July 3, 2017) ACI has established a long term partnership with the Unfinished Task Network (www.unfinishedtask.org) to work with local indigenous churches around the world. "Sustainable development opportunities are prevalent globally, but using the local church in under served and underdeveloped communities provides ACI an opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of a local community through an established network", says ACI President David Neely. He further stated that "Taking care of the physical needs of a community is important, but being part of also offering lasting spiritual renewal is the greatest gift we can give."
OCCAM Grand Conversation: building the next digital society
| presentation_for_occam_great_discussion_july_21_2021.pdf |
ACI to participate in May 17th NYC Meeting at One Church Center
(May 1, 2018) ACI President David Neely and ACI ISFSP Stateside Project Manager Kara Neely will participate in the Changing Paradigms, Changing Mindsets, Changes Outcomes: Accelerating SDG Implementation through Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships Pre-Conference Meeting on Thursday, May 17, 2018 being held at the One Church Center across the street from United Nations Headquarters in New York City. Others participating in the meeting being facilitated by The University of Oklahoma's Public Service institute include Dr. Dane Fowlkes of Samaritan’s Purse, Dr. John Kenerson of the World Hypertension Action Group (WHAG)/Colleagues in Care (CIC), Ms. Usha Wright of Share Africa, and Mayor Eugene W. Grant, of Seat Pleasant, MD.
The goal of the meeting is to familiarize consortium partners with specific projects and programs, introduce the Capacity Building Framework and narrow down next-steps as planning continues for the August 2-3 global conference, being held at the UN Headquarters. "This is a great opportunity to set the stage for a successful conference in August," says ACI's David Neely. "Bringing like-minded faith-based organizations together, who have proven track records and global experience in multi-stakeholder partnerships, will help lay the groundwork for future partnerships."
For additional information on our ISFSP project, you can go to www.idilifarmsproject.org, and additional ACI work with it's newest partner The Unfinished Task Network can be found at www.unfinishedtask.org.
The goal of the meeting is to familiarize consortium partners with specific projects and programs, introduce the Capacity Building Framework and narrow down next-steps as planning continues for the August 2-3 global conference, being held at the UN Headquarters. "This is a great opportunity to set the stage for a successful conference in August," says ACI's David Neely. "Bringing like-minded faith-based organizations together, who have proven track records and global experience in multi-stakeholder partnerships, will help lay the groundwork for future partnerships."
For additional information on our ISFSP project, you can go to www.idilifarmsproject.org, and additional ACI work with it's newest partner The Unfinished Task Network can be found at www.unfinishedtask.org.
Idili Farms Project Report - Kenya
COB Building Workshop
(July 26, 2017, from Michael Barton) The Kenya IDILI Farms Project has successfully hosted our first COB building workshop, it lasted 6 weeks finishing last Friday. Although the build is not done yet we have attracted a number of very interested individuals and groups to the plot to observe and in some cases participate in the build. We still have to build a bathroom, install the roof, Plaster and install the Earth Floor, so lots still to be done. However all of these things can have courses built around them and also require a keen eye for detail so it was better that we didn't get to them in the workshop as they would have been rushed. Here are a couple pics from the build and where we are at now.
We also hosted a group from CBF, Lead by Sam and Mel Harrell, they wanted a morning lecture introducing Permaculture and its various applications. We then proceeded to plant the first Swale/Agroforestry Unit, a new System of Permaculture we are implementing onto the plot. The group seemed to really enjoy the morning and the tour asking lots of questions and getting some good work done.
17th IWC on Infopoverty at United Nations, NYC Goes Well
(May 10, 2017) The transcript of the speech precented by ACI's David Neely, and Idili Farm's Michael Barton has been added to the Media page of www.idilifarmsproject.org/media.html According to David Neely, " The time at this year's conference was very productive as we were able to communicate with many interested global leaders the exciting Idili Sustainability and Food Security Project in Kenya. We look forward to continued discussions with interested parties who are considering working with Idili Farms in East Africa and in other parts of the world." For more information, please check out the speech transcript here www.idilifarmsproject.org/media.html
IWC FINAL AGENDA, ACI SESSION 4
ACI at the 17th Infopoverty World Conference at the UN, NYC
Michael Barton, ISFSP Kenya Project Director
(April 4, 2017) On April 21, 2017, Michael Barton, ISFSP Kenya Project Director, will be a speaker at the 17th Infopoverty World Conference (IWC) at the United Nations in New York City along with David Neely, ACI’s Founder & President. Their contribution to the conference will be presenting the Idili Sustainability and Food Security Project's (ISFSP) use of ICT's which is for the purpose of exposing alternative perspectives of land use and agricultural practice to our partnering organizations. Through the use of GiS Technologies and study parameters, ISFSP, Project Director Michael Barton has been involved in large scale Geo-referenced community data collection. Community wide surveys were conducted by local trainees, using a customized 'Cyber Tracker' interactive data collection software. The Survey posed questions in various demographic sectors, from the level of education and agricultural practice, to high frequency human and animal diseases patterns.
In addition to the ICT impact, Michael will also discuss the development of strategic partnerships which are building our project’s capacity in other field operations. ISFSP is working with various organizations to develop the environmental goals of each organization, and in doing so develop a Permaculture training and demonstration site for the region and other ISFSP partners similar to the core of the ISFSP project, which consists’ of the IDILI Permaculture demonstration garden, located in the highland tea growing area North-West of Nairobi, Kenya. The IDILI Permaculture Garden goal is to showcase Permaculture practices for a small-scale household garden plots.
Upcoming community training elements include an earth works workshop where Swales will be measured and dug to catch, spread, and sink water moving through the site, with another workshop of developing a food forest ecosystem. These two micro workshops will last for under a week, giving participants a chance to gain practical experience in on area of Permaculture techniques. A Cultural Original Building (COB) workshop is scheduled for June 12 to July 21st of 2017 at the project site. A small one bedroom cottage will be built by students wanting to learn more about natural building, and the workshop will be taught by an experienced Cob Instructor from Spain. They will have the chance to experience the build from foundations to roof installment. More information on this workshop can be found at www.idilifarmsproject.org where you can also register.
Also attending the IWC will be Kara Neely, ACI’s ISFSP Project Manager, USA, and John Hollan, ACI Strategic Partner.
