Northwest Institute for Social Change: The Blog

MC Northwest

Three women from Bhutan are growing vegetables in SE Portland through a partnership with Mercy Corps Northwest. Photo credit: Juan Carlos-Delgado

Out here in Portland, we are in full-swing with our radio documentaries. I am still orienting myself to the city, both to the outlay of the streets and to the general sensibilities afloat in this progressive hub. In ways, it reminds me of Vermont, my home-state, and yet, with the population of Portland the same as the entire state of Vermont, there is more power, resources, and momentum behind initiatives here, whether it be the light-rail trains or Project Clean Slate, which gives people a chance to clear minor crimes off their records through community service.

Speaking of power and resources for social change, yesterday Colin and I met up with John Haines, the executive director of Mercy Corps Northwest. Mercy Corps works all across the world, but at MC Northwest, the focus is on micro-financing and education efforts to support small business owners in the community. I wish I had the time to cover everything they do—like their New American Agricultural Project, which helps recent immigrants establish sustainable farm businesses, and their LIFE Project, where they support incarcerated individuals with the tools and education they need in order to make a successful transition back into society. These programs are particularly impressive as I think about their similarity to the programs I witnessed last summer in Bangladesh while working for BRAC (Building Resources Across Communities), the world-renowned NGO that takes a systematic, holistic approach poverty alleviation. The mission of BRAC and MC Northwest is strikingly parallel, and it’s so exciting to see trace the similarities of their action. At the same time, it’s also exciting to examine how the execution of their vision is shaped to their respective communities.

Most memorable quote of our time with John: “What applies in Gaza and Pakistan right now is not what might apply directly here, but the foundation is the same, and that is to build just, productive and secure communities.” Yeah, I feel that.
-Katherine

When it seems there are no stones left unturned

On a recent episode of Fresh Air, Sean Hayes makes no bones about the fact he is not a singer. Trained as a sociologist/anthropologist, I am no journalist; but I am trying. Good intentions abound, I set about the week with what I hoped was enough enthusiasm to supplement my lack of formal training. By Tuesday, I was discouraged.

My chosen topic was to reflect in some way on the 2008 Republican National Convention that was held in St. Paul. As I started researching, I grew more and more excited with each new article, video or radio piece I came across. The most profound pieces I encountered were written by one G.W. Schulz, an award winning reporter for the Center for Investigative Reporting. As a testament to his exhaustively researched and compellingly written articles, I felt there could surely be no ground that I could cover before next Wednesday’s deadline.

On a whim, I emailed Mr. Schulz, hoping for short response with a few, direction-inspiring insights. In a matter of minutes, I received an email inviting me to call an included phone number and hash out some ideas. Conversation flowed easily for almost an hour. I was taken aback by his passion for his craft, the amount of knowledge he has amassed, and the deep consideration, compassion and respect with which he treats his subjects. As I hung up, the phone all of my original zeal for our assignment was restored if not strengthened and I had a plan of action set to begin the next morning.

Between my phone conversation with Mr. Schulz and today’s group-meeting with Todd Melby of 2 Below Zero and KFAI, I am so impressed with the encouragement and support of the journalism community. This is a movement that is committed to truth-telling and understanding. It is endeavor that I making my own. In the meantime, I recommend that you read Mr. Schulz’s blog (http://www.centerforinvestigativereporting.org/blog/gwschulz) Enjoy and be enlightened.

SB