Let us dream conference 2020

200 | Let Us Dream Conference 2020 which means that if they have a can we value that, because we also reasonable suspicion of abuse, they know that tacit knowledge is more should be reporting it. The challenge effective, as it is emerging from the is to get them to understand that community? they do not have to be able to prove it, they just need to have a reasonable Rajesh Tandon -  Well, I believe suspicion and investigate to see if it is abusive or not. But the more the that lived experience, experiential people in the community know how to recognize abuse and understand knowledge, oral knowledge their obligation to report it, the better we are. It makes it easier for kids.  transmitted over generations from Moderator - There are a couple grandmothers both in matters of of questions from the audience, but they are on different topics. I health, food habits and nutrition am going to post one more on this topic and then look for different is critical. Unfortunately, our questions. So Rajesh, when you were talking, I was thinking about what professional system of education, we say in my community - mental health issues could sow the seeds of accreditation and public policies tacit knowledge that people carry in their bones from having lived related to professional service an experience. That is something that is not valued by the system. So delivery have taken the responsibility I am asking: how can we value this tacit knowledge from an indigenous awayfrom families and communities, community going forward? Or do we just push it back under the rug? How so families wait for professional service providers, instead of taking action on their own. But during the pandemic, nobody came and they knew that nobody would for months, so they had to act -- and act now. Why can we not build on the component of what we have and add a component of whatever new knowledge we have? Give the traditional practitioners, some tools or preventatives, or models,

Social Sector: Panel 2 | 201 or whatever. But you know that responsibility of the family and devaluing it doesn’t help. Public community, not of the care provider.  service doesn’t reach everywhere and ultimately the first part of action Moderator - Let us hope that the is at the community level. The community does not forget how community acts when it knows that capable it is. So Donna Lloyd, there it has the responsibility to do so. The is a question from the audience. community is enabled to act and It asks: ”How are you reaching not to be told that you do not know out to communities in rural areas anything.  that do not have Internet services, equipment, laptops or computers?”  The same thing is happening with education in India. A lot of countries Donna Lloyd - We are in a pretty rural and people say that unless you have area and do have some spots that are finished your undergraduate degree, lacking Internet. That is a challenge. I you cannot be a teacher. This is think the biggest drive we are trying not right, because you can’t find to undertake is collaborating with qualified, undergraduate teachers other youth serving organizations anywhere in the world and this to take on the food, clothing or the is causing millions of students to school-supplied drives, so that we remain illiterate. It was easy to take may get some way in which we can an eighth grade student from a have a face-to-face contact. Now community, train the person and at I believe that all the schools in our least start educational programs, till small county of 30,000 have already you get an undergraduate, qualified provided every student in the school teacher. The same thing applies to with iPad or Tablets. But it is not health care and preventative health helpful if they don’t have the Internet. care for WHO. All of us forgot that However, I do know that some of the preventative health care is the local service providers are offering children the use of their Internet,

202 | Let Us Dream Conference 2020 even in places beside the library and could not. Now, you won’t believe some local restaurants, where they that in a month, we would do 200 can follow it safely and yet abide by virtual sessions for underprivileged all the pandemic protocols. Still, that children’s homes.  is a challenge.  In a month, volunteers have been Moderator - So this is a general sitting at home imparting different question to everybody. How do skills. They are teaching children community services that require computers, English, local languages more physical engagement be and other different skills. We are replaced under this new distancing also giving them Yoga, dance and system?                             other skill training sessions, which I am sure could not have happened Prarthana Kaul - I think a lot of even in the ‘physical’ way. Normally, things that were physical have now we would have been told that there taken the shape of virtual activities. are challenges, so the training could For example, there were a lot of not have happened. However, now scribes that were required to write people are going ahead, because they exams and read books for the visually have time. At some point, we would impaired. Today, they are just doing not have managed doing sessions it through a Skype or Zoom call. for acid attack victims, who are in We have a lot of hearing-impaired different parts of India, but at the people who were not part of many moment we could do them. Some discussions in the offices. Today, they of them are starting their small are using closed captioning and face- businesses. to-face discussions. This is just one of the positives. There are volunteers We did take up sessions on how to who were trying to engage teaching face interviews, after which we children but their distance from received some positive responses. our organization is far and they Some volunteers said: “Ma’am, after

Social Sector: Panel 2 | 203 that session, I started going for possible, where the power lies, how interviews. I am confidently facing the power should lie and so forth. I them. All this is happening virtually.” teach a class on community mental So, it is just the will that volunteers, health and what I pick up from your the community and the people need work is that people with disabilities to muster to try. At Gift Able, we say also subscribe to what they call the that every problem has a solution, ‘recovery movement’. They make which makes me remember one of the argument that it is a human right my deafblind friends. The only mode to have access to everything that of communication between him and every other person can access. It me is SMS messages!  is a strong argument and to me it is indisputable. We have to accept this One night at 10:30 pm, I got some as a human right. There are some 10 missed calls from him and was other things we can take from the worried that a deafblind friend was recovery movement that I think you calling me. I read his message that would be interested in. Maybe we said: “Ma’am you stay close by, it’s can communicate about it later.  raining heavily, hotels are closed, my paying guest hotel is also closed, Question - So our audience is kind of can you help me with food?” Within quiet but I have a question. You were 15 minutes, I could help him that saying they were 10 million maids night.  Now the question is, how that were thrown out or evicted. Are do I start to find solutions to every they local?  problem that I am facing? More modes than the virtual one are Rajesh Tadon -   They live in homes, needed. but they also live on their own with their families, because they work in Moderator - I think there have been four or five households. They clean a lot of shifts in this. I mean, a lot of dishes, wash and mop the floors, consciousness shifts around what is wash clothes and iron them, look

204 | Let Us Dream Conference 2020 after young kids, do shopping for the have a central government that family and care for the elderly and is trying to serve a huge number the sick. These maids do all kinds of people. I think of small-sized of jobs. However, they are not local localities as efficient. There is a lot and depend on their employer for of work and to me, it is difficult to survival. But their relationship with manage as many people as there are their employers is very informal, in India, or in the United States, from which makes them vulnerable. one central location. I do not know They are low paid, without formal what you think about moving some contracts. Maids in India are not of the government responsibilities recognized as ‘workers’ by the law.  to smaller areas. What I am trying to highlight is the problem of the large On the third week of March 2020 size of the country. lockdown, most maids were told not to come to work. So who is going Rajesh Tandon - Well in India we to feed them, pay their salaries and have for nearly 40 years a system what will happen to their kids? This of local governments. Rural areas has been a serious problem and it has have Panchayats and municipalities. shown the underbelly of inequalities Local governments are expected to in our societies, not just in matters of be empowered and enabled to be health but also in livelihoods.  the first port-of-call. Unfortunately, instead of the operations from Moderator - I have a question from bottom-up, most of the things are the audience, but I am going to top-down. So bottom-up is never respond to that as it concerns the happening, because if the federal underbelly that has been exposed in taxes are going to New Delhi, then these capitalistic models. I think it is federal governments have to give also about the size of the countries, resources to the local governments, as the larger ones always face such otherwise, they will be starved. In problems. If you look at India, we some parts of the country, such as

Social Sector: Panel 2 | 205 Kerala, East Bengal and in our eastern but ICDS are at the community and southern parts, where in the level working with local women and past 25-30 years, local governments families and you can’t just stop their have been empowered, they work operations. Now, in primary schools, very well. Nobody goes hungry in we have a nationwide scheme of those states. People had access to what is called midday meals. For a health care and masks, but in other large number of children and their states, where local governments families, that is the only meal they were not empowered, they were get when they come back to school. confused. Nobody can run a country When you shut down the schools, of whatever size from one single those people are deprived of food. place, because those days are gone. It As you have made no alternative is a futile effort if people think they arrangements forthem, it comes back can sit on a throne somewhere in the to empowering local governments. middle of the country and govern They could have taken a decision everybody. on how to make local meals, how to prepare the food and make it Moderator - So there is a question available to whoever wants it. I am for you Rajesh talking of a soup kitchen at a local level. Some people did it, but this Question - How did the Integrated could have been done nationwide.  Child Development Services (ICDS) in India respond to this pandemic Moderator -We have a question for in terms of services to children, Ms Donna Lloyd.  pregnant and lactating mothers? Question - What kind of percentages Rajesh Tandon - I was giving the do they want in order to understand example of ICDS in my response. the difference between abuse and They did not respond, they withdrew neglect of children with disabilities and diverted them.  Of course, it is versus children without disabilities? necessary to empower your friends,