In addition to the ICT impact, Michael will also discuss the development of strategic partnerships which are building our project’s capacity in other field operations. ISFSP is working with various organizations to develop the environmental goals of each organization, and in doing so develop a Permaculture training and demonstration site for the region and other ISFSP partners similar to the core of the ISFSP project, which consists’ of the IDILI Permaculture demonstration garden, located in the highland tea growing area North-West of Nairobi, Kenya. The IDILI Permaculture Garden goal is to showcase Permaculture practices for a small-scale household garden plots.
Upcoming community training elements include an earth works workshop where Swales will be measured and dug to catch, spread, and sink water moving through the site, with another workshop of developing a food forest ecosystem. These two micro workshops will last for under a week, giving participants a chance to gain practical experience in on area of Permaculture techniques. A Cultural Original Building (COB) workshop is scheduled for June 12 to July 21st of 2017 at the project site. A small one bedroom cottage will be built by students wanting to learn more about natural building, and the workshop will be taught by an experienced Cob Instructor from Spain. They will have the chance to experience the build from foundations to roof installment. More information on this workshop can be found at www.idilifarmsproject.org where you can also register.
Also attending the IWC will be Kara Neely, ACI’s ISFSP Project Manager, USA, and John Hollan, ACI Strategic Partner.
New Year, New Project
(December 28, 2016) Beginning in January of 2017 ACI will partner with Michael Barton and Ian Barton to “improve sustainable productivity in farming systems and evergreen agriculture in eastern Africa”. This new partnership hopes to bring to farmers a better understanding of, and new ways to use, their resources. The Bartons have already begun a model farm project in Tigoni, Kenya. Children from a local school are brought to the farm and taught new ways of looking at farming, seeing in action ideas for sustainable living. Not only does this project encourage farmers to be self-sufficient, it also will encourage the planting and maintaining of trees, the close observance and reestablishment of watersheds, and teach how to extend limited cooking resources. Take a look at the project website at www.idilifarmsproject.org.
The Project Director, Michael Barton, is a recent graduate of Appalachian State University from which he earned a Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Development with concentrations in Community, Regional, and Global Development, and GIS. Having grown up in Kenya, Michael has a deep love for the people and the land, and desires to extend his knowledge of sustainability to the farmers in Kenya.
The Project Operations Manager, Ian Barton, is father to Michael. Having also grown up in Kenya, Ian’s extensive knowledge from world travels has helped increase his desire to create sustainable development and conserve the world’s beauty and ecosystems.
ACI is excited about this new venture. Please continue to follow our blog and Facebook page throughout the coming year for updates.
The Project Director, Michael Barton, is a recent graduate of Appalachian State University from which he earned a Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Development with concentrations in Community, Regional, and Global Development, and GIS. Having grown up in Kenya, Michael has a deep love for the people and the land, and desires to extend his knowledge of sustainability to the farmers in Kenya.
The Project Operations Manager, Ian Barton, is father to Michael. Having also grown up in Kenya, Ian’s extensive knowledge from world travels has helped increase his desire to create sustainable development and conserve the world’s beauty and ecosystems.
ACI is excited about this new venture. Please continue to follow our blog and Facebook page throughout the coming year for updates.
ACI HONORED TO HELP SUPPORT MAKE IT COUNT 5K RUN
ACI Leadership Traveling to Kenya
(March 10, 2015) David Neely and Jeff Herman will travel to Kenya in April to meet with prospective development partners including Dr. Crystal Courtney, CEO of Olare Orok and Motorogi Trust, to discuss opportunities in the Mara conservancies throughout Kenya. According to ACI’s founder and President, “It is our desire to meet with conservancy leaders to discuss the possibility of ACI, in partnership with African Impact and others, to discuss the coordination of partnerships and development projects for the most efficient and effective empowerment of local communities within the various conservancies. We believe that coordination is absolutely crucial in order to eliminate, as much is possible, duplicity and wasted opportunities throughout the region.” Neely goes on to say, “In fact, ACI was established primarily to mobilize individuals and non-governmental organizations to improve the physical, emotional, and economic conditions of communities like those found in the greater Mara region. It is our philosophy that we can best assist developing communities through self-sustainable development programs that are designed specifically for each community in partnership with the community and others.”
Also during the trip, a follow-up review of the Maasai Community Development Project will be conducted on-site with the Kijiji Ya Sanaa Trust and community leadership. This will give ACI leadership an opportunity to discuss the “wins” and lessons learned from this initial project. For more information go to www.affectingchange.org During their time in Kenya, Neely and Herman will also meet with several faith based ministries on behalf of, and in partnership with, Blue Valley Baptist Church including Kenya Baptist Theological College, Power Women’s Group of Muthari Valley Slum in Nairobi, and the Limuru Children’s Center. ACI TO PARTICIPATE IN THE 2015 ICT4DF SUMMIT(January 14, 2015) ACI will be a major contributor to the 2015 ICT4DF Summit, scheduled for April 8, 2015 at The Church Center for the United Nations in New York City. ACI’s President, David Neely, has been working with the ICT4DF Strategy Team to establish the goals and direction for this year’s summit.
Last year’s Summit, and its subsequent white paper, laid the foundation for a larger vision that will further advance the use of information and communications technologies in faith-based organizations to address the growing support needs of impoverished populations. For information on last year’s summit and white paper, go to www.ict4df.org. Despite any differences in spiritual theology or organizational mission, it is understood that there is a shared responsibility to serve the poor and underprivileged in such a way which bridges and unifies tactics and resources across a broad spectrum of faith-based organizations for greater impact. It is the hope that by serving as partners in a paradigm shift that brings organizations into a collaborative network leveraging many technological advances, more people will gain access to essential information and resources, creating transformative and sustainable change, both physically and spiritually. In order to build upon the great work that began at the 2014 Summit, ICT4DF is inviting key leaders in global development organizations for involvement in this year's round-table discussion. The participants will come together with the common goal to address global physical and spiritual poverty issues through the use of appropriate technologies. The agenda for this year’s summit includes:
LIFEBOX CONTAINERS: EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES(September 8, 2014) Emily Rumberger, a mechanical engineer with the Science and Technology team at Integral Group in Oakland, CA wrote a great blog post on their company website. Check out http://www.integralgroup.com/blog/lifebox-containers-empowering-communities/ to read about her involvement with ACI through affiliation with Dale Duncan, co-creator of the LifeBox Container concept. Great testimony and great partnership!
