inaugural lecture - agsci.psu.edu
TRANSCRIPT
Inaugural LectureEducation for All Realizing Engaged Communities and Creating Global Citizens for Change Through the
UNESCO Chairs Program
Dr13 Mark13 Brennan13 -shy‐13 The13 Pennsylvania13 State13 University
CHAPTER13 1
IntroductionGood13 aernoon13 Honored13 guests13 family13 and13 friends13 welcome13 And13 a13 warm13 welcome13 to13 our13 thousands13 of13 friends13 and13 supporters13 who13 are13 watching13 this13 worldwide13 Thank13 you13 all13 for13 being13 here13 This13 is13 an13 amazing13 day13 that13 we13 have13 been13 waiFng13 so13 long13 for13 13 Today13 we13 reinvent13 internaFonal13 community13 and13 youth13 developmentI13 am13 deeply13 honored13 that13 you13 are13 here13 More13 important13 Irsquom13 honored13 that13 you13 are13 here13 standing13 to13 be13 counted13 as13 we13 begin13 the13 amazing13 journey13 that13 is13 the13 UNESCO13 Chair13 program13 at13 Penn13 State13 Together13 we13 will13 do13 unbelievable13 thing13 and13 guarantee13 social13 jusFce13 for13 communiFes13 and13 young13 people13 worldwide
I13 canrsquot13 help13 but13 believe13 t h a t13 w e13 a r e13 a l l13 connec ted13 on13 t h i s13 journey13 and13 Irsquom13 starFng13 to13 believe13 it13 is13 all13 meant13 to13 be13 As13 President13 Erickson13 menFoned13 this13 quest13 for13 social13 jusFce13 actually13 began13
right13 here13 at13 Penn13 State13 sixty13 years13 ago13 this13 month13 Just13 a13 few13 steps13 away13 in13 Old13 Main13 Penn13 State13 President13 Milton13 Eisenhower13 began13 a13 new13 role13 13 It13 was13 195313 and13 his13 older13 brother13 Ike13 was13 in13 his13 first13 year13 as13 US13 President13 Milton13 was13 his13 most13 trusted13 advisor13 and13 he13 would13 leave13 State13 College13 on13 Friday13 aernoons13 on13 an13 Army13 plane13 from13 Black13 Moshannon13 forest13 and13 spend13 the13 weekend13 shaping13 foreign13 policy13 in13 the13 White13 House
As13 first13 Chairman13 of13 the13 US13 NaFonal13 Commission13 for13 UNESCO13 he13 saw13 amazing13 potenFal13 for13 engaging13 the13 US13 in13 the13 post-shy‐war13 community13 of13 naFons13 through13 UNESCO13 He13 saw13 UNESCO13 as13 a13 something13 unprecedented13 and13 transformaFonal13 Here13 are13 some13 of13 his13 words13
ldquoA13 body13 unique13 in13 history13 It13 unites13 in13 one13 assembly13 spokesmen13 of13 the13 arts13 sciences13 and13 learned13 professions13 of13 the13 educalton13 system13 at13 all13 levels13 of13 radio13 molton13 pictures13 and13 the13 press13 of13 the13 educalton13 interests13 of13 labor13 agriculture13 and13 of13 religious13 bodies13 and13 of13 many13 other13 groups13 that13 are13 now13 working13 for13 the13 establishment13 of13 peacerdquo
Today we rekindle this important relationship between Penn State
and UNESCO and continue the work started so many years agohellip
Milton13 had13 a13 dream13 much13 like13 you13 have13 had13 of13 a13 fair13 equal13 and13 just13 world13 13 It13 is13 a13 dream13 that13 is13 sFll13 out13 there13 -shy‐-shy‐-shy‐13 a13 dream13 that13 together13 we13 can13 achieve13 13 Today13 we13 rekindle13 this13 important13 relaFonship13 between13 Penn13 State13 and13 UNESCO13 and13 conFnue13 the13 work13 started13 so13 many13 years13 ago13 by13 OUR13 President13 Eisenhower13 13 Itrsquos13 really13 amazing13 isnrsquot13 it
So13 today13 I13 want13 talk13 about13 two13 simple13 ideas13 13 EducaFon13 and13 Community13 13 Tell13 a13 few13 stories13 13 Thatrsquos13 all13 13 No13 big13 deal13 13 But13 keep13 in13 mind13 if13 we13 work13 on13 nothing13 else13 but13 developing13 these13 two13 things13 your13 long13 held13 dreams13 of13 making13 the13 world13 a13 dramaFcally13 beer13 place13 will13 be13 achieved13 13 Itrsquos13 as13 simple13 as13 that
2
CHAPTER13 2
Education For AllThe13 first13 thing13 I13 want13 to13 share13 with13 you13 is13 the13 importance13 of13 educaFon13 The13 UNESCO13 Chair13 program13 it13 is13 not13 about13 academic13 exercises13 13 It13 is13 not13 about13 wishful13 thinking13 theoreFcal13 ramblings13 and13 charitable13 intenFons13 Itrsquos13 not13 about13 filling13 our13 libraries13 with13 books13 and13 reports13 that13 are13 rarely13 if13 ever13 read13 To13 me13 it13 is13 about13 acFon13 and13 itrsquos13 about13 jusFce13 Itrsquos13 about13 EducaFon13 for13 All13 We13 strive13 to13 guarantee13 the13 single13 most13 important13 human13 right13 That13 absolute13 right13 to13 educaFon13 and13 knowledge13 Knowledge13 that13 opens13 up13 a13 world13 of13 possibiliFes13 for13 a13 young13 girl13 in13 rural
Africa13 Knowledge13 that13 convinces13 a13 young13 boy13 in13 Sierra13 Leon13 or13 Rwanda13 to13 pick13 up13 the13 pen13 instead13 of13 the13 gun13 Knowledge13 that13 empowers13 youth13 to13 make13 life13 saving13 decisions13 about13 their13 health13 13 Knowledge13 that13 empowers13 communiFes13 to13 take13 care13 of13 their13 own13 needs
EducaFon13 has13 been13 my13 salvaFon13 -shy‐13 even13 when13 I13 didnrsquot13 know13 it13 You13 see13 my13 educaFonal13 path13 has13 been13 at13 best13 odd13 13 Certainly13 most13 people13 including13 myself13 would13 not13 have13 predicted13 my13 being13 here13 accepFng13 this13 great13 honor13 Truth13 be13 told13 many13 would13 not13 have13 predicted13 my13 graduaFon13 from13 high13 school13 Certainly13 not13 the13 compleFon13 of13 university13 or13 advanced13 graduate13 degrees13 A13 professorship13 at13 one13 of13 the13 worldrsquos13 greatest13 insFtuFons13 and13 now13 a13
UNESCO13 Chair13 would13 have13 been13 seen13 as13 absolutely13 delusional
My13 educaFonal13 training13 began13 at13 schools13 that13 were13 increasingly13 failing13 Schools13 that13 no13 longer13 exist13 A13 lack13 of13 funds13 resources13 and13 commitment13 led13 to13 decreased13 student13 outcomes13 13 Burned13 out13 teachers13 that13 would13 much13 rather13 have13 been13 somewhere13 else13 further13 contributed13 to13 a13 deterioraFng13 educaFonal13 environment13 I13 certainly13 could13 have13 easily13 fallen13 through13 the13 cracks13 At13 Fmes13 I13 did
Now13 there13 is13 plenty13 of13 blame13 to13 go13 around13 for13 myself13 in13 parFcular13 I13 was13 bored13 unchallenged13 uninterested13 probably13 lazy13 and13 did13 at13 best13 adequate13 work13 I13 was13 well-shy‐read13 misbehaved13 and13 angry13 Worst13 of13 all13 I13 saw13 no13 purpose13 at13 all13 in13 what13 I13 was13 doing
4
In13 college13 I13 found13 a13 different13 world13 13 There13 were13 fresh13 ideas13 There13 were13 calls13 to13 acFon13 13 It13 was13 educaFon13 with13 a13 purpose13 13 And13 most13 important13 there13 were13 teachers13 that13 were13 interested13 and13 encouraging13 Excited13 teachers13 who13 worked13 8013 hours13 a13 week13 not13 because13 they13 had13 to13 but13 because13 they13 loved13 it13 so13 13 Amazing13 people13 with13 amazing13 stories13 and13 lives13 They13 had13 been13 everywhere13 and13 seen13 everything13 They13 were13 remarkable13 and13 extraordinary13 at13 their13 calling13 SFll13 that13 was13 not13 enough13 though
It13 wasnrsquot13 unFl13 I13 saw13 the13 actual13 impacts13 of13 educaFon13 throughout13 the13 world13 that13 I13 realized13 its13 importance13 It13 wasnrsquot13 the13 chore13 and13 burden13 it13 had13 seemed13 when13 I13 was13 younger13 It13 was13 THE13 key13 The13 single13 most13
important13 factor13 in13 shaping13 my13 life13 and13 the13 lives13 of13 so13 many13 others
Wersquove told ourselves and our children it is something that we
need but stopped understanding why
Now13 my13 story13 is13 largely13 average13 Many13 of13 us13 wandered13 that13 long13 path13 to13 where13 we13 are13 now13 Many13 of13 us13 began13 our13 educaFon13 in13 less13 than13 desirable13 sedngs13 My13 challenges13 donrsquot13 even13 deserve13 to13 be13 menFoned13 in13 the13 same13 sentence13 as13 the13 challenges13 seen13 in13 our13 inner13 ciFes13 rapidly13 failing13 rural13 schools13 and13 throughout13 the13 developing13 world13 But13 the13 reality13 is13 that13 we13 have13 forgoen13 why13 educaFon13 is13 important13 We13 have13 disFlled13 its13 usefulness13 down13 to13 a13 few13 small13 outcomes13 such13 as13 gedng13 a13 beer13 job13 Wersquove13 told13
5
ourselves13 and13 our13 children13 it13 is13 something13 that13 we13 need13 but13 stopped13 understanding13 why
Not13 so13 in13 the13 developing13 world13 where13 even13 young13 children13 are13 excited13 honored13 and13 enthusiasFc13 about13 the13 prospect13 of13 going13 to13 a13 one-shy‐room13 schoolhouse13 with13 next13 to13 no13 resources13 They13 understand13 what13 we13 have13 forgoen13 They13 understand13 what13 our13 grandparents13 held13 so13 dear13 13 EducaFon13 is13 the13 single13 most13 important13 thing13 we13 can13 aain13 It13 is13 the13 single13 greatest13 gi13 that13 we13 can13 give13 13 And13 if13 we13 have13 one13 chance13 of13 having13 beer13 lives13 it13 all13 comes13 through13 the13 doors13 that13 educaFon13 open13
Irsquom13 sure13 you13 are13 asking13 how13 so13 Well13 the13 facts13 speak13 volumes13 There13 are13 countless13 ones13 but13 here13 are13 a13 few13 examples
Letrsquos13 start13 with13 general13 educa2on13
If13 all13 students13 in13 low13 income13 countries13 obtained13 just13 basic13 reading13 skills13 Basic13 reading13 skills13 17013 million13 people13 could13 be13 liFed13 out13 of13 poverty13 This13 is13 equal13 to13 a13 1213 cut13 in13 global13 poverty13 Just13 by13 providing13 basic13 reading13 skills
How13 about13 the13 connec2on13 between13 educa2on13 and13 health
Life13 expectancy13 has13 gone13 up13 for13 most13 people13 in13 the13 past13 couple13 of13 decades13 The13 increase13 has13 been13 largest13 for13 people13 with13 the13 most13 educalton13 There13 has13 been13 one13 exceplton13 13 Those13 without13 a13 high13 school13 diploma13 have13 actually13 experienced13 a13 decrease13 in13 life13 expectancy
But13 how13 about13 really13 moving13 the13 human13 race13 forward13 Because13 of13 these13 gender13 equity13 is13 close13 to13 home13 for13 me13 EducaFon13 is13
6
the13 key13 to13 womenrsquos13 rights13 equality13 and13 13 13 13 community13 building
How13 important13 do13 you13 think13 Well13 for13 13 13 13 13 13 example
Countries13 lose13 more13 than13 $113 billion13 a13 year13 by13 failing13 to13 educate13 girls13 to13 the13 same13 level13 as13 boys
One13 addiltonal13 year13 of13 schooling13 beyond13 primary13 school13 reduces13 the13 probability13 of13 becoming13 a13 young13 mother13 by13 almost13 10
A13 child13 whose13 mother13 can13 read13 is13 5013 more13 likely13 to13 live13 past13 age13 513
In13 sub-shy‐Saharan13 Africa13 alone13 approximately13 213 million13 childrenrsquos13 lives13 could13 be13 saved13 every13 year13 if13 their13 mothers13 had13 at13 least13 a13 secondary13 educaFon13 How13 many13 Einsteinrsquos13 Steve13 Jobs13 Gandhirsquos13 or13 Da13 Vincirsquos13 never13 got13
the13 chance13 to13 beer13 the13 world13 because13 of13 this13 We13 need13 them13 now13 more13 than13 ever
Nonetheless13 almost13 two-shy‐thirds13 of13 the13 worldrsquos13 80013 million13 illiterate13 adults13 are13 women13 They13 are13 the13 foundaFons13 of13 civil13 13 13 society13 13 And13 we13 need13 to13 invest13 in13 them
This is about half of the amount Europeans and Americans spend on
ice cream annually
All13 of13 this13 has13 to13 costs13 a13 lot13 right13 How13 much13 do13 you13 think13 10013 trillion13 113 trillion13 No13 13 For13 $1613 billion13 a13 year13 in13 aid13 we13 can13 send13 all13 children13 to13 school13 in13 low-shy‐income13 countries13 13 A13 lot13 Sure13 This13 is13 about13 half13 of13 the13 amount13 Europeans13 and13 Americans13 spend13 on13 ice13 cream13 annually13 It13 is13 two13 less13 fighter13 jets13 in13 the13 US13 arsenal13 It13 is13 $113 a13 month13 for13 each13 ciFzen13 of13 the13 G713 naFons
7
Itrsquos13 the13 right13 thing13 to13 do13 This13 is13 not13 about13 charity13 This13 is13 about13 jusFce13 InvesFng13 in13 educaFon13 is13 more13 effecFve13 cheaper13 and13 leads13 to13 the13 best13 development13 outcomes13 We13 have13 a13 large13 body13 of13 knowledge13 that13 backs13 this13 up
Let13 me13 share13 one13 more13 example13 Chris13 Aredo13 from13 Kenya13 Chris13 had13 a13 normal13 childhood13 unFl13 the13 age13 of13 1213 years13 when13 he13 was13 orphaned13 He13 found13 himself13 living13 in13 the13 rough13 streets13 of13 Nairobi13 scavenging13 and13 stealing13 to13 survive13 He13 lived13 this13 way13 for13 six13 years13 13 I13 donrsquot13 think13 many13 of13 us13 in13 this13 room13 certainly13 myself13 are13 that13 tough13 or13 strong13
Aer13 613 years13 he13 was13 enrolled13 in13 the13 NaFonal13 Youth13 Service13 which13 is13 a13 boot-shy‐camp13 providing13 basic13 vocaFonal13 skills13 Shortly13 thereaer13 he13 met13 Paul13 Maina13 who13 was13 beginning13 to13 form13 the13 Child13 and13 Youth13 Empowerment13 Center
Chris13 joined13 Paul13 and13 in13 late13 200613 the13 Center13 opened13 Here13 Chris13 had13 an13 opportunity13 to13 help13 shape13 beer13 lives13 for13 young13 people13 He13 also13 had13 the13 opportunity13 to13 travel13 to13 Germany13 where13 the13 importance13 of13 educaFon13 became13 even13 more13 evident13 to13 him13 Upon13 his13 return13 he13 enrolled13 in13 high13 school13 which13 he13 quickly13 completed13 With13 the13 assistance13 of13 the13 Centrersquos13 support13 network13 he13 was13 able13 to13 enroll13 in13 University13 and13 will13 receive13 his13 BS13 degree13 this13 coming13 December13 in13 Bus iness13 I nformaFon13
8
Technology13 Chris13 has13 been13 the13 Chairperson13 of13 the13 Universityrsquos13 chapter13 of13 the13 Red13 Cross13 Club13 and13 president13 of13 InternaFonal13 AssociaFon13 of13 Students13 in13 Economic13 and13 Commercial13 Sciences13 He13 is13 part13 of13 the13 UNESCO13 sponsored13 youth13 leadership13 development13 program13 as13 a13 mentor13 facilitator13 and13 community13 leader
I13 menFon13 his13 story13 not13 as13 a13 feel13 good13 moment13 Though13 it13 certainly13 is13 I13 menFon13 it13 because13 it13 highlights13 the13 common13 human13 condiFon13 If13 provided13 with13 the13 opportunity13 for13 learning13 and13 educaFon13 people13 will13 seize13 the13 moment13 Through13 a13 small13 investment13 and13 his13 hard13 work13 Chrisrsquos13 life13 and13 those13 of13 others13 were13 transformed13 In13 less13 than13 ten13 years13 from13 a13 homeless13 street13 youth13 to13 a13 high13 school13 graduate13 to13 a13 college13 graduate13
to13 a13 leader13 acFvist13 and13 agent13 of13 change13 13 Think13 how13 tough13 determined13 resilient13 he13 is13 -shy‐13 and13 he13 is13 not13 terribly13 unusual13 Hersquos13 the13 kind13 of13 person13 I13 want13 on13 my13 teams13 If13 you13 give13 me13 him13 and13 2013 others13 like13 him13 we13 will13 make13 history13 Also13 remember13 there13 are13 more13 than13 a13 billion13 youth13 like13 Chris13 out13 there13 and13 just13 think13 of13 the13 impacts13 of13 reaching13 a13 fracFon13 of13 them13 or13 even13 beer13 yet13 th ink13 o f13 empowering13 them13 all
EducaFon13 is13 power13 and13 sets13 the13 stage13 for13 strong13 communiFes13 that13 take13 care13 of13 their13 own13 needs13 This13 focus13 on13 EducaFon13 for13 All13 will13 be13 a13 cornerstone13 of13 our13 work13 and13 thatrsquos13 the13 first13 thing13 I13 wanted13 to13 share13 with13 you13 today
9
CHAPTER13 3
Realizing Engaged CommunitiesThe13 second13 thing13 I13 want13 to13 share13 with13 you13 is13 the13 importance13 of13 community13 13 Just13 like13 educaFon13 community13 shapes13 producFve13 and13 stable13 lives13 just13 in13 a13 different13 way13 Combining13 the13 two13 is13 magical13 in13 their13 impactBut13 why13 th ink13 about13 commun i ty13 Community13 contributes13 to13 individual13 family13 and13 social13 well13 being13 13 It13 is13 our13 first13 contact13 with13 the13 world13 beyond13 the13 family13 It13 is13 the13 sedng13 for13 socializaFon13 our13 insFtuFons13 and13
the13 development13 of13 rules13 and13 culture
hellipthink about community as one big relationship
Community13 establishes13 and13 maintains13 channels13 of13 communicaFon13 and13 interacFon13 13 I13 always13 tell13 my13 undergraduate13 and13 graduate13 students13 to13 think13 about13 community13 as13 one13 big13 relaFonship13 Think13 about13 what13 happens13 in13 your13 relaFonships13 Itrsquos13 the13 same13 with13 community13 When13 you13 first13 meet13 you13 commun i ca te13 con s tan t l y13 i n te ra c t13 conFnuously13 and13 do13 everything13 together13 As13 Fme13 goes13 on13 the13 communicaFon13 and13 interacFon13 become13 less13 frequent13 And13 as13 we13 all13 know13 it13 someFmes13 is13 not13 long13 before13 problems13 occur13 Where13 mountains13 are13 made13 out13 of13 mole13 hills13 and13 relaFonships13 become13 strained13 someFmes13 to13 the13 point13 of13 breaking13 13
The13 same13 is13 true13 in13 communiFes13 It13 involves13 more13 people13 and13 is13 a13 bit13 messier13 but13 the13 process13 and13 structure13 is13 the13 same13 Just13 as13 in13 our13 relaFonships13 we13 need13 to13 constantly13 be13 working13 to13 maintain13 community
Oen13 during13 presidenFal13 elecFons13 I13 ask13 my13 students13 to13 count13 the13 number13 of13 Fmes13 that13 community13 is13 said13 during13 debates13 and13 speeches13 In13 these13 sedngs13 where13 every13 word13 counts13 and13 costs13 money13 it13 is13 common13 for13 the13 term13 community13 to13 be13 menFoned13 dozens13 of13 Fmes13 in13 an13 hour13 long13 speech13 13 Why13 though13 I t rsquos13 an13 amazing13 idea13 community13 Itrsquos13 tremendously13 powerful13 It13 bring13 up13 all13 those13 warm13 and13 fuzzy13 images13 -shy‐13 real13 and13 imagined13 -shy‐13 of13 what13 life13 was13 like13 or13 could13 be
11
The impacts outcomes and potentials of community are real
tangible and measurable
Now13 before13 you13 think13 me13 an13 academic13 hippy13 or13 that13 Irsquom13 advocaFng13 for13 free13 love13 and13 touchy13 feely13 ideas13 this13 is13 not13 the13 case13 at13 all13 13 The13 impacts13 outcomes13 and13 potenFals13 of13 community13 are13 rea l 13 tangib le 13 and13 measurable13 13 Strong13 communiFes13 are13 more13 resilient13 adapFve13 and13 less13 likely13 to13 be13 explo i ted13 They13 connect13 res idents 13 insFtuFons13 organizaFons13 to13 each13 other13 13 They13 promote13 stability13 have13 less13 crime13 and13 show13 increase13 local13 well-shy‐being13 They13 increase13 involvement13 in13 local13 decision-shy‐making13 and13 parFcipatory13 democracy
There13 are13 also13 tremendous13 personal13 impacts13 Community13 enhances13 our13 social13
psychological13 and13 emoFonal13 development13 13 It13 promotes13 civic13 responsibility13 which13 is13 a13 commitment13 to13 helping13 others13 It13 increases13 cultural13 understanding13 and13 empathy13 13 It13 provides13 life13 skills13 such13 as13 criFcal13 thinking13 interpersonal13 leadership13 and13 conflict13 resoluFon13 skills13
Tremendous things happen when people care about each other and
the place they live in
This13 is13 an13 impressive13 list13 that13 is13 by13 no13 means13 complete13 We13 have13 mountains13 of13 research13 data13 program13 evaluaFons13 thousands13 of13 books13 and13 journal13 arFcles13 to13 prove13 that13 this13 is13 the13 case13 Even13 beer13 wersquove13 studied13 this13 process13 across13 the13 world13 I t rsquos13 true13 everywhere13 The13 condiFons13 and13 context13 might13 be13 a13 lile13 different13 but13 one13 thing13
12
holds13 true13 tremendous13 things13 happen13 when13 people13 care13 about13 each13 other13 and13 the13 place13 they13 live13 in13 This13 is13 not13 an13 idea13 This13 is13 not13 a13 plan13 This13 IS13 fact13 Strong13 communiFes13 equal13 stable13 civil13 and13 just13 socieFes
For13 me13 the13 need13 for13 community13 is13 close13 to13 home13 I13 was13 born13 and13 raised13 in13 a13 small13 town13 in13 northeastern13 Pennsylvania13 I13 came13 from13 people13 who13 le13 Ireland13 and13 Europe13 seeking13 survival13 All13 of13 these13 are13 absolutely13 great13 places13 Places13 blessed13 by13 amazing13 natural13 resources13 amazingly13 diverse13 cultures13 tremendous13 food13 you13 canrsquot13 imagine13 13 Cultures13 whose13 unique13 experiences13 and13 knowledge13 for13 dealing13 with13 the13 challenges13 of13 daily13 life13 were13 massive13 and13 effecFve13 Places13 rich13 in13 social13 supports13 from13 family13 neighbors13 religions13 and13 schools13 Places13 to13
me13 that13 held13 a13 tremendous13 amount13 of13 magic13 in13 them
For many education became not an opportunity but a painful reminder
of what might have been
But13 you13 know13 as13 the13 musician13 Lou13 Reed13 sang13 there13 is13 a13 bit13 of13 magic13 in13 everything13 -shy‐13 and13 then13 some13 loss13 to13 even13 things13 out13 The13 loss13 in13 these13 areas13 was13 characterized13 by13 exploitaFon13 from13 abusive13 outside13 interests13 13 Abuse13 by13 corporaFons13 and13 governments13 that13 harvested13 local13 natural13 resources13 including13 people13 for13 far13 far13 less13 than13 they13 were13 worth13 13 Places13 where13 youth13 were13 eventually13 forced13 to13 leave13 for13 lack13 of13 opportuniFes13 denied13 their13 righkul13 heritage13 and13 forced13 like13 so13 many13 youth13 worldwide13 to13 become13 the13 nomads13 the13 diasporas13 For13 many13 educaFon13
13
became13 not13 an13 opportunity13 but13 a13 painful13 reminder13 of13 what13 might13 have13 been13 Aer13 all13 why13 bother13 learning13 of13 the13 wonders13 of13 Paris13 Rome13 and13 Tokyo13 when13 the13 odds13 of13 you13 gedng13 to13 there13 were13 as13 good13 gedng13 to13 the13 Moon13 For13 most13 the13 mill13 the13 mine13 and13 oen13 the13 unemployment13 line13 were13 our13 desFny
It was the systematic breakdown of our communities
These13 were13 environments13 where13 ciFzens13 were13 slowly13 convinced13 that13 they13 were13 irrelevant13 That13 there13 was13 no13 need13 to13 act13 or13 be13 involved13 locally13 Convinced13 that13 they13 could13 never13 ever13 make13 a13 difference13 13 In13 truth13 this13 impotence13 was13 not13 the13 result13 of13 the13 IlluminaF13 the13 Freemasons13 the13 wealthy13 or13 whatever13 version13 of13 the13 lsquoManrsquo13 that13 we13
created13 It13 was13 not13 the13 standard13 issue13 boot13 of13 the13 Pinkerton13 Agency13 the13 police13 or13 others13 kicking13 in13 our13 door13 forcing13 us13 to13 be13 compliant13 It13 was13 something13 much13 simpler13 and13 infinitely13 more13 ominous13 Something13 much13 harder13 and13 painful13 to13 admit13 truth13 be13 told13 13 It13 was13 the13 systemaFc13 breakdown13 of13 our13 communiFes13 But13 nonetheless13 we13 were13 the13 lucky13 ones13 From13 Africa13 to13 Southeast13 Asia13 to13 South13 and13 Central13 America13 and13 eastern13 Europe13 these13 condiFons13 would13 be13 eagerly13 welcomed13 in13 the13 face13 of13 war13 genocide13 disease13 and13 extreme13 poverty13
hellipour communities can be brought back to life
But13 Irsquove13 good13 news13 Maybe13 itrsquos13 not13 so13 bad13 13 And13 if13 it13 is13 it13 certainly13 does13 not13 need13 to13 be13 13 We13 actually13 have13 lots13 of13 proof13 that13 our13
14
communiFes13 can13 be13 brought13 back13 to13 life13 13 Wersquove13 tremendous13 evidence13 from13 the13 field13 13 From13 do-shy‐gooding13 idealisFc13 acFvists13 to13 bale13 hardened13 program13 agents13 to13 government13 officials13 From13 shrewd13 business13 interests13 to13 chariFes13 and13 nonprofits13 Capacity13 is13 being13 built13 and13 ciFzens13 of13 all13 ages13 are13 being13 empowered13 but13 parFcularly13 those13 amazing13 agents13 of13 change13 young13 people
To13 understand13 this13 letrsquos13 talk13 a13 bit13 about13 what13 community13 is13 Let13 me13 tell13 you13 about13 a13 good13 way13 to13 think13 of13 it13 an13 interacFve13 approach13 to13 community13 At13 the13 core13 of13 community13 is13 the13 interacFon13 and13 interdependence13 among13 local13 people13 Here13 people13 make13 up13 local13 interest13 groups13 that13 are13 loosely13 bounded13 arenas13 for13 interacFon
All13 of13 these13 seek13 to13 look13 aer13 their13 own13 interests13 Community13 evolves13 as13 members13 of13 these13 very13 different13 groups13 interact13 with13 each13 other13 realizing13 their13 common13 general13 needs13 This13 doesnrsquot13 mean13 we13 give13 up13 who13 we13 are13 or13 sell13 out13 We13 just13 realize13 that13 we13 have13 common13 needs13 and13 that13 we13 can13 work13 together13 to13 overcome13 these
15
As13 groups13 and13 residents13 interact13 what13 has13 come13 to13 be13 known13 as13 community13 agency13 emerges13 Agency13 highlights13 the13 fact13 that13
engagement13 has13 power13 It13 shows13 that13 local13 people13 working13 together13 have13 the13 power13 to13 transform13 and13 change13 society13 13 When13 they13 do13 this13 community13 can13 emerge
I13 want13 to13 stress13 this13 is13 a13 process13 though13 13 Community13 is13 not13 a13 given13 State13 College13 will13 always13 be13 on13 a13 map13 But13 the13 connecFon13 between13 people13 that13 makes13 this13 place13 so13 special13 may13 not13 unless13 we13 work13 at13 it13 Keep13 in13 mind13 that13 community13 is13 a13 variable13 Our13 locality13 is13 always13 changing13 with13 people13 coming13 and13 going13 all13 the13 Fmes13 We13 need13 to13 constantly13 be13 working13 to13 maintain13 our13 connecFon13 to13 it13 and13 welcome13 in13 new13 people13 to13 be13 part13 of13 it13 When13 we13 stop13 interacFng13 communicaFng13 and13 being13 inclusive13 it13 simply13 -shy‐13 and13 quickly13 disappears13 But13 if13 developed13 community13 results13 in13 amazing13 things13 here13 and13 abroad
Let13 me13 give13 you13 some13 examples
Civically13 engaged13 youth13 are13 2213 more13 likely
16
to13 graduate13 from13 college13 than13 those13 that13 did13 not
Civically13 engaged13 youth13 are13 413 ltmes13 less13 likely13 to13 exhibit13 ldquorisky13 behaviorrdquo13 such13 as13 drug13 use13 and13 other13 dangerous13 behaviors13
Youth13 are13 813 ltmes13 more13 likely13 to13 believe13 that13 can13 influence13 decision13 making13 if13 they13 are13 civically13 engaged
This13 is13 important13 The13 fact13 of13 the13 maer13 is13 that13 there13 are13 very13 few13 obstacles13 to13 us13 changing13 the13 world13 Wersquove13 just13 convinced13 ourselves13 that13 we13 canrsquot13 make13 a13 difference13 and13 shouldnrsquot13 act13 This13 is13 largely13 because13 wersquove13 been13 uninvolved13 for13 so13 long13 Wersquove13 forgoen13 how13 to13 act13 and13 be13 engaged
One13 more13 thing13 EducaFon13 and13 Community13 intersect13 in13 a13 big13 way13 Where13 community13 involvement13 and13 educaFon13 are13 low13 the13 odds13
of13 extremism13 gangs13 and13 terrorisFc13 organizaFons13 more13 than13 quadruple
helliphad there been a little more education and community capacity
the extremism would have been stopped in its tracks
This13 was13 brought13 home13 to13 me13 during13 visits13 to13 Cambodia13 over13 the13 years13 Every13 Fme13 I13 go13 make13 a13 pilgrimage13 to13 the13 infamous13 Killing13 Fields13 near13 Phom13 Penh13 At13 their13 naFonal13 Genocide13 Museum13 are13 thousands13 of13 photos13 of13 the13 vicFms13 You13 see13 a13 fracFon13 of13 them13
here13 behind13 me13 But13 of13 all13 of13 these13 -shy‐13 one13 haunts13 me13 I13 bring13 her13 flowers13 every13 year13 I13 donrsquot13 know13 her13 name13
17
No13 one13 does13 But13 I13 canrsquot13 forget13 her13 eyes13 I13 canrsquot13 forget13 that13 had13 there13 been13 a13 lile13 more13 educaFon13 and13 community13 capacity13 the13 extremism13 would13 have13 been13 stopped13 in13 its13 tracks13 She13 and13 several13 million13 other13 Cambodians13 would13 be13 with13 us13 today13 The13 same13 is13 true13 in13 Germany13 Rwanda13 Bosnia13 ArgenFna13 and13 elsewhere13 13 We13 owe13 it13 to13 her13 and13 the13 countless13 others13 to13 build13 strong13 educated13 communiFes13 that13 will13 ensure13 extremism13 does13 not13 take13 root13 and13 run13 rampant
If13 nothing13 else13 remember13 this13 Community13 builds13 capacity13 It13 provides13 structure13 and13 social13 supports13 builds13 empathy13 and13 understanding13 and13 provides13 the13 basis13 for13 acFon13 and13 acFvism13 It13 protects13 against13 poverty13 extremism13 and13 chaos
The13 importance13 and13 central13 role13 of13 community13 will13 be13 the13 other13 cornerstone13 of13 our13 work13 and13 was13 the13 second13 thing13 I13 wanted13 to13 share13 with13 you
18
CHAPTER13 4
Transforming the World Through the UNESCO Chairs Program Wersquove13 been13 looking13 forward13 this13 is13 a13 day13 for13 years13 Because13 every13 now13 and13 then13 an13 opportunity13 comes13 along13 that13 just13 changes13 everything13 Wersquove13 been13 working13 really13 really13
hard13 and13 have13 lots13 of13 plans13 that13 are13 ready13 to13 launch13 I13 want13 to13 share13 three13 of13 them13 that13 we13 are13 really13 excited13 about13 They13 really13 are13 amazing13 and13 beauFful13 creaFons
First13 is13 the13 UNTWIN13 Network13 on13 Youth13 and13 Community13 Development13
With13 this13 we13 reinvent13 the13 idea13 of13 global13 partnerships13 and13 collaboraFon13 UNITWIN13 are13 the13 UN13 university13 twining13 and13 partnership13 networks13 They13 open13 up13 all13 kinds13 of13 opportuniFes13 for13 rapid13 research13 and13 acFon13 and13 funding13 While13 UNESCO13 Chairs13 are13 rare13 UNITWIN13 networks13 are13 even13 more13 so13 13 Only13 two13 exist13 in13 the13 US13 We13 got13 the13 go13 ahead13 from13 UNESCO13 to13 start13 developing13 number13 three13 However13 ours13 will13 be13 unmatched13 in13 size13 scope13 and13 impact
6 continents
9 geographic regions
35 partner institutions
Thousands of youth
Three UNESCO Chairs
It13 will13 cover13 613 conFnents13 913 geographic13 regions13 3513 partner13 insFtuFons13 (and13 growing13 weekly)13 thousands13 of13 youth13 and13 three13 UNESCO13 Chairs13 This13 will13 allow13 for13 immediate13 research13 program13 development13 and13 educaFonal13 program13 delivery
hellipa common framework of Community Capacity Building
Youth Development and Conflict Mitigationhellip
The13 network13 will13 be13 led13 by13 three13 UNESCO13 Chairs13 at13 three13 interrelated13 mulFdisciplinary13
20
centers13 the13 Child13 and13 Family13 Research13 Centre13 (NUI13 Galway)13 UNESCO13 Centre13 for13 Research13 on13 Children13 and13 Youth13 (University13 of13 Ulster)13 and13 the13 planned13 UNESCO13 InsAtute13 for13 G lobal13 Humanitar ian13 Development13 (Penn13 State)13 The13 three13 bring13 together13 nearly13 20013 of13 the13 worldrsquos13 best13 researchers13 teachers13 and13 program13 developers
The13 network13 will13 have13 a13 common13 framework13 of13 Community13 Capacity13 Building13 Youth13 Development13 and13 Conflict13 MiFgaFon13 but13 will13 pursue13 specialized13 projects13 on13 health13 and13 well-shy‐being13 educaFon13 and13 literacy13 social13 and13 economic13 development13 the13 physical13 sciences13 agricultural13 development13 civil13 engineering13 and13 many13 other13 areas13 as13 they13 emerge13 We13 will13 be13 able13 to13 conduct13
internaFonal13 comparaFve13 research13 design13 programs13 and13 deliver13 them13 worldwide13 in13 a13 maer13 of13 months13 -shy‐13 not13 years13 as13 is13 oen13 the13 case13 Think13 of13 the13 potenFal
With13 not13 much13 work13 we13 can13 reach13 1000013 kids13 and13 100013 communiFes13 in13 the13 next13 few13 years13 1000013 kids13 and13 communiFes13 who13 see13 a13 brighter13 future13 are13 contribuFng13 members13 of13 society13 lead13 producFve13 and13 safe13 lives13 and13 take13 on13 ownership13 of13 local13 life13 With13 your13 help13 and13 some13 hard13 work13 we13 can13 triple13 the13 number13 of13 youth13 and13 communiFes13 we13 can13 reach
UNITWIN13 goes13 live13 in13 April13 Itrsquos13 already13 growing13 beyond13 our13 control13 Itrsquos13 a13 game13 changer13 and13 once13 in13 a13 lifeFme13 opportunity13 13 Itrsquos13 going13 to13 be13 our13 legacy13 and13 we13 have13 a13 seat13 at13 the13 table13 for13 you
21
The13 second13 big13 item13 focuses13 on13 idenAfying13 the13 best13 pracAces13 for13 youth13 and13 community13 developmenthellipworldwide
Today13 we13 redefine13 global13 comparaFve13 research13 There13 are13 lots13 of13 people13 doing13 great13 and13 effecFve13 work13 worldwide13 We13 are13 going13 to13 begin13 a13 long-shy‐term13 research13 program13 to13 idenFfy13 these13 best13 pracFces13 in13 all13 locaFons13 but13 with13 a13 strong13 focus13 on13 rural13 areas
But13 you13 might13 ask13 why13 There13 is13 an13 increasing13 lsquoyouth13 bulgersquo13 that13 exists13 alongside13 a13 heavy13 dependence13 on13 agriculture13 in13 the13 developing13 world13 The13 UN13 has13 documented13 this13 with13 nearly13 half13 of13 the13 worldrsquos13 populaFon13 residing13 in13 rural13 areas
Over13 9013 of13 all13 rural13 residents13 live13 in13 less13 developed13 regions
Equally13 important13 almost13 a13 third13 of13 the13 world13 populalton13 is13 age13 1513 or13 younger13 and13 half13 are13 under13 age13 2513
8513 of13 all13 youth13 live13 in13 less13 developed13 countries
This13 reality13 creates13 an13 environment13 where13 the13 acltve13 engagement13 of13 communiltes13 is13 essenltal13 to13 future13 growth13 and13 development
Another13 really13 cool13 part13 of13 this13 research13 focuses13 on13 building13 partnerships13 We13 work13 to13 build13 capacity13 and13 partnerships13 through13 North-shy‐South13 and13 South-shy‐South13 partnerships13 that13 shape13 regional13 capacity13 We13 re13 already13 seeing13 great13 things13 such13 as13 in13 Kenya13 and13 Zambia13 where13 we13 have13 linked13 programs13 that13 are13 working13 together13 like13 crazy
Through13 the13 UNESCO13 Chair13 program13 we13 will13 link13 organizaFons13 in13 2513 countries13 to13 share13 resources13 best13 pracFces13 and13 experFse13
22
create13 a13 dynamic13 series13 of13 partnerships13 in13 the13 Global13 South13 and13 form13 a13 community13 of13 naFons13 focused13 on13 youth13 and13 development13 of13 civil13 society
T h i r d 13 i s13 ou r13 G l oba l13 Edu caAona l13 Programming
Today13 we13 revoluFonize13 global13 educaFon13 13 We13 are13 planning13 a13 global13 educaFonal13 program13 focusing13 on13 leadership13 and13 community13 building13 across13 the13 life13 span13 13 Included13 are13 courses13 in13 leadership13 skills13 c o m m u n i t y13 c a p a c i t y13 b u i l d i n g 13 entrepreneurship13 and13 small13 business13 development13 posiFve13 youth13 development13 conflict13 miFgaFon13 and13 many13 others13 areas
Penn13 State13 is13 a13 leader13 in13 distance13 educaFon13 13 It13 recently13 dedicated13 major13 resources13 to13 MOOCs13 Massive13 Open13 Online13 Courses13 13
What13 this13 means13 is13 if13 a13 ciFzen13 of13 this13 planet13 has13 access13 to13 the13 internet13 to13 an13 internet13 cafeacute13 or13 even13 a13 cell13 phone13 they13 will13 be13 provided13 with13 Col lege13 courses13 and13 instrucFonal13 materials
Yoursquore13 asking13 how13 much13 will13 these13 cost13 right13 Thatrsquos13 a13 great13 quesFon13 How13 does13 free13 sound13 Wersquove13 got13 it13 covered13 All13 we13 ask13 is13 that13 you13 take13 the13 knowledge13 and13 skills13 and13 use13 them13 to13 make13 life13 beer13 The13 best13 courses13 in13 the13 world13 taught13 by13 the13 best13 faculty13 Free13 of13 charge13
Distributed13 through13 Penn13 State13 and13 the13 global13 UNESCO13 network13 If13 people13 need13 more13 than13 the13 basic13 knowledge13 base13 we13 can13 do13 that13 too13 CerFficates13 and13 even13 degree13 programs13 at13 all13 levels13 with13 costs13 to13 be13 covered13 by13 foundaFons13 and13 internaFonal13
23
development13 agencies13 Just13 think13 of13 the13 potenFals13 for13 primary13 and13 secondary13 schools13 and13 for13 educators13 in13 the13 developing13 world13 13 Think13 of13 the13 life13 changing13 impacts13 for13 a13 young13 girl13 in13 rural13 Zambia13 a13 street13 child13 in13 Kenya13 and13 a13 young13 farm13 worker13 in13 Cambodia13 Itrsquos13 beyond13 belief13 and13 uerly13 amazing13 13 It13 changes13 everything
So13 those13 are13 three13 of13 the13 big13 things13 that13 are13 happening13 now13 We13 have13 lots13 more13 in13 the13 works13 and13 ready13 to13 launch13 These13 and13 other13 efforts13 will13 help13 us13 realize13 our13 dreams13 of13 a13 beer13 world13 Come13 be13 part13 of13 all13 of13 these13 13 We13 can13 pick13 some13 great13 fights13 together13 I13 promise13 itrsquoll13 be13 awesome13 and13 wersquoll13 do13 miraculous13 things
The key to this is you
Be13 Part13 of13 the13 Journey
We13 WILL13 do13 all13 of13 the13 things13 I13 menFoned13 13 And13 much13 much13 more13 The13 key13 to13 this13 is13 you13 13 Yoursquove13 been13 asked13 to13 be13 here13 today13 because13 we13 know13 you13 will13 fight13 for13 social13 jusFce13 We13 need13 you13 to13 help13 us13 raise13 awareness13 to13 help13 develop13 programs13 and13 research13 and13 help13 us13 find13 funding13 to13 ensure13 this13 is13 a13 reality
If13 you13 think13 about13 it13 there13 is13 no13 beer13 place13 than13 here13 to13 begin13 our13 journey13 Lest13 we13 forget13 we13 are13 in13 Pennsylvania13 This13 place13 that13 saw13 the13 birth13 of13 the13 Molly13 McGuires13 the13 original13 union13 movements13 and13 the13 knights13 of13 labor13 It13 was13 where13 Milton13 Eisenhower13 dreamed13 of13 the
If13 you13 think13 about13 it13 there13 is13 no13 beer13 place13 than13 here13 to13 begin13 our13 journey13 Lest13 we13 forget13 we13 are13 in13 Pennsylvania13 This13 place13 that13
24
saw13 the13 birth13 of13 the13 Molly13 McGuires13 the13 original13 union13 movements13 and13 the13 knights13 of13 labor13 It13 was13 where13 Milton13 Eisenhower13 dreamed13 of13 the13 potenFals13 of13 UNESCO13 13 Where13 Benjamin13 Franklin13 found13 the13 Pennsylvania13 AboliFonist13 Society13 seeking13 to13 end13 slavery13 Where13 our13 founding13 fathers13 conceived13 more13 than13 a13 naFon13 but13 the13 idea13 of13 L ife13 L iberty13 and13 the13 pursuit13 of13 Happiness-shy‐-shy‐-shy‐not13 just13 for13 us13 but13 for13 our13 fellow13 ciFzens13 of13 the13 world13 All13 of13 these13 people13 have13 passed13 the13 torch13 to13 us13 today13 13 Let13 us13 make13 them13 proud13 in13 conFnuing13 their13 quest13 for13 social13 jusFce13 for13 equality13 and13 for13 creaFng13 a13 beer13 world
Now13 is13 our13 moment13 13 Of13 all13 the13 opportuniFes13 out13 there13 none13 have13 greater13 potenFal13 for13 immediate13 and13 long13 term13 impacts13 than13
e du caFon 13 t h e13 t r a n s fo rmaFon13 o f13 communiFes13 empowerment13 of13 the13 excluded13 and13 the13 posiFve13 development13 of13 youth13 None13 Absolutely13 none
Now13 I13 know13 we13 hear13 inspiraFonal13 speeches13 a13 lot13 We13 are13 always13 being13 asked13 to13 open13 our13 hearts13 and13 then13 our13 checkbooks13 3But13 this13 is13 different13 We13 have13 never13 before13 had13 such13 structures13 partners13 and13 resources13 to13 make13 our13 dreams13 a13 reality
hellipthere will be those outside that will tell us that the world is too big
too corrupthellip