206 | Let Us Dream Conference 2020 Are you aware of any kinds of Moderator - So may I ask about that differences there?  Rubik’s cube. I am so excited about that. Would you mind telling us Donna Lloyd - I cannot give specific about the development of that?  percentages, because I do not know them. I can tell you that children Prarthana Kaul - Yes! There were with disabilities have a higher risk a couple of times when visually of being abused. We do keep track impaired children visited our of the services  we provide and I organization and wanted to have think we have a population of 10 - 15 inclusive games. That was the percent of children with disabilities. moment we started wondering how But it might go up to 20 percent. We we could set up tactile libraries. do know that they are at a higher risk Today, we have made tactile story of being abused. It is just that maybe books. For example, if I say that my they are unable to make that outcry, mom made pancakes, can I make a or they may not be able to explain the pancake shape, which the children signs of abuse that someone would can touch and feel and exclaim want to understand, before they about! Similarly, we have set up Tic- make their report. But I do confirm Tac-Toe, Snake-and-Ladder and that they are at a much higher risk.  Ludo games and today, we have 15 tactile libraries across India.  Moderator - Prarthana, somebody wants to know how they can reach Also, these Rubik’s cubes are out for collaboration?  supporting the livelihood of youth with autism and intellectual Prarthana Kaul - They can reach us disabilities. CISCO said that they through our social media channels or want 100 cubes that they would give directly through our website https:// them to all their employees in one giftable.org. We are present 24/7, so of their events. Each time we get reach out at any time.  volunteers, who would come and

Social Sector: Panel 2 | 207 help with this tactile implement. another question, while she figures One day, we decided that we would out her Internet connection.  support the livelihood of youth with autism. So we trained the special Someone has responded to what educators, who in turn trained you have been saying about ICDS, youth with autism and intellectual Rajesh, similar to what he is saying disabilities and in three days, we got now. How can we connect with ICDS them making a 100 cubes.  in India and contribute our services?  Moderator - That is fabulous!  This Rajesh Tandon - ICDS is a national, idea that people are incapable, just public government program. Lots of because of one disability, is not civil society groups in different parts it. Disability is really not inability.  of the country operate and help to The recovery model I talked about strengthen the ICDS program. I will a minute ago, I think it kind of send you a blog that I just wrote a speaks to what you were saying to day before yesterday, giving that Rajesh when the professionals move example, but I think that anybody in front of the person’s need to be who wants to volunteer has many behind them. The persons in need opportunities. But you have to are the ones who do it together but volunteer through a civil society they both become equals and they organization, as you can’t directly get bring their expertise to the table, into a government program.   but the professionals do not have all the power anymore. They don’t Moderator - Somebody is asking - have all the decision-making power. would all of you quickly explain how It has been very exciting for me to we can help people to access mental learn about the recovery model this services? I think they mean young semester in this community’s mental people. Is there a way that people can health course that I have been talking get involved - I guess with what you about. So, let me see if we have are doing. 

208 | Let Us Dream Conference 2020 Rajesh Tandon - Yes there is. You can Donna Lloyd - If you need more put it up on www.preopprio.org, our information about it, you can visit us website. Anyone is free to volunteer. on http://www.conforthousecac.org. For domestic workers, the example You can also look out for the National I gave you in the story, you can get Organization Centers that support in touch with the Martha Farrell child advocacy, such as the National Foundation based in India  www. Children’s Alliance. You could also marthafarrellfoundation.org. If you google that for more information.  google Martha Farrell Foundation, you will get the foundation working Moderator - There is a question with adults, boys, girls and women from the audience for Prarthana. on gender-based violence and sexual This will give her a chance to harassment in the workplace. So explain the information. One of the please do. We are actually helping questions is: How can peer support people to volunteer virtually. This be implemented effectively in the afternoon, I conducted a program online mode among students? How that we have been running for the last can peer support, I guess in your five years on youth and democracy, particular domain, be useful? titled “Making democracy work in everyday life”. This time, the colleges Donna Lloyd - I would just like to just are not open and we have to pursue say that this is one of the things we are the project virtually. It has been encouraging. We know that students going on for the last four months.  and youth communicate virtually all the time. They are always texting, are Moderator - These sessions are always on the Internet and always being recorded, so if you are missing gaming. That is one of the things anything, you may go back, listen and that we are pushing students to look pick information. Donna, is there for in other students, as part of our any way people can get involved with your organization?

Social Sector: Panel 2 | 209 prevention program. We think that it among ourselves. They come out of is going to make a big impact.  our inner selves. We have lived the situation. The devaluing too may Moderator - How can the audience be from the self, the community get involved with your organization? or from the top. The community is You gave them a website, so they creative, resilient, resourceful and should just go to it. Is that correct? we know the solutions. If nothing comes of this and we can have more Prarthana Kaul - We have the of a partnership with top-down and website and contact information bottom-up, we can bring together too, so anyone who may want to what both have to offer moving volunteer virtually, across the world, forward. I think this pandemic can always reach out to us.  would have served us in unexpected ways. So does anybody want to give Moderator - Our hosts say that a quick wrap-up before we conclude?  when this discussion is over, panelists may go to YouTube and Prarthana Kaul - Yes, just a quick use Chat to answer other questions message. Now my Internet is fine. I so I guess we are out of time. This is request everyone to be an advocate relevant to other questions that we of a cause. Need not necessarily be did not have time to answer.  your sitting next to a person or a beneficiary. Wherever you are, be an We can begin to sum up now. All advocate of the cause. It is as simple your discussions excite me because as learning one word, which is like they all have to do with the shift of thank you today. So from your chin power to the community. When I say down you are learning to say thank power, I don’t mean like a ‘physician’s you. There is a saying that not all can title’. But obviously, power comes do everything, but if everyone can with access to resources, which is do something, we can bring about a very important. However, solutions lot of change. We can create a ripple for ourselves can be found from

210 | Let Us Dream Conference 2020 impact. Thank you everyone. Just go Moderator - On a given day, what ahead and do something. You will are the numbers? How many people surely create an impact.  do you serve in a given day?             Donna Lloyd - I would just follow Prarthana Kaul - Roughly a thousand the path you mentioned, Dr Myra. of them across the nation.  The community should be brave, recognize our needs and take up Moderator - So are you a large that challenge. .   organization?  Moderator - I want to thank you Prarthana Kaul - I would say that all for coming. I have enjoyed our we are a passionate bunch of 15 in conversation this morning and it the organization, working with a seems that our audience did too, thousand people across the nation.   based on their interaction. I want to thank our audience for coming and Moderator - Beautiful! What about for engaging with us. So we have you, Donna Lloyd, what is the scale one minute or 30 seconds left for a of your work?  question. This is going off at some point soon. So what is the age group, Donna Lloyd -  We are a very small, Prarthana, that you work with? non-profit organization. We serve about 100 kids a year and also work Prarthana Kaul - It ranges right from on about 100 cases of child sexual children to the elderly. So we work abuse each year.  in early intervention centres, with children in the age group of zero to Moderator - Thank you so much six. We also work with young adults everybody and do take care.   from 18 years onwards.   

3PANEL SOCIAL SECTOR Theme: Animal Welfare and Environmental Sustainability Esther Delisle (Moderator) Michael Kaufmann Founder and President of Canadian Director of Green Chimneys Farm and Institute of Animal Assisted interventions in Wildlife Centre; Sam and Myra Ross Quebec, Canada. Institute Centre in New York, USA. Erin Evans Ricky Kej Assistant Professor of Sociology at San Grammy Award Winning Composer and Diego Mesa College; Chairperson of the Environmentalist, India. Animal and Society Section of the American Sociological Association, California, USA.