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book recommendation
(June 3, 2014) Very interesting. Book worth looking at: Critical and Creative Education for the New Africa (Africa in Development) [Paperback] , by Titus O. Pacho. “This book is about re-inventing Africa - it aims to induct a new cohort of dedicated professionals, guided not by material gains and power, but by personal commitment, in building a better society. It is about an education that develops responsible citizens inspired by the desire to serve their fellow men and women, people who can contribute their time and talents to make society a better place in which to live. Unless people are empowered by an education tailored to address their needs, they cannot be effective participants in bringing about constructive change. An education that prepares Africans to live confidently, as Africans, in today’s globalized world is a prerequisite for developing an active and responsible citizenry. The book also examines some of the key critical areas on which African countries need to focus their attention: poverty eradication; combating corruption; peace, security and development; democracy and constitutionalism; good governance; social justice; globalization and empowerment. It criticizes extremes, creates a healthy synthesis of African and Western thought about education - particularly education for citizenship and for social transformation - an education which concerns itself with human dignity, social equality and respect, rather than fear, for authority.” http://www.amazon.com/Critical-Creative-Education-Africa-Development/dp/3034307837
ACI FOUNDER TO SPEAK AT THE UNITED NATIONS
(March 31, 2014) Once again, ACI’s President and CEO, Mr. David L. Neely, has been invited to be an active participant in the Infopoverty World Conference (IWC) 2014 at the United Nations in New York City April 10-11, 2014. The theme of this year’s conference is “How the digital innovations can accelerate the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals and help launch the Sustainable Development Goals”. Neely’s specific involvement will be presenting a white paper collaboratively developed with ACI’s General Counsel, Robert A. Bye., and entitled “Delivering Technology for Education to Disadvantaged Communities with LifeBox”. “After the IWC is over, the presentation will be made public on the ACI website,” says Neely, who continues by saying, “ACI has had representation and active participation in the world conference each year since 2006. We look forward to this year’s opportunity with great anticipation as we discuss the disruptive technology application of cloud computing coupled with the LifeBox Containers ACI has developed.”
In addition to speaking at the UN, Neely will be a speaker and breakout session co-chair at the inaugural International Faith Based ICT4D Leadership Summit on April 9, 2014, to be held at The Church Center for the United Nations. The purpose of the summit is "to bring together faith-based leaders from government agencies, international organizations, indigenous entities, information and communications technology (ICT) experts, development experts, churches, missions organizations, public and private faith organizations and entities to focus on ICT4DF, and its use to maximize the individual, collaborative and collective impact by empowering developing countries missions and ministries in changing life and life conditions". As a steering committee member for this conference, Neely said that the goals for this first summit include:
"I am excited about the potential for positive sustainable change that can occur when governments, civil society (both faith-based and secular), and individuals can sit together and intelligently discuss working together in a collaborative fashion to meet the needs of under-served individuals and communities around the world using appropriate technologies," says Neely.
Go to http://www.infopoverty.net/index.html to read more about this year’s conference or previous years conferences.
In addition to speaking at the UN, Neely will be a speaker and breakout session co-chair at the inaugural International Faith Based ICT4D Leadership Summit on April 9, 2014, to be held at The Church Center for the United Nations. The purpose of the summit is "to bring together faith-based leaders from government agencies, international organizations, indigenous entities, information and communications technology (ICT) experts, development experts, churches, missions organizations, public and private faith organizations and entities to focus on ICT4DF, and its use to maximize the individual, collaborative and collective impact by empowering developing countries missions and ministries in changing life and life conditions". As a steering committee member for this conference, Neely said that the goals for this first summit include:
- Using ICT4DF for “10 talent” results in empowering country missions outreach and sustainable development, and
- Adopting a transformational approach versus the traditional organizational paradigm for delivering knowledge, information, resources and services to developing communities most efficiently and effectively through ICT4DF.
"I am excited about the potential for positive sustainable change that can occur when governments, civil society (both faith-based and secular), and individuals can sit together and intelligently discuss working together in a collaborative fashion to meet the needs of under-served individuals and communities around the world using appropriate technologies," says Neely.
Go to http://www.infopoverty.net/index.html to read more about this year’s conference or previous years conferences.
update on syria
(January 2, 2014) It is hard to ignore all of the updates on Syria. Our news feed, news channels, and newspapers are full of stories of refugee camps, violence, and more oppression for the people of Syria. It is a tragedy and atrocity for those people and needs to be on the forefront of all of our minds.
One article in particular that popped us this morning is on the vulnerability of Syrian women in refugee camps. As many of you know, with all the best intentions, refugee camps can become very dangerous places for the people they are created to protect. For example, when the Cambodian people were moved to refugee camps following the rule of the Khmer Rouge in th 1970's, many women and children fell victim to rape, violence, and trafficking. The same vulnerabilities are seeping through for the women in Jordan. There stories are shared in the article and they are heart breaking. However, let us read them with a mindset of change. Systemic change. A kind of change that will empower communities that have been oppressed, not continue to highlight their vulnerabilities and therefore keep them dependent and suffering.
There is no perfect system. However, we can continue to strive for better. For improved quality of life for all people. The LifeBox Container has been designed for disaster relief, is transportable, and is constructed for renewable energy and efficiency. We are excited for the opportunities the LifeBox Container holds for communities all over the world. The LifeBox Container is just that, a device used to bring life. And how desperate people are for it.
One article in particular that popped us this morning is on the vulnerability of Syrian women in refugee camps. As many of you know, with all the best intentions, refugee camps can become very dangerous places for the people they are created to protect. For example, when the Cambodian people were moved to refugee camps following the rule of the Khmer Rouge in th 1970's, many women and children fell victim to rape, violence, and trafficking. The same vulnerabilities are seeping through for the women in Jordan. There stories are shared in the article and they are heart breaking. However, let us read them with a mindset of change. Systemic change. A kind of change that will empower communities that have been oppressed, not continue to highlight their vulnerabilities and therefore keep them dependent and suffering.
There is no perfect system. However, we can continue to strive for better. For improved quality of life for all people. The LifeBox Container has been designed for disaster relief, is transportable, and is constructed for renewable energy and efficiency. We are excited for the opportunities the LifeBox Container holds for communities all over the world. The LifeBox Container is just that, a device used to bring life. And how desperate people are for it.
technology used for the greater good
In an article posted on the Gates foundation blog, Impatient Optimists, the author responds to the fact that more people in the world have access to a cell phone than to a toilet. The article goes over 6 ways cell phones are changing the world, "and not in the way you think." The article sheds a lot of positive light on the matter The article seems to take on a collaborative approach; this is what we have to work with, so let's work with it! It highlights the good that cell phones and other technology can accomplish in this world. While that doesn't mean we should give up fighting for clean water and toilets for people all over the world, it does mean we can start leveraging the tools at their disposal.