I13 know13 we13 are13 all13 Fred13 overworked13 and13 maybe13 a13 bit13 cynical13 of13 all13 this13 I13 know13 there13 will13 be13 those13 outside13 of13 here13 that13 will13 tell13 us13 that13 the13 world13 is13 too13 big13 too13 corrupt13 that13 the13 vicFms13 deserve13 their13 low13 lots13 in13 life13 and13
25
that13 maybe13 for13 the13 sake13 of13 our13 careers13 we13 really13 should13 look13 busy13 while13 doing13 nothing13 But13 Irsquom13 asking13 you13 today13 to13 try13 one13 more13 Fme13 Take13 one13 more13 leap13 of13 faith13 I13 promise13 we13 wonrsquot13 let13 you13 down13 I13 promise13 that13 wersquoll13 be13 part13 of13 something13 legendary13 together
Nonetheless13 as13 you13 quesFon13 our13 ability13 to13 really13 change13 the13 world13 I13 would13 simply13 ask13 you13 to13 remember13 back13 to13 our13 younger13 days13 when13 we13 were13 absolutely13 certain13 that13 we13 could13 do13 it13 13 We13 were13 right13 13 You13 were13 right13 13 You13 were13 right13 and13 your13 dreams13 are13 sFll13 out13 there
I13 want13 to13 share13 one13 last13 story13 13 I13 recently13 read13 a13 wonderful13 essay13 by13 Joseph13 Laplin13 looking13 back13 on13 the13 55th13 Anniversary13 of13 Jack13 Kerouacrsquos13 legendary13 novel13 On13 the13 Road13 13 This13 was13 a13 novel13 that13 sent13 many13 young13 people13
(including13 myself)13 out13 on13 that13 road13 of13 discovery13 in13 search13 of13 the13 limitless13 possibiliFes13 beyond13 our13 hometowns13 13 A13 book13 that13 mandated13 the13 quesFoning13 authority13 the13 quesFoning13 of13 social13 convenFons13 and13 the13 challenging13 of13 the13 moral13 blinds13 spots13 of13 our13 age13 For13 me13 this13 book13 was13 magical
Laplinrsquos13 essay13 took13 aim13 at13 those13 of13 us13 who13 have13 grown13 up13 become13 established13 and13 think13 wersquove13 grown13 wiser13 Especially13 those13 of13 us13 who13 now13 dismiss13 Kerouac13 and13 this13 novel13 that13 once13 inspired13 us13 as13 idealisFc13 childish13 and13 ridiculously13 naiumlve13 in13 its13 call13 for13 social13 change13 But13 Laplin13 had13 a13 wonderfully13 reacFon13 to13 such13 people13 Here13 is13 what13 he13 said
ldquoPerhaps13 these13 people13 never13 took13 to13 or13 went13 back13 on13 the13 road13 -shy‐13 due13 to13 fear13 or13 family13 -shy‐13 and13
26
therefore13 can13 no13 longer13 revisit13 Kerouacrsquos13 work13 Perhaps13 itrsquos13 hard13 to13 even13 look13 at13 his13 wriltng13 because13 readers13 are13 actually13 looking13 at13 themselves13 And13 itrsquos13 easier13 to13 say13 well13 Kerouacrsquos13 naive13 than13 to13 say13 I13 missed13 out13 on13 something13 Maybe13 some13 readers13 have13 given13 up13 on13 the13 search13 for13 beauty13 and13 spirituality13 or13 realized13 that13 theyrsquore13 not13 one13 of13 those13 people13 who13 lsquoburn13 burn13 burn13 like13 fabulous13 yellow13 roman13 candlesrsquo13 and13 that13 knowledge13 is13 painfulrdquo
I13 want13 to13 state13 it13 again13 You13 were13 right13 when13 you13 once13 thought13 we13 would13 change13 the13 world13 And13 you13 are13 sFll13 right13 Your13 dreams13 of13 a13 fair13 equal13 and13 just13 world13 are13 sFll13 out13 there13 and13 together13 we13 will13 reclaim13 them13 and13 make13 them13 a13 reality
hellipin the not too distant future you can put your children and
grandchildren on your knee and tell them about once upon a time
I13 say13 this13 not13 to13 preach13 to13 you13 or13 guilt13 you13 into13 acFon13 I13 just13 want13 to13 put13 it13 into13 perspecFve13 and13 ask13 you13 to13 be13 part13 of13 this13 journey13 If13 we13 live13 up13 to13 our13 ideals13 and13 commitments13 in13 the13 not13 too13 distant13 future13 you13 can13 put13 your13 children13 and13 grandchildren13 on13 your13 knee13 and13 tell13 them13 about13 once13 upon13 a13 Fme13 Once13 upon13 a13 Fme13 when13 educaFon13 was13 only13 for13 the13 privileged13 few13 When13 women13 were13 treated13 as13 second13 class13 ciFzens13 When13 injusFce13 and13 inequality13 were13 the13 standard13 And13 when13 communiFes13 were13 constantly13 trampled13 on13 by13 outside13 interests13 Most13 importantly13 you13 can13 tell13 them13 that13 you13 were13 part13 of13 fixing13 it13 That13 the13 world13 is13 a13 far13 beer13 place13 because13 of13 what13 we13 did13 That13
27
they13 have13 a13 great13 bright13 future13 because13 of13 our13 bold13 efforts13 that13 began13 today13 With13 such13 potenFals13 and13 possibiliFes13 at13 hand13 how13 can13 we13 ever13 explain13 to13 them13 our13 inacFon13 or13 how13 we13 stood13 by13 and13 let13 appalling13 things13 conFnue
As13 we13 close13 I13 want13 to13 ask13 a13 few13 final13 quesFons13 There13 are13 many13 places13 to13 put13 your13 efforts
But13 if13 not13 the13 thousands13 of13 communiAes13 we13 can13 help13 then13 where
If13 not13 the13 billions13 of13 young13 people13 we13 can13 empower13 to13 have13 beMer13 lives13 then13 who
And13 if13 now13 is13 not13 the13 Ame13 for13 bold13 daring13 and13 nearly13 miraculous13 acAons13 then13 when
hellipthe honor is only eclipsed by the responsibility this opportunity
brings with it
If13 you13 need13 proof13 of13 miracles13 than13 look13 no13 further13 than13 this13 stage13 Here13 you13 have13 a13 former13 (or13 perhaps13 not13 so13 former)13 punk13 from13 rural13 Pennsylvania13 of13 Irish13 descent13 standing13 before13 you13 accepFng13 one13 of13 our13 greatest13 honors13 Itrsquos13 absolutely13 humbling13 And13 the13 honor13 is13 only13 eclipsed13 by13 the13 responsibility13 this13 opportunity13 brings13 with13 it13 But13 itrsquos13 not13 inFmidaFng13 Not13 at13 all13 Because13 I13 know13 WE13 are13 in13 this13 together13 And13 for13 all13 of13 this13 I13 will13 be13 forever13 grateful13 to13 you13 for13 sharing13 this13 wonderful13 day13 and13 being13 part13 of13 this13 journey13 that13 will13 transform13 the13 world
Thank13 you13 all13 very13 very13 much
28
CHAPTER13 5
Contact USConnect13 with13 us13 on13 social13 media
unescochairpennstate
unescochairpsu
unescochairpsu
Call13 Write13 or13 Visit
Dr13 Mark13 Brennan204C13 Ferguson13 BuildingUniversity13 Park13 PA13 16802Phone13 1-shy‐814-shy‐863-shy‐0387Email13 unescochairpsueduWeb13 wwwunescochairpsuedu
UNESCO Chair in Rural Community
Leadership and Youth Development
The Pennsylvania State University
United Nations
(GXFDWLRQDO6FLHQWLiquestFDQGCultural Organization
CHAPTER13 1
IntroductionGood13 aernoon13 Honored13 guests13 family13 and13 friends13 welcome13 And13 a13 warm13 welcome13 to13 our13 thousands13 of13 friends13 and13 supporters13 who13 are13 watching13 this13 worldwide13 Thank13 you13 all13 for13 being13 here13 This13 is13 an13 amazing13 day13 that13 we13 have13 been13 waiFng13 so13 long13 for13 13 Today13 we13 reinvent13 internaFonal13 community13 and13 youth13 developmentI13 am13 deeply13 honored13 that13 you13 are13 here13 More13 important13 Irsquom13 honored13 that13 you13 are13 here13 standing13 to13 be13 counted13 as13 we13 begin13 the13 amazing13 journey13 that13 is13 the13 UNESCO13 Chair13 program13 at13 Penn13 State13 Together13 we13 will13 do13 unbelievable13 thing13 and13 guarantee13 social13 jusFce13 for13 communiFes13 and13 young13 people13 worldwide
I13 canrsquot13 help13 but13 believe13 t h a t13 w e13 a r e13 a l l13 connec ted13 on13 t h i s13 journey13 and13 Irsquom13 starFng13 to13 believe13 it13 is13 all13 meant13 to13 be13 As13 President13 Erickson13 menFoned13 this13 quest13 for13 social13 jusFce13 actually13 began13
right13 here13 at13 Penn13 State13 sixty13 years13 ago13 this13 month13 Just13 a13 few13 steps13 away13 in13 Old13 Main13 Penn13 State13 President13 Milton13 Eisenhower13 began13 a13 new13 role13 13 It13 was13 195313 and13 his13 older13 brother13 Ike13 was13 in13 his13 first13 year13 as13 US13 President13 Milton13 was13 his13 most13 trusted13 advisor13 and13 he13 would13 leave13 State13 College13 on13 Friday13 aernoons13 on13 an13 Army13 plane13 from13 Black13 Moshannon13 forest13 and13 spend13 the13 weekend13 shaping13 foreign13 policy13 in13 the13 White13 House
As13 first13 Chairman13 of13 the13 US13 NaFonal13 Commission13 for13 UNESCO13 he13 saw13 amazing13 potenFal13 for13 engaging13 the13 US13 in13 the13 post-shy‐war13 community13 of13 naFons13 through13 UNESCO13 He13 saw13 UNESCO13 as13 a13 something13 unprecedented13 and13 transformaFonal13 Here13 are13 some13 of13 his13 words13
ldquoA13 body13 unique13 in13 history13 It13 unites13 in13 one13 assembly13 spokesmen13 of13 the13 arts13 sciences13 and13 learned13 professions13 of13 the13 educalton13 system13 at13 all13 levels13 of13 radio13 molton13 pictures13 and13 the13 press13 of13 the13 educalton13 interests13 of13 labor13 agriculture13 and13 of13 religious13 bodies13 and13 of13 many13 other13 groups13 that13 are13 now13 working13 for13 the13 establishment13 of13 peacerdquo
Today we rekindle this important relationship between Penn State
and UNESCO and continue the work started so many years agohellip
Milton13 had13 a13 dream13 much13 like13 you13 have13 had13 of13 a13 fair13 equal13 and13 just13 world13 13 It13 is13 a13 dream13 that13 is13 sFll13 out13 there13 -shy‐-shy‐-shy‐13 a13 dream13 that13 together13 we13 can13 achieve13 13 Today13 we13 rekindle13 this13 important13 relaFonship13 between13 Penn13 State13 and13 UNESCO13 and13 conFnue13 the13 work13 started13 so13 many13 years13 ago13 by13 OUR13 President13 Eisenhower13 13 Itrsquos13 really13 amazing13 isnrsquot13 it
So13 today13 I13 want13 talk13 about13 two13 simple13 ideas13 13 EducaFon13 and13 Community13 13 Tell13 a13 few13 stories13 13 Thatrsquos13 all13 13 No13 big13 deal13 13 But13 keep13 in13 mind13 if13 we13 work13 on13 nothing13 else13 but13 developing13 these13 two13 things13 your13 long13 held13 dreams13 of13 making13 the13 world13 a13 dramaFcally13 beer13 place13 will13 be13 achieved13 13 Itrsquos13 as13 simple13 as13 that
2
CHAPTER13 2
Education For AllThe13 first13 thing13 I13 want13 to13 share13 with13 you13 is13 the13 importance13 of13 educaFon13 The13 UNESCO13 Chair13 program13 it13 is13 not13 about13 academic13 exercises13 13 It13 is13 not13 about13 wishful13 thinking13 theoreFcal13 ramblings13 and13 charitable13 intenFons13 Itrsquos13 not13 about13 filling13 our13 libraries13 with13 books13 and13 reports13 that13 are13 rarely13 if13 ever13 read13 To13 me13 it13 is13 about13 acFon13 and13 itrsquos13 about13 jusFce13 Itrsquos13 about13 EducaFon13 for13 All13 We13 strive13 to13 guarantee13 the13 single13 most13 important13 human13 right13 That13 absolute13 right13 to13 educaFon13 and13 knowledge13 Knowledge13 that13 opens13 up13 a13 world13 of13 possibiliFes13 for13 a13 young13 girl13 in13 rural
Africa13 Knowledge13 that13 convinces13 a13 young13 boy13 in13 Sierra13 Leon13 or13 Rwanda13 to13 pick13 up13 the13 pen13 instead13 of13 the13 gun13 Knowledge13 that13 empowers13 youth13 to13 make13 life13 saving13 decisions13 about13 their13 health13 13 Knowledge13 that13 empowers13 communiFes13 to13 take13 care13 of13 their13 own13 needs
EducaFon13 has13 been13 my13 salvaFon13 -shy‐13 even13 when13 I13 didnrsquot13 know13 it13 You13 see13 my13 educaFonal13 path13 has13 been13 at13 best13 odd13 13 Certainly13 most13 people13 including13 myself13 would13 not13 have13 predicted13 my13 being13 here13 accepFng13 this13 great13 honor13 Truth13 be13 told13 many13 would13 not13 have13 predicted13 my13 graduaFon13 from13 high13 school13 Certainly13 not13 the13 compleFon13 of13 university13 or13 advanced13 graduate13 degrees13 A13 professorship13 at13 one13 of13 the13 worldrsquos13 greatest13 insFtuFons13 and13 now13 a13
UNESCO13 Chair13 would13 have13 been13 seen13 as13 absolutely13 delusional
My13 educaFonal13 training13 began13 at13 schools13 that13 were13 increasingly13 failing13 Schools13 that13 no13 longer13 exist13 A13 lack13 of13 funds13 resources13 and13 commitment13 led13 to13 decreased13 student13 outcomes13 13 Burned13 out13 teachers13 that13 would13 much13 rather13 have13 been13 somewhere13 else13 further13 contributed13 to13 a13 deterioraFng13 educaFonal13 environment13 I13 certainly13 could13 have13 easily13 fallen13 through13 the13 cracks13 At13 Fmes13 I13 did
Now13 there13 is13 plenty13 of13 blame13 to13 go13 around13 for13 myself13 in13 parFcular13 I13 was13 bored13 unchallenged13 uninterested13 probably13 lazy13 and13 did13 at13 best13 adequate13 work13 I13 was13 well-shy‐read13 misbehaved13 and13 angry13 Worst13 of13 all13 I13 saw13 no13 purpose13 at13 all13 in13 what13 I13 was13 doing
4
In13 college13 I13 found13 a13 different13 world13 13 There13 were13 fresh13 ideas13 There13 were13 calls13 to13 acFon13 13 It13 was13 educaFon13 with13 a13 purpose13 13 And13 most13 important13 there13 were13 teachers13 that13 were13 interested13 and13 encouraging13 Excited13 teachers13 who13 worked13 8013 hours13 a13 week13 not13 because13 they13 had13 to13 but13 because13 they13 loved13 it13 so13 13 Amazing13 people13 with13 amazing13 stories13 and13 lives13 They13 had13 been13 everywhere13 and13 seen13 everything13 They13 were13 remarkable13 and13 extraordinary13 at13 their13 calling13 SFll13 that13 was13 not13 enough13 though
It13 wasnrsquot13 unFl13 I13 saw13 the13 actual13 impacts13 of13 educaFon13 throughout13 the13 world13 that13 I13 realized13 its13 importance13 It13 wasnrsquot13 the13 chore13 and13 burden13 it13 had13 seemed13 when13 I13 was13 younger13 It13 was13 THE13 key13 The13 single13 most13
important13 factor13 in13 shaping13 my13 life13 and13 the13 lives13 of13 so13 many13 others
Wersquove told ourselves and our children it is something that we
need but stopped understanding why
Now13 my13 story13 is13 largely13 average13 Many13 of13 us13 wandered13 that13 long13 path13 to13 where13 we13 are13 now13 Many13 of13 us13 began13 our13 educaFon13 in13 less13 than13 desirable13 sedngs13 My13 challenges13 donrsquot13 even13 deserve13 to13 be13 menFoned13 in13 the13 same13 sentence13 as13 the13 challenges13 seen13 in13 our13 inner13 ciFes13 rapidly13 failing13 rural13 schools13 and13 throughout13 the13 developing13 world13 But13 the13 reality13 is13 that13 we13 have13 forgoen13 why13 educaFon13 is13 important13 We13 have13 disFlled13 its13 usefulness13 down13 to13 a13 few13 small13 outcomes13 such13 as13 gedng13 a13 beer13 job13 Wersquove13 told13
5
ourselves13 and13 our13 children13 it13 is13 something13 that13 we13 need13 but13 stopped13 understanding13 why
Not13 so13 in13 the13 developing13 world13 where13 even13 young13 children13 are13 excited13 honored13 and13 enthusiasFc13 about13 the13 prospect13 of13 going13 to13 a13 one-shy‐room13 schoolhouse13 with13 next13 to13 no13 resources13 They13 understand13 what13 we13 have13 forgoen13 They13 understand13 what13 our13 grandparents13 held13 so13 dear13 13 EducaFon13 is13 the13 single13 most13 important13 thing13 we13 can13 aain13 It13 is13 the13 single13 greatest13 gi13 that13 we13 can13 give13 13 And13 if13 we13 have13 one13 chance13 of13 having13 beer13 lives13 it13 all13 comes13 through13 the13 doors13 that13 educaFon13 open13
Irsquom13 sure13 you13 are13 asking13 how13 so13 Well13 the13 facts13 speak13 volumes13 There13 are13 countless13 ones13 but13 here13 are13 a13 few13 examples
Letrsquos13 start13 with13 general13 educa2on13
If13 all13 students13 in13 low13 income13 countries13 obtained13 just13 basic13 reading13 skills13 Basic13 reading13 skills13 17013 million13 people13 could13 be13 liFed13 out13 of13 poverty13 This13 is13 equal13 to13 a13 1213 cut13 in13 global13 poverty13 Just13 by13 providing13 basic13 reading13 skills
How13 about13 the13 connec2on13 between13 educa2on13 and13 health
Life13 expectancy13 has13 gone13 up13 for13 most13 people13 in13 the13 past13 couple13 of13 decades13 The13 increase13 has13 been13 largest13 for13 people13 with13 the13 most13 educalton13 There13 has13 been13 one13 exceplton13 13 Those13 without13 a13 high13 school13 diploma13 have13 actually13 experienced13 a13 decrease13 in13 life13 expectancy
But13 how13 about13 really13 moving13 the13 human13 race13 forward13 Because13 of13 these13 gender13 equity13 is13 close13 to13 home13 for13 me13 EducaFon13 is13
6
the13 key13 to13 womenrsquos13 rights13 equality13 and13 13 13 13 community13 building
How13 important13 do13 you13 think13 Well13 for13 13 13 13 13 13 example
Countries13 lose13 more13 than13 $113 billion13 a13 year13 by13 failing13 to13 educate13 girls13 to13 the13 same13 level13 as13 boys
One13 addiltonal13 year13 of13 schooling13 beyond13 primary13 school13 reduces13 the13 probability13 of13 becoming13 a13 young13 mother13 by13 almost13 10
A13 child13 whose13 mother13 can13 read13 is13 5013 more13 likely13 to13 live13 past13 age13 513
In13 sub-shy‐Saharan13 Africa13 alone13 approximately13 213 million13 childrenrsquos13 lives13 could13 be13 saved13 every13 year13 if13 their13 mothers13 had13 at13 least13 a13 secondary13 educaFon13 How13 many13 Einsteinrsquos13 Steve13 Jobs13 Gandhirsquos13 or13 Da13 Vincirsquos13 never13 got13
the13 chance13 to13 beer13 the13 world13 because13 of13 this13 We13 need13 them13 now13 more13 than13 ever
Nonetheless13 almost13 two-shy‐thirds13 of13 the13 worldrsquos13 80013 million13 illiterate13 adults13 are13 women13 They13 are13 the13 foundaFons13 of13 civil13 13 13 society13 13 And13 we13 need13 to13 invest13 in13 them
This is about half of the amount Europeans and Americans spend on
ice cream annually
All13 of13 this13 has13 to13 costs13 a13 lot13 right13 How13 much13 do13 you13 think13 10013 trillion13 113 trillion13 No13 13 For13 $1613 billion13 a13 year13 in13 aid13 we13 can13 send13 all13 children13 to13 school13 in13 low-shy‐income13 countries13 13 A13 lot13 Sure13 This13 is13 about13 half13 of13 the13 amount13 Europeans13 and13 Americans13 spend13 on13 ice13 cream13 annually13 It13 is13 two13 less13 fighter13 jets13 in13 the13 US13 arsenal13 It13 is13 $113 a13 month13 for13 each13 ciFzen13 of13 the13 G713 naFons
7
Itrsquos13 the13 right13 thing13 to13 do13 This13 is13 not13 about13 charity13 This13 is13 about13 jusFce13 InvesFng13 in13 educaFon13 is13 more13 effecFve13 cheaper13 and13 leads13 to13 the13 best13 development13 outcomes13 We13 have13 a13 large13 body13 of13 knowledge13 that13 backs13 this13 up
Let13 me13 share13 one13 more13 example13 Chris13 Aredo13 from13 Kenya13 Chris13 had13 a13 normal13 childhood13 unFl13 the13 age13 of13 1213 years13 when13 he13 was13 orphaned13 He13 found13 himself13 living13 in13 the13 rough13 streets13 of13 Nairobi13 scavenging13 and13 stealing13 to13 survive13 He13 lived13 this13 way13 for13 six13 years13 13 I13 donrsquot13 think13 many13 of13 us13 in13 this13 room13 certainly13 myself13 are13 that13 tough13 or13 strong13
Aer13 613 years13 he13 was13 enrolled13 in13 the13 NaFonal13 Youth13 Service13 which13 is13 a13 boot-shy‐camp13 providing13 basic13 vocaFonal13 skills13 Shortly13 thereaer13 he13 met13 Paul13 Maina13 who13 was13 beginning13 to13 form13 the13 Child13 and13 Youth13 Empowerment13 Center
Chris13 joined13 Paul13 and13 in13 late13 200613 the13 Center13 opened13 Here13 Chris13 had13 an13 opportunity13 to13 help13 shape13 beer13 lives13 for13 young13 people13 He13 also13 had13 the13 opportunity13 to13 travel13 to13 Germany13 where13 the13 importance13 of13 educaFon13 became13 even13 more13 evident13 to13 him13 Upon13 his13 return13 he13 enrolled13 in13 high13 school13 which13 he13 quickly13 completed13 With13 the13 assistance13 of13 the13 Centrersquos13 support13 network13 he13 was13 able13 to13 enroll13 in13 University13 and13 will13 receive13 his13 BS13 degree13 this13 coming13 December13 in13 Bus iness13 I nformaFon13
8
Technology13 Chris13 has13 been13 the13 Chairperson13 of13 the13 Universityrsquos13 chapter13 of13 the13 Red13 Cross13 Club13 and13 president13 of13 InternaFonal13 AssociaFon13 of13 Students13 in13 Economic13 and13 Commercial13 Sciences13 He13 is13 part13 of13 the13 UNESCO13 sponsored13 youth13 leadership13 development13 program13 as13 a13 mentor13 facilitator13 and13 community13 leader
I13 menFon13 his13 story13 not13 as13 a13 feel13 good13 moment13 Though13 it13 certainly13 is13 I13 menFon13 it13 because13 it13 highlights13 the13 common13 human13 condiFon13 If13 provided13 with13 the13 opportunity13 for13 learning13 and13 educaFon13 people13 will13 seize13 the13 moment13 Through13 a13 small13 investment13 and13 his13 hard13 work13 Chrisrsquos13 life13 and13 those13 of13 others13 were13 transformed13 In13 less13 than13 ten13 years13 from13 a13 homeless13 street13 youth13 to13 a13 high13 school13 graduate13 to13 a13 college13 graduate13
to13 a13 leader13 acFvist13 and13 agent13 of13 change13 13 Think13 how13 tough13 determined13 resilient13 he13 is13 -shy‐13 and13 he13 is13 not13 terribly13 unusual13 Hersquos13 the13 kind13 of13 person13 I13 want13 on13 my13 teams13 If13 you13 give13 me13 him13 and13 2013 others13 like13 him13 we13 will13 make13 history13 Also13 remember13 there13 are13 more13 than13 a13 billion13 youth13 like13 Chris13 out13 there13 and13 just13 think13 of13 the13 impacts13 of13 reaching13 a13 fracFon13 of13 them13 or13 even13 beer13 yet13 th ink13 o f13 empowering13 them13 all
EducaFon13 is13 power13 and13 sets13 the13 stage13 for13 strong13 communiFes13 that13 take13 care13 of13 their13 own13 needs13 This13 focus13 on13 EducaFon13 for13 All13 will13 be13 a13 cornerstone13 of13 our13 work13 and13 thatrsquos13 the13 first13 thing13 I13 wanted13 to13 share13 with13 you13 today
9
CHAPTER13 3
Realizing Engaged CommunitiesThe13 second13 thing13 I13 want13 to13 share13 with13 you13 is13 the13 importance13 of13 community13 13 Just13 like13 educaFon13 community13 shapes13 producFve13 and13 stable13 lives13 just13 in13 a13 different13 way13 Combining13 the13 two13 is13 magical13 in13 their13 impactBut13 why13 th ink13 about13 commun i ty13 Community13 contributes13 to13 individual13 family13 and13 social13 well13 being13 13 It13 is13 our13 first13 contact13 with13 the13 world13 beyond13 the13 family13 It13 is13 the13 sedng13 for13 socializaFon13 our13 insFtuFons13 and13
the13 development13 of13 rules13 and13 culture
hellipthink about community as one big relationship
Community13 establishes13 and13 maintains13 channels13 of13 communicaFon13 and13 interacFon13 13 I13 always13 tell13 my13 undergraduate13 and13 graduate13 students13 to13 think13 about13 community13 as13 one13 big13 relaFonship13 Think13 about13 what13 happens13 in13 your13 relaFonships13 Itrsquos13 the13 same13 with13 community13 When13 you13 first13 meet13 you13 commun i ca te13 con s tan t l y13 i n te ra c t13 conFnuously13 and13 do13 everything13 together13 As13 Fme13 goes13 on13 the13 communicaFon13 and13 interacFon13 become13 less13 frequent13 And13 as13 we13 all13 know13 it13 someFmes13 is13 not13 long13 before13 problems13 occur13 Where13 mountains13 are13 made13 out13 of13 mole13 hills13 and13 relaFonships13 become13 strained13 someFmes13 to13 the13 point13 of13 breaking13 13
The13 same13 is13 true13 in13 communiFes13 It13 involves13 more13 people13 and13 is13 a13 bit13 messier13 but13 the13 process13 and13 structure13 is13 the13 same13 Just13 as13 in13 our13 relaFonships13 we13 need13 to13 constantly13 be13 working13 to13 maintain13 community
Oen13 during13 presidenFal13 elecFons13 I13 ask13 my13 students13 to13 count13 the13 number13 of13 Fmes13 that13 community13 is13 said13 during13 debates13 and13 speeches13 In13 these13 sedngs13 where13 every13 word13 counts13 and13 costs13 money13 it13 is13 common13 for13 the13 term13 community13 to13 be13 menFoned13 dozens13 of13 Fmes13 in13 an13 hour13 long13 speech13 13 Why13 though13 I t rsquos13 an13 amazing13 idea13 community13 Itrsquos13 tremendously13 powerful13 It13 bring13 up13 all13 those13 warm13 and13 fuzzy13 images13 -shy‐13 real13 and13 imagined13 -shy‐13 of13 what13 life13 was13 like13 or13 could13 be
11
The impacts outcomes and potentials of community are real
tangible and measurable
Now13 before13 you13 think13 me13 an13 academic13 hippy13 or13 that13 Irsquom13 advocaFng13 for13 free13 love13 and13 touchy13 feely13 ideas13 this13 is13 not13 the13 case13 at13 all13 13 The13 impacts13 outcomes13 and13 potenFals13 of13 community13 are13 rea l 13 tangib le 13 and13 measurable13 13 Strong13 communiFes13 are13 more13 resilient13 adapFve13 and13 less13 likely13 to13 be13 explo i ted13 They13 connect13 res idents 13 insFtuFons13 organizaFons13 to13 each13 other13 13 They13 promote13 stability13 have13 less13 crime13 and13 show13 increase13 local13 well-shy‐being13 They13 increase13 involvement13 in13 local13 decision-shy‐making13 and13 parFcipatory13 democracy
There13 are13 also13 tremendous13 personal13 impacts13 Community13 enhances13 our13 social13
psychological13 and13 emoFonal13 development13 13 It13 promotes13 civic13 responsibility13 which13 is13 a13 commitment13 to13 helping13 others13 It13 increases13 cultural13 understanding13 and13 empathy13 13 It13 provides13 life13 skills13 such13 as13 criFcal13 thinking13 interpersonal13 leadership13 and13 conflict13 resoluFon13 skills13
Tremendous things happen when people care about each other and
the place they live in
This13 is13 an13 impressive13 list13 that13 is13 by13 no13 means13 complete13 We13 have13 mountains13 of13 research13 data13 program13 evaluaFons13 thousands13 of13 books13 and13 journal13 arFcles13 to13 prove13 that13 this13 is13 the13 case13 Even13 beer13 wersquove13 studied13 this13 process13 across13 the13 world13 I t rsquos13 true13 everywhere13 The13 condiFons13 and13 context13 might13 be13 a13 lile13 different13 but13 one13 thing13
12
holds13 true13 tremendous13 things13 happen13 when13 people13 care13 about13 each13 other13 and13 the13 place13 they13 live13 in13 This13 is13 not13 an13 idea13 This13 is13 not13 a13 plan13 This13 IS13 fact13 Strong13 communiFes13 equal13 stable13 civil13 and13 just13 socieFes
For13 me13 the13 need13 for13 community13 is13 close13 to13 home13 I13 was13 born13 and13 raised13 in13 a13 small13 town13 in13 northeastern13 Pennsylvania13 I13 came13 from13 people13 who13 le13 Ireland13 and13 Europe13 seeking13 survival13 All13 of13 these13 are13 absolutely13 great13 places13 Places13 blessed13 by13 amazing13 natural13 resources13 amazingly13 diverse13 cultures13 tremendous13 food13 you13 canrsquot13 imagine13 13 Cultures13 whose13 unique13 experiences13 and13 knowledge13 for13 dealing13 with13 the13 challenges13 of13 daily13 life13 were13 massive13 and13 effecFve13 Places13 rich13 in13 social13 supports13 from13 family13 neighbors13 religions13 and13 schools13 Places13 to13
me13 that13 held13 a13 tremendous13 amount13 of13 magic13 in13 them
For many education became not an opportunity but a painful reminder
of what might have been
But13 you13 know13 as13 the13 musician13 Lou13 Reed13 sang13 there13 is13 a13 bit13 of13 magic13 in13 everything13 -shy‐13 and13 then13 some13 loss13 to13 even13 things13 out13 The13 loss13 in13 these13 areas13 was13 characterized13 by13 exploitaFon13 from13 abusive13 outside13 interests13 13 Abuse13 by13 corporaFons13 and13 governments13 that13 harvested13 local13 natural13 resources13 including13 people13 for13 far13 far13 less13 than13 they13 were13 worth13 13 Places13 where13 youth13 were13 eventually13 forced13 to13 leave13 for13 lack13 of13 opportuniFes13 denied13 their13 righkul13 heritage13 and13 forced13 like13 so13 many13 youth13 worldwide13 to13 become13 the13 nomads13 the13 diasporas13 For13 many13 educaFon13
13
became13 not13 an13 opportunity13 but13 a13 painful13 reminder13 of13 what13 might13 have13 been13 Aer13 all13 why13 bother13 learning13 of13 the13 wonders13 of13 Paris13 Rome13 and13 Tokyo13 when13 the13 odds13 of13 you13 gedng13 to13 there13 were13 as13 good13 gedng13 to13 the13 Moon13 For13 most13 the13 mill13 the13 mine13 and13 oen13 the13 unemployment13 line13 were13 our13 desFny
It was the systematic breakdown of our communities
These13 were13 environments13 where13 ciFzens13 were13 slowly13 convinced13 that13 they13 were13 irrelevant13 That13 there13 was13 no13 need13 to13 act13 or13 be13 involved13 locally13 Convinced13 that13 they13 could13 never13 ever13 make13 a13 difference13 13 In13 truth13 this13 impotence13 was13 not13 the13 result13 of13 the13 IlluminaF13 the13 Freemasons13 the13 wealthy13 or13 whatever13 version13 of13 the13 lsquoManrsquo13 that13 we13
created13 It13 was13 not13 the13 standard13 issue13 boot13 of13 the13 Pinkerton13 Agency13 the13 police13 or13 others13 kicking13 in13 our13 door13 forcing13 us13 to13 be13 compliant13 It13 was13 something13 much13 simpler13 and13 infinitely13 more13 ominous13 Something13 much13 harder13 and13 painful13 to13 admit13 truth13 be13 told13 13 It13 was13 the13 systemaFc13 breakdown13 of13 our13 communiFes13 But13 nonetheless13 we13 were13 the13 lucky13 ones13 From13 Africa13 to13 Southeast13 Asia13 to13 South13 and13 Central13 America13 and13 eastern13 Europe13 these13 condiFons13 would13 be13 eagerly13 welcomed13 in13 the13 face13 of13 war13 genocide13 disease13 and13 extreme13 poverty13
hellipour communities can be brought back to life
But13 Irsquove13 good13 news13 Maybe13 itrsquos13 not13 so13 bad13 13 And13 if13 it13 is13 it13 certainly13 does13 not13 need13 to13 be13 13 We13 actually13 have13 lots13 of13 proof13 that13 our13
14
communiFes13 can13 be13 brought13 back13 to13 life13 13 Wersquove13 tremendous13 evidence13 from13 the13 field13 13 From13 do-shy‐gooding13 idealisFc13 acFvists13 to13 bale13 hardened13 program13 agents13 to13 government13 officials13 From13 shrewd13 business13 interests13 to13 chariFes13 and13 nonprofits13 Capacity13 is13 being13 built13 and13 ciFzens13 of13 all13 ages13 are13 being13 empowered13 but13 parFcularly13 those13 amazing13 agents13 of13 change13 young13 people
To13 understand13 this13 letrsquos13 talk13 a13 bit13 about13 what13 community13 is13 Let13 me13 tell13 you13 about13 a13 good13 way13 to13 think13 of13 it13 an13 interacFve13 approach13 to13 community13 At13 the13 core13 of13 community13 is13 the13 interacFon13 and13 interdependence13 among13 local13 people13 Here13 people13 make13 up13 local13 interest13 groups13 that13 are13 loosely13 bounded13 arenas13 for13 interacFon
All13 of13 these13 seek13 to13 look13 aer13 their13 own13 interests13 Community13 evolves13 as13 members13 of13 these13 very13 different13 groups13 interact13 with13 each13 other13 realizing13 their13 common13 general13 needs13 This13 doesnrsquot13 mean13 we13 give13 up13 who13 we13 are13 or13 sell13 out13 We13 just13 realize13 that13 we13 have13 common13 needs13 and13 that13 we13 can13 work13 together13 to13 overcome13 these
15
As13 groups13 and13 residents13 interact13 what13 has13 come13 to13 be13 known13 as13 community13 agency13 emerges13 Agency13 highlights13 the13 fact13 that13
engagement13 has13 power13 It13 shows13 that13 local13 people13 working13 together13 have13 the13 power13 to13 transform13 and13 change13 society13 13 When13 they13 do13 this13 community13 can13 emerge
I13 want13 to13 stress13 this13 is13 a13 process13 though13 13 Community13 is13 not13 a13 given13 State13 College13 will13 always13 be13 on13 a13 map13 But13 the13 connecFon13 between13 people13 that13 makes13 this13 place13 so13 special13 may13 not13 unless13 we13 work13 at13 it13 Keep13 in13 mind13 that13 community13 is13 a13 variable13 Our13 locality13 is13 always13 changing13 with13 people13 coming13 and13 going13 all13 the13 Fmes13 We13 need13 to13 constantly13 be13 working13 to13 maintain13 our13 connecFon13 to13 it13 and13 welcome13 in13 new13 people13 to13 be13 part13 of13 it13 When13 we13 stop13 interacFng13 communicaFng13 and13 being13 inclusive13 it13 simply13 -shy‐13 and13 quickly13 disappears13 But13 if13 developed13 community13 results13 in13 amazing13 things13 here13 and13 abroad
Let13 me13 give13 you13 some13 examples
Civically13 engaged13 youth13 are13 2213 more13 likely
16
to13 graduate13 from13 college13 than13 those13 that13 did13 not
Civically13 engaged13 youth13 are13 413 ltmes13 less13 likely13 to13 exhibit13 ldquorisky13 behaviorrdquo13 such13 as13 drug13 use13 and13 other13 dangerous13 behaviors13
Youth13 are13 813 ltmes13 more13 likely13 to13 believe13 that13 can13 influence13 decision13 making13 if13 they13 are13 civically13 engaged
This13 is13 important13 The13 fact13 of13 the13 maer13 is13 that13 there13 are13 very13 few13 obstacles13 to13 us13 changing13 the13 world13 Wersquove13 just13 convinced13 ourselves13 that13 we13 canrsquot13 make13 a13 difference13 and13 shouldnrsquot13 act13 This13 is13 largely13 because13 wersquove13 been13 uninvolved13 for13 so13 long13 Wersquove13 forgoen13 how13 to13 act13 and13 be13 engaged
One13 more13 thing13 EducaFon13 and13 Community13 intersect13 in13 a13 big13 way13 Where13 community13 involvement13 and13 educaFon13 are13 low13 the13 odds13
of13 extremism13 gangs13 and13 terrorisFc13 organizaFons13 more13 than13 quadruple
helliphad there been a little more education and community capacity
the extremism would have been stopped in its tracks
This13 was13 brought13 home13 to13 me13 during13 visits13 to13 Cambodia13 over13 the13 years13 Every13 Fme13 I13 go13 make13 a13 pilgrimage13 to13 the13 infamous13 Killing13 Fields13 near13 Phom13 Penh13 At13 their13 naFonal13 Genocide13 Museum13 are13 thousands13 of13 photos13 of13 the13 vicFms13 You13 see13 a13 fracFon13 of13 them13
here13 behind13 me13 But13 of13 all13 of13 these13 -shy‐13 one13 haunts13 me13 I13 bring13 her13 flowers13 every13 year13 I13 donrsquot13 know13 her13 name13
17
No13 one13 does13 But13 I13 canrsquot13 forget13 her13 eyes13 I13 canrsquot13 forget13 that13 had13 there13 been13 a13 lile13 more13 educaFon13 and13 community13 capacity13 the13 extremism13 would13 have13 been13 stopped13 in13 its13 tracks13 She13 and13 several13 million13 other13 Cambodians13 would13 be13 with13 us13 today13 The13 same13 is13 true13 in13 Germany13 Rwanda13 Bosnia13 ArgenFna13 and13 elsewhere13 13 We13 owe13 it13 to13 her13 and13 the13 countless13 others13 to13 build13 strong13 educated13 communiFes13 that13 will13 ensure13 extremism13 does13 not13 take13 root13 and13 run13 rampant
If13 nothing13 else13 remember13 this13 Community13 builds13 capacity13 It13 provides13 structure13 and13 social13 supports13 builds13 empathy13 and13 understanding13 and13 provides13 the13 basis13 for13 acFon13 and13 acFvism13 It13 protects13 against13 poverty13 extremism13 and13 chaos
The13 importance13 and13 central13 role13 of13 community13 will13 be13 the13 other13 cornerstone13 of13 our13 work13 and13 was13 the13 second13 thing13 I13 wanted13 to13 share13 with13 you
18
CHAPTER13 4
Transforming the World Through the UNESCO Chairs Program Wersquove13 been13 looking13 forward13 this13 is13 a13 day13 for13 years13 Because13 every13 now13 and13 then13 an13 opportunity13 comes13 along13 that13 just13 changes13 everything13 Wersquove13 been13 working13 really13 really13
hard13 and13 have13 lots13 of13 plans13 that13 are13 ready13 to13 launch13 I13 want13 to13 share13 three13 of13 them13 that13 we13 are13 really13 excited13 about13 They13 really13 are13 amazing13 and13 beauFful13 creaFons
First13 is13 the13 UNTWIN13 Network13 on13 Youth13 and13 Community13 Development13
With13 this13 we13 reinvent13 the13 idea13 of13 global13 partnerships13 and13 collaboraFon13 UNITWIN13 are13 the13 UN13 university13 twining13 and13 partnership13 networks13 They13 open13 up13 all13 kinds13 of13 opportuniFes13 for13 rapid13 research13 and13 acFon13 and13 funding13 While13 UNESCO13 Chairs13 are13 rare13 UNITWIN13 networks13 are13 even13 more13 so13 13 Only13 two13 exist13 in13 the13 US13 We13 got13 the13 go13 ahead13 from13 UNESCO13 to13 start13 developing13 number13 three13 However13 ours13 will13 be13 unmatched13 in13 size13 scope13 and13 impact
6 continents
9 geographic regions
35 partner institutions
Thousands of youth
Three UNESCO Chairs
It13 will13 cover13 613 conFnents13 913 geographic13 regions13 3513 partner13 insFtuFons13 (and13 growing13 weekly)13 thousands13 of13 youth13 and13 three13 UNESCO13 Chairs13 This13 will13 allow13 for13 immediate13 research13 program13 development13 and13 educaFonal13 program13 delivery
hellipa common framework of Community Capacity Building
Youth Development and Conflict Mitigationhellip
The13 network13 will13 be13 led13 by13 three13 UNESCO13 Chairs13 at13 three13 interrelated13 mulFdisciplinary13
20
centers13 the13 Child13 and13 Family13 Research13 Centre13 (NUI13 Galway)13 UNESCO13 Centre13 for13 Research13 on13 Children13 and13 Youth13 (University13 of13 Ulster)13 and13 the13 planned13 UNESCO13 InsAtute13 for13 G lobal13 Humanitar ian13 Development13 (Penn13 State)13 The13 three13 bring13 together13 nearly13 20013 of13 the13 worldrsquos13 best13 researchers13 teachers13 and13 program13 developers
The13 network13 will13 have13 a13 common13 framework13 of13 Community13 Capacity13 Building13 Youth13 Development13 and13 Conflict13 MiFgaFon13 but13 will13 pursue13 specialized13 projects13 on13 health13 and13 well-shy‐being13 educaFon13 and13 literacy13 social13 and13 economic13 development13 the13 physical13 sciences13 agricultural13 development13 civil13 engineering13 and13 many13 other13 areas13 as13 they13 emerge13 We13 will13 be13 able13 to13 conduct13
internaFonal13 comparaFve13 research13 design13 programs13 and13 deliver13 them13 worldwide13 in13 a13 maer13 of13 months13 -shy‐13 not13 years13 as13 is13 oen13 the13 case13 Think13 of13 the13 potenFal
With13 not13 much13 work13 we13 can13 reach13 1000013 kids13 and13 100013 communiFes13 in13 the13 next13 few13 years13 1000013 kids13 and13 communiFes13 who13 see13 a13 brighter13 future13 are13 contribuFng13 members13 of13 society13 lead13 producFve13 and13 safe13 lives13 and13 take13 on13 ownership13 of13 local13 life13 With13 your13 help13 and13 some13 hard13 work13 we13 can13 triple13 the13 number13 of13 youth13 and13 communiFes13 we13 can13 reach
UNITWIN13 goes13 live13 in13 April13 Itrsquos13 already13 growing13 beyond13 our13 control13 Itrsquos13 a13 game13 changer13 and13 once13 in13 a13 lifeFme13 opportunity13 13 Itrsquos13 going13 to13 be13 our13 legacy13 and13 we13 have13 a13 seat13 at13 the13 table13 for13 you
21
The13 second13 big13 item13 focuses13 on13 idenAfying13 the13 best13 pracAces13 for13 youth13 and13 community13 developmenthellipworldwide
Today13 we13 redefine13 global13 comparaFve13 research13 There13 are13 lots13 of13 people13 doing13 great13 and13 effecFve13 work13 worldwide13 We13 are13 going13 to13 begin13 a13 long-shy‐term13 research13 program13 to13 idenFfy13 these13 best13 pracFces13 in13 all13 locaFons13 but13 with13 a13 strong13 focus13 on13 rural13 areas
But13 you13 might13 ask13 why13 There13 is13 an13 increasing13 lsquoyouth13 bulgersquo13 that13 exists13 alongside13 a13 heavy13 dependence13 on13 agriculture13 in13 the13 developing13 world13 The13 UN13 has13 documented13 this13 with13 nearly13 half13 of13 the13 worldrsquos13 populaFon13 residing13 in13 rural13 areas
Over13 9013 of13 all13 rural13 residents13 live13 in13 less13 developed13 regions
Equally13 important13 almost13 a13 third13 of13 the13 world13 populalton13 is13 age13 1513 or13 younger13 and13 half13 are13 under13 age13 2513