212 | Let Us Dream Conference 2020 Iwant to extend a very warm My work is seemingly separate, welcome to our audience and but it deals with a single issue, i.e. panelists. The theme of our panel is movements like those involved ‘Animal Welfare and Environmental in fighting animal cruelty, meat Sustainability’. Thank you for your production or environmental patience with my French accent. Now, campaigns  against pollution due to each of the panelists is going to make factory production. I am addressing an opening statement. While the the same political and economic panelists are making their interesting structure that allows for the unbridled and thoughtful opening statement, I abuse of humans and non-humans am talking to the audience. You are on the planet. This isn’t just specific welcome to ask questions through to the destruction of the planet and the YouTube chat. We want your non-human exploitation, but an questions, so do not be shy while we understanding of the movements in are listening. The first statement we Health Care, immigrants and others are hearing is from Erin Evans.  that are specific to scholars’ care and work.  Erin Evans - My work focuses on the effects of incremental change on the We think that caring involves laws and policies that are actually forced on by the authorities. I mean nursing, teaching and child care, regulations that are supposed to protect non-human animals and but animal advocacy, rescue the environment. I am also focusing on addressing liberal policies - and environmentalism are also those that prioritize rapid growth and policies against multiple forms forms of care. Therefore, I am of social injustices and emphasize health care movements. exploring these care movements in a kind of unintended coalition that challenges the form of unbridled expansionist capitalism that leads to environmental destruction, animal abuse and non-human abuses as well. I am looking for the questions.

Social Sector: Panel 3 | 213 Moderator - That is an interesting, but it is really to understand what challenging and thoughtful animals need and what they are. And statement and there is a lot to chew what we find in our country is that on what you have said. Now it is time increasingly, children who grow up to listen to what Michael Kaufmann in the suburbs and in the city, have has to say.  very few opportunities to meet real animals in a helpful way.   Michael Kaufmann - Esther, please time me and tell me if I am speaking Even if they think they like or care for to your watch. It is a Sunday morning animals, the knowledge about them at the Green Chimneys School and is minimal. So our students will be Farm. It is getting colder, though with animals, taking care, feeding we are in November. Around me and doing medical  treatment for are nearly 200 animals, horses, them. In the process, these children farm animals, camels, lamas and we who have failed in school or have not have a wildlife rehabilitation centre done well for themselves may have a with oxen, eagles and owls. All these transition from being taken care of animals are here as part of our school to becoming caretakers. We would for 200 children.  like to think that some of the lessons that they learn here with our animals The children all have psychiatric from our knowledgeable staff would issues. Half of them are in residence be carried over into their lives and here and half of them are day some of their skills would be helpful.   students. They are aged five to 18 years and while they also receive Ricky Kej - Namaste! It is a huge regular education and therapy, honor to be part of this Let Us Dream one of our goals is to teach these panel of such amazing people around children how to build a relationship the world. I love both of you for what with animals. It is not about farming you have said. So what is the musician or about learning to ride a horse, doing here on the panel? I am sure

214 | Let Us Dream Conference 2020 you are wondering about that. I am I would look into the eyes of these a musician and environmentalist - animals an study their personality, two pillars that I have pretty much including those of the insects and dedicated my whole life and all my reptiles. I have often wondered life’s decisions to till now. For the why everyone’s reaction after last two years, the only music that I seeing them is to step on them, made was for the environment and kill or spray something on them. I sustainability, to create positive wondered if they are supposed to social impact.   be killed, why do they exist. Now I completely understand that every Even though I have lived in America, species is responsible to maintain the I have been in India all my life, delicate balance of nature that keeps as you see. I was actually born in us all alive and helps us to survive as North Carolina, so that is something human beings.  common I have with my fellow panelists. My father, a doctor, was In India, we have a Sanskrit phrase practising there. We lived in a small called Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, town and had a huge property on which is the heart of our culture, the border with Virginia. We have our traditions, our spirituality and a lot of the creepy crawlies and literally means - the world is one dangerous creatures entering our family. Nowadays, when we think of home pretty often. That is when I coexistence, we think of Vasudhaiva realized that I was a weird child. I Kutumbakam,  because we look at the liked playing with animals more than world as one family. The only thing with humans and that is where my that seems to come to our mind is love for nature started. My parents living in co-existence and peace with constantly ordered me to run away Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, from those seemingly dangerous Jews, Buddhists, earthists and all and creepy crawlies, but I was quite living beings. We have somewhere drawn towards them.  forgotten that along our journey as

Social Sector: Panel 3 | 215 humans, we are not the only species for the audience to ask questions. You but are among millions on this will be able to develop more on what planet. Therefore, co-existence is you were saying. I am encouraging defined not only by our ancient the audience - this is your time to ask cultures here in India, but are part of your questions. Here is one question, any indigenous culture of the world. very timely, for whoever wants to It means living in absolute peace and answer it: Could you please comment harmony with every single entity on on COVID-19 and how the resulting our planet. lockdown has impacted animals and our interactions with them? It’s a The entities of the planet can be long and complex question, but give living as well as non-living. So this a short answer, please. means you are supposed to co-exist even with human beings who may Erin Evans  -  I got a piece of not even be doing a good job. We reasoning about the effects of have to widen the circle and also COVID-19 on human needs, animals co-exist with the air we breathe, the and environment and also on how water we drink and the land we walk COVID-19 is a reflection of structural on, which is important, especially problems we face while co-existing in today’s world of climate change with animals. We have these viruses and species extinction, pollution, due to the efforts of our interaction deforestation and environmental with animals that are deeply degradation.  problematic and abusive. Things are becoming an ongoing evolution of Moderator - What you are saying viruses and really, it is starting from is so interesting. You get a lot of the back. I was re-reading about information in very limited time, the jungle before COVID-19 and it so congratulations. It is not easy reminded me that interacting with to impart such information in five animals is not different from what is minutes and we have to make time described in that book.  

216 | Let Us Dream Conference 2020 Moderator - And Michael Moderator - I have a question for Kaufmann, can you tell us if you Ricky Kej. Can you tell us as an award agree with Erin on the animals that winner how the entertainment you take care of? How does the industry can sustain the environment lockdown impact the interaction and advocate for animal rights or between you, children and animals animal welfare.   in the wake of the lockdown?   Ricky Kej - I believe what we call the Michael Kaufmann - Yes it was very top-down approach of getting things difficult between March and June, done, as Erin has briefly pointed out. when schools were closed. We have a The ground approach is extremely very small animal care team, making important, because it is what affects sure that the animals receive the care the top-down approach at the end of they need. We have been operating the day, especially in a democracy. So the school since July, with social I believe that you can give a thousand distancing and mask wearing and speeches to people, showcase some unfortunately this morning I found scientific data, but what is needed out that one of our interns has tested for artistes is to interpret that data positive. Today, we have to “contact to adapt to the emotional language trace” in our team. I found that most of music. As I am a musician, I know of our animal caretakers have to be that it is the heart and soul of people. quarantined for two weeks. So my I believe that it can be an amazing challenge will be to find sufficiently catalyst to drive people from just knowledgeable staff to cover for all being aware of problems to actually the people who are absent, including creating action and mitigating the myself. I will be feeding horses. For effects of these issues.  us, it is a very real challenge.

Social Sector: Panel 3 | 217 Moderator - Excellent point, Ricky Moderator - Wow, very thoughtful! Kej, you give us hope. We have Hopefully, there are less animals another question for our three guests used in scientific research. Thank - maybe Michael or Ricky Kej. Let’s you Erin Evan...interjection by see who picks it up.  Erin Evans (No there are more animals still being used in scientific Question - Given the increasing research, though there are less types awareness of citizens around the of the same species that are used in world, has there been a change in the scientific research. But many are use of animal parts for products? Now still being used.). Thank you, I stand that we are more aware, I am talking to be corrected, thank you. about industrial farming and the treatment of animals. Has someone Question - Can animal assisted noticed any change regarding the therapy help people in correction use of animal parts for products?   centers or jails? Who wants to pick it, Michael?  Erin Evans - There has been a lot of change. Whether that change is Michael Kaufmann - Let me address not incrementally leading to what that. You know the field of having we envision, I don’t know. There has animals supporting people and been a lot of change not just in terms human services in general has grown of science, from using relatively few in the last 30 years. We have increased chimpanzees in laboratory research evidence-based experiments that to using not as many. The need show how human recoveries and for the use of animals is definitely well-being can be supported. That changing, but are these flexible can happen for victims of substance changes in the long term? Well, that abuse, domestic violence, patients is something we can talk about now. suffering from illnesses or those who are incarcerated. Most domesticated animals involved in such situations