We encourage you to take a look at our Life Box Container page. We are utilizing state of the art technology, while compiling resources readily available in the target community. Consider how you think technology and poverty relief efforts should collaborate. Have some ideas? Want to get involved? We would love to hear from you!
We encourage you to take a look at our Life Box Container page. We are utilizing state of the art technology, while compiling resources readily available in the target community. Consider how you think technology and poverty relief efforts should collaborate. Have some ideas? Want to get involved? We would love to hear from you!
Malawi aid freeze
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/14/malawi-prepares-cashgate-corruption-trial?CMP=twt_gu
http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2014/jan/14/malawi-aid-freeze-health-education
The news on Malawi's aid freeze is all over the web this morning. However, the assumed political scandal comes at a high price as the community's health and education sectors will be the first affected. The Department for International Development suspended 17 million euros in aid to Malawi, where "40% of the nation's budget comes from donors."
The two links above will give some background on the aid freeze and "cashgate" scandal as well as an update on how it's affecting the Malawi people. Self sustainability and community development has never been more crucial all over the world. Read, reflect, and get involved!
http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2014/jan/14/malawi-aid-freeze-health-education
The news on Malawi's aid freeze is all over the web this morning. However, the assumed political scandal comes at a high price as the community's health and education sectors will be the first affected. The Department for International Development suspended 17 million euros in aid to Malawi, where "40% of the nation's budget comes from donors."
The two links above will give some background on the aid freeze and "cashgate" scandal as well as an update on how it's affecting the Malawi people. Self sustainability and community development has never been more crucial all over the world. Read, reflect, and get involved!
U.N. Department of Economic & social affairs- january updates
(January 2, 2014) We received the United Nations Department of Economic & Social Affairs' (DESA) newsletter this morning. We encourage you to read through it as it provides a recap from a conference in December, accomplishments in 2013, and what they are looking toward in 2014. A big focus is on sustainable energy access in rural areas. It is known that lack of sustainable energy is the leading cause of many deaths in these remote communities, leaving homes without heat or having to cook with harmful biomasses. The article states, "Participants agreed that lack of clean, affordable and reliable energy is at the heart of a range of interconnected problems faced by the energy poor in rural areas." This article provides a very comprehensive analysis on the issues plaguing these communities. As we look toward our trip to the United Nations on April, we are excited about the Lifebox Containers and the way they will revolutionize the fight against poverty. We have developed a renewable energy model for our Lifebox Containers and realize the significance this will bring to these communities.
Link to article: http://www.un.org/en/development/desa/newsletter/desanews/feature/2014/01/index.html#9626
Link to article: http://www.un.org/en/development/desa/newsletter/desanews/feature/2014/01/index.html#9626
partner dale duncan embarks on an exciting new career opportunity
A most critical partnership in our work and design on the Life Box Container is Dale Duncan, an architect in Kansas City. Dale has been with an architectural and design firm and has generously volunteered his time and expertise to ACI and the Life Box Container. As of January 2014, Dale will be taking on responsibilities as the managing partner in a national design, consulting, and product development start up company focused on the highest level of environmentally sustainable design. The company will be called McLennan Design. Dale is very excited about this new path, saying, "This is a great opportunity for me to advance my career and move into partnership with a great friend and strong leader in our industry." His new partner, Jason McLennan, is an internationally recognized expert in living building design. "I am very excited about the possibilities with this new venture. Jason has already created a significant presence across the country. The leadership skills that I can bring to that partnership will align perfectly with his vision for this company."
We are beyond thrilled for Dale! Despite this change, he will remain a close partner with ACI. His hard work and commitment to sustainable design have been so impactful in our work, and will be in the lives of so many. Thank you Dale, for all you do, and congratulations!
We are beyond thrilled for Dale! Despite this change, he will remain a close partner with ACI. His hard work and commitment to sustainable design have been so impactful in our work, and will be in the lives of so many. Thank you Dale, for all you do, and congratulations!
Online reforms in education- pune,india
(December 27,2013) In February, 2013, ACI sent a CNA Team to Pune, India. A big focus of the trip was to evaluate how technology could be used to help alleviate some of the injustices happening there. With so much talk about technology in education, in every country around the world, it was interesting to read this article on online reforms in education in Pune. The University of Pune, where the majority of the reforms took place was said to be "pioneering several of the reforms suggested by the panel." They are already noticing much more efficiency and less room for human involvement and error. It is exciting to watch a community we are involved with move forward in such a critical area. We look forward to the continued relationship we are fostering with organizations in Pune.
an update on our partnership with caps- final presentations
By Alison Hofmeyer, Communications Consultant
On Tuesday morning, President David Neely, Executive Director Jeff Herman and myself all got the privilege of sitting in on the final presentations of the Innovate students at Blue Valley School District's Center for Professional and Advanced Studies (CAPS). If you've spent any time on our website, I'm sure you've seen that we have been involved with CAPS for a couple of years now, and it has been nothing but an extraordinary experience.
We have had the pleasure of partnering with a few of the Innovate student groups. You can check out our first partnership on our Media page. The two groups that presented Tuesday addressed water transportation, in communities where, mostly, women are having to walk miles and carry more than half their body weight in water on their heads, and disaster relief centers. We were again overwhelmed with excitement listening to these students speak about their inspiration for the project and their hopes for what it will turn into. We are thrilled to get to continue to work with these students next semester and believe strongly in their efforts and abilities to create sustainable solutions for underprivileged communities.
On Tuesday morning, President David Neely, Executive Director Jeff Herman and myself all got the privilege of sitting in on the final presentations of the Innovate students at Blue Valley School District's Center for Professional and Advanced Studies (CAPS). If you've spent any time on our website, I'm sure you've seen that we have been involved with CAPS for a couple of years now, and it has been nothing but an extraordinary experience.