8513 of13 all13 youth13 live13 in13 less13 developed13 countries
This13 reality13 creates13 an13 environment13 where13 the13 acltve13 engagement13 of13 communiltes13 is13 essenltal13 to13 future13 growth13 and13 development
Another13 really13 cool13 part13 of13 this13 research13 focuses13 on13 building13 partnerships13 We13 work13 to13 build13 capacity13 and13 partnerships13 through13 North-shy‐South13 and13 South-shy‐South13 partnerships13 that13 shape13 regional13 capacity13 We13 re13 already13 seeing13 great13 things13 such13 as13 in13 Kenya13 and13 Zambia13 where13 we13 have13 linked13 programs13 that13 are13 working13 together13 like13 crazy
Through13 the13 UNESCO13 Chair13 program13 we13 will13 link13 organizaFons13 in13 2513 countries13 to13 share13 resources13 best13 pracFces13 and13 experFse13
22
create13 a13 dynamic13 series13 of13 partnerships13 in13 the13 Global13 South13 and13 form13 a13 community13 of13 naFons13 focused13 on13 youth13 and13 development13 of13 civil13 society
T h i r d 13 i s13 ou r13 G l oba l13 Edu caAona l13 Programming
Today13 we13 revoluFonize13 global13 educaFon13 13 We13 are13 planning13 a13 global13 educaFonal13 program13 focusing13 on13 leadership13 and13 community13 building13 across13 the13 life13 span13 13 Included13 are13 courses13 in13 leadership13 skills13 c o m m u n i t y13 c a p a c i t y13 b u i l d i n g 13 entrepreneurship13 and13 small13 business13 development13 posiFve13 youth13 development13 conflict13 miFgaFon13 and13 many13 others13 areas
Penn13 State13 is13 a13 leader13 in13 distance13 educaFon13 13 It13 recently13 dedicated13 major13 resources13 to13 MOOCs13 Massive13 Open13 Online13 Courses13 13
What13 this13 means13 is13 if13 a13 ciFzen13 of13 this13 planet13 has13 access13 to13 the13 internet13 to13 an13 internet13 cafeacute13 or13 even13 a13 cell13 phone13 they13 will13 be13 provided13 with13 Col lege13 courses13 and13 instrucFonal13 materials
Yoursquore13 asking13 how13 much13 will13 these13 cost13 right13 Thatrsquos13 a13 great13 quesFon13 How13 does13 free13 sound13 Wersquove13 got13 it13 covered13 All13 we13 ask13 is13 that13 you13 take13 the13 knowledge13 and13 skills13 and13 use13 them13 to13 make13 life13 beer13 The13 best13 courses13 in13 the13 world13 taught13 by13 the13 best13 faculty13 Free13 of13 charge13
Distributed13 through13 Penn13 State13 and13 the13 global13 UNESCO13 network13 If13 people13 need13 more13 than13 the13 basic13 knowledge13 base13 we13 can13 do13 that13 too13 CerFficates13 and13 even13 degree13 programs13 at13 all13 levels13 with13 costs13 to13 be13 covered13 by13 foundaFons13 and13 internaFonal13
23
development13 agencies13 Just13 think13 of13 the13 potenFals13 for13 primary13 and13 secondary13 schools13 and13 for13 educators13 in13 the13 developing13 world13 13 Think13 of13 the13 life13 changing13 impacts13 for13 a13 young13 girl13 in13 rural13 Zambia13 a13 street13 child13 in13 Kenya13 and13 a13 young13 farm13 worker13 in13 Cambodia13 Itrsquos13 beyond13 belief13 and13 uerly13 amazing13 13 It13 changes13 everything
So13 those13 are13 three13 of13 the13 big13 things13 that13 are13 happening13 now13 We13 have13 lots13 more13 in13 the13 works13 and13 ready13 to13 launch13 These13 and13 other13 efforts13 will13 help13 us13 realize13 our13 dreams13 of13 a13 beer13 world13 Come13 be13 part13 of13 all13 of13 these13 13 We13 can13 pick13 some13 great13 fights13 together13 I13 promise13 itrsquoll13 be13 awesome13 and13 wersquoll13 do13 miraculous13 things
The key to this is you
Be13 Part13 of13 the13 Journey
We13 WILL13 do13 all13 of13 the13 things13 I13 menFoned13 13 And13 much13 much13 more13 The13 key13 to13 this13 is13 you13 13 Yoursquove13 been13 asked13 to13 be13 here13 today13 because13 we13 know13 you13 will13 fight13 for13 social13 jusFce13 We13 need13 you13 to13 help13 us13 raise13 awareness13 to13 help13 develop13 programs13 and13 research13 and13 help13 us13 find13 funding13 to13 ensure13 this13 is13 a13 reality
If13 you13 think13 about13 it13 there13 is13 no13 beer13 place13 than13 here13 to13 begin13 our13 journey13 Lest13 we13 forget13 we13 are13 in13 Pennsylvania13 This13 place13 that13 saw13 the13 birth13 of13 the13 Molly13 McGuires13 the13 original13 union13 movements13 and13 the13 knights13 of13 labor13 It13 was13 where13 Milton13 Eisenhower13 dreamed13 of13 the
If13 you13 think13 about13 it13 there13 is13 no13 beer13 place13 than13 here13 to13 begin13 our13 journey13 Lest13 we13 forget13 we13 are13 in13 Pennsylvania13 This13 place13 that13
24
saw13 the13 birth13 of13 the13 Molly13 McGuires13 the13 original13 union13 movements13 and13 the13 knights13 of13 labor13 It13 was13 where13 Milton13 Eisenhower13 dreamed13 of13 the13 potenFals13 of13 UNESCO13 13 Where13 Benjamin13 Franklin13 found13 the13 Pennsylvania13 AboliFonist13 Society13 seeking13 to13 end13 slavery13 Where13 our13 founding13 fathers13 conceived13 more13 than13 a13 naFon13 but13 the13 idea13 of13 L ife13 L iberty13 and13 the13 pursuit13 of13 Happiness-shy‐-shy‐-shy‐not13 just13 for13 us13 but13 for13 our13 fellow13 ciFzens13 of13 the13 world13 All13 of13 these13 people13 have13 passed13 the13 torch13 to13 us13 today13 13 Let13 us13 make13 them13 proud13 in13 conFnuing13 their13 quest13 for13 social13 jusFce13 for13 equality13 and13 for13 creaFng13 a13 beer13 world
Now13 is13 our13 moment13 13 Of13 all13 the13 opportuniFes13 out13 there13 none13 have13 greater13 potenFal13 for13 immediate13 and13 long13 term13 impacts13 than13
e du caFon 13 t h e13 t r a n s fo rmaFon13 o f13 communiFes13 empowerment13 of13 the13 excluded13 and13 the13 posiFve13 development13 of13 youth13 None13 Absolutely13 none
Now13 I13 know13 we13 hear13 inspiraFonal13 speeches13 a13 lot13 We13 are13 always13 being13 asked13 to13 open13 our13 hearts13 and13 then13 our13 checkbooks13 3But13 this13 is13 different13 We13 have13 never13 before13 had13 such13 structures13 partners13 and13 resources13 to13 make13 our13 dreams13 a13 reality
hellipthere will be those outside that will tell us that the world is too big
too corrupthellip
I13 know13 we13 are13 all13 Fred13 overworked13 and13 maybe13 a13 bit13 cynical13 of13 all13 this13 I13 know13 there13 will13 be13 those13 outside13 of13 here13 that13 will13 tell13 us13 that13 the13 world13 is13 too13 big13 too13 corrupt13 that13 the13 vicFms13 deserve13 their13 low13 lots13 in13 life13 and13
25
that13 maybe13 for13 the13 sake13 of13 our13 careers13 we13 really13 should13 look13 busy13 while13 doing13 nothing13 But13 Irsquom13 asking13 you13 today13 to13 try13 one13 more13 Fme13 Take13 one13 more13 leap13 of13 faith13 I13 promise13 we13 wonrsquot13 let13 you13 down13 I13 promise13 that13 wersquoll13 be13 part13 of13 something13 legendary13 together
Nonetheless13 as13 you13 quesFon13 our13 ability13 to13 really13 change13 the13 world13 I13 would13 simply13 ask13 you13 to13 remember13 back13 to13 our13 younger13 days13 when13 we13 were13 absolutely13 certain13 that13 we13 could13 do13 it13 13 We13 were13 right13 13 You13 were13 right13 13 You13 were13 right13 and13 your13 dreams13 are13 sFll13 out13 there
I13 want13 to13 share13 one13 last13 story13 13 I13 recently13 read13 a13 wonderful13 essay13 by13 Joseph13 Laplin13 looking13 back13 on13 the13 55th13 Anniversary13 of13 Jack13 Kerouacrsquos13 legendary13 novel13 On13 the13 Road13 13 This13 was13 a13 novel13 that13 sent13 many13 young13 people13
(including13 myself)13 out13 on13 that13 road13 of13 discovery13 in13 search13 of13 the13 limitless13 possibiliFes13 beyond13 our13 hometowns13 13 A13 book13 that13 mandated13 the13 quesFoning13 authority13 the13 quesFoning13 of13 social13 convenFons13 and13 the13 challenging13 of13 the13 moral13 blinds13 spots13 of13 our13 age13 For13 me13 this13 book13 was13 magical
Laplinrsquos13 essay13 took13 aim13 at13 those13 of13 us13 who13 have13 grown13 up13 become13 established13 and13 think13 wersquove13 grown13 wiser13 Especially13 those13 of13 us13 who13 now13 dismiss13 Kerouac13 and13 this13 novel13 that13 once13 inspired13 us13 as13 idealisFc13 childish13 and13 ridiculously13 naiumlve13 in13 its13 call13 for13 social13 change13 But13 Laplin13 had13 a13 wonderfully13 reacFon13 to13 such13 people13 Here13 is13 what13 he13 said
ldquoPerhaps13 these13 people13 never13 took13 to13 or13 went13 back13 on13 the13 road13 -shy‐13 due13 to13 fear13 or13 family13 -shy‐13 and13
26
therefore13 can13 no13 longer13 revisit13 Kerouacrsquos13 work13 Perhaps13 itrsquos13 hard13 to13 even13 look13 at13 his13 wriltng13 because13 readers13 are13 actually13 looking13 at13 themselves13 And13 itrsquos13 easier13 to13 say13 well13 Kerouacrsquos13 naive13 than13 to13 say13 I13 missed13 out13 on13 something13 Maybe13 some13 readers13 have13 given13 up13 on13 the13 search13 for13 beauty13 and13 spirituality13 or13 realized13 that13 theyrsquore13 not13 one13 of13 those13 people13 who13 lsquoburn13 burn13 burn13 like13 fabulous13 yellow13 roman13 candlesrsquo13 and13 that13 knowledge13 is13 painfulrdquo
I13 want13 to13 state13 it13 again13 You13 were13 right13 when13 you13 once13 thought13 we13 would13 change13 the13 world13 And13 you13 are13 sFll13 right13 Your13 dreams13 of13 a13 fair13 equal13 and13 just13 world13 are13 sFll13 out13 there13 and13 together13 we13 will13 reclaim13 them13 and13 make13 them13 a13 reality
hellipin the not too distant future you can put your children and
grandchildren on your knee and tell them about once upon a time
I13 say13 this13 not13 to13 preach13 to13 you13 or13 guilt13 you13 into13 acFon13 I13 just13 want13 to13 put13 it13 into13 perspecFve13 and13 ask13 you13 to13 be13 part13 of13 this13 journey13 If13 we13 live13 up13 to13 our13 ideals13 and13 commitments13 in13 the13 not13 too13 distant13 future13 you13 can13 put13 your13 children13 and13 grandchildren13 on13 your13 knee13 and13 tell13 them13 about13 once13 upon13 a13 Fme13 Once13 upon13 a13 Fme13 when13 educaFon13 was13 only13 for13 the13 privileged13 few13 When13 women13 were13 treated13 as13 second13 class13 ciFzens13 When13 injusFce13 and13 inequality13 were13 the13 standard13 And13 when13 communiFes13 were13 constantly13 trampled13 on13 by13 outside13 interests13 Most13 importantly13 you13 can13 tell13 them13 that13 you13 were13 part13 of13 fixing13 it13 That13 the13 world13 is13 a13 far13 beer13 place13 because13 of13 what13 we13 did13 That13
27
they13 have13 a13 great13 bright13 future13 because13 of13 our13 bold13 efforts13 that13 began13 today13 With13 such13 potenFals13 and13 possibiliFes13 at13 hand13 how13 can13 we13 ever13 explain13 to13 them13 our13 inacFon13 or13 how13 we13 stood13 by13 and13 let13 appalling13 things13 conFnue
As13 we13 close13 I13 want13 to13 ask13 a13 few13 final13 quesFons13 There13 are13 many13 places13 to13 put13 your13 efforts
But13 if13 not13 the13 thousands13 of13 communiAes13 we13 can13 help13 then13 where
If13 not13 the13 billions13 of13 young13 people13 we13 can13 empower13 to13 have13 beMer13 lives13 then13 who
And13 if13 now13 is13 not13 the13 Ame13 for13 bold13 daring13 and13 nearly13 miraculous13 acAons13 then13 when
hellipthe honor is only eclipsed by the responsibility this opportunity
brings with it
If13 you13 need13 proof13 of13 miracles13 than13 look13 no13 further13 than13 this13 stage13 Here13 you13 have13 a13 former13 (or13 perhaps13 not13 so13 former)13 punk13 from13 rural13 Pennsylvania13 of13 Irish13 descent13 standing13 before13 you13 accepFng13 one13 of13 our13 greatest13 honors13 Itrsquos13 absolutely13 humbling13 And13 the13 honor13 is13 only13 eclipsed13 by13 the13 responsibility13 this13 opportunity13 brings13 with13 it13 But13 itrsquos13 not13 inFmidaFng13 Not13 at13 all13 Because13 I13 know13 WE13 are13 in13 this13 together13 And13 for13 all13 of13 this13 I13 will13 be13 forever13 grateful13 to13 you13 for13 sharing13 this13 wonderful13 day13 and13 being13 part13 of13 this13 journey13 that13 will13 transform13 the13 world
Thank13 you13 all13 very13 very13 much
28
CHAPTER13 5
Contact USConnect13 with13 us13 on13 social13 media
unescochairpennstate
unescochairpsu
unescochairpsu
Call13 Write13 or13 Visit
Dr13 Mark13 Brennan204C13 Ferguson13 BuildingUniversity13 Park13 PA13 16802Phone13 1-shy‐814-shy‐863-shy‐0387Email13 unescochairpsueduWeb13 wwwunescochairpsuedu
UNESCO Chair in Rural Community
Leadership and Youth Development
The Pennsylvania State University
United Nations
(GXFDWLRQDO6FLHQWLiquestFDQGCultural Organization
As13 first13 Chairman13 of13 the13 US13 NaFonal13 Commission13 for13 UNESCO13 he13 saw13 amazing13 potenFal13 for13 engaging13 the13 US13 in13 the13 post-shy‐war13 community13 of13 naFons13 through13 UNESCO13 He13 saw13 UNESCO13 as13 a13 something13 unprecedented13 and13 transformaFonal13 Here13 are13 some13 of13 his13 words13
ldquoA13 body13 unique13 in13 history13 It13 unites13 in13 one13 assembly13 spokesmen13 of13 the13 arts13 sciences13 and13 learned13 professions13 of13 the13 educalton13 system13 at13 all13 levels13 of13 radio13 molton13 pictures13 and13 the13 press13 of13 the13 educalton13 interests13 of13 labor13 agriculture13 and13 of13 religious13 bodies13 and13 of13 many13 other13 groups13 that13 are13 now13 working13 for13 the13 establishment13 of13 peacerdquo
Today we rekindle this important relationship between Penn State
and UNESCO and continue the work started so many years agohellip
Milton13 had13 a13 dream13 much13 like13 you13 have13 had13 of13 a13 fair13 equal13 and13 just13 world13 13 It13 is13 a13 dream13 that13 is13 sFll13 out13 there13 -shy‐-shy‐-shy‐13 a13 dream13 that13 together13 we13 can13 achieve13 13 Today13 we13 rekindle13 this13 important13 relaFonship13 between13 Penn13 State13 and13 UNESCO13 and13 conFnue13 the13 work13 started13 so13 many13 years13 ago13 by13 OUR13 President13 Eisenhower13 13 Itrsquos13 really13 amazing13 isnrsquot13 it
So13 today13 I13 want13 talk13 about13 two13 simple13 ideas13 13 EducaFon13 and13 Community13 13 Tell13 a13 few13 stories13 13 Thatrsquos13 all13 13 No13 big13 deal13 13 But13 keep13 in13 mind13 if13 we13 work13 on13 nothing13 else13 but13 developing13 these13 two13 things13 your13 long13 held13 dreams13 of13 making13 the13 world13 a13 dramaFcally13 beer13 place13 will13 be13 achieved13 13 Itrsquos13 as13 simple13 as13 that
2
CHAPTER13 2
Education For AllThe13 first13 thing13 I13 want13 to13 share13 with13 you13 is13 the13 importance13 of13 educaFon13 The13 UNESCO13 Chair13 program13 it13 is13 not13 about13 academic13 exercises13 13 It13 is13 not13 about13 wishful13 thinking13 theoreFcal13 ramblings13 and13 charitable13 intenFons13 Itrsquos13 not13 about13 filling13 our13 libraries13 with13 books13 and13 reports13 that13 are13 rarely13 if13 ever13 read13 To13 me13 it13 is13 about13 acFon13 and13 itrsquos13 about13 jusFce13 Itrsquos13 about13 EducaFon13 for13 All13 We13 strive13 to13 guarantee13 the13 single13 most13 important13 human13 right13 That13 absolute13 right13 to13 educaFon13 and13 knowledge13 Knowledge13 that13 opens13 up13 a13 world13 of13 possibiliFes13 for13 a13 young13 girl13 in13 rural
Africa13 Knowledge13 that13 convinces13 a13 young13 boy13 in13 Sierra13 Leon13 or13 Rwanda13 to13 pick13 up13 the13 pen13 instead13 of13 the13 gun13 Knowledge13 that13 empowers13 youth13 to13 make13 life13 saving13 decisions13 about13 their13 health13 13 Knowledge13 that13 empowers13 communiFes13 to13 take13 care13 of13 their13 own13 needs
EducaFon13 has13 been13 my13 salvaFon13 -shy‐13 even13 when13 I13 didnrsquot13 know13 it13 You13 see13 my13 educaFonal13 path13 has13 been13 at13 best13 odd13 13 Certainly13 most13 people13 including13 myself13 would13 not13 have13 predicted13 my13 being13 here13 accepFng13 this13 great13 honor13 Truth13 be13 told13 many13 would13 not13 have13 predicted13 my13 graduaFon13 from13 high13 school13 Certainly13 not13 the13 compleFon13 of13 university13 or13 advanced13 graduate13 degrees13 A13 professorship13 at13 one13 of13 the13 worldrsquos13 greatest13 insFtuFons13 and13 now13 a13
UNESCO13 Chair13 would13 have13 been13 seen13 as13 absolutely13 delusional
My13 educaFonal13 training13 began13 at13 schools13 that13 were13 increasingly13 failing13 Schools13 that13 no13 longer13 exist13 A13 lack13 of13 funds13 resources13 and13 commitment13 led13 to13 decreased13 student13 outcomes13 13 Burned13 out13 teachers13 that13 would13 much13 rather13 have13 been13 somewhere13 else13 further13 contributed13 to13 a13 deterioraFng13 educaFonal13 environment13 I13 certainly13 could13 have13 easily13 fallen13 through13 the13 cracks13 At13 Fmes13 I13 did
Now13 there13 is13 plenty13 of13 blame13 to13 go13 around13 for13 myself13 in13 parFcular13 I13 was13 bored13 unchallenged13 uninterested13 probably13 lazy13 and13 did13 at13 best13 adequate13 work13 I13 was13 well-shy‐read13 misbehaved13 and13 angry13 Worst13 of13 all13 I13 saw13 no13 purpose13 at13 all13 in13 what13 I13 was13 doing
4
In13 college13 I13 found13 a13 different13 world13 13 There13 were13 fresh13 ideas13 There13 were13 calls13 to13 acFon13 13 It13 was13 educaFon13 with13 a13 purpose13 13 And13 most13 important13 there13 were13 teachers13 that13 were13 interested13 and13 encouraging13 Excited13 teachers13 who13 worked13 8013 hours13 a13 week13 not13 because13 they13 had13 to13 but13 because13 they13 loved13 it13 so13 13 Amazing13 people13 with13 amazing13 stories13 and13 lives13 They13 had13 been13 everywhere13 and13 seen13 everything13 They13 were13 remarkable13 and13 extraordinary13 at13 their13 calling13 SFll13 that13 was13 not13 enough13 though
It13 wasnrsquot13 unFl13 I13 saw13 the13 actual13 impacts13 of13 educaFon13 throughout13 the13 world13 that13 I13 realized13 its13 importance13 It13 wasnrsquot13 the13 chore13 and13 burden13 it13 had13 seemed13 when13 I13 was13 younger13 It13 was13 THE13 key13 The13 single13 most13
important13 factor13 in13 shaping13 my13 life13 and13 the13 lives13 of13 so13 many13 others
Wersquove told ourselves and our children it is something that we
need but stopped understanding why
Now13 my13 story13 is13 largely13 average13 Many13 of13 us13 wandered13 that13 long13 path13 to13 where13 we13 are13 now13 Many13 of13 us13 began13 our13 educaFon13 in13 less13 than13 desirable13 sedngs13 My13 challenges13 donrsquot13 even13 deserve13 to13 be13 menFoned13 in13 the13 same13 sentence13 as13 the13 challenges13 seen13 in13 our13 inner13 ciFes13 rapidly13 failing13 rural13 schools13 and13 throughout13 the13 developing13 world13 But13 the13 reality13 is13 that13 we13 have13 forgoen13 why13 educaFon13 is13 important13 We13 have13 disFlled13 its13 usefulness13 down13 to13 a13 few13 small13 outcomes13 such13 as13 gedng13 a13 beer13 job13 Wersquove13 told13
5
ourselves13 and13 our13 children13 it13 is13 something13 that13 we13 need13 but13 stopped13 understanding13 why
Not13 so13 in13 the13 developing13 world13 where13 even13 young13 children13 are13 excited13 honored13 and13 enthusiasFc13 about13 the13 prospect13 of13 going13 to13 a13 one-shy‐room13 schoolhouse13 with13 next13 to13 no13 resources13 They13 understand13 what13 we13 have13 forgoen13 They13 understand13 what13 our13 grandparents13 held13 so13 dear13 13 EducaFon13 is13 the13 single13 most13 important13 thing13 we13 can13 aain13 It13 is13 the13 single13 greatest13 gi13 that13 we13 can13 give13 13 And13 if13 we13 have13 one13 chance13 of13 having13 beer13 lives13 it13 all13 comes13 through13 the13 doors13 that13 educaFon13 open13
Irsquom13 sure13 you13 are13 asking13 how13 so13 Well13 the13 facts13 speak13 volumes13 There13 are13 countless13 ones13 but13 here13 are13 a13 few13 examples
Letrsquos13 start13 with13 general13 educa2on13
If13 all13 students13 in13 low13 income13 countries13 obtained13 just13 basic13 reading13 skills13 Basic13 reading13 skills13 17013 million13 people13 could13 be13 liFed13 out13 of13 poverty13 This13 is13 equal13 to13 a13 1213 cut13 in13 global13 poverty13 Just13 by13 providing13 basic13 reading13 skills
How13 about13 the13 connec2on13 between13 educa2on13 and13 health
Life13 expectancy13 has13 gone13 up13 for13 most13 people13 in13 the13 past13 couple13 of13 decades13 The13 increase13 has13 been13 largest13 for13 people13 with13 the13 most13 educalton13 There13 has13 been13 one13 exceplton13 13 Those13 without13 a13 high13 school13 diploma13 have13 actually13 experienced13 a13 decrease13 in13 life13 expectancy
But13 how13 about13 really13 moving13 the13 human13 race13 forward13 Because13 of13 these13 gender13 equity13 is13 close13 to13 home13 for13 me13 EducaFon13 is13
6
the13 key13 to13 womenrsquos13 rights13 equality13 and13 13 13 13 community13 building
How13 important13 do13 you13 think13 Well13 for13 13 13 13 13 13 example
Countries13 lose13 more13 than13 $113 billion13 a13 year13 by13 failing13 to13 educate13 girls13 to13 the13 same13 level13 as13 boys
One13 addiltonal13 year13 of13 schooling13 beyond13 primary13 school13 reduces13 the13 probability13 of13 becoming13 a13 young13 mother13 by13 almost13 10
A13 child13 whose13 mother13 can13 read13 is13 5013 more13 likely13 to13 live13 past13 age13 513
In13 sub-shy‐Saharan13 Africa13 alone13 approximately13 213 million13 childrenrsquos13 lives13 could13 be13 saved13 every13 year13 if13 their13 mothers13 had13 at13 least13 a13 secondary13 educaFon13 How13 many13 Einsteinrsquos13 Steve13 Jobs13 Gandhirsquos13 or13 Da13 Vincirsquos13 never13 got13
the13 chance13 to13 beer13 the13 world13 because13 of13 this13 We13 need13 them13 now13 more13 than13 ever
Nonetheless13 almost13 two-shy‐thirds13 of13 the13 worldrsquos13 80013 million13 illiterate13 adults13 are13 women13 They13 are13 the13 foundaFons13 of13 civil13 13 13 society13 13 And13 we13 need13 to13 invest13 in13 them
This is about half of the amount Europeans and Americans spend on
ice cream annually
All13 of13 this13 has13 to13 costs13 a13 lot13 right13 How13 much13 do13 you13 think13 10013 trillion13 113 trillion13 No13 13 For13 $1613 billion13 a13 year13 in13 aid13 we13 can13 send13 all13 children13 to13 school13 in13 low-shy‐income13 countries13 13 A13 lot13 Sure13 This13 is13 about13 half13 of13 the13 amount13 Europeans13 and13 Americans13 spend13 on13 ice13 cream13 annually13 It13 is13 two13 less13 fighter13 jets13 in13 the13 US13 arsenal13 It13 is13 $113 a13 month13 for13 each13 ciFzen13 of13 the13 G713 naFons
7
Itrsquos13 the13 right13 thing13 to13 do13 This13 is13 not13 about13 charity13 This13 is13 about13 jusFce13 InvesFng13 in13 educaFon13 is13 more13 effecFve13 cheaper13 and13 leads13 to13 the13 best13 development13 outcomes13 We13 have13 a13 large13 body13 of13 knowledge13 that13 backs13 this13 up
Let13 me13 share13 one13 more13 example13 Chris13 Aredo13 from13 Kenya13 Chris13 had13 a13 normal13 childhood13 unFl13 the13 age13 of13 1213 years13 when13 he13 was13 orphaned13 He13 found13 himself13 living13 in13 the13 rough13 streets13 of13 Nairobi13 scavenging13 and13 stealing13 to13 survive13 He13 lived13 this13 way13 for13 six13 years13 13 I13 donrsquot13 think13 many13 of13 us13 in13 this13 room13 certainly13 myself13 are13 that13 tough13 or13 strong13
Aer13 613 years13 he13 was13 enrolled13 in13 the13 NaFonal13 Youth13 Service13 which13 is13 a13 boot-shy‐camp13 providing13 basic13 vocaFonal13 skills13 Shortly13 thereaer13 he13 met13 Paul13 Maina13 who13 was13 beginning13 to13 form13 the13 Child13 and13 Youth13 Empowerment13 Center
Chris13 joined13 Paul13 and13 in13 late13 200613 the13 Center13 opened13 Here13 Chris13 had13 an13 opportunity13 to13 help13 shape13 beer13 lives13 for13 young13 people13 He13 also13 had13 the13 opportunity13 to13 travel13 to13 Germany13 where13 the13 importance13 of13 educaFon13 became13 even13 more13 evident13 to13 him13 Upon13 his13 return13 he13 enrolled13 in13 high13 school13 which13 he13 quickly13 completed13 With13 the13 assistance13 of13 the13 Centrersquos13 support13 network13 he13 was13 able13 to13 enroll13 in13 University13 and13 will13 receive13 his13 BS13 degree13 this13 coming13 December13 in13 Bus iness13 I nformaFon13
8
Technology13 Chris13 has13 been13 the13 Chairperson13 of13 the13 Universityrsquos13 chapter13 of13 the13 Red13 Cross13 Club13 and13 president13 of13 InternaFonal13 AssociaFon13 of13 Students13 in13 Economic13 and13 Commercial13 Sciences13 He13 is13 part13 of13 the13 UNESCO13 sponsored13 youth13 leadership13 development13 program13 as13 a13 mentor13 facilitator13 and13 community13 leader
I13 menFon13 his13 story13 not13 as13 a13 feel13 good13 moment13 Though13 it13 certainly13 is13 I13 menFon13 it13 because13 it13 highlights13 the13 common13 human13 condiFon13 If13 provided13 with13 the13 opportunity13 for13 learning13 and13 educaFon13 people13 will13 seize13 the13 moment13 Through13 a13 small13 investment13 and13 his13 hard13 work13 Chrisrsquos13 life13 and13 those13 of13 others13 were13 transformed13 In13 less13 than13 ten13 years13 from13 a13 homeless13 street13 youth13 to13 a13 high13 school13 graduate13 to13 a13 college13 graduate13
to13 a13 leader13 acFvist13 and13 agent13 of13 change13 13 Think13 how13 tough13 determined13 resilient13 he13 is13 -shy‐13 and13 he13 is13 not13 terribly13 unusual13 Hersquos13 the13 kind13 of13 person13 I13 want13 on13 my13 teams13 If13 you13 give13 me13 him13 and13 2013 others13 like13 him13 we13 will13 make13 history13 Also13 remember13 there13 are13 more13 than13 a13 billion13 youth13 like13 Chris13 out13 there13 and13 just13 think13 of13 the13 impacts13 of13 reaching13 a13 fracFon13 of13 them13 or13 even13 beer13 yet13 th ink13 o f13 empowering13 them13 all
EducaFon13 is13 power13 and13 sets13 the13 stage13 for13 strong13 communiFes13 that13 take13 care13 of13 their13 own13 needs13 This13 focus13 on13 EducaFon13 for13 All13 will13 be13 a13 cornerstone13 of13 our13 work13 and13 thatrsquos13 the13 first13 thing13 I13 wanted13 to13 share13 with13 you13 today
9
CHAPTER13 3
Realizing Engaged CommunitiesThe13 second13 thing13 I13 want13 to13 share13 with13 you13 is13 the13 importance13 of13 community13 13 Just13 like13 educaFon13 community13 shapes13 producFve13 and13 stable13 lives13 just13 in13 a13 different13 way13 Combining13 the13 two13 is13 magical13 in13 their13 impactBut13 why13 th ink13 about13 commun i ty13 Community13 contributes13 to13 individual13 family13 and13 social13 well13 being13 13 It13 is13 our13 first13 contact13 with13 the13 world13 beyond13 the13 family13 It13 is13 the13 sedng13 for13 socializaFon13 our13 insFtuFons13 and13
the13 development13 of13 rules13 and13 culture
hellipthink about community as one big relationship
Community13 establishes13 and13 maintains13 channels13 of13 communicaFon13 and13 interacFon13 13 I13 always13 tell13 my13 undergraduate13 and13 graduate13 students13 to13 think13 about13 community13 as13 one13 big13 relaFonship13 Think13 about13 what13 happens13 in13 your13 relaFonships13 Itrsquos13 the13 same13 with13 community13 When13 you13 first13 meet13 you13 commun i ca te13 con s tan t l y13 i n te ra c t13 conFnuously13 and13 do13 everything13 together13 As13 Fme13 goes13 on13 the13 communicaFon13 and13 interacFon13 become13 less13 frequent13 And13 as13 we13 all13 know13 it13 someFmes13 is13 not13 long13 before13 problems13 occur13 Where13 mountains13 are13 made13 out13 of13 mole13 hills13 and13 relaFonships13 become13 strained13 someFmes13 to13 the13 point13 of13 breaking13 13
The13 same13 is13 true13 in13 communiFes13 It13 involves13 more13 people13 and13 is13 a13 bit13 messier13 but13 the13 process13 and13 structure13 is13 the13 same13 Just13 as13 in13 our13 relaFonships13 we13 need13 to13 constantly13 be13 working13 to13 maintain13 community
Oen13 during13 presidenFal13 elecFons13 I13 ask13 my13 students13 to13 count13 the13 number13 of13 Fmes13 that13 community13 is13 said13 during13 debates13 and13 speeches13 In13 these13 sedngs13 where13 every13 word13 counts13 and13 costs13 money13 it13 is13 common13 for13 the13 term13 community13 to13 be13 menFoned13 dozens13 of13 Fmes13 in13 an13 hour13 long13 speech13 13 Why13 though13 I t rsquos13 an13 amazing13 idea13 community13 Itrsquos13 tremendously13 powerful13 It13 bring13 up13 all13 those13 warm13 and13 fuzzy13 images13 -shy‐13 real13 and13 imagined13 -shy‐13 of13 what13 life13 was13 like13 or13 could13 be
11
The impacts outcomes and potentials of community are real
tangible and measurable
Now13 before13 you13 think13 me13 an13 academic13 hippy13 or13 that13 Irsquom13 advocaFng13 for13 free13 love13 and13 touchy13 feely13 ideas13 this13 is13 not13 the13 case13 at13 all13 13 The13 impacts13 outcomes13 and13 potenFals13 of13 community13 are13 rea l 13 tangib le 13 and13 measurable13 13 Strong13 communiFes13 are13 more13 resilient13 adapFve13 and13 less13 likely13 to13 be13 explo i ted13 They13 connect13 res idents 13 insFtuFons13 organizaFons13 to13 each13 other13 13 They13 promote13 stability13 have13 less13 crime13 and13 show13 increase13 local13 well-shy‐being13 They13 increase13 involvement13 in13 local13 decision-shy‐making13 and13 parFcipatory13 democracy
There13 are13 also13 tremendous13 personal13 impacts13 Community13 enhances13 our13 social13
psychological13 and13 emoFonal13 development13 13 It13 promotes13 civic13 responsibility13 which13 is13 a13 commitment13 to13 helping13 others13 It13 increases13 cultural13 understanding13 and13 empathy13 13 It13 provides13 life13 skills13 such13 as13 criFcal13 thinking13 interpersonal13 leadership13 and13 conflict13 resoluFon13 skills13
Tremendous things happen when people care about each other and
the place they live in
This13 is13 an13 impressive13 list13 that13 is13 by13 no13 means13 complete13 We13 have13 mountains13 of13 research13 data13 program13 evaluaFons13 thousands13 of13 books13 and13 journal13 arFcles13 to13 prove13 that13 this13 is13 the13 case13 Even13 beer13 wersquove13 studied13 this13 process13 across13 the13 world13 I t rsquos13 true13 everywhere13 The13 condiFons13 and13 context13 might13 be13 a13 lile13 different13 but13 one13 thing13
12
holds13 true13 tremendous13 things13 happen13 when13 people13 care13 about13 each13 other13 and13 the13 place13 they13 live13 in13 This13 is13 not13 an13 idea13 This13 is13 not13 a13 plan13 This13 IS13 fact13 Strong13 communiFes13 equal13 stable13 civil13 and13 just13 socieFes
For13 me13 the13 need13 for13 community13 is13 close13 to13 home13 I13 was13 born13 and13 raised13 in13 a13 small13 town13 in13 northeastern13 Pennsylvania13 I13 came13 from13 people13 who13 le13 Ireland13 and13 Europe13 seeking13 survival13 All13 of13 these13 are13 absolutely13 great13 places13 Places13 blessed13 by13 amazing13 natural13 resources13 amazingly13 diverse13 cultures13 tremendous13 food13 you13 canrsquot13 imagine13 13 Cultures13 whose13 unique13 experiences13 and13 knowledge13 for13 dealing13 with13 the13 challenges13 of13 daily13 life13 were13 massive13 and13 effecFve13 Places13 rich13 in13 social13 supports13 from13 family13 neighbors13 religions13 and13 schools13 Places13 to13
me13 that13 held13 a13 tremendous13 amount13 of13 magic13 in13 them
For many education became not an opportunity but a painful reminder
of what might have been
But13 you13 know13 as13 the13 musician13 Lou13 Reed13 sang13 there13 is13 a13 bit13 of13 magic13 in13 everything13 -shy‐13 and13 then13 some13 loss13 to13 even13 things13 out13 The13 loss13 in13 these13 areas13 was13 characterized13 by13 exploitaFon13 from13 abusive13 outside13 interests13 13 Abuse13 by13 corporaFons13 and13 governments13 that13 harvested13 local13 natural13 resources13 including13 people13 for13 far13 far13 less13 than13 they13 were13 worth13 13 Places13 where13 youth13 were13 eventually13 forced13 to13 leave13 for13 lack13 of13 opportuniFes13 denied13 their13 righkul13 heritage13 and13 forced13 like13 so13 many13 youth13 worldwide13 to13 become13 the13 nomads13 the13 diasporas13 For13 many13 educaFon13
13
became13 not13 an13 opportunity13 but13 a13 painful13 reminder13 of13 what13 might13 have13 been13 Aer13 all13 why13 bother13 learning13 of13 the13 wonders13 of13 Paris13 Rome13 and13 Tokyo13 when13 the13 odds13 of13 you13 gedng13 to13 there13 were13 as13 good13 gedng13 to13 the13 Moon13 For13 most13 the13 mill13 the13 mine13 and13 oen13 the13 unemployment13 line13 were13 our13 desFny
It was the systematic breakdown of our communities
These13 were13 environments13 where13 ciFzens13 were13 slowly13 convinced13 that13 they13 were13 irrelevant13 That13 there13 was13 no13 need13 to13 act13 or13 be13 involved13 locally13 Convinced13 that13 they13 could13 never13 ever13 make13 a13 difference13 13 In13 truth13 this13 impotence13 was13 not13 the13 result13 of13 the13 IlluminaF13 the13 Freemasons13 the13 wealthy13 or13 whatever13 version13 of13 the13 lsquoManrsquo13 that13 we13
created13 It13 was13 not13 the13 standard13 issue13 boot13 of13 the13 Pinkerton13 Agency13 the13 police13 or13 others13 kicking13 in13 our13 door13 forcing13 us13 to13 be13 compliant13 It13 was13 something13 much13 simpler13 and13 infinitely13 more13 ominous13 Something13 much13 harder13 and13 painful13 to13 admit13 truth13 be13 told13 13 It13 was13 the13 systemaFc13 breakdown13 of13 our13 communiFes13 But13 nonetheless13 we13 were13 the13 lucky13 ones13 From13 Africa13 to13 Southeast13 Asia13 to13 South13 and13 Central13 America13 and13 eastern13 Europe13 these13 condiFons13 would13 be13 eagerly13 welcomed13 in13 the13 face13 of13 war13 genocide13 disease13 and13 extreme13 poverty13
hellipour communities can be brought back to life
But13 Irsquove13 good13 news13 Maybe13 itrsquos13 not13 so13 bad13 13 And13 if13 it13 is13 it13 certainly13 does13 not13 need13 to13 be13 13 We13 actually13 have13 lots13 of13 proof13 that13 our13
14
communiFes13 can13 be13 brought13 back13 to13 life13 13 Wersquove13 tremendous13 evidence13 from13 the13 field13 13 From13 do-shy‐gooding13 idealisFc13 acFvists13 to13 bale13 hardened13 program13 agents13 to13 government13 officials13 From13 shrewd13 business13 interests13 to13 chariFes13 and13 nonprofits13 Capacity13 is13 being13 built13 and13 ciFzens13 of13 all13 ages13 are13 being13 empowered13 but13 parFcularly13 those13 amazing13 agents13 of13 change13 young13 people
To13 understand13 this13 letrsquos13 talk13 a13 bit13 about13 what13 community13 is13 Let13 me13 tell13 you13 about13 a13 good13 way13 to13 think13 of13 it13 an13 interacFve13 approach13 to13 community13 At13 the13 core13 of13 community13 is13 the13 interacFon13 and13 interdependence13 among13 local13 people13 Here13 people13 make13 up13 local13 interest13 groups13 that13 are13 loosely13 bounded13 arenas13 for13 interacFon
All13 of13 these13 seek13 to13 look13 aer13 their13 own13 interests13 Community13 evolves13 as13 members13 of13 these13 very13 different13 groups13 interact13 with13 each13 other13 realizing13 their13 common13 general13 needs13 This13 doesnrsquot13 mean13 we13 give13 up13 who13 we13 are13 or13 sell13 out13 We13 just13 realize13 that13 we13 have13 common13 needs13 and13 that13 we13 can13 work13 together13 to13 overcome13 these
15
As13 groups13 and13 residents13 interact13 what13 has13 come13 to13 be13 known13 as13 community13 agency13 emerges13 Agency13 highlights13 the13 fact13 that13
engagement13 has13 power13 It13 shows13 that13 local13 people13 working13 together13 have13 the13 power13 to13 transform13 and13 change13 society13 13 When13 they13 do13 this13 community13 can13 emerge
I13 want13 to13 stress13 this13 is13 a13 process13 though13 13 Community13 is13 not13 a13 given13 State13 College13 will13 always13 be13 on13 a13 map13 But13 the13 connecFon13 between13 people13 that13 makes13 this13 place13 so13 special13 may13 not13 unless13 we13 work13 at13 it13 Keep13 in13 mind13 that13 community13 is13 a13 variable13 Our13 locality13 is13 always13 changing13 with13 people13 coming13 and13 going13 all13 the13 Fmes13 We13 need13 to13 constantly13 be13 working13 to13 maintain13 our13 connecFon13 to13 it13 and13 welcome13 in13 new13 people13 to13 be13 part13 of13 it13 When13 we13 stop13 interacFng13 communicaFng13 and13 being13 inclusive13 it13 simply13 -shy‐13 and13 quickly13 disappears13 But13 if13 developed13 community13 results13 in13 amazing13 things13 here13 and13 abroad
Let13 me13 give13 you13 some13 examples
Civically13 engaged13 youth13 are13 2213 more13 likely
16
to13 graduate13 from13 college13 than13 those13 that13 did13 not
Civically13 engaged13 youth13 are13 413 ltmes13 less13 likely13 to13 exhibit13 ldquorisky13 behaviorrdquo13 such13 as13 drug13 use13 and13 other13 dangerous13 behaviors13
Youth13 are13 813 ltmes13 more13 likely13 to13 believe13 that13 can13 influence13 decision13 making13 if13 they13 are13 civically13 engaged
This13 is13 important13 The13 fact13 of13 the13 maer13 is13 that13 there13 are13 very13 few13 obstacles13 to13 us13 changing13 the13 world13 Wersquove13 just13 convinced13 ourselves13 that13 we13 canrsquot13 make13 a13 difference13 and13 shouldnrsquot13 act13 This13 is13 largely13 because13 wersquove13 been13 uninvolved13 for13 so13 long13 Wersquove13 forgoen13 how13 to13 act13 and13 be13 engaged
One13 more13 thing13 EducaFon13 and13 Community13 intersect13 in13 a13 big13 way13 Where13 community13 involvement13 and13 educaFon13 are13 low13 the13 odds13
of13 extremism13 gangs13 and13 terrorisFc13 organizaFons13 more13 than13 quadruple
helliphad there been a little more education and community capacity
the extremism would have been stopped in its tracks
This13 was13 brought13 home13 to13 me13 during13 visits13 to13 Cambodia13 over13 the13 years13 Every13 Fme13 I13 go13 make13 a13 pilgrimage13 to13 the13 infamous13 Killing13 Fields13 near13 Phom13 Penh13 At13 their13 naFonal13 Genocide13 Museum13 are13 thousands13 of13 photos13 of13 the13 vicFms13 You13 see13 a13 fracFon13 of13 them13
here13 behind13 me13 But13 of13 all13 of13 these13 -shy‐13 one13 haunts13 me13 I13 bring13 her13 flowers13 every13 year13 I13 donrsquot13 know13 her13 name13
17
No13 one13 does13 But13 I13 canrsquot13 forget13 her13 eyes13 I13 canrsquot13 forget13 that13 had13 there13 been13 a13 lile13 more13 educaFon13 and13 community13 capacity13 the13 extremism13 would13 have13 been13 stopped13 in13 its13 tracks13 She13 and13 several13 million13 other13 Cambodians13 would13 be13 with13 us13 today13 The13 same13 is13 true13 in13 Germany13 Rwanda13 Bosnia13 ArgenFna13 and13 elsewhere13 13 We13 owe13 it13 to13 her13 and13 the13 countless13 others13 to13 build13 strong13 educated13 communiFes13 that13 will13 ensure13 extremism13 does13 not13 take13 root13 and13 run13 rampant
If13 nothing13 else13 remember13 this13 Community13 builds13 capacity13 It13 provides13 structure13 and13 social13 supports13 builds13 empathy13 and13 understanding13 and13 provides13 the13 basis13 for13 acFon13 and13 acFvism13 It13 protects13 against13 poverty13 extremism13 and13 chaos
The13 importance13 and13 central13 role13 of13 community13 will13 be13 the13 other13 cornerstone13 of13 our13 work13 and13 was13 the13 second13 thing13 I13 wanted13 to13 share13 with13 you
18
CHAPTER13 4
Transforming the World Through the UNESCO Chairs Program Wersquove13 been13 looking13 forward13 this13 is13 a13 day13 for13 years13 Because13 every13 now13 and13 then13 an13 opportunity13 comes13 along13 that13 just13 changes13 everything13 Wersquove13 been13 working13 really13 really13
