COMMON GROUND CONSULTING LLC

Thanks . . .

First, let me thank many of you for your thoughts and prayers during a very sad time here in the United States. If you've seen the news, you probably know that we are experiencing the worst natural disaster in all of American history. Hurricane Katrina has devastated Louisiana, Mississippi, and much of Alabama.

Hundreds (potentially thousands) are feared dead and thousands of families are homeless. A much-loved American city and one steeped in history and great mystique, New Orleans, lies in ruin under 20 feet of water . . . and the worst is not over. I was here in Washington when 9-11 happened and many of the feelings I felt then, I feel now—a total lack of control, overwhelming powerlessness, profound sadness.

Somehow though, this feels even worse. There is no one to blame. There is no real explanation that makes sense. The loss of individual lives on 9-11 may be greater, but the complete destruction of cities and towns—in some coastal communities there is literally nothing left anywhere—and the complete loss of everything for so many, is almost unfathomable. Hundreds of thousands of families have absolutely nothing to go home to.

And some, many actually, were too poor to evacuate. They had no way to get out and no where to go. Many died. Many are still being rescued. Even today, bodies are still floating in the cities because the priority remains focused on rescue.

Thanks again for your notes of concern. I'm OK and my close friends and family all seem to be OK now. You've probably seen pictures of what I'm discussing, but It helps me to know you all are out there. It gives me a greater sense of connection. Thanks for being there.

New Heroes (Guest Author: Pedja)

So after the holidays and some days in Belgrade studying for exam it is time to post on a blog firstly owned by Mr. Craig and now “occupied” by ISSSA 2005 participants. It is great to see all of us together, this time virtually, and I have a feeling that this has and will become a never ending sharing.

However, last weekend I was given an opportunity to train a wonderful group of young people working in peer education in Valjevo one of the branch offices of Youth of JAZAS. Valjevo is a small city in western Serbia, but very known and important for Serbian history. A lot of brave and successful leaders were from this part of the country. I always like to say that sometimes I have an impression that Valjevo has more heroes than citizens.

I was asked to provide a training, in order to improve a work of peer educators there, on learning process, effective communication, project developing, fund-raising and public speaking.That's how I've decided to do a STREET SPEAKING workshop. It was out of the comfort zone both for me and for the participants. For me it was the first time doing it alone as a trainer and for them first time doing it at all. I wanted us to make a decision about it together. I described the workshop and encourage the group to take a risk. While I was waiting for the answer and discussion I was looking at their faces and in that particular moment realize that we are going to do it. Just after few seconds answer was there “WE ARE IN”. The heroes from the past spoke through those young people, I thought.

Tomorrow we decided to do speaking on the main square in town. It was recommended by Jovan (our friend from ISSSA) who was there as well helping me and in that time the only one I was able to share my personal fears about doing this. He was a great support. Thank you, Jovan!!!

However, the picture was unreal. There we were standing in a center of the town preparing to start and in addition to that next to us there was a huge monument of Zivojin Misic, one of those heroes from the past beside all remembered as a great public speaker.

Speeches started. There were a lots of emotions, lots of great messages, lots of personal sharing and lots of interesting points presented to a group and all of those people passing by, looking and listening to what we  have to say. I'm sure that if Zivojin was alive that he would be very proud of this generation of his compatriots. I know I am.

After the debrief, I really felt that Aleksandar, Olja, Sasa, Vlada, Bilja, Natasa I, Natasa II, Sandra, Laza, Mirko, Jelena, Bojana I, Bojana II, Gordana, Nemanja, Cira, Ivana, Mladen, Jovan and Aca are new heroes. Heroes in fight of a mankind against virus and that they and similar young people around the world will make a difference and win the battle.

It was a great weekend and Street speaking was the one that reminded me of all of you people from ISSSA 2005 and great time we had there on Kopaonik sharing our fears and becoming better peer educators and persons as well.

Once again thank you all for that!!!! :)

Pedja

Thinking About You (Guest Author: Millana)

Just wanted you all to know I was thinking about you.

Today is no special day and I have no particular reason for writing to you ...

I have no news to tell you ...