We have had the pleasure of partnering with a few of the Innovate student groups. You can check out our first partnership on our Media page. The two groups that presented Tuesday addressed water transportation, in communities where, mostly, women are having to walk miles and carry more than half their body weight in water on their heads, and disaster relief centers. We were again overwhelmed with excitement listening to these students speak about their inspiration for the project and their hopes for what it will turn into. We are thrilled to get to continue to work with these students next semester and believe strongly in their efforts and abilities to create sustainable solutions for underprivileged communities.
UPdate on the Billibo community school
We received an extremely positive and productive update from one of our partners in Kenya. The Billibo Community School has had another successful year and has big plans for 2014. ACI could not be more thrilled to be a part of such a resilient and motivated community project. Read the full update on our blog!
Jeff Herman Takes Executive Director Role for ACI
(May 24, 2013) ACI is excited to announce Jeff Herman as the new Executive Director for ACI. "Jeff brings a great deal of experience to the leadership team and will help move ACI forward as a global leader in sustainable development partnership building," says David Neely, President and CEO of ACI.
Born and raised in northern New Jersey, Jeff Herman moved to Baldwin City, KS in 1975 to attend Baker University. Upon graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree he was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Navy and went on to serve in various capacities and assignments before separating from service at the rank of Commander. After leaving the Navy Jeff entered the corporate world and went on to gain 10 years of corporate recruiting and technical sales experience. He also owned a technical staffing agency during this time.
Jeff was most recently a partner and co-owner of American Companion Care, LLC where his primary role included Chief Business Strategist & Analyst providing corporate oversight, structure and vision. He also developed, directed and managed Public Relations, e-Marketing, Information Technology and Human Resource initiatives. The company received the "Small Business of the Year Award" for 2009 and Jeff was recognized as "Volunteer of the Year" for 2011 by the Northeast Johnson County Chamber of Commerce. Begun as a startup in 2002 and then growing to over 125 employees the company was strategically acquired by SeniorBridge of Humana, Inc. at the end of 2012.
Jeff currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors for several organizations and he enjoys participation in social and professional business networking events. He is an avid golfer and has become a sought out keynote speaker for group luncheon events while presenting to various civic, non-profit and professional organizations.
Jeff resides with his wife (and former business partner) Sheril in Olathe, KS . Both have been active Sunday School teachers, leaders and volunteers for the past 30 years.
Born and raised in northern New Jersey, Jeff Herman moved to Baldwin City, KS in 1975 to attend Baker University. Upon graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree he was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Navy and went on to serve in various capacities and assignments before separating from service at the rank of Commander. After leaving the Navy Jeff entered the corporate world and went on to gain 10 years of corporate recruiting and technical sales experience. He also owned a technical staffing agency during this time.
Jeff was most recently a partner and co-owner of American Companion Care, LLC where his primary role included Chief Business Strategist & Analyst providing corporate oversight, structure and vision. He also developed, directed and managed Public Relations, e-Marketing, Information Technology and Human Resource initiatives. The company received the "Small Business of the Year Award" for 2009 and Jeff was recognized as "Volunteer of the Year" for 2011 by the Northeast Johnson County Chamber of Commerce. Begun as a startup in 2002 and then growing to over 125 employees the company was strategically acquired by SeniorBridge of Humana, Inc. at the end of 2012.
Jeff currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors for several organizations and he enjoys participation in social and professional business networking events. He is an avid golfer and has become a sought out keynote speaker for group luncheon events while presenting to various civic, non-profit and professional organizations.
Jeff resides with his wife (and former business partner) Sheril in Olathe, KS . Both have been active Sunday School teachers, leaders and volunteers for the past 30 years.
ACI Headed to the United Nations
(March 20, 2013) For the eighth year in a row, ACI President David Neely will participate in the Infopoverty World Conference March 25-26 2013 at UN Headquarters New York. This year's theme for the conference is INNOVATIONS FOR NATION BUILDING AND THE EMPOWERMENT OF PEOPLE. Neely will be participating in the session entitled Civil Society Facing the Digital Revolution: opportunities and risks. You can read more about this year's conference and take a look at past conference presentations at www.infopoverty.net In addition, ACI Advisory Board Member Mitch Roberson will also be attending and presenting in the session entitled New Tools for a Global Cooperation.
ACI To Host Round-table Discussion in Norman, OK
(December 27, 2012) ACI is hosting the first ever ACI Round-table Discussion in Norman, Oklahoma on January 14, 2013. The intent is to discuss the collaborative efforts Affecting Change International (ACI), The University of Oklahoma’s Infopoverty Institute, Education Training Institute (ETI), and other partners have been engaged in during 2012, but more importantly, looking ahead to a number of opportunities ahead in 2013. Some of these opportunities include:
* Helping place computer technology in schools through Ghana, Africa
* Helping establish a secondary school for handicapped children in Bungoma, Kenya
* Shipping the ACI-CAPS Education Module to Kenya to expand the Billibo Community School as a part of the Maasai Community Development Project
* Partnering with Education Training Institute (ETI), OU’s Infopoverty Institute on the 2013 World Conference on Infopoverty at the UN in NYC
* Developing an education dashboard for use in developing countries on low cost tablets/computer technologies in conjunction with NGENEX, PRiO Solutions, and Good Work Foundation (GWF)
* Discuss the possibility of jointly hosting the first Pan-African Conference on Poverty in Kenya in 2014 or 2015
A number of folks from OU, ETI, ACI’s board of governors, Helix, NGENEX, and others will attend the one day meeting. If you would like to contribute the help offset the expenses of this important meeting, go to our donate page. Thank you for helping us make a difference in 2012!
* Helping place computer technology in schools through Ghana, Africa
* Helping establish a secondary school for handicapped children in Bungoma, Kenya
* Shipping the ACI-CAPS Education Module to Kenya to expand the Billibo Community School as a part of the Maasai Community Development Project
* Partnering with Education Training Institute (ETI), OU’s Infopoverty Institute on the 2013 World Conference on Infopoverty at the UN in NYC
* Developing an education dashboard for use in developing countries on low cost tablets/computer technologies in conjunction with NGENEX, PRiO Solutions, and Good Work Foundation (GWF)
* Discuss the possibility of jointly hosting the first Pan-African Conference on Poverty in Kenya in 2014 or 2015
A number of folks from OU, ETI, ACI’s board of governors, Helix, NGENEX, and others will attend the one day meeting. If you would like to contribute the help offset the expenses of this important meeting, go to our donate page. Thank you for helping us make a difference in 2012!
