tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61177484076534413872024-03-08T13:04:02.187-08:00NBLSA's International ConnectionInternational Relations Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16305377807943264229noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6117748407653441387.post-86844525584935585782008-03-17T21:28:00.000-07:002008-03-17T21:30:21.911-07:00IRC Visits Cite SoleilNBLSA International Relations Committee 2008 Ralph Bunche Building Bridges Trip -- Port-au-Prince Haiti - Day 2 Mar 17 5:45 PM<br />NBLSA visits Cite Soleil<br />Today, NBLSA’s delegation to Haiti visited Cite Soleil. Children with ill fitting and dirty clothes walked through streets layered with trash amidst the bustle of marchands and tap-taps on dusty but lively streets. Many of the marchands or vendors are children themselves, fighting to stay alive in a place where gang violence have claimed the lives of many young children. Cite Soleil however has seen some improvement in the last months, according to Herode, the programming director of Pax Christi who directs the Soccer for Peace program in Cite Soleil. Over the past year, the political situation in Haiti has stabilized and brightly colored buildings are slowly springing up around Cite Soleil. However, many of Cite Soleil’s children are largely deprived of an education, health care, shelter and clean water.<br />NBLSA members delivered and distributed 35 boxes of soccer equipment, sports clothing, games, and school supplies to the children of Cite Soleil through the Pax Christi Soccer for Peace Program. Additionally, Michelle Augustine, the NBLSA’s International Relations Committee Chair, presented the organizers of the Soccer for Peace program with a check for money that was collected from NBLSA chapters around the country.<br />While interacting with the children, the delegation was visited by a group of three Amnesty International researchers who had heard about the NBLSA presence in Cite Soleil. Impressed by NBLSA’s commitment to the children of Haiti, the researchers expressed an interest in working with NBLSA in the future.<br />NBLSA members also visited the homes of two of the children who participated in the Soccer for Peace program. The visit to Cite Soleil moved several of the students, and encouraged them to make steadfast commitments to continue their efforts to combat poverty in Haiti.International Relations Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16305377807943264229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6117748407653441387.post-44200303646300800912008-03-17T21:27:00.000-07:002008-03-17T21:28:02.926-07:00IRC Goes to HaitiNBLSA International Relations Committee 2008 Ralph Bunche Building Bridges Trip -- Port-au-Prince Haiti - Day 1 Mar 15 2:14 AM<br />On Friday March 14, 2008, students from BLSA chapters around the country visited Port au Prince, Haiti.<br />The delegation of students consisted of: <br />Michelle Augustine, Loyola University New Orleans College of Law<br />Sheryl Montour, University of St. Thomas School of Law<br />Michael Leslie, University of St. Thomas School of Law<br />Natalia Ventsko, Loyola University New Orleans College of Law<br />Elizabeth Alston, Southern Methodist University<br />Damion Blair, University of Windsor and Detroit Mercy<br />Diana Dessources, Touro Law New York<br />Edwina King, University of Windsor and Detroit Mercy<br />Uchechi Anyanwu, Loyola University New Orleans College of Law<br />Monique, Howard University School of Law<br />Nashelle, Howard University School of Law<br />Jose Massingue, Loyola University New Orleans College of Law<br />Askala Harris, Loyola University New Orleans Business School<br />Eddie Koen, Samford University, Cumberland School of Law<br />Jennifer Charlot, Columbia University alumni<br />Marlynne Bidos, Loyola University New Orleans College of Law<br />Jessica Rucker, University of St. Thomas School of Law<br />Christa Forman, Howard University School of Law<br />A delegation of 20 NBLSA members lead by NBLSA International Relations Chair, Michelle Augustine, met with Rock Cadet the Doyen, at the Palais de Justice in Port au Prince, Haiti. The Doyen explained to the visiting group that his position was essentially that of chief prosecutor for Port au Prince. He also went into great detail about the daily activities of his position, and elaborated on the finer points of the differences between common and civil law. After meeting with the Doyen, the students went on a walking tour of downtown Port au Prince. Among the sites visited were the Presidential Palace and the National Museum of Haiti. Later in the day the group drove by the house of former President Aristide, made a trip to visit local artists and then sat down to eat Haitian delicacies at a popular local restaurant, Medaille.<br />In the evening, the group had the pleasure of meeting with renowned human rights attorney Mario Joseph. Mr. Joseph took time out of his busy schedule to share with the group information about cases that had helped him to develop a reputation for being a highly competent and vocal advocate of the poor and disadvantaged of his native Haiti. Mr. Joseph elaborated on his professional history. He explained how he came to practice human rights law and over the course of the discussion, he reiterated several times the need for social consciousness in the practice of law. Mr. Joseph ended his talk by encouraging everyone present to be effective and efficient advocates for their clients and he expressed a need for assistance with the very important work that he does. Tomorrow the delegation will visit the Cite Soleil, an area of Haiti which was at one time considered to be the worst slum in the northern hemisphere. Over the past year Cite Soleil has made great improvements and the residents have made an effort to improve the neighborhood. NBLSA members will be donating soccer equipment, school supplies, and money to Pax Christi, a group dedicated to helping children break out of the vicious cycle of violence and poverty for which the Cite Soleil is known.International Relations Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16305377807943264229noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6117748407653441387.post-29457069699661771522008-02-11T11:50:00.000-08:002008-02-11T11:56:48.102-08:00International Week of Service<h1 style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 24pt; font-family: Garamond;">NBLSA Adds a Drop to the Bucket<o:p></o:p></span></h1> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b style=""><i style="">NBLSA’s International Week of Service – February 18<sup> </sup>to 22</i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; line-height: 150%;" align="center"><u><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Garamond;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span></o:p></span></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; line-height: 150%;" align="center"><b style=""><i style=""><u><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Garamond;">Proposed </span></u></i></b><b style=""><u><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Garamond;">Week of Activities</span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; line-height: 150%;" align="center"><b style="">Monday 18</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; line-height: 150%;" align="center">Soccer <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Equipment Drive</st1:address></st1:Street> benefiting Pax Christi’s Soccer for Peace Program </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; line-height: 150%;" align="center"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; line-height: 150%;" align="center"><b style="">Tuesday 19</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; line-height: 150%;" align="center">Movie: Ghosts of Cite de Soleil</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; line-height: 150%;" align="center"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; line-height: 150%;" align="center"><b style="">Wednesday 20</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; line-height: 150%;" align="center">School <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Supplies Drive</st1:address></st1:Street> benefiting Pax Christi’s Outreach Program</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; line-height: 150%;" align="center"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; line-height: 150%;" align="center"><b style="">Thursday 21</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; line-height: 150%;" align="center">Conference call for all chapters and interested groups on situation in <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Haiti</st1:place></st1:country-region></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; line-height: 150%;" align="center"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; line-height: 150%;" align="center"><b style="">Friday 22</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; line-height: 150%;" align="center">Give your dinner to a hungry child</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b style=""><span style="font-family: "Benguiat Bk BT";">Cite de Soleil</span></b><b style=""><span style="font-family: Constantia;"> is <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">Haiti</st1:country-region></st1:place>’s biggest and poorest slum…<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b style=""><span style="font-family: Constantia;"><span style=""> </span>an enclave of violence, street kids, poverty, disease and HOPE!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b style=""><span style="font-family: "Benguiat Bk BT";"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b style=""><span style="font-family: "Benguiat Bk BT";">Pax Christi’s Soccer for Peace Program</span></b><b style=""><span style="font-family: Constantia;"> aims at keeping young boys off the streets and away from gang violence. <span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b style=""><span style="font-family: Constantia;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b style=""><span style="font-family: Constantia;">If each BLSA chapter gets <i style="">at least</i> </span></b><span style="font-family: "Rockwell Extra Bold"; color: red;">100</span><span style="font-family: "Rockwell Extra Bold";"> </span><b style=""><span style="font-family: Constantia;">people from their schools, neighborhoods, workplaces or families to contribute at least <span style="color: red;">$10</span> one Friday in February, we can feed the Soccer Team for a year…<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b style=""><span style="font-family: Constantia;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: "Benguiat Bk BT";"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: "Benguiat Bk BT";"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: "Benguiat Bk BT"; color: red;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: "Benguiat Bk BT"; color: red;">WILL YOUR CHAPTER HELP US HELP THEM?</span></b><span style="color: red;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Programming<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">On March 14<sup>th</sup> 2008, NBLSA’s International Relations Committee will go to <st1:city st="on">Port-au-Prince</st1:City> <st1:country-region st="on">Haiti</st1:country-region> to learn more about Haitian culture and the impact of <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Haiti</st1:place></st1:country-region>’s socioeconomic environment on young children. International Week of Service will introduce NBLSA’s International Relations Committee’s (IRC) Drop in the Bucket Project on <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Haiti</st1:place></st1:country-region>. The IRC will focus one major fundraiser and two gear drives on helping Pax Christi Haiti with its Programming in <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Haiti</st1:place></st1:country-region>’s Cite de Soleil. The IRC wishes to foster an understanding of the situation in Haiti among young law students in the U.S. while helping an organization of young professionals in Haiti fulfill their own commitment to social justice in Haiti. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">A day in Cite de Soleil<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The IRC’s weekend will consist of discussions, service activities and panel discussions. The highlight of the weekend however, is a Day in Cite de Soleil, <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Haiti</st1:place></st1:country-region>’s largest and poorest slum.