hard13 and13 have13 lots13 of13 plans13 that13 are13 ready13 to13 launch13 I13 want13 to13 share13 three13 of13 them13 that13 we13 are13 really13 excited13 about13 They13 really13 are13 amazing13 and13 beauFful13 creaFons
First13 is13 the13 UNTWIN13 Network13 on13 Youth13 and13 Community13 Development13
With13 this13 we13 reinvent13 the13 idea13 of13 global13 partnerships13 and13 collaboraFon13 UNITWIN13 are13 the13 UN13 university13 twining13 and13 partnership13 networks13 They13 open13 up13 all13 kinds13 of13 opportuniFes13 for13 rapid13 research13 and13 acFon13 and13 funding13 While13 UNESCO13 Chairs13 are13 rare13 UNITWIN13 networks13 are13 even13 more13 so13 13 Only13 two13 exist13 in13 the13 US13 We13 got13 the13 go13 ahead13 from13 UNESCO13 to13 start13 developing13 number13 three13 However13 ours13 will13 be13 unmatched13 in13 size13 scope13 and13 impact
6 continents
9 geographic regions
35 partner institutions
Thousands of youth
Three UNESCO Chairs
It13 will13 cover13 613 conFnents13 913 geographic13 regions13 3513 partner13 insFtuFons13 (and13 growing13 weekly)13 thousands13 of13 youth13 and13 three13 UNESCO13 Chairs13 This13 will13 allow13 for13 immediate13 research13 program13 development13 and13 educaFonal13 program13 delivery
hellipa common framework of Community Capacity Building
Youth Development and Conflict Mitigationhellip
The13 network13 will13 be13 led13 by13 three13 UNESCO13 Chairs13 at13 three13 interrelated13 mulFdisciplinary13
20
centers13 the13 Child13 and13 Family13 Research13 Centre13 (NUI13 Galway)13 UNESCO13 Centre13 for13 Research13 on13 Children13 and13 Youth13 (University13 of13 Ulster)13 and13 the13 planned13 UNESCO13 InsAtute13 for13 G lobal13 Humanitar ian13 Development13 (Penn13 State)13 The13 three13 bring13 together13 nearly13 20013 of13 the13 worldrsquos13 best13 researchers13 teachers13 and13 program13 developers
The13 network13 will13 have13 a13 common13 framework13 of13 Community13 Capacity13 Building13 Youth13 Development13 and13 Conflict13 MiFgaFon13 but13 will13 pursue13 specialized13 projects13 on13 health13 and13 well-shy‐being13 educaFon13 and13 literacy13 social13 and13 economic13 development13 the13 physical13 sciences13 agricultural13 development13 civil13 engineering13 and13 many13 other13 areas13 as13 they13 emerge13 We13 will13 be13 able13 to13 conduct13
internaFonal13 comparaFve13 research13 design13 programs13 and13 deliver13 them13 worldwide13 in13 a13 maer13 of13 months13 -shy‐13 not13 years13 as13 is13 oen13 the13 case13 Think13 of13 the13 potenFal
With13 not13 much13 work13 we13 can13 reach13 1000013 kids13 and13 100013 communiFes13 in13 the13 next13 few13 years13 1000013 kids13 and13 communiFes13 who13 see13 a13 brighter13 future13 are13 contribuFng13 members13 of13 society13 lead13 producFve13 and13 safe13 lives13 and13 take13 on13 ownership13 of13 local13 life13 With13 your13 help13 and13 some13 hard13 work13 we13 can13 triple13 the13 number13 of13 youth13 and13 communiFes13 we13 can13 reach
UNITWIN13 goes13 live13 in13 April13 Itrsquos13 already13 growing13 beyond13 our13 control13 Itrsquos13 a13 game13 changer13 and13 once13 in13 a13 lifeFme13 opportunity13 13 Itrsquos13 going13 to13 be13 our13 legacy13 and13 we13 have13 a13 seat13 at13 the13 table13 for13 you
21
The13 second13 big13 item13 focuses13 on13 idenAfying13 the13 best13 pracAces13 for13 youth13 and13 community13 developmenthellipworldwide
Today13 we13 redefine13 global13 comparaFve13 research13 There13 are13 lots13 of13 people13 doing13 great13 and13 effecFve13 work13 worldwide13 We13 are13 going13 to13 begin13 a13 long-shy‐term13 research13 program13 to13 idenFfy13 these13 best13 pracFces13 in13 all13 locaFons13 but13 with13 a13 strong13 focus13 on13 rural13 areas
But13 you13 might13 ask13 why13 There13 is13 an13 increasing13 lsquoyouth13 bulgersquo13 that13 exists13 alongside13 a13 heavy13 dependence13 on13 agriculture13 in13 the13 developing13 world13 The13 UN13 has13 documented13 this13 with13 nearly13 half13 of13 the13 worldrsquos13 populaFon13 residing13 in13 rural13 areas
Over13 9013 of13 all13 rural13 residents13 live13 in13 less13 developed13 regions
Equally13 important13 almost13 a13 third13 of13 the13 world13 populalton13 is13 age13 1513 or13 younger13 and13 half13 are13 under13 age13 2513
8513 of13 all13 youth13 live13 in13 less13 developed13 countries
This13 reality13 creates13 an13 environment13 where13 the13 acltve13 engagement13 of13 communiltes13 is13 essenltal13 to13 future13 growth13 and13 development
Another13 really13 cool13 part13 of13 this13 research13 focuses13 on13 building13 partnerships13 We13 work13 to13 build13 capacity13 and13 partnerships13 through13 North-shy‐South13 and13 South-shy‐South13 partnerships13 that13 shape13 regional13 capacity13 We13 re13 already13 seeing13 great13 things13 such13 as13 in13 Kenya13 and13 Zambia13 where13 we13 have13 linked13 programs13 that13 are13 working13 together13 like13 crazy
Through13 the13 UNESCO13 Chair13 program13 we13 will13 link13 organizaFons13 in13 2513 countries13 to13 share13 resources13 best13 pracFces13 and13 experFse13
22
create13 a13 dynamic13 series13 of13 partnerships13 in13 the13 Global13 South13 and13 form13 a13 community13 of13 naFons13 focused13 on13 youth13 and13 development13 of13 civil13 society
T h i r d 13 i s13 ou r13 G l oba l13 Edu caAona l13 Programming
Today13 we13 revoluFonize13 global13 educaFon13 13 We13 are13 planning13 a13 global13 educaFonal13 program13 focusing13 on13 leadership13 and13 community13 building13 across13 the13 life13 span13 13 Included13 are13 courses13 in13 leadership13 skills13 c o m m u n i t y13 c a p a c i t y13 b u i l d i n g 13 entrepreneurship13 and13 small13 business13 development13 posiFve13 youth13 development13 conflict13 miFgaFon13 and13 many13 others13 areas
Penn13 State13 is13 a13 leader13 in13 distance13 educaFon13 13 It13 recently13 dedicated13 major13 resources13 to13 MOOCs13 Massive13 Open13 Online13 Courses13 13
What13 this13 means13 is13 if13 a13 ciFzen13 of13 this13 planet13 has13 access13 to13 the13 internet13 to13 an13 internet13 cafeacute13 or13 even13 a13 cell13 phone13 they13 will13 be13 provided13 with13 Col lege13 courses13 and13 instrucFonal13 materials
Yoursquore13 asking13 how13 much13 will13 these13 cost13 right13 Thatrsquos13 a13 great13 quesFon13 How13 does13 free13 sound13 Wersquove13 got13 it13 covered13 All13 we13 ask13 is13 that13 you13 take13 the13 knowledge13 and13 skills13 and13 use13 them13 to13 make13 life13 beer13 The13 best13 courses13 in13 the13 world13 taught13 by13 the13 best13 faculty13 Free13 of13 charge13
Distributed13 through13 Penn13 State13 and13 the13 global13 UNESCO13 network13 If13 people13 need13 more13 than13 the13 basic13 knowledge13 base13 we13 can13 do13 that13 too13 CerFficates13 and13 even13 degree13 programs13 at13 all13 levels13 with13 costs13 to13 be13 covered13 by13 foundaFons13 and13 internaFonal13
23
development13 agencies13 Just13 think13 of13 the13 potenFals13 for13 primary13 and13 secondary13 schools13 and13 for13 educators13 in13 the13 developing13 world13 13 Think13 of13 the13 life13 changing13 impacts13 for13 a13 young13 girl13 in13 rural13 Zambia13 a13 street13 child13 in13 Kenya13 and13 a13 young13 farm13 worker13 in13 Cambodia13 Itrsquos13 beyond13 belief13 and13 uerly13 amazing13 13 It13 changes13 everything
So13 those13 are13 three13 of13 the13 big13 things13 that13 are13 happening13 now13 We13 have13 lots13 more13 in13 the13 works13 and13 ready13 to13 launch13 These13 and13 other13 efforts13 will13 help13 us13 realize13 our13 dreams13 of13 a13 beer13 world13 Come13 be13 part13 of13 all13 of13 these13 13 We13 can13 pick13 some13 great13 fights13 together13 I13 promise13 itrsquoll13 be13 awesome13 and13 wersquoll13 do13 miraculous13 things
The key to this is you
Be13 Part13 of13 the13 Journey
We13 WILL13 do13 all13 of13 the13 things13 I13 menFoned13 13 And13 much13 much13 more13 The13 key13 to13 this13 is13 you13 13 Yoursquove13 been13 asked13 to13 be13 here13 today13 because13 we13 know13 you13 will13 fight13 for13 social13 jusFce13 We13 need13 you13 to13 help13 us13 raise13 awareness13 to13 help13 develop13 programs13 and13 research13 and13 help13 us13 find13 funding13 to13 ensure13 this13 is13 a13 reality
If13 you13 think13 about13 it13 there13 is13 no13 beer13 place13 than13 here13 to13 begin13 our13 journey13 Lest13 we13 forget13 we13 are13 in13 Pennsylvania13 This13 place13 that13 saw13 the13 birth13 of13 the13 Molly13 McGuires13 the13 original13 union13 movements13 and13 the13 knights13 of13 labor13 It13 was13 where13 Milton13 Eisenhower13 dreamed13 of13 the
If13 you13 think13 about13 it13 there13 is13 no13 beer13 place13 than13 here13 to13 begin13 our13 journey13 Lest13 we13 forget13 we13 are13 in13 Pennsylvania13 This13 place13 that13
24
saw13 the13 birth13 of13 the13 Molly13 McGuires13 the13 original13 union13 movements13 and13 the13 knights13 of13 labor13 It13 was13 where13 Milton13 Eisenhower13 dreamed13 of13 the13 potenFals13 of13 UNESCO13 13 Where13 Benjamin13 Franklin13 found13 the13 Pennsylvania13 AboliFonist13 Society13 seeking13 to13 end13 slavery13 Where13 our13 founding13 fathers13 conceived13 more13 than13 a13 naFon13 but13 the13 idea13 of13 L ife13 L iberty13 and13 the13 pursuit13 of13 Happiness-shy‐-shy‐-shy‐not13 just13 for13 us13 but13 for13 our13 fellow13 ciFzens13 of13 the13 world13 All13 of13 these13 people13 have13 passed13 the13 torch13 to13 us13 today13 13 Let13 us13 make13 them13 proud13 in13 conFnuing13 their13 quest13 for13 social13 jusFce13 for13 equality13 and13 for13 creaFng13 a13 beer13 world
Now13 is13 our13 moment13 13 Of13 all13 the13 opportuniFes13 out13 there13 none13 have13 greater13 potenFal13 for13 immediate13 and13 long13 term13 impacts13 than13
e du caFon 13 t h e13 t r a n s fo rmaFon13 o f13 communiFes13 empowerment13 of13 the13 excluded13 and13 the13 posiFve13 development13 of13 youth13 None13 Absolutely13 none
Now13 I13 know13 we13 hear13 inspiraFonal13 speeches13 a13 lot13 We13 are13 always13 being13 asked13 to13 open13 our13 hearts13 and13 then13 our13 checkbooks13 3But13 this13 is13 different13 We13 have13 never13 before13 had13 such13 structures13 partners13 and13 resources13 to13 make13 our13 dreams13 a13 reality
hellipthere will be those outside that will tell us that the world is too big
too corrupthellip
I13 know13 we13 are13 all13 Fred13 overworked13 and13 maybe13 a13 bit13 cynical13 of13 all13 this13 I13 know13 there13 will13 be13 those13 outside13 of13 here13 that13 will13 tell13 us13 that13 the13 world13 is13 too13 big13 too13 corrupt13 that13 the13 vicFms13 deserve13 their13 low13 lots13 in13 life13 and13
25
that13 maybe13 for13 the13 sake13 of13 our13 careers13 we13 really13 should13 look13 busy13 while13 doing13 nothing13 But13 Irsquom13 asking13 you13 today13 to13 try13 one13 more13 Fme13 Take13 one13 more13 leap13 of13 faith13 I13 promise13 we13 wonrsquot13 let13 you13 down13 I13 promise13 that13 wersquoll13 be13 part13 of13 something13 legendary13 together
Nonetheless13 as13 you13 quesFon13 our13 ability13 to13 really13 change13 the13 world13 I13 would13 simply13 ask13 you13 to13 remember13 back13 to13 our13 younger13 days13 when13 we13 were13 absolutely13 certain13 that13 we13 could13 do13 it13 13 We13 were13 right13 13 You13 were13 right13 13 You13 were13 right13 and13 your13 dreams13 are13 sFll13 out13 there
I13 want13 to13 share13 one13 last13 story13 13 I13 recently13 read13 a13 wonderful13 essay13 by13 Joseph13 Laplin13 looking13 back13 on13 the13 55th13 Anniversary13 of13 Jack13 Kerouacrsquos13 legendary13 novel13 On13 the13 Road13 13 This13 was13 a13 novel13 that13 sent13 many13 young13 people13
(including13 myself)13 out13 on13 that13 road13 of13 discovery13 in13 search13 of13 the13 limitless13 possibiliFes13 beyond13 our13 hometowns13 13 A13 book13 that13 mandated13 the13 quesFoning13 authority13 the13 quesFoning13 of13 social13 convenFons13 and13 the13 challenging13 of13 the13 moral13 blinds13 spots13 of13 our13 age13 For13 me13 this13 book13 was13 magical
Laplinrsquos13 essay13 took13 aim13 at13 those13 of13 us13 who13 have13 grown13 up13 become13 established13 and13 think13 wersquove13 grown13 wiser13 Especially13 those13 of13 us13 who13 now13 dismiss13 Kerouac13 and13 this13 novel13 that13 once13 inspired13 us13 as13 idealisFc13 childish13 and13 ridiculously13 naiumlve13 in13 its13 call13 for13 social13 change13 But13 Laplin13 had13 a13 wonderfully13 reacFon13 to13 such13 people13 Here13 is13 what13 he13 said
ldquoPerhaps13 these13 people13 never13 took13 to13 or13 went13 back13 on13 the13 road13 -shy‐13 due13 to13 fear13 or13 family13 -shy‐13 and13
26
therefore13 can13 no13 longer13 revisit13 Kerouacrsquos13 work13 Perhaps13 itrsquos13 hard13 to13 even13 look13 at13 his13 wriltng13 because13 readers13 are13 actually13 looking13 at13 themselves13 And13 itrsquos13 easier13 to13 say13 well13 Kerouacrsquos13 naive13 than13 to13 say13 I13 missed13 out13 on13 something13 Maybe13 some13 readers13 have13 given13 up13 on13 the13 search13 for13 beauty13 and13 spirituality13 or13 realized13 that13 theyrsquore13 not13 one13 of13 those13 people13 who13 lsquoburn13 burn13 burn13 like13 fabulous13 yellow13 roman13 candlesrsquo13 and13 that13 knowledge13 is13 painfulrdquo
I13 want13 to13 state13 it13 again13 You13 were13 right13 when13 you13 once13 thought13 we13 would13 change13 the13 world13 And13 you13 are13 sFll13 right13 Your13 dreams13 of13 a13 fair13 equal13 and13 just13 world13 are13 sFll13 out13 there13 and13 together13 we13 will13 reclaim13 them13 and13 make13 them13 a13 reality
hellipin the not too distant future you can put your children and
grandchildren on your knee and tell them about once upon a time
I13 say13 this13 not13 to13 preach13 to13 you13 or13 guilt13 you13 into13 acFon13 I13 just13 want13 to13 put13 it13 into13 perspecFve13 and13 ask13 you13 to13 be13 part13 of13 this13 journey13 If13 we13 live13 up13 to13 our13 ideals13 and13 commitments13 in13 the13 not13 too13 distant13 future13 you13 can13 put13 your13 children13 and13 grandchildren13 on13 your13 knee13 and13 tell13 them13 about13 once13 upon13 a13 Fme13 Once13 upon13 a13 Fme13 when13 educaFon13 was13 only13 for13 the13 privileged13 few13 When13 women13 were13 treated13 as13 second13 class13 ciFzens13 When13 injusFce13 and13 inequality13 were13 the13 standard13 And13 when13 communiFes13 were13 constantly13 trampled13 on13 by13 outside13 interests13 Most13 importantly13 you13 can13 tell13 them13 that13 you13 were13 part13 of13 fixing13 it13 That13 the13 world13 is13 a13 far13 beer13 place13 because13 of13 what13 we13 did13 That13
27
they13 have13 a13 great13 bright13 future13 because13 of13 our13 bold13 efforts13 that13 began13 today13 With13 such13 potenFals13 and13 possibiliFes13 at13 hand13 how13 can13 we13 ever13 explain13 to13 them13 our13 inacFon13 or13 how13 we13 stood13 by13 and13 let13 appalling13 things13 conFnue
As13 we13 close13 I13 want13 to13 ask13 a13 few13 final13 quesFons13 There13 are13 many13 places13 to13 put13 your13 efforts
But13 if13 not13 the13 thousands13 of13 communiAes13 we13 can13 help13 then13 where
If13 not13 the13 billions13 of13 young13 people13 we13 can13 empower13 to13 have13 beMer13 lives13 then13 who
And13 if13 now13 is13 not13 the13 Ame13 for13 bold13 daring13 and13 nearly13 miraculous13 acAons13 then13 when
hellipthe honor is only eclipsed by the responsibility this opportunity
brings with it
If13 you13 need13 proof13 of13 miracles13 than13 look13 no13 further13 than13 this13 stage13 Here13 you13 have13 a13 former13 (or13 perhaps13 not13 so13 former)13 punk13 from13 rural13 Pennsylvania13 of13 Irish13 descent13 standing13 before13 you13 accepFng13 one13 of13 our13 greatest13 honors13 Itrsquos13 absolutely13 humbling13 And13 the13 honor13 is13 only13 eclipsed13 by13 the13 responsibility13 this13 opportunity13 brings13 with13 it13 But13 itrsquos13 not13 inFmidaFng13 Not13 at13 all13 Because13 I13 know13 WE13 are13 in13 this13 together13 And13 for13 all13 of13 this13 I13 will13 be13 forever13 grateful13 to13 you13 for13 sharing13 this13 wonderful13 day13 and13 being13 part13 of13 this13 journey13 that13 will13 transform13 the13 world
Thank13 you13 all13 very13 very13 much
28
CHAPTER13 5
Contact USConnect13 with13 us13 on13 social13 media
unescochairpennstate
unescochairpsu
unescochairpsu
Call13 Write13 or13 Visit
Dr13 Mark13 Brennan204C13 Ferguson13 BuildingUniversity13 Park13 PA13 16802Phone13 1-shy‐814-shy‐863-shy‐0387Email13 unescochairpsueduWeb13 wwwunescochairpsuedu
UNESCO Chair in Rural Community
Leadership and Youth Development
The Pennsylvania State University
United Nations
(GXFDWLRQDO6FLHQWLiquestFDQGCultural Organization
CHAPTER13 2
Education For AllThe13 first13 thing13 I13 want13 to13 share13 with13 you13 is13 the13 importance13 of13 educaFon13 The13 UNESCO13 Chair13 program13 it13 is13 not13 about13 academic13 exercises13 13 It13 is13 not13 about13 wishful13 thinking13 theoreFcal13 ramblings13 and13 charitable13 intenFons13 Itrsquos13 not13 about13 filling13 our13 libraries13 with13 books13 and13 reports13 that13 are13 rarely13 if13 ever13 read13 To13 me13 it13 is13 about13 acFon13 and13 itrsquos13 about13 jusFce13 Itrsquos13 about13 EducaFon13 for13 All13 We13 strive13 to13 guarantee13 the13 single13 most13 important13 human13 right13 That13 absolute13 right13 to13 educaFon13 and13 knowledge13 Knowledge13 that13 opens13 up13 a13 world13 of13 possibiliFes13 for13 a13 young13 girl13 in13 rural
Africa13 Knowledge13 that13 convinces13 a13 young13 boy13 in13 Sierra13 Leon13 or13 Rwanda13 to13 pick13 up13 the13 pen13 instead13 of13 the13 gun13 Knowledge13 that13 empowers13 youth13 to13 make13 life13 saving13 decisions13 about13 their13 health13 13 Knowledge13 that13 empowers13 communiFes13 to13 take13 care13 of13 their13 own13 needs
EducaFon13 has13 been13 my13 salvaFon13 -shy‐13 even13 when13 I13 didnrsquot13 know13 it13 You13 see13 my13 educaFonal13 path13 has13 been13 at13 best13 odd13 13 Certainly13 most13 people13 including13 myself13 would13 not13 have13 predicted13 my13 being13 here13 accepFng13 this13 great13 honor13 Truth13 be13 told13 many13 would13 not13 have13 predicted13 my13 graduaFon13 from13 high13 school13 Certainly13 not13 the13 compleFon13 of13 university13 or13 advanced13 graduate13 degrees13 A13 professorship13 at13 one13 of13 the13 worldrsquos13 greatest13 insFtuFons13 and13 now13 a13
UNESCO13 Chair13 would13 have13 been13 seen13 as13 absolutely13 delusional
My13 educaFonal13 training13 began13 at13 schools13 that13 were13 increasingly13 failing13 Schools13 that13 no13 longer13 exist13 A13 lack13 of13 funds13 resources13 and13 commitment13 led13 to13 decreased13 student13 outcomes13 13 Burned13 out13 teachers13 that13 would13 much13 rather13 have13 been13 somewhere13 else13 further13 contributed13 to13 a13 deterioraFng13 educaFonal13 environment13 I13 certainly13 could13 have13 easily13 fallen13 through13 the13 cracks13 At13 Fmes13 I13 did
Now13 there13 is13 plenty13 of13 blame13 to13 go13 around13 for13 myself13 in13 parFcular13 I13 was13 bored13 unchallenged13 uninterested13 probably13 lazy13 and13 did13 at13 best13 adequate13 work13 I13 was13 well-shy‐read13 misbehaved13 and13 angry13 Worst13 of13 all13 I13 saw13 no13 purpose13 at13 all13 in13 what13 I13 was13 doing
4
In13 college13 I13 found13 a13 different13 world13 13 There13 were13 fresh13 ideas13 There13 were13 calls13 to13 acFon13 13 It13 was13 educaFon13 with13 a13 purpose13 13 And13 most13 important13 there13 were13 teachers13 that13 were13 interested13 and13 encouraging13 Excited13 teachers13 who13 worked13 8013 hours13 a13 week13 not13 because13 they13 had13 to13 but13 because13 they13 loved13 it13 so13 13 Amazing13 people13 with13 amazing13 stories13 and13 lives13 They13 had13 been13 everywhere13 and13 seen13 everything13 They13 were13 remarkable13 and13 extraordinary13 at13 their13 calling13 SFll13 that13 was13 not13 enough13 though
It13 wasnrsquot13 unFl13 I13 saw13 the13 actual13 impacts13 of13 educaFon13 throughout13 the13 world13 that13 I13 realized13 its13 importance13 It13 wasnrsquot13 the13 chore13 and13 burden13 it13 had13 seemed13 when13 I13 was13 younger13 It13 was13 THE13 key13 The13 single13 most13
important13 factor13 in13 shaping13 my13 life13 and13 the13 lives13 of13 so13 many13 others
Wersquove told ourselves and our children it is something that we
need but stopped understanding why
Now13 my13 story13 is13 largely13 average13 Many13 of13 us13 wandered13 that13 long13 path13 to13 where13 we13 are13 now13 Many13 of13 us13 began13 our13 educaFon13 in13 less13 than13 desirable13 sedngs13 My13 challenges13 donrsquot13 even13 deserve13 to13 be13 menFoned13 in13 the13 same13 sentence13 as13 the13 challenges13 seen13 in13 our13 inner13 ciFes13 rapidly13 failing13 rural13 schools13 and13 throughout13 the13 developing13 world13 But13 the13 reality13 is13 that13 we13 have13 forgoen13 why13 educaFon13 is13 important13 We13 have13 disFlled13 its13 usefulness13 down13 to13 a13 few13 small13 outcomes13 such13 as13 gedng13 a13 beer13 job13 Wersquove13 told13
5
ourselves13 and13 our13 children13 it13 is13 something13 that13 we13 need13 but13 stopped13 understanding13 why
Not13 so13 in13 the13 developing13 world13 where13 even13 young13 children13 are13 excited13 honored13 and13 enthusiasFc13 about13 the13 prospect13 of13 going13 to13 a13 one-shy‐room13 schoolhouse13 with13 next13 to13 no13 resources13 They13 understand13 what13 we13 have13 forgoen13 They13 understand13 what13 our13 grandparents13 held13 so13 dear13 13 EducaFon13 is13 the13 single13 most13 important13 thing13 we13 can13 aain13 It13 is13 the13 single13 greatest13 gi13 that13 we13 can13 give13 13 And13 if13 we13 have13 one13 chance13 of13 having13 beer13 lives13 it13 all13 comes13 through13 the13 doors13 that13 educaFon13 open13
Irsquom13 sure13 you13 are13 asking13 how13 so13 Well13 the13 facts13 speak13 volumes13 There13 are13 countless13 ones13 but13 here13 are13 a13 few13 examples
Letrsquos13 start13 with13 general13 educa2on13
If13 all13 students13 in13 low13 income13 countries13 obtained13 just13 basic13 reading13 skills13 Basic13 reading13 skills13 17013 million13 people13 could13 be13 liFed13 out13 of13 poverty13 This13 is13 equal13 to13 a13 1213 cut13 in13 global13 poverty13 Just13 by13 providing13 basic13 reading13 skills
How13 about13 the13 connec2on13 between13 educa2on13 and13 health
Life13 expectancy13 has13 gone13 up13 for13 most13 people13 in13 the13 past13 couple13 of13 decades13 The13 increase13 has13 been13 largest13 for13 people13 with13 the13 most13 educalton13 There13 has13 been13 one13 exceplton13 13 Those13 without13 a13 high13 school13 diploma13 have13 actually13 experienced13 a13 decrease13 in13 life13 expectancy
But13 how13 about13 really13 moving13 the13 human13 race13 forward13 Because13 of13 these13 gender13 equity13 is13 close13 to13 home13 for13 me13 EducaFon13 is13
6
the13 key13 to13 womenrsquos13 rights13 equality13 and13 13 13 13 community13 building
How13 important13 do13 you13 think13 Well13 for13 13 13 13 13 13 example
Countries13 lose13 more13 than13 $113 billion13 a13 year13 by13 failing13 to13 educate13 girls13 to13 the13 same13 level13 as13 boys
One13 addiltonal13 year13 of13 schooling13 beyond13 primary13 school13 reduces13 the13 probability13 of13 becoming13 a13 young13 mother13 by13 almost13 10
A13 child13 whose13 mother13 can13 read13 is13 5013 more13 likely13 to13 live13 past13 age13 513
In13 sub-shy‐Saharan13 Africa13 alone13 approximately13 213 million13 childrenrsquos13 lives13 could13 be13 saved13 every13 year13 if13 their13 mothers13 had13 at13 least13 a13 secondary13 educaFon13 How13 many13 Einsteinrsquos13 Steve13 Jobs13 Gandhirsquos13 or13 Da13 Vincirsquos13 never13 got13
the13 chance13 to13 beer13 the13 world13 because13 of13 this13 We13 need13 them13 now13 more13 than13 ever
Nonetheless13 almost13 two-shy‐thirds13 of13 the13 worldrsquos13 80013 million13 illiterate13 adults13 are13 women13 They13 are13 the13 foundaFons13 of13 civil13 13 13 society13 13 And13 we13 need13 to13 invest13 in13 them
This is about half of the amount Europeans and Americans spend on
ice cream annually
All13 of13 this13 has13 to13 costs13 a13 lot13 right13 How13 much13 do13 you13 think13 10013 trillion13 113 trillion13 No13 13 For13 $1613 billion13 a13 year13 in13 aid13 we13 can13 send13 all13 children13 to13 school13 in13 low-shy‐income13 countries13 13 A13 lot13 Sure13 This13 is13 about13 half13 of13 the13 amount13 Europeans13 and13 Americans13 spend13 on13 ice13 cream13 annually13 It13 is13 two13 less13 fighter13 jets13 in13 the13 US13 arsenal13 It13 is13 $113 a13 month13 for13 each13 ciFzen13 of13 the13 G713 naFons
7
Itrsquos13 the13 right13 thing13 to13 do13 This13 is13 not13 about13 charity13 This13 is13 about13 jusFce13 InvesFng13 in13 educaFon13 is13 more13 effecFve13 cheaper13 and13 leads13 to13 the13 best13 development13 outcomes13 We13 have13 a13 large13 body13 of13 knowledge13 that13 backs13 this13 up
Let13 me13 share13 one13 more13 example13 Chris13 Aredo13 from13 Kenya13 Chris13 had13 a13 normal13 childhood13 unFl13 the13 age13 of13 1213 years13 when13 he13 was13 orphaned13 He13 found13 himself13 living13 in13 the13 rough13 streets13 of13 Nairobi13 scavenging13 and13 stealing13 to13 survive13 He13 lived13 this13 way13 for13 six13 years13 13 I13 donrsquot13 think13 many13 of13 us13 in13 this13 room13 certainly13 myself13 are13 that13 tough13 or13 strong13
Aer13 613 years13 he13 was13 enrolled13 in13 the13 NaFonal13 Youth13 Service13 which13 is13 a13 boot-shy‐camp13 providing13 basic13 vocaFonal13 skills13 Shortly13 thereaer13 he13 met13 Paul13 Maina13 who13 was13 beginning13 to13 form13 the13 Child13 and13 Youth13 Empowerment13 Center
Chris13 joined13 Paul13 and13 in13 late13 200613 the13 Center13 opened13 Here13 Chris13 had13 an13 opportunity13 to13 help13 shape13 beer13 lives13 for13 young13 people13 He13 also13 had13 the13 opportunity13 to13 travel13 to13 Germany13 where13 the13 importance13 of13 educaFon13 became13 even13 more13 evident13 to13 him13 Upon13 his13 return13 he13 enrolled13 in13 high13 school13 which13 he13 quickly13 completed13 With13 the13 assistance13 of13 the13 Centrersquos13 support13 network13 he13 was13 able13 to13 enroll13 in13 University13 and13 will13 receive13 his13 BS13 degree13 this13 coming13 December13 in13 Bus iness13 I nformaFon13
8
Technology13 Chris13 has13 been13 the13 Chairperson13 of13 the13 Universityrsquos13 chapter13 of13 the13 Red13 Cross13 Club13 and13 president13 of13 InternaFonal13 AssociaFon13 of13 Students13 in13 Economic13 and13 Commercial13 Sciences13 He13 is13 part13 of13 the13 UNESCO13 sponsored13 youth13 leadership13 development13 program13 as13 a13 mentor13 facilitator13 and13 community13 leader
I13 menFon13 his13 story13 not13 as13 a13 feel13 good13 moment13 Though13 it13 certainly13 is13 I13 menFon13 it13 because13 it13 highlights13 the13 common13 human13 condiFon13 If13 provided13 with13 the13 opportunity13 for13 learning13 and13 educaFon13 people13 will13 seize13 the13 moment13 Through13 a13 small13 investment13 and13 his13 hard13 work13 Chrisrsquos13 life13 and13 those13 of13 others13 were13 transformed13 In13 less13 than13 ten13 years13 from13 a13 homeless13 street13 youth13 to13 a13 high13 school13 graduate13 to13 a13 college13 graduate13
to13 a13 leader13 acFvist13 and13 agent13 of13 change13 13 Think13 how13 tough13 determined13 resilient13 he13 is13 -shy‐13 and13 he13 is13 not13 terribly13 unusual13 Hersquos13 the13 kind13 of13 person13 I13 want13 on13 my13 teams13 If13 you13 give13 me13 him13 and13 2013 others13 like13 him13 we13 will13 make13 history13 Also13 remember13 there13 are13 more13 than13 a13 billion13 youth13 like13 Chris13 out13 there13 and13 just13 think13 of13 the13 impacts13 of13 reaching13 a13 fracFon13 of13 them13 or13 even13 beer13 yet13 th ink13 o f13 empowering13 them13 all
EducaFon13 is13 power13 and13 sets13 the13 stage13 for13 strong13 communiFes13 that13 take13 care13 of13 their13 own13 needs13 This13 focus13 on13 EducaFon13 for13 All13 will13 be13 a13 cornerstone13 of13 our13 work13 and13 thatrsquos13 the13 first13 thing13 I13 wanted13 to13 share13 with13 you13 today
9
CHAPTER13 3
Realizing Engaged CommunitiesThe13 second13 thing13 I13 want13 to13 share13 with13 you13 is13 the13 importance13 of13 community13 13 Just13 like13 educaFon13 community13 shapes13 producFve13 and13 stable13 lives13 just13 in13 a13 different13 way13 Combining13 the13 two13 is13 magical13 in13 their13 impactBut13 why13 th ink13 about13 commun i ty13 Community13 contributes13 to13 individual13 family13 and13 social13 well13 being13 13 It13 is13 our13 first13 contact13 with13 the13 world13 beyond13 the13 family13 It13 is13 the13 sedng13 for13 socializaFon13 our13 insFtuFons13 and13
the13 development13 of13 rules13 and13 culture
hellipthink about community as one big relationship
Community13 establishes13 and13 maintains13 channels13 of13 communicaFon13 and13 interacFon13 13 I13 always13 tell13 my13 undergraduate13 and13 graduate13 students13 to13 think13 about13 community13 as13 one13 big13 relaFonship13 Think13 about13 what13 happens13 in13 your13 relaFonships13 Itrsquos13 the13 same13 with13 community13 When13 you13 first13 meet13 you13 commun i ca te13 con s tan t l y13 i n te ra c t13 conFnuously13 and13 do13 everything13 together13 As13 Fme13 goes13 on13 the13 communicaFon13 and13 interacFon13 become13 less13 frequent13 And13 as13 we13 all13 know13 it13 someFmes13 is13 not13 long13 before13 problems13 occur13 Where13 mountains13 are13 made13 out13 of13 mole13 hills13 and13 relaFonships13 become13 strained13 someFmes13 to13 the13 point13 of13 breaking13 13
The13 same13 is13 true13 in13 communiFes13 It13 involves13 more13 people13 and13 is13 a13 bit13 messier13 but13 the13 process13 and13 structure13 is13 the13 same13 Just13 as13 in13 our13 relaFonships13 we13 need13 to13 constantly13 be13 working13 to13 maintain13 community
Oen13 during13 presidenFal13 elecFons13 I13 ask13 my13 students13 to13 count13 the13 number13 of13 Fmes13 that13 community13 is13 said13 during13 debates13 and13 speeches13 In13 these13 sedngs13 where13 every13 word13 counts13 and13 costs13 money13 it13 is13 common13 for13 the13 term13 community13 to13 be13 menFoned13 dozens13 of13 Fmes13 in13 an13 hour13 long13 speech13 13 Why13 though13 I t rsquos13 an13 amazing13 idea13 community13 Itrsquos13 tremendously13 powerful13 It13 bring13 up13 all13 those13 warm13 and13 fuzzy13 images13 -shy‐13 real13 and13 imagined13 -shy‐13 of13 what13 life13 was13 like13 or13 could13 be
11
The impacts outcomes and potentials of community are real
tangible and measurable
Now13 before13 you13 think13 me13 an13 academic13 hippy13 or13 that13 Irsquom13 advocaFng13 for13 free13 love13 and13 touchy13 feely13 ideas13 this13 is13 not13 the13 case13 at13 all13 13 The13 impacts13 outcomes13 and13 potenFals13 of13 community13 are13 rea l 13 tangib le 13 and13 measurable13 13 Strong13 communiFes13 are13 more13 resilient13 adapFve13 and13 less13 likely13 to13 be13 explo i ted13 They13 connect13 res idents 13 insFtuFons13 organizaFons13 to13 each13 other13 13 They13 promote13 stability13 have13 less13 crime13 and13 show13 increase13 local13 well-shy‐being13 They13 increase13 involvement13 in13 local13 decision-shy‐making13 and13 parFcipatory13 democracy
There13 are13 also13 tremendous13 personal13 impacts13 Community13 enhances13 our13 social13
psychological13 and13 emoFonal13 development13 13 It13 promotes13 civic13 responsibility13 which13 is13 a13 commitment13 to13 helping13 others13 It13 increases13 cultural13 understanding13 and13 empathy13 13 It13 provides13 life13 skills13 such13 as13 criFcal13 thinking13 interpersonal13 leadership13 and13 conflict13 resoluFon13 skills13
Tremendous things happen when people care about each other and
the place they live in
This13 is13 an13 impressive13 list13 that13 is13 by13 no13 means13 complete13 We13 have13 mountains13 of13 research13 data13 program13 evaluaFons13 thousands13 of13 books13 and13 journal13 arFcles13 to13 prove13 that13 this13 is13 the13 case13 Even13 beer13 wersquove13 studied13 this13 process13 across13 the13 world13 I t rsquos13 true13 everywhere13 The13 condiFons13 and13 context13 might13 be13 a13 lile13 different13 but13 one13 thing13
12
holds13 true13 tremendous13 things13 happen13 when13 people13 care13 about13 each13 other13 and13 the13 place13 they13 live13 in13 This13 is13 not13 an13 idea13 This13 is13 not13 a13 plan13 This13 IS13 fact13 Strong13 communiFes13 equal13 stable13 civil13 and13 just13 socieFes
For13 me13 the13 need13 for13 community13 is13 close13 to13 home13 I13 was13 born13 and13 raised13 in13 a13 small13 town13 in13 northeastern13 Pennsylvania13 I13 came13 from13 people13 who13 le13 Ireland13 and13 Europe13 seeking13 survival13 All13 of13 these13 are13 absolutely13 great13 places13 Places13 blessed13 by13 amazing13 natural13 resources13 amazingly13 diverse13 cultures13 tremendous13 food13 you13 canrsquot13 imagine13 13 Cultures13 whose13 unique13 experiences13 and13 knowledge13 for13 dealing13 with13 the13 challenges13 of13 daily13 life13 were13 massive13 and13 effecFve13 Places13 rich13 in13 social13 supports13 from13 family13 neighbors13 religions13 and13 schools13 Places13 to13
me13 that13 held13 a13 tremendous13 amount13 of13 magic13 in13 them
For many education became not an opportunity but a painful reminder
of what might have been
But13 you13 know13 as13 the13 musician13 Lou13 Reed13 sang13 there13 is13 a13 bit13 of13 magic13 in13 everything13 -shy‐13 and13 then13 some13 loss13 to13 even13 things13 out13 The13 loss13 in13 these13 areas13 was13 characterized13 by13 exploitaFon13 from13 abusive13 outside13 interests13 13 Abuse13 by13 corporaFons13 and13 governments13 that13 harvested13 local13 natural13 resources13 including13 people13 for13 far13 far13 less13 than13 they13 were13 worth13 13 Places13 where13 youth13 were13 eventually13 forced13 to13 leave13 for13 lack13 of13 opportuniFes13 denied13 their13 righkul13 heritage13 and13 forced13 like13 so13 many13 youth13 worldwide13 to13 become13 the13 nomads13 the13 diasporas13 For13 many13 educaFon13
13
became13 not13 an13 opportunity13 but13 a13 painful13 reminder13 of13 what13 might13 have13 been13 Aer13 all13 why13 bother13 learning13 of13 the13 wonders13 of13 Paris13 Rome13 and13 Tokyo13 when13 the13 odds13 of13 you13 gedng13 to13 there13 were13 as13 good13 gedng13 to13 the13 Moon13 For13 most13 the13 mill13 the13 mine13 and13 oen13 the13 unemployment13 line13 were13 our13 desFny
It was the systematic breakdown of our communities
These13 were13 environments13 where13 ciFzens13 were13 slowly13 convinced13 that13 they13 were13 irrelevant13 That13 there13 was13 no13 need13 to13 act13 or13 be13 involved13 locally13 Convinced13 that13 they13 could13 never13 ever13 make13 a13 difference13 13 In13 truth13 this13 impotence13 was13 not13 the13 result13 of13 the13 IlluminaF13 the13 Freemasons13 the13 wealthy13 or13 whatever13 version13 of13 the13 lsquoManrsquo13 that13 we13
created13 It13 was13 not13 the13 standard13 issue13 boot13 of13 the13 Pinkerton13 Agency13 the13 police13 or13 others13 kicking13 in13 our13 door13 forcing13 us13 to13 be13 compliant13 It13 was13 something13 much13 simpler13 and13 infinitely13 more13 ominous13 Something13 much13 harder13 and13 painful13 to13 admit13 truth13 be13 told13 13 It13 was13 the13 systemaFc13 breakdown13 of13 our13 communiFes13 But13 nonetheless13 we13 were13 the13 lucky13 ones13 From13 Africa13 to13 Southeast13 Asia13 to13 South13 and13 Central13 America13 and13 eastern13 Europe13 these13 condiFons13 would13 be13 eagerly13 welcomed13 in13 the13 face13 of13 war13 genocide13 disease13 and13 extreme13 poverty13
hellipour communities can be brought back to life
But13 Irsquove13 good13 news13 Maybe13 itrsquos13 not13 so13 bad13 13 And13 if13 it13 is13 it13 certainly13 does13 not13 need13 to13 be13 13 We13 actually13 have13 lots13 of13 proof13 that13 our13
14
communiFes13 can13 be13 brought13 back13 to13 life13 13 Wersquove13 tremendous13 evidence13 from13 the13 field13 13 From13 do-shy‐gooding13 idealisFc13 acFvists13 to13 bale13 hardened13 program13 agents13 to13 government13 officials13 From13 shrewd13 business13 interests13 to13 chariFes13 and13 nonprofits13 Capacity13 is13 being13 built13 and13 ciFzens13 of13 all13 ages13 are13 being13 empowered13 but13 parFcularly13 those13 amazing13 agents13 of13 change13 young13 people
To13 understand13 this13 letrsquos13 talk13 a13 bit13 about13 what13 community13 is13 Let13 me13 tell13 you13 about13 a13 good13 way13 to13 think13 of13 it13 an13 interacFve13 approach13 to13 community13 At13 the13 core13 of13 community13 is13 the13 interacFon13 and13 interdependence13 among13 local13 people13 Here13 people13 make13 up13 local13 interest13 groups13 that13 are13 loosely13 bounded13 arenas13 for13 interacFon
All13 of13 these13 seek13 to13 look13 aer13 their13 own13 interests13 Community13 evolves13 as13 members13 of13 these13 very13 different13 groups13 interact13 with13 each13 other13 realizing13 their13 common13 general13 needs13 This13 doesnrsquot13 mean13 we13 give13 up13 who13 we13 are13 or13 sell13 out13 We13 just13 realize13 that13 we13 have13 common13 needs13 and13 that13 we13 can13 work13 together13 to13 overcome13 these
15
As13 groups13 and13 residents13 interact13 what13 has13 come13 to13 be13 known13 as13 community13 agency13 emerges13 Agency13 highlights13 the13 fact13 that13
engagement13 has13 power13 It13 shows13 that13 local13 people13 working13 together13 have13 the13 power13 to13 transform13 and13 change13 society13 13 When13 they13 do13 this13 community13 can13 emerge
I13 want13 to13 stress13 this13 is13 a13 process13 though13 13 Community13 is13 not13 a13 given13 State13 College13 will13 always13 be13 on13 a13 map13 But13 the13 connecFon13 between13 people13 that13 makes13 this13 place13 so13 special13 may13 not13 unless13 we13 work13 at13 it13 Keep13 in13 mind13 that13 community13 is13 a13 variable13 Our13 locality13 is13 always13 changing13 with13 people13 coming13 and13 going13 all13 the13 Fmes13 We13 need13 to13 constantly13 be13 working13 to13 maintain13 our13 connecFon13 to13 it13 and13 welcome13 in13 new13 people13 to13 be13 part13 of13 it13 When13 we13 stop13 interacFng13 communicaFng13 and13 being13 inclusive13 it13 simply13 -shy‐13 and13 quickly13 disappears13 But13 if13 developed13 community13 results13 in13 amazing13 things13 here13 and13 abroad
Let13 me13 give13 you13 some13 examples
Civically13 engaged13 youth13 are13 2213 more13 likely
16
to13 graduate13 from13 college13 than13 those13 that13 did13 not
Civically13 engaged13 youth13 are13 413 ltmes13 less13 likely13 to13 exhibit13 ldquorisky13 behaviorrdquo13 such13 as13 drug13 use13 and13 other13 dangerous13 behaviors13
Youth13 are13 813 ltmes13 more13 likely13 to13 believe13 that13 can13 influence13 decision13 making13 if13 they13 are13 civically13 engaged