ACI Makes Giving Easy
(November 27, 2012) ACI has partnered with JustGive.org to offer a convenient method for giving to our work by adding an online option for making donations. This is a secure giving option for those interested in helping fund our projects, Critical Assessment Teams, and partnership development. Check out our Donate page for more information.
ACI Meeting With NGENEX About 2013 UN Meeting
(November 20, 2012) The 2013 edition of the Infopoverty World Conference will be held on 18-19 March 2013 at the United Nations headquarters in New York and will be devoted to “ICTs for nation building and to empower people”. ACI President and CEO, David Neely, is meeting with Robert A. Bye, President and CEO of NGENEX on November 21, 2012 to discuss a collaborative effort in anticipation of the 2013 conference. Mr. Bye brings to the table years of global legal and ICT experience. “I hope that our initial meeting will be the beginning of a high quality partnership between ACI and NGENEX as we explore the positive impact of ICT’s in sustainable development around the world,” said Neely. To learn about NGENEX, you can explore their website at www.ngenx.com.
Project Review and Potential Donor/Partner Meetings
(September 05, 2012) ACI President, David Neely, will be in Kenya from September 17-28, 2012 with a big agenda. Neely will be based in the Tigoni area, just north of the capital city of Nairobi. A major priority is the project review of ACI’s Maasai Community Development Project’s (MCDP) primary school and reforestation work. ACI partnered with the local community and the Kijiji ya Sanaa Trust to meet some critical needs of the local Maasai community. This past January, Neely, along with two other ACI partners, dedicated the Billibo Community School on the project’s 20 acre plot in the Ngatataek area, approximately 30 km north of the Kenya –Tanzania border.
Neely will also be meeting with Kenya government officials, and other Kenyan business leaders, to tell the ACI story and to communicate the successes of the MCDP and its positive impact on the local community. “I think it is important to have local business and governmental support and investment in projects like the MCDP. It does not always have to be investors from outside Kenya to fund development. I know the Kenyan people really want freedom from a culture of dependency on foreign governments and NGO’s. I hope to foster that in my meetings this trip,” says Neely.
If funding can be worked out for internal flights, Neely hopes to travel to the Bungoma area of western Kenya to investigate the opportunity to help a community complete construction on a secondary school for handicapped
children and a dispensary. This opportunity was brought to ACI by Kenya’s Ambassador to the UN, Dr. Josephine Ojiambo. If you are interested in helping fund travel to Bungoma, contact Neely at [email protected] or go to our donate page of our website.
Neely will also be meeting with Kenya government officials, and other Kenyan business leaders, to tell the ACI story and to communicate the successes of the MCDP and its positive impact on the local community. “I think it is important to have local business and governmental support and investment in projects like the MCDP. It does not always have to be investors from outside Kenya to fund development. I know the Kenyan people really want freedom from a culture of dependency on foreign governments and NGO’s. I hope to foster that in my meetings this trip,” says Neely.
If funding can be worked out for internal flights, Neely hopes to travel to the Bungoma area of western Kenya to investigate the opportunity to help a community complete construction on a secondary school for handicapped
children and a dispensary. This opportunity was brought to ACI by Kenya’s Ambassador to the UN, Dr. Josephine Ojiambo. If you are interested in helping fund travel to Bungoma, contact Neely at [email protected] or go to our donate page of our website.
ACI Accepts Keys to Completed Education Module
ACI President David Neely, far right, accepts Education Module keys from the CAPS Kenya Team students.
(July 16, 2012) David Neely, ACI's President, accepts the keys to the CAPS Kenya Team Education Module from the student design and construction team of Blue Valley Public School's CAPS program. This past Saturday evening, the CAPS Kenya Team, under the leadership of Instructor Scott Kreshel, hosted a BBQ for the project.
The Education Module is one element of the Maasai Community Development Project's ICT Model Community Center solution for the local community of Ngatataek, Kenya, located about 30 km north of the Kenya - Tanzania boarder. Once funding is obtained, the Educational Module will be shipped to Kenya to be an addition to the Billibo Community School opened this past January by ACI in partnership with the local community and the Kijiji Ya Sanaa Trust, a Kenya non-profit.
The Education Module is one element of the Maasai Community Development Project's ICT Model Community Center solution for the local community of Ngatataek, Kenya, located about 30 km north of the Kenya - Tanzania boarder. Once funding is obtained, the Educational Module will be shipped to Kenya to be an addition to the Billibo Community School opened this past January by ACI in partnership with the local community and the Kijiji Ya Sanaa Trust, a Kenya non-profit.
Open Education Module with solor lights turned on. Container includes a water filtration system, cell phone charging station, computer and projection system for the instructor to use, storage for all school supplies and books.
One side of the Education Module opens up to provide a large space for instruction and can provide secure storage for the existing Billibo Community School suppllies.
ACI Preparing CNA Team for India
(May 15, 2012) Recognizing the great need of people in the Marathwada region of Maharasthra, India, ACI has been invited to travel on a fact-finding survey in January or February of 2013. David Neely, ACI President, is putting together a Critical Needs Assessment (CNA) team to meet with local authorities and residence in the area of concern. “Funding for the team’s travel expenses are going to be the immediate issue,” says Neely. “Anyone interested in helping provide funds for the CNA team to make the trip can go to our Donate page for more information.” The CNA team will be based in Pune, India for two weeks provided the necessary funding can be obtained in the next few months so that final preparations can be made for the team.
CAPS Kenya Container Team Making Progress
(May 15, 2012) Alex Assiyia, Luke McElwain, Carson Muck and Brian Witt, are striving to make a significant difference in the lives of members of the Maasai community in Kenya, Africa. This team of five high school students who are in the CAPS Civil Engineering and Architecture class selected Maasai Community Development Project for their semester project. The focus of their project is to design and build a swing door shipping container. The contents of the container will be purposed for education.
The team has been working CAPS with business partner, David Neely. Neely is the president of Affecting Change International (ACI). The ACI-CAPS partnership has brought in several corporate sponsors to help in the construction of an education module prototype. The new educational module will provide additional education space, secure storage for ICT equipment, cell phone charging station for the community and a center for technical & women’s issues education.
The key elements of the nearly completed project include:
• Swing Door Design: This design provides over twice the usable area as well as protection from wind and accumulation of heat through air flow. It also has potential for a tent or tarp covering for additional protection from the sun.
• Solar Panels: The unit will be off the grid of power and will provide 100 percent of its power to charge one laptop, twelve cell phones, one projector and three LED lights.