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The day in Cite de Soleil is a chance for NBLSA members to come face to face with the daily lives of young children in <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Haiti</st1:place></st1:country-region>. This is a chance for NBLSA members to see the bigger picture of poverty in our back yard and the effect of poverty on the lives of <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Haiti</st1:place></st1:country-region>’s most vulnerable. More than just learning about the slum, NBLSA members will interact with the young children of the Pax Christi soccer team. IRC will donate school supplies to the group as well as soccer supplies for their soccer team. IRC will also present to Pax Christi Haiti funds collected in its “Give a hungry child your dinner” drive for the program's feeding project. The IRC aims at collecting at least USD15 000 dollars for this project with the hopes of funding the soccer team, to cover its feeding program and other administrative costs for a year.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Impact Litigation</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Part of the weekend will be spent discussing human rights and international law issues with Pooja Bhatia, a Harvard Law School Fellow (Class of 2007) working in Haiti with <b style="">Bureau des Avocats Internationaux (BAI)</b>. Mario Joseph, one of <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">Haiti</st1:country-region></st1:place>’s top attorneys will also be at our discussion if his schedule permits it. He is the founder of BAI. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Fundraising<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Each school will be asked to participate in fundraising attempts for the trip. We need money to send the equipment to <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">Haiti</st1:country-region></st1:place>, the equipment and school gear and most importantly, the give a meal for a hungry child drive. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><u><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span></o:p></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We will give each chapter access to promotional materials to help with fundraising. For more information, contact us at <a href="mailto:International@NBLSA.org">International@NBLSA.org</a> or <a href="mailto:IRCHaiti@gmail.com">IRCHaiti@gmail.com</a>. And join our google group for updates on our Haiti Project: <span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://groups.google.com/group/irc-goes-to-haiti?hl=en" target="_blank">http://groups.google.com/group/irc-goes-to-haiti?hl=en</a></span></p>International Relations Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16305377807943264229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6117748407653441387.post-16239871835080005612007-11-29T16:24:00.000-08:002008-02-11T11:49:55.167-08:00IRC UPDATE!!!!! -- REVISEDSAVE THE DATE!!!!! SAVE THE DATE!!!!! SAVE THE DATE!!!!!<br /><br /><br />NBLSA will visit Haiti on March 14 to 16 2008 to learn more about the political, social and economic situation in Haiti. NBLSA will utilize dialogue and community service to bring together young professionals from Haiti and the U.S. to work together on community service projects as well as discuss the U.S. Haiti relationship.<br /><br />All BLSA members nationwide are welcomed to join us in Haiti as we visit Cite de Soleil to perform a day of community service and cultural immersion.<br /><br />NBLSA is teaming up with Pax Christi Haiti for this project. NBLSA will work with Pax Christi on their Soccer for Peace Project. The Soccer for Peace Project aims at ending the cycle of violence that has plagued Haiti in the past years. Pax Christi visits Cite de Soleil periodically to play soccer with the youth of Cite de Soleil. Gangs recruit the youth of Cite de Soleil early in their lives as agents of violence. Pax Christi hopes to affect the younger students with an agenda of peace as well as give them a chance to engage in meaningful recreation.<br /><br />NBLSA will visit Cite de Soleil and work with Pax Christi on their Soccer for Peace Project. NBLSA will also donate soccer equipment and school supplies to the youth of Cite de Soleil. We are counting on the chapters to help us get soccer equipment, used or new, to donate to the children of Cite de Soleil. We also will need donations of school supplies like crayons, pencils, pens, writing paper, sharpeners, erasers, chalk and markers.<br /><br />Each member will be responsible for the costs of the trip. Airfare varies according to where you are in the U.S. Lodging costs for the weekend will be $75.00 per person. You may also be responsible for some transportation costs if our fund raising efforts fail. Lodging is limited so RSVP early to ensure room availability.<br /><br />To RSVP, or for questions, email mbidos@loyno.edu or <a href="mailto:International@NBLSA.org">International@NBLSA.org</a> by February 20th 2008.<br /><br /><br /><br />Tentative Schedule<br /><br />NBLSA’s International Relations Committee Weekend in Haiti<br />Friday March 14 to Sunday March 16<br /><br /><br />Friday March 14 <br /><br />Venue: Matthew 25 (Boarding house)<br /><br /> Arrival<br /> Dinner<br />Conversation with Pooja Bhatia - Harvard Fellow in Haiti and Attorney Mario Joseph, Director of BAI, Bureaux Des Avocats Internationeaux<br /><br />Saturday March 15<br /><br />Venue: Matthew 25<br /> Morning breakfast<br /><br />Venue: Cite de Soleil (Community Service Site)<br /><br /><br /> Community Service Activity<br /> Presentation of School Supplies<br /> Lunch<br /><br />Venue: Cite de Soleil<br /> Presentation to young boys playing soccer<br /> Soccer Game with young boys<br /> Party for kids<br /><br />Venue: TBA<br /> Social with Pax Christi<br /><br /><br />Sunday March 9th<br /><br />Venue: Matthew 25<br /><br /> Morning Ecumenical Service<br /> Round Table discussion on U.S. Haiti Relationship<br /><br />Departure to Airport<br /><br /><br />To find out more about Pax Christi, click on this link.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.paxchristiusa.org/pc_haiti_task_force.asp">http://www.paxchristiusa.org/pc_haiti_task_force.asp</a><br /><br />To read more about Cite de Soleil, see:<br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cit%C3%A9_Soleil">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cit%C3%A9_Soleil</a><br /><br />Pax Christi visits Cite de Soleil periodically to work with the children who live there, many of whom are homeless and orphaned, and all living in extreme poverty.International Relations Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16305377807943264229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6117748407653441387.post-63326800441832105152007-11-14T22:32:00.000-08:002007-11-14T23:10:27.699-08:00IRC UPDATES<span style="font-size:180%;color:#990000;">Welcome Back!