218 | Let Us Dream Conference 2020 can in a thoughtful, productive than theirilk or are behaviourally not and goal-directed way be very suited for human companionship. supportive. Animals are not a cure. That is simply not true. One can find When you work with the animals in wonderful companions in animal a therapeutic situation or in a prison, shelters. We have to start with getting they can do so much, so there should to teach children and families and be good facilitators, who really make them understand what a understand what they are doing and shelter animal has gone through, who also understand the risks to the before entering the shelter and animal and to the person. the importance of saving that life. This can slowly shift some of the Moderator  - Very good point. Thank perception.  you Michael. One more question, how do we promote and create Moderator - This is a sub-question awareness of animal adoption? for Ricky Kej. Do you believe your Someone has a creative idea of how music can make a difference in we can make people more aware of promoting wellness of animals these animals, who are in shelters, to in shelters and increasing their increase their adoption.  adoption? Do you believe there is some music or some song that could Michael Kaufmann - I have worked help them?   in animal shelters quite a lot before joining the school. There are some Ricky Kej - I think there’s been a real cultural issues here, depending collection of songs that have already on the part of the world you are been composed. Some beautiful talking of. The attitude towards videos that have been created can street and other stray animals can be seen online, which showcased the be very negative in many countries drive: ’Do not buy, but adopt’. I had still. People have the perception that adopted both my dogs. So I think shelter animals are less important musicians and artists do not need to

Social Sector: Panel 3 | 219 create music, but they also have to is not how I go about things. The lead by example in these cases. This second one is to inspire people into is what I hope for.  action, of course. You know there is a satirical philosopher called Baba Michael Kaufmann - Ricky Kej, I Diong, who said that at the end of the was particular to refer you to my day, we humans are only protecting students that we have in the school safety and love. We only love things here. We see the influence that artists, that we understand. So my idea is to musicians, Instagram and Tik-Tok make everybody fall in love with the have on them. So I think the ethics natural world, so that love will help inculcated by education and social you to figure out how to conserve change is significant.  and sustain. I think that is a more powerful approach, at least in my Erin Evans - That is right. I too have own opinion.     been looking into its use of graphics and imagery. When someone is Moderator - Here is actually an campaigning, you know a lot of interesting suggestion on a common staff happens to get public support. theme and I would love to see what There is no issue about facts, but the Michael and Dr Erin have to say care given and I think what Michael about the issue. Here is another described as emotional alignment while working with those things is Question - How can we work towards extremely necessary, for building climate change, to make it better in from the ground up, that we were ways other than policy change? What talking about. is it that we can do to help control the effect of climate change, beyond Ricky Kej -  There are always two policy and government matters? Is ways to go  about it. You know that it a question for the sociologists or one way is shaming and shoving for the artists?  people into action, which I do believe works in some ways. But this

220 | Let Us Dream Conference 2020 Erin Evan - There is all there is in change, nor is anybody going to it. It is happening and it is a thing stop you going out in cars. Nobody you can’t just put into place in order is stopping you from flying in planes to make a shift in attitude along and everybody is going around doing the way. You cannot have both, no their business as usual but COVID-19 matter what we are going to have. showed us that there is eminent Right now, we have structures in danger to you or to your loved ones. place, to incentivise no destructive People are very strong and capable in behaviour towards animals and the behavioural change and governments environment. In order to get those are strong in effecting legislation incentives, just mental, it needs to policies and even all  this content, change some attitudes. You cannot which goes against the economy. So have the one without the other. I my role is that in the most humblest think there is work being done on way, climate change needs to hire that already and my research is to the publicity of COVID-19, so that look at how people who  give genuine you can understand how to learn to care are functioning, as a consolation communicate. movement, mobilizing on common structures that are problematic and Moderator - That is a very good are engines of social justice issues. I point. Here is another question,  think it is happening already.   Question - Cities are expanding with Ricky Kej - Just to interject. more and more forests cut down In my opinion, I think the to accommodate the expanding grounded approach is an issue of population. How can we prioritize communication. Because as we know co-existence of animals with cities that climate change is the biggest and urban areas encroaching the existential, real problem we all face. natural open space around this and You know that nobody is telling much more? you not to think about behavioural

Social Sector: Panel 3 | 221 Michael Kaufmann - There are a lot of doctors involved and it also has couple of things happening. We are some bright parts.     going through one of the largest species extinction at an accelerated Ricky Kej - In India, we still have a rate, so there are many species that lot of large mammals, even large cats, would not survive habitat loss if roaming around freely, resulting in rainforests get cut down right now. regular human and animal conflicts. However, there are many other In Kerala, everybody knew that an species who are adapting quite elephant was brutally killed by the well to co-existing with us. Even in villagers, as it was encroaching into Manhattan City, there are coyotes, village land for food. So the media raccoons, dragons, hawks, bates and conveys the news that the person all kinds of other creatures, which is or villagers who killed the elephant true of all cities across the world. We need to be punished. But what we need to learn to understand that we need to do is to look inward. If we do have taken their habitat. But most of not have electricity for a few seconds, them are still here, even in many of or even the latest iPhone, because it is the urban areas. Of course, we have out of stock, we feel inconvenienced.  to do what can be done to preserve spaces. Where is all that electricity, and that lead and manganese or iron in the What has been also happening in phone coming from? From picking some parts of the world, such as in the forests, destroying the habitat Europe, is that animals that are and the elephants, which are forced threatened, such as wolves and bears,   to go out. The people who are facing are reclaiming habitat through the consequences of the elephants conservation and people are helping are taking very horrible decisions those animals. So there is a process to actually kill the animals. As of rewilding in some places. Really, humans, we need to consume less of it’s a very complicated picture with a

222 | Let Us Dream Conference 2020 everything. That is how we are going the animal fits into our world view. to protect our land.   When we talk of animals, we refer to the filthy rat in the sewer, or the Erin Evans - Due to COVID-19, our chimpanzee or a beautiful elephant. economy has been destroyed. It is But humanity is struggling with the crumbling because it is based on so role of animals in their world view. many things that we do not even As Ricky Kej mentioned, we are all need. This indicates the approach one, we are all in a life force. That is a we can take on how to address climate perception and it is good, but in our change, animal and human abuse. day-to-day struggle we face human The example you gave reminds me poverty, people who are not treated so much of factory forms in the well, and need therapy. Where do US and how animal activists often animals fit into this? I think that is a want to demonize the workers, who huge philosophical, moral, ethical, they claim are abusing the animals. spiritual and religious challenge.  I am not saying that workers are abusive of animals. The reason the Moderator - I think you are very abuse is happening is not due to the right, I am just giving a small workers’ fault alone. That is not the comment. Once, there was a mice right way to start, so maybe if you infestation in my building, big ones. can take a step back and use your I killed at least 10 mice every day in sociological imagination to explore my apartment. So I pondered - what the problems in a way that is more is the choice. Either I can kill the holistic, like looking at structures mice, or the mice would strip me of and incentivizing some of them, everything and leave me homeless. things would become clearer.         They would not care about what happens to me. So some things you MichaelKaufmann - I thinkone issue all panelists made very clear is that that we struggle with as a human race it is a very complex issue. You might is that we are really not sure where not be sure of the best solution, but

Social Sector: Panel 3 | 223 there is no perfect solution. You just almost gone extinct, but right now have to take the contradictions. It is we know that the numbers have gone very clear. up and the conservation efforts have been hugely successful. But the same Michael Kaufmann -  What you tiger campaign was not just to save said just now is so important. It is one species of the tiger. It is the apex something we teach our children predator in our forest and the forests here at our school. It is not always in the Western Ghats, which is pretty about being perfect or doing the one of the longest in our planets, right thing. When you have choices, along with the Amazon Rainforest you make wise choices and Maslow and the Indonesian Rainforest.  Hierarchy of Needs says of course, we need food, shelter and the basics If the tiger numbers go up, you know before we have luxury and move on that the entire system is working, up to a higher level. I think that in because the tiger is the apex predator our country, many people have way and is getting enough prey, the trees more than what they need, so it is have enough ground water and there time to make some informed choices is less human interaction. That is about the environment, animals, why the tiger is surviving. There is no consumerism and many things we poaching, so you know that the entire have talked about, including Ricky ecosystem is functioning, because of Kej.   which we are combating the effects of climate change. The thing is, the Ricky Kej - But no, when it comes forest cannot exist without these to the balance of nature, it is not animals and they are all important something that is entirely spiritual for our survival. That is a very or philosophical, because at the end quantifiable thing. We can showcase of the day, for example in India, we that the animals are extremely have the youth driving what they important for our survival.  call “tiger campaigns”. The tigers had

