We Can END HUNGER BY JEFFREY D. SACHS AND PEDRO A. SANCHEZ
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2004 HEIFER AT 60 WHERE WHERE WE’VE BEEN WE’RE GOING HORIZONS|HOPE FOR OUR FAMILY
Dear his is a very special time for Heifer were better adapted to local conditions International. We are celebrating and less expensive to transport. Friends … our 60th anniversary—60 years In 1971, Heifer bought the Ranch near since we fi rst began helping Perryville, Ark., and moved our head- By Jo Luck Tpeople simply by giving them the tools to quarters to Little Rock. During the 1980s, President and CEO help themselves. the opening of country offi ces accelerat- As I’ve traveled around the world, this ed, and we started publishing our Holiday is what I’ve learned, what we all have Gift Catalog, featuring the animals we use learned: Our project participants make in our work. We also began to emphasize their own success; we don’t have to do it sustainable agriculture and gender equity. As I have for them. All they need are resources and I was thrilled to come aboard as traveled the training to best use those resources. director of Global Services in 1989. As I Take, for example, the village of Kisinga became more familiar with Heifer’s work, around the in Uganda. In 1991, Heifer gave 115 I felt it was vital to improve management world, this dairy goats to 104 families and provided and the accountability of our programs. training in their care. Thirteen years later, The year 1990 was pivotal. The Heifer is what I’ve families are still passing on their fi rstborn board established the Heifer International learned, what goats to other families, and the village Foundation to teach people about planned we all have has prospered through the sale of milk giving and build an endowment for the from the goats. Not only has nutrition future. We also defi ned 12 “Cornerstones,” learned: improved, but also these families have the principles that guide our work. Our project been able to build decent homes and send In 1992, I had the privilege of being their children to school. named president and CEO of Heifer In- participants As these Heifer project participants ternational. We grew greatly in the 1990s, make their have received, they’ve given. Their success and we entered the 21st century knowing own success. has helped others take hold of their future, that to achieve our goals of ending hunger giving them hope and dignity. and caring for the earth, we needed to ed- Heifer has grown since 1944, not only ucate people. A year ago we broke ground in size and in the number of families we’ve for the Heifer International Center, our helped, but also in our vision of how to new headquarters and teaching center. end hunger. In the 1940s, Heifer shipped Now we celebrate 60 years of hard, livestock to replenish war-torn Europe fruitful work. But more importantly, and Japan. By the late 1940s and during Heifer is looking ahead. Our Hope for the 1950s, we had begun moving further the Future Campaign seeks to help lift into the developing world. millions more people out of poverty up As Heifer’s experience grew, our to self-reliance. “Dream no little dreams,” methods changed. Giving animals wasn’t said Heifer founder Dan West. enough; we had to teach the recipients Throughout our history, Heifer’s how caring for their animals would in- dream has been to end world hunger. crease their production. Our work has taught us we can make this We learned as much as we taught. Many dream a reality. Won’t you join us? of the things Heifer learned prompted us to change our practices. One example: In- P.S. Wonderful news! As this issue stead of shipping livestock from of World Ark prepared to go to press, we America to recipients, we be- learned that Heifer International had been gan more often to choose named the 2004 recipient of the Conrad breeds from the project N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize. For more countries because they information, please see Page 17. North America Central and Eastern Europe
Africa Asia PREVIEWI wanted to create Mother Teresas and WORLD ARK Nelson Mandelas. I wanted students to care Latin America NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2004 “ and Caribbean about something other than themselves. —Daun Brown, high school teacher and Heifer volunteer” 6 38
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We Can End World Hunger: Cowboys Remember 34 Here’s How 6 By Sharon Blair By Jeffrey D. Sachs and Pedro A. Sanchez Seagoing cowboys and air attendants recall their experiences For the fi rst time, the end of abject poverty is within reach, say two accompanying Heifer shipments of livestock. leading thinkers on the economics of international development. Sheep Change Lives in Poland 38 Heifer’s Promise 14 By Darcy Kiefel By Tom Peterson The gift of sheep helps Polish farmers fi nd their footing in the As Heifer International celebrates its fi rst 60 years, the chaos that followed the collapse of the Soviet Union. organization pledges to help millions achieve greater self-reliance in the fi rst decade of the 21st century. Five Things to Remember 50 Heifer Foundation offers suggestions for your end-of-the-year How Heifer Grew 18 charitable giving. By Jennifer Shumaker and Scott Morris Cover: Patricia (left) and Rosa, daughters of Heifer project partner Colleta Otieno in Heifer’s fi rst overseas shipment of cattle set sail in 1944. Over Kenya, are healthier thanks to milk given by their goat. Photo by Darcy Kiefel the next 60 years, the work evolved, but the focus remained—and remains—on helping people help themselves. DEPARTMENTS Dan West: Prophet of Peace 23 Letters/Feedback From Our Readers 2 By Sharon Blair For the Record Bees Give a Boost 4 Heifer’s founder was a visionary who pictured a world without The Most Important Gift Catalog in the World hunger. But Dan West was also a practical farmer who fi gured out 25 Mixed Media Reviews a down-to-earth way to achieve his lofty goal. 37 Heifer Spirit Heifer Wows Orange County Fair 41 “A Glorious Journey” Heifer Bulletin Read to Feed Challenge Goes National 45 33 Calendar of Events By Lauren Wilcox 48 Thurl Metzger guided Heifer as it grew from a small volunteer Travel With a Purpose 49 endeavor to a global network of programs and organizations. Refl ection “Force of Nonviolence” by Colman McCarthy 52 www.heifer.org November/December 2004 | WORLD ARK 1 LETTERS|FEEDBACK FROM OUR READERS
Plants Are Good, Too the global HIV/AIDS pan- I notice there seems to be demic will affect you directly some shift toward crops in the years to come?” Fol- in your recent literature. lowing is one response. However, my most recent gift was toward bee A Bright Star cultivation, which seems I do believe we shall all to be the only option I be deeply affected across had other than animals. the world unless the I realize that the very United States applies the name of the organization money, time and humane (Heifer International) has kindness to begin reach- to do with animals, but it ered stoves and lamps, and First, Think ing out across the globe seems to me that a shift add income through the Sherri White’s essay “First, to educate, empower and to vegetables and grains sale of milk, cheese, eggs, Do No Harm” [July/August enlighten the people of would be a more eco- etc. We only give animals World Ark] struck a chord Africa. In the pursuit of friendly way to go. to project participants who with me. I grew up in Ar- our mindless consumerism Richard Major can demonstrate that they kansas and went straight and indiscriminate use of E-mail have mastered the neces- away to college in Ohio. As the planet’s resources, we sary training and can pro- I was crossing a street in seem to have forgotten we Editor’s Note vide adequate fodder to the company of an African- are our brother’s keeper. Wherever Heifer works keep their livestock, and American student my first We should look inward around the world, we oper- their land, in good shape. day on campus, we were to find the divinity and ate in complex, biodiverse Methane-powered stoves targeted with racial slurs grace that is within us all environments that include and lamps, in particular, from passing “townies.” I and begin to recognize the people, wildlife, plants and have multiple benefits. They was shocked because I sanctity of all human be- habitats. All are interrelat- reduce dependence on had thought this only hap- ings. Only then shall we ed, and as good stewards smoky cooking fires, which pened in the South. find peace and preserva- of the earth we must re- can cause illnesses, and Sherri’s essay was a tion for God’s children and spect the needs and com- they lessen the pressure wonderful reminder that the planet, this place we patibilities of each of these on subsistence farmers to all hurtful words hurt re- call home. pieces to keep the ecosys- clear forests for fuel. gardless of the speaker’s Heifer is the bright star tem healthy. Of course, we recognize intention, and that “regur- in our galaxy right now. I Livestock are invaluable that, as Mr. Major suggests, gitated prejudice” perpetu- wish we could all form a in the effort to help strug- no single solution suits ev- ates that hurt. Thank you chain of hands around the gling families become self- ery situation. That’s why we for your gentle but firm re- world, Heifer hands. reliant for food and income. encourage activities such minder. And thank you for The earth is finite, the Families around the world as tree planting and bee- being the loving mother people fragile in many ar- ask Heifer International keeping. your child deserves. eas. Sharing our wealth for animals because they Heifer project partici- Ruth (Be) Young with the disenfranchised supplement inadequate di- pants also address environ- West Chester, Pa. and poor would seem the ets, provide a capital asset mental concerns such as E-mail Christian thing to do. whose offspring can be sold erosion, soil fertility, pollu- Communities and cultures once the recipient has tak- tion and watershed condi- Editor’s Note are precious resources. In en part in “Passing on the tions by terracing hillsides, Several readers responded the family of man, each Gift,” provide draft power, adding compost to their to the “Q&A” published in and every one has some- provide manure for natural gardens and participating in the July/August World Ark, thing to add to the sacred fertilizer and methane-pow- water monitoring projects. which asked, “Do you think balance. May we progress
2 November/December 2004 | WORLD ARK www.heifer.org into the future to create a through the sale of grains Currently, the federal cash healthy and happy world for and livestock. The garden subsidies are set at $19 all peoples. We shall only provided food for the table. billion per year, but in years PRESIDENT/CEO do that when we rise to Father supplemented the when prices are low, Con- Jo Luck more noble aspirations. family income by buying, gress is quick to uncap lim- Kathleen Long feeding and selling live- its, as happened during the Boise, Idaho stock. period from 1999 to 2001. 1015 Louisiana St. By the 1980s, when the During those three years, Little Rock, AR/USA 72202 Editor’s Note farm had changed hands according to a U.S. Depart- E-mail: [email protected] The following readers re- within the family for 100 ment of Agriculture website, sponded to the “Q&A” pub- years, it no longer support- direct payments to farmers PUBLISHER lished in the September/ ed a family of four with two reached nearly $95 billion. Tom Peterson October World Ark, which boys in college. More till- Most of that went to Big COMMUNICATIONS asked, “Are small farms able land was rented, the Farm. DIRECTOR worth saving?” mother took work in town Big subsidies guarantee Michael Haddigan and the father did long-dis- profits, so Big Farm can cut EDITOR Yes, If ... tance trucking in winter. To- prices and keep them artifi- Jan Cottingham If they can produce high- day the owners will soon cially low. Yes, cheap food ASSOCIATE EDITOR quality food and sell their retire and are eager to sell, benefits consumers in the Scott Morris food to my family at an af- most likely in two separate short run, but long term, GRAPHIC DESIGNERS fordable price and in an packages: the land to one artificially low prices drive Pooi Yin Chong easily accessible way (I buyer and the house to an- small farmers here and Grace Domagala-Zobkov don’t have time and don’t other. The era of small fam- abroad out of business— John Houser want to burn the gas to get ily farms is over in the Unit- with all the negative con- WRITERS to an out-of-the-way place; ed States. sequences your article de- Sherri White grocery stores are most Heifer is doing the right scribes. So if we want to en- Lauren Wilcox economical), and protect thing. Farming is right for courage small farmers and PRODUCTION MANAGER the environment in the developing countries. restrain Big Farm, we need Marleen New same way all farms must Lydia Pokrass to ask who benefits from do, yes, they deserve to be Ashburn, Va. those government subsi- Heifer International in business just like every- E-mail dies. I hope to read more publishes World Ark one else. about this vitally important bimonthly for donors and Should people in the Examine Subsidies topic in your publication. friends. Heifer has helped U.S. pay a lot more for food In your excellent article on Bill Bianchi millions of impoverished families worldwide become to subsidize a small farm? small farms [“Small Farms: Chicago more self-reliant through the Let them decide—give Sustaining Agriculture,” Sep- gift of livestock and training them this option at the gro- tember/October World Ark], World Ark welcomes com- in their care. A non profit cery store with labeling. you rightly emphasized the ments from readers. Heifer organization rooted in the Can the world be fed with danger of the growing con- International reserves the Christian tradition, Heifer small farms alone? No. centration of food produc- right to edit letters to the works for the dignity and well-being of all people. Deb Rasby tion in this country into the editor for clarity, gram- Columbus, Neb. hands of fewer and larger matical errors, spelling and Heifer is a member of InterAction. Federal employees may designate gifts E-mail farms. space. Please include a to the Combined Federal Campaign by However, it’s no secret telephone number or e-mail writing in #0315. Heifer International is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization Too Late to Try that the growth of Big Farm address so we can confi rm and gifts to Heifer are tax deductible I grew up on a Midwest- has been largely encour- your identity. Our address is and are used as designated until ern farm in the 1920s that aged by our government’s in the box at right. current needs of those projects are met. Further gifts are applied to provided for a large family huge crop subsidy program. similar projects so that gifts begin helping people immediately. www.heifer.org November/December 2004 | WORLD ARK 3 4 Graphic by Kirk Montgomery tropical forest close to their crops,” according to a crops,” to according their to forest close tropical the fi help increase coffee production, a study says. The study study The says. astudy production, coffee help increase report in the journal journal the in report often raze forests to plant coffee. Researchers “hope “hope coffee. Researchers plant to forests raze often and percent 20 to up by yield increasing shrubs, coffee farm incomes by up to 7 percent. Large coffee growers growers coffee Large percent. 7 to up by incomes farm nearby cross-pollinate forests’ bees the found that Bees who live in tropical forests near coffee farms November/December 2004 nd will help persuade coffee farmers to conserve conserve to farmers coffee persuade help will nd Europe &Central Asia Casualties FromConflict Source: UNDevelopment Program, 2003 Central &Eastern FOR THERECORD ai America& Latin Sub-Saharan atAsia& East Caribbean REGION Pacific States South Africa Arab Asia Nature. | . 1.5 1.0 0
WORLD ARK Bees have suffered Give a Boost I N MILLIONS, 1990-1999 The poorest 0.5 the most
“Our gustatory industries treat food items like spoiled little celebrities, celebrities, like items little food spoiled treat industries “Our gustatory Reader: TheFuture Community, andReader: ofCulture, theLand, Norman Wirza, published by the University Press ofKentucky, 2003. Press University bythe published Wirza, Norman zipping them around the globe in luxurious air-conditioned cabins, cabins, air-conditioned inluxurious globe the around them zipping food, growing what I need or getting it from local, you-pick orchards and and orchards you-pick local, from it getting or Ineed what growing food, our farmers market.” heritage makes me blush and turn down tickets to that particular particular tothat tickets down turn blushand makes me heritage circus. I’d rather wed my fortunes to the sturdy gal-next-door kind of kind gal-next-door sturdy tothe I’dcircus. myfortunes wed rather breaking the bank on advertising, for heaven’s sake. My farm-girl heaven’s for sake. farm-girl My advertising, on bank the breaking dressing them up in gaudy outfits, spritzing them with makeup and Bureau. Japan faces a likely 20 percent drop, the study says. percent study 20 the drop, alikely faces Japan Bureau. to a new study. Low birth rates, struggling economies and economies and struggling rates, anew study.to birth Low 55 percent. Overall, world population is expected to rise 45 increase, from 293 million now to 420 million by2050. million now 420 to million 293 from increase, percent to 9.3 billion. percent billion. 9.3 to countries, according to the private Population Reference Population private the to according countries, stifl will on immigration curbs developing countries despite their higher rates of AIDS ofAIDS rates higher their despite developing countries and infant mortality, with the growth rate there reaching sia—will lose population between now and 2050, according according now 2050, between and population lose sia—will The amount ofmoneythat The the poorest 57 poorest the 1percent richest the percent make.percent people make equals what each year of the world’sof the Ups and Downs In contrast, the United States should see a 43 percent a43 should see United States the contrast, In Many industrialized nations—including Japan and Rus- Most of the world’s population growth will come in the —Barbara Kingsolver, from —Barbara e growth in many developed many in e growth The Essential Agrarian Agrarian TheEssential www.heifer.org edited by Graphic by Kirk Montgomery Plant They could even be used to power laptops, providing a providing laptops, topower used evenbe could They www.heifer.org Baldo of the Massachusetts Institute ofTechnology. Institute Massachusetts ofthe Baldo from spinach. The biologically based solarcells, based which biologically The spinach. from portable source of green energy. energy. ofgreen source portable and cheap to manufacture, says Marc co-creator electrical cells that are powered by plant proteins proteins byplant powered are cells that electrical convert light into electrical energy, should be effi shouldbe energy, intoelectrical light convert cient Researchers in the United States have made havemade States United inthe Researchers ieepcac HIVprevalence Life expectancy and HIV/AIDSRates Expectancy Life SELECTED SUB-SAHARANAFRICANCOUNTRIES Republic Central African Zimbabwe Zambia Malawi Swaziland Mozambique Lesotho ** Source:UNAIDS, 2004 2004 HumanDevelopment Index * Lastestavailable verifiable data, into incorporated 902002* 1990
33.9 56.6 32.7 47.4 37.8 45.7 35.7 55.3 38.5 43.1 36.3 53.6 39.8 47.2
Power 24.6% 16.5% 14.2% 38.8% 12.2% 28.9% 15-49** ages In percent, 13% That Daily China’s Geological Survey Bureau, cited excessive pumping pumping excessive cited Bureau, Survey China’s Geological of Beijing, Chinese geologists say, according to the say, the to according geologists Chinese of Beijing, of groundwater, exploration of geothermal resources resources ofgeothermal exploration of groundwater, more than 6.6 feet since the early 1900s, Zhang was quoted was Zhang 1900s, feet 6.6 early since the more than Shanghai, Tianjin and Taiyuan the hardest—each sinking sinking hardest—each the Taiyuan and Tianjin Shanghai, as saying. phenomenon The hit has construction. increased and sinking, including the capital “Universal responsibility is the best foundation foundation best isthe responsibility “Universal Cities across China are are China across Cities world peace, the equitable useofournatural peace, equitable world the newspaper. Zhang Hongtao, deputy director of director deputy Hongtao, newspaper. Zhang future generations, the proper care for the the for care proper the generations, future Six million children millionchildren Six under the ageunder the of5 result ofhunger.result die every year as a die every both for our personal happiness and for andfor happiness ourpersonal for both resources, and, through a concern for for aconcern and,through resources, environment.”—The Dalai Lama
It’s Not in the Bag Sinking Environmental groups estimate that that estimate groups Environmental 500 billion to 1 trillion plastic bags are are bags plastic 1trillion to billion 500 used worldwide every year. Americans year. worldwide every Americans used year—or about 425 bags for every for every bags about 425 year—or use about 14 billion of the bags every every about bags 14 ofthe use billion American. Plastic bags take 10 to 20 years to decompose. to years November/December 2004 Feeling |
WORLD ARK China
5 We Can End
6 November/December 2004 | WORLD ARK www.heifer.org World Hunger By Jeffrey D. Sachs and Pedro A. Sanchez
Photos by Darcy Kiefel Heifer International Photojournalist
frica is hungry A and getting hungrier—as are parts of Asia, Latin America and Eastern Europe. At a time of heightened international tensions, hunger is especially insidious because the societies it affl icts are markedly more vulnerable to disease, political instability, economic paralysis and environmental degradation.