<br /></span><br /><br />To those of you who have secured wonderful international internships for the summer of 2008, <span style="color:#ff0000;">CONGRATULATIONS!</span> For those of you who have not yet started looking, we have some more tips for you in this month's Career Development Corner.<br /><br />At our last meeting, we decided to postpone international week of service until we have a better understanding of the needs of two programs in Haiti. I will visit Haiti this month and will speak to two organizations which we will work with in the Spring. Once I return from Haiti, we will update you on our revised plans for International Week of Service.<br /><br />We hope to hear from you on how to serve your needs better. Don't forget to send us your stories of internships and travel abroad.<br /><br />Michelle<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;"><strong>Interning in Haiti</strong></span> </span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#006600;">Fonkoze</span> </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><br />Fonkoze is Haiti's Alternative Bank for the Organized Poor. Fonkoze was created by Ms. Anne Hastings. It is the largest micro-finance institution offering a full range of financial services to the rural-based poor in Haiti. </span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><br />Fonkoze is a Haitian Creole acronym for Fondasyon Kole Zepòl, which means, "The Shoulder-to-Shoulder Foundation". The word itself conveys the meaning, "in the midst of sharing." Fonkoze's mission is to build the economic foundations for democracy in Haiti. Established in 1994, Fonkoze currently has over 115,000 depositors, over 45,000 active borrowers (99% of whom are women), and 32 branch offices spread throughout every department of Haiti.<br /><br />Anne Hastings, Executive Director of Fonkoze, is interested in finding solutions for extreme poverty. Hastings believes that microfinance, education, health care and case management plays large roles eradicating poverty. Hastings was Senior Partner and Managing Director of Scanlon and Hastings, a management consulting company in Washington DC, from 1985 to 1996 and a Senior Analyst at Advanced Technology in Reston, Virginia from 1982 to 1985. Hastings holds a Ph.D. from the University of Virginia and an Honorary Doctorate in Business Leadership from Duquesne University. She also held research fellowships at the Brookings Institution and the U.S. Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations.<br /><br />Interested in Fonkoze? There are two great internship opportunities available to you!<br />Fonkoze is accepting interns in their dynamic rural microcredit and business development programs that are on the cutting edge of innovation in rural poverty reduction as well astheir pioneering educational program that combines basic literacy training with practical education in business development, sexual and reproductive health, and use of financial services. Fonkoze has listed as conditions for acceptance of an internship with them:1. A match between your skills and our needs 2. Available to live in Haiti for a minimum of 3 months3. Fluent in Creole (preferred) or French or willingness to study Creole4. Ability to finance your entire internship (unless you are a Creole speaker)For further information, contact:<br /><br /><strong>Anne H. Hastings, Director</strong><br />Email: <a href="mailto:director@fonkoze.org">director@fonkoze.org</a><br /><br />Since its inception in 1994, Fonkoze has steadily grown until today it is the largest microfinance institution in Haiti offering a full-range of financial services to the rural poor. Through its network of 18 branch offices, located in every Department of Haiti, Fonkoze provides its clients access to: (1) microcredit, using the Grameen Bank method of solidarity lending, (2) savings, (3) currency exchange, and (4) a money transfer service. As it recognizes the problems of the poor go beyond the need for financial services, Fonkoze complements these services with educational programs like literacy, business skills and sexual and reproductive health training. As Fonkoze continues to grow, the popularity and demand for its services grow too.<br />Information adapted from Fonkoze’s Website: <a href="http://www.fonkoze.org/">http://www.fonkoze.org/</a></span><br /><br /></span></span>International Relations Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16305377807943264229noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6117748407653441387.post-43251003668409867012007-11-14T22:17:00.000-08:002007-11-14T23:25:34.844-08:00Career Development Corner<span style="color:#ff6600;">TOP TEN THINGS YOU SHOULD DO TO PREPARE FOR YOUR INTERNATIONAL INTERNSHIP/WORK ABROAD<br /></span><br /><br />By Jackée Missick<br />Juris Doctor Candidate, December 2008<br />Touro College Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center<br />National Black Law Student Association,<br />International Relations Committee<br />Touro BLSA Northeast Representative<br /><a href="mailto:jlawstuff@hotmail.com">jlawstuff@hotmail.com</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">NARROW DOWN YOUR LIST TO FIVE TOP CHOICES<br />PRIORITIZE:</span><br />i. Fun<br />ii. Experience<br />iii. Resume Enhancer<br /><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">GET FAMILIAR WITH THE APPLICATION PROCESS</span><br />Get Applications<br />Find out the application deadline dates<br />Find out if you would need a Visa to enter the country<br />Find out if you need a work permit and or insurance.<br />Find out if you need any references or school information and start working on them now.<br /><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">THINK OF YOUR FINANCES</span><br />Consider positions that pay<br />i. Every little bit helps<br />Consider getting a part-time, weekend job while you are abroad<br />i. Research what is needed for that (work permit)<br />Hit your family up for extra cash.<br />i. Talk to them about your trip in advance and try to get them on board.