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Via Institute | Global Dialogue
Intentions
- Form an international community for dialogue, learning and exchange
- Seed the next generation of transformational leadership
- Build capacity for community and organizational sustainability
- Create an emerging global network of support that is
cross-generational, diverse,
inclusive and grounded in systems that create a more responsible way of living and a better quality of life.
Objectives
- Recognize and convene transformational community leaders
- Establish Via International Scholars program to actively engage students from institutions of higher education in dialogue and exchange with community leaders
- Design an effective format that provides the space and time for creative exchange and candid dialogue to explore pressing issues
- Develop a continuum of learning that connects participants over time and space and engages them in an on-going series of dialogues, gatherings, and experiential learning opportunities
- Provide a substantial body of educational outreach support including multi-media, workshops, service learning trips, courses, research, etc.
Participant Overview
"Participants represent a wide array of individuals on many continents. They are entrepreneurs, organizers, and spiritual agents who have against extreme odds and forces pressed on to create transformative programs, organizations and systems that address human issues and have had a broad impact on situations of poverty (both physical and spiritual).
Truly leaders, these individuals have called forth principles, organized people around those principles, and established systems that serve significant numbers of people. They have confronted existing tensions that limit human potential by addressing issues that include hunger, poverty, war, the misuse of natural resources, and the decline of indigenous cultures in lieu of the drive for commercial market economies.
These individuals have formed new kinds of communities and responses that demonstrate new possibilities for humanity’s evolution. The approaches, methods and strategies, although grounded in certain cultures, are nationless and provide, we believe, the seeds for new ways of organizing as a human community.
We began to envision the possibility of gathering these people in one room and pondering what would they say about their experience? How have they made what they do scaleable? What are the forms of governance and leadership that can transcend nation-states? If they were all together what would emerge? And, who will replace them in the future? ..."
Via International Global Dialogue 2009
October 1-9, 2009, at the University of San Diego
As part of the 20th annual Social Issues Conference at the University of San Diego, Via International will celebrate 35 years of success in integrated community development work while introducing its new name and officially launching the
Via International Institute for Community Development and Voluntourism.
Invited transformational leaders from around the globe will meet with Via International Scholars from both the University of San Diego and Virginia Tech University for two days of in-depth dialogue in addition to classroom visits, public presentations, and special events during the week designed to promote international and intergenerational exchange among students, staff, community members, and visiting guests. Links: USD Social Issues Conference
San Diego Accommodations: Crowne Plaza San Diego in Mission Valley
For more information contact Via International 619-426-9110
Thursday, October 1 -Community Service Learning Day, Parker PeaceMakers
Dr. Ariyaratne, speaker. Introduction by Lauren Leach
11:30am-12:30pm, Francis Parker High School, Performing Arts Center Building
Thursday, October 1 -Sign of the Times Dialogue: “Options for the Poor”
Rev. William Headley, CSSP, Dean of the School of Peace Studies
7-9 pm, University of San Diego - UC Forum A & B
Thursday, October 1 - “Community, Development, and Women’s Empowerment: Lessons from Auroville, India” Feminist Research Colloquium: Feminist Crossroads: Bearing Witness and Building Social Change, Bhavana Dee, Auroville Village Action
7 pm, San Diego State University - Arts and Letters Building Room 204
Friday, October 1 - Informal Lunch and Campus Orientation
12:15 lunch and oreitnation at 1pm facilitated by Patrick Oliveri
Friday, October 2 -“Leadership for Social and Economic Transformation”
Dr Ariyaratne of Sarvodaya in Sri Lanka and winner of the Gandhi Peace Prize.
Opening - Kumeyaay Welcome. Introduction by Breyn HIbbs.