224 | Let Us Dream Conference 2020 Michael Kaufmann -  Absolutely, to ensure animal welfare? Should Ricky. One thing to take note of in we stop eating meat? You know your question is about COVID-19 that once in a while, a good steak is affecting animals. So many African perfect for me. What do you think countries have built beautiful about veganism and animal welfare? examples of ecotourism and parks Should we strive to make the whole that rely on tourism and COVID-19 world vegan?    has caused that to absolutely crash for the last seven to eight months. Erin Evans – Mostly, I want to So many places like these are really struggling to prevent poachers speak about the issues of inequality, from coming in. People who really do not have livelihoods started to because it highlights human depend on the forest species. As we have tigers in the forests that are dependency. A lot of people are really are doing well, we must always remember the people. I have a good depending not only on the economy, colleague who teaches social worker communities internationally, to but on industrialised nations for make sure that animals, particularly the wild species, are seen as assets in their welfare. That has to change in the community, not just to preserve it or the economic welfare of the order for the world to thrive. I think community. Nature can be really an important part of all that.  you need not look at veganism only Moderator - Very good point! or on what you eat, but also on what Someone has some thoughts on  veganism  and animal welfare. you wear, what cosmetics you choose Is veganism, eating only vegetables and what you watch on television. Veganism reflects an ethic of caring and imbues some kind of moral values into humans that is worth considering. If you frame veganism that way, you can see that it is central to creating a holistic ecosystem for us all. 

Social Sector: Panel 3 | 225 Moderator - That is very good. Is look at the context of what is driving there someone with a powerful people to behave that way. I am not thought on veganism?  going to blame. There are groups like homo sapiens, who are feeding Michael Kaufmann -  Ricky, before non-vegan food to homeless people. you answer, I just want to say that we That is a choice and I can’t overlay are in a public school. I mean that my kind of puritan thinking on top it is a school of 200 students and of that situation. So I agree that it is families, who come from all walks very complex. Maybe, the onus is on of life. We are not here to convince us to start agreeing and looking at anyone to adopt one lifestyle or the context and still see how we can another. We try to have many options behave in ethical ways.   in our dining hall and we definitely teach students issues like factory Ricky Kej - Actually I agree with farming and where products come both of you. You said everything from, but it is as much a presentation that I wanted to say. We just need of choices and not trying to enforce to be conscious about what we are one thing or another. Occasionally, doing, rather than telling people we have guests who are critical. what to do. We need  to make sure They ask: “How can you train these that everybody is conscious of it. I children about farm animals and have seen a bunch of videos online, how to care for them and then in the in which children are given chicken dining hall, serve them meat?. That is nuggets and they love them. Then incongruent, right?” We just say yes it they are shown that chicken nuggets is. Life is that way.  are made after killing a chick and the children cry. They delink the Erin Evans - I do not like  the idea animal that is a chick, from the food of moral purism. It’s like being made from chicken. This has been puritan in terms of morals.  I know happening. I have been speaking to that I am like an individual agency a lot of children as part of my work with individual powers and I tend to

226 | Let Us Dream Conference 2020 in India. I have seen that everybody better. We invest our energy to make is disconnected from what they are the fledgeling safe and release the doing.  bird back into the wild. It may not make much of a difference to the Children think that rice is grown in environment or to the species. But a supermarket and they know who is it makes a difference to that bird at the director of Avengers Movie, and that moment. We do not know if it who has undertaken special effects. is going to have a long life when it But nobody knows where the water is goes back into the wild, but we tried coming from. They only know about to save it. We did our best and that is it on tape. I think that is to do with the all we could do.  education system. When I went to Las Vegas, the first thing that came to Esther Delisle in closing - You my mind when I saw those fountains might have done a lot of good to was: this is a desert. Where is this the fledgeling too when you really water coming from? Then I realized served the bird. I wouldn’t think that water is coming from 2,000 kms of a better way of exchanging this. away. So, I believe everyone needs to I want to thank you all for raising be conscious about cause and effect this question and giving so many and understand exactly how their thoughtful answers and comments actions are having consequences that make us grasp these issues that on something else. That is very are complex. We see the goal, but we important.  are still trying to find the best road to get there, even as we see the light. Michael Kaufmann - Absolutely. We are just trying to figure out the You know, often what really makes tunnels to the light and I think that is a difference in our day-to-day work the main challenge for us now. I want is that we do what we can do. When to thank all of you very much. It was we save one hawk on the road, hit a great pleasure to be the moderator by a car, and then it comes into our of this panel. care, we fix its wings and make it

Social Sector: Panel 3 | 227 unsung HerOes that should be accessible to all. It should not only be exclusively for Shubbam Airre your  privilege only. Praxis Trust, New Delhi, India. So, I thought it is imperative to take After participating in a lot of activities things like public speaking, filing the which awed me, I wondered why Right to Information applications, all of them were limited to the natural health and hygiene, gender privileged, private institutions in sensitization, Model of United society, why there were no students Nations, mental health awareness from government or engineering and make them accessible to schools with access to such activities underprivileged sections of society. I and why we did not see them felt it was necessary and the bridging participating as competitors. It was of this gap was imperative.  something that used to bother me to a large extent, because I used to The idea I had was simple - to believe that access to skill training is empower somebody. It is not extremely important and something necessary that you need some resources and money. Even if you have one skill that you have been privileged enough to acquire, also the will and ability to pass it on to somebody, that is enough to bring about a change in society. That is why we establish Praxis Education Trust, working in the domain of access to education and skill learning to some sections of society.  What motivated me was the entire idea that privilege in society is something that is not questioned

228 | Let Us Dream Conference 2020 enough and I thought it was the do not have plenty of resources, the time when I had to question my fact that I have a mere skill that I own privilege and see what I can have been able to acquire as a result do with it to benefit others, because of my privilege should make me it is imperative for us to do certain willing to share it with others. I actions rather than just talk about should be willing to train others who problems. I thought that though I am do not have easy access to it. There just a student, there are certain things are so many like me who are good that I will be privileged enough to with certain skills, so if all of us get acquire and have in my life. I should together and help those who are not use them to benefit and strengthen having access, I think we can make a others. I thought my journey towards big difference. change would be successful and that is why we all started Praxis Education Here we are and I believe that you Trust. I particularly started it with know students from government five friends in February 2019 schools, gradually, are getting access and we have been successful in to these skills, which is making reaching 5,000 members until now competition fair and providing in different parts of the country. We them with valuable opportunities. are located in Bengaluru as well as I believe that it is imperative, as we Delhi, but our projects are running stand as a country for equality. We in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh should on a daily basis work towards and Jammu and Kashmir.  materializing ideas and that is what we are going to do.  We try to benefit people around us and also society in whatever we can. So Praxis has been working in I think it is essential for every young the domain of legal awareness citizen of this country to question and gender sensitivity. These his or her privilege, as to what they inequalities have been going on for can do to make a difference. The idea a long time. However, I realized that was simple - if I do not earn or even groundwork cannot happen without solid foundation, but we could

Social Sector: Panel 3 | 229 not go to the villages, rural areas, Philip Thomas schools, institutions and NGOs. We understand that we cannot bring Founder / President, Pilot for Patients (PfP) children physically for training, so - Monroe, Louisiana, USA.  it was imperative for us to make it virtual, as a result of which it can be Our pilots come from all walks accessible to a wider audience. We of life. They are doctors, lawyers, ran a virtual awareness program for farmers and many professionals all 10 days, when we gave three public coming together for the common speaking classes to our audience.  good of our patients going for specialised treatment facilities. We also started a program to We pick up patients when they are understand the rule of law. We have physically, financially, emotionally been making virtual awareness and spiritually distraught. When videos very relevant to our societal they are in their lowest hour, we lift issues, such as domestic violence and help them. This is all about us.  and manual scavenging, to make people aware of these issues, the I cannot think of a better way to spend solutions, the law behind it and the time than by helping our fellowmen. remedies. We want to make people legally aware and tell them about the role they can perform, to fight this societal issue. That is what we do.