This13 is13 important13 The13 fact13 of13 the13 maer13 is13 that13 there13 are13 very13 few13 obstacles13 to13 us13 changing13 the13 world13 Wersquove13 just13 convinced13 ourselves13 that13 we13 canrsquot13 make13 a13 difference13 and13 shouldnrsquot13 act13 This13 is13 largely13 because13 wersquove13 been13 uninvolved13 for13 so13 long13 Wersquove13 forgoen13 how13 to13 act13 and13 be13 engaged
One13 more13 thing13 EducaFon13 and13 Community13 intersect13 in13 a13 big13 way13 Where13 community13 involvement13 and13 educaFon13 are13 low13 the13 odds13
of13 extremism13 gangs13 and13 terrorisFc13 organizaFons13 more13 than13 quadruple
helliphad there been a little more education and community capacity
the extremism would have been stopped in its tracks
This13 was13 brought13 home13 to13 me13 during13 visits13 to13 Cambodia13 over13 the13 years13 Every13 Fme13 I13 go13 make13 a13 pilgrimage13 to13 the13 infamous13 Killing13 Fields13 near13 Phom13 Penh13 At13 their13 naFonal13 Genocide13 Museum13 are13 thousands13 of13 photos13 of13 the13 vicFms13 You13 see13 a13 fracFon13 of13 them13
here13 behind13 me13 But13 of13 all13 of13 these13 -shy‐13 one13 haunts13 me13 I13 bring13 her13 flowers13 every13 year13 I13 donrsquot13 know13 her13 name13
17
No13 one13 does13 But13 I13 canrsquot13 forget13 her13 eyes13 I13 canrsquot13 forget13 that13 had13 there13 been13 a13 lile13 more13 educaFon13 and13 community13 capacity13 the13 extremism13 would13 have13 been13 stopped13 in13 its13 tracks13 She13 and13 several13 million13 other13 Cambodians13 would13 be13 with13 us13 today13 The13 same13 is13 true13 in13 Germany13 Rwanda13 Bosnia13 ArgenFna13 and13 elsewhere13 13 We13 owe13 it13 to13 her13 and13 the13 countless13 others13 to13 build13 strong13 educated13 communiFes13 that13 will13 ensure13 extremism13 does13 not13 take13 root13 and13 run13 rampant
If13 nothing13 else13 remember13 this13 Community13 builds13 capacity13 It13 provides13 structure13 and13 social13 supports13 builds13 empathy13 and13 understanding13 and13 provides13 the13 basis13 for13 acFon13 and13 acFvism13 It13 protects13 against13 poverty13 extremism13 and13 chaos
The13 importance13 and13 central13 role13 of13 community13 will13 be13 the13 other13 cornerstone13 of13 our13 work13 and13 was13 the13 second13 thing13 I13 wanted13 to13 share13 with13 you
18
CHAPTER13 4
Transforming the World Through the UNESCO Chairs Program Wersquove13 been13 looking13 forward13 this13 is13 a13 day13 for13 years13 Because13 every13 now13 and13 then13 an13 opportunity13 comes13 along13 that13 just13 changes13 everything13 Wersquove13 been13 working13 really13 really13
hard13 and13 have13 lots13 of13 plans13 that13 are13 ready13 to13 launch13 I13 want13 to13 share13 three13 of13 them13 that13 we13 are13 really13 excited13 about13 They13 really13 are13 amazing13 and13 beauFful13 creaFons
First13 is13 the13 UNTWIN13 Network13 on13 Youth13 and13 Community13 Development13
With13 this13 we13 reinvent13 the13 idea13 of13 global13 partnerships13 and13 collaboraFon13 UNITWIN13 are13 the13 UN13 university13 twining13 and13 partnership13 networks13 They13 open13 up13 all13 kinds13 of13 opportuniFes13 for13 rapid13 research13 and13 acFon13 and13 funding13 While13 UNESCO13 Chairs13 are13 rare13 UNITWIN13 networks13 are13 even13 more13 so13 13 Only13 two13 exist13 in13 the13 US13 We13 got13 the13 go13 ahead13 from13 UNESCO13 to13 start13 developing13 number13 three13 However13 ours13 will13 be13 unmatched13 in13 size13 scope13 and13 impact
6 continents
9 geographic regions
35 partner institutions
Thousands of youth
Three UNESCO Chairs
It13 will13 cover13 613 conFnents13 913 geographic13 regions13 3513 partner13 insFtuFons13 (and13 growing13 weekly)13 thousands13 of13 youth13 and13 three13 UNESCO13 Chairs13 This13 will13 allow13 for13 immediate13 research13 program13 development13 and13 educaFonal13 program13 delivery
hellipa common framework of Community Capacity Building
Youth Development and Conflict Mitigationhellip
The13 network13 will13 be13 led13 by13 three13 UNESCO13 Chairs13 at13 three13 interrelated13 mulFdisciplinary13
20
centers13 the13 Child13 and13 Family13 Research13 Centre13 (NUI13 Galway)13 UNESCO13 Centre13 for13 Research13 on13 Children13 and13 Youth13 (University13 of13 Ulster)13 and13 the13 planned13 UNESCO13 InsAtute13 for13 G lobal13 Humanitar ian13 Development13 (Penn13 State)13 The13 three13 bring13 together13 nearly13 20013 of13 the13 worldrsquos13 best13 researchers13 teachers13 and13 program13 developers
The13 network13 will13 have13 a13 common13 framework13 of13 Community13 Capacity13 Building13 Youth13 Development13 and13 Conflict13 MiFgaFon13 but13 will13 pursue13 specialized13 projects13 on13 health13 and13 well-shy‐being13 educaFon13 and13 literacy13 social13 and13 economic13 development13 the13 physical13 sciences13 agricultural13 development13 civil13 engineering13 and13 many13 other13 areas13 as13 they13 emerge13 We13 will13 be13 able13 to13 conduct13
internaFonal13 comparaFve13 research13 design13 programs13 and13 deliver13 them13 worldwide13 in13 a13 maer13 of13 months13 -shy‐13 not13 years13 as13 is13 oen13 the13 case13 Think13 of13 the13 potenFal
With13 not13 much13 work13 we13 can13 reach13 1000013 kids13 and13 100013 communiFes13 in13 the13 next13 few13 years13 1000013 kids13 and13 communiFes13 who13 see13 a13 brighter13 future13 are13 contribuFng13 members13 of13 society13 lead13 producFve13 and13 safe13 lives13 and13 take13 on13 ownership13 of13 local13 life13 With13 your13 help13 and13 some13 hard13 work13 we13 can13 triple13 the13 number13 of13 youth13 and13 communiFes13 we13 can13 reach
UNITWIN13 goes13 live13 in13 April13 Itrsquos13 already13 growing13 beyond13 our13 control13 Itrsquos13 a13 game13 changer13 and13 once13 in13 a13 lifeFme13 opportunity13 13 Itrsquos13 going13 to13 be13 our13 legacy13 and13 we13 have13 a13 seat13 at13 the13 table13 for13 you
21
The13 second13 big13 item13 focuses13 on13 idenAfying13 the13 best13 pracAces13 for13 youth13 and13 community13 developmenthellipworldwide
Today13 we13 redefine13 global13 comparaFve13 research13 There13 are13 lots13 of13 people13 doing13 great13 and13 effecFve13 work13 worldwide13 We13 are13 going13 to13 begin13 a13 long-shy‐term13 research13 program13 to13 idenFfy13 these13 best13 pracFces13 in13 all13 locaFons13 but13 with13 a13 strong13 focus13 on13 rural13 areas
But13 you13 might13 ask13 why13 There13 is13 an13 increasing13 lsquoyouth13 bulgersquo13 that13 exists13 alongside13 a13 heavy13 dependence13 on13 agriculture13 in13 the13 developing13 world13 The13 UN13 has13 documented13 this13 with13 nearly13 half13 of13 the13 worldrsquos13 populaFon13 residing13 in13 rural13 areas
Over13 9013 of13 all13 rural13 residents13 live13 in13 less13 developed13 regions
Equally13 important13 almost13 a13 third13 of13 the13 world13 populalton13 is13 age13 1513 or13 younger13 and13 half13 are13 under13 age13 2513
8513 of13 all13 youth13 live13 in13 less13 developed13 countries
This13 reality13 creates13 an13 environment13 where13 the13 acltve13 engagement13 of13 communiltes13 is13 essenltal13 to13 future13 growth13 and13 development
Another13 really13 cool13 part13 of13 this13 research13 focuses13 on13 building13 partnerships13 We13 work13 to13 build13 capacity13 and13 partnerships13 through13 North-shy‐South13 and13 South-shy‐South13 partnerships13 that13 shape13 regional13 capacity13 We13 re13 already13 seeing13 great13 things13 such13 as13 in13 Kenya13 and13 Zambia13 where13 we13 have13 linked13 programs13 that13 are13 working13 together13 like13 crazy
Through13 the13 UNESCO13 Chair13 program13 we13 will13 link13 organizaFons13 in13 2513 countries13 to13 share13 resources13 best13 pracFces13 and13 experFse13
22
create13 a13 dynamic13 series13 of13 partnerships13 in13 the13 Global13 South13 and13 form13 a13 community13 of13 naFons13 focused13 on13 youth13 and13 development13 of13 civil13 society
T h i r d 13 i s13 ou r13 G l oba l13 Edu caAona l13 Programming
Today13 we13 revoluFonize13 global13 educaFon13 13 We13 are13 planning13 a13 global13 educaFonal13 program13 focusing13 on13 leadership13 and13 community13 building13 across13 the13 life13 span13 13 Included13 are13 courses13 in13 leadership13 skills13 c o m m u n i t y13 c a p a c i t y13 b u i l d i n g 13 entrepreneurship13 and13 small13 business13 development13 posiFve13 youth13 development13 conflict13 miFgaFon13 and13 many13 others13 areas
Penn13 State13 is13 a13 leader13 in13 distance13 educaFon13 13 It13 recently13 dedicated13 major13 resources13 to13 MOOCs13 Massive13 Open13 Online13 Courses13 13
What13 this13 means13 is13 if13 a13 ciFzen13 of13 this13 planet13 has13 access13 to13 the13 internet13 to13 an13 internet13 cafeacute13 or13 even13 a13 cell13 phone13 they13 will13 be13 provided13 with13 Col lege13 courses13 and13 instrucFonal13 materials
Yoursquore13 asking13 how13 much13 will13 these13 cost13 right13 Thatrsquos13 a13 great13 quesFon13 How13 does13 free13 sound13 Wersquove13 got13 it13 covered13 All13 we13 ask13 is13 that13 you13 take13 the13 knowledge13 and13 skills13 and13 use13 them13 to13 make13 life13 beer13 The13 best13 courses13 in13 the13 world13 taught13 by13 the13 best13 faculty13 Free13 of13 charge13
Distributed13 through13 Penn13 State13 and13 the13 global13 UNESCO13 network13 If13 people13 need13 more13 than13 the13 basic13 knowledge13 base13 we13 can13 do13 that13 too13 CerFficates13 and13 even13 degree13 programs13 at13 all13 levels13 with13 costs13 to13 be13 covered13 by13 foundaFons13 and13 internaFonal13
23
development13 agencies13 Just13 think13 of13 the13 potenFals13 for13 primary13 and13 secondary13 schools13 and13 for13 educators13 in13 the13 developing13 world13 13 Think13 of13 the13 life13 changing13 impacts13 for13 a13 young13 girl13 in13 rural13 Zambia13 a13 street13 child13 in13 Kenya13 and13 a13 young13 farm13 worker13 in13 Cambodia13 Itrsquos13 beyond13 belief13 and13 uerly13 amazing13 13 It13 changes13 everything
So13 those13 are13 three13 of13 the13 big13 things13 that13 are13 happening13 now13 We13 have13 lots13 more13 in13 the13 works13 and13 ready13 to13 launch13 These13 and13 other13 efforts13 will13 help13 us13 realize13 our13 dreams13 of13 a13 beer13 world13 Come13 be13 part13 of13 all13 of13 these13 13 We13 can13 pick13 some13 great13 fights13 together13 I13 promise13 itrsquoll13 be13 awesome13 and13 wersquoll13 do13 miraculous13 things
The key to this is you
Be13 Part13 of13 the13 Journey
We13 WILL13 do13 all13 of13 the13 things13 I13 menFoned13 13 And13 much13 much13 more13 The13 key13 to13 this13 is13 you13 13 Yoursquove13 been13 asked13 to13 be13 here13 today13 because13 we13 know13 you13 will13 fight13 for13 social13 jusFce13 We13 need13 you13 to13 help13 us13 raise13 awareness13 to13 help13 develop13 programs13 and13 research13 and13 help13 us13 find13 funding13 to13 ensure13 this13 is13 a13 reality
If13 you13 think13 about13 it13 there13 is13 no13 beer13 place13 than13 here13 to13 begin13 our13 journey13 Lest13 we13 forget13 we13 are13 in13 Pennsylvania13 This13 place13 that13 saw13 the13 birth13 of13 the13 Molly13 McGuires13 the13 original13 union13 movements13 and13 the13 knights13 of13 labor13 It13 was13 where13 Milton13 Eisenhower13 dreamed13 of13 the
If13 you13 think13 about13 it13 there13 is13 no13 beer13 place13 than13 here13 to13 begin13 our13 journey13 Lest13 we13 forget13 we13 are13 in13 Pennsylvania13 This13 place13 that13
24
saw13 the13 birth13 of13 the13 Molly13 McGuires13 the13 original13 union13 movements13 and13 the13 knights13 of13 labor13 It13 was13 where13 Milton13 Eisenhower13 dreamed13 of13 the13 potenFals13 of13 UNESCO13 13 Where13 Benjamin13 Franklin13 found13 the13 Pennsylvania13 AboliFonist13 Society13 seeking13 to13 end13 slavery13 Where13 our13 founding13 fathers13 conceived13 more13 than13 a13 naFon13 but13 the13 idea13 of13 L ife13 L iberty13 and13 the13 pursuit13 of13 Happiness-shy‐-shy‐-shy‐not13 just13 for13 us13 but13 for13 our13 fellow13 ciFzens13 of13 the13 world13 All13 of13 these13 people13 have13 passed13 the13 torch13 to13 us13 today13 13 Let13 us13 make13 them13 proud13 in13 conFnuing13 their13 quest13 for13 social13 jusFce13 for13 equality13 and13 for13 creaFng13 a13 beer13 world
Now13 is13 our13 moment13 13 Of13 all13 the13 opportuniFes13 out13 there13 none13 have13 greater13 potenFal13 for13 immediate13 and13 long13 term13 impacts13 than13
e du caFon 13 t h e13 t r a n s fo rmaFon13 o f13 communiFes13 empowerment13 of13 the13 excluded13 and13 the13 posiFve13 development13 of13 youth13 None13 Absolutely13 none
Now13 I13 know13 we13 hear13 inspiraFonal13 speeches13 a13 lot13 We13 are13 always13 being13 asked13 to13 open13 our13 hearts13 and13 then13 our13 checkbooks13 3But13 this13 is13 different13 We13 have13 never13 before13 had13 such13 structures13 partners13 and13 resources13 to13 make13 our13 dreams13 a13 reality
hellipthere will be those outside that will tell us that the world is too big
too corrupthellip
I13 know13 we13 are13 all13 Fred13 overworked13 and13 maybe13 a13 bit13 cynical13 of13 all13 this13 I13 know13 there13 will13 be13 those13 outside13 of13 here13 that13 will13 tell13 us13 that13 the13 world13 is13 too13 big13 too13 corrupt13 that13 the13 vicFms13 deserve13 their13 low13 lots13 in13 life13 and13
25
that13 maybe13 for13 the13 sake13 of13 our13 careers13 we13 really13 should13 look13 busy13 while13 doing13 nothing13 But13 Irsquom13 asking13 you13 today13 to13 try13 one13 more13 Fme13 Take13 one13 more13 leap13 of13 faith13 I13 promise13 we13 wonrsquot13 let13 you13 down13 I13 promise13 that13 wersquoll13 be13 part13 of13 something13 legendary13 together
Nonetheless13 as13 you13 quesFon13 our13 ability13 to13 really13 change13 the13 world13 I13 would13 simply13 ask13 you13 to13 remember13 back13 to13 our13 younger13 days13 when13 we13 were13 absolutely13 certain13 that13 we13 could13 do13 it13 13 We13 were13 right13 13 You13 were13 right13 13 You13 were13 right13 and13 your13 dreams13 are13 sFll13 out13 there
I13 want13 to13 share13 one13 last13 story13 13 I13 recently13 read13 a13 wonderful13 essay13 by13 Joseph13 Laplin13 looking13 back13 on13 the13 55th13 Anniversary13 of13 Jack13 Kerouacrsquos13 legendary13 novel13 On13 the13 Road13 13 This13 was13 a13 novel13 that13 sent13 many13 young13 people13
(including13 myself)13 out13 on13 that13 road13 of13 discovery13 in13 search13 of13 the13 limitless13 possibiliFes13 beyond13 our13 hometowns13 13 A13 book13 that13 mandated13 the13 quesFoning13 authority13 the13 quesFoning13 of13 social13 convenFons13 and13 the13 challenging13 of13 the13 moral13 blinds13 spots13 of13 our13 age13 For13 me13 this13 book13 was13 magical
Laplinrsquos13 essay13 took13 aim13 at13 those13 of13 us13 who13 have13 grown13 up13 become13 established13 and13 think13 wersquove13 grown13 wiser13 Especially13 those13 of13 us13 who13 now13 dismiss13 Kerouac13 and13 this13 novel13 that13 once13 inspired13 us13 as13 idealisFc13 childish13 and13 ridiculously13 naiumlve13 in13 its13 call13 for13 social13 change13 But13 Laplin13 had13 a13 wonderfully13 reacFon13 to13 such13 people13 Here13 is13 what13 he13 said
ldquoPerhaps13 these13 people13 never13 took13 to13 or13 went13 back13 on13 the13 road13 -shy‐13 due13 to13 fear13 or13 family13 -shy‐13 and13
26
therefore13 can13 no13 longer13 revisit13 Kerouacrsquos13 work13 Perhaps13 itrsquos13 hard13 to13 even13 look13 at13 his13 wriltng13 because13 readers13 are13 actually13 looking13 at13 themselves13 And13 itrsquos13 easier13 to13 say13 well13 Kerouacrsquos13 naive13 than13 to13 say13 I13 missed13 out13 on13 something13 Maybe13 some13 readers13 have13 given13 up13 on13 the13 search13 for13 beauty13 and13 spirituality13 or13 realized13 that13 theyrsquore13 not13 one13 of13 those13 people13 who13 lsquoburn13 burn13 burn13 like13 fabulous13 yellow13 roman13 candlesrsquo13 and13 that13 knowledge13 is13 painfulrdquo
I13 want13 to13 state13 it13 again13 You13 were13 right13 when13 you13 once13 thought13 we13 would13 change13 the13 world13 And13 you13 are13 sFll13 right13 Your13 dreams13 of13 a13 fair13 equal13 and13 just13 world13 are13 sFll13 out13 there13 and13 together13 we13 will13 reclaim13 them13 and13 make13 them13 a13 reality
hellipin the not too distant future you can put your children and
grandchildren on your knee and tell them about once upon a time
I13 say13 this13 not13 to13 preach13 to13 you13 or13 guilt13 you13 into13 acFon13 I13 just13 want13 to13 put13 it13 into13 perspecFve13 and13 ask13 you13 to13 be13 part13 of13 this13 journey13 If13 we13 live13 up13 to13 our13 ideals13 and13 commitments13 in13 the13 not13 too13 distant13 future13 you13 can13 put13 your13 children13 and13 grandchildren13 on13 your13 knee13 and13 tell13 them13 about13 once13 upon13 a13 Fme13 Once13 upon13 a13 Fme13 when13 educaFon13 was13 only13 for13 the13 privileged13 few13 When13 women13 were13 treated13 as13 second13 class13 ciFzens13 When13 injusFce13 and13 inequality13 were13 the13 standard13 And13 when13 communiFes13 were13 constantly13 trampled13 on13 by13 outside13 interests13 Most13 importantly13 you13 can13 tell13 them13 that13 you13 were13 part13 of13 fixing13 it13 That13 the13 world13 is13 a13 far13 beer13 place13 because13 of13 what13 we13 did13 That13
27
they13 have13 a13 great13 bright13 future13 because13 of13 our13 bold13 efforts13 that13 began13 today13 With13 such13 potenFals13 and13 possibiliFes13 at13 hand13 how13 can13 we13 ever13 explain13 to13 them13 our13 inacFon13 or13 how13 we13 stood13 by13 and13 let13 appalling13 things13 conFnue
As13 we13 close13 I13 want13 to13 ask13 a13 few13 final13 quesFons13 There13 are13 many13 places13 to13 put13 your13 efforts
But13 if13 not13 the13 thousands13 of13 communiAes13 we13 can13 help13 then13 where
If13 not13 the13 billions13 of13 young13 people13 we13 can13 empower13 to13 have13 beMer13 lives13 then13 who
And13 if13 now13 is13 not13 the13 Ame13 for13 bold13 daring13 and13 nearly13 miraculous13 acAons13 then13 when
hellipthe honor is only eclipsed by the responsibility this opportunity
brings with it
If13 you13 need13 proof13 of13 miracles13 than13 look13 no13 further13 than13 this13 stage13 Here13 you13 have13 a13 former13 (or13 perhaps13 not13 so13 former)13 punk13 from13 rural13 Pennsylvania13 of13 Irish13 descent13 standing13 before13 you13 accepFng13 one13 of13 our13 greatest13 honors13 Itrsquos13 absolutely13 humbling13 And13 the13 honor13 is13 only13 eclipsed13 by13 the13 responsibility13 this13 opportunity13 brings13 with13 it13 But13 itrsquos13 not13 inFmidaFng13 Not13 at13 all13 Because13 I13 know13 WE13 are13 in13 this13 together13 And13 for13 all13 of13 this13 I13 will13 be13 forever13 grateful13 to13 you13 for13 sharing13 this13 wonderful13 day13 and13 being13 part13 of13 this13 journey13 that13 will13 transform13 the13 world
Thank13 you13 all13 very13 very13 much
28
CHAPTER13 5
Contact USConnect13 with13 us13 on13 social13 media
unescochairpennstate
unescochairpsu
unescochairpsu
Call13 Write13 or13 Visit
Dr13 Mark13 Brennan204C13 Ferguson13 BuildingUniversity13 Park13 PA13 16802Phone13 1-shy‐814-shy‐863-shy‐0387Email13 unescochairpsueduWeb13 wwwunescochairpsuedu
UNESCO Chair in Rural Community
Leadership and Youth Development
The Pennsylvania State University
United Nations
(GXFDWLRQDO6FLHQWLiquestFDQGCultural Organization
Africa13 Knowledge13 that13 convinces13 a13 young13 boy13 in13 Sierra13 Leon13 or13 Rwanda13 to13 pick13 up13 the13 pen13 instead13 of13 the13 gun13 Knowledge13 that13 empowers13 youth13 to13 make13 life13 saving13 decisions13 about13 their13 health13 13 Knowledge13 that13 empowers13 communiFes13 to13 take13 care13 of13 their13 own13 needs
EducaFon13 has13 been13 my13 salvaFon13 -shy‐13 even13 when13 I13 didnrsquot13 know13 it13 You13 see13 my13 educaFonal13 path13 has13 been13 at13 best13 odd13 13 Certainly13 most13 people13 including13 myself13 would13 not13 have13 predicted13 my13 being13 here13 accepFng13 this13 great13 honor13 Truth13 be13 told13 many13 would13 not13 have13 predicted13 my13 graduaFon13 from13 high13 school13 Certainly13 not13 the13 compleFon13 of13 university13 or13 advanced13 graduate13 degrees13 A13 professorship13 at13 one13 of13 the13 worldrsquos13 greatest13 insFtuFons13 and13 now13 a13
UNESCO13 Chair13 would13 have13 been13 seen13 as13 absolutely13 delusional
My13 educaFonal13 training13 began13 at13 schools13 that13 were13 increasingly13 failing13 Schools13 that13 no13 longer13 exist13 A13 lack13 of13 funds13 resources13 and13 commitment13 led13 to13 decreased13 student13 outcomes13 13 Burned13 out13 teachers13 that13 would13 much13 rather13 have13 been13 somewhere13 else13 further13 contributed13 to13 a13 deterioraFng13 educaFonal13 environment13 I13 certainly13 could13 have13 easily13 fallen13 through13 the13 cracks13 At13 Fmes13 I13 did
Now13 there13 is13 plenty13 of13 blame13 to13 go13 around13 for13 myself13 in13 parFcular13 I13 was13 bored13 unchallenged13 uninterested13 probably13 lazy13 and13 did13 at13 best13 adequate13 work13 I13 was13 well-shy‐read13 misbehaved13 and13 angry13 Worst13 of13 all13 I13 saw13 no13 purpose13 at13 all13 in13 what13 I13 was13 doing
4
In13 college13 I13 found13 a13 different13 world13 13 There13 were13 fresh13 ideas13 There13 were13 calls13 to13 acFon13 13 It13 was13 educaFon13 with13 a13 purpose13 13 And13 most13 important13 there13 were13 teachers13 that13 were13 interested13 and13 encouraging13 Excited13 teachers13 who13 worked13 8013 hours13 a13 week13 not13 because13 they13 had13 to13 but13 because13 they13 loved13 it13 so13 13 Amazing13 people13 with13 amazing13 stories13 and13 lives13 They13 had13 been13 everywhere13 and13 seen13 everything13 They13 were13 remarkable13 and13 extraordinary13 at13 their13 calling13 SFll13 that13 was13 not13 enough13 though
It13 wasnrsquot13 unFl13 I13 saw13 the13 actual13 impacts13 of13 educaFon13 throughout13 the13 world13 that13 I13 realized13 its13 importance13 It13 wasnrsquot13 the13 chore13 and13 burden13 it13 had13 seemed13 when13 I13 was13 younger13 It13 was13 THE13 key13 The13 single13 most13
important13 factor13 in13 shaping13 my13 life13 and13 the13 lives13 of13 so13 many13 others
Wersquove told ourselves and our children it is something that we
need but stopped understanding why
Now13 my13 story13 is13 largely13 average13 Many13 of13 us13 wandered13 that13 long13 path13 to13 where13 we13 are13 now13 Many13 of13 us13 began13 our13 educaFon13 in13 less13 than13 desirable13 sedngs13 My13 challenges13 donrsquot13 even13 deserve13 to13 be13 menFoned13 in13 the13 same13 sentence13 as13 the13 challenges13 seen13 in13 our13 inner13 ciFes13 rapidly13 failing13 rural13 schools13 and13 throughout13 the13 developing13 world13 But13 the13 reality13 is13 that13 we13 have13 forgoen13 why13 educaFon13 is13 important13 We13 have13 disFlled13 its13 usefulness13 down13 to13 a13 few13 small13 outcomes13 such13 as13 gedng13 a13 beer13 job13 Wersquove13 told13
5
ourselves13 and13 our13 children13 it13 is13 something13 that13 we13 need13 but13 stopped13 understanding13 why
Not13 so13 in13 the13 developing13 world13 where13 even13 young13 children13 are13 excited13 honored13 and13 enthusiasFc13 about13 the13 prospect13 of13 going13 to13 a13 one-shy‐room13 schoolhouse13 with13 next13 to13 no13 resources13 They13 understand13 what13 we13 have13 forgoen13 They13 understand13 what13 our13 grandparents13 held13 so13 dear13 13 EducaFon13 is13 the13 single13 most13 important13 thing13 we13 can13 aain13 It13 is13 the13 single13 greatest13 gi13 that13 we13 can13 give13 13 And13 if13 we13 have13 one13 chance13 of13 having13 beer13 lives13 it13 all13 comes13 through13 the13 doors13 that13 educaFon13 open13
Irsquom13 sure13 you13 are13 asking13 how13 so13 Well13 the13 facts13 speak13 volumes13 There13 are13 countless13 ones13 but13 here13 are13 a13 few13 examples
Letrsquos13 start13 with13 general13 educa2on13
If13 all13 students13 in13 low13 income13 countries13 obtained13 just13 basic13 reading13 skills13 Basic13 reading13 skills13 17013 million13 people13 could13 be13 liFed13 out13 of13 poverty13 This13 is13 equal13 to13 a13 1213 cut13 in13 global13 poverty13 Just13 by13 providing13 basic13 reading13 skills
How13 about13 the13 connec2on13 between13 educa2on13 and13 health
Life13 expectancy13 has13 gone13 up13 for13 most13 people13 in13 the13 past13 couple13 of13 decades13 The13 increase13 has13 been13 largest13 for13 people13 with13 the13 most13 educalton13 There13 has13 been13 one13 exceplton13 13 Those13 without13 a13 high13 school13 diploma13 have13 actually13 experienced13 a13 decrease13 in13 life13 expectancy
But13 how13 about13 really13 moving13 the13 human13 race13 forward13 Because13 of13 these13 gender13 equity13 is13 close13 to13 home13 for13 me13 EducaFon13 is13
6
the13 key13 to13 womenrsquos13 rights13 equality13 and13 13 13 13 community13 building
How13 important13 do13 you13 think13 Well13 for13 13 13 13 13 13 example
Countries13 lose13 more13 than13 $113 billion13 a13 year13 by13 failing13 to13 educate13 girls13 to13 the13 same13 level13 as13 boys
One13 addiltonal13 year13 of13 schooling13 beyond13 primary13 school13 reduces13 the13 probability13 of13 becoming13 a13 young13 mother13 by13 almost13 10
A13 child13 whose13 mother13 can13 read13 is13 5013 more13 likely13 to13 live13 past13 age13 513
In13 sub-shy‐Saharan13 Africa13 alone13 approximately13 213 million13 childrenrsquos13 lives13 could13 be13 saved13 every13 year13 if13 their13 mothers13 had13 at13 least13 a13 secondary13 educaFon13 How13 many13 Einsteinrsquos13 Steve13 Jobs13 Gandhirsquos13 or13 Da13 Vincirsquos13 never13 got13
the13 chance13 to13 beer13 the13 world13 because13 of13 this13 We13 need13 them13 now13 more13 than13 ever
Nonetheless13 almost13 two-shy‐thirds13 of13 the13 worldrsquos13 80013 million13 illiterate13 adults13 are13 women13 They13 are13 the13 foundaFons13 of13 civil13 13 13 society13 13 And13 we13 need13 to13 invest13 in13 them
This is about half of the amount Europeans and Americans spend on
ice cream annually
All13 of13 this13 has13 to13 costs13 a13 lot13 right13 How13 much13 do13 you13 think13 10013 trillion13 113 trillion13 No13 13 For13 $1613 billion13 a13 year13 in13 aid13 we13 can13 send13 all13 children13 to13 school13 in13 low-shy‐income13 countries13 13 A13 lot13 Sure13 This13 is13 about13 half13 of13 the13 amount13 Europeans13 and13 Americans13 spend13 on13 ice13 cream13 annually13 It13 is13 two13 less13 fighter13 jets13 in13 the13 US13 arsenal13 It13 is13 $113 a13 month13 for13 each13 ciFzen13 of13 the13 G713 naFons
7
Itrsquos13 the13 right13 thing13 to13 do13 This13 is13 not13 about13 charity13 This13 is13 about13 jusFce13 InvesFng13 in13 educaFon13 is13 more13 effecFve13 cheaper13 and13 leads13 to13 the13 best13 development13 outcomes13 We13 have13 a13 large13 body13 of13 knowledge13 that13 backs13 this13 up
Let13 me13 share13 one13 more13 example13 Chris13 Aredo13 from13 Kenya13 Chris13 had13 a13 normal13 childhood13 unFl13 the13 age13 of13 1213 years13 when13 he13 was13 orphaned13 He13 found13 himself13 living13 in13 the13 rough13 streets13 of13 Nairobi13 scavenging13 and13 stealing13 to13 survive13 He13 lived13 this13 way13 for13 six13 years13 13 I13 donrsquot13 think13 many13 of13 us13 in13 this13 room13 certainly13 myself13 are13 that13 tough13 or13 strong13
Aer13 613 years13 he13 was13 enrolled13 in13 the13 NaFonal13 Youth13 Service13 which13 is13 a13 boot-shy‐camp13 providing13 basic13 vocaFonal13 skills13 Shortly13 thereaer13 he13 met13 Paul13 Maina13 who13 was13 beginning13 to13 form13 the13 Child13 and13 Youth13 Empowerment13 Center
Chris13 joined13 Paul13 and13 in13 late13 200613 the13 Center13 opened13 Here13 Chris13 had13 an13 opportunity13 to13 help13 shape13 beer13 lives13 for13 young13 people13 He13 also13 had13 the13 opportunity13 to13 travel13 to13 Germany13 where13 the13 importance13 of13 educaFon13 became13 even13 more13 evident13 to13 him13 Upon13 his13 return13 he13 enrolled13 in13 high13 school13 which13 he13 quickly13 completed13 With13 the13 assistance13 of13 the13 Centrersquos13 support13 network13 he13 was13 able13 to13 enroll13 in13 University13 and13 will13 receive13 his13 BS13 degree13 this13 coming13 December13 in13 Bus iness13 I nformaFon13
8
Technology13 Chris13 has13 been13 the13 Chairperson13 of13 the13 Universityrsquos13 chapter13 of13 the13 Red13 Cross13 Club13 and13 president13 of13 InternaFonal13 AssociaFon13 of13 Students13 in13 Economic13 and13 Commercial13 Sciences13 He13 is13 part13 of13 the13 UNESCO13 sponsored13 youth13 leadership13 development13 program13 as13 a13 mentor13 facilitator13 and13 community13 leader
I13 menFon13 his13 story13 not13 as13 a13 feel13 good13 moment13 Though13 it13 certainly13 is13 I13 menFon13 it13 because13 it13 highlights13 the13 common13 human13 condiFon13 If13 provided13 with13 the13 opportunity13 for13 learning13 and13 educaFon13 people13 will13 seize13 the13 moment13 Through13 a13 small13 investment13 and13 his13 hard13 work13 Chrisrsquos13 life13 and13 those13 of13 others13 were13 transformed13 In13 less13 than13 ten13 years13 from13 a13 homeless13 street13 youth13 to13 a13 high13 school13 graduate13 to13 a13 college13 graduate13
to13 a13 leader13 acFvist13 and13 agent13 of13 change13 13 Think13 how13 tough13 determined13 resilient13 he13 is13 -shy‐13 and13 he13 is13 not13 terribly13 unusual13 Hersquos13 the13 kind13 of13 person13 I13 want13 on13 my13 teams13 If13 you13 give13 me13 him13 and13 2013 others13 like13 him13 we13 will13 make13 history13 Also13 remember13 there13 are13 more13 than13 a13 billion13 youth13 like13 Chris13 out13 there13 and13 just13 think13 of13 the13 impacts13 of13 reaching13 a13 fracFon13 of13 them13 or13 even13 beer13 yet13 th ink13 o f13 empowering13 them13 all
EducaFon13 is13 power13 and13 sets13 the13 stage13 for13 strong13 communiFes13 that13 take13 care13 of13 their13 own13 needs13 This13 focus13 on13 EducaFon13 for13 All13 will13 be13 a13 cornerstone13 of13 our13 work13 and13 thatrsquos13 the13 first13 thing13 I13 wanted13 to13 share13 with13 you13 today
9
CHAPTER13 3
Realizing Engaged CommunitiesThe13 second13 thing13 I13 want13 to13 share13 with13 you13 is13 the13 importance13 of13 community13 13 Just13 like13 educaFon13 community13 shapes13 producFve13 and13 stable13 lives13 just13 in13 a13 different13 way13 Combining13 the13 two13 is13 magical13 in13 their13 impactBut13 why13 th ink13 about13 commun i ty13 Community13 contributes13 to13 individual13 family13 and13 social13 well13 being13 13 It13 is13 our13 first13 contact13 with13 the13 world13 beyond13 the13 family13 It13 is13 the13 sedng13 for13 socializaFon13 our13 insFtuFons13 and13
the13 development13 of13 rules13 and13 culture
hellipthink about community as one big relationship
Community13 establishes13 and13 maintains13 channels13 of13 communicaFon13 and13 interacFon13 13 I13 always13 tell13 my13 undergraduate13 and13 graduate13 students13 to13 think13 about13 community13 as13 one13 big13 relaFonship13 Think13 about13 what13 happens13 in13 your13 relaFonships13 Itrsquos13 the13 same13 with13 community13 When13 you13 first13 meet13 you13 commun i ca te13 con s tan t l y13 i n te ra c t13 conFnuously13 and13 do13 everything13 together13 As13 Fme13 goes13 on13 the13 communicaFon13 and13 interacFon13 become13 less13 frequent13 And13 as13 we13 all13 know13 it13 someFmes13 is13 not13 long13 before13 problems13 occur13 Where13 mountains13 are13 made13 out13 of13 mole13 hills13 and13 relaFonships13 become13 strained13 someFmes13 to13 the13 point13 of13 breaking13 13
The13 same13 is13 true13 in13 communiFes13 It13 involves13 more13 people13 and13 is13 a13 bit13 messier13 but13 the13 process13 and13 structure13 is13 the13 same13 Just13 as13 in13 our13 relaFonships13 we13 need13 to13 constantly13 be13 working13 to13 maintain13 community
Oen13 during13 presidenFal13 elecFons13 I13 ask13 my13 students13 to13 count13 the13 number13 of13 Fmes13 that13 community13 is13 said13 during13 debates13 and13 speeches13 In13 these13 sedngs13 where13 every13 word13 counts13 and13 costs13 money13 it13 is13 common13 for13 the13 term13 community13 to13 be13 menFoned13 dozens13 of13 Fmes13 in13 an13 hour13 long13 speech13 13 Why13 though13 I t rsquos13 an13 amazing13 idea13 community13 Itrsquos13 tremendously13 powerful13 It13 bring13 up13 all13 those13 warm13 and13 fuzzy13 images13 -shy‐13 real13 and13 imagined13 -shy‐13 of13 what13 life13 was13 like13 or13 could13 be
11
The impacts outcomes and potentials of community are real
tangible and measurable
Now13 before13 you13 think13 me13 an13 academic13 hippy13 or13 that13 Irsquom13 advocaFng13 for13 free13 love13 and13 touchy13 feely13 ideas13 this13 is13 not13 the13 case13 at13 all13 13 The13 impacts13 outcomes13 and13 potenFals13 of13 community13 are13 rea l 13 tangib le 13 and13 measurable13 13 Strong13 communiFes13 are13 more13 resilient13 adapFve13 and13 less13 likely13 to13 be13 explo i ted13 They13 connect13 res idents 13 insFtuFons13 organizaFons13 to13 each13 other13 13 They13 promote13 stability13 have13 less13 crime13 and13 show13 increase13 local13 well-shy‐being13 They13 increase13 involvement13 in13 local13 decision-shy‐making13 and13 parFcipatory13 democracy
There13 are13 also13 tremendous13 personal13 impacts13 Community13 enhances13 our13 social13
psychological13 and13 emoFonal13 development13 13 It13 promotes13 civic13 responsibility13 which13 is13 a13 commitment13 to13 helping13 others13 It13 increases13 cultural13 understanding13 and13 empathy13 13 It13 provides13 life13 skills13 such13 as13 criFcal13 thinking13 interpersonal13 leadership13 and13 conflict13 resoluFon13 skills13
Tremendous things happen when people care about each other and
the place they live in
This13 is13 an13 impressive13 list13 that13 is13 by13 no13 means13 complete13 We13 have13 mountains13 of13 research13 data13 program13 evaluaFons13 thousands13 of13 books13 and13 journal13 arFcles13 to13 prove13 that13 this13 is13 the13 case13 Even13 beer13 wersquove13 studied13 this13 process13 across13 the13 world13 I t rsquos13 true13 everywhere13 The13 condiFons13 and13 context13 might13 be13 a13 lile13 different13 but13 one13 thing13
12
holds13 true13 tremendous13 things13 happen13 when13 people13 care13 about13 each13 other13 and13 the13 place13 they13 live13 in13 This13 is13 not13 an13 idea13 This13 is13 not13 a13 plan13 This13 IS13 fact13 Strong13 communiFes13 equal13 stable13 civil13 and13 just13 socieFes
For13 me13 the13 need13 for13 community13 is13 close13 to13 home13 I13 was13 born13 and13 raised13 in13 a13 small13 town13 in13 northeastern13 Pennsylvania13 I13 came13 from13 people13 who13 le13 Ireland13 and13 Europe13 seeking13 survival13 All13 of13 these13 are13 absolutely13 great13 places13 Places13 blessed13 by13 amazing13 natural13 resources13 amazingly13 diverse13 cultures13 tremendous13 food13 you13 canrsquot13 imagine13 13 Cultures13 whose13 unique13 experiences13 and13 knowledge13 for13 dealing13 with13 the13 challenges13 of13 daily13 life13 were13 massive13 and13 effecFve13 Places13 rich13 in13 social13 supports13 from13 family13 neighbors13 religions13 and13 schools13 Places13 to13
me13 that13 held13 a13 tremendous13 amount13 of13 magic13 in13 them
For many education became not an opportunity but a painful reminder
of what might have been
But13 you13 know13 as13 the13 musician13 Lou13 Reed13 sang13 there13 is13 a13 bit13 of13 magic13 in13 everything13 -shy‐13 and13 then13 some13 loss13 to13 even13 things13 out13 The13 loss13 in13 these13 areas13 was13 characterized13 by13 exploitaFon13 from13 abusive13 outside13 interests13 13 Abuse13 by13 corporaFons13 and13 governments13 that13 harvested13 local13 natural13 resources13 including13 people13 for13 far13 far13 less13 than13 they13 were13 worth13 13 Places13 where13 youth13 were13 eventually13 forced13 to13 leave13 for13 lack13 of13 opportuniFes13 denied13 their13 righkul13 heritage13 and13 forced13 like13 so13 many13 youth13 worldwide13 to13 become13 the13 nomads13 the13 diasporas13 For13 many13 educaFon13
13
became13 not13 an13 opportunity13 but13 a13 painful13 reminder13 of13 what13 might13 have13 been13 Aer13 all13 why13 bother13 learning13 of13 the13 wonders13 of13 Paris13 Rome13 and13 Tokyo13 when13 the13 odds13 of13 you13 gedng13 to13 there13 were13 as13 good13 gedng13 to13 the13 Moon13 For13 most13 the13 mill13 the13 mine13 and13 oen13 the13 unemployment13 line13 were13 our13 desFny
It was the systematic breakdown of our communities
These13 were13 environments13 where13 ciFzens13 were13 slowly13 convinced13 that13 they13 were13 irrelevant13 That13 there13 was13 no13 need13 to13 act13 or13 be13 involved13 locally13 Convinced13 that13 they13 could13 never13 ever13 make13 a13 difference13 13 In13 truth13 this13 impotence13 was13 not13 the13 result13 of13 the13 IlluminaF13 the13 Freemasons13 the13 wealthy13 or13 whatever13 version13 of13 the13 lsquoManrsquo13 that13 we13
created13 It13 was13 not13 the13 standard13 issue13 boot13 of13 the13 Pinkerton13 Agency13 the13 police13 or13 others13 kicking13 in13 our13 door13 forcing13 us13 to13 be13 compliant13 It13 was13 something13 much13 simpler13 and13 infinitely13 more13 ominous13 Something13 much13 harder13 and13 painful13 to13 admit13 truth13 be13 told13 13 It13 was13 the13 systemaFc13 breakdown13 of13 our13 communiFes13 But13 nonetheless13 we13 were13 the13 lucky13 ones13 From13 Africa13 to13 Southeast13 Asia13 to13 South13 and13 Central13 America13 and13 eastern13 Europe13 these13 condiFons13 would13 be13 eagerly13 welcomed13 in13 the13 face13 of13 war13 genocide13 disease13 and13 extreme13 poverty13
hellipour communities can be brought back to life
But13 Irsquove13 good13 news13 Maybe13 itrsquos13 not13 so13 bad13 13 And13 if13 it13 is13 it13 certainly13 does13 not13 need13 to13 be13 13 We13 actually13 have13 lots13 of13 proof13 that13 our13
14
communiFes13 can13 be13 brought13 back13 to13 life13 13 Wersquove13 tremendous13 evidence13 from13 the13 field13 13 From13 do-shy‐gooding13 idealisFc13 acFvists13 to13 bale13 hardened13 program13 agents13 to13 government13 officials13 From13 shrewd13 business13 interests13 to13 chariFes13 and13 nonprofits13 Capacity13 is13 being13 built13 and13 ciFzens13 of13 all13 ages13 are13 being13 empowered13 but13 parFcularly13 those13 amazing13 agents13 of13 change13 young13 people
To13 understand13 this13 letrsquos13 talk13 a13 bit13 about13 what13 community13 is13 Let13 me13 tell13 you13 about13 a13 good13 way13 to13 think13 of13 it13 an13 interacFve13 approach13 to13 community13 At13 the13 core13 of13 community13 is13 the13 interacFon13 and13 interdependence13 among13 local13 people13 Here13 people13 make13 up13 local13 interest13 groups13 that13 are13 loosely13 bounded13 arenas13 for13 interacFon