Nor any problems to discuss with you ... or gossip to tell you...

It's only one of those happy moments ...

When I thought of you ... and I would like to share these thoughts with you.

MANY SMILES BEGIN BECAUSE OF ANOTHER SMILE.

Always have good self esteem ...

Take care of your friends, especially those dearest to you ...

Take care of your body ...

But most of all find time to relax ...

A Big Hug from your friend ... MILLANA

Life In Perspective (Guest Author: Boban)

Boban sent me a great email the other day that really moved me.

It helps put life in perspective. I thought you all would enjoy it.

Craig
________________________________________

From Boban—

I know you like stories, so I translated one for you.

One day, a man came back from his work tired and surprised that his 5-year-old son was waiting for him on the door.
“Dad, can I ask you something?”
“Of course, son, whatever you want!”, said the men.
“Dad, how much money do you earn for one hour?”
“How come you ask me that??? It`s not your business!”, said the angry man.
“I just wanna know, please, tell me how much do you earn?”
“If you must know, 20$ per hour.”
“Oh...”, said the boy sadly. “Dad, can you borrow me 10$?”
Man got angry. “If that`s the only reason you wanna know how much do I earn, so you can take money from me to buy some stupid toy or something... go to your room and sleep! Think about yourself being so selfish! I work hard jobs every day and don`t have time for kids stuff...”. Little boy went to his room quietly and closed the door. Men set down and started thinking about the boys question. “How dares he to ask such questions just to get some money?”. After few minutes of thinking, he realized that he was too tough with his boy. “Maybe it was something important so he asked for money, because he wasn`t doing that very often...”. The man went to the room of his son, opened the door and asked:
“Are you sleeping, son?”
“No, dad”, said the boy.
“I was thinking... Maybe I was too gruff to you earlier”, said the man. “It was a tough day for me, so I became too angry. Here are the 10$ you asked me for.”
Boy stood up and thanked his father for the money. He turned around and picked up more money which was under his pillow. When the man sew that boy had more money, he got angry again. The boy was counting his money quietly.
“Why did you ask for money when you already have it?”, asked the man shouting at him.
“Because I didn`t have enough, but now I do”, said the boy. “Dad, I have 20$ now...Can I buy one hour of your time?”

Changing the Game

As some of you know, I do quite a lot of work for the Portland, Oregon based National Mentoring Center (NMC). I've had the privilege of writing a number of articles and book chapters for them primarily related to the sustainability of non-profit mentoring organizations (NGOs for those of you outside of the U.S.).

In the just-released August issue of the National Mentoring Center Bulletin, I wrote a piece titled “Changing the Game: Developing a Positive Fundraising Mindset.” It is directly related to the fundraising training I conducted at ISSSA and again in Belgrade while consulting for the State Department in Serbia and Montenegro.

In the article, I preach and push and harass and suggest that fundraising is not all that difficult, that anyone who believes in something can raise money (and actually has a responsibility to do so), and that it can be a lot of fun!

I promise that the article is a quick and easy read; and more importantly, I believe in what it says. Take a look when you have a few minutes and then post a note letting us all know what you think.

Adventures in Serbia & Montenegro

Well, I've just returned from one of the most amazing experiences of my life!

My work as a consultant in residence at the 9th Annual International Summer School to Stop AIDS (ISSSA) on Mt. Kopaonik in Serbia & Montenegro ended last week; but the impact is only just beginning.

I launched a blog to chronicle this work, which now includes close to 40 posts from me and just as many comments from students, organizers, and staff involved or participating in the program.

My posts reflect my personal and professional values and may be useful to those of you who enjoy this blog site.

Please follow this link: Adventures in Serbia & Montenegro

Staying In Touch By Phone

While I was in Serbia, Pedja and Momir both convinced me to download a cool piece of software called Skype which allows its users to talk to each other through the computer for free. It uses the internet to place and receive telephone calls at absolutely no cost. Technically this technology is called VOIP or Voice Over Internet Protocol.

It is very cool. I've been using VOIP at home, but this is even better!

