Supported by a Latin American and Caribbean-specific grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, KFLA held a gathering in San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas, México from June 24th-27th. Our goal: providing a space for Mexican fellows to discuss specific issues in their country, strengthen alliances, and develop tangible projects in their local communities.
Mexico 2015: Alliances and Sustainable Development Initiatives for Human Rights was a local, dynamic, engaging and productive event, filled with inspiring presentations, workshops and networking opportunities for the 40 Mexican fellows in attendance.
The main focus of this gathering was to leverage and strengthen local connections between fellows and to demonstrate how the KFLA network can aid that process through technology and human resources. The common sentiments expressed by the fellows throughout and after the event included the importance of the exchange of ideas and goals, the possibility of enhancing results through networking and the relevance of the KFLA network in their lives and work. Most importantly, 23 specific projects/goals of expanding the connectivity and work of this regional network were discussed, noted and already started to be developed by these Mexican fellows. (Click here for the attendees' summary of their goals [Spanish] »)
The keynote session and workshops touched on topics such as solidarity, immigration issues, human rights, sustainable development, team building, interpersonal communication, fund acquisition proposals and project development. Kellogg fellow Raul Murguia, National Coordinator of the Small Grants Programme Development of the United Nations, offered a post-event 6 hour workshop for those interested on how to develop and apply for grants for the United Nations, Global Environment Fund in Mexico.
We couldn't be more thrilled with the event and the connectivity and collaboration outcomes that are starting to show up, as part of the vision and mission of the Kellogg Fellows Leadership Alliance Network: to impact the Kellogg Fellows' worldwide network by creating and supporting community engagement and collective action through collaboration and partnership.