2-3pm, University of San Diego - Warren Auditorium SOLES Building
Friday, October 2 - Money and Life Movie Trailer Premiere with Katie Teague
6pm -9pm, San Diego - Mill Peak Community Dialogue
Monday, October 5 - SOLES Leadership Lunch with Dr. Ariyaratne of Sarvodaya
12-1 pm, Dean's Conference Room, SOLES, facilitaed by Dr. Cheryl Getz
Monday, October 5 - Orientation for Visiting Scholars from Virginia Tech
3-4 pm, Institute for Peace and Justice foyer, orientation facilitated by Ruth Soberanes and Cara McMahon
Monday, October 5 - "Decolonizing Identity and Mental Health" Dr. Larry Emerson, Dine Nation and students from the San Diego State Native American Scholars Counseling Program
USD Counseling Department and American Indian Recruitment Program. Introduction by Andrew Morikawa (meeting with counseling classes at 4pm)
5-6:30 pm, University of San Diego - Warren Auditorium SOLES Building
Monday, October 5 -Via International Welcome and Community Meal with Los Ninos Promotoras 6:30 -7:30, University of San Diego, Institute for Peace and Justice Room G & Terrace
Tuesday and Wednesday, October 6-7 - Global Dialogue for Responsibility
Invited Transformational Leaders and Via Scholars from the University of San Diego and Virginia Tech University. Facilitated by Dr. Cheryl Getz, SOLES, & John Loggins, Center for Community Service Learning. Elaine Elliott, translator.
Transformational Leaders:
- Dr. A.T. Ariyaratne, Founder, Sarvodaya ( Sri Lanka)
- David Arrivillaga, SHARE de Guatemala ( Guatemala)
- Bhavana Dee, Auroville/ Village Action ( India)
- Dr. Larry Emerson, Community Activist and Kettering Scholar (Diné Nation)
- Andrew Morikawa, Exec Director, New River Community Foundation (VA, USA)
- Elisa Sabatini , Executive Director, Via International (California, USA)
- Javier Vargas, Executive Director Iberoamericana League (Latin America/Spain)
- Kathy Vargas , Director Queretaro Community Foundation ( Mexico)
Tuesday, October 6 - Trans-Border Institute Microcredit Presentation
Charles Pope, Associate Director of Trans-Border Institute, Introductions by Ruth Soberanes, David Arrivillaga of SHARE Guatemala and Bhavana Dee of Auroville Village Action. 7-8:30 pm, University of San Diego, Institute for Peace and Justice Theatre
Wednesday, October 7 - Global Dialogue Lunch with Social Justice Student Network and Women PeaceMakers
Global Dialogue participants will join Women Peacemakers and Sociology students for lunch dialogue, 12 noon- 1pm, University of San Diego Institute for Peace and Justice Rooms H & I. Women PeaceMakers:
- Marta Benevides, El Salvador
- Rubina Feroze, Pakistan
- Zeinab Blandia, Sudan
- Liza Llesis Sawy, Philippines
Wednesday, October 7 - Dr. Labovitz Lecture & Reception hosted by Ethnic Studies Department, Maria Elena Durazo of Los Angeles
6pm, University of San Diego - UC Forum A & B
Thursday, October 8 - Border Voices and Indigenous Perspectives in Health Policy Analysis, Elisa Sabatini and Larry Emerson meet with Mary Rose Mueller, Health Policy Analysis seminar. 9-11 am, University of San Diego Room H108
Thursday, October 8 - Global Citizenship Luncheon
with Via International Scholars, Transformational Leaders, and Women PeaceMakersand official launch of Via International and the Institute for Community Development hosted by Via International, USD International Center, and USD Ahler’s International School of Business. 12-2pm, University of San Diego - Institute for Peace and Justice Rooms C & D. Speakers:
- Dr. Carl Jubran, USD International School
- Dr. Denise Dimon,USD Ahler's School of International Business
- Elisa Sabatini, Via International
- Patrick Oliveri, Via International Scholar, USD
- Elaine Elliott, Center for Community Service Learning - Judy Rauner Scholarship Award
Thursday, October 8 -“Is Health a Human Right? Perspectives from Nursing’s Global and Local Immersions”Hahn School of Nursing Panel with Dr. Anita Hunter, APRN, FAAN , Susan Bonnell, RN, MSN, PhDc, Dr. Lois Howland, RN, DrPH, Dr. Barbara Sarter, RN, FNP. 4-5:30 pm, University of San Diego - Institute for Peace and Justice Theatre
Thursday, October 8 -“Sustainable Development and Social Justice”
Dr. Judy Rauner Lecture and Institute for Peace and Justice Distinguished Lecture Series Keynote Address by Paul Farmer, Partners in Health. Introductions by Kelsey Johnson and Hannah Evans of Social Justice Student Network.