All13 of13 these13 seek13 to13 look13 aer13 their13 own13 interests13 Community13 evolves13 as13 members13 of13 these13 very13 different13 groups13 interact13 with13 each13 other13 realizing13 their13 common13 general13 needs13 This13 doesnrsquot13 mean13 we13 give13 up13 who13 we13 are13 or13 sell13 out13 We13 just13 realize13 that13 we13 have13 common13 needs13 and13 that13 we13 can13 work13 together13 to13 overcome13 these
15
As13 groups13 and13 residents13 interact13 what13 has13 come13 to13 be13 known13 as13 community13 agency13 emerges13 Agency13 highlights13 the13 fact13 that13
engagement13 has13 power13 It13 shows13 that13 local13 people13 working13 together13 have13 the13 power13 to13 transform13 and13 change13 society13 13 When13 they13 do13 this13 community13 can13 emerge
I13 want13 to13 stress13 this13 is13 a13 process13 though13 13 Community13 is13 not13 a13 given13 State13 College13 will13 always13 be13 on13 a13 map13 But13 the13 connecFon13 between13 people13 that13 makes13 this13 place13 so13 special13 may13 not13 unless13 we13 work13 at13 it13 Keep13 in13 mind13 that13 community13 is13 a13 variable13 Our13 locality13 is13 always13 changing13 with13 people13 coming13 and13 going13 all13 the13 Fmes13 We13 need13 to13 constantly13 be13 working13 to13 maintain13 our13 connecFon13 to13 it13 and13 welcome13 in13 new13 people13 to13 be13 part13 of13 it13 When13 we13 stop13 interacFng13 communicaFng13 and13 being13 inclusive13 it13 simply13 -shy‐13 and13 quickly13 disappears13 But13 if13 developed13 community13 results13 in13 amazing13 things13 here13 and13 abroad
Let13 me13 give13 you13 some13 examples
Civically13 engaged13 youth13 are13 2213 more13 likely
16
to13 graduate13 from13 college13 than13 those13 that13 did13 not
Civically13 engaged13 youth13 are13 413 ltmes13 less13 likely13 to13 exhibit13 ldquorisky13 behaviorrdquo13 such13 as13 drug13 use13 and13 other13 dangerous13 behaviors13
Youth13 are13 813 ltmes13 more13 likely13 to13 believe13 that13 can13 influence13 decision13 making13 if13 they13 are13 civically13 engaged
This13 is13 important13 The13 fact13 of13 the13 maer13 is13 that13 there13 are13 very13 few13 obstacles13 to13 us13 changing13 the13 world13 Wersquove13 just13 convinced13 ourselves13 that13 we13 canrsquot13 make13 a13 difference13 and13 shouldnrsquot13 act13 This13 is13 largely13 because13 wersquove13 been13 uninvolved13 for13 so13 long13 Wersquove13 forgoen13 how13 to13 act13 and13 be13 engaged
One13 more13 thing13 EducaFon13 and13 Community13 intersect13 in13 a13 big13 way13 Where13 community13 involvement13 and13 educaFon13 are13 low13 the13 odds13
of13 extremism13 gangs13 and13 terrorisFc13 organizaFons13 more13 than13 quadruple
helliphad there been a little more education and community capacity
the extremism would have been stopped in its tracks
This13 was13 brought13 home13 to13 me13 during13 visits13 to13 Cambodia13 over13 the13 years13 Every13 Fme13 I13 go13 make13 a13 pilgrimage13 to13 the13 infamous13 Killing13 Fields13 near13 Phom13 Penh13 At13 their13 naFonal13 Genocide13 Museum13 are13 thousands13 of13 photos13 of13 the13 vicFms13 You13 see13 a13 fracFon13 of13 them13
here13 behind13 me13 But13 of13 all13 of13 these13 -shy‐13 one13 haunts13 me13 I13 bring13 her13 flowers13 every13 year13 I13 donrsquot13 know13 her13 name13
17
No13 one13 does13 But13 I13 canrsquot13 forget13 her13 eyes13 I13 canrsquot13 forget13 that13 had13 there13 been13 a13 lile13 more13 educaFon13 and13 community13 capacity13 the13 extremism13 would13 have13 been13 stopped13 in13 its13 tracks13 She13 and13 several13 million13 other13 Cambodians13 would13 be13 with13 us13 today13 The13 same13 is13 true13 in13 Germany13 Rwanda13 Bosnia13 ArgenFna13 and13 elsewhere13 13 We13 owe13 it13 to13 her13 and13 the13 countless13 others13 to13 build13 strong13 educated13 communiFes13 that13 will13 ensure13 extremism13 does13 not13 take13 root13 and13 run13 rampant
If13 nothing13 else13 remember13 this13 Community13 builds13 capacity13 It13 provides13 structure13 and13 social13 supports13 builds13 empathy13 and13 understanding13 and13 provides13 the13 basis13 for13 acFon13 and13 acFvism13 It13 protects13 against13 poverty13 extremism13 and13 chaos
The13 importance13 and13 central13 role13 of13 community13 will13 be13 the13 other13 cornerstone13 of13 our13 work13 and13 was13 the13 second13 thing13 I13 wanted13 to13 share13 with13 you
18
CHAPTER13 4
Transforming the World Through the UNESCO Chairs Program Wersquove13 been13 looking13 forward13 this13 is13 a13 day13 for13 years13 Because13 every13 now13 and13 then13 an13 opportunity13 comes13 along13 that13 just13 changes13 everything13 Wersquove13 been13 working13 really13 really13
hard13 and13 have13 lots13 of13 plans13 that13 are13 ready13 to13 launch13 I13 want13 to13 share13 three13 of13 them13 that13 we13 are13 really13 excited13 about13 They13 really13 are13 amazing13 and13 beauFful13 creaFons
First13 is13 the13 UNTWIN13 Network13 on13 Youth13 and13 Community13 Development13
With13 this13 we13 reinvent13 the13 idea13 of13 global13 partnerships13 and13 collaboraFon13 UNITWIN13 are13 the13 UN13 university13 twining13 and13 partnership13 networks13 They13 open13 up13 all13 kinds13 of13 opportuniFes13 for13 rapid13 research13 and13 acFon13 and13 funding13 While13 UNESCO13 Chairs13 are13 rare13 UNITWIN13 networks13 are13 even13 more13 so13 13 Only13 two13 exist13 in13 the13 US13 We13 got13 the13 go13 ahead13 from13 UNESCO13 to13 start13 developing13 number13 three13 However13 ours13 will13 be13 unmatched13 in13 size13 scope13 and13 impact
6 continents
9 geographic regions
35 partner institutions
Thousands of youth
Three UNESCO Chairs
It13 will13 cover13 613 conFnents13 913 geographic13 regions13 3513 partner13 insFtuFons13 (and13 growing13 weekly)13 thousands13 of13 youth13 and13 three13 UNESCO13 Chairs13 This13 will13 allow13 for13 immediate13 research13 program13 development13 and13 educaFonal13 program13 delivery
hellipa common framework of Community Capacity Building
Youth Development and Conflict Mitigationhellip
The13 network13 will13 be13 led13 by13 three13 UNESCO13 Chairs13 at13 three13 interrelated13 mulFdisciplinary13
20
centers13 the13 Child13 and13 Family13 Research13 Centre13 (NUI13 Galway)13 UNESCO13 Centre13 for13 Research13 on13 Children13 and13 Youth13 (University13 of13 Ulster)13 and13 the13 planned13 UNESCO13 InsAtute13 for13 G lobal13 Humanitar ian13 Development13 (Penn13 State)13 The13 three13 bring13 together13 nearly13 20013 of13 the13 worldrsquos13 best13 researchers13 teachers13 and13 program13 developers
The13 network13 will13 have13 a13 common13 framework13 of13 Community13 Capacity13 Building13 Youth13 Development13 and13 Conflict13 MiFgaFon13 but13 will13 pursue13 specialized13 projects13 on13 health13 and13 well-shy‐being13 educaFon13 and13 literacy13 social13 and13 economic13 development13 the13 physical13 sciences13 agricultural13 development13 civil13 engineering13 and13 many13 other13 areas13 as13 they13 emerge13 We13 will13 be13 able13 to13 conduct13
internaFonal13 comparaFve13 research13 design13 programs13 and13 deliver13 them13 worldwide13 in13 a13 maer13 of13 months13 -shy‐13 not13 years13 as13 is13 oen13 the13 case13 Think13 of13 the13 potenFal
With13 not13 much13 work13 we13 can13 reach13 1000013 kids13 and13 100013 communiFes13 in13 the13 next13 few13 years13 1000013 kids13 and13 communiFes13 who13 see13 a13 brighter13 future13 are13 contribuFng13 members13 of13 society13 lead13 producFve13 and13 safe13 lives13 and13 take13 on13 ownership13 of13 local13 life13 With13 your13 help13 and13 some13 hard13 work13 we13 can13 triple13 the13 number13 of13 youth13 and13 communiFes13 we13 can13 reach
UNITWIN13 goes13 live13 in13 April13 Itrsquos13 already13 growing13 beyond13 our13 control13 Itrsquos13 a13 game13 changer13 and13 once13 in13 a13 lifeFme13 opportunity13 13 Itrsquos13 going13 to13 be13 our13 legacy13 and13 we13 have13 a13 seat13 at13 the13 table13 for13 you
21
The13 second13 big13 item13 focuses13 on13 idenAfying13 the13 best13 pracAces13 for13 youth13 and13 community13 developmenthellipworldwide
Today13 we13 redefine13 global13 comparaFve13 research13 There13 are13 lots13 of13 people13 doing13 great13 and13 effecFve13 work13 worldwide13 We13 are13 going13 to13 begin13 a13 long-shy‐term13 research13 program13 to13 idenFfy13 these13 best13 pracFces13 in13 all13 locaFons13 but13 with13 a13 strong13 focus13 on13 rural13 areas
But13 you13 might13 ask13 why13 There13 is13 an13 increasing13 lsquoyouth13 bulgersquo13 that13 exists13 alongside13 a13 heavy13 dependence13 on13 agriculture13 in13 the13 developing13 world13 The13 UN13 has13 documented13 this13 with13 nearly13 half13 of13 the13 worldrsquos13 populaFon13 residing13 in13 rural13 areas
Over13 9013 of13 all13 rural13 residents13 live13 in13 less13 developed13 regions
Equally13 important13 almost13 a13 third13 of13 the13 world13 populalton13 is13 age13 1513 or13 younger13 and13 half13 are13 under13 age13 2513
8513 of13 all13 youth13 live13 in13 less13 developed13 countries
This13 reality13 creates13 an13 environment13 where13 the13 acltve13 engagement13 of13 communiltes13 is13 essenltal13 to13 future13 growth13 and13 development
Another13 really13 cool13 part13 of13 this13 research13 focuses13 on13 building13 partnerships13 We13 work13 to13 build13 capacity13 and13 partnerships13 through13 North-shy‐South13 and13 South-shy‐South13 partnerships13 that13 shape13 regional13 capacity13 We13 re13 already13 seeing13 great13 things13 such13 as13 in13 Kenya13 and13 Zambia13 where13 we13 have13 linked13 programs13 that13 are13 working13 together13 like13 crazy
Through13 the13 UNESCO13 Chair13 program13 we13 will13 link13 organizaFons13 in13 2513 countries13 to13 share13 resources13 best13 pracFces13 and13 experFse13
22
create13 a13 dynamic13 series13 of13 partnerships13 in13 the13 Global13 South13 and13 form13 a13 community13 of13 naFons13 focused13 on13 youth13 and13 development13 of13 civil13 society
T h i r d 13 i s13 ou r13 G l oba l13 Edu caAona l13 Programming
Today13 we13 revoluFonize13 global13 educaFon13 13 We13 are13 planning13 a13 global13 educaFonal13 program13 focusing13 on13 leadership13 and13 community13 building13 across13 the13 life13 span13 13 Included13 are13 courses13 in13 leadership13 skills13 c o m m u n i t y13 c a p a c i t y13 b u i l d i n g 13 entrepreneurship13 and13 small13 business13 development13 posiFve13 youth13 development13 conflict13 miFgaFon13 and13 many13 others13 areas
Penn13 State13 is13 a13 leader13 in13 distance13 educaFon13 13 It13 recently13 dedicated13 major13 resources13 to13 MOOCs13 Massive13 Open13 Online13 Courses13 13
What13 this13 means13 is13 if13 a13 ciFzen13 of13 this13 planet13 has13 access13 to13 the13 internet13 to13 an13 internet13 cafeacute13 or13 even13 a13 cell13 phone13 they13 will13 be13 provided13 with13 Col lege13 courses13 and13 instrucFonal13 materials
Yoursquore13 asking13 how13 much13 will13 these13 cost13 right13 Thatrsquos13 a13 great13 quesFon13 How13 does13 free13 sound13 Wersquove13 got13 it13 covered13 All13 we13 ask13 is13 that13 you13 take13 the13 knowledge13 and13 skills13 and13 use13 them13 to13 make13 life13 beer13 The13 best13 courses13 in13 the13 world13 taught13 by13 the13 best13 faculty13 Free13 of13 charge13
Distributed13 through13 Penn13 State13 and13 the13 global13 UNESCO13 network13 If13 people13 need13 more13 than13 the13 basic13 knowledge13 base13 we13 can13 do13 that13 too13 CerFficates13 and13 even13 degree13 programs13 at13 all13 levels13 with13 costs13 to13 be13 covered13 by13 foundaFons13 and13 internaFonal13
23
development13 agencies13 Just13 think13 of13 the13 potenFals13 for13 primary13 and13 secondary13 schools13 and13 for13 educators13 in13 the13 developing13 world13 13 Think13 of13 the13 life13 changing13 impacts13 for13 a13 young13 girl13 in13 rural13 Zambia13 a13 street13 child13 in13 Kenya13 and13 a13 young13 farm13 worker13 in13 Cambodia13 Itrsquos13 beyond13 belief13 and13 uerly13 amazing13 13 It13 changes13 everything
So13 those13 are13 three13 of13 the13 big13 things13 that13 are13 happening13 now13 We13 have13 lots13 more13 in13 the13 works13 and13 ready13 to13 launch13 These13 and13 other13 efforts13 will13 help13 us13 realize13 our13 dreams13 of13 a13 beer13 world13 Come13 be13 part13 of13 all13 of13 these13 13 We13 can13 pick13 some13 great13 fights13 together13 I13 promise13 itrsquoll13 be13 awesome13 and13 wersquoll13 do13 miraculous13 things
The key to this is you
Be13 Part13 of13 the13 Journey
We13 WILL13 do13 all13 of13 the13 things13 I13 menFoned13 13 And13 much13 much13 more13 The13 key13 to13 this13 is13 you13 13 Yoursquove13 been13 asked13 to13 be13 here13 today13 because13 we13 know13 you13 will13 fight13 for13 social13 jusFce13 We13 need13 you13 to13 help13 us13 raise13 awareness13 to13 help13 develop13 programs13 and13 research13 and13 help13 us13 find13 funding13 to13 ensure13 this13 is13 a13 reality
If13 you13 think13 about13 it13 there13 is13 no13 beer13 place13 than13 here13 to13 begin13 our13 journey13 Lest13 we13 forget13 we13 are13 in13 Pennsylvania13 This13 place13 that13 saw13 the13 birth13 of13 the13 Molly13 McGuires13 the13 original13 union13 movements13 and13 the13 knights13 of13 labor13 It13 was13 where13 Milton13 Eisenhower13 dreamed13 of13 the
If13 you13 think13 about13 it13 there13 is13 no13 beer13 place13 than13 here13 to13 begin13 our13 journey13 Lest13 we13 forget13 we13 are13 in13 Pennsylvania13 This13 place13 that13
24
saw13 the13 birth13 of13 the13 Molly13 McGuires13 the13 original13 union13 movements13 and13 the13 knights13 of13 labor13 It13 was13 where13 Milton13 Eisenhower13 dreamed13 of13 the13 potenFals13 of13 UNESCO13 13 Where13 Benjamin13 Franklin13 found13 the13 Pennsylvania13 AboliFonist13 Society13 seeking13 to13 end13 slavery13 Where13 our13 founding13 fathers13 conceived13 more13 than13 a13 naFon13 but13 the13 idea13 of13 L ife13 L iberty13 and13 the13 pursuit13 of13 Happiness-shy‐-shy‐-shy‐not13 just13 for13 us13 but13 for13 our13 fellow13 ciFzens13 of13 the13 world13 All13 of13 these13 people13 have13 passed13 the13 torch13 to13 us13 today13 13 Let13 us13 make13 them13 proud13 in13 conFnuing13 their13 quest13 for13 social13 jusFce13 for13 equality13 and13 for13 creaFng13 a13 beer13 world
Now13 is13 our13 moment13 13 Of13 all13 the13 opportuniFes13 out13 there13 none13 have13 greater13 potenFal13 for13 immediate13 and13 long13 term13 impacts13 than13
e du caFon 13 t h e13 t r a n s fo rmaFon13 o f13 communiFes13 empowerment13 of13 the13 excluded13 and13 the13 posiFve13 development13 of13 youth13 None13 Absolutely13 none
Now13 I13 know13 we13 hear13 inspiraFonal13 speeches13 a13 lot13 We13 are13 always13 being13 asked13 to13 open13 our13 hearts13 and13 then13 our13 checkbooks13 3But13 this13 is13 different13 We13 have13 never13 before13 had13 such13 structures13 partners13 and13 resources13 to13 make13 our13 dreams13 a13 reality
hellipthere will be those outside that will tell us that the world is too big
too corrupthellip
I13 know13 we13 are13 all13 Fred13 overworked13 and13 maybe13 a13 bit13 cynical13 of13 all13 this13 I13 know13 there13 will13 be13 those13 outside13 of13 here13 that13 will13 tell13 us13 that13 the13 world13 is13 too13 big13 too13 corrupt13 that13 the13 vicFms13 deserve13 their13 low13 lots13 in13 life13 and13
25
that13 maybe13 for13 the13 sake13 of13 our13 careers13 we13 really13 should13 look13 busy13 while13 doing13 nothing13 But13 Irsquom13 asking13 you13 today13 to13 try13 one13 more13 Fme13 Take13 one13 more13 leap13 of13 faith13 I13 promise13 we13 wonrsquot13 let13 you13 down13 I13 promise13 that13 wersquoll13 be13 part13 of13 something13 legendary13 together
Nonetheless13 as13 you13 quesFon13 our13 ability13 to13 really13 change13 the13 world13 I13 would13 simply13 ask13 you13 to13 remember13 back13 to13 our13 younger13 days13 when13 we13 were13 absolutely13 certain13 that13 we13 could13 do13 it13 13 We13 were13 right13 13 You13 were13 right13 13 You13 were13 right13 and13 your13 dreams13 are13 sFll13 out13 there
I13 want13 to13 share13 one13 last13 story13 13 I13 recently13 read13 a13 wonderful13 essay13 by13 Joseph13 Laplin13 looking13 back13 on13 the13 55th13 Anniversary13 of13 Jack13 Kerouacrsquos13 legendary13 novel13 On13 the13 Road13 13 This13 was13 a13 novel13 that13 sent13 many13 young13 people13
(including13 myself)13 out13 on13 that13 road13 of13 discovery13 in13 search13 of13 the13 limitless13 possibiliFes13 beyond13 our13 hometowns13 13 A13 book13 that13 mandated13 the13 quesFoning13 authority13 the13 quesFoning13 of13 social13 convenFons13 and13 the13 challenging13 of13 the13 moral13 blinds13 spots13 of13 our13 age13 For13 me13 this13 book13 was13 magical
Laplinrsquos13 essay13 took13 aim13 at13 those13 of13 us13 who13 have13 grown13 up13 become13 established13 and13 think13 wersquove13 grown13 wiser13 Especially13 those13 of13 us13 who13 now13 dismiss13 Kerouac13 and13 this13 novel13 that13 once13 inspired13 us13 as13 idealisFc13 childish13 and13 ridiculously13 naiumlve13 in13 its13 call13 for13 social13 change13 But13 Laplin13 had13 a13 wonderfully13 reacFon13 to13 such13 people13 Here13 is13 what13 he13 said
ldquoPerhaps13 these13 people13 never13 took13 to13 or13 went13 back13 on13 the13 road13 -shy‐13 due13 to13 fear13 or13 family13 -shy‐13 and13
26
therefore13 can13 no13 longer13 revisit13 Kerouacrsquos13 work13 Perhaps13 itrsquos13 hard13 to13 even13 look13 at13 his13 wriltng13 because13 readers13 are13 actually13 looking13 at13 themselves13 And13 itrsquos13 easier13 to13 say13 well13 Kerouacrsquos13 naive13 than13 to13 say13 I13 missed13 out13 on13 something13 Maybe13 some13 readers13 have13 given13 up13 on13 the13 search13 for13 beauty13 and13 spirituality13 or13 realized13 that13 theyrsquore13 not13 one13 of13 those13 people13 who13 lsquoburn13 burn13 burn13 like13 fabulous13 yellow13 roman13 candlesrsquo13 and13 that13 knowledge13 is13 painfulrdquo
I13 want13 to13 state13 it13 again13 You13 were13 right13 when13 you13 once13 thought13 we13 would13 change13 the13 world13 And13 you13 are13 sFll13 right13 Your13 dreams13 of13 a13 fair13 equal13 and13 just13 world13 are13 sFll13 out13 there13 and13 together13 we13 will13 reclaim13 them13 and13 make13 them13 a13 reality
hellipin the not too distant future you can put your children and
grandchildren on your knee and tell them about once upon a time
I13 say13 this13 not13 to13 preach13 to13 you13 or13 guilt13 you13 into13 acFon13 I13 just13 want13 to13 put13 it13 into13 perspecFve13 and13 ask13 you13 to13 be13 part13 of13 this13 journey13 If13 we13 live13 up13 to13 our13 ideals13 and13 commitments13 in13 the13 not13 too13 distant13 future13 you13 can13 put13 your13 children13 and13 grandchildren13 on13 your13 knee13 and13 tell13 them13 about13 once13 upon13 a13 Fme13 Once13 upon13 a13 Fme13 when13 educaFon13 was13 only13 for13 the13 privileged13 few13 When13 women13 were13 treated13 as13 second13 class13 ciFzens13 When13 injusFce13 and13 inequality13 were13 the13 standard13 And13 when13 communiFes13 were13 constantly13 trampled13 on13 by13 outside13 interests13 Most13 importantly13 you13 can13 tell13 them13 that13 you13 were13 part13 of13 fixing13 it13 That13 the13 world13 is13 a13 far13 beer13 place13 because13 of13 what13 we13 did13 That13
27
they13 have13 a13 great13 bright13 future13 because13 of13 our13 bold13 efforts13 that13 began13 today13 With13 such13 potenFals13 and13 possibiliFes13 at13 hand13 how13 can13 we13 ever13 explain13 to13 them13 our13 inacFon13 or13 how13 we13 stood13 by13 and13 let13 appalling13 things13 conFnue
As13 we13 close13 I13 want13 to13 ask13 a13 few13 final13 quesFons13 There13 are13 many13 places13 to13 put13 your13 efforts
But13 if13 not13 the13 thousands13 of13 communiAes13 we13 can13 help13 then13 where
If13 not13 the13 billions13 of13 young13 people13 we13 can13 empower13 to13 have13 beMer13 lives13 then13 who
And13 if13 now13 is13 not13 the13 Ame13 for13 bold13 daring13 and13 nearly13 miraculous13 acAons13 then13 when
hellipthe honor is only eclipsed by the responsibility this opportunity
brings with it
If13 you13 need13 proof13 of13 miracles13 than13 look13 no13 further13 than13 this13 stage13 Here13 you13 have13 a13 former13 (or13 perhaps13 not13 so13 former)13 punk13 from13 rural13 Pennsylvania13 of13 Irish13 descent13 standing13 before13 you13 accepFng13 one13 of13 our13 greatest13 honors13 Itrsquos13 absolutely13 humbling13 And13 the13 honor13 is13 only13 eclipsed13 by13 the13 responsibility13 this13 opportunity13 brings13 with13 it13 But13 itrsquos13 not13 inFmidaFng13 Not13 at13 all13 Because13 I13 know13 WE13 are13 in13 this13 together13 And13 for13 all13 of13 this13 I13 will13 be13 forever13 grateful13 to13 you13 for13 sharing13 this13 wonderful13 day13 and13 being13 part13 of13 this13 journey13 that13 will13 transform13 the13 world
Thank13 you13 all13 very13 very13 much
28
CHAPTER13 5
Contact USConnect13 with13 us13 on13 social13 media
unescochairpennstate
unescochairpsu
unescochairpsu
Call13 Write13 or13 Visit
Dr13 Mark13 Brennan204C13 Ferguson13 BuildingUniversity13 Park13 PA13 16802Phone13 1-shy‐814-shy‐863-shy‐0387Email13 unescochairpsueduWeb13 wwwunescochairpsuedu
UNESCO Chair in Rural Community
Leadership and Youth Development
The Pennsylvania State University
United Nations
(GXFDWLRQDO6FLHQWLiquestFDQGCultural Organization
In13 college13 I13 found13 a13 different13 world13 13 There13 were13 fresh13 ideas13 There13 were13 calls13 to13 acFon13 13 It13 was13 educaFon13 with13 a13 purpose13 13 And13 most13 important13 there13 were13 teachers13 that13 were13 interested13 and13 encouraging13 Excited13 teachers13 who13 worked13 8013 hours13 a13 week13 not13 because13 they13 had13 to13 but13 because13 they13 loved13 it13 so13 13 Amazing13 people13 with13 amazing13 stories13 and13 lives13 They13 had13 been13 everywhere13 and13 seen13 everything13 They13 were13 remarkable13 and13 extraordinary13 at13 their13 calling13 SFll13 that13 was13 not13 enough13 though
It13 wasnrsquot13 unFl13 I13 saw13 the13 actual13 impacts13 of13 educaFon13 throughout13 the13 world13 that13 I13 realized13 its13 importance13 It13 wasnrsquot13 the13 chore13 and13 burden13 it13 had13 seemed13 when13 I13 was13 younger13 It13 was13 THE13 key13 The13 single13 most13
important13 factor13 in13 shaping13 my13 life13 and13 the13 lives13 of13 so13 many13 others
Wersquove told ourselves and our children it is something that we
need but stopped understanding why
Now13 my13 story13 is13 largely13 average13 Many13 of13 us13 wandered13 that13 long13 path13 to13 where13 we13 are13 now13 Many13 of13 us13 began13 our13 educaFon13 in13 less13 than13 desirable13 sedngs13 My13 challenges13 donrsquot13 even13 deserve13 to13 be13 menFoned13 in13 the13 same13 sentence13 as13 the13 challenges13 seen13 in13 our13 inner13 ciFes13 rapidly13 failing13 rural13 schools13 and13 throughout13 the13 developing13 world13 But13 the13 reality13 is13 that13 we13 have13 forgoen13 why13 educaFon13 is13 important13 We13 have13 disFlled13 its13 usefulness13 down13 to13 a13 few13 small13 outcomes13 such13 as13 gedng13 a13 beer13 job13 Wersquove13 told13
5
ourselves13 and13 our13 children13 it13 is13 something13 that13 we13 need13 but13 stopped13 understanding13 why
Not13 so13 in13 the13 developing13 world13 where13 even13 young13 children13 are13 excited13 honored13 and13 enthusiasFc13 about13 the13 prospect13 of13 going13 to13 a13 one-shy‐room13 schoolhouse13 with13 next13 to13 no13 resources13 They13 understand13 what13 we13 have13 forgoen13 They13 understand13 what13 our13 grandparents13 held13 so13 dear13 13 EducaFon13 is13 the13 single13 most13 important13 thing13 we13 can13 aain13 It13 is13 the13 single13 greatest13 gi13 that13 we13 can13 give13 13 And13 if13 we13 have13 one13 chance13 of13 having13 beer13 lives13 it13 all13 comes13 through13 the13 doors13 that13 educaFon13 open13
Irsquom13 sure13 you13 are13 asking13 how13 so13 Well13 the13 facts13 speak13 volumes13 There13 are13 countless13 ones13 but13 here13 are13 a13 few13 examples
Letrsquos13 start13 with13 general13 educa2on13
If13 all13 students13 in13 low13 income13 countries13 obtained13 just13 basic13 reading13 skills13 Basic13 reading13 skills13 17013 million13 people13 could13 be13 liFed13 out13 of13 poverty13 This13 is13 equal13 to13 a13 1213 cut13 in13 global13 poverty13 Just13 by13 providing13 basic13 reading13 skills
How13 about13 the13 connec2on13 between13 educa2on13 and13 health
Life13 expectancy13 has13 gone13 up13 for13 most13 people13 in13 the13 past13 couple13 of13 decades13 The13 increase13 has13 been13 largest13 for13 people13 with13 the13 most13 educalton13 There13 has13 been13 one13 exceplton13 13 Those13 without13 a13 high13 school13 diploma13 have13 actually13 experienced13 a13 decrease13 in13 life13 expectancy
But13 how13 about13 really13 moving13 the13 human13 race13 forward13 Because13 of13 these13 gender13 equity13 is13 close13 to13 home13 for13 me13 EducaFon13 is13
6
the13 key13 to13 womenrsquos13 rights13 equality13 and13 13 13 13 community13 building
How13 important13 do13 you13 think13 Well13 for13 13 13 13 13 13 example
Countries13 lose13 more13 than13 $113 billion13 a13 year13 by13 failing13 to13 educate13 girls13 to13 the13 same13 level13 as13 boys
One13 addiltonal13 year13 of13 schooling13 beyond13 primary13 school13 reduces13 the13 probability13 of13 becoming13 a13 young13 mother13 by13 almost13 10
A13 child13 whose13 mother13 can13 read13 is13 5013 more13 likely13 to13 live13 past13 age13 513
In13 sub-shy‐Saharan13 Africa13 alone13 approximately13 213 million13 childrenrsquos13 lives13 could13 be13 saved13 every13 year13 if13 their13 mothers13 had13 at13 least13 a13 secondary13 educaFon13 How13 many13 Einsteinrsquos13 Steve13 Jobs13 Gandhirsquos13 or13 Da13 Vincirsquos13 never13 got13
the13 chance13 to13 beer13 the13 world13 because13 of13 this13 We13 need13 them13 now13 more13 than13 ever
Nonetheless13 almost13 two-shy‐thirds13 of13 the13 worldrsquos13 80013 million13 illiterate13 adults13 are13 women13 They13 are13 the13 foundaFons13 of13 civil13 13 13 society13 13 And13 we13 need13 to13 invest13 in13 them
This is about half of the amount Europeans and Americans spend on
ice cream annually
All13 of13 this13 has13 to13 costs13 a13 lot13 right13 How13 much13 do13 you13 think13 10013 trillion13 113 trillion13 No13 13 For13 $1613 billion13 a13 year13 in13 aid13 we13 can13 send13 all13 children13 to13 school13 in13 low-shy‐income13 countries13 13 A13 lot13 Sure13 This13 is13 about13 half13 of13 the13 amount13 Europeans13 and13 Americans13 spend13 on13 ice13 cream13 annually13 It13 is13 two13 less13 fighter13 jets13 in13 the13 US13 arsenal13 It13 is13 $113 a13 month13 for13 each13 ciFzen13 of13 the13 G713 naFons
7
Itrsquos13 the13 right13 thing13 to13 do13 This13 is13 not13 about13 charity13 This13 is13 about13 jusFce13 InvesFng13 in13 educaFon13 is13 more13 effecFve13 cheaper13 and13 leads13 to13 the13 best13 development13 outcomes13 We13 have13 a13 large13 body13 of13 knowledge13 that13 backs13 this13 up
Let13 me13 share13 one13 more13 example13 Chris13 Aredo13 from13 Kenya13 Chris13 had13 a13 normal13 childhood13 unFl13 the13 age13 of13 1213 years13 when13 he13 was13 orphaned13 He13 found13 himself13 living13 in13 the13 rough13 streets13 of13 Nairobi13 scavenging13 and13 stealing13 to13 survive13 He13 lived13 this13 way13 for13 six13 years13 13 I13 donrsquot13 think13 many13 of13 us13 in13 this13 room13 certainly13 myself13 are13 that13 tough13 or13 strong13
Aer13 613 years13 he13 was13 enrolled13 in13 the13 NaFonal13 Youth13 Service13 which13 is13 a13 boot-shy‐camp13 providing13 basic13 vocaFonal13 skills13 Shortly13 thereaer13 he13 met13 Paul13 Maina13 who13 was13 beginning13 to13 form13 the13 Child13 and13 Youth13 Empowerment13 Center
Chris13 joined13 Paul13 and13 in13 late13 200613 the13 Center13 opened13 Here13 Chris13 had13 an13 opportunity13 to13 help13 shape13 beer13 lives13 for13 young13 people13 He13 also13 had13 the13 opportunity13 to13 travel13 to13 Germany13 where13 the13 importance13 of13 educaFon13 became13 even13 more13 evident13 to13 him13 Upon13 his13 return13 he13 enrolled13 in13 high13 school13 which13 he13 quickly13 completed13 With13 the13 assistance13 of13 the13 Centrersquos13 support13 network13 he13 was13 able13 to13 enroll13 in13 University13 and13 will13 receive13 his13 BS13 degree13 this13 coming13 December13 in13 Bus iness13 I nformaFon13
8
Technology13 Chris13 has13 been13 the13 Chairperson13 of13 the13 Universityrsquos13 chapter13 of13 the13 Red13 Cross13 Club13 and13 president13 of13 InternaFonal13 AssociaFon13 of13 Students13 in13 Economic13 and13 Commercial13 Sciences13 He13 is13 part13 of13 the13 UNESCO13 sponsored13 youth13 leadership13 development13 program13 as13 a13 mentor13 facilitator13 and13 community13 leader
I13 menFon13 his13 story13 not13 as13 a13 feel13 good13 moment13 Though13 it13 certainly13 is13 I13 menFon13 it13 because13 it13 highlights13 the13 common13 human13 condiFon13 If13 provided13 with13 the13 opportunity13 for13 learning13 and13 educaFon13 people13 will13 seize13 the13 moment13 Through13 a13 small13 investment13 and13 his13 hard13 work13 Chrisrsquos13 life13 and13 those13 of13 others13 were13 transformed13 In13 less13 than13 ten13 years13 from13 a13 homeless13 street13 youth13 to13 a13 high13 school13 graduate13 to13 a13 college13 graduate13
to13 a13 leader13 acFvist13 and13 agent13 of13 change13 13 Think13 how13 tough13 determined13 resilient13 he13 is13 -shy‐13 and13 he13 is13 not13 terribly13 unusual13 Hersquos13 the13 kind13 of13 person13 I13 want13 on13 my13 teams13 If13 you13 give13 me13 him13 and13 2013 others13 like13 him13 we13 will13 make13 history13 Also13 remember13 there13 are13 more13 than13 a13 billion13 youth13 like13 Chris13 out13 there13 and13 just13 think13 of13 the13 impacts13 of13 reaching13 a13 fracFon13 of13 them13 or13 even13 beer13 yet13 th ink13 o f13 empowering13 them13 all
EducaFon13 is13 power13 and13 sets13 the13 stage13 for13 strong13 communiFes13 that13 take13 care13 of13 their13 own13 needs13 This13 focus13 on13 EducaFon13 for13 All13 will13 be13 a13 cornerstone13 of13 our13 work13 and13 thatrsquos13 the13 first13 thing13 I13 wanted13 to13 share13 with13 you13 today
9
CHAPTER13 3
Realizing Engaged CommunitiesThe13 second13 thing13 I13 want13 to13 share13 with13 you13 is13 the13 importance13 of13 community13 13 Just13 like13 educaFon13 community13 shapes13 producFve13 and13 stable13 lives13 just13 in13 a13 different13 way13 Combining13 the13 two13 is13 magical13 in13 their13 impactBut13 why13 th ink13 about13 commun i ty13 Community13 contributes13 to13 individual13 family13 and13 social13 well13 being13 13 It13 is13 our13 first13 contact13 with13 the13 world13 beyond13 the13 family13 It13 is13 the13 sedng13 for13 socializaFon13 our13 insFtuFons13 and13
the13 development13 of13 rules13 and13 culture
hellipthink about community as one big relationship
Community13 establishes13 and13 maintains13 channels13 of13 communicaFon13 and13 interacFon13 13 I13 always13 tell13 my13 undergraduate13 and13 graduate13 students13 to13 think13 about13 community13 as13 one13 big13 relaFonship13 Think13 about13 what13 happens13 in13 your13 relaFonships13 Itrsquos13 the13 same13 with13 community13 When13 you13 first13 meet13 you13 commun i ca te13 con s tan t l y13 i n te ra c t13 conFnuously13 and13 do13 everything13 together13 As13 Fme13 goes13 on13 the13 communicaFon13 and13 interacFon13 become13 less13 frequent13 And13 as13 we13 all13 know13 it13 someFmes13 is13 not13 long13 before13 problems13 occur13 Where13 mountains13 are13 made13 out13 of13 mole13 hills13 and13 relaFonships13 become13 strained13 someFmes13 to13 the13 point13 of13 breaking13 13
The13 same13 is13 true13 in13 communiFes13 It13 involves13 more13 people13 and13 is13 a13 bit13 messier13 but13 the13 process13 and13 structure13 is13 the13 same13 Just13 as13 in13 our13 relaFonships13 we13 need13 to13 constantly13 be13 working13 to13 maintain13 community
Oen13 during13 presidenFal13 elecFons13 I13 ask13 my13 students13 to13 count13 the13 number13 of13 Fmes13 that13 community13 is13 said13 during13 debates13 and13 speeches13 In13 these13 sedngs13 where13 every13 word13 counts13 and13 costs13 money13 it13 is13 common13 for13 the13 term13 community13 to13 be13 menFoned13 dozens13 of13 Fmes13 in13 an13 hour13 long13 speech13 13 Why13 though13 I t rsquos13 an13 amazing13 idea13 community13 Itrsquos13 tremendously13 powerful13 It13 bring13 up13 all13 those13 warm13 and13 fuzzy13 images13 -shy‐13 real13 and13 imagined13 -shy‐13 of13 what13 life13 was13 like13 or13 could13 be
11
The impacts outcomes and potentials of community are real
tangible and measurable
Now13 before13 you13 think13 me13 an13 academic13 hippy13 or13 that13 Irsquom13 advocaFng13 for13 free13 love13 and13 touchy13 feely13 ideas13 this13 is13 not13 the13 case13 at13 all13 13 The13 impacts13 outcomes13 and13 potenFals13 of13 community13 are13 rea l 13 tangib le 13 and13 measurable13 13 Strong13 communiFes13 are13 more13 resilient13 adapFve13 and13 less13 likely13 to13 be13 explo i ted13 They13 connect13 res idents 13 insFtuFons13 organizaFons13 to13 each13 other13 13 They13 promote13 stability13 have13 less13 crime13 and13 show13 increase13 local13 well-shy‐being13 They13 increase13 involvement13 in13 local13 decision-shy‐making13 and13 parFcipatory13 democracy
There13 are13 also13 tremendous13 personal13 impacts13 Community13 enhances13 our13 social13
psychological13 and13 emoFonal13 development13 13 It13 promotes13 civic13 responsibility13 which13 is13 a13 commitment13 to13 helping13 others13 It13 increases13 cultural13 understanding13 and13 empathy13 13 It13 provides13 life13 skills13 such13 as13 criFcal13 thinking13 interpersonal13 leadership13 and13 conflict13 resoluFon13 skills13
Tremendous things happen when people care about each other and
the place they live in
This13 is13 an13 impressive13 list13 that13 is13 by13 no13 means13 complete13 We13 have13 mountains13 of13 research13 data13 program13 evaluaFons13 thousands13 of13 books13 and13 journal13 arFcles13 to13 prove13 that13 this13 is13 the13 case13 Even13 beer13 wersquove13 studied13 this13 process13 across13 the13 world13 I t rsquos13 true13 everywhere13 The13 condiFons13 and13 context13 might13 be13 a13 lile13 different13 but13 one13 thing13
12
holds13 true13 tremendous13 things13 happen13 when13 people13 care13 about13 each13 other13 and13 the13 place13 they13 live13 in13 This13 is13 not13 an13 idea13 This13 is13 not13 a13 plan13 This13 IS13 fact13 Strong13 communiFes13 equal13 stable13 civil13 and13 just13 socieFes
For13 me13 the13 need13 for13 community13 is13 close13 to13 home13 I13 was13 born13 and13 raised13 in13 a13 small13 town13 in13 northeastern13 Pennsylvania13 I13 came13 from13 people13 who13 le13 Ireland13 and13 Europe13 seeking13 survival13 All13 of13 these13 are13 absolutely13 great13 places13 Places13 blessed13 by13 amazing13 natural13 resources13 amazingly13 diverse13 cultures13 tremendous13 food13 you13 canrsquot13 imagine13 13 Cultures13 whose13 unique13 experiences13 and13 knowledge13 for13 dealing13 with13 the13 challenges13 of13 daily13 life13 were13 massive13 and13 effecFve13 Places13 rich13 in13 social13 supports13 from13 family13 neighbors13 religions13 and13 schools13 Places13 to13
me13 that13 held13 a13 tremendous13 amount13 of13 magic13 in13 them
For many education became not an opportunity but a painful reminder
of what might have been
But13 you13 know13 as13 the13 musician13 Lou13 Reed13 sang13 there13 is13 a13 bit13 of13 magic13 in13 everything13 -shy‐13 and13 then13 some13 loss13 to13 even13 things13 out13 The13 loss13 in13 these13 areas13 was13 characterized13 by13 exploitaFon13 from13 abusive13 outside13 interests13 13 Abuse13 by13 corporaFons13 and13 governments13 that13 harvested13 local13 natural13 resources13 including13 people13 for13 far13 far13 less13 than13 they13 were13 worth13 13 Places13 where13 youth13 were13 eventually13 forced13 to13 leave13 for13 lack13 of13 opportuniFes13 denied13 their13 righkul13 heritage13 and13 forced13 like13 so13 many13 youth13 worldwide13 to13 become13 the13 nomads13 the13 diasporas13 For13 many13 educaFon13
13
became13 not13 an13 opportunity13 but13 a13 painful13 reminder13 of13 what13 might13 have13 been13 Aer13 all13 why13 bother13 learning13 of13 the13 wonders13 of13 Paris13 Rome13 and13 Tokyo13 when13 the13 odds13 of13 you13 gedng13 to13 there13 were13 as13 good13 gedng13 to13 the13 Moon13 For13 most13 the13 mill13 the13 mine13 and13 oen13 the13 unemployment13 line13 were13 our13 desFny
It was the systematic breakdown of our communities
These13 were13 environments13 where13 ciFzens13 were13 slowly13 convinced13 that13 they13 were13 irrelevant13 That13 there13 was13 no13 need13 to13 act13 or13 be13 involved13 locally13 Convinced13 that13 they13 could13 never13 ever13 make13 a13 difference13 13 In13 truth13 this13 impotence13 was13 not13 the13 result13 of13 the13 IlluminaF13 the13 Freemasons13 the13 wealthy13 or13 whatever13 version13 of13 the13 lsquoManrsquo13 that13 we13
created13 It13 was13 not13 the13 standard13 issue13 boot13 of13 the13 Pinkerton13 Agency13 the13 police13 or13 others13 kicking13 in13 our13 door13 forcing13 us13 to13 be13 compliant13 It13 was13 something13 much13 simpler13 and13 infinitely13 more13 ominous13 Something13 much13 harder13 and13 painful13 to13 admit13 truth13 be13 told13 13 It13 was13 the13 systemaFc13 breakdown13 of13 our13 communiFes13 But13 nonetheless13 we13 were13 the13 lucky13 ones13 From13 Africa13 to13 Southeast13 Asia13 to13 South13 and13 Central13 America13 and13 eastern13 Europe13 these13 condiFons13 would13 be13 eagerly13 welcomed13 in13 the13 face13 of13 war13 genocide13 disease13 and13 extreme13 poverty13
hellipour communities can be brought back to life
But13 Irsquove13 good13 news13 Maybe13 itrsquos13 not13 so13 bad13 13 And13 if13 it13 is13 it13 certainly13 does13 not13 need13 to13 be13 13 We13 actually13 have13 lots13 of13 proof13 that13 our13
14
communiFes13 can13 be13 brought13 back13 to13 life13 13 Wersquove13 tremendous13 evidence13 from13 the13 field13 13 From13 do-shy‐gooding13 idealisFc13 acFvists13 to13 bale13 hardened13 program13 agents13 to13 government13 officials13 From13 shrewd13 business13 interests13 to13 chariFes13 and13 nonprofits13 Capacity13 is13 being13 built13 and13 ciFzens13 of13 all13 ages13 are13 being13 empowered13 but13 parFcularly13 those13 amazing13 agents13 of13 change13 young13 people
To13 understand13 this13 letrsquos13 talk13 a13 bit13 about13 what13 community13 is13 Let13 me13 tell13 you13 about13 a13 good13 way13 to13 think13 of13 it13 an13 interacFve13 approach13 to13 community13 At13 the13 core13 of13 community13 is13 the13 interacFon13 and13 interdependence13 among13 local13 people13 Here13 people13 make13 up13 local13 interest13 groups13 that13 are13 loosely13 bounded13 arenas13 for13 interacFon
All13 of13 these13 seek13 to13 look13 aer13 their13 own13 interests13 Community13 evolves13 as13 members13 of13 these13 very13 different13 groups13 interact13 with13 each13 other13 realizing13 their13 common13 general13 needs13 This13 doesnrsquot13 mean13 we13 give13 up13 who13 we13 are13 or13 sell13 out13 We13 just13 realize13 that13 we13 have13 common13 needs13 and13 that13 we13 can13 work13 together13 to13 overcome13 these
