The Great Generation Journal
Welcome to the first edition of The Great Generation Journal – the quarterly journal of The Great Generation.
The publication has two important objectives.
Firstly, to provide a framework for our volunteers to remain in touch and involved with The Great Generation on a long term basis.Secondly, to create a forum for lively and informed debate around the issues of poverty, microfinance and effective giving.
Addressing the UN in August this year, the prime minister, Gordon Brown spoke about the historic declaration in 2000 of the Millennium Development Goals. He said, it was a remarkable moment, but goals are not being reached. Mr. Brown warned unless there was pressing action they would not be met by 2015 and some not even by the end of the century.
The global immediacy of these crucial issues has been given fresh momentum in a month that has seen the third annual meeting in New York of the Clinton Global Initiative. Bill Clinton’s vision for the Clinton Global Initiative is to help turn good intentions into real action and results. His words will, of course, resonate with all organisations working to break the cycle of poverty in the developing world.
Read a few words from The CEO of The Great Generation, Suzanne Gowler.
This edition of our journal has contributions from people and organisations who are no strangers to the scope and urgency of these issues. Hela Sarana is one of The Great Generation’s expert partners. In their interview Hela Sarana discuss what they describe as, ‘the missing link’ – ie, the lack of a clear impetus for co-operation between the wealthy, large aid organisations and the considerably less well funded and smaller grassroots operations.
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We also have a contribution from a corporate partner. Darryl Eales, Chief Executive of Lloyds TSB Development Capital describes why they became involved with The Great Generation. He outlines the value of effective partnerships as well as effective giving. Read More
Jessica Salmon, who spent several weeks of her post-GCSE summer working in The Great Generation office, outlines her research into youth volunteering. Her findings emphasise the willingness and enthusiasm amongst students to be involved with The Great Generation - young people are keen to be pro-active in the campaign to tackle poverty in the developing world.
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But as, Martin Stephen, High Master at St Paul’s School makes clear in a passionately argued article, the road to youth volunteering is increasingly strewn with obstacles. He warns against closing off opportunities for empowering youth to become globally aware through effective volunteer programmes. The aim of The Great Generation is to provide the missing link between the Voluntary Service Overseas programme and individuals who want to be able to make a difference, but can only commit to a short timescale. Read More
We hope you find The Great Generation Journal a thought provoking, even challenging, read. If you would like to contribute to the ongoing debate around these issues please contact: Stephenie.Booth@thegreatgeneration.org