(Continued on page 8)
www.heifer.org November/December 2004 | WORLD ARK 7 Every great challenge confronting us, but especially the challenges of hunger and poverty, can be solved because, for the first time in human history, we have the know-how and the resources to do it at modest cost with enormous long-term benefit.
Drought and tick-borne Indeed, the world now careens from crisis world, while the scale of the fi nancial help disease in livestock to crisis at such dizzying speeds that there from rich nations is too limited to make a made farming diffi cult seems to be little time to think about solu- breakthrough. The United States is spend- in Zambia (previous tions, much less implement them. ing about $450 billion for the military to page). Oliver Simoonga Still, in spite of these very real problems, defend it against global threats but only (in white shirt) was we are optimists. Not naïve optimists, but about $13 billion to fi ght the underlying part of a group that ones who base our confi dence on facts. conditions of poverty, disease and despair received draft animals The truth is that the key problems we face that provide the breeding grounds for these and training from Heifer, are indeed solvable. Every great challenge threats. enabling him to improve confronting us, but especially the challenges It’s possible to add up what fi nancial his crop yields and his of hunger and poverty, can be solved resources would actually be needed from livelihood. because, for the fi rst time in human history, rich countries to help end extreme poverty we have the know-how and the resources and set today’s unstable societies—Ethiopia, Reliable water to do it at modest cost with enormous long- Kenya, Haiti, Bolivia, Afghanistan and sources are crucial to term benefi t. dozens like them—on their way to self- subsistence farmers, The world is racked by instability resulting sustaining economic growth. By helping especially in areas from “failed states,” places where hunger, these countries work their way out of extreme where the rains often death and disease fl ourish and where young poverty, we would also enable them to become fail. Laborers (above) people face poverty, mass unemployment, good neighbors and trading partners instead put in an irrigation ditch lack of education and hopelessness. These of havens of terror, disease, unwanted mass in Sicuani, Peru. conditions arise and persist where societies migration and drug traffi cking. suffer from the lack of health clinics, a shortage of schools and teachers, lack of The Consensus on Health rural roads and the like. Struggling countries ust a few years ago, the Commission on need major investments in social services JMacroeconomics and Health for the and infrastructure but lack the resources to World Health Organization brought togeth- make those investments themselves. er a bunch of hardheaded fi nance types The result is a poverty trap in which solv- with the softhearted folks of public health able poverty worsens because the basic in- to see how best to confront the health di- vestments needed to overcome it are beyond sasters of the poor world and how much the means of the countries of the developing it would cost. [Editor’s Note: Jeffrey Sachs
8 November/December 2004 | WORLD ARK www.heifer.org chaired the commission.] The worlds of fi - nance and public health rarely intersect, much less brainstorm together. At the beginning, the fi nance folks were wont to blame the poor for much of their misery: “If only they would stop squandering money through corruption and mismanage- ment, they’d have better health care.” The public health people tended to look at the problem from the opposite point of view: “If only the poor weren’t so sick all of the time, they’d have the energy and wherewithal to earn their way out of poverty.”
itself, could save about 8 million people Nang Mayang (left), a each year in the poorest countries, many of Heifer project partner whom are children dying before their fi fth in the Philippines, says birthday. Moreover, saving these lives would income derived from actually slow the world’s population growth the gift of a goat made as poor families choose to have many fewer it possible for her children in response to higher survival son Ricky to get the rates. education that qualifi ed So how much would it cost? About $25 him for a good job with billion annually from the rich world could the Philippine navy. pay for a massive attack on AIDS, tubercu- losis, malaria, vaccine-preventable diseases A woman in and unsafe childbirth, among other killer Mozambique (above) conditions. prepares maize for the family’s daily meal. We could save the lives of the world’s African farmers often poorest people at the cost of just struggle to raise crops After much hard work, the commission 10 cents for every $100 of income. in depleted soil. reached a consensus. It found that the health crisis in Africa and other impoverished That $25 billion seems like a lot until regions was indeed causing a poverty trap. one realizes that the rich world—the Massive proportions of the poor are sick and United States, Canada, Western Europe, dying, and sick people are unable to generate Japan, Australia and New Zealand—has an income and pay taxes. Without household annual income of about $25 trillion, so we incomes and with bankrupt governments, are talking about one one-thousandth of health systems have collapsed and epidemics our annual income. are running unchecked. To break this vicious This means that we could save the lives cycle, rich countries would have to help. of the world’s poorest people at the cost of But the question remained: Could the just 10 cents for every $100 of income. Since rich countries afford it? The answer was both we can obviously afford it, how can we in surprising and welcome. The commission good conscience refuse to accept this duty, found that the rich world, at a tiny cost to especially given that the misery affl icting www.heifer.org November/December 2004 | WORLD ARK 9 To lift Africa and the poor is now washing up on our own This situation can be remedied, but only shores in so many ways? if African governments and the donors that the other troubled support them wake up to basic agricultural regions out of A Green Revolution facts of life. Instead of shipping food aid to their misery, rich t is important to acknowledge that Africa, donors should be helping African Iimproved health care for impoverished farmers achieve their own Green Revolu- countries must people is not enough for the kind of world- tion. Last July, at the time of the African help them make wide breakthrough that we should seek. To Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, major investments help Africa, our poorest continent, and all U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan called the other tortured regions of the developing for a 21st Century African Green Revolu- in schools, roads, world escape from their economic and so- tion. He is absolutely right. It can be done, power, water, cial misery, rich countries must assist them and indeed it must be done if Africa is to in tackling a whole range of development get out of its poverty trap. The key interven- sanitation and more. issues. As in the case of health, developing tions are modern, ecologically sound agri- countries must make detailed plans to scale cultural science, backed by investments in up investments in agriculture, and request Africa’s rural infrastructure. that the donor countries fulfi ll their prom- An African Green Revolution for the ise to fi nance well-designed programs. 21st century requires fi ve science-based One of the chief causes of Africa’s components, all of which are missing in troubles can be found in the fact that it was much of Africa today. First, African farmers bypassed by the Green Revolution of the need soil nutrients, whether by mineral 1970s and 1980s. The big push in agriculture fertilizers or “green fertilizers” in the form that allowed India, China and other parts of of manure, nitrogen-fi xing trees and cover the developing world to escape the trap of crops. extreme poverty, disease and famine for the Second, African farmers need reliable most part did not happen in Africa. water sources, especially in places where the Three numbers tell the story. rains often fail. This must be accomplished First, food production per person through small-scale irrigation and water- in Africa in 2000 was down by 7 harvesting schemes. percent compared with 1980. This Third, African farmers need improved is in contrast with India, where food germplasm—seeds of crop and tree varieties production increased by 28 percent and livestock breeds—all highly productive over this period, and China, where and well adapted to local climate and pest it was 82 percent higher. Second, constraints. fertilizer use in Africa averaged Fourth, African farmers need much about 23 kilograms per hectare in more effective agricultural extension ser- 2002, compared with 100 kilograms vices, to help farmers adopt state-of-the-art in India and 278 kilograms in China. technologies generated by partnerships be- tween farming communities and a stronger Instead of shipping food aid to agricultural research system. Africa, donors should be helping Fifth, the most vulnerable groups— African farmers achieve their pregnant and nursing mothers, children own Green Revolution. younger than 2 years old and those in schools—should receive supplementary Third, as a result, grain yields last feeding. This must be done with locally pur- year averaged 1.6 tons of maize per chased foods, thereby increasing market hectare in Africa, compared with 3.8 demand while providing balanced diets with tons in Asia. foods that villagers like to eat. Shipments
10 November/December 2004 | WORLD ARK www.heifer.org of food aid should be limited to emergency The most important point is that starvation situations where local procure- the rich world’s money would not go ment is not feasible. up in smoke but would be put toward A 21st Century Green Revolution also specifi c, identifi able and measurable requires basic rural infrastructure. To lift investments, such as anti-malaria drugs Africa and the other troubled regions out of and bed nets; antiretroviral medicines their misery, rich countries must help them for Africa’s dying AIDS patients; new make major investments in schools, roads, wells and pit latrines in the country- power, water, sanitation and more. One side; and feeder roads to carry farm might imagine that such a full panoply of goods to the cities, thereby enriching help really would be too expensive for the both impoverished farmers and strug- United States and other wealthy nations. gling slum dwellers. But that guess, surprisingly, is wrong. Farmers in Africa and the rest of the developing world also will need training in Herbert LeMaster, Spreading Prosperity ecologically sensitive technologies that are a Heifer project he U.N. Millennium Project [which resilient to weather and price fl uctuations, partner in Kentucky TSachs directs] is exploring the broad and that enhance ecosystem functions while (opposite page), range of policies and investments that would drastically increasing crop yields. feeds his cows. be necessary to help free about 1 billion These new techniques include agrofor- people from poverty. The Millennium estry to replenish depleted soil nutrients A man, a woman and Project’s work won’t be completed until next and provide livestock fodder, fuel wood a boy (above) all year, but the preliminary fi ndings are as and timber; low-till or no-till agriculture to work together in the heartening as the conclusions of the WHO fend off soil erosion; small-scale irrigation fi elds in Kosovo. commission. to avoid disrupting ecosystems by giant dam Specifi cally, the end of abject poverty projects; and integrated pest management is within reach. It’s not a crazy dream but to cut down on herbicide and pesticide use. a hardheaded fi nancial concept. If poor After soil and water problems are overcome, countries exercise responsible leadership breakthroughs in biotechnology can help and the rich world pitches in to help fi nance by fortifying crops against droughts and lo- clinics, schools, roads, soil improvements cal pests and by increasing the nutritional and all the rest, not only could Africa content of staple foods. survive, it could thrive. Not only would today’s hot spots cease to be terror havens, Empowering Women but they could become respectable players rise in crop yields will be revolutionary in a world economy that would be much A even beyond ending hunger. Raising more effective at spreading prosperity. the productivity of villages in Africa and the As a fi rst approximation, the Millennium rest of the developing world will raise the Project has found that in addition to $25 status of women. Today, Africa’s women in billion or so for investments in health, we particular are forced to farm almost without would probably need another $50 billion tools or modern technologies. They fetch or so from rich countries to address the water and fuel wood from long distances interconnected challenges of education, and engage in back-breaking labor on small social services and infrastructure, for a total farm plots that are too nutrient-depleted to of about $75 billion per year. Perhaps half produce a decent crop even when the rains that, roughly $35 billion, would come from are good. the United States. To put it in context, $35 By investing in soils, water, improved billion amounts to 35 cents for every $100 seeds and other basic rural infrastructure, of U.S. Gross National Product. we will help make it possible for more www.heifer.org November/December 2004 | WORLD ARK 11 ship with governments. Value-added pro- cessing facilities for high-value products, including fruits and medicines from newly domesticated plants, can go a long way in reducing the hunger of the rural landless and the urban poor by generating off-farm employment. Removal of perverse agricul- tural subsidies and other barriers to trade will help the transition from subsistence to commercial farming.
Life and Death he Millennium Project’s preliminary Tcost estimates are striking. They trans- late a bit of dry macroeconomic accounting into the stuff of life and death. Suppose Investing in basic girls to attend school. Women’s lives will that the United States must decide whether infrastructure will be enriched and empowered, and women to spend another $35 billion per year on ease the lives of will be able to seek off-farm employment foreign assistance to the world’s poor women like these opportunities as well. History has shown that countries. Can we afford it? Well, it’s about in Nepal, who, like women’s empowerment in turn leads to lower one-seventh of President Bush’s tax cuts. It’s many women in the population growth and more investment in about half of our annual Iraq spending. It’s developing world, children’s health and education. about one-fourth of the recent increase in work without the most After farmers double their basic food U.S. military spending, and just one-twelfth basic of technologies. crop production and are no longer hungry, of our total military budget. they often put part of their farm to grow In short, the answer is yes, we can afford higher value crops and trees. Many are it, though it will require us to rethink our beginning to have dairy cows for the fi rst priorities. time, generating cash income and taking The surprising fact, unknown to most the fi rst steps out of absolute poverty. Americans, is that the U.S. contribution By investing in soils, water, to development aid, when measured as a percentage of GNP, is actually the lowest of improved seeds and other basic any of the 22 donor countries. Sweden, for rural infrastructure, we will help example, gives 0.87 percent of its GNP, while make it possible for more the U.S. currently gives just 0.13 percent of girls to attend school. its own. In other words, we are currently giving 13 cents per $100 of income, while we But when farmers have products to sell, might need to give another 35 to 50 cents to they often encounter no functioning mar- get the job done. kets. Rural markets must be strengthened so The United States cannot ignore its they work for the poor. This means storage obligations to the world any longer. Set facilities, market information systems, guar- aside, for the moment, the American value anteed fl oor prices and credit programs so of altruism. Speaking strictly from self- prices do not collapse during good harvests, interest, we must bear these small costs to and the means to transport surplus grain to assure a peaceful century. And we must defi cit areas. consider them an investment that will Making rural markets work involves a ultimately save us untold treasure while large role of the private sector in partner- sparing us untold pain.