230 | Let Us Dream Conference 2020 Our pilots fly any type of equipment four melanoma. Upon that diagnosis, from 172 single-engine, Cessnas and we knew our lives were not going to jets to transport patients for medical be the same. From that moment, our facilities up to a distance of 350 normal life that we had known as a nautical miles away. No matter how family - mom, dad and two kids - big or small the feat that you have to al was over and we were starting a accomplish in the spoke and wheel new normal. As a wife and mother, of life, it is that opportunity that God who is receiving cancer treatment gives you to come back and complete six hours away from home, being a your mission, before you are called Pilot for Patients allowed my life to home.  remain as normal as it could be for my family. It’s been 13 months since my last treatments. Now my last scan a couple of months ago is showing no cancer. There are no words to describe what I feel for the pilots that have given their time to help me and my family in my cancer journey. Their gift to us is priceless. If I could tell the pilots one thing, it would be - you have no idea how much you have positively impacted my life and my family forever. Mindy Jones PfP Patient. In October 2013, there were two tumors that were discovered in my lungs, one in each lung, which led to biopsies and the diagnosis of stage

Social Sector: Panel 3 | 231 Glenn Northcortt such a blessing. Like I said, there are not many flights that I get excited PfP Volunteer Pilot. about.  Hey, I am Glenn Northcott, a This morning I woke up at 4:45 am. I volunteer pilot with PfP, for almost was ready to go, because I knew that three years now. I got over 100 today was going to be a great day. For missions and have flown everything any pilot out there, who has not yet from gliders to Boeing – 777. I have completed a mission, I would say – to say that only flights that get me “Come ride with me on a mission. excited are the PfPs – they are just Come ride with somebody else true passion. I have been flying an because once you do one mission, airplane since I was a child. I don’t you shall realize the benefits that it want these pilots, who are using has on so many peoples’ lives. In the their airplanes and buying fuel, to Bible in Galatians, it tells us to carry spend their money on me. Well the each other’s burdens as Christians truth is, we pilots feel we’re the ones and what better way, plain and receiving the benefits, because it is simple for me than to carry them in an aeroplane, and help them to carry their burdens and improve their quality of lives? It is so evident that they are grateful and each flight is a true blessing. 

232 | Let Us Dream Conference 2020 Maribeth Holzer and inspiring. It has been okay. Our Pilots for Patients has been a blessing PfP Patient. to me.  I am Maribeth Holzer and I work When I was first diagnosed, it was for the Washington Parish School overwhelming, with all  issues we Board and live in West Monroe, got involved in at hospitals. Where Louisiana. Today, I am flying with to get transportation, where was I Philip Thomas, going to Houston going to park and deal with traffic for NDA. I was diagnosed in January in Houston? But the PfP just took with lymphoma and Philip referred care of everything. I mean, even the me to MD Anderson. I went there application was so easy and it only and still did not think that it was took me five minutes. I just faxed going to be a whole lot of worry, but it over to PfP and they took care of after the scans they said it was the everything. You can come in here follicular lymphoma stage four non- and feel just like family, because Hodgkin’s. I was a little bit nervous everybody is so warm. They will be about it. Honestly, I was a little scared sending messages sometimes, so and  the people at MD Anderson they are just coming in. I mean, PfP, have just been wonderful, warm you are definitely angels to me. I just appreciate everything you are doing for me. They have been an absolute blessing and I would recommend it for you. Having volunteered at the animal shelters and environmental NGOs since the age of 15, Ankit has founded Voiceless India in 2016. At the age of 17, he had a vision to create a change in society’s perception of non-human beings and spread

Social Sector: Panel 3 | 233 the message of climate action. In tirelessly for animals, day and night. 2018, he was recognized with a DLF Usually, it rescues the animals from Pramerica Award for social services. accidents, starting from taking them He has recently completed his BBA to hospitals to fostering, feeding and in Finance and Accountancy from meeting their medical expenses. Christ (Deemed-to-be-University) She is not only pursuing this as a in 2020. Voiceless India is a not-for- profession, but feels and lives for profit organization registered as a the cause. She says that it is her little section aid organization that aims to contribution towards the planet advocate for animal rights, veganism and that she is looking forward to and environmental sustainability, doing more. Humans cannot ignore through two categories of initiatives the existence or the need to care - Direct Impact and Awareness for animals. To lead peaceful lives, Oriented. Established in 2016, humans should learn to live in co- Voiceless India has conducted existence. seven projects to sensitize the youth and public towards animal rights, Lisa McCoon veganism and environmental issues. Pause for Parents - Parents Play for Kids Sumedha Saxena is an animal rights Hamilton, USA. activist who works as an organizer of Dehradun Animals Save Movement, which started to be an international movement. Animal Save Movement is now part of an international organization. It conducts street aswell as online activism and workshops, to make people aware of climate change and animal cruelty. She also has a group called Helping Hoomans in Delhi, which has dynamic and enthusiastic people, working

234 | Let Us Dream Conference 2020 Lisa McCoon has been leading Pause Rahul is a Bengaluru-based for Parents, a play for children’s entrepreneur. Due to his love organizations, for five years. It was to help the migrant worker, founded in 2014, in response to he maintains an online-offline caregivers of childrenwith disabilities volunteer initiative. Each group needing a break. Being a caregiver of focuses on helping migrant workers children with disabilities, any person by giving them food, transport can get extra hours, leaving their and dry provisions to sustain them personal lives aside. The Pause was if they choose to remain back and developed as a grassroots initiative, medical care. WhatsApp groups had to provide a low cost, sustainable and to be developed to accommodate safe way for families to receive rest, volunteers from various parts of the so that children could have better country. Two WhatsApp groups post outcomes.  information about migrant workers in need, which is shared, while Children are invited to participate volunteers in the same coordinates in games and activities that build reach out and provide essentials. their confidence and celebrate their This information sharing often cuts abilities. Instead of prizes, children across state borders. Harnessing the are given affirmation stickers to inter-state reach, the group provides remind them of the qualities that food to migrant workers travelling make them unique and a blessing back home by government-run to the world. In March of 2020, special trains or through bus services, in response to COVID-19, Pause reaching them at halting points. recalibrated to offer virtual rest, support, connection and fun to the families. Though it was a challenge to the team, they managed virtually, through Zoom and Facebook. 

Social Sector: Panel 3 | 235 ClOsing KeynOte Bruce Siegmund Bruce Siegmund is the Founder Executive Director of Destiny Malawi, and Director of Destiny Malawi, a Ruston, Louisiana, USA. non-profit making organization,. It has been created to help change My Dream to Change the World, by the destiny of people of Malawi, Bruce Siegmund. the residents and the visitors who become involved. Destiny Malawi I first want to thank you for inviting projects involve building schools me to be a keynote speaker here. It and homes in refugee camps and is a joy and pleasure to share with in the poor, rural villages along you the journey that I have taken in Lake Malawi. Siegmund believes in my life. Thank you for joining me. focusing on intellectual, physical What an appropriate conference for and spiritual growth to inspire the day and time that we live in. If and empower Malawian children, there was ever a good time to dream, youth and adults to envision their it is now. People all over the world respective destinies. Bruce Siegmund are giving up their dreams and are has earned a Master of Business experiencing nightmares. This is Administration in Marketing at Louisiana Tech University and has taught Marketing Courses at Grambling State University for 19 years. Currently, he’s a real estate agent and a member of the City Council in Ruston, Louisiana.

236 | Let Us Dream Conference 2020 the time to offer people hope. Let were the ones who were served by us be the people that bring hope. him. Joseph did not get bitter, he got Thank you, sponsors and organizers better through these hardships.  of this conference for all the work and  efforts that have gone into it. If I was quite a rebel and a rascal as a we get a couple of well-intentioned teenager. I started getting drunk dreamers in this conference, it will from the age of 13. I wanted people be worthy.  to like me and thought that was how I could impress them. Of course, I I would like to share my story did not work and it left me looking because it is a story of a dream that for other things to fill my empty life. was fulfilled before my eyes. I believe Shortly, before my 16th birthday, I all these dreams, but so many others had an encounter with God that left lose hope along the way. History me changed. I realized that He loved is filled with dreamers who want me and I was no longer the same to change the world. Joseph in the person, as I completely changed. I Old Testament in the Bible has an too began to love people and find amazing dream on how he was going ways to serve and help them.  to rule his family and how they were going to bow down to him. He shared I got involved in a ministry while his dream with his family and it was at my university, Louisiana Tech instrumental for him to be sold by University. It was at this time that I his brothers as a slave. He endured began  to feel that God was pulling years in jail, false accusations and me into international service and servitude and finally he was able to ministering to the poor. Mother accomplish his dreams. Ironically, Teresa and others such as her were it was the hardship that helped him inspirational, and I wanted to just do become the servant-leader, when something like her. I was on a path he finally became the number one to missionary service. ...and then I man behind the Pharoah. The very met a young lady at Louisiana Tech brothers that sold him as a slave University that I fell in love with. She dreamed like me and I was in love.