<br />Plan a budget and start saving now<br /><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">DO BACKGROUND WORK ON THE FIRM OR ORGANIZATION<br /></span>Be familiar with the type of work the company does<br />Find out if they have been in the news lately<br /><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">SAFETY FIRST<br /></span>Stay away from Countries with domestic conflicts going on.<br />Research the country and neighbourhood of the job to see if you would be safe.<br />Research the accommodations where you will stay during the internship.<br /><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">PERSONALIZE IT.</span><br />Even if the application does not ask for it, consider writing a personal statement and why you want to work/study there.<br />Your application should distinguish you from others<br />i. Highlight your accomplishments<br />ii. Highlight your diversity<br /><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">LANGUAGE AND CULTURAL DIFFERENCES<br /></span>Figure out what the language differences are.<br />Figure out if you can cope with the cultural differences.<br />Don’t wait for the last minute to do this research-you want to be very prepared once you get there<br /><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">NETWORK</span><br />Talk to people who have done study or work abroad programs<br />Talk to classmates who are from the countries you are thinking about going to.<br />LINK UP TO GET CHEAP FARES AND OTHER TID BITS<br /><a href="http://www.statravel.com/">http://www.statravel.com/</a><br /><a href="http://www.isic.org/sisp/index.htm">http://www.isic.org/sisp/index.htm</a><br /><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">GET YOUR APPLICATIONS IN EARLY</span><br />Plan to get your applications in at the start of the application process.<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;">BLAK LAW STUDENTS ABROAD</span><br /><br /><em><span style="color:#000000;">This month we focus on the students of Nigeria's Chapter who recently elected a Executive Board. We Congratulate the New Board and wish them the best of luck as they work with the other Black law students in their region to form the first ever African Coalition of Black Law Students.</span></em><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br />I will share with you an email sent by the Nigerian chapter to NBLSA:<br /><br />Dear Alice, <br /><br />NBLSA NIGERIA really appreciate thechallenge and encouragement. Africa as a continent will undeniably be strong with honour someday we believe. Here is the list of our New Executive Board Members.We hope that the African Coalition comes to pass so that our forced push will move things and make change happen accordingly.<br /><br /><br />New Executive Board Members:<br /><br />OLABANJI TIMILEHIN ADEKUNLE CHAIRMAN/PRESIDENT <a href="mailto:timiokay@yahoo.com" target="_blank">timiokay@yahoo.com</a><br />Morenike Omotayo Ajayi VICE CHAIRMAN /PRESIDENT <a href="mailto:morenike_ajayi@yahoo.com" target="_blank">morenike_ajayi@yahoo.com</a><br />Adeleke Kayode Emmanuel SECRETARY <a href="mailto:talkputo@yahoo.com" target="_blank">talkputo@yahoo.com</a><br />Eniola Badmos Modupe TREASURER<br />adeola omollola omojola DIRECTOR OF SOCIALS <a href="mailto:deloom06@yahoo.com" target="_blank">deloom06@yahoo.com</a><br />T.A Benson Director of Communications bensononspase @<a href="http://yahoo.com/" target="_blank">yahoo.com</a><br />A.O owolabi Librarian froggielakes @<a href="http://yahoo.com/" target="_blank">yahoo.com</a><br />Kilani Mulikat oluwa funke Director of Moot court trial <br />OASYOMI SAMUEL TAIWO DIRECTOR OF MOOT TRIAL COMPETITION <a href="mailto:samt042000@yahoo.com" target="_blank">samt042000@yahoo.com</a><br />OSASONA .F OLUWATOBI DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY SERVICE <a href="mailto:COMMUNITYSERVICEeditionkids2000@yahoo.com" target="_blank">editionkids2000@yahoo.com</a><br />olojede A.Sunday DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMMING<a href="mailto:PROGRAMMINGamo-likz@yahoo.com" target="_blank">amo-likz@yahoo.com</a><br />Ganiyu .T.Adegbite Remi ATTORNEY GENERAL ADENIYI ALLI-SMITH DIRECTOR OF SPORTS AJIBOLA OLADAPO DESMOND <br />DIRECTOR OF FINANCE<br />Barr. E.T YEBISI STAFF ADVISER<br /><br />Here is the list. You will get other email addresses soonest. Our website is <a href="http://nblsaafricanigeria.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://nblsaafricanigeria.blogspot.com</a><br /><br />we hope to hearing from you soonest.<br /><br />The African Coalition has to be generated in due time ..give us the required mail address of our partners in Africa. In NBLSA LOVEInternational Relations Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16305377807943264229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6117748407653441387.post-66563334363059859502007-09-24T23:18:00.001-07:002007-10-14T15:05:33.750-07:00We're Here to Serve You!Welcome to our space!<br /><br />We are happy to launch the first of several monthly editions of the International Connection. The International Connection was created as a mouthpiece for NBLSA’s International Relations Committee. The International Relations Committee has adopted 4 goals for this academic year:<br /><br />1. To celebrate cultural diversity within NBLSA<br />2. To help NBLSA members successfully prepare for careers in International Law<br />3. To change the structure of the Black Law Students International Division<br />4. To keep NBLSA members aware of issues affecting black communities in the global village<br /><br />This blog will serve as a vehicle to further these four goals.<br /><br />The International Relations Committee (IRC) will focus on celebrating the diversity of NBLSA during the 2007– 2008 term. NBLSA members have roots in countries all over the world and there is so much we need to learn about each other in order to form a stronger alliance and accomplish our common goals. The IRC will release a list of activities that can be done during the International Week of Service to help chapters get in touch with the cultural richness of their membership, as well as learn about the wider black community in the international community.<br /><br />The IRC is further invested in helping more NBLSA members get internships in International law. The IRC will feature discussion pieces on internship opportunities, resume building, finding mentors in International Law, finding people in International Law and learning about the work of our peers in the International legal field.