12 November/December 2004 | WORLD ARK www.heifer.org We’ve seen this approach work before. 10 From the 1950s till 1980, South Korea was a leading recipient of U.S. aid, including Things You Can Do considerable agricultural assistance. Today, South Korea receives no U.S. aid but is the Right Now—to End Hunger fi fth largest importer of U.S. agricultural products. In the 1970s, some U.S. farm Pick Up a Pen—Write your state and national lawmakers groups complained that agricultural aid 1 to let them know that world hunger is one of your top was making Brazil a competitor in global priorities. markets. But by 1997, Brazil was importing $500 million in U.S. agricultural products. Bring It Home—Shop at your local farmers market to Africa, with a population approaching 1 2 support small farmers. The food is fresher, and your billion people, can become a major trading dollars stay in your community. partner with rich countries, if we act to help its people escape poverty. Buy Fair—Fair Trade programs ensure that farmers There’s no question: Science and tech- 3 in developing countries are paid a price that exceeds nology, mobilized by an ethic of shared their production costs, which helps them support their responsibility, can fi ght disease and hunger. families. But we can do it only if we try. We are surely the fi rst generation in human history Feed Your Mind—The more you know, the more you can that could actually bring about an end to 4 make a difference in the world by sharing your knowledge extreme poverty on the planet. Whether or with others and making better-informed consumer not we will seize this glorious opportunity, choices. this historic chance to fundamentally trans- form the human condition, depends on Go Organic—Organic farming is environmentally friendly the strength of our human will, and on our 5 and provides a sound agricultural alternative. willingness to do the right things. Get Busy—Volunteer for local or national organizations 6 that work to end world hunger and poverty. Jeffrey D. Sachs is director of the Earth Institute, Quetelet Professor of Sustainable Development Ante Up—Charitable, alternative gift giving can directly and professor of Health Policy 7 support anti-hunger efforts. and Management at Columbia University. He is also director Go and See—Join a Heifer Study Tour so you can interact of the U.N. Millennium Project, 8 with indigenous people and learn about their lives and an advisory project to U.N. Sec- their struggles. You will return home reinvigorated in your retary-General Kofi Annan. commitment to end hunger.
Pedro A. Sanchez, director of Tropical Agricul- Recruit the Masses—Persuade your church, social ture at the Earth Institute and 2002 World Food 9 group, family or civic club to help in your fi ght against Prize recipient, was named a MacArthur Fellow hunger. Grassroots efforts make dramatic differences in for 2004. He co-chairs the U.N. Millennium the lives of hungry families. Project’s Task Force on Hunger. Sanchez is a soil scientist whose Pass It On—Share your knowledge with your children solutions to problems in land 10 and encourage them to get involved in the quest to end productivity in developing hunger. This ensures that your commitment to ending countries have established him hunger will be passed on from generation to generation. as a leader in world agriculture. www.heifer.org November/December 2004 | WORLD ARK 13 Heifer’s Promise Better Lives for a Million Families
By Tom Peterson, VICE PRESIDENT OF COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING Photos by Darcy Kiefel, Heifer International Photojournalist
eifer International has set an erty and the environment and to promote ambitious goal in our effort to ways for each person to make a difference. end world hunger and poverty. Heifer International’s education pro- Between 2000 and 2010, we gram increases understanding of issues re- Hwill help 1 million families—that’s 4.5 mil- lated to hunger and poverty and inspires lion men, women and children—move to- people to take action to create a sustainable, ward self-reliance through the gift of live- socially just, economically viable and envi- stock, training and “Passing on the Gift.” ronmentally sound world. We will also provide training alone to an Food insecurity and environmental additional 1.4 million families. They’ll learn degradation around the world have cre- about gender equity, agroecology, microen- ated urgent needs that continue to outpace terprise and other topics vital to improving humanity’s current will to meet them. people’s lives. Our work in this time will Today roughly 800 million people in also yield indirect benefi ts for another 2.6 the world are malnourished and 1.2 billion million families. people live on less than $1 a day. In all, the work we do together in the Rural people make up most of the strug- fi rst decade of the new century will assist 23 gling poor and are among the most impor- million men, women, boys and girls around tant players in the environmental health of the world. our planet, as many tend to live on the most In addition, Heifer will substantially marginal and fragile land. increase our efforts to educate the public Heifer recently completed a two-year about issues surrounding world hunger, pov- strategic planning process with a challenge
14 November/December 2004 | WORLD ARK www.heifer.org In a world littered with the remnants model as their offi cial rural development of thousands of failed development program. The World Bank and many other approaches, Heifer’s program has proven international agencies have turned to Heifer time and again that it actually works! for advice. Why? Because in a world littered with the remnants of thousands of failed de- to dramatically increase its proven efforts velopment approaches, Heifer’s program has to meet these urgent needs. proven time and again that it actually works! To reach the goal, Heifer International And it has helped bring families and com- has launched Hope for the Future, a decade- munities out of poverty in the United States long $800 million comprehensive fund- and more than 125 other countries. raising campaign to conclude in 2010. Heifer is best known perhaps for the ani- The Hope for the Future Campaign will mals it provides to struggling families. But make a dramatic difference for millions of our work also yields important indirect ben- struggling men, women, boys and girls. efi ts for small farmers all over the planet. Heifer has a long history of success. Indirect benefi ts take many forms. For Since 1944, Heifer International has helped example, animal health workers trained millions of men, women and children move by Heifer provide their services to com- toward achieving self-reliance through com- munities long after Heifer has ended active munity development, the gift of livestock, involvement in a project. The health work- training and education. ers provide services not only to the Heifer Already, many nations—from Nepal and benefi ciary families but also to other fami- Thailand to Uganda—have adopted Heifer’s lies who have animals and were not part of www.heifer.org November/December 2004 | WORLD ARK 15 Heifer’s original program. ending it. This mission is carried out Between 2000 and 2010 Indirect benefi ts might also in- through three learning centers that clude informal training and word- reach 50,000 people annually; World Heifer will have helped: of-mouth transfer of information on Ark magazine; outreach programs agroecology, livestock management and speakers for schools, congrega- and other knowledge by Heifer ben- tions and other community groups, 1 million more families efi ciary families who have learned and other approaches. move dramatically closer these as part of the original training Why does Heifer put energy into to self-reliance through programs organized by Heifer. these efforts? Hunger and poverty livestock and extensive Relatives, neighbors and other are human-made problems, having training and Heifer’s members of a community who have not almost nothing to do with nature, uniquely effective practice been assisted by Heifer often gain this and everything to do with political of Passing on the Gift. knowledge through informal commu- and economic choices. nications with Heifer project families. People will solve these problems. But only if they have the will. An additional 1.4 million Partners in Hope As with many social challenges, families through training o accomplish these Hope for the the solutions are not mysteries. Hu- TFuture goals, Heifer will depend manity has the means to bring about alone in environmentally on a number of partners: change for the better. We have seen sound farming, micro- ■ The most important are the project many examples of this success: Heifer enterprise, gender equity participants themselves on small International, the Grameen Bank’s and other community farms and in villages, towns and micro-credit programs, the eradica- development programs. cities around the world. As they tion of smallpox, the current effort “Pass on the Gift” of one or more of to eradicate polio and the Child Sur- their animals’ offspring to anoth- vival campaign that has dramatically 2.6 million more families er family in need, they spread the lowered the number of child deaths through indirect benefi ts as original placement, creating a rip- worldwide, to name a few. a result of Heifer’s work. ple effect of self-reliance. What is lacking is public will, a ■ Donors who have generously sup- sense of urgency and an understand- ported Heifer’s work. Last year ing that we already have the ability to Heifer will also substantially alone, 320,000 made contributions. solve these global issues. Dr. Martin increase its efforts to ■ A growing network of friends Luther King Jr., said, “I have the educate the public about worldwide—Heifer Netherlands, audacity to believe that people every- world hunger, poverty Heifer France, Heifer South Africa, where can have three meals a day for and the environment and Heifer Hong Kong, Bothar in Ire- their bodies, education and culture land and Send-a-Cow in the United for their minds, and dignity, equality promote ways for each Kingdom. and freedom for their spirits.” person to make ■ Local community-based groups What is lacking is the audacity to a difference. and organizations, other interna- join Dr. King in this belief, this hope. tional agencies and nonprofi t or- The gap between what is possible ganizations and universities. and what is real will be fi lled only In all, Heifer International ■ And governments around the when a critical mass of people and will provide assistance— world, from village councils to na- organizations mobilize to actually directly and indirectly—to tional ministries. make a difference on a global scale. a total of 23 million men, An important part of Heifer’s mis- Heifer International hopes to make a women and children by the sion is educating people, affi rming substantial contribution to that effort end of the decade. that hunger can be ended and that with our work through the end of the each person can make a difference in decade.
16 November/December 2004 | WORLD ARK www.heifer.org In 1944, a farmer in Indiana had an idea that would soon become a calling. The idea—
“to end hunger and poverty”—was hardly original. It was the method that revealed the genius.
“Pass on the gift.”
Start with a cow—preferably a pregnant cow. Bring it to a place of unspeakable devastation, Europe
in the last days of World War II. Teach a family to care for the cow and give the first calf to another
family who gives the first calf to another family. And on and on. And no one owns an animal until
the pass-on requirement is met.
Sixty years later, the gifts come in 30 species, more like Noah’s Ark: agouti, alpacas, bees,
earthworms, elephants, guinea pigs, silkworms, snails and yaks, to name a few cultural favorites.
The idea has spread to more than 125 countries. Today, the organization brings training in animal
health and environmentally sound agriculture. It leaves behind dignity, self-sufficiency, gender equity,
sense of community and something close to optimism for millions of the planet’s least fortunate.
It is our very great honor to “pass on the gift.”
The one million dollar Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize for 2004 is awarded to heifer international
Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize, 10100 Santa Monica Boulevard, Suite 1000, Los Angeles, California, USA 90067-4011 Telephone:(310) 556-8178 Facsimile: (310) 556-8130 e-mail: [email protected] Website: www.hiltonfoundation.org Learning as We Taught How Heifer Grew
By Jennifer Shumaker and Scott Morris
n the summer of 1944, while World IWar II raged, a peaceful campaign began that would save millions of lives. The organization that would become Heifer International made its fi rst overseas shipment of dairy cattle, to Puerto Rico. The shipment grew out of one man’s inspiration. Several years ear- lier, as a relief worker in the Spanish Civil War, Indiana farmer Dan West had been forced to decide who would receive limited milk rations and who wouldn’t—literally, who would live and who would die. Relief aid, West realized, would never be enough. West returned to the United States and formed Heifers for Relief, an organization dedicated to ending hunger permanently by providing families with livestock and training that would allow them to feed and care for themselves. In cooperation with the United Nations, the group shipped thousands of cattle to France, PHOTOS BY DARCY KIEFEL/HEIFER INTERNATIONAL
Heifer’s fi rst project is a shipment First shipment of Ecuador Heifer International Time Line of dairy animals to Puerto Rico. animals is sent to receives U.S. farmers. pigs, Spanish Civil War relief worker 550 dairy cows are Heifer’s Dan West develops “not a cup shipped to China. fi rst such but a cow” concept. “Heifers for Relief” is Thousands of dairy shipment. founded by Church of goats sail to Japan. the Brethren in Indiana.
1937 1939 1944 1945 1946 1947 1948
18 November/December 2004 | WORLD ARK www.heifer.org while it empowers communities. Quite simply, experience has proven that Heifer’s approach works. “And one of the main reasons it works is that we’ve learned as much from our incredibly inspirational project participants as they have learned from us,” Jo Luck says. “Now, with 800 million people suffering chronic hunger and 1.2 billion living in poverty, it’s imperative we continue to learn and grow so that we can do even more to stop this terrible waste of human life.”
Our Work Has Evolved earning and growth have been technical assistance to integrated ag- Lthe dominant themes of Heifer’s ricultural development to community 60 years of service. development and, most recently, to The focus of Heifer’s fi eldwork has sustainable development and gender adapted and evolved from relief to equity. Germany, Poland and other war-torn During its fi rst decades, the or- areas in the late 1940s. ganization’s staff and fi nancial re- Over the next six decades, mil- sources were limited and chiefl y lions of families around the world focused on coordinating the collec- were helped toward sustainable self- tion and preparation of donated an- reliance thanks to the humanitarian imals for shipment to destinations work of the organization that began in the United States and around the as Heifers for Relief and later grew world. Until the late 1970s, there was into Heifer International. no “Programs Department” oversee- “Dan West’s wonderfully simple ing development work in the fi eld as idea has stood the test of time,” says there is today. Jo Luck, Heifer’s president and CEO. Throughout the early years, one “It has enabled hungry families to lift person did the work of both execu- themselves out of poverty in a way that tive director and program director preserves the dignity of individuals with help from a few assistants, re-
President Eisenhower Half of the chickens in Korea are donates a prize bull descended from Heifer hatching for the American Farm eggs supplied after the Korean War. School in Greece. Cross-breeding program in India Heifer Project, Inc., quadruples milk The 10,000th is established. production for heifer is shipped millions of cows. to Germany.
1953 1955 1956 1957 www.heifer.org November/December 2004 | WORLD ARK 19 gional directors and many volunteer committees. Thurl Metzger, who pioneered those two critical roles, laid the groundwork that helped create the Heifer philosophy that continues to the present day. Many partner organizations and country representatives in the fi eld were also volunteers in the early years, including missionaries from member
(NGOs). Generally, these arrange- States Agency for International De- ments provided the local organization velopment, or USAID, to improve its with partial support for “fi eld repre- evaluation and monitoring capacity. sentatives” to monitor Heifer projects The following year, a second pro- and coordinate shipment and distri- gram director, Dr. Gordon Hatcher, bution of livestock. For example, the was hired to oversee projects in Methodist Committee represented Latin America, the Caribbean and Heifer in Bolivia, Fundacion del Cen- Asia. Burwell focused on Africa, the tavo in Guatemala and Service Chre- Middle East and U.S. projects. In the tien in Haiti. early days, Hatcher and Burwell had In some cases there was no budget the help of one secretary and one for fi eld staff, and local organizations program assistant. took on the task as an honor and priv- In 1982, Heifer restructured the ilege. Heifer also established projects Programs Department along geo- in countries such as China and Chile graphic lines that essentially have where it was diffi cult or impossible been maintained to the present— denominations. Missionaries, for ex- to monitor the work because of geo- USA/Canada, Latin America/Carib- ample, served as Heifer representa- political conditions or the lack of a bean, Asia/South Pacifi c and Afri- tives in several countries, including travel budget or local contacts. ca/Middle East. The fi fth major area, the Philippines, India, Bangladesh, Charlie Burwell was hired as the Central and Eastern Europe, was Korea and Bolivia. fi rst full-time program director in added after the collapse of the Soviet In other countries, Heifer estab- May 1978, making him responsible Union and the emergence of inde- lished relationships with partner orga- for all projects around the globe. Lat- pendent and democratic countries in nizations, usually church structures or er that year, Heifer won a develop- the early and mid-1990s. local nongovernmental organizations ment program grant from the United The 1980s were marked by a con-
Name changes Shipment of heifers to Russia National dairy to Heifer Project expresses American friendship development program International. during the Cold War. Shipment of the one begins in Tanzania. millionth chick, to Egypt, is celebrated. World headquarters Livestock research In Ecuador and Bolivia, moves to Little Rock, and development Heifer enters into fi rst and Heifer Ranch is program begins in contracts with Peace purchased. Cameroon. Corps.