• Security: The entire unit will be lockable in order to protect the container and its contents. The container will be constructed so that the modified container will look like a normal
container.
This CAPS engineering team accessed subject matter experts and have received funding for the prototype. Mentoring and gifted consultation has been from Black & Veatch, Weitz Construction, Combes Construction, Helix Architecture to name a few. The team may be contacted at [email protected].
(Taken from the CAPS Weekly Update. See the following link: http://www.bvcaps.org/s/1403/index.aspxsid=1403&gid=1&pgid=360&sparam=Affecting%20Change%20International&scontid=0)
The team has been working CAPS with business partner, David Neely. Neely is the president of Affecting Change International (ACI). The ACI-CAPS partnership has brought in several corporate sponsors to help in the construction of an education module prototype. The new educational module will provide additional education space, secure storage for ICT equipment, cell phone charging station for the community and a center for technical & women’s issues education.
The key elements of the nearly completed project include:
• Swing Door Design: This design provides over twice the usable area as well as protection from wind and accumulation of heat through air flow. It also has potential for a tent or tarp covering for additional protection from the sun.
• Solar Panels: The unit will be off the grid of power and will provide 100 percent of its power to charge one laptop, twelve cell phones, one projector and three LED lights.
• Security: The entire unit will be lockable in order to protect the container and its contents. The container will be constructed so that the modified container will look like a normal
container.
This CAPS engineering team accessed subject matter experts and have received funding for the prototype. Mentoring and gifted consultation has been from Black & Veatch, Weitz Construction, Combes Construction, Helix Architecture to name a few. The team may be contacted at [email protected].
(Taken from the CAPS Weekly Update. See the following link: http://www.bvcaps.org/s/1403/index.aspxsid=1403&gid=1&pgid=360&sparam=Affecting%20Change%20International&scontid=0)
ACI-CAPS Partnership Spotlight Article
(May 15, 2012 taken from Alumni and Business Partner Newsletter dated March 23, 2012) Zach Block and Lisa Vance are Blue Valley graduates who teamed up together on an innovative idea in their CAPS Engineering Design and Development class when they were seniors. As they went through the engineering design process they identified the problem of people in the world who do not have clean drinking water.
To find a solution to this problem they did extensive research and then designed and tested a prototype of a drinking straw they called the Maji Straw. The Maji straw is a cylinder made with eco-friendly and inexpensive materials that filters water. Block and Vance have a provisional patent on their invention. When asked about the name of their invention, Vance shared this story.
“The site we chose to develop this product for is Bisil, Kenya. They speak Swahili there and one of our mentors, David Neely, gave us a few words in Swahili for inspiration. One of the words was maji which means water.
We decided to put a little twist on the word making it our own, so we pronounce the j as an h. Kind of like ma-he,” said Vance
This past summer the Maji straw went to Kenya with Neely from Affecting Change International. Vance and
Block also wanted to thank and recognize their other mentor, Dale Duncan from Helix Architecture. The next step for these two innovators is to file for a non-provisional patent. “Our ultimate goal is for the straw to be used to
help people in under-developed countries have easy access to clean drinking water,” said Vance.
To find a solution to this problem they did extensive research and then designed and tested a prototype of a drinking straw they called the Maji Straw. The Maji straw is a cylinder made with eco-friendly and inexpensive materials that filters water. Block and Vance have a provisional patent on their invention. When asked about the name of their invention, Vance shared this story.
“The site we chose to develop this product for is Bisil, Kenya. They speak Swahili there and one of our mentors, David Neely, gave us a few words in Swahili for inspiration. One of the words was maji which means water.
We decided to put a little twist on the word making it our own, so we pronounce the j as an h. Kind of like ma-he,” said Vance
This past summer the Maji straw went to Kenya with Neely from Affecting Change International. Vance and
Block also wanted to thank and recognize their other mentor, Dale Duncan from Helix Architecture. The next step for these two innovators is to file for a non-provisional patent. “Our ultimate goal is for the straw to be used to
help people in under-developed countries have easy access to clean drinking water,” said Vance.
aci invited to the un in geneve
(April 18, 2012) ACI President received an opportunity to travel to Geneve to present his speech recently given in New York City this past March. The invitation went as follows: "In complimenting you for your presentation at the Infopoverty World Conference 2012, which has aroused much interest...In particular, much interest was on your Maasai project, a vast project in which the community was involved. Your speech about your efforts has aroused much interest, and look forward to working with you, John Steffens and the others who spoke on water, especially for our engagement in e-health and food security."
The invitataion went on to say, "Very soon, we will send you the draft of the Final Declaration of the Conference,
that is going to be presented during the follow up, which will be held within the UN Commission on Science and Technology for Development that is going to take place on May 21-25 at the Palais des Nations in Geneve, and in which we would be glad to have your participation or that of one of your colleagues."
"It has been a great honor to be a part of the World Conference on Infopoverty these past seven years," says Neely. The decision to travel is dependant upon available funding according at this point. Thank you to all those who support the work of ACI. If you would like more information about the current Maasai Community Development project, you can contact David Neely at [email protected] or go to the Contact Us page.
The invitataion went on to say, "Very soon, we will send you the draft of the Final Declaration of the Conference,
that is going to be presented during the follow up, which will be held within the UN Commission on Science and Technology for Development that is going to take place on May 21-25 at the Palais des Nations in Geneve, and in which we would be glad to have your participation or that of one of your colleagues."
"It has been a great honor to be a part of the World Conference on Infopoverty these past seven years," says Neely. The decision to travel is dependant upon available funding according at this point. Thank you to all those who support the work of ACI. If you would like more information about the current Maasai Community Development project, you can contact David Neely at [email protected] or go to the Contact Us page.