I particularly like it because it undermines the greedy and monopolistic telecom companies which are using their significant power and influence to charge us ridiculous amounts of money to make their corporate CEO's richer by the day. ☺

I've been using it to talk to some of you since returning to the States. If you can, download the FREE software here:

SKYPE

On Skype, my user name is: CraigAB1. If you join, add me as a contact and let's talk!

The National Youth Advocacy Coalition

Many of you have been emailing me more questions about my work back here in the States.

You may also be interested to know that I was able to lead a terrific workshop on LGBT issues while I was in Belgrade with staff from Youth of JAZAS, the U.S. Embassy, and several other local NGOs. The workshop provided basic developmental information, opportunities for discussion, and an important Q&A session. I left all kinds of resource materials and promised additional follow-up.

For those who are interested, I am attaching a two-page PDF outline about the work of the National Youth Advocacy Coalition (NYAC) which has been translated into (a form of) Serbian. It will give you an even better sense of our work to make the world better, safer, and healthier for all young people.

Please be in touch with any additional questions, or if I can help you with a particular challenge.

Palačinke!

Alright, so one night in Belgrade I experienced a little bit of heaven.

My wonderful friends, Milos and (his sister) Dragana invited me to spend a quiet evening at their parents' home. We sat outside in their backyard relaxing and enjoying wonderful conversation.

Milos, the man, decided that I needed to experience a little bit of his cooking. His specialty is now one of my favorites . . . palačinke domaci pekmez! Pancakes with homemade jam!

Spectacular!!

Milos and Dragana sent me home with their mom's homemade peach preserves and Milos even offered to share his famous recipe! Make these (and then call me and I'll bring the pekmez!).

MILOS' FAMOUS HOMEMADE PANCAKES!

Ingredients

2 Eggs
10 Tablespoons All-Purpose Flour
2 Tablespoons Sugar
.5 Liters of Milk (About 2 Cups)
2 Deciliters (3/4 Cup) Mineral Water
1 Tablespoon Vanilla
1 Teaspoon Cinnamon

1. Beat eggs for three minutes until foamy

2. Mix in milk, sugar, and vanilla

3. Add in mineral water and cinnamon. Mix well.

4. Gently mix in the flour until well-combined and coats the back of a wooden spoon. If the batter is too thick, add a little more milk.

5. Heat a shallow skillet with one tablespoon vegetable oil over medium-high heat.

6. Pour in about 1/2 cup of batter coating the bottom of the skillet.

7. Cook about seven seconds on one side and then gently flip the pancake, cooking the other side another seven seconds.

8. Cook the remaining pancakes, adding oil to the pan each time before adding batter.

9. Serve the warm pancakes with homemade jam and a sprinkle of cinnamon and powdered sugar.

Enjoy!! & Thanks MIlos!

ISSSA 2006 (Guest Author: Daniel)

Maybe you remember that during the last day of this year's Summer School, Pedja asked us to propose how participants from a previous ISSSA could participate next year. I want to mention that idea again because now we have the web site, which all of us have access to. I hope there will be many comments and suggestions. And I ask you for your contribution.

And now I will explain in brief my idea.

In the next year, in the ISSSA agenda there should be free workshops, workshops that would be facilitated by the selected applicants. That possibility would be announced on the ISSSA official web site. Interested participants should apply with their workshop. In their application they should explain in detail the workshop: purpose, process, materials needed, discussion points, etc. The organization, in their announcement, should give guidelines or topics on which applicants should base their proposal.

Also applicants could propose icebreaker games, energizers and team building games for all days of the school. This is a good idea because we (Aleksandra and I) experienced that last September when we were facilitators for a summer school in Bulgaria (organized by Bulgarian Youth Peer Network), so we prepared games for every day.

And here at the end, I want to mention a couple of benefits of this kind of cooperation. Because applicants will be participants from past ISSSA they will be familiarized with the atmosphere of the school. Therefore they will do an excellent job because they appreciate ISSSA and probably they had a wonderful experience, as we had.

Also this is a chance for other organizations to present their methods and how they are working. I think that it will be in a way advanced cooperation between JAZAS and their partner organizations.

And again I am asking you for your suggestions. Especially I am looking for Dejan’s comments because he is the ISSSA director and he is making decisions for ISSSA.