1960 1962 1967 1971 1973 1974 20 November/December 2004 | WORLD ARK www.heifer.org tinuing reliance on a strong animal fi nished, Heifer incorporated certain export program to establish breed- elements originally supported by out- ing herds and for direct distribution side funding, eventually leading to through project partners. Countries the establishment of director-level that received large shipments during positions responsible for evaluation, these years included the Philippines, training and gender equity. Egypt, Jordan, Tanzania, Cameroon, In 1989, Jo Luck was hired as Guatemala and Honduras. However, director of Global Services, and she Heifer slowly shifted its emphasis Accountability Emphasized emphasized improved management toward more support of local NGOs udgets remained relatively small and leadership as well as account- or grassroots organizations, local Bduring the 1980s and early 1990s. ability. There was great interest in purchase of livestock and the hiring Program budgets generally remained documenting long-term impact and of local country representatives, as fl at; in several years, they actually in monitoring progress and fi nancial well as toward training and organiza- fell, forcing a delay in funding proj- accountability. These years also saw tional strengthening. ects. This made it diffi cult to expand a shift toward placing more atten- Over time, as Heifer experienced country programs, even though the tion on sustainable agriculture and the complexity of working with basic structures were in place. Annual environmentally sound practices, and livestock in development, the staff budgets for geographic areas during incorporation of some nontraditional realized it was not effective to sim- these years ranged from $300,000 to items in project budgets, including ply donate animals or the money to $800,000, spread across six to eight tree planting and soil and water con- purchase livestock. Heifer decided countries in most areas. servation. to decentralize certain functions by Africa was the fi rst geographic creating country program offi ces, area to achieve a $1 million budget, Cornerstones Point the Way staffed by Heifer-employed country but that was a result of a large infl ux n 1990, Heifer, at the prompting of representatives (later called country of funding prompted by a disastrous Iits worldwide team, established a set directors) and support staff who could drought in Ethiopia. of “Cornerstones” that articulate the offer project participants technical Starting about 1983, Heifer began organization’s bedrock principles: support as well as a more extensive to apply for and win a series of mod- Passing on the Gift, Accountability, range of management and monitor- est grants from USAID. These grants, Sharing and Caring, Sustainability, ing services. each matched by private-source con- Improved Animal Management, Nu- The fi rst country offi ce opened in tributions, were funded over about 18 trition and Income, Genuine Need Bolivia in 1958. By 1994, there were years. They had the aim of strength- and Justice, Gender and Family Focus, 22 country or, in the case of the Unit- ening Heifer’s institutional capac- Improving the Environment, Full Par- ed States, fi eld offi ces. Today, Heif- ity—especially monitoring, training, ticipation, Training and Education, er has active projects in 50 countries, planning and the design of a model and Spirituality. Together, the Cor- though not all of those are adminis- for sustainable development for small nerstones reinforce the trademark tered through local country offi ces. farmers using livestock. As each grant practice that makes Heifer unique.
President Reagan confers Heifer celebrates volunteerism award. President George Bush gives Heifer 50th anniversary. the Presidential End Hunger Award. Heifer International Foundation is China program is established. re-established with importation of rabbits Heifer holds Women in Livestock and goats. Development (WiLD) conference.
1985 1986 1990 1994 www.heifer.org November/December 2004 | WORLD ARK 21 ate both staff and fi eld programs. A Urban gardens and livestock projects fi rst attempt was made at strategic are now in place in Little Rock, New planning in 1993, and a new eight- York, Chicago, Toronto and else- year strategic plan is now in the fi nal where. Support from the Sandy River stages of development. This plan will Charitable Trust enabled Heifer to serve as a guide for Heifer’s depart- start a disaster rehabilitation fund in ments and country programs during 1996, which allows for rapid funding the fi rst decade of the 21st century. for the rehabilitation of livestock Jo Luck was asked in 1992 by the The North America Program, production after a major natural or Board of Directors to become interim which joins Mexico with the USA/ man-made disaster. executive director, and she immedi- Canada effort, was created in January An agroecology initiative began ately named the head of the Africa 2001 in acknowledgment of the cross- in the late 1980s. This initiative aims, program, Jim DeVries, to the post of border nature of issues affecting pov- through the support of fi eld projects, programs director. Recognizing the erty on the continent. Heifer is now training and advocacy, to support heavy workload of managing and de- taking steps toward regionalization in small farmers in their stewardship of veloping programs in sub-Saharan its Asia/South Pacifi c, Africa and Lat- the environment as the foundation Africa, Heifer’s leadership decided to in America programs. for sustainable production and im- drop further work in the Middle East. The growth in Heifer’s income proved livelihoods. The early years of the 1990s saw an also allowed Heifer to launch new Another major initiative has been increase in the number of countries programs, some with seed money to redesign Heifer’s accountability where new programs were established, provided by grants. Heifer held a ma- system from top to bottom. It now in- especially in Central and Eastern jor Women in Livestock Development cludes the complete project cycle from Europe and in new geographic areas conference in 1990. In 1995, Heifer planning to funding and monitoring of the United States and Canada. received the fi rst Mildred Robbins and evaluation, as well as strategic Throughout this period, Heifer’s Pro- Leet award from InterAction, the planning, and offi ce and personnel grams Department positioned itself largest alliance of U.S.-based interna- administration. The redesign refl ects to meet a growing demand for project tional development and humanitar- the current reality of a dramatically support around the world. When in- ian nongovernmental organizations, expanded program, much greater come began to grow dramatically in for its work in integrating women capacity in the fi eld, and Heifer’s the second half of the decade, Heifer into fi eld programs. Since then, the aim of decentralizing authority and was ready to expand the number of gender program has resulted in many responsibility. its effective fi eld projects as well as gender equity projects and activities Now, as the 21st century gets to provide professional services and and now involves all country program underway, Heifer is poised to continue management from headquarters. and department-level strategic plans. its proudest traditions—learning and A fi ve-year cycle of country pro- In 1996, Heifer started its fi rst growing in order to help more people gram reviews was scheduled so that urban project in the United States with help themselves on the road to self- every country program could evalu- the support of enthusiastic volunteers. reliance.
President Clinton visits Pass-on of three millionth Heifer China sends project partners in Uganda. animal in China is celebrated. trainload of dairy goats to North Korea. Disaster Rehabilitation Heifer breaks Fund for rapid response ground for new to worldwide emergencies Heifer International Heifer Central/Eastern is established. Center. celebrates Europe programs 60th begin. anniversary.
1995 1997 1998 2002 2003 2004 22 November/December 2004 | WORLD ARK www.heifer.org Dan West Heifer’s Founder a Prophet of Peace By Sharon Blair, Archiving Consultant, Heifer International
ver his lifetime as a Church of the Brethren peace worker, Dan West had many insights Lucy (they married when Dan was 39), on a Dan West (top left) and, likewise, lots of ideas. farm in Indiana. was a farmer who knew OSurely, however, West’s greatest insight was The farm was a home base in every sense livestock could help that peace was not possible when people are of the phrase for this Christian renaissance impoverished people hungry. West’s greatest idea was that allevi- man. He was a scholar (in addition to move toward self- ating hunger could be best achieved by giv- graduating from Manchester College, he reliance. ing hungry people a sustainable food source studied at Harvard, Ohio State, Cornell, rather than foodstuff—literally, give them a the University of Chicago, Columbia and on Dan West’s experience cow rather than a cup of powdered milk. his own). He believed deeply in the values in Spain, as shown West was in his mid-40s in the late 1930s of the Church of the Brethren, and he held in this September when he was invited along with represen- equally intense views about how to live a 25, 1937, photo (top tatives from the historic peace churches Christian life. right), convinced him (Quakers, Mennonites, Church of the West said, “So far as I know, Christ never that relief aid alone Brethren, Fellowship of Reconciliation) to asked anybody to explain Him intellectually. could never solve the distribute relief: feed and clothe the poor Nor did He ever ask anybody to worship him. problems of hunger on both sides of the Spanish Civil War. But He did ask some to follow Him. Theol- and poverty. Already during his life, he had been a ogy and worship patterns are important but gifted student, a conscientious objector, a not fundamental. Obedience is.” Brethren youth leader, a devoted husband, After West died in 1971, he was the sub- a loving father, a mentor, a taskmaster, an ject of many eulogies. Church of the Breth- agitator and, by many accounts, a loyal and ren minister Leland Wilson said of West: always demanding friend. “He was deeply committed to Jesus Christ, Most of all he was a man who asked ques- not as a theological proposition, not as the tions, who never stopped asking them, and anchor in a sea of doctrine, but as one to he challenged others to do the same. follow and obey. He was deeply committed to the church, though often impatient with Reared on the Farm its ways. The leadership and authority of the est was born into a Brethren family, church were generally vested in its clergy, Wreared as a farm boy, and settled and but Dan West chose to remain one of the centered his own family life with his wife, laity. www.heifer.org November/December 2004 | WORLD ARK 23 West wanted to send heifers to Spain as early as 1937, but it was 1942 before the Northern In- diana Brethren’s Men’s group approved what they called the “cattle project.” In 1943, at West’s insistence, the American Friends Service Committee and the Mennonites were asked to join in. But World War II broke out, and there was no way to ship the animals that had been collected to Spain. “While this movement away Even if ships had been available, the costs from formal institution and or- would have been prohibitive. Further, in ganization and professionalism true Brethren, peace-loving fashion, West in the church was still gather- and his friends felt it essential to give live- ing, he was elected as the fi rst stock to starving people on all sides of any lay moderator of his denomina- confl ict, an idea that didn’t sit well with tion. ... And he often spoke ... some offi cials directing the war. of a man’s word being as good From idea to implementation, it took Dan as his bond, of being neighbor West and his band of Brethren in Northern and of being brother. The late Indiana fi ve years to get heifers and other Lucy and Dan West labor leader Kermit Eby called him ‘a mod- livestock on the way to hungry people, fi rst (top) sit on the steps ern mystic, yet, like his Brethren forebears, in a ship out of Mobile, Ala., to Puerto Rico of their home near practical.’ ” in the summer of 1944. Finally, in 1945, in a Goshen, Ind., with four It’s not that Dan West didn’t have doubts. collaborative effort with the United Nations of their fi ve children His friend and eulogist Joe Van Dyke said Relief and Rehabilitation Administration, about 1940. that West “believed in honest doubt. He Dan West’s dream of sending cows to hun- believed without reservation that human gry people in Europe was realized with a Dan West teaches a intelligence is a God-created tool without twist. Greece needed bulls to build up the class in the peace equal, that if we discipline ourselves to country’s cattle herds, so the fi rst livestock studies program think straight and hard, we will always come sent to Europe weren’t heifers. West’s friend, he helped found at up with better versions of the truth than fellow Brethren and Heifer Project’s fi rst Manchester College. what passed for truth in our minds before. executive director, Ben Bushong, noted the He questioned dogmas and creeds and irony when he joked, “The fi rst heifers sent traditions; he challenged established poli- to Europe were six bulls for Greece.” cies and techniques; he often refused to go Ultimately, it doesn’t matter whether the along with the status quo. He was a radical animals were heifers, bulls or bees. Give in the fi nest sense—he could look past dead hungry people what they ask for and need hulks and fi nd the living root, and help it and give them the opportunity to pass grow again.” along the gift in the form of their livestock’s offspring. In this way, recipients become A Simple Idea donors, gaining dignity and moving beyond roviding heifers to hungry people was a relief. A simple but radical idea, fi rst put Psimple idea. Gather and transport heif- into practice 60 years ago thanks to Dan ers to people who need food. It was a radical West and the men and women he persuaded idea, logistically, fi nancially and politically. to follow his dream.
24 November/December 2004 | WORLD ARK www.heifer.org www.heifer.org November/December 2004 | WORLD ARK 25 For a World Without Hunger hat better gift is there And isn’t that what this out in friendship and assistance to Wto give someone than season is all about? Bringing over 125 countries, including the self-reliance? When you give joy to the world? United States, helping millions of through this catalog, you make You’ll bring smiles to the people overcome their dire situations it possible for women and men faces of those desperately in and start a path to a brighter future. around the world to help them- need of hope and nourishment This year we will accomplish even selves have better lives, to feed and as well as to those you honor. And more … with your loyal and devoted school their children and provide the recipients of your generous spirit help. Perhaps one day we’ll even shelter from the storms of poverty will one day know the same feeling celebrate the end of hunger and the and hunger. of unselfish giving when they share beginning of a world full of joy. When you make this gift in honor their gift with another struggling of someone on your holiday list, you family. That’s because each Heifer Sincerely, enable your friends or loved ones to International recipient promises to be a part of something bigger than pass on offspring of their gift animal themselves—to be a part of making to another in the community. Jo Luck the world a happier place. Since 1944, Heifer has reached President and CEO Make This a Meaningful Holiday Why not take part in a growing holiday tradition by giving gifts that help those in need? Here’s how: Four Easy Instead of material gifts, choose gifts from this catalog to honor your Ways to Give friends, family or business associates — gifts that help struggling families lift themselves out of poverty. You can also use the catalog to make a 1. Call toll free (800) 698-2511 regular charitable gift. Use one of the easy ordering options (right). 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Credit card orders only, please. Fill out the Order Form next to page 28 for your records.
2. Fax (501) 907-2902 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. What Your Honoree Receives ... Fax the completed Order Form This year, instead of sending material gifts to your friends and family, send them next to page 28; this delightful gift card to let them know that, in their name, you’ve given the gift keep for your records. of self-reliance to a struggling family. Include credit card information. Present your honoree with one of our attractive holiday gift cards that explains Heifer’s mission and how the gift you made in their honor will make a difference Order online: www.heifer.org to a family in need. 3. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. GIFT CARD DELIVERY OPTIONS: Find beautiful print and e-mail honor cards and pass along Fastest: Fast: Standard: movies for friends. Order online at www.heifer. For an additional charge, Order before December 6, org, then select and print we’ll ship your cards to you and receive delivery about one of the cards provided or 2nd Day Air or Next Day Air two weeks from Heifer’s 4. Mail the completed Order send an e-mail honor card (telephone orders only). receipt of order, via U.S. Form with your check to: electronically to your honoree. Postal Service. Heifer International P. O. Box 1692 The prices in this catalog represent the complete livestock gift of a high-quality animal, technical assistance Merrifield, VA 22116-1692 and training. Each purchase from this catalog represents a contribution to the entire mission of Heifer International. Donations will be used where needed most to help struggling people.
26 November/December 2004 | WORLD ARK www.heifer.org Gift of a Heifer: $500 Share of a Heife Heifers for the Holidays r: $50
rowing up, you took fresh milk family to drink, make into yogurt or Gfor granted—good for you and cheese and sell. delicious! But some children never Plus, as each family passes get milk to drink. They don’t grow as on offspring of their gift animal to they should, and they’re often sick. another family in need, the whole Back in 1944, Heifer International community benefi ts. realized there was an alternative to Do things differently this year. endless hunger and poverty. Why not Honor someone give families the means to become special with the self-reliant through food- and income- gift of a heifer producing farm animals? Dairy cows given in their can give as much as four or more honor to help a gallons of milk a day—enough for a struggling family.
Gift of a Goat: $120 Share of a Goat: $10 Goats ... the Perfect Gift!
id you know vegetable crops, and Dthat more goats, often giving people rely on birth to two kids a year, goats for milk than provide a steady source cows? They’re a of income. great alternative for Heifer International families who live in goats help families look rocky mountainous forward to a better life. areas or own little When you honor a friend land. Goats often or family member with give about four the gift of a goat sent quarts of milk in their name, you’re a day—just the choosing a simpler, right amount if you don’t own a more meaningful way to refrigerator. Goat manure makes celebrate the season—and that’s a a fantastic fertilizer for increasing better life!
Call Toll Free (800) 698-2511 November/December 2004 | WORLD ARK 27 Gift of a Sheep: $120 Share Sheep: A Sure Thing Sheep: of a$10
t feels good to pull on a wool or two offspring a year, a flock Isweater when the weather’s chilly. soon grows and a steady income In cold climates, many indigenous is ensured. people rely on the warm clothes Honor your friends or family and blankets they can make from members who always wear natural sheep’s thick wool. And subsistence fibers; send the gift of a sheep farmers depend on sheep for to a family in need. It’s a warm- income. hearted choice! Heifer International participants learn how to care for their sheep so they will improve fragile grassland with their droppings, and not over- graze it. Heifer International quality sheep give three times as much wool as local ones. And with one
Gift of Chicks: $20 Chicks: The Right Choice
hickens are a real value. CStarting at six months, they can lay up to 200 eggs a year—a reliable source of protein for children who otherwise subsist mostly on starches. Extra eggs can be sold to pay for school, clothes and medicine. And in the vegetable garden, chickens peck at bugs and weeds, scratch up the soil and enrich it with droppings. Chicks are an excellent solution to improving a family’s diet and crops—and to the dilemma of what to give your socially aware friends this season.