<br /><br />The IRC will also work on helping the International Law School Division build stronger coalitions in their regions. The IRC is working on creating an African Coalition of Black law students as well as a Caribbean coalition of law students. The IRC will work with these groups to increase the general body’s awareness of issues affecting black communities in the global village. This year our focus is on Haiti, and we will also focus on issues such as child labor and trafficking and of course AIDS. NBLSA’s International Relations Committee is working hard to help you prepare for a successful career in International Law. Every month we will highlight the stories, the tips, the news and the people of International law. We welcome you to look at our blog spot to find the information you need to help you as you plan a successful career and learn more about the committee. We further ask for your contributions to the IRC blog, to share your experiences of International Law on this blog with the wider membership, comment on articles on Facebook and the blog, and post news stories of interest on the blog and on facebook.<br /><br />We look forward to hearing from you.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);font-size:180%;" ><br /><br />Young Black Professionals in International Law</span><br /><br /><p style="text-align: left;font-family:verdana;" class="MsoBodyText"><o:p><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"> INTRODUCING MS. MAGDA THEODATE</span></o:p><br /></p><p face="verdana" style="text-align: left;" class="MsoBodyText"><span style="font-style: italic;">This month, Thallen Womack Brassel of NBLSA spoke to Ms. Magda Theodate about her career in International Law. Ms. Theodate's bio is followed by excerpts from Ms. Womack's conversation with Ms. Theodate.</span><br /> </p><p class="MsoBodyText" style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Ms. Theodate is a <st1:country-region st="on">U.S.</st1:country-region> and <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">France</st1:place></st1:country-region> trained attorney, and recognized specialist in public procurement matters with multi-lateral entities. She is admitted to the State of New Jersey Bar, and has over nine years of international experience in her field.<o:p><br /></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoBodyText" style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Currently, Ms. Theodate is the Regional Procurement Specialist for the Caribbean, with the Inter-American Development Bank in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Washington</st1:city>, <st1:state st="on">DC</st1:state></st1:place>. In that role, she provides advice to five countries (<st1:country-region st="on">Bahamas</st1:country-region>, <st1:country-region st="on">Barbados</st1:country-region>, <st1:country-region st="on">Jamaica</st1:country-region>, <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Suriname</st1:place></st1:country-region>, and Trinidad & Tobago) on the management of procurement issues related to IADB loans. Ms. Theodate also has expertise in the area of international public sector reform, with emphasis on procurement and contracts policy reform. She has worked with the Organization for Economic Cooperation & Development in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Paris</st1:city>, <st1:country-region st="on">France</st1:country-region></st1:place>, the World Bank’s Africa Region, as well as the US Congress, and a private law firm.<o:p><br /></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoBodyText" style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Ms. Theodate is a <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">US</st1:place></st1:country-region> national, and fully fluent in French and Spanish. She has lived and/or worked in the <st1:country-region st="on">U.S.</st1:country-region>, Africa, Europe, the Caribbean, and <st1:place st="on">Latin America</st1:place>.<br /></span></p><p class="MsoBodyText" style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Ms. Theodate answers our questions about the making of her career.</span></p><p class="MsoBodyText" style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:verdana;" class="MsoBodyText"> <span style="font-size:100%;">How I broke into the field of international law:</span></p><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" ><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"></strong></span><div style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span> </span></span></div> <div style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span>I always knew I wanted an international career, working with clients and colleagues from around the world. I chose The American University Washington College of Law for law school because I knew that the School and its dean, Claudio Grossman, valued international experiences and encouraged law student study abroad programs. Through the law school's exchange program with the University of Paris X-Nanterre in Paris, France, as well as one semester spent in an internship with the International Chamber of Commerce, Court of Arbitration, I knew that I was on track to having a rewarding career as international lawyer.<br /><br /><br /></span></span></div> <div style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></div> <div style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span><strong>Advice to aspiring African-American law students:<br /><br /></strong></span></span></div> <div style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span>First, I would encourage students to join the American Bar Association Section of International Law. The Section has terrific resources, both in terms of people and information, to help you once you make the decision to pursue a career in international law. Second, I would recommend creating plan A, B, and C (all inter-related) for your personal and professional development; a sort of mission statement, if you will. If one plan fails, go to the next. Then, take stock of the skills and assets you have to advance your plan, creating alliances to help you along the way (and whom you can help down the line), and remaining persistent. Lastly, stay humble, be grateful for your blessings, and be patient. I suffered through some difficult years in and out of law school, including family issues, two trans-Atlantic moves by myself, and unemployment, but I knew where I wanted to go, and had an idea what it would take to get there. I committed to making my dreams come true, but remained flexible to the unexpected curve balls life sometimes threw me.