15
As13 groups13 and13 residents13 interact13 what13 has13 come13 to13 be13 known13 as13 community13 agency13 emerges13 Agency13 highlights13 the13 fact13 that13
engagement13 has13 power13 It13 shows13 that13 local13 people13 working13 together13 have13 the13 power13 to13 transform13 and13 change13 society13 13 When13 they13 do13 this13 community13 can13 emerge
I13 want13 to13 stress13 this13 is13 a13 process13 though13 13 Community13 is13 not13 a13 given13 State13 College13 will13 always13 be13 on13 a13 map13 But13 the13 connecFon13 between13 people13 that13 makes13 this13 place13 so13 special13 may13 not13 unless13 we13 work13 at13 it13 Keep13 in13 mind13 that13 community13 is13 a13 variable13 Our13 locality13 is13 always13 changing13 with13 people13 coming13 and13 going13 all13 the13 Fmes13 We13 need13 to13 constantly13 be13 working13 to13 maintain13 our13 connecFon13 to13 it13 and13 welcome13 in13 new13 people13 to13 be13 part13 of13 it13 When13 we13 stop13 interacFng13 communicaFng13 and13 being13 inclusive13 it13 simply13 -shy‐13 and13 quickly13 disappears13 But13 if13 developed13 community13 results13 in13 amazing13 things13 here13 and13 abroad
Let13 me13 give13 you13 some13 examples
Civically13 engaged13 youth13 are13 2213 more13 likely
16
to13 graduate13 from13 college13 than13 those13 that13 did13 not
Civically13 engaged13 youth13 are13 413 ltmes13 less13 likely13 to13 exhibit13 ldquorisky13 behaviorrdquo13 such13 as13 drug13 use13 and13 other13 dangerous13 behaviors13
Youth13 are13 813 ltmes13 more13 likely13 to13 believe13 that13 can13 influence13 decision13 making13 if13 they13 are13 civically13 engaged
This13 is13 important13 The13 fact13 of13 the13 maer13 is13 that13 there13 are13 very13 few13 obstacles13 to13 us13 changing13 the13 world13 Wersquove13 just13 convinced13 ourselves13 that13 we13 canrsquot13 make13 a13 difference13 and13 shouldnrsquot13 act13 This13 is13 largely13 because13 wersquove13 been13 uninvolved13 for13 so13 long13 Wersquove13 forgoen13 how13 to13 act13 and13 be13 engaged
One13 more13 thing13 EducaFon13 and13 Community13 intersect13 in13 a13 big13 way13 Where13 community13 involvement13 and13 educaFon13 are13 low13 the13 odds13
of13 extremism13 gangs13 and13 terrorisFc13 organizaFons13 more13 than13 quadruple
helliphad there been a little more education and community capacity
the extremism would have been stopped in its tracks
This13 was13 brought13 home13 to13 me13 during13 visits13 to13 Cambodia13 over13 the13 years13 Every13 Fme13 I13 go13 make13 a13 pilgrimage13 to13 the13 infamous13 Killing13 Fields13 near13 Phom13 Penh13 At13 their13 naFonal13 Genocide13 Museum13 are13 thousands13 of13 photos13 of13 the13 vicFms13 You13 see13 a13 fracFon13 of13 them13
here13 behind13 me13 But13 of13 all13 of13 these13 -shy‐13 one13 haunts13 me13 I13 bring13 her13 flowers13 every13 year13 I13 donrsquot13 know13 her13 name13
17
No13 one13 does13 But13 I13 canrsquot13 forget13 her13 eyes13 I13 canrsquot13 forget13 that13 had13 there13 been13 a13 lile13 more13 educaFon13 and13 community13 capacity13 the13 extremism13 would13 have13 been13 stopped13 in13 its13 tracks13 She13 and13 several13 million13 other13 Cambodians13 would13 be13 with13 us13 today13 The13 same13 is13 true13 in13 Germany13 Rwanda13 Bosnia13 ArgenFna13 and13 elsewhere13 13 We13 owe13 it13 to13 her13 and13 the13 countless13 others13 to13 build13 strong13 educated13 communiFes13 that13 will13 ensure13 extremism13 does13 not13 take13 root13 and13 run13 rampant
If13 nothing13 else13 remember13 this13 Community13 builds13 capacity13 It13 provides13 structure13 and13 social13 supports13 builds13 empathy13 and13 understanding13 and13 provides13 the13 basis13 for13 acFon13 and13 acFvism13 It13 protects13 against13 poverty13 extremism13 and13 chaos
The13 importance13 and13 central13 role13 of13 community13 will13 be13 the13 other13 cornerstone13 of13 our13 work13 and13 was13 the13 second13 thing13 I13 wanted13 to13 share13 with13 you
18
CHAPTER13 4
Transforming the World Through the UNESCO Chairs Program Wersquove13 been13 looking13 forward13 this13 is13 a13 day13 for13 years13 Because13 every13 now13 and13 then13 an13 opportunity13 comes13 along13 that13 just13 changes13 everything13 Wersquove13 been13 working13 really13 really13
hard13 and13 have13 lots13 of13 plans13 that13 are13 ready13 to13 launch13 I13 want13 to13 share13 three13 of13 them13 that13 we13 are13 really13 excited13 about13 They13 really13 are13 amazing13 and13 beauFful13 creaFons
First13 is13 the13 UNTWIN13 Network13 on13 Youth13 and13 Community13 Development13
With13 this13 we13 reinvent13 the13 idea13 of13 global13 partnerships13 and13 collaboraFon13 UNITWIN13 are13 the13 UN13 university13 twining13 and13 partnership13 networks13 They13 open13 up13 all13 kinds13 of13 opportuniFes13 for13 rapid13 research13 and13 acFon13 and13 funding13 While13 UNESCO13 Chairs13 are13 rare13 UNITWIN13 networks13 are13 even13 more13 so13 13 Only13 two13 exist13 in13 the13 US13 We13 got13 the13 go13 ahead13 from13 UNESCO13 to13 start13 developing13 number13 three13 However13 ours13 will13 be13 unmatched13 in13 size13 scope13 and13 impact
6 continents
9 geographic regions
35 partner institutions
Thousands of youth
Three UNESCO Chairs
It13 will13 cover13 613 conFnents13 913 geographic13 regions13 3513 partner13 insFtuFons13 (and13 growing13 weekly)13 thousands13 of13 youth13 and13 three13 UNESCO13 Chairs13 This13 will13 allow13 for13 immediate13 research13 program13 development13 and13 educaFonal13 program13 delivery
hellipa common framework of Community Capacity Building
Youth Development and Conflict Mitigationhellip
The13 network13 will13 be13 led13 by13 three13 UNESCO13 Chairs13 at13 three13 interrelated13 mulFdisciplinary13
20
centers13 the13 Child13 and13 Family13 Research13 Centre13 (NUI13 Galway)13 UNESCO13 Centre13 for13 Research13 on13 Children13 and13 Youth13 (University13 of13 Ulster)13 and13 the13 planned13 UNESCO13 InsAtute13 for13 G lobal13 Humanitar ian13 Development13 (Penn13 State)13 The13 three13 bring13 together13 nearly13 20013 of13 the13 worldrsquos13 best13 researchers13 teachers13 and13 program13 developers
The13 network13 will13 have13 a13 common13 framework13 of13 Community13 Capacity13 Building13 Youth13 Development13 and13 Conflict13 MiFgaFon13 but13 will13 pursue13 specialized13 projects13 on13 health13 and13 well-shy‐being13 educaFon13 and13 literacy13 social13 and13 economic13 development13 the13 physical13 sciences13 agricultural13 development13 civil13 engineering13 and13 many13 other13 areas13 as13 they13 emerge13 We13 will13 be13 able13 to13 conduct13
internaFonal13 comparaFve13 research13 design13 programs13 and13 deliver13 them13 worldwide13 in13 a13 maer13 of13 months13 -shy‐13 not13 years13 as13 is13 oen13 the13 case13 Think13 of13 the13 potenFal
With13 not13 much13 work13 we13 can13 reach13 1000013 kids13 and13 100013 communiFes13 in13 the13 next13 few13 years13 1000013 kids13 and13 communiFes13 who13 see13 a13 brighter13 future13 are13 contribuFng13 members13 of13 society13 lead13 producFve13 and13 safe13 lives13 and13 take13 on13 ownership13 of13 local13 life13 With13 your13 help13 and13 some13 hard13 work13 we13 can13 triple13 the13 number13 of13 youth13 and13 communiFes13 we13 can13 reach
UNITWIN13 goes13 live13 in13 April13 Itrsquos13 already13 growing13 beyond13 our13 control13 Itrsquos13 a13 game13 changer13 and13 once13 in13 a13 lifeFme13 opportunity13 13 Itrsquos13 going13 to13 be13 our13 legacy13 and13 we13 have13 a13 seat13 at13 the13 table13 for13 you
21
The13 second13 big13 item13 focuses13 on13 idenAfying13 the13 best13 pracAces13 for13 youth13 and13 community13 developmenthellipworldwide
Today13 we13 redefine13 global13 comparaFve13 research13 There13 are13 lots13 of13 people13 doing13 great13 and13 effecFve13 work13 worldwide13 We13 are13 going13 to13 begin13 a13 long-shy‐term13 research13 program13 to13 idenFfy13 these13 best13 pracFces13 in13 all13 locaFons13 but13 with13 a13 strong13 focus13 on13 rural13 areas
But13 you13 might13 ask13 why13 There13 is13 an13 increasing13 lsquoyouth13 bulgersquo13 that13 exists13 alongside13 a13 heavy13 dependence13 on13 agriculture13 in13 the13 developing13 world13 The13 UN13 has13 documented13 this13 with13 nearly13 half13 of13 the13 worldrsquos13 populaFon13 residing13 in13 rural13 areas
Over13 9013 of13 all13 rural13 residents13 live13 in13 less13 developed13 regions
Equally13 important13 almost13 a13 third13 of13 the13 world13 populalton13 is13 age13 1513 or13 younger13 and13 half13 are13 under13 age13 2513
8513 of13 all13 youth13 live13 in13 less13 developed13 countries
This13 reality13 creates13 an13 environment13 where13 the13 acltve13 engagement13 of13 communiltes13 is13 essenltal13 to13 future13 growth13 and13 development
Another13 really13 cool13 part13 of13 this13 research13 focuses13 on13 building13 partnerships13 We13 work13 to13 build13 capacity13 and13 partnerships13 through13 North-shy‐South13 and13 South-shy‐South13 partnerships13 that13 shape13 regional13 capacity13 We13 re13 already13 seeing13 great13 things13 such13 as13 in13 Kenya13 and13 Zambia13 where13 we13 have13 linked13 programs13 that13 are13 working13 together13 like13 crazy
Through13 the13 UNESCO13 Chair13 program13 we13 will13 link13 organizaFons13 in13 2513 countries13 to13 share13 resources13 best13 pracFces13 and13 experFse13
22
create13 a13 dynamic13 series13 of13 partnerships13 in13 the13 Global13 South13 and13 form13 a13 community13 of13 naFons13 focused13 on13 youth13 and13 development13 of13 civil13 society
T h i r d 13 i s13 ou r13 G l oba l13 Edu caAona l13 Programming
Today13 we13 revoluFonize13 global13 educaFon13 13 We13 are13 planning13 a13 global13 educaFonal13 program13 focusing13 on13 leadership13 and13 community13 building13 across13 the13 life13 span13 13 Included13 are13 courses13 in13 leadership13 skills13 c o m m u n i t y13 c a p a c i t y13 b u i l d i n g 13 entrepreneurship13 and13 small13 business13 development13 posiFve13 youth13 development13 conflict13 miFgaFon13 and13 many13 others13 areas
Penn13 State13 is13 a13 leader13 in13 distance13 educaFon13 13 It13 recently13 dedicated13 major13 resources13 to13 MOOCs13 Massive13 Open13 Online13 Courses13 13
What13 this13 means13 is13 if13 a13 ciFzen13 of13 this13 planet13 has13 access13 to13 the13 internet13 to13 an13 internet13 cafeacute13 or13 even13 a13 cell13 phone13 they13 will13 be13 provided13 with13 Col lege13 courses13 and13 instrucFonal13 materials
Yoursquore13 asking13 how13 much13 will13 these13 cost13 right13 Thatrsquos13 a13 great13 quesFon13 How13 does13 free13 sound13 Wersquove13 got13 it13 covered13 All13 we13 ask13 is13 that13 you13 take13 the13 knowledge13 and13 skills13 and13 use13 them13 to13 make13 life13 beer13 The13 best13 courses13 in13 the13 world13 taught13 by13 the13 best13 faculty13 Free13 of13 charge13
Distributed13 through13 Penn13 State13 and13 the13 global13 UNESCO13 network13 If13 people13 need13 more13 than13 the13 basic13 knowledge13 base13 we13 can13 do13 that13 too13 CerFficates13 and13 even13 degree13 programs13 at13 all13 levels13 with13 costs13 to13 be13 covered13 by13 foundaFons13 and13 internaFonal13
23
development13 agencies13 Just13 think13 of13 the13 potenFals13 for13 primary13 and13 secondary13 schools13 and13 for13 educators13 in13 the13 developing13 world13 13 Think13 of13 the13 life13 changing13 impacts13 for13 a13 young13 girl13 in13 rural13 Zambia13 a13 street13 child13 in13 Kenya13 and13 a13 young13 farm13 worker13 in13 Cambodia13 Itrsquos13 beyond13 belief13 and13 uerly13 amazing13 13 It13 changes13 everything
So13 those13 are13 three13 of13 the13 big13 things13 that13 are13 happening13 now13 We13 have13 lots13 more13 in13 the13 works13 and13 ready13 to13 launch13 These13 and13 other13 efforts13 will13 help13 us13 realize13 our13 dreams13 of13 a13 beer13 world13 Come13 be13 part13 of13 all13 of13 these13 13 We13 can13 pick13 some13 great13 fights13 together13 I13 promise13 itrsquoll13 be13 awesome13 and13 wersquoll13 do13 miraculous13 things
The key to this is you
Be13 Part13 of13 the13 Journey
We13 WILL13 do13 all13 of13 the13 things13 I13 menFoned13 13 And13 much13 much13 more13 The13 key13 to13 this13 is13 you13 13 Yoursquove13 been13 asked13 to13 be13 here13 today13 because13 we13 know13 you13 will13 fight13 for13 social13 jusFce13 We13 need13 you13 to13 help13 us13 raise13 awareness13 to13 help13 develop13 programs13 and13 research13 and13 help13 us13 find13 funding13 to13 ensure13 this13 is13 a13 reality
If13 you13 think13 about13 it13 there13 is13 no13 beer13 place13 than13 here13 to13 begin13 our13 journey13 Lest13 we13 forget13 we13 are13 in13 Pennsylvania13 This13 place13 that13 saw13 the13 birth13 of13 the13 Molly13 McGuires13 the13 original13 union13 movements13 and13 the13 knights13 of13 labor13 It13 was13 where13 Milton13 Eisenhower13 dreamed13 of13 the
If13 you13 think13 about13 it13 there13 is13 no13 beer13 place13 than13 here13 to13 begin13 our13 journey13 Lest13 we13 forget13 we13 are13 in13 Pennsylvania13 This13 place13 that13
24
saw13 the13 birth13 of13 the13 Molly13 McGuires13 the13 original13 union13 movements13 and13 the13 knights13 of13 labor13 It13 was13 where13 Milton13 Eisenhower13 dreamed13 of13 the13 potenFals13 of13 UNESCO13 13 Where13 Benjamin13 Franklin13 found13 the13 Pennsylvania13 AboliFonist13 Society13 seeking13 to13 end13 slavery13 Where13 our13 founding13 fathers13 conceived13 more13 than13 a13 naFon13 but13 the13 idea13 of13 L ife13 L iberty13 and13 the13 pursuit13 of13 Happiness-shy‐-shy‐-shy‐not13 just13 for13 us13 but13 for13 our13 fellow13 ciFzens13 of13 the13 world13 All13 of13 these13 people13 have13 passed13 the13 torch13 to13 us13 today13 13 Let13 us13 make13 them13 proud13 in13 conFnuing13 their13 quest13 for13 social13 jusFce13 for13 equality13 and13 for13 creaFng13 a13 beer13 world
Now13 is13 our13 moment13 13 Of13 all13 the13 opportuniFes13 out13 there13 none13 have13 greater13 potenFal13 for13 immediate13 and13 long13 term13 impacts13 than13
e du caFon 13 t h e13 t r a n s fo rmaFon13 o f13 communiFes13 empowerment13 of13 the13 excluded13 and13 the13 posiFve13 development13 of13 youth13 None13 Absolutely13 none
Now13 I13 know13 we13 hear13 inspiraFonal13 speeches13 a13 lot13 We13 are13 always13 being13 asked13 to13 open13 our13 hearts13 and13 then13 our13 checkbooks13 3But13 this13 is13 different13 We13 have13 never13 before13 had13 such13 structures13 partners13 and13 resources13 to13 make13 our13 dreams13 a13 reality
hellipthere will be those outside that will tell us that the world is too big
too corrupthellip
I13 know13 we13 are13 all13 Fred13 overworked13 and13 maybe13 a13 bit13 cynical13 of13 all13 this13 I13 know13 there13 will13 be13 those13 outside13 of13 here13 that13 will13 tell13 us13 that13 the13 world13 is13 too13 big13 too13 corrupt13 that13 the13 vicFms13 deserve13 their13 low13 lots13 in13 life13 and13
25
that13 maybe13 for13 the13 sake13 of13 our13 careers13 we13 really13 should13 look13 busy13 while13 doing13 nothing13 But13 Irsquom13 asking13 you13 today13 to13 try13 one13 more13 Fme13 Take13 one13 more13 leap13 of13 faith13 I13 promise13 we13 wonrsquot13 let13 you13 down13 I13 promise13 that13 wersquoll13 be13 part13 of13 something13 legendary13 together
Nonetheless13 as13 you13 quesFon13 our13 ability13 to13 really13 change13 the13 world13 I13 would13 simply13 ask13 you13 to13 remember13 back13 to13 our13 younger13 days13 when13 we13 were13 absolutely13 certain13 that13 we13 could13 do13 it13 13 We13 were13 right13 13 You13 were13 right13 13 You13 were13 right13 and13 your13 dreams13 are13 sFll13 out13 there
I13 want13 to13 share13 one13 last13 story13 13 I13 recently13 read13 a13 wonderful13 essay13 by13 Joseph13 Laplin13 looking13 back13 on13 the13 55th13 Anniversary13 of13 Jack13 Kerouacrsquos13 legendary13 novel13 On13 the13 Road13 13 This13 was13 a13 novel13 that13 sent13 many13 young13 people13
(including13 myself)13 out13 on13 that13 road13 of13 discovery13 in13 search13 of13 the13 limitless13 possibiliFes13 beyond13 our13 hometowns13 13 A13 book13 that13 mandated13 the13 quesFoning13 authority13 the13 quesFoning13 of13 social13 convenFons13 and13 the13 challenging13 of13 the13 moral13 blinds13 spots13 of13 our13 age13 For13 me13 this13 book13 was13 magical
Laplinrsquos13 essay13 took13 aim13 at13 those13 of13 us13 who13 have13 grown13 up13 become13 established13 and13 think13 wersquove13 grown13 wiser13 Especially13 those13 of13 us13 who13 now13 dismiss13 Kerouac13 and13 this13 novel13 that13 once13 inspired13 us13 as13 idealisFc13 childish13 and13 ridiculously13 naiumlve13 in13 its13 call13 for13 social13 change13 But13 Laplin13 had13 a13 wonderfully13 reacFon13 to13 such13 people13 Here13 is13 what13 he13 said
ldquoPerhaps13 these13 people13 never13 took13 to13 or13 went13 back13 on13 the13 road13 -shy‐13 due13 to13 fear13 or13 family13 -shy‐13 and13
26
therefore13 can13 no13 longer13 revisit13 Kerouacrsquos13 work13 Perhaps13 itrsquos13 hard13 to13 even13 look13 at13 his13 wriltng13 because13 readers13 are13 actually13 looking13 at13 themselves13 And13 itrsquos13 easier13 to13 say13 well13 Kerouacrsquos13 naive13 than13 to13 say13 I13 missed13 out13 on13 something13 Maybe13 some13 readers13 have13 given13 up13 on13 the13 search13 for13 beauty13 and13 spirituality13 or13 realized13 that13 theyrsquore13 not13 one13 of13 those13 people13 who13 lsquoburn13 burn13 burn13 like13 fabulous13 yellow13 roman13 candlesrsquo13 and13 that13 knowledge13 is13 painfulrdquo
I13 want13 to13 state13 it13 again13 You13 were13 right13 when13 you13 once13 thought13 we13 would13 change13 the13 world13 And13 you13 are13 sFll13 right13 Your13 dreams13 of13 a13 fair13 equal13 and13 just13 world13 are13 sFll13 out13 there13 and13 together13 we13 will13 reclaim13 them13 and13 make13 them13 a13 reality
hellipin the not too distant future you can put your children and
grandchildren on your knee and tell them about once upon a time
I13 say13 this13 not13 to13 preach13 to13 you13 or13 guilt13 you13 into13 acFon13 I13 just13 want13 to13 put13 it13 into13 perspecFve13 and13 ask13 you13 to13 be13 part13 of13 this13 journey13 If13 we13 live13 up13 to13 our13 ideals13 and13 commitments13 in13 the13 not13 too13 distant13 future13 you13 can13 put13 your13 children13 and13 grandchildren13 on13 your13 knee13 and13 tell13 them13 about13 once13 upon13 a13 Fme13 Once13 upon13 a13 Fme13 when13 educaFon13 was13 only13 for13 the13 privileged13 few13 When13 women13 were13 treated13 as13 second13 class13 ciFzens13 When13 injusFce13 and13 inequality13 were13 the13 standard13 And13 when13 communiFes13 were13 constantly13 trampled13 on13 by13 outside13 interests13 Most13 importantly13 you13 can13 tell13 them13 that13 you13 were13 part13 of13 fixing13 it13 That13 the13 world13 is13 a13 far13 beer13 place13 because13 of13 what13 we13 did13 That13
27
they13 have13 a13 great13 bright13 future13 because13 of13 our13 bold13 efforts13 that13 began13 today13 With13 such13 potenFals13 and13 possibiliFes13 at13 hand13 how13 can13 we13 ever13 explain13 to13 them13 our13 inacFon13 or13 how13 we13 stood13 by13 and13 let13 appalling13 things13 conFnue
As13 we13 close13 I13 want13 to13 ask13 a13 few13 final13 quesFons13 There13 are13 many13 places13 to13 put13 your13 efforts
But13 if13 not13 the13 thousands13 of13 communiAes13 we13 can13 help13 then13 where
If13 not13 the13 billions13 of13 young13 people13 we13 can13 empower13 to13 have13 beMer13 lives13 then13 who
And13 if13 now13 is13 not13 the13 Ame13 for13 bold13 daring13 and13 nearly13 miraculous13 acAons13 then13 when
hellipthe honor is only eclipsed by the responsibility this opportunity
brings with it
If13 you13 need13 proof13 of13 miracles13 than13 look13 no13 further13 than13 this13 stage13 Here13 you13 have13 a13 former13 (or13 perhaps13 not13 so13 former)13 punk13 from13 rural13 Pennsylvania13 of13 Irish13 descent13 standing13 before13 you13 accepFng13 one13 of13 our13 greatest13 honors13 Itrsquos13 absolutely13 humbling13 And13 the13 honor13 is13 only13 eclipsed13 by13 the13 responsibility13 this13 opportunity13 brings13 with13 it13 But13 itrsquos13 not13 inFmidaFng13 Not13 at13 all13 Because13 I13 know13 WE13 are13 in13 this13 together13 And13 for13 all13 of13 this13 I13 will13 be13 forever13 grateful13 to13 you13 for13 sharing13 this13 wonderful13 day13 and13 being13 part13 of13 this13 journey13 that13 will13 transform13 the13 world
Thank13 you13 all13 very13 very13 much
28
CHAPTER13 5
Contact USConnect13 with13 us13 on13 social13 media
unescochairpennstate
unescochairpsu
unescochairpsu
Call13 Write13 or13 Visit
Dr13 Mark13 Brennan204C13 Ferguson13 BuildingUniversity13 Park13 PA13 16802Phone13 1-shy‐814-shy‐863-shy‐0387Email13 unescochairpsueduWeb13 wwwunescochairpsuedu
UNESCO Chair in Rural Community
Leadership and Youth Development
The Pennsylvania State University
United Nations
(GXFDWLRQDO6FLHQWLiquestFDQGCultural Organization
ourselves13 and13 our13 children13 it13 is13 something13 that13 we13 need13 but13 stopped13 understanding13 why
Not13 so13 in13 the13 developing13 world13 where13 even13 young13 children13 are13 excited13 honored13 and13 enthusiasFc13 about13 the13 prospect13 of13 going13 to13 a13 one-shy‐room13 schoolhouse13 with13 next13 to13 no13 resources13 They13 understand13 what13 we13 have13 forgoen13 They13 understand13 what13 our13 grandparents13 held13 so13 dear13 13 EducaFon13 is13 the13 single13 most13 important13 thing13 we13 can13 aain13 It13 is13 the13 single13 greatest13 gi13 that13 we13 can13 give13 13 And13 if13 we13 have13 one13 chance13 of13 having13 beer13 lives13 it13 all13 comes13 through13 the13 doors13 that13 educaFon13 open13
Irsquom13 sure13 you13 are13 asking13 how13 so13 Well13 the13 facts13 speak13 volumes13 There13 are13 countless13 ones13 but13 here13 are13 a13 few13 examples
Letrsquos13 start13 with13 general13 educa2on13
If13 all13 students13 in13 low13 income13 countries13 obtained13 just13 basic13 reading13 skills13 Basic13 reading13 skills13 17013 million13 people13 could13 be13 liFed13 out13 of13 poverty13 This13 is13 equal13 to13 a13 1213 cut13 in13 global13 poverty13 Just13 by13 providing13 basic13 reading13 skills
How13 about13 the13 connec2on13 between13 educa2on13 and13 health
Life13 expectancy13 has13 gone13 up13 for13 most13 people13 in13 the13 past13 couple13 of13 decades13 The13 increase13 has13 been13 largest13 for13 people13 with13 the13 most13 educalton13 There13 has13 been13 one13 exceplton13 13 Those13 without13 a13 high13 school13 diploma13 have13 actually13 experienced13 a13 decrease13 in13 life13 expectancy
But13 how13 about13 really13 moving13 the13 human13 race13 forward13 Because13 of13 these13 gender13 equity13 is13 close13 to13 home13 for13 me13 EducaFon13 is13
6
the13 key13 to13 womenrsquos13 rights13 equality13 and13 13 13 13 community13 building
How13 important13 do13 you13 think13 Well13 for13 13 13 13 13 13 example
Countries13 lose13 more13 than13 $113 billion13 a13 year13 by13 failing13 to13 educate13 girls13 to13 the13 same13 level13 as13 boys
One13 addiltonal13 year13 of13 schooling13 beyond13 primary13 school13 reduces13 the13 probability13 of13 becoming13 a13 young13 mother13 by13 almost13 10
A13 child13 whose13 mother13 can13 read13 is13 5013 more13 likely13 to13 live13 past13 age13 513
In13 sub-shy‐Saharan13 Africa13 alone13 approximately13 213 million13 childrenrsquos13 lives13 could13 be13 saved13 every13 year13 if13 their13 mothers13 had13 at13 least13 a13 secondary13 educaFon13 How13 many13 Einsteinrsquos13 Steve13 Jobs13 Gandhirsquos13 or13 Da13 Vincirsquos13 never13 got13
the13 chance13 to13 beer13 the13 world13 because13 of13 this13 We13 need13 them13 now13 more13 than13 ever
Nonetheless13 almost13 two-shy‐thirds13 of13 the13 worldrsquos13 80013 million13 illiterate13 adults13 are13 women13 They13 are13 the13 foundaFons13 of13 civil13 13 13 society13 13 And13 we13 need13 to13 invest13 in13 them
This is about half of the amount Europeans and Americans spend on
ice cream annually
All13 of13 this13 has13 to13 costs13 a13 lot13 right13 How13 much13 do13 you13 think13 10013 trillion13 113 trillion13 No13 13 For13 $1613 billion13 a13 year13 in13 aid13 we13 can13 send13 all13 children13 to13 school13 in13 low-shy‐income13 countries13 13 A13 lot13 Sure13 This13 is13 about13 half13 of13 the13 amount13 Europeans13 and13 Americans13 spend13 on13 ice13 cream13 annually13 It13 is13 two13 less13 fighter13 jets13 in13 the13 US13 arsenal13 It13 is13 $113 a13 month13 for13 each13 ciFzen13 of13 the13 G713 naFons
7
Itrsquos13 the13 right13 thing13 to13 do13 This13 is13 not13 about13 charity13 This13 is13 about13 jusFce13 InvesFng13 in13 educaFon13 is13 more13 effecFve13 cheaper13 and13 leads13 to13 the13 best13 development13 outcomes13 We13 have13 a13 large13 body13 of13 knowledge13 that13 backs13 this13 up
Let13 me13 share13 one13 more13 example13 Chris13 Aredo13 from13 Kenya13 Chris13 had13 a13 normal13 childhood13 unFl13 the13 age13 of13 1213 years13 when13 he13 was13 orphaned13 He13 found13 himself13 living13 in13 the13 rough13 streets13 of13 Nairobi13 scavenging13 and13 stealing13 to13 survive13 He13 lived13 this13 way13 for13 six13 years13 13 I13 donrsquot13 think13 many13 of13 us13 in13 this13 room13 certainly13 myself13 are13 that13 tough13 or13 strong13
Aer13 613 years13 he13 was13 enrolled13 in13 the13 NaFonal13 Youth13 Service13 which13 is13 a13 boot-shy‐camp13 providing13 basic13 vocaFonal13 skills13 Shortly13 thereaer13 he13 met13 Paul13 Maina13 who13 was13 beginning13 to13 form13 the13 Child13 and13 Youth13 Empowerment13 Center
Chris13 joined13 Paul13 and13 in13 late13 200613 the13 Center13 opened13 Here13 Chris13 had13 an13 opportunity13 to13 help13 shape13 beer13 lives13 for13 young13 people13 He13 also13 had13 the13 opportunity13 to13 travel13 to13 Germany13 where13 the13 importance13 of13 educaFon13 became13 even13 more13 evident13 to13 him13 Upon13 his13 return13 he13 enrolled13 in13 high13 school13 which13 he13 quickly13 completed13 With13 the13 assistance13 of13 the13 Centrersquos13 support13 network13 he13 was13 able13 to13 enroll13 in13 University13 and13 will13 receive13 his13 BS13 degree13 this13 coming13 December13 in13 Bus iness13 I nformaFon13
8
Technology13 Chris13 has13 been13 the13 Chairperson13 of13 the13 Universityrsquos13 chapter13 of13 the13 Red13 Cross13 Club13 and13 president13 of13 InternaFonal13 AssociaFon13 of13 Students13 in13 Economic13 and13 Commercial13 Sciences13 He13 is13 part13 of13 the13 UNESCO13 sponsored13 youth13 leadership13 development13 program13 as13 a13 mentor13 facilitator13 and13 community13 leader
I13 menFon13 his13 story13 not13 as13 a13 feel13 good13 moment13 Though13 it13 certainly13 is13 I13 menFon13 it13 because13 it13 highlights13 the13 common13 human13 condiFon13 If13 provided13 with13 the13 opportunity13 for13 learning13 and13 educaFon13 people13 will13 seize13 the13 moment13 Through13 a13 small13 investment13 and13 his13 hard13 work13 Chrisrsquos13 life13 and13 those13 of13 others13 were13 transformed13 In13 less13 than13 ten13 years13 from13 a13 homeless13 street13 youth13 to13 a13 high13 school13 graduate13 to13 a13 college13 graduate13
to13 a13 leader13 acFvist13 and13 agent13 of13 change13 13 Think13 how13 tough13 determined13 resilient13 he13 is13 -shy‐13 and13 he13 is13 not13 terribly13 unusual13 Hersquos13 the13 kind13 of13 person13 I13 want13 on13 my13 teams13 If13 you13 give13 me13 him13 and13 2013 others13 like13 him13 we13 will13 make13 history13 Also13 remember13 there13 are13 more13 than13 a13 billion13 youth13 like13 Chris13 out13 there13 and13 just13 think13 of13 the13 impacts13 of13 reaching13 a13 fracFon13 of13 them13 or13 even13 beer13 yet13 th ink13 o f13 empowering13 them13 all
EducaFon13 is13 power13 and13 sets13 the13 stage13 for13 strong13 communiFes13 that13 take13 care13 of13 their13 own13 needs13 This13 focus13 on13 EducaFon13 for13 All13 will13 be13 a13 cornerstone13 of13 our13 work13 and13 thatrsquos13 the13 first13 thing13 I13 wanted13 to13 share13 with13 you13 today
9
CHAPTER13 3
Realizing Engaged CommunitiesThe13 second13 thing13 I13 want13 to13 share13 with13 you13 is13 the13 importance13 of13 community13 13 Just13 like13 educaFon13 community13 shapes13 producFve13 and13 stable13 lives13 just13 in13 a13 different13 way13 Combining13 the13 two13 is13 magical13 in13 their13 impactBut13 why13 th ink13 about13 commun i ty13 Community13 contributes13 to13 individual13 family13 and13 social13 well13 being13 13 It13 is13 our13 first13 contact13 with13 the13 world13 beyond13 the13 family13 It13 is13 the13 sedng13 for13 socializaFon13 our13 insFtuFons13 and13
the13 development13 of13 rules13 and13 culture
hellipthink about community as one big relationship
Community13 establishes13 and13 maintains13 channels13 of13 communicaFon13 and13 interacFon13 13 I13 always13 tell13 my13 undergraduate13 and13 graduate13 students13 to13 think13 about13 community13 as13 one13 big13 relaFonship13 Think13 about13 what13 happens13 in13 your13 relaFonships13 Itrsquos13 the13 same13 with13 community13 When13 you13 first13 meet13 you13 commun i ca te13 con s tan t l y13 i n te ra c t13 conFnuously13 and13 do13 everything13 together13 As13 Fme13 goes13 on13 the13 communicaFon13 and13 interacFon13 become13 less13 frequent13 And13 as13 we13 all13 know13 it13 someFmes13 is13 not13 long13 before13 problems13 occur13 Where13 mountains13 are13 made13 out13 of13 mole13 hills13 and13 relaFonships13 become13 strained13 someFmes13 to13 the13 point13 of13 breaking13 13
The13 same13 is13 true13 in13 communiFes13 It13 involves13 more13 people13 and13 is13 a13 bit13 messier13 but13 the13 process13 and13 structure13 is13 the13 same13 Just13 as13 in13 our13 relaFonships13 we13 need13 to13 constantly13 be13 working13 to13 maintain13 community
Oen13 during13 presidenFal13 elecFons13 I13 ask13 my13 students13 to13 count13 the13 number13 of13 Fmes13 that13 community13 is13 said13 during13 debates13 and13 speeches13 In13 these13 sedngs13 where13 every13 word13 counts13 and13 costs13 money13 it13 is13 common13 for13 the13 term13 community13 to13 be13 menFoned13 dozens13 of13 Fmes13 in13 an13 hour13 long13 speech13 13 Why13 though13 I t rsquos13 an13 amazing13 idea13 community13 Itrsquos13 tremendously13 powerful13 It13 bring13 up13 all13 those13 warm13 and13 fuzzy13 images13 -shy‐13 real13 and13 imagined13 -shy‐13 of13 what13 life13 was13 like13 or13 could13 be
11
The impacts outcomes and potentials of community are real
tangible and measurable
Now13 before13 you13 think13 me13 an13 academic13 hippy13 or13 that13 Irsquom13 advocaFng13 for13 free13 love13 and13 touchy13 feely13 ideas13 this13 is13 not13 the13 case13 at13 all13 13 The13 impacts13 outcomes13 and13 potenFals13 of13 community13 are13 rea l 13 tangib le 13 and13 measurable13 13 Strong13 communiFes13 are13 more13 resilient13 adapFve13 and13 less13 likely13 to13 be13 explo i ted13 They13 connect13 res idents 13 insFtuFons13 organizaFons13 to13 each13 other13 13 They13 promote13 stability13 have13 less13 crime13 and13 show13 increase13 local13 well-shy‐being13 They13 increase13 involvement13 in13 local13 decision-shy‐making13 and13 parFcipatory13 democracy
There13 are13 also13 tremendous13 personal13 impacts13 Community13 enhances13 our13 social13
psychological13 and13 emoFonal13 development13 13 It13 promotes13 civic13 responsibility13 which13 is13 a13 commitment13 to13 helping13 others13 It13 increases13 cultural13 understanding13 and13 empathy13 13 It13 provides13 life13 skills13 such13 as13 criFcal13 thinking13 interpersonal13 leadership13 and13 conflict13 resoluFon13 skills13
Tremendous things happen when people care about each other and
the place they live in
This13 is13 an13 impressive13 list13 that13 is13 by13 no13 means13 complete13 We13 have13 mountains13 of13 research13 data13 program13 evaluaFons13 thousands13 of13 books13 and13 journal13 arFcles13 to13 prove13 that13 this13 is13 the13 case13 Even13 beer13 wersquove13 studied13 this13 process13 across13 the13 world13 I t rsquos13 true13 everywhere13 The13 condiFons13 and13 context13 might13 be13 a13 lile13 different13 but13 one13 thing13
12
holds13 true13 tremendous13 things13 happen13 when13 people13 care13 about13 each13 other13 and13 the13 place13 they13 live13 in13 This13 is13 not13 an13 idea13 This13 is13 not13 a13 plan13 This13 IS13 fact13 Strong13 communiFes13 equal13 stable13 civil13 and13 just13 socieFes
For13 me13 the13 need13 for13 community13 is13 close13 to13 home13 I13 was13 born13 and13 raised13 in13 a13 small13 town13 in13 northeastern13 Pennsylvania13 I13 came13 from13 people13 who13 le13 Ireland13 and13 Europe13 seeking13 survival13 All13 of13 these13 are13 absolutely13 great13 places13 Places13 blessed13 by13 amazing13 natural13 resources13 amazingly13 diverse13 cultures13 tremendous13 food13 you13 canrsquot13 imagine13 13 Cultures13 whose13 unique13 experiences13 and13 knowledge13 for13 dealing13 with13 the13 challenges13 of13 daily13 life13 were13 massive13 and13 effecFve13 Places13 rich13 in13 social13 supports13 from13 family13 neighbors13 religions13 and13 schools13 Places13 to13
me13 that13 held13 a13 tremendous13 amount13 of13 magic13 in13 them
For many education became not an opportunity but a painful reminder
of what might have been
But13 you13 know13 as13 the13 musician13 Lou13 Reed13 sang13 there13 is13 a13 bit13 of13 magic13 in13 everything13 -shy‐13 and13 then13 some13 loss13 to13 even13 things13 out13 The13 loss13 in13 these13 areas13 was13 characterized13 by13 exploitaFon13 from13 abusive13 outside13 interests13 13 Abuse13 by13 corporaFons13 and13 governments13 that13 harvested13 local13 natural13 resources13 including13 people13 for13 far13 far13 less13 than13 they13 were13 worth13 13 Places13 where13 youth13 were13 eventually13 forced13 to13 leave13 for13 lack13 of13 opportuniFes13 denied13 their13 righkul13 heritage13 and13 forced13 like13 so13 many13 youth13 worldwide13 to13 become13 the13 nomads13 the13 diasporas13 For13 many13 educaFon13
13
became13 not13 an13 opportunity13 but13 a13 painful13 reminder13 of13 what13 might13 have13 been13 Aer13 all13 why13 bother13 learning13 of13 the13 wonders13 of13 Paris13 Rome13 and13 Tokyo13 when13 the13 odds13 of13 you13 gedng13 to13 there13 were13 as13 good13 gedng13 to13 the13 Moon13 For13 most13 the13 mill13 the13 mine13 and13 oen13 the13 unemployment13 line13 were13 our13 desFny
It was the systematic breakdown of our communities
These13 were13 environments13 where13 ciFzens13 were13 slowly13 convinced13 that13 they13 were13 irrelevant13 That13 there13 was13 no13 need13 to13 act13 or13 be13 involved13 locally13 Convinced13 that13 they13 could13 never13 ever13 make13 a13 difference13 13 In13 truth13 this13 impotence13 was13 not13 the13 result13 of13 the13 IlluminaF13 the13 Freemasons13 the13 wealthy13 or13 whatever13 version13 of13 the13 lsquoManrsquo13 that13 we13
created13 It13 was13 not13 the13 standard13 issue13 boot13 of13 the13 Pinkerton13 Agency13 the13 police13 or13 others13 kicking13 in13 our13 door13 forcing13 us13 to13 be13 compliant13 It13 was13 something13 much13 simpler13 and13 infinitely13 more13 ominous13 Something13 much13 harder13 and13 painful13 to13 admit13 truth13 be13 told13 13 It13 was13 the13 systemaFc13 breakdown13 of13 our13 communiFes13 But13 nonetheless13 we13 were13 the13 lucky13 ones13 From13 Africa13 to13 Southeast13 Asia13 to13 South13 and13 Central13 America13 and13 eastern13 Europe13 these13 condiFons13 would13 be13 eagerly13 welcomed13 in13 the13 face13 of13 war13 genocide13 disease13 and13 extreme13 poverty13
hellipour communities can be brought back to life
But13 Irsquove13 good13 news13 Maybe13 itrsquos13 not13 so13 bad13 13 And13 if13 it13 is13 it13 certainly13 does13 not13 need13 to13 be13 13 We13 actually13 have13 lots13 of13 proof13 that13 our13
14
communiFes13 can13 be13 brought13 back13 to13 life13 13 Wersquove13 tremendous13 evidence13 from13 the13 field13 13 From13 do-shy‐gooding13 idealisFc13 acFvists13 to13 bale13 hardened13 program13 agents13 to13 government13 officials13 From13 shrewd13 business13 interests13 to13 chariFes13 and13 nonprofits13 Capacity13 is13 being13 built13 and13 ciFzens13 of13 all13 ages13 are13 being13 empowered13 but13 parFcularly13 those13 amazing13 agents13 of13 change13 young13 people
To13 understand13 this13 letrsquos13 talk13 a13 bit13 about13 what13 community13 is13 Let13 me13 tell13 you13 about13 a13 good13 way13 to13 think13 of13 it13 an13 interacFve13 approach13 to13 community13 At13 the13 core13 of13 community13 is13 the13 interacFon13 and13 interdependence13 among13 local13 people13 Here13 people13 make13 up13 local13 interest13 groups13 that13 are13 loosely13 bounded13 arenas13 for13 interacFon
All13 of13 these13 seek13 to13 look13 aer13 their13 own13 interests13 Community13 evolves13 as13 members13 of13 these13 very13 different13 groups13 interact13 with13 each13 other13 realizing13 their13 common13 general13 needs13 This13 doesnrsquot13 mean13 we13 give13 up13 who13 we13 are13 or13 sell13 out13 We13 just13 realize13 that13 we13 have13 common13 needs13 and13 that13 we13 can13 work13 together13 to13 overcome13 these
15
As13 groups13 and13 residents13 interact13 what13 has13 come13 to13 be13 known13 as13 community13 agency13 emerges13 Agency13 highlights13 the13 fact13 that13
engagement13 has13 power13 It13 shows13 that13 local13 people13 working13 together13 have13 the13 power13 to13 transform13 and13 change13 society13 13 When13 they13 do13 this13 community13 can13 emerge
I13 want13 to13 stress13 this13 is13 a13 process13 though13 13 Community13 is13 not13 a13 given13 State13 College13 will13 always13 be13 on13 a13 map13 But13 the13 connecFon13 between13 people13 that13 makes13 this13 place13 so13 special13 may13 not13 unless13 we13 work13 at13 it13 Keep13 in13 mind13 that13 community13 is13 a13 variable13 Our13 locality13 is13 always13 changing13 with13 people13 coming13 and13 going13 all13 the13 Fmes13 We13 need13 to13 constantly13 be13 working13 to13 maintain13 our13 connecFon13 to13 it13 and13 welcome13 in13 new13 people13 to13 be13 part13 of13 it13 When13 we13 stop13 interacFng13 communicaFng13 and13 being13 inclusive13 it13 simply13 -shy‐13 and13 quickly13 disappears13 But13 if13 developed13 community13 results13 in13 amazing13 things13 here13 and13 abroad
Let13 me13 give13 you13 some13 examples
Civically13 engaged13 youth13 are13 2213 more13 likely
16
to13 graduate13 from13 college13 than13 those13 that13 did13 not
Civically13 engaged13 youth13 are13 413 ltmes13 less13 likely13 to13 exhibit13 ldquorisky13 behaviorrdquo13 such13 as13 drug13 use13 and13 other13 dangerous13 behaviors13
Youth13 are13 813 ltmes13 more13 likely13 to13 believe13 that13 can13 influence13 decision13 making13 if13 they13 are13 civically13 engaged