Visit www.heifer.org 28 November/December 2004 | WORLD ARK Gift of a Llama: $150 Share of a Fa-La-La-La Llamas Llama: $20
omesticated by the Incas 6,000 they travel, llamas’ padded feet don’t Dyears ago and selectively bred damage the fragile terrain and their for their gentle nature and fine selective browsing doesn’t destroy fiber, llamas appear intelligent and sparse vegetation. serene. They play a pivotal role Heifer International llamas can in the cultural life of indigenous make your holiday gift-giving more communities on the high plains intelligent and serene, as well. You’ll of Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru. be strengthening the recipients’ Women weave their llama’s fleece income and their cultural traditions— into warm clothing to wear or sell. and starting a tradition of your own. They load them up with goods for Honor your friends and family with a market and trek with them across gift of llamas sent in their names to rugged slopes at high altitudes. As an indigenous Latin American family.
Gift of a Pig: $120 Share of a Pig: $10 Profiting from Pigs o help hungry, undernourished In Latin America, pigs eat Tfamilies put protein back in their rejected bananas or damaged diets at little cost, Heifer teaches yams that otherwise would be farmers how to raise healthy pigs wasted. They grow to market even with scant resources. A weight while producing manure farmer who may not be able to that improves crop production. manage cows can raise pigs. Around the world, using resources once considered worthless, impoverished families supply themselves with the protein and income they need to build better houses, put their children in school and improve their lives. No wonder families smile over their Heifer pigs. Your friends and family members will smile, too, when you send a gift of pigs in their names to a family in need of a boost in nutrition and income.
Call Toll Free (800) 698-2511 November/December 2004 | WORLD ARK 29 Gift of Ducks & Geese: $20 Ducks and Geese Get Results hen it comes to holiday gift- family in need. Ducks and geese Wgiving, things quickly get out of add vital protein to the diet and hand. It’s easy to spend too much much-needed money in the pocket on things that mean too little. There from selling eggs as well as ducks is an alternative. and goslings. And they make food Honor a friend or loved one with crops better by removing weeds a flock of Heifer International ducks and bugs and adding fertilizer. or geese sent in their name to a
Gift of Honeybees: Bees Are a Sweet Gift $30 he way bees work together is a can as much as double some fruit Tlesson for us all. They produce and vegetable yields. A package of food, care for the young, recycle Heifer International bees and a hive waste and create an effective, give a family better crops, candle efficient community. They pollinate wax, pollen for medicine and honey fruits, flowers and vegetables in the to eat and sell. Honoring a friend process—a benefit for us all. Bees or family member with bees sent in their name is a honey of a gift that shows you cherish both people and the environment. Gift of Tree Seedlings: $60 Share of gs: $10 Seedlin Trees for a Green Future
rees are essential to life on trees that put nitrogen back in Tearth. They breathe out oxygen the soil, serve as wind-breaks and and breathe in carbon dioxide. provide animal feed, fencing and They hold water in the soil and firewood is often the first step in moisture in the air. They reduce a Heifer project. global warming. They provide food Honor friends who love the and medicine for birds, animals outdoors with gifts of trees sent and people. in their names to families who will That’s why planting fast-growing treasure the difference they make.
Visit www.heifer.org 30 November/December 2004 | WORLD ARK Trio of Rabbits: $60 of Share Rabbits Bring Rapid Reward Rabbits: $10 hy rabbits? Because even to help feed the hungry. Their Wa family without the land or nitrogen-rich manure makes resources to raise cows or even goats excellent fertilizer to put on crops can find a warm dry spot—in a hutch as compost. And everyone knows on a back porch or perhaps even in how rabbits proliferate. Here’s a gift a cool burrow dug beneath a garden that multiplies! With as many as 40 planter—where rabbits can thrive. offspring a year, a trio of rabbits can They can be fed with vegetable waste provide a family with a steady source and kitchen scraps, so they conserve of protein and income. farm resources as they grow. Rabbits can be just the right thing And, like other livestock, rabbits for a family that needs food and are sources of healthy protein income where resources are scarce.
Gift of a Water Buffalo: $250 Share of a Water Buffalo: $25
Buffalo Bring in Bushels othing’s more satisfying than Nfinding exactly the right solution to a problem. That’s the good feeling you get when you give a stride. They feed on crop residue struggling family in countries like subsistence farmer a water buffalo. and produce milk for consumption Nepal, Cambodia or the Philippines. These powerful yet gentle creatures and manure to increase crop yields. A gift of a water buffalo can lighten can plow through mud that would Plus, they pull cartloads of crops to the load of decisions about what stall a tractor. They take narrow market with ease. A gift of a water to give everyone on your gift list terraces on steep mountains in buffalo can lighten the load of a as well.
Call Toll Free (800) 698-2511 November/December 2004 | WORLD ARK 31 Fighting Hunger Two by Two A Heifer International Ark is an extraordinary gift.
f you or your business or organization are wondering improving lives for Ihow you can do more with your giving—how you can countless families and change the world—this is the opportunity for you. children, and “passing Your Gift Ark goes around the world. Latin America, on” your spirit of faith Africa, Asia, Europe, North America. Where we find and charity over and hunger, poverty, hopelessness and misery, we answer over again. A whole “Ark-ful” of hope and happiness with Heifer animals and training … and discover, … setting sail for the places in the world where your through our efforts, the “olive branch” that grows from generosity, kindness and vision are needed most. encouraging peace and opportunity. To discuss ways that your company, civic organization, What does the gift of an Ark mean? It means ... religious organization or family can give the Gift oxen, donkeys and water buffalo … cows, sheep and of an Ark during this holiday season from Heifer goats … even bees, chicks and rabbits, and more … International, please call (800) 698-2511 and say, healthy, hearty animals that will go forth and multiply, “I want to help change the world.”
Gift Ark animals may include:
2 Cows 2 Sheep 2 Pigs 2 Donkeys To bring milk and income To help families in To enable families in Cambodia To supply animal draft power to a Russian village. Mexico produce wool. to attain greater self-reliance. for farmers in Tanzania.
2 Goats 2 Trios of Guinea Pigs 2 Water Buffalo 2 Oxen To help two Guatemalan To help families in Ecuador To help Indonesian families To pull plows and families provide milk for their add protein to their diets increase rice production carts in Uganda. children and earn extra income. and increase income. through animal draft power.
2 Beehives 2 Trios of Rabbits 2 Flocks of Chicks 2 Llamas To help families in Canada To provide food To help families in South Africa To improve livestock bloodlines earn money through the sale and income for families improve nutrition and and produce wool and income of honey and beeswax. in North Korea. replenish their land. for Bolivian families.
Gift of an Ark 2 Trios of Ducks 2 Flocks of Geese 2 Camels To help families in Peru To help families in China better To help families in Kenya $5,000 generate income through their nutrition and income earn income by transporting the sale of eggs and birds. through the production agricultural and industrial of eggs and meat. materials.
The price of a Gift Ark includes the purchase/transport of quality Contributions to the Gift Ark program represent a contribution to the animals and the training/support Heifer International gives recipients. entire mission of Heifer. Donations will be used where needed most.
32 November/December 2004 | WORLD ARK www.heifer.org Thurl Metzger “A Glorious Journey” Metzger, who served as Heifer’s executive director from 1951 to 1967, and then as director of international programs until his retirement in 1981, accompanies a shipment to Poland.
By Lauren Wilcox, HEIFER STAFF WRITER
to development work. Under his re- “Thurl took Heifer into new territory,” sourceful, energetic and sometimes says Kathy Moore, a Heifer employee unorthodox leadership, Heifer grew who accompanied a shipment of live- from a volunteer endeavor with a stock overseas in 1958. “At the same skeleton staff to a thriving network of time,” says Schrock, “he kept the n the fall of 1946, a young ad- community programs and organiza- original vision intact.” ministrative assistant for the tions worldwide. In 1941, Metzger married Ruth Heifer Project—as it was called “Thurl is a creative genius,” says Landis, with whom he raised four then—was invited to accompany Jan West Schrock, daughter of Heifer children. “Ruth has always been an Ia boatload of cattle bound for farms founder Dan West. “And he is a farm anchor for him,” says Schrock. “She in war-torn Poland. This was Thurl boy—he knows how to fashion a solu- allowed him to pursue his dreams.” Metzger, an Indiana farm boy who tion to a situation.” As director, he was In 1971 the couple moved from North had begun working with Heifer as a known for his forthright style as much Manchester, Ind., to Little Rock, conscientious objector during the war. as his sense of humor. When the FBI where they live today. It was his fi rst trip abroad. As the live- began trailing Metzger and his Polish After Metzger retired in 1981, he stock were distributed throughout a exchange students, he traveled to the wrote The Road to Development, a col- Polish countryside “pockmarked with White House to ask J. Edgar Hoover lection of essays about his experiences bomb craters,” Metzger recalls, he to call them off. As Metzger remem- with Heifer. Also in 1981, Metzger discovered that several hundred head bers it, Hoover “wasn’t in town,” but traveled back to Poland for the fi rst of the cattle had been sold, perhaps the FBI’s attentions stopped shortly time since his trip in 1946. “Return- mistakenly, by the Polish government. thereafter. When the students were ing to Poland after all these years was “Armed with only my youthful preparing to return to Poland, the a study in changes,” he wrote of his indignation,” Metzger says, he ap- FBI, at Metzger’s invitation, attended trip in The Road to Development. “I saw proached offi cials about the missing the farewell party. no war-damaged buildings. The land cattle, and “was able to secure a settle- During Metzger’s tenure, Heifer is in production. ... People are well-fed ment”—paid with a suitcase full of began working with communities in and well-dressed.” Polish zloties. Unable to exchange the South Korea, India, Russia, Germany His hosts were the students he had money or spend it outside of Poland, and Africa, as well as with American brought to America 35 years before. he used it to bring 10 Polish students farmers in the deep South and Native Of the 10, nine had gone on to careers to the United States for a year, to study Americans on reservations. Metzger as some of Poland’s top professors and agriculture at American universities. made many of these initial visits him- scientists. One, who had become pres- So began Thurl Metzger’s career self—traveling to 60 or 70 countries ident of Warsaw University, awarded at Heifer International, where he was over the years, by his reckoning—to Metzger two medals of distinguished executive director from 1951 to 1967, troubleshoot and help communities service from the Polish Ministries of and then director of international tailor the programs to their needs. Education and Agriculture. programs until he retired in 1981. As Heifer expanded, its approach “One cannot help but assume that B or n i n 1916 on a f a r m i n K o s c iu sko to humanitarian aid necessarily grew the cumulative effect on the lives of County, Indiana, Metzger had a knack more complex. Metzger helped take these people has been greater than for commonsense problem-solving Heifer from simple gift-giving to the the distribution of a shipment of that dovetailed with the fl edgling more comprehensive program of cattle,” Metzger wrote, adding, “It was organization’s grassroots approach sustainable development in use today. a glorious journey.” www.heifer.org November/December 2004 | WORLD ARK 33 Cowboys Remember “Emotions That Have Lasted a Lifetime”
By Sharon Blair, Archiving Consultant, Heifer International
ore than 7,000 people served Heifer Wayne Hostetler Number 4 hatch. A 13-day International as seagoing cowboys and Cowboy, 1944 feed supply of alfalfa and Mcowgirls, air attendants and truck drivers, “Almost everyone at Pier Johnson grass hay and accompanying shipments of horses, cattle, pigs and C South, Alabama State grain was carried on the other livestock to Europe after World War II. (At this Docks, Mobile, Ala., was on hatch between the two time Heifer was shipping livestock from the United hand to witness the loading barns. The feed was cov- States, a practice not generally used now.) They of the 17 relief heifers [to ered with a tarpaulin at all signed up through Brethren Volunteer Service; many Puerto Rico] on the liberty times to protect it from the had been conscientious objectors. Most were right ship, William D. Bloxham, sea and rain. The heifers off the farm and embarked on a grand adventure the morning of July 13, were fed and watered and that would change their lives. 1944. It was unusual to wit- the stables were cleaned ness the loading of cattle at three times a day. On For most of them, this trip was a series of fi rsts: the Mobile because these heif- Sunday, July 16, part of the fi rst time to sail on a ship, to cross the ocean, to visit ers were the fi rst shipment ship’s crew witnessed the another land and culture, to see war’s devastation of cattle from this port in birth of the fi rst calf born and to test their faith in a secular setting. 15 years. during the trip. There “While on the voyage the were three births on our These recollections are from Cowboy Memories, heifers had their home on eight-day sea voyage. edited by Bill Beck and Mel West and published to deck in two shed-shaped “... We had almost ideal mark Heifer’s 50th anniversary in 1994. barns, one on each side of sailing weather. The heifers
34 November/December 2004 | WORLD ARK www.heifer.org Cowboys on the S.S. Mount Whitney (facing page, left) return from Poland in 1947.
Richard Tobias (facing page, top right) of Akron, Ohio, with 9,000th heifer, bound for West Germany in 1956.
George Craig (facing page, bottom right) with heifers from Indiana.
Heifers (this page, left) arrive at Gdansk, Poland, in November 1945.
Chickens and ducks (below) land in Bolivia in April 1964.
Jack O. Shoff (bottom) makes his third trip as a cowboy on the S.S. Edward Burton in 1946.
went to poor ranchers who Ark’ airliner. A chartered Bill E. Beck owned no dairy cattle and four-engine DC4 plane Cowboy, 1964 could provide plenty of good of Transocean Air Lines, In 1964, Beck accom- grass for the heifer’s feed. stripped of all but two of panied a shipment of 20 “The families were usu- its passenger seats, was polled Hereford heifers and ally large and were very the Ark. It carried 100 one bull along with 20 pigs grateful for getting one of goats, 600 rabbits and an on board the S.S. President the heifers. For instance, estimated 1,500,000 bees, Tyler bound for Japan. ‘Faith’ is to supply milk to along with a goat-tender “A highlight of the a family of 12 children who and a beekeeper. ...” trip was traveling to the have never tasted milk. ...” Koreans will “milk the Iwate Prefecture to meet goats and use the liber- the farmers receiving the Newton S. Goodridge ated bees to pollinate cattle for this cooperative Cowboy, 1954 crops—since the wartime project. Kentara Buma, Ja- “The buzzing of bees, profusion of DDT insecti- pan Church World Service the bleating of goats ... and cide killed off much of the director, met me at the ship the clamorous confusion insect life that normally and took me to Iwate. We of much ceremony marked carries pollen to the blos- entered a great hall set for the take-off for Korea soms of food-producing a banquet with tables in a yesterday of a ‘Noah’s plants.” half circle. Representing www.heifer.org November/December 2004 | WORLD ARK 35 Cowboys from the S.S. HPI, I was given a seat of no longer know the date. it. We fl ew around it twice Edward Burton (above) honor. What a humbling It must have been 25 years trying to get a response in pose with ruined weapons experience when all you ago. This was the fi rst time order to land. No answer. during a voyage up the have done is feed and care they decided to go south The pilot said we must land Kiel Canal to Danzig for the animals gener- via the east coast rather for we didn’t have enough in 1946. ously given by others. They than the west. gasoline to make another graciously presented me “It was almost a disaster. trip around. When we A Greek family (top right) with gifts and words of We stayed overnight on landed and inquired about receives a heifer donated gratitude. I responded by one of the islands, at which the lack of radio response, by the Church of the telling them about farm- time I hired a couple of we were told that the guy Brethren circa 1947. ers who had given animals young native boys to carry decided to take the day off. and churches that had col- and give water to the cattle. “After the cattle were Cowboys relax in empty lected money to provide The young fellows took unloaded and taken to deck stalls (bottom right) these livestock. ... But the their work seriously and their destination I left on the U.S.S. Carroll highlight for me was when carried water all night long, on a regular airline to go Victory during a trip to Kentara Buma turned to saturating the straw bed- further south to check on Greece circa 1947. me in the car as we drove ding with so much extra and write an article about away and said, ‘You need weight that we barely were a previous shipment. ... I to know that most of these able to get off the ground could not fi nd my contact, farmers walked all morn- the next day. so I didn’t get my story. ing to come and say, Thank “We got lost going across “When I got back to Bos- you!’ The emotions of that the jungle. The pilot put ton, I learned that the pilot moment have lasted me a out an SOS and only New and copilot purchased a lifetime.” York answered. For about lot of parrots somewhere, three hours we fl ew around hoping to make a lot of E.G. Carper trying to fi nd our small air- money selling them. Much Cowboy, 1966 port. At a desperation point to their surprise, the plane, “... I accompanied a load we saw a small light in the the parrots and the crew of heifers and bees from distance which we followed. were quarantined in Mi- Miami to Peru during the It was our destination air- ami for three days. They time I lived in Boston. I port, but we didn’t know lost the birds.”