<br /><br /></span></span></div> <div style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> <span>Most Recent Publication(s): "Working Abroad: What You Need To Know To Make It Happen." American Bar Association Section of International Law Newsletter, Winter 2006/Spring 2007.</span></span></div>International Relations Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16305377807943264229noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6117748407653441387.post-21988135747564961732007-09-24T22:58:00.001-07:002007-10-14T14:54:46.865-07:00Searching for that Internship in International Law?by Jackee Missick<br /><br />Are you looking for an internship in international law but do not know where to begin? This month our committee members have compiled a list of internet links to wonderful summer internships in international law both in the United States and abroad. Please share your own links with the membership if you see nice ones we missed out on. Have fun searching!<br /><br /><br />Research Leads for Careers in International Law:<br /><br /><br />STUDY ABROAD<br /><a href="http://www.petersons.com/stdyabrd/us.asp">http://www.petersons.com/stdyabrd/us.asp</a><br /><br />Information of Studying Abroad:<br />U.S. Department of State<br />Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Website Addresses:<br /><a href="http://exchanges.state.gov/education/educationusa/abroadstudy.htm">http://exchanges.state.gov/education/educationusa/abroadstudy.htm</a><br /><a href="http://www.careers.state.gov/students/programs.html">http://www.careers.state.gov/students/programs.html</a><br /><br /><br />Work Abroad Programs<br /><br /><a href="http://www.workabroad.gatech.edu/WorkAbroadFair/">http://www.workabroad.gatech.edu/WorkAbroadFair/</a><br />Registration Deadline: January 1, 2008<br />Work Aboard Fair Date: Tuesday, February 5, 2008<br /><br />MIT European Career Fair: February 1-4, 2008<br /><a href="https://www.euro-career.com/" target="_blank">https://www.euro-career.com/</a>.<br /><br /><br />Programs Offered By Schools<br /><br />Georgia Institute of Technology:<br /><a href="http://www.workabroad.gatech.edu/WorkAbroadFair/">http://www.workabroad.gatech.edu/WorkAbroadFair/</a><br /><br />MIT European Career Fair: February 1-4, 2008<br /><a href="https://www.euro-career.com/" target="_blank">https://www.euro-career.com/</a>.<br /><br />University of California Berkeley-Study/Work Abroad Fair<br />September 28, 2007-Past due, but try next year<br /><a href="http://studyabroad.berkeley.edu/SAF/SAF_2007_Students.pdf">http://studyabroad.berkeley.edu/SAF/SAF_2007_Students.pdf</a><br /><a href="http://events.berkeley.edu/index.php/calendar/sn/student.html?event_ID=3610&date=2007-09-28">http://events.berkeley.edu/index.php/calendar/sn/student.html?event_ID=3610&date=2007-09-28</a><br /><br />University of Chicago<br /><a href="http://www2.lib.uchicago.edu/%7Ellou/careers.html">http://www2.lib.uchicago.edu/~llou/careers.html</a><br /><br />San Diego State University: October 24, 2007<br /><a href="http://www.sdsuniverse.info/info_content.asp?id=46617">http://www.sdsuniverse.info/info_content.asp?id=46617</a><br /><br />This page of Huron University offers a lot of links to other work abroad sites<br /><a href="http://www.huronuc.ca/international_opportunities/work_abroad/">http://www.huronuc.ca/international_opportunities/work_abroad/</a><br /><br /><br /><br />ORGANIZATIONS:<br /><br />European Union<br />Scroll down; the good stuff is usually at the bottom of the page<br /><a href="https://www.euro-career.com/">https://www.euro-career.com/</a><br /><a href="http://www.eurunion.org/">http://www.eurunion.org/</a><br /><a href="http://www.eurunion.org/delegati/ppd/interns.htm">http://www.eurunion.org/delegati/ppd/interns.htm</a><br /><a href="http://www.europarl.europa.eu/ombudsman/trainee/en/rules.htm">http://www.europarl.europa.eu/ombudsman/trainee/en/rules.htm</a><br /><br /><br />National Association of International Educators:<br />Promotes the exchange of students and scholars to and from the US<br /><a href="http://nafsa.org/">http://nafsa.org/</a><br /><a href="http://www.eseries.nafsa.org/scriptcontent/YP_auto_2/yellowpages.cfm">http://www.eseries.nafsa.org/scriptcontent/YP_auto_2/yellowpages.cfm</a><br />This second link provide some good resources on everything from Visa and Tax info to Insurance and Medical Assistance<br /><br /><a href="https://www.aramcoservices.com/Home/default.htm">https://www.aramcoservices.com/Home/default.htm</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.allianceabroadgroup.com/">www.allianceabroadgroup.com</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.monster.com/">www.monster.com</a><br /><br />Internet Legal Research Group:<br /><a href="http://www.ilrg.com/lsahq/">http://www.ilrg.com/lsahq/</a><br /><br />American Bar Association:<br /><a href="http://www.abanet.org/lsd/sections/">http://www.abanet.org/lsd/sections/</a><br /><br />ABA International Sector<br /><a href="http://www.abanet.org/intlaw/">http://www.abanet.org/intlaw/</a><br /><br />American Branch of the International Law Association<br /><a href="http://www.ambranch.org/">http://www.ambranch.org/</a><br /><br />Asian-ABA<br /><a href="http://www.abanet.org/aba-asia/jobs/home.shtml">http://www.abanet.org/aba-asia/jobs/home.shtml</a><br /><br />International Law Students Association<br /><a href="http://www.ilsa.org/">http://www.ilsa.org/</a><br /><br />Center for International Legal Studies<br /><a href="http://www.cils.org/">http://www.cils.org</a><br /><br />United Nations Associations of the USA<br /><a href="http://www.unausa.org/site/pp.asp?c=fvKRI8MPJpF&b=317257">http://www.unausa.org/site/pp.asp?c=fvKRI8MPJpF&b=317257</a><br /><a href="http://www.unausa.org/">www.unausa.org</a><br /><br />International Center for Dispute Resolution<br /><a href="http://www.adr.org/icdr">www.adr.org/icdr</a>International Relations Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16305377807943264229noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6117748407653441387.post-90001529354287157942007-09-24T08:50:00.000-07:002007-10-02T18:49:08.206-07:00SPOTLIGHT ON HAITI<div style="text-align: center;"><strong></strong><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Voices of the Diaspora</span><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">This month, two law students who are part of the Haitian Diaspora share with us their hopes for Haiti as we kick off our first edition of Spotlight on Haiti.