Social Sector: Panel 3 | 237 There was one problem though, she We were teaching our children at was black and it was in the mid-1980s, home. My wife was such a wonderful when there had not been any inter- mother and we figured out our dream racial relationships like that in my would happen as the children got community. My church leadership older. However, another dream killer also did not like the relationship and came in 1999. My wife succumbed to they gave me a chance to either break cancer, leaving me with six children it off with her or break off with them. aged one to 10. Who dreams when I chose her because of the faith that I all you can think of is survival? How had in God.   will I ever make it past this? Prior to her passing away, my wife and I Have you ever heard the wind knock made plans for me to join mission out your stomach? Have you ever lost trips with African Bible College in a dream while you are not alone? I Malawi, Africa, to help her doctor was completely knocked out and did medical friend to open up a brand, not know what to do. Professional new medical clinic. At 39 years and ministry had  become my dream four months after losing my wife and now it was shuttered. I began to I, headed to Malawi with my two regroup, got married and went back oldest children and left the other four to school, got an MBA in Marketing behind in the US with my parents.  at Louisiana Tech University. Then my wife and I began having babies, I was introduced in person to the wonderful babies. Sometimes two rest of the world’s needs for the first a time. We have six babies in ten time. I was moved and touched and years. You know it is hard to change wanted to do something but I also the world when all you are doing met a young Malawian lady on that is changing diapers. Although my trip, who caught my interest. We dream had died, it was a wonderful corresponded that year and one year life and I was teaching Marketing at later I was back in Malawi and getting Grambling State University.  engaged. In the summer of 2000, she came to the US and married me with

238 | Let Us Dream Conference 2020 my six children, who were 13 to 3 visited the village, along the shores years old. As excited as I was to find of Lake Malawi. My wife’s cousin and love and to marry again, everyday her husband, Madalitso, and Maggie life became a struggle for all of us. Tizifa have been helping the people Blended families take time to blend. and the children in the village for In retrospect, they could have done a number of years. It was his home a much better job in leading and village, where his father grew up serving. I am happy to say 20 years and he had come back to make a later, that we all survived and thrived difference. Most of the children were through the years.  not going to school. They wandered around the village and lakes looking But I would like to take you back to for something to do or eat. Many 2016. When I married again in 2000, of them were barely dressed and I had an encouraging thought of often hungry. There was no adult having a regular link to Malawi, being supervision, the girls were often able to make a difference in peoples’ getting pregnant at the ages of 13 or lives. It would be like a missionary’s 14, or being taken in as an additional life, but with six children, work, wife or a new wife for an older man. financial struggles and issues that They were dropping out of school needed to be watched out and because they were having babies.  cared for, , there did not seem to be much time or money to even go to Jobs for adults were hard to come Malawi. Finally, I made plans for my by, so men had to leave the village wife and I to go together in 2016 to for work, leaving the women, the visit her family and outreach work. elderly and the children behind, There were some of her  relatives in scrambling to make do. This couple Nkhotakota District, a rural area near started feeding some of the hungry Lake Malawi. It had been 10  years children. They only visited every since I had visited Malawi.   other weekend, as they were building a house near Lake Malawi, but they After visiting relatives, we joined hired some ladies to fix porridge some friends from the US and

Social Sector: Panel 3 | 239 and make sure that the children had ClOsing remArKs at least one meal a day. Then they Anita Eipe has served as a Conference decided that as the children had Host Chairperson for the Let Us nothing to do, they might as well Dream 2020 Triennial Conference. hire a teacher to teach the pre-school She is the Managing Trustee of children, with a few things, while Samantha Learning Centre in they gathered to eat. They built two Bengaluru, India. Anita Eipe has basic, primitive classrooms for the been a special educator for more children to learn, as the number of than 20 years and educates with children increased.  passion to make a difference in the lives of children with special needs as That July of 2016, I was able to see well as their parents. She also offers what Malawians had been doing counselling for caregivers at her to help Malawians, as a result, the special needs centre. Anita believes couple spent their own money and that society has a duty and we must time trying to solve problems in their fulfil our duties by being respectful, neighbourhood. They started pre- while integrating each other’s school and even held graduation productive skills for the creation of ceremonies for the children. We a better future.  were fortunate enough to participate in the graduation idea. They were doing all they could and I felt that it was as if I had an invitation from God to join them. So, although I had not been to Malawi for 10 years, I said I would be back the following year, with a team of people to help.

240 | Let Us Dream Conference 2020 Anita Eipe human, kind and respectful world for us to live in.  Conference Chairperson, Bengaluru, India. As the national chair for this conference from Bengaluru, it I quote Helen Keller: “Alone, we can was inspiring to connect with the do so little, together we can do so enthusiasts from across the world, much”. We started planning for the who like me wanted to be the change Let Us Dream International Triennial we wanted to see. Our enthusiasm conference in February, 2020. It was was infectious and we drew eminent a very different plan from what we speakers, dedicated change-makers finally put together here. When the and voluntary members from pandemic struck in March, schools countries around the world. When and businesses shut down across the we invited them to share their work world and confined people in their and passion, it was with the intention homes. We chose to use the situation of growing this drive of doers. With for the best outcomes and put our discussions focusing on education, energies into bringing the people health and social services, we learnt together virtually. What is better of possible ways to influence change, than to create an impact that reaches so that we could build communities out across all the countries of the that were rich and vibrant in world, to draw attention to the more resources and sustaining a healthy life.  It is my sincere hope that we have made an impact on your lives, with all that we have shared with you for these past three days. It is our sincere wish that you wake up tomorrow with bright, new ideas to help support and positively impact your local  community, maybe not only to sustain it, but flourish and succeed to make this world just a little better and last for time immemorial.

Social Sector: Panel 3 | 241 ClOsing Address Pauline Leonard is a former elementary teacher and educational leadership professor and administrator. She retired from her work as a professor  and department chair in the Department of Curriculum, Instruction, and Leadership at Louisiana Tech University in 2014. Pauline Leonard served on the planning committee at Louisiana Tech University’s Let Us Pauline Leonard Dream Conference since its inception International Conference Chair, Benson, Arizona, USA. in 2017. Currently, she serves as the Hello everybody. I would like to take International Chairperson of the Let a few minutes to conclude the Let Us Dream 2020 Triennial International Us Dream 2020 Triennial Virtual Virtual Conference, with just a few thoughts. It has been an exciting three International Conference. She’s also days with passionate presentations, provocative panel discussions and serving as a volunteer at Kartchner beautiful music. All the presenters have inspired us to commit, or Caverns State Park and the Nature recommit, to examine the needs of our communities and engage in Conservancy’s Ramsey’s Canyon in collaborative action. Arizona. Through her volunteering, Before we say our final goodbye, at least until the next time we meet, she wants to align her passion for either virtually or in person, I would like to share a few heartfelt thanks. nature and the environment with her love for teaching and learning.