Reception 5:30 - 6:30pm in courtyard between Carillo and Founders' Hall.
7- 9 pm, University of San Diego - Shiley Theater
Friday, October 9 - Via International Field Study in Public Health in Mexico
Visit Kilo de Ayuda program designed to eradicate malnutrition in children, as well as Aventura de la Vida program.
9am - 4pm,vans leave from Via International Office in Chula Vista - $65 per person, pre-registration required, contact 619-426-9110
Via International Global Dialogue for Response-ability 2010
April 11-16, 2010 at Virginia Tech University
Invited transformational leaders from around the globe will meet with Via International Scholars from both the University of San Diego and Virginia Tech University for two days of in-depth dialogue in addition to classroom visits, public presentations, and special events during the week designed to promote international and intergenerational exchange among students, staff, community members, and visiting guests.
This series of events is
locally hosted by Virginia Tech Center for Student Engagement and Community Partnerships, the Community Foundation of the New River Valley, and Virginia Tech Institite for Policy and Governance in partnership with Via International and numerous organizations, community supporters, and educational programs. For information contact Via International 619-426-9110
Monday, April 12, 2010 - Welcome and Interviews
Interviews with Transformational Leaders conducted by student scholars
9:00 am - 11:00 am, The Inn at Virginia Tech
Monday, April 12, 2010- A Conversation and Reflection on Leadership and Community "A Pathway to Community: decolonizing ourselves as a pathway from internalized prejudice toward a community leadership for being more fully human" presented by Dr. Larry Emerson, Navajo teacher and scholar. 11:30am-1:30 pm
Schaeffer Memorial Baptist Church 580 North High Street Christiansburg, VA 24073. Sponsored by the Community Foundation of the New River Valley, The Community Group, and The New Mountain Climbers Lunch served. The event is free and open to the community.
Monday, April 12, 2010 -Roundtable Discussion with Graduate Students
Virginia Tech Institute for Policy and Governanc, Roanoke Street, Blacksburg, VA
Monday, April 12, 2010- Class Visit: Global Ethics Class
Transformational Leader Guest Speaker: Dr. A. T. Ariyaratn, Professor James C. Klagge, Chair Philosophy Department. 4:00 pm - 5:15 pm, Virginia Tech University
Monday, April 12, 2010 - Campus-Community Dialogue
Panel – “Succession and the Legacy of Leadership in the Midst of Change,”
Transformational Leaders: Dr. A.T. Ariyaratne, Dr. Larry Emerson, Bhavana Dee, Elisa Sabatini, and others. Students attending include "Ut Prosim El Porvenir" honors class. 7:00 – 9:00 pm Litton Reaves Auditorium, Virginia Tech University
The event is free and open to the community.