</span><br /></div><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">Marlynne Bidos</span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>As a young attorney, it is my life goal to set an example<br />that will inspire other young Haitians to become involved in<br />the law. Through community activities, academic excellence,<br />and professional success I hope to create a path for those<br />who come after me to know there is no limit to the dreams<br />they aspire to attain. Today, Haiti has been drained,<br />through much of its political upheaval, of many talented<br />young men and women who are educated at fine institutions<br />all over the world that do not return to the island to help<br />change it for the better. It is my aim to begin an<br />organization that will bring brilliant minds from the legal<br />and other professions together to create a series of schools<br />whose aim is to teach a curriculum that provides students a<br />variety of professional options to which they may have not<br />been exposed. The organization will obtain sponsors for<br />each child for them to study at the college level in the<br />United States and then return to Haiti to donate their time<br />to the community that helped them. I look forward to this<br />initiative creating a cycle that enables young Haitians to<br />see the importance of returning home and helping younger<br />generations persevere.<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">Kim Sassine</span><br /><br />As an aspiring attorney, one preliminary contributions I can<br />make is to, in fact, return to Haiti or to stay close to it.<br />Too easily we find ourselves escaping our duty and<br />responsibility be keeping our involvement distant and<br />dismissive.<br /><br />In light of the inner turmoil and the insufficient<br />international response, it becomes crucial to return home<br />and participate in the rehabilitation and development of<br />Haiti, creating a more favorable understanding of this<br />country so as to facilitate a fellowship amongst Haitians<br />within the country and those abroad.<strong><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);"><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);font-family:lucida grande;font-size:180%;" ><br />Meet The Committee</span><br /><br /><br />Jackee Missick: New York</span></strong><br /><br />Jackée Missick was born in The Bahamas, but came of age in Brooklyn, New York. She is however, a true island girl-laid back and always smiling. She attended college at New York College of Technology. She studied independently for a BS in Interpersonal Communications and Hospitality Management.<br /><br />She now attends Touro College Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center in Central Islip, New York. She is an active member of The Women’s Bar Association, Touro BLSA, and NBLSA International Relations Committee. She enjoys mentoring young children and is involved Touro BLSA High School mentoring program as well as her work with the youth at her church. She is committed to helping young people succeed.<br /><br />She considers herself, “a church girl.” The most important thing in her life is her relationship with God.<br /><br />Her goals for NBLSA’s International Relations Committee:<br />Establish an ongoing program that encourages American law students to perform community service in those international countries that need it most.<br />Establish “The Caribbean Summer Internship” program in the Caribbean nations for NBLSA members. This would allow students especially with a Caribbean connection to give back.Make the practice of International Law a viable choice for NBLSA membersInternational Relations Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16305377807943264229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6117748407653441387.post-82630645170099166422007-09-24T08:36:00.000-07:002007-09-24T22:42:57.477-07:00Destination London<strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">By Christina Versail : Touro Law School</span><br /></strong><br />This summer I had the opportunity to intern in London, England. There, I worked in the legal department at Arsenal Football Club Plc. The main focus of the legal department at Arsenal was Intellectual Property.<br /><br />Arsenal’s goal was to decrease trademark right infringements, passing-off issues, and the use of outsourced legal council to handle these types of litigations. Since the legal department was being reorganized I was able to aid in that reconstruction. I was excited in being able to have hands-on experience and to work independently. I was responsible for creating cease and deceit letters, on-site film and crew release forms, contest guidelines, and enforcement guide brochures which aided officials in identifying false Arsenal/Nike products. I particularly enjoyed visits to the Westminster Trading Standards where my supervisor and I would identify false merchandise and cease them for future litigation.<br />Interning abroad gave me the opportunity to also experience the lifestyle and culture of London. There is so much to see and do in this city. One cannot go here and not take advantage of the numerous sites such as the London Bridge, the London Eye, Victoria and Albert Museum, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Harrods, and best of all Oxford Street. Oxford Street is known as the main touristy shopping areas of London and is similar to New York City’s 5th avenue. Although London had it own sense of fashion, their entertainment industry (television and cinema) appeared to be heavily influenced by the American culture. This tendency is also apparent in the music industry as well.<br />Overall, my experience in London was amazing. I encourage others to study abroad if the opportunity arises. It is a life changing experience that you will learn and grow from. Networks for a Successful TomorrowInternational Relations Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16305377807943264229noreply@blogger.com0