242 | Let Us Dream Conference 2020 Firstly, my deepest gratitude goes to host conferences in your community. the international slate of presenters, If you are interested and want more unsung heroes, musicians and MCs, information, please reach out to us. who have given so generously of Our contact information is available their time and expertise, to enable on the Let Us Dream website. Until us to deliver this complimentary then, stay safe, stay well and stay conference to you. Secondly, this engaged.  event could not have happened without the help of the 100 plus ****END**** volunteers who served on the many Special Appreciation to Master of platforms and planning committees Ceremonies Sombo Chunda - all whom shared with Fr Lijo the Dream of empowered communities.  Sombo Chunda And finally, a big shout out to you for joining us. Could there be a better Doctoral Student of Public Policy and time to join virtually than during Administration at Virginia Commonwealth this COVID pandemic? We are all experiencing this global crisis, which University, Richmond, Virginia, USA. has further uncovered the far- reaching education, health, and social inequities within our communities. I truly feel that we have created time and space for discussing these current and ongoing challenges. In conclusion, we look forward to seeing you again at the 2023 triennial conference. However, don’t wait until then to join this global network. Be sure to visit us at https:// letusdream.org to find locations of next year’s local conferences. Please be reminded that you are invited to

STORY OF THE CONFERENCE JOURNEY The Genesis leaders are still emerging in every community, generation after All of us have dreams in life, but generation. Such leaders with big some of us have dreams for others hearts for others in every community - the wish to make others’ lives should be celebrated. happier, healthier and brighter. These are dreamers who sacrifice Some such stories in Monroe, their own comfort, selfish motives Louisiana, inspired Dr. Lijo Thomas and cultivate a commitment for the while he was overwhelmed by his good of society, beyond all borders DREAMS project and thought of differences. The world shares the of quitting. He wanted to initiate luminous dreams of great leaders a platform for people to come who inspired and transformed others’ together and share their stories lives through benevolence, shared of perseverance and greater ideals and aspirations. It has been commitment for the society to transformed for better every time inspire and encourage others in the because of such selfless dreamers. community, especially the youth. The legacy and continuation of Let Us Dream is an invitation to share, such solutions and other focused learn, and celebrate the diversity of

244 | Let Us Dream Conference 2020 our dreams among and around us. University, Bengaluru, India; and It invites individuals with big hearts Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. and dreams for their society and its progress. It is a platform to bridge Once the annual local community the dreams of the older generation conferences were established in and those of the young. multiple locations, Fr. Lijo realized the need to connect for global It was this desire to bring all the true networking of these local conferences, change makers of the community which was the beginning of the together that made him approach Triennial International Conference, different organizations to host the to be held once every three years. As free conference. Finally, Louisiana a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Tech University’s College of the core committee members, Dr. Education opened its doors and held Pauline Leonard, Ms. Anita Eipe the first conference on Saturday, and Mr. David Selvaraj, along with October 21, 2017, with less than 100 Fr. Lijo, decided to go completely participants and about 15 service virtual. More than 130 volunteers organizations from the North-East from different countries, with of Louisiana. Dr. Pauline Leonard, diverse cultural and professional Dr. Lindsey Keith Vincent and backgrounds, worked hard to Dr. Lynn Clark played key roles organize and plan committees and in implementing the conference make the first virtual conference a at Louisiana Tech University. By reality in November 2020, with over 2019, the Let Us Dream Annual 18,000 registrations and more than Community Conference model, 30,000 viewers. In the process of focusing on three service-oriented planning and organizing the 2020 areas - Education, Health, and Social Triennial International Virtual Let Us Work - was replicated at Binghamton Dream Conference, core committee University, New York, USA; Christ members refined the conference

Story of the conference journey | 245 vision, mission, and objectives, as Objectives: follows: • Network and Collaborate Vision (community initiatives) Empowered local communities • Bridge Knowledge (researchers for sustainable global impact and and practitioners) improvement • Introduce (community service Mission models and possibilities Glocally)  To improve international networking • Promote (community and collaboration among all those interested in community volunteerism with youth, adults, improvement organizations and programs.  and retirees) To promote volunteerism and Unique Value Propositions:  empower all those involved in local and global community Globally located but locally improvement organizations and established initiatives, including employees, volunteers, post-secondary students, Bridging researchers and researchers, and practitioners.  practitioners  To create a professional learning and global community dedicated Promoting solution-focused culture to improving local communities, by introducing diverse and creative characterized by a diverse and solutions  inclusive culture of shared researcher and practitioner knowledge, skills, Believing the vision of global theories and best practices. inclusion – global citizenship and one world  Targeting volunteers and promoting volunteerism 

246 | Let Us Dream Conference 2020 Collaborating completely  skillset requirements and the possibility of having more people Keeping it free of cost from across the world inspired the team to consider restructuring the An Insight Into The Virtual organizational design for more Organizing Committee: Working global participation, collaborations From Diverse Parts of The World and networking. The original for One Cause international planning committee became the core committee with The local conference’s organizing three conference chairs: Ms. Anita committee members are identified Eipe Mr. David Selvaraj and Dr. and invited mainly from local or Pauline Leonard. nearby communities. A typical conference planning committee There were approximately 130 consists of 10-15 members, volunteers from more than representing local universities, ten countries who joined the service organizations and community International Conference planning volunteers. Three conference chairs and organizing general committee. representing each of these groups is The large team was divided into appointed by the director for every 12 subcommittees, each of which year’s conference, anchoring on the was led by a coordinator and co- shared leadership philosophy of the coordinator, reflecting diversity of organization.  culture, nationality, experiences, and other demographic differences. Though the Triennial International Conference planning committee was The planning and organization formed and started with a similar committee was divided into three structure, the virtual conference segments hierarchically: 

Story of the conference journey | 247 PANEL THEME 1 PANEL THEME 2 PANEL THEME 3 GENERAL PANEL THEME 1 PANEL THEME 2 PANEL THEME 3 Core Committee COMMITTEE This is the apex body, one component HEALTH PANEL EXECUTIVE EDUCATION PANEL of the larger executive committee. COMMITTEE INTERNATIONAL PANEL THEME 1 PANEL THEME 2 PANEL THEME 3 NETWORKING The  conference’s core committee is TECHNOLOGY the policy and decision-making body SOCIAL PANEL CORE MEDIA & of the LUD planning organization. NATIONAL COMMITTEE MARKETING The members oversee, direct, lead, Directors & Chairs and manage conference planning NETWORKING KEYNOTE pertaining to policy making, UNSUNG HEROES Chairs & Sub SPEAKERS committee structure and member Committee CULTURAL selection, conference design and Coordinators delivery, and committee support. Core committee members seek VIDEO EDITING All Committee suggestions from subcommittee Members members regarding conference keynoters and panelists for each REGISTRATION of the three panel discussions and oversee the approval and finalization 1. Core Committee (chairs, of all speakers. representatives from local conferences and the director),  Executive Committee 2. Executive Committee (core This committee consists of core committee and all subcommittee committee members and 12 coordinators and co- subcommittee coordinators and co- coordinators)  coordinators. They meet once in two weeks to review the progress, set 3. General Committee (leadership new goals, strategize, share ideas and team of 12 wings working for planning and implementation).    To date, the committee structure consists of the following components:

248 | Let Us Dream Conference 2020 models on how to motivate the team Education, Health, and Social Sector and address challenges.  Panel Committees General Committee: The Twelve These three separate committees Branches of the Leadership Stem  take care of responsibilities related to relevant issues. They ensure that The general committee forms the true the moderator and panelists for wings and limbs of the conference’s each of the three discussion themes organizational body.  Each of these are selected, invited, and then committees comprises about 15 kept apprised of panel discussion members from diverse backgrounds expectations. Three sub-committees and nationalities who meet regularly are formed for the three-panel under the two coordinators of each themes with a team leader for committee. In the process of coming each, who ensures the smooth flow together over a four-month period of discussion. Suggested names and working towards a common goal, of moderators and panelists are committee members, consisting of shortlisted based on qualifications retirees, young professionals, college to address the topic and theme students, entrepreneurs, artists and provide proper guidance and and social workers network, grow personalized attention to each and learn beyond the conference. panelist. Most of these members shared this opportunity to develop a more National and International Network  collaborative and inclusive mindset and leadership style. These two committees promote and facilitate networking and

Story of the conference journey | 249 collaboration, although they and selfless service to humanity. One Unsung Hero is identified for each work independently. They day, based on an evaluation criterion for unbiased rating and selection. recruit and continually connect The approved unsung heroes are then invited to share their stories at with international partners and the conference. organizational representatives for Media and Marketing/Promotion  conference planning, decision- Promotional materials, including brochures, posters and videos making and addressing questions are created and shared via social media and conference websites and solutions. and platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, Linked In, and Twitter. Technology They are shared with sponsors and partner organizations, members Leaders examine and evaluate and contacts. Keynote presenters, web-based conference platforms, panelists, and moderators, and selecting the most suitable platforms Unsung Heroes were requested to for delivery. They plan and prepare help promote the conference via for the technical aspects and enable their mailing lists and social media technology training for all presenters, sites. panelists, moderators and panel team leaders in advance. Unsung Heroes Outstanding individuals have made a significant contribution and difference through their commitment, dedication, sacrifice,