36 November/December 2004 | WORLD ARK www.heifer.org MIXED MEDIA|FOOD FOR THOUGHT
TAKE IT PERSONALLY: The Better World Handbook: From Good Intentions to Everyday Actions How to Make Conscious Choices to Change the World Ellis Jones, Ross Haenfl er —Reviewed by Anita Roddick —Reviewed by and Brett Johnson Katy Montgomery, Conari Press Tim Newman, Heifer School New Society Publishers Heifer Global Softcover, $24.95 Programs Manager Softcover, $18.95 Village Coordinator
arning: Terrorist Material. ... any people want to You could be committing a make a difference Wcrime by reading this page. Min the world but Don’t be alarmed. The previous have no idea where to start line is simply the title of one of the or believe they do not have chapters of Take It Personally: How to enough time or energy to Make Conscious Choices to Change effect real change. The Bet- the World, edited by Anita Roddick. ter World Handbook will help Obviously, this warning to the transform these good inten- reader, which refers literally to Brit- tions into everyday actions. ain’s sweeping Terrorism Act, is hyperbole; however, The authors strive to answer three basic ques- it makes a key point. To make socially responsible decisions as tions: “First: What stops people from making a consumers, we must learn about the ugliness in the world and difference in the world? Second: What are the then act against the perpetrators of injustice. major challenges facing our world? And third: Anita Roddick is founder and CEO of The Body Shop, a skin What can the average person do in his or her ev- and body care retailer that works with marginalized communities eryday life to make the world better?” to produce naturally and traditionally inspired products and to By challenging readers to live out their ideals support sustainable development. A crusader for social, environ- through everyday actions, the authors explain mental and economic awareness, Roddick calls on her co-activ- how we can break the cycle of cynicism and em- ists to share information and personal experiences. Paul Hawken, brace hope. The book outlines seven essential Ralph Nader, Vandana Shiva, Helena Norberg Hodge and David foundations for a better world: “Economic Fair- Korten offer insights into issues ranging from globalization and ness, Comprehensive Peace, Ecological Sustain- the World Trade Organization to poverty and democracy. ability, Deep Democracy, Social Justice, Culture The book is both a handbook for activists and an educational of Simplicity, and Revitalized Community.” A brief resource for those interested in learning about globalization. It overview of the challenges facing these founda- is visually enticing, offering a variety of compelling photos and tions is included, along with useful references for insightful quotes. Several chapters stand out, especially Shiva’s readers who want to learn more. exploration of how multinational companies are patenting natu- The Better World Handbook shows how people rally occurring products, such as rice and turmeric, and making can make more informed decisions in their every- it illegal for people to save and share centuries-old seeds and day lives on topics ranging from money to shop- grains. ping to travel in order to help create a more sus- At times, however, the wealth of information contained in Take tainable world. Some examples include opening It Personally verges on overload. Roddick’s argument that the an account at a socially responsible bank or cred- pursuit of money and the bottom line have corrupted global busi- it union, buying a low-emission, fuel-effi cient car ness sometimes gets lost in the array of images, data and cut- and supporting local farmers and grocers. ting sarcasm that fi ll the book’s chapters. This book doesn’t hold all the answers, nor will Take It Personally is most persuasive when Roddick demon- everyone agree with every suggestion it contains. strates how social and ecological change benefi ts us all. She It does, however, offer an inspiring guide that will writes, “It is people’s personal experience that really counts. Not start readers on their way to following Gandhi’s just for the poor, but for all of us.” Because in the end, “the fu- guidance of “being the change you wish to see ture of the world depends on us all taking it personally.” in the world.” www.heifer.org November/December 2004 | WORLD ARK 37 “A Turning POINT” Sheep Change Lives in Poland
Story and Photos by Darcy Kiefel, Heifer International Photojournalist
ROSCIENKO, Poland—“A guest in the house is God in the house” goes a traditional Polish saying. Wladyslaw Tylka and his wife, “Everything Ryszarda, took that adage to heart last summer, greeting Heifer International staff with smiles and a feast of produce from their depends on the Kgarden and products from their sheep. mentality of Such a feast wouldn’t have been possible just a few years ago. the family. We The couple live in Kroscienko, a village in Podkarpackie Province in south- decided not eastern Poland. The heavily forested province, home to Bieszczady National to give up.” Park, is one of the loveliest and least developed regions of the country. It is also the most agricultural area of Poland. Almost half of the province is under —Wladyslaw Tylka some form of environmental protection. The collapse of communism and the dissolution of state farms took a huge Baltic Sea toll on the people here, leaving those who worked the farms without resources NORTH Gdansk or even a source of income. The transformation of Poland’s economy also MILES affected those who worked outside of agriculture, with many people losing 0 100 their jobs. POLAND The offi cial unemployment rate in Podkarpackie is 25 percent, but that Warsaw fi gure is misleading. Sixty percent of the residents of the province live in rural areas and villages, but because many of them own land, the government doesn’t
AREA PODKARPACKIE count them as unemployed, even though their farms—at an average size of 8.5 OF DETAIL acres—are often too small to generate much income. POLAND Despite their efforts, the people here have seen their standard of living con- Rzeszow EUROPE tinue to decline, and young people continue to leave to seek work in large cities
Map by Kirk Montgomery and abroad. Small-scale farmers here, and throughout Poland, are hurting.
38 November/December 2004 | WORLD ARK www.heifer.org Before the state farms were broken up, The province also includes abun- said Katarzyna Malec, Heifer’s country dant grassland, making it well suited director in Poland, “farmers such as those in for small ruminant production. the Podkarpackie area could receive credit Sheep graze in a way that doesn’t as well as support from the government.” destroy the biodiversity of the native “It was easy for them to invest in farm plants, and sheep manure enriches development, and all the products they pro- the soil, Malec said. Podkarpackie duced were sold because the government has provided Heifer International would guarantee it,” she said. With the in- with a model location to establish an troduction of a free-market system, “today, ecologically sound sheep project. the small-scale farmer must compete in the In 2002, Wladyslaw and Ryszarda market,” she said. Tylka received 15 pregnant sheep. But many of these farmers lack the Now, Tylka is proud of his herd of 50 basic resources that would allow them to sheep and growing. compete—or even feed themselves. Some of “From early childhood I have been them attempt to provide for their families caring for sheep,” he said. “I found through seasonal employment such as myself in a diffi cult situation after picking mushrooms and blueberries to sell the cooperative farms collapsed and I had Ryszarda Tylka by the roadside. no work. This Heifer International sheep (facing page) “Because in the past farmers were do- project has been a turning point in my life.” and her husband, ing quite well, it is diffi cult to convince city “I was employed by the cooperative Wladyslaw (above), people that today they are in need of help [state-run farms] for 23 years and worked say their income has and support,” Malec said. until 1998, when unfortunately I had a risen “100 percent” “Farmers are still perceived as people serious health problem,” Tylka said. “When since they received who can produce food and therefore make I recovered, the political and economic 15 pregnant sheep a living for themselves. Many people do not situation of our country was completely from Heifer in understand, and it is a pity,” she said. “They different, and they refused to take me back 2002. Their herd will need some time to change their mental- in my previous position.” now totals 50. “We ity and once again support the small-scale Tylka and his wife, Ryszarda, have two took a big chance farmer.” daughters, Alicja, now 20, and Jolanta, 14. to make things Support for the small-scale sheep farmer The family struggled for several years, but happen,” Wladyslaw in Podkarpackie did arrive in August 2000 Ryszarda’s job at the railway station allowed says. “It has all paid when Heifer International joined with the them to get by. Five years ago, however, off because of this Sheep Breeders’ Association, the project a terrible accident made their already Heifer International partner, headed by Stanislaw Kutyna. Malec precarious existence more diffi cult. project.” said Kutyna’s knowledge of sheep breeding, Ryszarda recalled: “It was in December hard work and sensitivity to the farmers’ 1999 and very cold outside. I don’t remember problems were essential to the project’s well how it happened, but a train hit me and success. my bones on the left side of my body were crushed. ... I lost my leg, and for the next Looking to History year and a half, there was incredible trauma odkarpackie Province has a long history for myself and my family. I remained in the Pof sheep breeding, and farmers, who un- hospital for months but after I still had to successfully sought employment in the area, work.” once again view breeding sheep as a chance “I had problems walking with an artifi cial to improve their standard of living. Podkar- leg, but I still had to work,” Ryszarda said, packie means “under the Carpathians,” and her eyes fi lling with tears. “We survived only the province is mountainous. because Wladyslaw’s brother found work for www.heifer.org November/December 2004 | WORLD ARK 39 Dydak, the skills of sheep breeding that he had learned as a child from his father, Konstanty. Antoni secretly hoped his daughter would remain on the farm and that some day her wish would be to raise sheep as he and his father had done. Renata proved to be a hard worker and often dreamed of owning her own land and raising sheep. Just before her wedding day, Renata and her fi ancée, Michal Dydak-Zajaczek, re- Renata Dydak- him in Germany to pay for my treatments. ceived 15 sheep from Heifer International. Zajaczek with her At the time, I tried to cope and heal alone The couple are now eager to begin their husband, Michal. because my husband was away struggling to lives together as sheep breeders. “We were so happy to pay for my treatment. It was very diffi cult.” “We were happy with the help from both receive assistance,” But “everything depends on the mental- our family [for land] and Heifer Interna- Michal says. ity of the family,” Wladyslaw Tylka said. “We tional” for sheep, Renata said. “Heifer Inter- decided not to give up when the state farms national has brought hope for all of us. For collapsed and throughout Ryszarda’s trag- young people like us, it would be impossible edy. Most people were scared but we tried to save money for a fl ock of sheep, and we to be brave. all agree sheep are the best for this region.” “Even though we had no money, we want- “This project contributes to protecting ed to try,” he said. “We took a big chance to our environment,” she said. “Sheep help make things happen. It has all paid off be- people live in harmony with nature.” cause of this Heifer International project.” Renata’s husband, Michal, added: “We The Tylkas rise in the dark of early morn- were so happy to receive assistance. Before ing to feed and milk their sheep. By the time we had nothing, but after receiving, we felt the sun begins to rise, Wladyslaw is in the like people chosen by the heavens.” smoke hut making cheese to sell to neigh- “This project contributes to protecting boring homes. One block of cheese sells for about $3.50. Wladyslaw also belongs to our environment. Sheep help people a sheep-shearing association and sells the live in harmony with nature.” sheep’s wool. —Renata Dydak-Zajaczek “Since this project began and with my production of cheese and the sale of sheep, I Zygmund Paluch, Heifer’s representa- believe my income has increased by 100 per- tive in Podkarpackie Province, said, “This cent,” he says. Thirty percent of his income region is so poor, yet there are many fi elds comes from the sale of cheese, 60 percent and pastures to be used for raising sheep. from the sale of lambs and 10 percent from With limited work and funds, small-scale wool production. farmers in the Podkarpackie region must fi nd ways to generate income here in the Three Generations Benefi t mountains. n the neighboring village of Rabe, the “It is realistic to say that income can be Igift of 15 Heifer International sheep is made through this sheep project,” he said. helping three generations of one family. “Today, with the help of Heifer Internation- Throughout her childhood and into al, there are new possibilities for both our adulthood, newlywed Renata Dydak-Zajac- small-scale farmers and for protecting the zek has been taught by her father, Antoni environment for years to come.”
40 November/December 2004 | WORLD ARK www.heifer.org THE HEIFER SPIRIT|GIVING RESOURCES, GIVING SELF Thousands Visit Heifer’s Exhibit
at Orange County Fair By Sherri White HEIFER STAFF WRITER
veryone loves a good Improvements, and Marshal county fair—the smell Elberson, of G Marshal El- Eof buttered popcorn, the berson LP General Contract- sound of roaring roller coast- ing and Home Improvements, ers and the echo of screeching worked together to design riders, the sweet stickiness of the exhibit, provided lodging, a big fl uff of pink cotton candy food and wages for construc- and the gentle moos and warm tion crews and donated many scent of hay from livestock ex- of the building materials. hibits. In addition to this tradi- Employees of HPI Racing, tional slice of Americana, the makers of radio-controlled 2004 Orange County Fair in cars and trucks, voted Heifer Costa Mesa, Calif., provided a as their charity of choice. In window into other worlds—the addition to sending monthly Thousands of Orange County Fair visitors learned about Heifer’s worlds of Heifer International donations, HPI employees mission to end hunger at a special exhibit that showcased project participants in Uganda, typical dwellings from Uganda, Ecuador and Thailand. “adopted” the exhibit for a Ecuador and Thailand. day and provided trained After Heifer’s Southwest Re- on the role of animals and plants in docents. gional Director Pamela Stone visited a sustainable future. Ecuadorean Patricia McMaster, the fair to discuss potential collabo- Pamela Edwards, Heifer’s south- chairperson of a Long Beach, Calif.- rations, Jim Bailey, special projects west community relations coordina- Manta, Ecuador, sister city organiza- manager, invited Heifer to have an tor, estimated that the volunteer tion, provided appropriate artifacts exhibit at the Centennial Farm, a staff of Heifer’s exhibit had detailed and items, as well as a team of working farm designed to educate and direct conversations about Heif- volunteers to staff the exhibit. The the public about Orange County’s er International’s work with about consul general of Ecuador, Marcelo agricultural heritage. The fair had re- 4,000 visitors. Salcedo, accepted McMaster’s invi- cord-breaking attendance, with more “Most visitors were moved to tation to visit the exhibit. than 960,000 visitors. learn how Heifer International proj- Many Orange County religious or- The exhibit gave visitors a chance ect partners in Ecuador, Uganda and ganizations helped with the Heifer ex- to look through windows built into Thailand are struggling not only with hibit as well, including: Fullerton First partial homes that were constructed hunger and poverty, but are also Christian Church, University United in the materials and styles of partic- helping to address global issues Methodist Church, Good Shepherd ular regions: mud brick for Uganda, such as environmental degradation, Presbyterian Church, Community cinder block and corrugated metal the worldwide AIDS epidemic and United Methodist Church, Christ for Ecuador and a bamboo home on the marginalization of women,” she Presbyterian Church, Sisters of St. stilts for Thailand. said. Joseph’s, Bayshore Congregation- The exhibit also displayed photos Heifer’s exhibit was a success al Church, Unitarian Universalist of people and animals in those vil- because of the cumulative efforts of Church of South County, Faith Unit- lages, showing both the dignity and several Orange County businesses ed Methodist Church, and Hillcrest the hardship of Heifer project partici- and churches, as well as a civic Congregational Church. pants’ lives. Bailey offered the exhibit group and dozens of individuals. More than 150 volunteers served to Heifer because he wanted to give Long-time Heifer supporter David as docents throughout the Heifer ex- visitors an international perspective Keeton, owner of DC Keeton Home hibit at the Orange County Fair. www.heifer.org November/December 2004 | WORLD ARK 41 THE HEIFER SPIRIT|GIVING RESOURCES, GIVING SELF Women’s Lambing Experience
By Shelle Barton HEIFER RANCH MARKETING COORDINATOR Builds Community
he sun rises above the hills as a group of women gathers at the Tedge of a fi eld. Dew clings to the new grass. Budding trees stand stoic at the pasture’s edge. The women
watch the ewes in the fi eld below— COURTNEY BY PHOTO PERRY waiting for signs of the year’s fi rst lamb. For many women around the world, a similar scene takes place every year because of Heifer’s gift of sheep. This scene also plays out for the women who gather each spring at Heifer Ranch in Perryville, Ark., for the Women’s Lambing Experience. Women from all over the United States share in the birth of dozens of lambs during two events, Wom- June Tablak of San Jose, Calif., hands a lamb to Cyndy Twedell, associate minister en’s Lambing Weekend and Women’s of University Christian Church in Fort Worth, Texas, during the Women’s Lambing Ranch Hand Week: Lambing. Partici- Experience at Heifer Ranch. pants can also take part in two events that focus on postnatal care of lambs Participants say they leave these own farewell program and showed and ewes during Women’s Lamb Care events with a deeper understanding their willingness to ‘Pass on the Weekend and Women’s Ranch Hand of the world, Heifer’s work and them- Gift.’” The group presented Gilmore Week: Lamb Care. selves. and the Heifer Ranch staff with an ad- The Women’s Lambing Experience Linda Eastwood, a medical equip- ditional $1,400, which they donated begins with a quick study of prena- ment designer from Cleveland who to Heifer’s projects. tal care, delivery and postnatal care attended Ranch Hand Week this Participants say Women’s Lamb- of the ewes and lambs headed by spring, said, “Heifer Ranch at that ing Experience is a lot of fun, too. Christine Williams, an internation- time of year is just beautiful. I spent Merilee Eaton from Oaji, Calif., en- ally known authority on sheep and a lot of time just walking around. But joyed talking to the schoolchildren a longtime friend to Heifer. Between the best part was this group of wom- who visited Heifer Ranch on fi eld sessions in the fi eld with the lambs, en forming into a community almost trips during her visit. “I loved watch- participants help with daily garden- instantly.” All it took, Eastwood said, ing them. They are wide-eyed and ask ing and livestock chores. They also was witnessing the fi rst lamb’s birth the funniest questions. I have three may choose among several learning and the spirit of passing on the gift to boys so it was really fun to poke opportunities that include hands-on inspire them. around with kids.” She loved the activities like wool carding or cheese Longtime Heifer volunteer Dr. lambs, too. “It was fascinating and making. Additionally, women learn Shirley Gilmore, who organizes the so much fun.” about gender equity, environmental lambing experience, remembers For more information on Women’s conservation, sustainable agriculture Eastwood’s “instant community” well. Lambing Experience events (March and Heifer’s mission to end hunger “The last morning during Ranch Hand 17-April 10) and a registration form, and poverty. Week the women developed their visit www.heifer.org.
