Culture - Beacon of the Future (Praeger Studies on the 21st Century).

By D. Paul Schafer.  “Preface: There is mounting evidence to suggest that culture will play a powerful role in the world of the future. One evidence of this is the growing importance of culture in individual, institutional, community, national and international affairs, as confirmed by the creation of a World Commission on Culture and Development and a World Decade for Cultural Development by UNESCO and the United Nations. Another is the increased use of terms like global culture, corporate culture, media culture, political culture, social culture, and environmental culture in public discourse. A third evidence is the commitment of many educational institutions to departments, courses and chairs in cultural studies. A final evidence is the predication of a number of scholars and statesmen that the world is entering a period of cultural conflict and confrontation, characterized by 'the clash of cultures and civilizations.'

Clearly much more will have to be known about culture in general and cultures in particular if culture and cultures are to play a constructive rather than destructive role in the world. On the one hand, this means dealing with culture and cultures as concepts, particularly as this manifests itself in theories, ideas, ideals and definitions. On the other hand, it means dealing with culture and cultures as realities, especially as it manifests itself in the development of cultures, a cultural interpretation of history, the cultural life of the individual, the community, the state and the world, and the art of cultural development and policy.

Dealing with culture and cultures as concepts and realities makes it possible to examine real and ideal situations, as well as to profit from the age-old adage that theory informs practice and practice informs theory. It is the author's hope that this highly interactive and exploratory approach to the problem will help to broaden and deepen collective knowledge and understanding of two of the most evocative but elusive terms imaginable. For if one overriding conclusion emerges from this intensive probe into culture and cultures, it is that culture and cultures have a crucial role to play in human affairs, environmental sustainability and global well-being in the future, particularly when they are dealt with in positive and holistic terms and the proper precautions and safeguards are taken…”

Text and photograph courtesy The World Culture Project, a partner and Cooperating Organization with dgCommunity Culture and Development.

Announcing the National Geographic GLIMPSE Correspondents Program

If you are a talented storyteller; specialize in writing, photography or video; and will be living or studying abroad in Fall 2008, this is your opportunity! As a Glimpse Correspondent, you will receive a $600 stipend, a professional editor, and the opportunity to be published in National Geographic Glimpse. The application will be ready in mid-May. . .

Added by  Anuradha Bhattacharjee  May 8, 2008
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Overview - amFAR MSM Initiative

“MSM have been largely ignored by both social and public health structures in many countries for too long,” stated a recently published study in the journal PLoS Medicine. While available data indicate a widespread threat that could devastate MSM populations around the world, HIV transmission among MSM is still not tracked in most countries. A P. . .

Added by  Anuradha Bhattacharjee  May 8, 2008
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Current Impacts to Indigenous Nomadic Peoples of South Asia

The indigenous nomadic peoples of South Asia - including Baluch, Banjara, Bhil, Charan, Gujar, Jat, and Nandiwalla - have traditionally occupied a unique place within the larger South Asian society. Often subsisting on the outskirts of major society, they have played an essential role in the larger economic and social functioning of South Asian soc. . .

Added by  Peter Jones  May 8, 2008
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Current List of Tribal Historic Preservation Officers

As of April 15, 2008, there are 76 National Park Service recognized Tribal Historic Preservation Officers (THPOs). These Native American tribes have assumed the responsibilities of the State Historic Preservation Officers for their tribal lands. These 76 sovereign governments have a land base exceeding 34 million acres spannning 24 states. THPOs. . .

Added by  Peter Jones  May 8, 2008
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The Women’s Affairs Technical Committee - Palestine

The Women’s Affairs Technical Committee was founded in Jerusalem in 1992 as one of the technical teams formed to support the peace negotiations. In addition, it was intended to be part of the organization and infrastructure building of a future Palestinian state, to integrate gender into all preparatory work in support of the peace process, and to . . .

Added by  Anuradha Bhattacharjee  May 7, 2008
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Violence against Women Primary Database Report - Afghanistan

Violence against women (VAW) is an issue affecting women around the world indiscriminate of their age, social strata, education level or religious affiliation. The situation in Afghanistan may be more distressing as the majority of citizens are not aware of their rights. War contributes towards entrenchment of violence in the society which affe. . .

Added by  Anuradha Bhattacharjee  May 7, 2008
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Legal Aid Referral Centre Pamphlet: Jalalabad

Author: UNIFEM Afghanistan. No. of pages: 3. Publication date: March 2008 Languages: English, Dari, Pashto. The referral centre is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Women's Affairs and the Ministry of Interior. The centre is staffed by female professionals who provide assistance and support to women by giving information on legal issues, e. . .

Added by  Anuradha Bhattacharjee  May 7, 2008
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Inspiring Nepal to Support Peace Initiatives & Reconciliation Education (INSPIRE)- Nepal (Equal Access)

Inspiring Nepal to Support Peace Initiatives & Reconciliation Education (INSPIRE). INSPIRE weaves critical issues faced by Nepalese youth during the current peace process into a number of EA's current radio programs. By adapting and expanding the innovative combined radio and leadership training projects mentioned above, and by creating a youth li. . .

Added by  Anuradha Bhattacharjee  May 7, 2008
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Chatting With My Best Friend - Youth Life Skills Program in Nepal (Equal Access)

More than 1000 self-formed youth listening clubs and millions of young people tune in each week to "Chatting with My Best Friend" (Saathi Sanga Manka Kura), our youth chat radio show produced in partnership with UNICEF, that engages listeners in discussions with the hosts-the best friends-about how to negotiate relationships, continue their educati. . .

Added by  Anuradha Bhattacharjee  May 7, 2008
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At Home and Abroad: A Safe Migration Initiative (Equal Access)

The need for sources of income in rural Nepal is acute, and in response to limited economic opportunities and socio-political conflict in their country, between 60,000 to 1.2 million Nepali men migrate to India every year in search for jobs. Not only do migrant men often have high-risk sexual behaviors, but Mumbai, a popular destination for Nepales. . .

Added by  Anuradha Bhattacharjee  May 7, 2008
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