Tuesday and Wednesday April 13-14, 2010 - Global Dialogue
9:00 am - 5:00 pm, The Inn at Virginia Tech. Transformational Leaders:
- Dr. A.T. Ariyaratne, Founder, Sarvodaya ( Sri Lanka)
- Woody Crenshaw, Founder,Sustain Floyd (VA, USA))
- Bhavana Dee, Auroville/ Village Action ( India)
- Dr. Larry Emerson, Community Activist and Kettering Scholar (Diné Nation)
- Patricia McCabe, Curriculum Committee, SEED Foundation (New Mexico, USA)
- Andrew Morikawa, Exec Director, New River Community Foundation (VA, USA)
- Elisa Sabatini , Executive Director, Via International (California, USA)
- Kathy Vargas , Director Queretaro Community Foundation ( Mexico)
Tuesday, April 13, 2010 -Class Visit: The Shape of Spirit in Form- Building and Community Transformation Transformational Leader: Bhavana Dee, Village Action, Auroville India, Professor Jack Davis, Dean College of Architecture & Urban Studies. 5:00 pm - 6:15 pm. Virginia Tech University
Tuesday, April 13, 2010- Reception for Humphrey Scholars & Transformational Leaders. 5:15 pm - 6:45 pm, The Inn at Virginia Tech
Tuesday, April 13, 2010 - Trustees Dinner
Transformational Leaders, Community Foundation of the New River Valley and Via International board members, and Directors of Virginia Tech Institite for Policy and Governance and Virginia Tech Center for Student Engagement and Community Partnerships. 6:45 pm, Old Guard Room at Preston’s, The Inn at Virginia Tech
Wednesday, April 13, 2010 - Reception for Transformational Leaders
Art presentation "Connections: A Community Arts Project" by Deepu George, Virginia TechVia Scholar, Hosted by Dr. Karen Depauw, Vice President and Dean for Graduate Education. 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm, Graduate Life Center, Virginia Tech University
Wednesday, April 13, 2010 - Student Dialogue
Kathy Vargas discussion with Ut Prosimm El Porvenir student group
hosted by Emily Barry. 7:00 pm - 9:00 p, Virginia Tech University
Thursday, April 15, 2010- Community Food Summit
“Food Security and Sustainability in our Rural Community: Addressing Hunger in the New River Valley”. 10:00 am - 1:00 pm, Fieldstone United Methodist Church
Christiansburg, VA. Invitees include representatives of food pantries, food banks, sustainable foods, growers, soup kitchens, food diversion programs, emergency food assistance, and all interested community members. Sponsors: Virginia Tech Center for Student Engagement and Community Partnerships; the Community Foundation of the New River Valley, Virginia Tech Institite for Policy and Governance. This event is free. Breakfast and lunch will be served.
Thursday, April 15, 2010- Class Visit: Global Ethics Class
Transformational Leader Guest Speaker: Dr. A. T. Ariyaratne
Guests include students of Dr. Patty Raun, Department Head, Department of Theatre and Cinema, Professor James C. Klagge, Chair Philosophy Department
2:00 pm - 3:15 pm, Virginia Tech University
Thursday, April 15, 2010 - Visit to Center for Peace Studies and Violence Prevention Dr. Jerzy Novak, host, Norris Hall, 2nd Floor
Thursday, April 15, 2010 - Bench Dedication in honor of April 16th
4:00 pm - 4:45 pm, In Front of Burruss Hall, Virginia Tech University
Thursda, April 15, 2010 - Roanoke Refugee Support Program Visit
Guest Dr. Larry Emerson, Dine' Nation. 4:30 pm - 8:30 p, Roanoke,VA
Thursday, April 15, 2010 - Dinner honoring his Excellency Raymond Joseph, the Ambassador of Haiti Honoring His Excellency Raymond Joseph, The Ambassador of Haiti, hosted by Dr. John Dooley, Vice President for Outreach and International Affairs. 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm, Preston’s, The Inn at Virginia Tech
Thursday, April 15, 2010 - “Tribute to Haiti and Ut Prosim”
Plenary address by His Excellency Raymond Joseph, The Ambassador of Haiti
Presentation of community quilt. 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm, Burruss Hall Auditorium, Virginia Tech University, Event hosted by CSECP
Friday, April 16 - Country Store Friday Night Jamboree
Internationally famous music and dance venue featuring Friday Night Jamboree
5:00 pm – 9:00 pm, Floyd Country Store in Floyd, VA
Global Dialogue Events
Global Dialogue
Sponsors and Supporters
Virginia Tech University
April 12-16, 2010
University of San Diego
October 1-9, 2009
- Dr. A.T. Ariyaratne
Sarvodaya, Sri Lanka
- David Arrivillaga
SHARE Guatemala
- Woody Crenshaw
Sustain Floyd, Virginia, USA
- Bhavana Dee
Auroville Village Action, India
- Dr. Larry Emerson
TseDaak'aan, Dinetah
- Patricia McCabe
SEED Foundation
New Mexico, USA
- Andrew Morikawa
Community Foundation of the New River Valley, Virginia, USA
- Elisa Sabatini
Los Niños ~ Via International, California, USA
- Javier Vargas
Iberoamericana League, Mexico
- Kathy Vargas
Community Foundation of Queretaro, Mexico