Neely Addresses U.N. XII World Conference on Infopoverty
(March 22, 2012) ACI's president, David Neely, presented as a part of this year's XII WCI at the U.N. in New York City today. The presentation was one of five as a part of the panel addressing Partnership and Innovative Tools for Education. You can see the entire web stream of the XII WCI by going to www.un.org/webcast and hear about ICT development around the world.
students in blue valley caps program developing a concept for retrofitting shipping containers
(February 29,2012) Helix Architects, Weitz, and other community contributors are helping Affecting
Change International on creating community centers, health clinics or classrooms by retrofitting shipping containers. If you would like to view more renderings of the project, please click the image above. To Learn
more about Affecting Change International, please click here or about Blue Valley's CAPS program click
here. (article taken from the Weitz-ify Your Day newsletter at Weitz Construction)
Change International on creating community centers, health clinics or classrooms by retrofitting shipping containers. If you would like to view more renderings of the project, please click the image above. To Learn
more about Affecting Change International, please click here or about Blue Valley's CAPS program click
here. (article taken from the Weitz-ify Your Day newsletter at Weitz Construction)
CAPS Receives Container for Kenya Project Prototype
(February 22, 2012) ACI's partnership with Blue Valley Public School's Center for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS) program has received the 20' shipping container seen in this picture from Weitz Construction in Lenexa, Kansas. The Engineering and Architecture class at CAPS is working with other departments within the school to use the container as the prototype educational module, which is just one element in ACI's ICT Model Village Community Center project in Kenya. The students at CAPS have expanded the project's partnerships to include Weitz Construction, Combes Construction, Black & Veatch, Derbigum Energies, and Cisco. The students are working with professional mentors from partner companies to design and construct the educational module. This module is being designed to be an addition onto the Billibo Community School recently opened by an ACI team in early January 2012. The use of shipping containers as a potential solution for the ICT Model Village Community Centers was developed by architect Dale Duncan of Helix Architecture & Design in Kansas City, MO, in collaboration with ACI president David Neely.
ACI Team Opens Billibo Community School In Kenya
(January 13, 2012) It was an exciting day for ACI, the Kijiji Ya Sanaaa Trust, and the local Maasai community this past week when they dedicated the Billibo Community School which already has an enrollement of 45 students. Parents, children, tribal community leaders, and local governmental officials attended the dedication. Check out our Maasai Project link for additional pictures and informantion about this important project. If you are interested in participating in future development for the school, you can contact ACI President David Neely at [email protected] or you can go to our Donate page.
CAPS Project Team Working on Maasai Community Development Project
(December 9, 2011) The Blue Valley Public School's Center for Advanced Professional Studies program (CAPS) wrote the following news in this week's CAPS program update, "Up to this point, students have completed all predesign, schematic design, and design development of their commercial building. Students are currently working on their construction documents and engineering calculations before they submit their final documents and
presentations. In addition to the commercial project, a team of students have selected to partner with Affecting Change International to assist in the conceptual design of retrofitting shipping containers for mobile medical units
and sustainable energy units. This has proven to be an engaging and worthwhile project for the students. Future plans include engineering and constructing a working prototype next semester."
Scott Kreshel, CAPS Civil Engeering and Architecture teacher, espressed his appreciation to ACI President David Neely and Helix's Dale Duncan for mentoring the team of four students working on the project. The team will be making their group presentation of their design next Wednesday morning at the CAPS facility in Blue Valley, Kansas.
presentations. In addition to the commercial project, a team of students have selected to partner with Affecting Change International to assist in the conceptual design of retrofitting shipping containers for mobile medical units
and sustainable energy units. This has proven to be an engaging and worthwhile project for the students. Future plans include engineering and constructing a working prototype next semester."
Scott Kreshel, CAPS Civil Engeering and Architecture teacher, espressed his appreciation to ACI President David Neely and Helix's Dale Duncan for mentoring the team of four students working on the project. The team will be making their group presentation of their design next Wednesday morning at the CAPS facility in Blue Valley, Kansas.
ACI Building School in Kenya
(December 3, 2011) ACI President David Neely, kicks off the Maasai Community Development Project in Kenya by authorizing construction to begin on the Billibo Community School at the Kijiji Ya Sanaa project site 30 kilometers north of the Tanzania - Kenya border on the Namanga Highway. The school, scheduled to open on January 4, 2012, will be dedicated by an ACI team traveling to Kenya January 1-9, 2012. The school already has a waiting list of over 20 Maasai children. The ACI team will dedicate the school and pass out school supplies to the children in the community. The local Maasai leadership will meet with ACI leadership where David Neely will give the school to the local Maasai community which has already engaged a Maasai teacher to run the school. This sustainable project will be funded by local small business ventures developed by the parents of the children attending the school. The Billibo Community School is the first element of this community development project. Future elements include a sustainable reforestation project, a sanitation project, an off the grid renewable energy project and a community led artist training project.
ACI Partners with Restoring Haiti and Blue Valley Baptist Church
(December 3, 2011) ACI recently worked to provide logistical support to Restoring Haiti, an Olathe, Kansas nonprofit, and Blue Valley Baptist Church of Overland Park, Kansas, to transport nearly $450,000.00 worth of surgical supplies to Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach in Springfield, Illinois. The surgical supplies are headed to hospitals in developing countries around the world. ACI President David Neely and Steve Coleman of Blue Valley Baptist Church loaded and transported the supplies in a two day road trip.
ACI President David Neely Speaks at the United Nations
(December 3, 2012) "It has been a blessing to have been able to speak at the World Conference on InfoPoverty each year since 2006," says ACI President David Neely. Having been invited by The InfoPoverty Institute of the University of Oklahoma, David has been allowed to discuss sustainable development issues in the Horn of Africa as well as best practices in the area of sustainability and poverty reduction. Partnering with Dale Duncan, a principal with Helix Architecture and Design and a longtime friend of David, they worked to design a modular solution for sustainable development based on the UN's ICT Model Village using shipping containers. You can see the design and presentation materials on the media page of the ACI web site. ACI is striving to develop partnerships with corporations, civil society, and other nonprofits willing to work together to help design sustainable solutions to the global problem of poverty in undeveloped and under-served communities around the world. "The key is to find partners who don't care who gets the credit." according to David.
ACI Gets Nonprofit Status From IRS
(December 3, 2011) ACI has received its 501(c)3 nonprofit status from the IRS in September of 2011. David Neely, ACI President, has operated as ACI since 2006 without taking donations while the application process was completed. "I didn't want to open ACI up as a nonprofit until I felt there was sufficent need to move forward with accepting donations." says David. "I really needed to be convinced that there needed to be another nonprofit in the world." Realizing that the need to have an organization with the goal of making a positive difference in the world using effective partnerships, David registered ACI with the state of Kansas in 2010 and then started the IRS application process. You can be a part of making a difference in the lives of those struggling with the critical needs of housing, education, clean water, medical care, security, and an opportunity to earn a living for their family by giving to ACI. Go to the donate page of the ACI web site.