42 November/December 2004 | WORLD ARK www.heifer.org THE HEIFER SPIRIT|GIVING RESOURCES, GIVING SELF Moo Power to You By Lauren Wilcox HEIFER STAFF WRITER
alking with retired high school years. Last year, Brown teacher Daun Brown is a little was casting around for Tlike standing in the middle of a suitable cause when a crowd of teenagers: A swarm of he sat in on a meeting ideas comes at you, rapid-fi re, from of Heifer volunteers in all directions. It’s easy to see how north Seattle. This, he Brown single-handedly motivated thought, had potential. Daun Brown and his students raised awareness and his entire high school to raise a to- His class agreed money for Heifer in Edmonds, Wash. tal of $30,000 for Heifer. He has an and began to plan. “We infectious enthusiasm that runs at wanted to make our work for Heifer a banquet” and brought in international precisely the frequency of a 17-year- fi ve-month project,” Brown said, “but speakers from developing countries. old’s. we didn’t want to lose momentum.” As excitement for the project grew, Brown, who until this year taught One Saturday in the fall he and his so did student involvement. Teams an international relations class at students sat down and brainstormed of students went into classrooms Edmonds-Woodway High School in ways to involve the entire school. throughout the school and gave pre- Edmonds, Wash., says that his goal They came up with a slogan (“Moo sentations about Heifer and world with the class was to teach “world Power to You”), a slate of monthly hunger. “We had the entire school citizenship.” “I wanted to create fund-raising and awareness-building dressing up in black and white,” he Mother Teresas and Nelson Man- events and a host of attention-grab- said. And his students went into the delas,” he said. “I wanted students bing devices and activities. community, presenting at local Rota- to care about something other than “To advertise the kick-off assem- ry and Kiwanis clubs. themselves.” bly, the kids dressed up in cow suits In all, his students raised $16,000 Each year, his class chose a differ- and made a commercial that was within the school and $14,000 from ent humanitarian issue and worked broadcast on our in-school televi- outside sources. Brown, for all his throughout the school year to raise sion network. We brought in an ac- work, was quick to attribute this to awareness—and funds. Three years tual cow—we named her Miss Hugh the spirit of the project, and to the ago, the class raised money for re- Heifer—and a family of dairy farmers, students. lief work after the terrorist attacks of who spoke from the heart about the “I think kids really responded to 9/11. Two years ago, the class raised importance of dairy products.” the chance to help someone,” he enough money for the Mine Advisory Students from Brown’s class ar- said, “not just now but in the future. Group to de-mine a school in Luena, ranged a rock ’n’ roll concert, host- They saw that what they were doing Angola, that had been closed for 17 ed a comedian, held a “world hunger would go on without them.” 9/11 Puts Artist to Work for Heifer By Lauren Wilcox HEIFER STAFF WRITER
culptor and potter Elizabeth answer to 9/11. The only thing we Nields doesn’t remember ex- can do now is help each other.’ ” Sactly what prompted her to call Within weeks, Nields and Heifer Heifer International after the terrorist Regional Director Wendy Peskin had attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, but she met and were planning an event at remembers the urgency she felt. “I Nields’ farm, in upstate New York. A was all wound up,” she said. “I said, Nepalese visitor spoke, and Nields ‘I think your organization is the best held a pottery sale to raise money (Continued on page 44) Nields’ son’s band performs. www.heifer.org November/December 2004 | WORLD ARK 43 THE HEIFER SPIRIT|GIVING RESOURCES, GIVING SELF
(Continued from page 43) for Heifer. The next year, the event universal peace”) for the more en- may be how word about Heifer and grew. ergetic; a performance by her son’s world hunger has spread through- “We had a tent,” Nields said. rock band, “Handsome,” as well as out the community. People travel “Someone played the guitar. We in- one by his classical-piano teacher; from neighboring towns to attend vited people from the area to come and talks by international visitors the events and have begun holding and make bowls and plates, and brought by Peskin. Last year, one of spin-off events of their own. One lo- then we sold them for a fund-rais- the speakers was Heifer goat recipi- cal family sold the contents of their ing dinner.” ent Beatrice Biira, whose story was garage to raise money. As the annual event gathered mo- told in the best-selling children’s Does Nields plan to continue mentum, Nields got area churches book Beatrice’s Goat. what is fast becoming a tradition? involved as sponsors, and planned To date, Nields has raised over “I don’t think we can help it,” she a full weekend, with events to suit $10,000 for Heifer, though the big- said, laughing. “If I didn’t do it, peo- any taste: Sufi dancing (“dances of gest benefi t from her fund-raisers ple would still come.” Heifer Online: www.heifer.org Help Hungry Families The Most Important GIFT CATALOG Feed Themselves in the World “Teach a man to fish” has been the practical, Give a Gift Animal but powerful, philosophy behind Heifer since 1944. How does it work?
Discover More
OUR WORK GET INVOLVED GIVE LEARN INSIDE HEIFER
The holiday gift-giving season is almost upon us, and shopping styles will soon be on display.
Funny thing about the holidays. Whether we set off early down the planning trail or are constantly playing catch-up, we still end up at the fi nish line together.
Luckily, Heifer’s Online Gift Catalog can handle any gift-giver’s “modus operandi.” Here’s how:
Plan-Ahead Types: ● E-mail your friends and family one of our special animated cards to help spread the word about Heifer’s work. ● You can also drop a not-so-subtle hint about what you really want to get this year: a Heifer Honor Card of your very own. For Those in Panic Mode: ● Choose your last-minute Heifer gifts with a simple point and click. ● Then either print out or e-mail your custom-fi nished Honor Cards, and be on your merry way. No more digging through the markdown racks an hour before the stores close. So whether it’s now or later, this year visit www.heifer.org. You’ll still get to that holiday fi nish line, and you’ll get there by giving the best gift of all: Hope.
44 November/December 2004 | WORLD ARK www.heifer.org HEIFER BULLETIN|NEWS FROM THE FIELD
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Arkansas First Lady Janet Huckabee, spokesperson for the pilot Read to Feed Challenge, rallied students at Gibbs International Magnet School in Little Rock. Read to Feed Challenge Goes National
By Sherri White HEIFER STAFF WRITER
fter a successful pilot program in Arkansas, the Vermont and New Mexico are showing strong interest. Read to Feed Challenge has been launched on a Arkansas will also participate again this year. Heifer’s Anational level. The Read to Feed Challenge is a 2006 goal is to have fi ve new states participate in the three-way educational partnership among Heifer Inter- Challenge. national, Scholastic and selected states. The Challenge has fi ve main goals: to promote In each state, one school will be selected to host literacy, to educate students and teachers about world the Challenge, while other schools will be encouraged hunger and poverty, to give children an opportunity to to participate in the Read to Feed program to directly help others, to encourage teachers to focus on global involve children in the effort to end hunger and poverty. issues and to use new, creative teaching methods Janet Huckabee, Arkansas’s fi rst lady, served as and to earn books for students. Scholastic, the global spokesperson for the pilot program in Arkansas. She children’s publishing company, donates a book to each worked with Heifer representatives to present the Read student in classrooms that complete the Challenge. to Feed Challenge program to other governors’ spouses “Read to Feed is a key component of Heifer’s educa- at the 2004 National Governors Association conference. tion mission, and it teaches children about the causes The spouses were invited to serve as spokespersons and cures of hunger, which empowers them to be a part for the program in their states. of the solution,” said Tim Newman, Heifer’s school pro- “It is truly my privilege to partner with Heifer Inter- grams manager. “The Challenge is a unique opportunity national and Scholastic to not only help the children to inspire schoolchildren to make a real difference in of Arkansas become better readers, but to also help the world they live in.” children around the world have a healthier lifestyle,” The Read to Feed program features a national stan- Huckabee said. dards-based educational curriculum that was created After the Governors Association conference, the by the acclaimed Center for Teaching International Rela- fi rst ladies of New York and Virginia committed to imple- tions at the University of Denver in cooperation with menting the Read to Feed Challenge in 2005, and Iowa, Heifer International. www.heifer.org November/December 2004 | WORLD ARK 45 HEIFER BULLETIN|NEWS FROM THE FIELD Heifer Launches Middle School Curriculum
eifer International’s commu- “These are engaging lessons for a gender equity and child labor. These nity education program now group of students who are at a crucial topic areas will be considered in aca- Hincludes a middle school point in their lives where they are demic units focusing on economics, curriculum that will enable students starting to make their own consumer geography and language arts. to explore the ways they affect the choices,” said Tim Newman, Heifer’s The middle school curriculum world. school programs manager. “We want supplements Read to Feed’s recently Heifer worked with the Center for to provide materials that will help released fi fth- and sixth-grade pro- Teaching International Relations to them see that their choices affect gram, called “Lessons From a Village develop a standards-based curricu- people and environments around the Called Earth,” as well as its success- lum that features stimulating, age- world.” ful third- and fourth-grade edition. appropriate lessons. The curriculum The curriculum, which will be avail- Beginning in November, all three was funded by Green Mountain Cof- able to teachers in November, covers education programs may be ordered fee Roasters of Waterbury, Vt., one of four broad areas: the root causes of free by visiting www.readtofeed.org or Heifer’s corporate partners. poverty, conservation, Fair Trade, and by calling (800) 422-0474.
Wake Up With Heifer Hope
reen Mountain Coffee The addition of the they can withstand fl uctuations in the Roasters and Heifer Heifer Hope Blend to Green coffee market. GInternational, which Mountain’s lineup is “People should buy the Heifer Hope have been helping coffee just one of the latest Blend because it’s a contribution growers in Guatemala, are developments in to the resolution of a problem that offering coffee drinkers some- the partnership be- doesn’t belong to just Guatemala but thing new, the Heifer Hope Blend. tween the company to everybody,” Guzman said. The medium roast coffee sells for and Heifer, which began Heifer is expanding the LaVoz proj- $8.69 per 12-ounce bag and is certi- in 2002. Green Mountain also ben- ect. First, each of the 103 families fi ed Fair Trade organic. “For every bag efi ts from the joint venture because will receive 10 citrus trees to improve that’s sold, whether Heifer sells it or helping the farmers stay productive their diet, combat soil erosion, pro- Green Mountain sells it, Heifer will re- gives the company a stable source of vide habitat for birds and help farmers ceive 40 cents,” said Cynthia Hester, high-quality coffee. qualify their coffee for “shade-grown Heifer’s corporate relations director. Members of the LaVoz Cooperative certifi cation.” Coffee beans grown in Green Mountain, a leading have received chickens, worms and the correct shade ripen more slowly specialty coffee company based in training from Heifer in sustainable and have a better fl avor. Waterbury, Vt., and Heifer have been agriculture practices. This program Second, Heifer is giving LaVoz working to improve the lives of coffee helps the farmers by providing them farmers 23 bull calves. They will be growers at the LaVoz Cooperative with better nutrition and a diversifi ed fed for six months and then sold. in Guatemala. “This is coffee that source of income. Also, the bulls will supplement the primarily comes from our project at Jonathan Guzman, Heifer’s country manure provided by the chickens, the LaVoz Cooperative,” Hester said. program director in Guatemala, said which is used as organic fertilizer for “It’s really high-quality coffee.” the partnership had aided the coffee- the coffee shrubs. “By roasting and distributing this growing families of LaVoz in several Heifer Hope Blend may be bought coffee, Green Mountain Coffee ways. The project has empowered from either Green Mountain Coffee Roasters is supporting Heifer’s ef- the families. By providing animals, or Heifer International. To purchase forts to help struggling coffee farmer Heifer helps the families diversify the coffee from Heifer, please call families,” she added. their income sources, he said, so (800) 422-0474.
46 November/December 2004 | WORLD ARK www.heifer.org HEIFER BULLETIN|NEWS FROM THE FIELD An End and a Beginning
ntil her retirement, When Sinn started at New England offi ce, then which occurred this Heifer, she saw it as a way in Bridgewater, Mass. In Usummer, Rosalee to once again be in touch 1973 she became director Sinn had worked for Heifer with animals and the of the New England Re- International for over half resources of the earth that gion, later the Northeast of its existence. When Sinn had meant so much to her Region, and was the fi rst started at the organization in her childhood. woman to serve Heifer in a Rosalee Sinn (left) and in 1965, Heifer was small “My best childhood management position. Cornelia Potra of Romania. enough that she often memories center on my Sinn received her mas- not only personally knew grandparents’ farm in ter’s degree in animal sci- pleted a year as interim the individual donor, she Pierce City, Mo.,” Sinn ence from the University of director in the Mid-Atlantic knew the recipient of that said. “The house stood Connecticut in December Region. “It meant a lot to donor’s gift. on a small hill above the 1984. Her master’s project me to fi nish my career in Raising funds to support roadside. The house, which was a book, Raising Goats a region. ... Donors are not Heifer’s mission has been was without electricity or for Milk and Meat, which only Heifer’s best friends, Sinn’s primary task with running water, was like a is still used in many coun- they are also friendships I the organization, but during castle to me.” tries around the world. cherish because we share her 39 years here, she has Sinn was raised in Tul- In 1989 Sinn received a common mission.” served in many important sa, Okla., in “a small two- the Pearl S. Buck Humani- Sinn has visited proj- positions. Most people bedroom house with a big tarian Award. Sinn retired ects in more than 30 coun- at Heifer probably know yard. In the back were pear as Northeast director of tries. “My commitment to her best as “Dansingoat,” and peach trees, a half- Heifer in 1993 and came Heifer will not end, but now her e-mail address. The acre garden and rabbits to Little Rock to head De- I look forward to more time journals Sinn kept of her and chickens. It wasn’t a velopment for three years. to refl ect on the countless adventures at Heifer—and farm, but this small piece She stayed on to work in blessings along the way.” her e-mail missives—make of land provided most of Major Gifts and direct the To read Rosalee Sinn’s compelling reading. our food.” Heifer International Con- story about her recent trip There is of course a Sinn began working at ference on World Hunger. to projects in Tibet, visit story behind the nickname. Heifer as a secretary in the Sinn has just com- www.heifer.org.
- Coffee For A Better World - Green Mountain Coffee Roasters® is proud to support Heifer International’s® work by offering Heifer Hope Blend, a Fair Trade Certified™ organic coffee, mostly grown by Heifer’s project farmers in Guatemala. When you buy Heifer Hope Blend, you get great taste and a chance to help Heifer in its fight against hunger. While Heifer provides families with livestock and farming skills, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters provides a market for their coffee beans. The result is an economically stronger community and coffee that is grown in an environmentally sustainable way. Call today to order Heifer Hope Blend coffee and give the gift of hope to family, friends and yourself. Call [888] TRY-GMCR | www.GreenMountainCoffee.com | $8.69 plus shipping & handling INQS HEIF www.heifer.org November/December 2004 | WORLD ARK 47 THE HEIFER CALENDAR
CERES CENTER Spring 2005 HEIFER 2005 ALTERNATIVE SPRING BREAK Feb. 26, March 5, 12 and 19 April 29-30 Multi-day Service Learning PANCAKES AT THE FARM UNIVERSITY HEIFER HUNGER HAPPENING programs for youth groups. Observe the maple sugaring operation Heifer International United Methodist Church-sponsored and enjoy a pancake meal with pork ADULT WORK GROUPS: Service offers a number of Heifer event for junior and senior sausage. Reservations required. opportunities for adult groups. University programs to high youth. April 27-May 6 provide participants with Year-Round GLOBAL EXPLORERS: Standards- WOMEN’S LAMBING EXPERIENCES the tools to promote Heifer based two-day residential FIELD TRIPS: Learn about Heifer Three-night programs to share in the in their communities and program for grades 5-8. International and Ceres Center with lambing experience and learn more regions. Program cost is about Heifer and the challenges $195 per person (includes a video, cart ride, walking tour and E.A.R.T.H. LEARNING: Standards- all meals, lodging, program hands-on activities in the barn. based daylong or overnight women face relating to hunger. fees and transportation to environmental education program. WORLD VILLAGE: Explore the real Year-Round and from the airport when world with this overnight experience. Summer DAY EDUCATION PROGRAMS: Full- necessary). and half-day education programs SERVICE LEARNING: Educational MEETING FACILITY: Host your special For more information, weeklong “mission trips” for for groups combine a variety of meeting “down on the farm.” contact Rex Enoch at youth groups. educational or service opportunities with a video and tour. [email protected] HEIFER RANCH Year-Round or call (501) 889-5124. MULTI-DAY SERVICE LEARNING Dec. 3 and 4 FIELD TRIPS: Learn about Heifer The schedule is as follows: PROGRAM: Two- to fi ve-day stays LIVING NATIVITY International and Heifer Ranch with for groups include farm work and Nov. 11-14, 2004 See the Nativity story, enjoy an instructional video, hayride and sessions on hunger and sustainable HOWELL NATURE CENTER, refreshments, hands-on activities walking tour. agriculture. Includes a World HOWELL, MICH. and the International Gift Shop. WORLD VILLAGE: Get a taste Village overnight. Feb. 10-13, 2005 of the real world with this 2005 “Post-Graduate” Program at overnight experience. FIELD TRIPS: Learn about Heifer March 17-20 International and Overlook Farm with Heifer Ranch in Perryville, Ark. WOMEN’S LAMBING WEEKEND CHALLENGE COURSE: Learn the a video, guided tour and hayride. An in-depth curriculum for Experience the miracle of birth, learn ropes about teamwork and individuals who have already how livestock and training can help problem-solving skills. INFORMATION “graduated” from a Heifer solve world hunger and explore the University program. roles of women around the world. “GVR” PROGRAM: Combine several CERES CENTER Ceres, California popular programs in this multi-day Feb. 24-27, 2005 (877) 841-7182 or March 20-25 event that includes World Village, HEIFER RANCH, [email protected] WOMEN’S RANCH HAND WEEK/ Challenge Course and more. PERRYVILLE, ARK. LAMBING HEIFER RANCH March 3-6, 2005 Similar to Women’s Lambing COTTAGE INDUSTRY: Engage in Perryville, Arkansas Weekend with added participation workshops that turn farm and garden Ranch Events Offi ce Heifer University for Teachers at in ranch life and farm chores. products into value-added items. (501) 889-5124 or Heifer Ranch in Perryville, Ark. [email protected] This program focuses on Read to April 4-8 CONFERENCE AND RETREAT Feed and other school programs. WOMEN’S RANCH HAND WEEK/ FACILITIES: Leave the busy world OVERLOOK FARM LAMB CARE behind and relax in the beauty Rutland, Massachusetts April 14-17, 2005 Similar to the Women’s Ranch Hand of the Ouachita Mountains. (508) 886-2221 or HEIFER RANCH, Week/Lambing event but focused [email protected] PERRYVILLE, ARK. on newborn lamb care. OVERLOOK FARM HOWELL NATURE CENTER Sept. 8-11, 2005 April 8-10 Dec. 11 and 12 HEIFER GLOBAL VILLAGE OVERLOOK FARM, WOMEN’S LAMB CARE WEEKEND LIVING NATIVITY Howell, Michigan RUTLAND, MASS. Experience lamb care and learn See a live Nativity, visit the (517) 546-0249 how gifts of livestock and training International Gift Shop, enjoy [email protected] Sept. 29-Oct. 2, 2005 can help end world hunger. sleigh rides, hot cider and more. HEIFER RANCH, PERRYVILLE, ARK. All locations are open year-round for drop-in visitors, or schedule a fi eld trip for your group.
48 November/December 2004 | WORLD ARK www.heifer.org Travel WITH A PURPOSE
You might choose to see Asia, Africa, Central and Eastern Europe, North America or Latin America on a 2005 Heifer Study Tour. No matter which area you choose, you’ll be stepping into a new world where you’ll engage your mind along with all your senses. “Travel is fatal to bigotry, prejudice, and narrow-mindedness ... . Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth ... .”—Mark Twain The sights, sounds and smells you encounter will give you new insights into what it’s like to live and work in the country you decide to visit. You’ll meet our country staff and see how and why sustainable development is improving lives as you visit the communities and homes of our project partners. Most of our Study Tours next year will take place between May and October. Here’s a look at the tentative calendar for 2005:
2005 STUDY TOURS
AFRICA: Rwanda/Western Uganda ● Mozambique ● South Africa ASIA: China ● Thailand ● Vietnam ● Cambodia EASTERN EUROPE: Ukraine ● Armenia ● Poland ● Albania ● Russia LATIN AMERICA AND CARRIBEAN: Peru ● Guatemala ● Bolivia NORTH AMERICA: Canada ● Navajo Nation (These North America Study Tours will be combined with Heifer University in Canada and Arizona.)
For information on any of these trips, please send an e-mail to [email protected] and on the subject line, add: 2005 ST to ______(list your area preference). Or you may leave a voice message at (501) 907-2957. Look for information about additional trips in future issues of World Ark or visit www.heifer.org. Heifer International reserves the right to cancel or change Study Tours at any time.
Heifer International is a nonprofi t organization classifi ed under Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, and contributions to Heifer are generally considered tax deductible under U.S. tax regulations. Heifer International considers Study Tours to be part of its mission of education on the issues of hunger, poverty and the environment. Heifer asks Study Tour participants to share their experiences with others in order to expand our educational message. Accordingly, Heifer considers payments for Study Tours to be a contribution to our mission, and participants will receive a charitable tax receipt for the amount paid to Heifer for the tour. However, each participant should consult his or her own tax adviser regarding the deductibility of this contribution. Heifer recognizes that Study Tour participants will incur other expenses related to their travel. Heifer does not issue charitable tax receipts for these expenses, and participants should consult with their tax advisers regarding the deductibility of these expenses. Prices range from $2,000 to $5,000. www.heifer.org November/December 2004 | WORLD ARK 49 Things to Remember 5 (AS DECEMBER 31 DRAWS NIGH)
efore we know it, the end of the year CHARITABLE GIVING BENEFITS YOU, will be upon us and a new year will AS WELL AS HEIFER FOUNDATION. dawn. Here are fi ve gentle reminders special, year-end gift during “The Season to help you fi nish the current year in A of Giving” can bring you added pleasure, Bcharitable style. especially as you consider the lasting value of your generosity to generations of families. You will enjoy knowing that your gift through Heifer Foundation has provided long-term support for Heifer’s work around the world.
APPRECIATED ASSETS CAN MAKE GREAT GIFTS. ake stock, for example. If you have owned Tthe stock for at least a year and a day, you can receive full value for the gift, including all the appreciation. What’s more, neither you nor Heifer Foundation will have to pay capital gains tax on the gift. The more the stock has appreciated, the greater the benefi t. This is a great way to provide tremendous support to Heifer Foundation, while meeting your own personal fi nancial needs.
TAX-WISE CHARITABLE GIFTS OFTEN REQUIRE ADVANCED ACTION. stock gift usually takes longer to complete A than simply writing out and mailing a check. Real estate gifts require even more time—often several weeks. You should also plan to discuss your non- cash gift with your attorney or fi nancial adviser. Arranging appointments and handling the pa- perwork can be time-consuming, so start early.
“This project is so important for our family because the CHARITABLE GIFTS CAN BE cows give us milk and our health has become so much ACCELERATED. better,” says Erenia Carolina Sequeira Gomez, shown here with her sisters at the Colama project in Nicaragua. hat is, you can reach into next year and pull Eleven-year-old Victor Nalukenge (facing page), shown Tyour charitable giving into the current year. here in the window of her house in Kayunga, Uganda, There are several reasons why this might make
Photographs by Darcy Kiefel lost her father to AIDS, and her mother, a Heifer project participant, now suffers from the disease. sense.
50 November/December 2004 | WORLD ARK www.heiferfoundation.org (Please complete and return this reply form.)
Dear Friends at Heifer Foundation:
❑ Please send me more information on Annuities.
❑ Please send me more information on Wills.
❑ Please send me more information on Charitable Remainder Trusts.
❑ Please send me more information on Endowments. ❑ First, you may be looking at a higher tax bill this Please send me more information year due to larger-than-anticipated income. Additional on Stock Gifts. giv ing this year may create a larger income tax charitable ❑ deduction and help ease your added tax burden. I have included Heifer Foundation Second, as you move closer to the end of the year, in my will. you may fi nd you have extra cash on hand and may want to make an “advance” on your charitable giving plans Name: ______for the new year. Third, you may want to give more this year simply Address: ______because you are certain of the existing tax benefi ts, but unsure about what Congress may do next year regarding the income tax charitable deduction. After all, who ______knows what a year can hold? City: ______A LIFE-INCOME PLAN MAY MAKE SENSE FOR YOU AT THIS TIME. State: ______Zip: ______hese deferred giving plans allow you to establish a Tgift arrangement now, obtain current tax benefi ts, create a stream of lifetime income and provide a Phone: ______future contribution to Heifer Foundation that will live on forever in the changed lives of people around the E-mail: ______world who receive livestock and training to improve their nutrition and income. Deferred giving plans are www.heiferfoundation.org especially attractive to donors who cannot afford to give (888) 422-1161 up current income from retirement-related assets. Whatever planned and charitable giving questions you may have, Heifer Foundation can provide educa- tional materials, support and options for you and your attorney to discuss so that you are able to make an informed decision regarding your giving legacy. For more information and forms, visit our website Mail this form to: at www.heiferfoundation.org, or return the attached form to receive specifi c information about the gifts that are Heifer Foundation right for you. P.O. Box 727 Little Rock, Arkansas 72203 www.heiferfoundation.org November/December 2004 | WORLD ARK 51 REFLECTION|TEACHING PEACE The Force of Nonviolence By Colman McCarthy Colman McCarthy, a former Washington Post columnist, is the founder and director of the Center for Teaching Peace in Washington, D.C.
an peace be taught? And rious theories and let’s all hug each other then learned? after we read Utne Reader in our hot tubs, When I asked myself but in the real world there are muggers and those questions 22 years international despots. Cago, I responded like a journalist. All I ask of these snappy-talking realists Phone the academic experts, get their is to tune out for a moment the allures readings and I’d have my answers. But of violence and consider the successes of after phoning the experts and listening nonviolence. Since 1986, six brutal or cor- to them talk much and say little, I did rupt governments have been driven from some legwork. I went to the high school power—not by violence but by organized nearest my offi ce in downtown Wash- nonviolent resistance: in Poland, the Philip- ington, D.C., and offered my services as pines, Chile, South Africa, Yugoslavia and a volunteer teacher of peace. Georgia. Twenty years ago, who would have The principal and faculty welcomed me, as did the thought that possible? But we stay skeptical. Theodore students. That semester, 25 students enrolled in my Roszak explains: “The usual pattern seems to be that course—“Alternatives to Violence.” They were able to people give nonviolence two weeks to solve their prob- grasp intellectually what they already had absorbed lem and then decide it has failed. Then they go on emotionally: the haunting awareness that their future with violence for the next hundred years and it seems is threatened and their present enswamped by exces- never to fail or be rejected.” sive military, environmental, economic and family Many students come from households where verbal, violence. We read from two texts I edited: Solutions to emotional or physical violence is rampant. For them, Violence and Strength Through Peace: the Ideas and People learning confl ict resolution is essential, if only as a of Nonviolence. We studied Gandhi, Tolstoy, Martin basic survival skill. Luther King, Jr., Dorothy Day, Jeannette Rankin, I have no illusions that enrolling in a course on the Emily Balch, Jane Addams and a long list of proven philosophy of nonviolence and reading a couple of peacemakers. The students loved the course, and I books on the literature of peace will cause governments cherished their company. to start stockpiling plowshares, not swords, or that Since that happy beginning, I took “Alternatives the Peace Corps will replace the Marine Corps. But to Violence” to four universities—American, George- I do know that unless we teach our children peace, town, Maryland and Georgetown Law School—and someone else will teach them violence. I know also that two more high schools. In 22 years I’ve taught more if violence, whether fi sts, guns, bombs or armies, were than 6,000 students. With all of them, I emphasized effective, we would have had a peaceful planet eons one theme: alternatives to violence exist and, if indi- ago. Hannah Arendt wrote: “Violence, like all action, viduals and nations can organize themselves properly, changes the world, but the most probable change is to nonviolent force is always stronger than violent force. a more violent world.” Some students open their minds immediately. In a world where an estimated 40,000 people die They understand Gandhi: “Nonviolence is the weapon every day from hunger or preventable diseases, and of the strong.” They believe King: “The choice is not where the United States alone spends more than between violence and nonviolence but between non- $1 billion a day—about $12,000 a second—on the violence and nonexistence.” military, peace education is in its infancy. Plenty of Other students, who like to call themselves realists, obstacles lie ahead. No matter. If the path to peace has have doubts. Sure, nonviolence and pacifi sm are glo- no obstacles, it probably isn’t leading anywhere.
52 November/December 2004 | WORLD ARK www.heifer.org from Heifer International School Kids Making A Difference NEW! 5th/6th Grade Curriculum
■ NEW and Standards-based Lessons on Civics, Geography and Economics ■ Creative Reading Incentive Program ■ Global Education Highlights the Latin American Culture of Ecuador and Introduces Global Issues ■ Flexible, Fun and Free!
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Lessons from a Village Called Earth 5th/6th Grade Curriculum ● The accompanying story “The Day Papa Came Home” ● “The Promise” video ● Read to Feed Brochure ● Poster
ALSO AVAILABLE: Lessons from a Village Called Earth 3rd/4th Grade Curriculum
Order today at www.readtofeed.org or call (800) 422-0474 Give Meaningful Gifts This Holiday Season
TThishis year,year, givegive a giftgift thatthat changeschanges llives.ives. DonateDonate a cowcow thatthat providesprovides preciousprecious milk,milk, cchickenshickens thatthat givegive freshfresh eggseggs oror otherother life-changinglife-changing animalsanimals throughthrough HeiferHeifer International.International. HHonoronor tthosehose oonn yyourour llistist aandnd hhelpelp sstrugglingtruggling familiesfamilies liftlift themselvesthemselves outout ofof povertypoverty wwithith a giftgift fromfrom TheThe MostMost ImportantImportant GiftGift CatalogCatalog inin thethe World.World.
See our holiday gift catalog on page 25 in this magazine.
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