This13 is13 important13 The13 fact13 of13 the13 maer13 is13 that13 there13 are13 very13 few13 obstacles13 to13 us13 changing13 the13 world13 Wersquove13 just13 convinced13 ourselves13 that13 we13 canrsquot13 make13 a13 difference13 and13 shouldnrsquot13 act13 This13 is13 largely13 because13 wersquove13 been13 uninvolved13 for13 so13 long13 Wersquove13 forgoen13 how13 to13 act13 and13 be13 engaged
One13 more13 thing13 EducaFon13 and13 Community13 intersect13 in13 a13 big13 way13 Where13 community13 involvement13 and13 educaFon13 are13 low13 the13 odds13
of13 extremism13 gangs13 and13 terrorisFc13 organizaFons13 more13 than13 quadruple
helliphad there been a little more education and community capacity
the extremism would have been stopped in its tracks
This13 was13 brought13 home13 to13 me13 during13 visits13 to13 Cambodia13 over13 the13 years13 Every13 Fme13 I13 go13 make13 a13 pilgrimage13 to13 the13 infamous13 Killing13 Fields13 near13 Phom13 Penh13 At13 their13 naFonal13 Genocide13 Museum13 are13 thousands13 of13 photos13 of13 the13 vicFms13 You13 see13 a13 fracFon13 of13 them13
here13 behind13 me13 But13 of13 all13 of13 these13 -shy‐13 one13 haunts13 me13 I13 bring13 her13 flowers13 every13 year13 I13 donrsquot13 know13 her13 name13
17
No13 one13 does13 But13 I13 canrsquot13 forget13 her13 eyes13 I13 canrsquot13 forget13 that13 had13 there13 been13 a13 lile13 more13 educaFon13 and13 community13 capacity13 the13 extremism13 would13 have13 been13 stopped13 in13 its13 tracks13 She13 and13 several13 million13 other13 Cambodians13 would13 be13 with13 us13 today13 The13 same13 is13 true13 in13 Germany13 Rwanda13 Bosnia13 ArgenFna13 and13 elsewhere13 13 We13 owe13 it13 to13 her13 and13 the13 countless13 others13 to13 build13 strong13 educated13 communiFes13 that13 will13 ensure13 extremism13 does13 not13 take13 root13 and13 run13 rampant
If13 nothing13 else13 remember13 this13 Community13 builds13 capacity13 It13 provides13 structure13 and13 social13 supports13 builds13 empathy13 and13 understanding13 and13 provides13 the13 basis13 for13 acFon13 and13 acFvism13 It13 protects13 against13 poverty13 extremism13 and13 chaos
The13 importance13 and13 central13 role13 of13 community13 will13 be13 the13 other13 cornerstone13 of13 our13 work13 and13 was13 the13 second13 thing13 I13 wanted13 to13 share13 with13 you
18
CHAPTER13 4
Transforming the World Through the UNESCO Chairs Program Wersquove13 been13 looking13 forward13 this13 is13 a13 day13 for13 years13 Because13 every13 now13 and13 then13 an13 opportunity13 comes13 along13 that13 just13 changes13 everything13 Wersquove13 been13 working13 really13 really13
hard13 and13 have13 lots13 of13 plans13 that13 are13 ready13 to13 launch13 I13 want13 to13 share13 three13 of13 them13 that13 we13 are13 really13 excited13 about13 They13 really13 are13 amazing13 and13 beauFful13 creaFons
First13 is13 the13 UNTWIN13 Network13 on13 Youth13 and13 Community13 Development13
With13 this13 we13 reinvent13 the13 idea13 of13 global13 partnerships13 and13 collaboraFon13 UNITWIN13 are13 the13 UN13 university13 twining13 and13 partnership13 networks13 They13 open13 up13 all13 kinds13 of13 opportuniFes13 for13 rapid13 research13 and13 acFon13 and13 funding13 While13 UNESCO13 Chairs13 are13 rare13 UNITWIN13 networks13 are13 even13 more13 so13 13 Only13 two13 exist13 in13 the13 US13 We13 got13 the13 go13 ahead13 from13 UNESCO13 to13 start13 developing13 number13 three13 However13 ours13 will13 be13 unmatched13 in13 size13 scope13 and13 impact
6 continents
9 geographic regions
35 partner institutions
Thousands of youth
Three UNESCO Chairs
It13 will13 cover13 613 conFnents13 913 geographic13 regions13 3513 partner13 insFtuFons13 (and13 growing13 weekly)13 thousands13 of13 youth13 and13 three13 UNESCO13 Chairs13 This13 will13 allow13 for13 immediate13 research13 program13 development13 and13 educaFonal13 program13 delivery
hellipa common framework of Community Capacity Building
Youth Development and Conflict Mitigationhellip
The13 network13 will13 be13 led13 by13 three13 UNESCO13 Chairs13 at13 three13 interrelated13 mulFdisciplinary13
20
centers13 the13 Child13 and13 Family13 Research13 Centre13 (NUI13 Galway)13 UNESCO13 Centre13 for13 Research13 on13 Children13 and13 Youth13 (University13 of13 Ulster)13 and13 the13 planned13 UNESCO13 InsAtute13 for13 G lobal13 Humanitar ian13 Development13 (Penn13 State)13 The13 three13 bring13 together13 nearly13 20013 of13 the13 worldrsquos13 best13 researchers13 teachers13 and13 program13 developers
The13 network13 will13 have13 a13 common13 framework13 of13 Community13 Capacity13 Building13 Youth13 Development13 and13 Conflict13 MiFgaFon13 but13 will13 pursue13 specialized13 projects13 on13 health13 and13 well-shy‐being13 educaFon13 and13 literacy13 social13 and13 economic13 development13 the13 physical13 sciences13 agricultural13 development13 civil13 engineering13 and13 many13 other13 areas13 as13 they13 emerge13 We13 will13 be13 able13 to13 conduct13
internaFonal13 comparaFve13 research13 design13 programs13 and13 deliver13 them13 worldwide13 in13 a13 maer13 of13 months13 -shy‐13 not13 years13 as13 is13 oen13 the13 case13 Think13 of13 the13 potenFal
With13 not13 much13 work13 we13 can13 reach13 1000013 kids13 and13 100013 communiFes13 in13 the13 next13 few13 years13 1000013 kids13 and13 communiFes13 who13 see13 a13 brighter13 future13 are13 contribuFng13 members13 of13 society13 lead13 producFve13 and13 safe13 lives13 and13 take13 on13 ownership13 of13 local13 life13 With13 your13 help13 and13 some13 hard13 work13 we13 can13 triple13 the13 number13 of13 youth13 and13 communiFes13 we13 can13 reach
UNITWIN13 goes13 live13 in13 April13 Itrsquos13 already13 growing13 beyond13 our13 control13 Itrsquos13 a13 game13 changer13 and13 once13 in13 a13 lifeFme13 opportunity13 13 Itrsquos13 going13 to13 be13 our13 legacy13 and13 we13 have13 a13 seat13 at13 the13 table13 for13 you
21
The13 second13 big13 item13 focuses13 on13 idenAfying13 the13 best13 pracAces13 for13 youth13 and13 community13 developmenthellipworldwide
Today13 we13 redefine13 global13 comparaFve13 research13 There13 are13 lots13 of13 people13 doing13 great13 and13 effecFve13 work13 worldwide13 We13 are13 going13 to13 begin13 a13 long-shy‐term13 research13 program13 to13 idenFfy13 these13 best13 pracFces13 in13 all13 locaFons13 but13 with13 a13 strong13 focus13 on13 rural13 areas
But13 you13 might13 ask13 why13 There13 is13 an13 increasing13 lsquoyouth13 bulgersquo13 that13 exists13 alongside13 a13 heavy13 dependence13 on13 agriculture13 in13 the13 developing13 world13 The13 UN13 has13 documented13 this13 with13 nearly13 half13 of13 the13 worldrsquos13 populaFon13 residing13 in13 rural13 areas
Over13 9013 of13 all13 rural13 residents13 live13 in13 less13 developed13 regions
Equally13 important13 almost13 a13 third13 of13 the13 world13 populalton13 is13 age13 1513 or13 younger13 and13 half13 are13 under13 age13 2513
8513 of13 all13 youth13 live13 in13 less13 developed13 countries
This13 reality13 creates13 an13 environment13 where13 the13 acltve13 engagement13 of13 communiltes13 is13 essenltal13 to13 future13 growth13 and13 development
Another13 really13 cool13 part13 of13 this13 research13 focuses13 on13 building13 partnerships13 We13 work13 to13 build13 capacity13 and13 partnerships13 through13 North-shy‐South13 and13 South-shy‐South13 partnerships13 that13 shape13 regional13 capacity13 We13 re13 already13 seeing13 great13 things13 such13 as13 in13 Kenya13 and13 Zambia13 where13 we13 have13 linked13 programs13 that13 are13 working13 together13 like13 crazy
Through13 the13 UNESCO13 Chair13 program13 we13 will13 link13 organizaFons13 in13 2513 countries13 to13 share13 resources13 best13 pracFces13 and13 experFse13
22
create13 a13 dynamic13 series13 of13 partnerships13 in13 the13 Global13 South13 and13 form13 a13 community13 of13 naFons13 focused13 on13 youth13 and13 development13 of13 civil13 society
T h i r d 13 i s13 ou r13 G l oba l13 Edu caAona l13 Programming
Today13 we13 revoluFonize13 global13 educaFon13 13 We13 are13 planning13 a13 global13 educaFonal13 program13 focusing13 on13 leadership13 and13 community13 building13 across13 the13 life13 span13 13 Included13 are13 courses13 in13 leadership13 skills13 c o m m u n i t y13 c a p a c i t y13 b u i l d i n g 13 entrepreneurship13 and13 small13 business13 development13 posiFve13 youth13 development13 conflict13 miFgaFon13 and13 many13 others13 areas
Penn13 State13 is13 a13 leader13 in13 distance13 educaFon13 13 It13 recently13 dedicated13 major13 resources13 to13 MOOCs13 Massive13 Open13 Online13 Courses13 13
What13 this13 means13 is13 if13 a13 ciFzen13 of13 this13 planet13 has13 access13 to13 the13 internet13 to13 an13 internet13 cafeacute13 or13 even13 a13 cell13 phone13 they13 will13 be13 provided13 with13 Col lege13 courses13 and13 instrucFonal13 materials
Yoursquore13 asking13 how13 much13 will13 these13 cost13 right13 Thatrsquos13 a13 great13 quesFon13 How13 does13 free13 sound13 Wersquove13 got13 it13 covered13 All13 we13 ask13 is13 that13 you13 take13 the13 knowledge13 and13 skills13 and13 use13 them13 to13 make13 life13 beer13 The13 best13 courses13 in13 the13 world13 taught13 by13 the13 best13 faculty13 Free13 of13 charge13
Distributed13 through13 Penn13 State13 and13 the13 global13 UNESCO13 network13 If13 people13 need13 more13 than13 the13 basic13 knowledge13 base13 we13 can13 do13 that13 too13 CerFficates13 and13 even13 degree13 programs13 at13 all13 levels13 with13 costs13 to13 be13 covered13 by13 foundaFons13 and13 internaFonal13
23
development13 agencies13 Just13 think13 of13 the13 potenFals13 for13 primary13 and13 secondary13 schools13 and13 for13 educators13 in13 the13 developing13 world13 13 Think13 of13 the13 life13 changing13 impacts13 for13 a13 young13 girl13 in13 rural13 Zambia13 a13 street13 child13 in13 Kenya13 and13 a13 young13 farm13 worker13 in13 Cambodia13 Itrsquos13 beyond13 belief13 and13 uerly13 amazing13 13 It13 changes13 everything
So13 those13 are13 three13 of13 the13 big13 things13 that13 are13 happening13 now13 We13 have13 lots13 more13 in13 the13 works13 and13 ready13 to13 launch13 These13 and13 other13 efforts13 will13 help13 us13 realize13 our13 dreams13 of13 a13 beer13 world13 Come13 be13 part13 of13 all13 of13 these13 13 We13 can13 pick13 some13 great13 fights13 together13 I13 promise13 itrsquoll13 be13 awesome13 and13 wersquoll13 do13 miraculous13 things
The key to this is you
Be13 Part13 of13 the13 Journey
We13 WILL13 do13 all13 of13 the13 things13 I13 menFoned13 13 And13 much13 much13 more13 The13 key13 to13 this13 is13 you13 13 Yoursquove13 been13 asked13 to13 be13 here13 today13 because13 we13 know13 you13 will13 fight13 for13 social13 jusFce13 We13 need13 you13 to13 help13 us13 raise13 awareness13 to13 help13 develop13 programs13 and13 research13 and13 help13 us13 find13 funding13 to13 ensure13 this13 is13 a13 reality
If13 you13 think13 about13 it13 there13 is13 no13 beer13 place13 than13 here13 to13 begin13 our13 journey13 Lest13 we13 forget13 we13 are13 in13 Pennsylvania13 This13 place13 that13 saw13 the13 birth13 of13 the13 Molly13 McGuires13 the13 original13 union13 movements13 and13 the13 knights13 of13 labor13 It13 was13 where13 Milton13 Eisenhower13 dreamed13 of13 the
If13 you13 think13 about13 it13 there13 is13 no13 beer13 place13 than13 here13 to13 begin13 our13 journey13 Lest13 we13 forget13 we13 are13 in13 Pennsylvania13 This13 place13 that13
24
saw13 the13 birth13 of13 the13 Molly13 McGuires13 the13 original13 union13 movements13 and13 the13 knights13 of13 labor13 It13 was13 where13 Milton13 Eisenhower13 dreamed13 of13 the13 potenFals13 of13 UNESCO13 13 Where13 Benjamin13 Franklin13 found13 the13 Pennsylvania13 AboliFonist13 Society13 seeking13 to13 end13 slavery13 Where13 our13 founding13 fathers13 conceived13 more13 than13 a13 naFon13 but13 the13 idea13 of13 L ife13 L iberty13 and13 the13 pursuit13 of13 Happiness-shy‐-shy‐-shy‐not13 just13 for13 us13 but13 for13 our13 fellow13 ciFzens13 of13 the13 world13 All13 of13 these13 people13 have13 passed13 the13 torch13 to13 us13 today13 13 Let13 us13 make13 them13 proud13 in13 conFnuing13 their13 quest13 for13 social13 jusFce13 for13 equality13 and13 for13 creaFng13 a13 beer13 world
Now13 is13 our13 moment13 13 Of13 all13 the13 opportuniFes13 out13 there13 none13 have13 greater13 potenFal13 for13 immediate13 and13 long13 term13 impacts13 than13
e du caFon 13 t h e13 t r a n s fo rmaFon13 o f13 communiFes13 empowerment13 of13 the13 excluded13 and13 the13 posiFve13 development13 of13 youth13 None13 Absolutely13 none
Now13 I13 know13 we13 hear13 inspiraFonal13 speeches13 a13 lot13 We13 are13 always13 being13 asked13 to13 open13 our13 hearts13 and13 then13 our13 checkbooks13 3But13 this13 is13 different13 We13 have13 never13 before13 had13 such13 structures13 partners13 and13 resources13 to13 make13 our13 dreams13 a13 reality
hellipthere will be those outside that will tell us that the world is too big
too corrupthellip
I13 know13 we13 are13 all13 Fred13 overworked13 and13 maybe13 a13 bit13 cynical13 of13 all13 this13 I13 know13 there13 will13 be13 those13 outside13 of13 here13 that13 will13 tell13 us13 that13 the13 world13 is13 too13 big13 too13 corrupt13 that13 the13 vicFms13 deserve13 their13 low13 lots13 in13 life13 and13
25
that13 maybe13 for13 the13 sake13 of13 our13 careers13 we13 really13 should13 look13 busy13 while13 doing13 nothing13 But13 Irsquom13 asking13 you13 today13 to13 try13 one13 more13 Fme13 Take13 one13 more13 leap13 of13 faith13 I13 promise13 we13 wonrsquot13 let13 you13 down13 I13 promise13 that13 wersquoll13 be13 part13 of13 something13 legendary13 together
Nonetheless13 as13 you13 quesFon13 our13 ability13 to13 really13 change13 the13 world13 I13 would13 simply13 ask13 you13 to13 remember13 back13 to13 our13 younger13 days13 when13 we13 were13 absolutely13 certain13 that13 we13 could13 do13 it13 13 We13 were13 right13 13 You13 were13 right13 13 You13 were13 right13 and13 your13 dreams13 are13 sFll13 out13 there
I13 want13 to13 share13 one13 last13 story13 13 I13 recently13 read13 a13 wonderful13 essay13 by13 Joseph13 Laplin13 looking13 back13 on13 the13 55th13 Anniversary13 of13 Jack13 Kerouacrsquos13 legendary13 novel13 On13 the13 Road13 13 This13 was13 a13 novel13 that13 sent13 many13 young13 people13
(including13 myself)13 out13 on13 that13 road13 of13 discovery13 in13 search13 of13 the13 limitless13 possibiliFes13 beyond13 our13 hometowns13 13 A13 book13 that13 mandated13 the13 quesFoning13 authority13 the13 quesFoning13 of13 social13 convenFons13 and13 the13 challenging13 of13 the13 moral13 blinds13 spots13 of13 our13 age13 For13 me13 this13 book13 was13 magical
Laplinrsquos13 essay13 took13 aim13 at13 those13 of13 us13 who13 have13 grown13 up13 become13 established13 and13 think13 wersquove13 grown13 wiser13 Especially13 those13 of13 us13 who13 now13 dismiss13 Kerouac13 and13 this13 novel13 that13 once13 inspired13 us13 as13 idealisFc13 childish13 and13 ridiculously13 naiumlve13 in13 its13 call13 for13 social13 change13 But13 Laplin13 had13 a13 wonderfully13 reacFon13 to13 such13 people13 Here13 is13 what13 he13 said
ldquoPerhaps13 these13 people13 never13 took13 to13 or13 went13 back13 on13 the13 road13 -shy‐13 due13 to13 fear13 or13 family13 -shy‐13 and13
26
therefore13 can13 no13 longer13 revisit13 Kerouacrsquos13 work13 Perhaps13 itrsquos13 hard13 to13 even13 look13 at13 his13 wriltng13 because13 readers13 are13 actually13 looking13 at13 themselves13 And13 itrsquos13 easier13 to13 say13 well13 Kerouacrsquos13 naive13 than13 to13 say13 I13 missed13 out13 on13 something13 Maybe13 some13 readers13 have13 given13 up13 on13 the13 search13 for13 beauty13 and13 spirituality13 or13 realized13 that13 theyrsquore13 not13 one13 of13 those13 people13 who13 lsquoburn13 burn13 burn13 like13 fabulous13 yellow13 roman13 candlesrsquo13 and13 that13 knowledge13 is13 painfulrdquo
I13 want13 to13 state13 it13 again13 You13 were13 right13 when13 you13 once13 thought13 we13 would13 change13 the13 world13 And13 you13 are13 sFll13 right13 Your13 dreams13 of13 a13 fair13 equal13 and13 just13 world13 are13 sFll13 out13 there13 and13 together13 we13 will13 reclaim13 them13 and13 make13 them13 a13 reality
hellipin the not too distant future you can put your children and
grandchildren on your knee and tell them about once upon a time
I13 say13 this13 not13 to13 preach13 to13 you13 or13 guilt13 you13 into13 acFon13 I13 just13 want13 to13 put13 it13 into13 perspecFve13 and13 ask13 you13 to13 be13 part13 of13 this13 journey13 If13 we13 live13 up13 to13 our13 ideals13 and13 commitments13 in13 the13 not13 too13 distant13 future13 you13 can13 put13 your13 children13 and13 grandchildren13 on13 your13 knee13 and13 tell13 them13 about13 once13 upon13 a13 Fme13 Once13 upon13 a13 Fme13 when13 educaFon13 was13 only13 for13 the13 privileged13 few13 When13 women13 were13 treated13 as13 second13 class13 ciFzens13 When13 injusFce13 and13 inequality13 were13 the13 standard13 And13 when13 communiFes13 were13 constantly13 trampled13 on13 by13 outside13 interests13 Most13 importantly13 you13 can13 tell13 them13 that13 you13 were13 part13 of13 fixing13 it13 That13 the13 world13 is13 a13 far13 beer13 place13 because13 of13 what13 we13 did13 That13
27
they13 have13 a13 great13 bright13 future13 because13 of13 our13 bold13 efforts13 that13 began13 today13 With13 such13 potenFals13 and13 possibiliFes13 at13 hand13 how13 can13 we13 ever13 explain13 to13 them13 our13 inacFon13 or13 how13 we13 stood13 by13 and13 let13 appalling13 things13 conFnue
As13 we13 close13 I13 want13 to13 ask13 a13 few13 final13 quesFons13 There13 are13 many13 places13 to13 put13 your13 efforts
But13 if13 not13 the13 thousands13 of13 communiAes13 we13 can13 help13 then13 where
If13 not13 the13 billions13 of13 young13 people13 we13 can13 empower13 to13 have13 beMer13 lives13 then13 who
And13 if13 now13 is13 not13 the13 Ame13 for13 bold13 daring13 and13 nearly13 miraculous13 acAons13 then13 when
hellipthe honor is only eclipsed by the responsibility this opportunity
brings with it
If13 you13 need13 proof13 of13 miracles13 than13 look13 no13 further13 than13 this13 stage13 Here13 you13 have13 a13 former13 (or13 perhaps13 not13 so13 former)13 punk13 from13 rural13 Pennsylvania13 of13 Irish13 descent13 standing13 before13 you13 accepFng13 one13 of13 our13 greatest13 honors13 Itrsquos13 absolutely13 humbling13 And13 the13 honor13 is13 only13 eclipsed13 by13 the13 responsibility13 this13 opportunity13 brings13 with13 it13 But13 itrsquos13 not13 inFmidaFng13 Not13 at13 all13 Because13 I13 know13 WE13 are13 in13 this13 together13 And13 for13 all13 of13 this13 I13 will13 be13 forever13 grateful13 to13 you13 for13 sharing13 this13 wonderful13 day13 and13 being13 part13 of13 this13 journey13 that13 will13 transform13 the13 world
Thank13 you13 all13 very13 very13 much
28
CHAPTER13 5
Contact USConnect13 with13 us13 on13 social13 media
unescochairpennstate
unescochairpsu
unescochairpsu
Call13 Write13 or13 Visit
Dr13 Mark13 Brennan204C13 Ferguson13 BuildingUniversity13 Park13 PA13 16802Phone13 1-shy‐814-shy‐863-shy‐0387Email13 unescochairpsueduWeb13 wwwunescochairpsuedu
UNESCO Chair in Rural Community
Leadership and Youth Development
The Pennsylvania State University
United Nations
(GXFDWLRQDO6FLHQWLiquestFDQGCultural Organization
the13 key13 to13 womenrsquos13 rights13 equality13 and13 13 13 13 community13 building
How13 important13 do13 you13 think13 Well13 for13 13 13 13 13 13 example
Countries13 lose13 more13 than13 $113 billion13 a13 year13 by13 failing13 to13 educate13 girls13 to13 the13 same13 level13 as13 boys
One13 addiltonal13 year13 of13 schooling13 beyond13 primary13 school13 reduces13 the13 probability13 of13 becoming13 a13 young13 mother13 by13 almost13 10
A13 child13 whose13 mother13 can13 read13 is13 5013 more13 likely13 to13 live13 past13 age13 513
In13 sub-shy‐Saharan13 Africa13 alone13 approximately13 213 million13 childrenrsquos13 lives13 could13 be13 saved13 every13 year13 if13 their13 mothers13 had13 at13 least13 a13 secondary13 educaFon13 How13 many13 Einsteinrsquos13 Steve13 Jobs13 Gandhirsquos13 or13 Da13 Vincirsquos13 never13 got13
the13 chance13 to13 beer13 the13 world13 because13 of13 this13 We13 need13 them13 now13 more13 than13 ever
Nonetheless13 almost13 two-shy‐thirds13 of13 the13 worldrsquos13 80013 million13 illiterate13 adults13 are13 women13 They13 are13 the13 foundaFons13 of13 civil13 13 13 society13 13 And13 we13 need13 to13 invest13 in13 them
This is about half of the amount Europeans and Americans spend on
ice cream annually
All13 of13 this13 has13 to13 costs13 a13 lot13 right13 How13 much13 do13 you13 think13 10013 trillion13 113 trillion13 No13 13 For13 $1613 billion13 a13 year13 in13 aid13 we13 can13 send13 all13 children13 to13 school13 in13 low-shy‐income13 countries13 13 A13 lot13 Sure13 This13 is13 about13 half13 of13 the13 amount13 Europeans13 and13 Americans13 spend13 on13 ice13 cream13 annually13 It13 is13 two13 less13 fighter13 jets13 in13 the13 US13 arsenal13 It13 is13 $113 a13 month13 for13 each13 ciFzen13 of13 the13 G713 naFons
7
Itrsquos13 the13 right13 thing13 to13 do13 This13 is13 not13 about13 charity13 This13 is13 about13 jusFce13 InvesFng13 in13 educaFon13 is13 more13 effecFve13 cheaper13 and13 leads13 to13 the13 best13 development13 outcomes13 We13 have13 a13 large13 body13 of13 knowledge13 that13 backs13 this13 up
Let13 me13 share13 one13 more13 example13 Chris13 Aredo13 from13 Kenya13 Chris13 had13 a13 normal13 childhood13 unFl13 the13 age13 of13 1213 years13 when13 he13 was13 orphaned13 He13 found13 himself13 living13 in13 the13 rough13 streets13 of13 Nairobi13 scavenging13 and13 stealing13 to13 survive13 He13 lived13 this13 way13 for13 six13 years13 13 I13 donrsquot13 think13 many13 of13 us13 in13 this13 room13 certainly13 myself13 are13 that13 tough13 or13 strong13
Aer13 613 years13 he13 was13 enrolled13 in13 the13 NaFonal13 Youth13 Service13 which13 is13 a13 boot-shy‐camp13 providing13 basic13 vocaFonal13 skills13 Shortly13 thereaer13 he13 met13 Paul13 Maina13 who13 was13 beginning13 to13 form13 the13 Child13 and13 Youth13 Empowerment13 Center
Chris13 joined13 Paul13 and13 in13 late13 200613 the13 Center13 opened13 Here13 Chris13 had13 an13 opportunity13 to13 help13 shape13 beer13 lives13 for13 young13 people13 He13 also13 had13 the13 opportunity13 to13 travel13 to13 Germany13 where13 the13 importance13 of13 educaFon13 became13 even13 more13 evident13 to13 him13 Upon13 his13 return13 he13 enrolled13 in13 high13 school13 which13 he13 quickly13 completed13 With13 the13 assistance13 of13 the13 Centrersquos13 support13 network13 he13 was13 able13 to13 enroll13 in13 University13 and13 will13 receive13 his13 BS13 degree13 this13 coming13 December13 in13 Bus iness13 I nformaFon13
8
Technology13 Chris13 has13 been13 the13 Chairperson13 of13 the13 Universityrsquos13 chapter13 of13 the13 Red13 Cross13 Club13 and13 president13 of13 InternaFonal13 AssociaFon13 of13 Students13 in13 Economic13 and13 Commercial13 Sciences13 He13 is13 part13 of13 the13 UNESCO13 sponsored13 youth13 leadership13 development13 program13 as13 a13 mentor13 facilitator13 and13 community13 leader
I13 menFon13 his13 story13 not13 as13 a13 feel13 good13 moment13 Though13 it13 certainly13 is13 I13 menFon13 it13 because13 it13 highlights13 the13 common13 human13 condiFon13 If13 provided13 with13 the13 opportunity13 for13 learning13 and13 educaFon13 people13 will13 seize13 the13 moment13 Through13 a13 small13 investment13 and13 his13 hard13 work13 Chrisrsquos13 life13 and13 those13 of13 others13 were13 transformed13 In13 less13 than13 ten13 years13 from13 a13 homeless13 street13 youth13 to13 a13 high13 school13 graduate13 to13 a13 college13 graduate13
to13 a13 leader13 acFvist13 and13 agent13 of13 change13 13 Think13 how13 tough13 determined13 resilient13 he13 is13 -shy‐13 and13 he13 is13 not13 terribly13 unusual13 Hersquos13 the13 kind13 of13 person13 I13 want13 on13 my13 teams13 If13 you13 give13 me13 him13 and13 2013 others13 like13 him13 we13 will13 make13 history13 Also13 remember13 there13 are13 more13 than13 a13 billion13 youth13 like13 Chris13 out13 there13 and13 just13 think13 of13 the13 impacts13 of13 reaching13 a13 fracFon13 of13 them13 or13 even13 beer13 yet13 th ink13 o f13 empowering13 them13 all
EducaFon13 is13 power13 and13 sets13 the13 stage13 for13 strong13 communiFes13 that13 take13 care13 of13 their13 own13 needs13 This13 focus13 on13 EducaFon13 for13 All13 will13 be13 a13 cornerstone13 of13 our13 work13 and13 thatrsquos13 the13 first13 thing13 I13 wanted13 to13 share13 with13 you13 today
9
CHAPTER13 3
Realizing Engaged CommunitiesThe13 second13 thing13 I13 want13 to13 share13 with13 you13 is13 the13 importance13 of13 community13 13 Just13 like13 educaFon13 community13 shapes13 producFve13 and13 stable13 lives13 just13 in13 a13 different13 way13 Combining13 the13 two13 is13 magical13 in13 their13 impactBut13 why13 th ink13 about13 commun i ty13 Community13 contributes13 to13 individual13 family13 and13 social13 well13 being13 13 It13 is13 our13 first13 contact13 with13 the13 world13 beyond13 the13 family13 It13 is13 the13 sedng13 for13 socializaFon13 our13 insFtuFons13 and13
the13 development13 of13 rules13 and13 culture
hellipthink about community as one big relationship
Community13 establishes13 and13 maintains13 channels13 of13 communicaFon13 and13 interacFon13 13 I13 always13 tell13 my13 undergraduate13 and13 graduate13 students13 to13 think13 about13 community13 as13 one13 big13 relaFonship13 Think13 about13 what13 happens13 in13 your13 relaFonships13 Itrsquos13 the13 same13 with13 community13 When13 you13 first13 meet13 you13 commun i ca te13 con s tan t l y13 i n te ra c t13 conFnuously13 and13 do13 everything13 together13 As13 Fme13 goes13 on13 the13 communicaFon13 and13 interacFon13 become13 less13 frequent13 And13 as13 we13 all13 know13 it13 someFmes13 is13 not13 long13 before13 problems13 occur13 Where13 mountains13 are13 made13 out13 of13 mole13 hills13 and13 relaFonships13 become13 strained13 someFmes13 to13 the13 point13 of13 breaking13 13
The13 same13 is13 true13 in13 communiFes13 It13 involves13 more13 people13 and13 is13 a13 bit13 messier13 but13 the13 process13 and13 structure13 is13 the13 same13 Just13 as13 in13 our13 relaFonships13 we13 need13 to13 constantly13 be13 working13 to13 maintain13 community
Oen13 during13 presidenFal13 elecFons13 I13 ask13 my13 students13 to13 count13 the13 number13 of13 Fmes13 that13 community13 is13 said13 during13 debates13 and13 speeches13 In13 these13 sedngs13 where13 every13 word13 counts13 and13 costs13 money13 it13 is13 common13 for13 the13 term13 community13 to13 be13 menFoned13 dozens13 of13 Fmes13 in13 an13 hour13 long13 speech13 13 Why13 though13 I t rsquos13 an13 amazing13 idea13 community13 Itrsquos13 tremendously13 powerful13 It13 bring13 up13 all13 those13 warm13 and13 fuzzy13 images13 -shy‐13 real13 and13 imagined13 -shy‐13 of13 what13 life13 was13 like13 or13 could13 be
11
The impacts outcomes and potentials of community are real
tangible and measurable
Now13 before13 you13 think13 me13 an13 academic13 hippy13 or13 that13 Irsquom13 advocaFng13 for13 free13 love13 and13 touchy13 feely13 ideas13 this13 is13 not13 the13 case13 at13 all13 13 The13 impacts13 outcomes13 and13 potenFals13 of13 community13 are13 rea l 13 tangib le 13 and13 measurable13 13 Strong13 communiFes13 are13 more13 resilient13 adapFve13 and13 less13 likely13 to13 be13 explo i ted13 They13 connect13 res idents 13 insFtuFons13 organizaFons13 to13 each13 other13 13 They13 promote13 stability13 have13 less13 crime13 and13 show13 increase13 local13 well-shy‐being13 They13 increase13 involvement13 in13 local13 decision-shy‐making13 and13 parFcipatory13 democracy
There13 are13 also13 tremendous13 personal13 impacts13 Community13 enhances13 our13 social13
psychological13 and13 emoFonal13 development13 13 It13 promotes13 civic13 responsibility13 which13 is13 a13 commitment13 to13 helping13 others13 It13 increases13 cultural13 understanding13 and13 empathy13 13 It13 provides13 life13 skills13 such13 as13 criFcal13 thinking13 interpersonal13 leadership13 and13 conflict13 resoluFon13 skills13
Tremendous things happen when people care about each other and
the place they live in
This13 is13 an13 impressive13 list13 that13 is13 by13 no13 means13 complete13 We13 have13 mountains13 of13 research13 data13 program13 evaluaFons13 thousands13 of13 books13 and13 journal13 arFcles13 to13 prove13 that13 this13 is13 the13 case13 Even13 beer13 wersquove13 studied13 this13 process13 across13 the13 world13 I t rsquos13 true13 everywhere13 The13 condiFons13 and13 context13 might13 be13 a13 lile13 different13 but13 one13 thing13
12
holds13 true13 tremendous13 things13 happen13 when13 people13 care13 about13 each13 other13 and13 the13 place13 they13 live13 in13 This13 is13 not13 an13 idea13 This13 is13 not13 a13 plan13 This13 IS13 fact13 Strong13 communiFes13 equal13 stable13 civil13 and13 just13 socieFes
For13 me13 the13 need13 for13 community13 is13 close13 to13 home13 I13 was13 born13 and13 raised13 in13 a13 small13 town13 in13 northeastern13 Pennsylvania13 I13 came13 from13 people13 who13 le13 Ireland13 and13 Europe13 seeking13 survival13 All13 of13 these13 are13 absolutely13 great13 places13 Places13 blessed13 by13 amazing13 natural13 resources13 amazingly13 diverse13 cultures13 tremendous13 food13 you13 canrsquot13 imagine13 13 Cultures13 whose13 unique13 experiences13 and13 knowledge13 for13 dealing13 with13 the13 challenges13 of13 daily13 life13 were13 massive13 and13 effecFve13 Places13 rich13 in13 social13 supports13 from13 family13 neighbors13 religions13 and13 schools13 Places13 to13
me13 that13 held13 a13 tremendous13 amount13 of13 magic13 in13 them
For many education became not an opportunity but a painful reminder
of what might have been
But13 you13 know13 as13 the13 musician13 Lou13 Reed13 sang13 there13 is13 a13 bit13 of13 magic13 in13 everything13 -shy‐13 and13 then13 some13 loss13 to13 even13 things13 out13 The13 loss13 in13 these13 areas13 was13 characterized13 by13 exploitaFon13 from13 abusive13 outside13 interests13 13 Abuse13 by13 corporaFons13 and13 governments13 that13 harvested13 local13 natural13 resources13 including13 people13 for13 far13 far13 less13 than13 they13 were13 worth13 13 Places13 where13 youth13 were13 eventually13 forced13 to13 leave13 for13 lack13 of13 opportuniFes13 denied13 their13 righkul13 heritage13 and13 forced13 like13 so13 many13 youth13 worldwide13 to13 become13 the13 nomads13 the13 diasporas13 For13 many13 educaFon13
13
became13 not13 an13 opportunity13 but13 a13 painful13 reminder13 of13 what13 might13 have13 been13 Aer13 all13 why13 bother13 learning13 of13 the13 wonders13 of13 Paris13 Rome13 and13 Tokyo13 when13 the13 odds13 of13 you13 gedng13 to13 there13 were13 as13 good13 gedng13 to13 the13 Moon13 For13 most13 the13 mill13 the13 mine13 and13 oen13 the13 unemployment13 line13 were13 our13 desFny
It was the systematic breakdown of our communities
These13 were13 environments13 where13 ciFzens13 were13 slowly13 convinced13 that13 they13 were13 irrelevant13 That13 there13 was13 no13 need13 to13 act13 or13 be13 involved13 locally13 Convinced13 that13 they13 could13 never13 ever13 make13 a13 difference13 13 In13 truth13 this13 impotence13 was13 not13 the13 result13 of13 the13 IlluminaF13 the13 Freemasons13 the13 wealthy13 or13 whatever13 version13 of13 the13 lsquoManrsquo13 that13 we13
created13 It13 was13 not13 the13 standard13 issue13 boot13 of13 the13 Pinkerton13 Agency13 the13 police13 or13 others13 kicking13 in13 our13 door13 forcing13 us13 to13 be13 compliant13 It13 was13 something13 much13 simpler13 and13 infinitely13 more13 ominous13 Something13 much13 harder13 and13 painful13 to13 admit13 truth13 be13 told13 13 It13 was13 the13 systemaFc13 breakdown13 of13 our13 communiFes13 But13 nonetheless13 we13 were13 the13 lucky13 ones13 From13 Africa13 to13 Southeast13 Asia13 to13 South13 and13 Central13 America13 and13 eastern13 Europe13 these13 condiFons13 would13 be13 eagerly13 welcomed13 in13 the13 face13 of13 war13 genocide13 disease13 and13 extreme13 poverty13
hellipour communities can be brought back to life
But13 Irsquove13 good13 news13 Maybe13 itrsquos13 not13 so13 bad13 13 And13 if13 it13 is13 it13 certainly13 does13 not13 need13 to13 be13 13 We13 actually13 have13 lots13 of13 proof13 that13 our13
14
communiFes13 can13 be13 brought13 back13 to13 life13 13 Wersquove13 tremendous13 evidence13 from13 the13 field13 13 From13 do-shy‐gooding13 idealisFc13 acFvists13 to13 bale13 hardened13 program13 agents13 to13 government13 officials13 From13 shrewd13 business13 interests13 to13 chariFes13 and13 nonprofits13 Capacity13 is13 being13 built13 and13 ciFzens13 of13 all13 ages13 are13 being13 empowered13 but13 parFcularly13 those13 amazing13 agents13 of13 change13 young13 people
To13 understand13 this13 letrsquos13 talk13 a13 bit13 about13 what13 community13 is13 Let13 me13 tell13 you13 about13 a13 good13 way13 to13 think13 of13 it13 an13 interacFve13 approach13 to13 community13 At13 the13 core13 of13 community13 is13 the13 interacFon13 and13 interdependence13 among13 local13 people13 Here13 people13 make13 up13 local13 interest13 groups13 that13 are13 loosely13 bounded13 arenas13 for13 interacFon
All13 of13 these13 seek13 to13 look13 aer13 their13 own13 interests13 Community13 evolves13 as13 members13 of13 these13 very13 different13 groups13 interact13 with13 each13 other13 realizing13 their13 common13 general13 needs13 This13 doesnrsquot13 mean13 we13 give13 up13 who13 we13 are13 or13 sell13 out13 We13 just13 realize13 that13 we13 have13 common13 needs13 and13 that13 we13 can13 work13 together13 to13 overcome13 these
15
As13 groups13 and13 residents13 interact13 what13 has13 come13 to13 be13 known13 as13 community13 agency13 emerges13 Agency13 highlights13 the13 fact13 that13
engagement13 has13 power13 It13 shows13 that13 local13 people13 working13 together13 have13 the13 power13 to13 transform13 and13 change13 society13 13 When13 they13 do13 this13 community13 can13 emerge
I13 want13 to13 stress13 this13 is13 a13 process13 though13 13 Community13 is13 not13 a13 given13 State13 College13 will13 always13 be13 on13 a13 map13 But13 the13 connecFon13 between13 people13 that13 makes13 this13 place13 so13 special13 may13 not13 unless13 we13 work13 at13 it13 Keep13 in13 mind13 that13 community13 is13 a13 variable13 Our13 locality13 is13 always13 changing13 with13 people13 coming13 and13 going13 all13 the13 Fmes13 We13 need13 to13 constantly13 be13 working13 to13 maintain13 our13 connecFon13 to13 it13 and13 welcome13 in13 new13 people13 to13 be13 part13 of13 it13 When13 we13 stop13 interacFng13 communicaFng13 and13 being13 inclusive13 it13 simply13 -shy‐13 and13 quickly13 disappears13 But13 if13 developed13 community13 results13 in13 amazing13 things13 here13 and13 abroad
Let13 me13 give13 you13 some13 examples
Civically13 engaged13 youth13 are13 2213 more13 likely
16
to13 graduate13 from13 college13 than13 those13 that13 did13 not
Civically13 engaged13 youth13 are13 413 ltmes13 less13 likely13 to13 exhibit13 ldquorisky13 behaviorrdquo13 such13 as13 drug13 use13 and13 other13 dangerous13 behaviors13
Youth13 are13 813 ltmes13 more13 likely13 to13 believe13 that13 can13 influence13 decision13 making13 if13 they13 are13 civically13 engaged
This13 is13 important13 The13 fact13 of13 the13 maer13 is13 that13 there13 are13 very13 few13 obstacles13 to13 us13 changing13 the13 world13 Wersquove13 just13 convinced13 ourselves13 that13 we13 canrsquot13 make13 a13 difference13 and13 shouldnrsquot13 act13 This13 is13 largely13 because13 wersquove13 been13 uninvolved13 for13 so13 long13 Wersquove13 forgoen13 how13 to13 act13 and13 be13 engaged
One13 more13 thing13 EducaFon13 and13 Community13 intersect13 in13 a13 big13 way13 Where13 community13 involvement13 and13 educaFon13 are13 low13 the13 odds13
of13 extremism13 gangs13 and13 terrorisFc13 organizaFons13 more13 than13 quadruple
helliphad there been a little more education and community capacity
the extremism would have been stopped in its tracks
This13 was13 brought13 home13 to13 me13 during13 visits13 to13 Cambodia13 over13 the13 years13 Every13 Fme13 I13 go13 make13 a13 pilgrimage13 to13 the13 infamous13 Killing13 Fields13 near13 Phom13 Penh13 At13 their13 naFonal13 Genocide13 Museum13 are13 thousands13 of13 photos13 of13 the13 vicFms13 You13 see13 a13 fracFon13 of13 them13
here13 behind13 me13 But13 of13 all13 of13 these13 -shy‐13 one13 haunts13 me13 I13 bring13 her13 flowers13 every13 year13 I13 donrsquot13 know13 her13 name13
17
No13 one13 does13 But13 I13 canrsquot13 forget13 her13 eyes13 I13 canrsquot13 forget13 that13 had13 there13 been13 a13 lile13 more13 educaFon13 and13 community13 capacity13 the13 extremism13 would13 have13 been13 stopped13 in13 its13 tracks13 She13 and13 several13 million13 other13 Cambodians13 would13 be13 with13 us13 today13 The13 same13 is13 true13 in13 Germany13 Rwanda13 Bosnia13 ArgenFna13 and13 elsewhere13 13 We13 owe13 it13 to13 her13 and13 the13 countless13 others13 to13 build13 strong13 educated13 communiFes13 that13 will13 ensure13 extremism13 does13 not13 take13 root13 and13 run13 rampant
If13 nothing13 else13 remember13 this13 Community13 builds13 capacity13 It13 provides13 structure13 and13 social13 supports13 builds13 empathy13 and13 understanding13 and13 provides13 the13 basis13 for13 acFon13 and13 acFvism13 It13 protects13 against13 poverty13 extremism13 and13 chaos
The13 importance13 and13 central13 role13 of13 community13 will13 be13 the13 other13 cornerstone13 of13 our13 work13 and13 was13 the13 second13 thing13 I13 wanted13 to13 share13 with13 you
18
CHAPTER13 4
Transforming the World Through the UNESCO Chairs Program Wersquove13 been13 looking13 forward13 this13 is13 a13 day13 for13 years13 Because13 every13 now13 and13 then13 an13 opportunity13 comes13 along13 that13 just13 changes13 everything13 Wersquove13 been13 working13 really13 really13
hard13 and13 have13 lots13 of13 plans13 that13 are13 ready13 to13 launch13 I13 want13 to13 share13 three13 of13 them13 that13 we13 are13 really13 excited13 about13 They13 really13 are13 amazing13 and13 beauFful13 creaFons
First13 is13 the13 UNTWIN13 Network13 on13 Youth13 and13 Community13 Development13
With13 this13 we13 reinvent13 the13 idea13 of13 global13 partnerships13 and13 collaboraFon13 UNITWIN13 are13 the13 UN13 university13 twining13 and13 partnership13 networks13 They13 open13 up13 all13 kinds13 of13 opportuniFes13 for13 rapid13 research13 and13 acFon13 and13 funding13 While13 UNESCO13 Chairs13 are13 rare13 UNITWIN13 networks13 are13 even13 more13 so13 13 Only13 two13 exist13 in13 the13 US13 We13 got13 the13 go13 ahead13 from13 UNESCO13 to13 start13 developing13 number13 three13 However13 ours13 will13 be13 unmatched13 in13 size13 scope13 and13 impact
6 continents
9 geographic regions
35 partner institutions
Thousands of youth
Three UNESCO Chairs
It13 will13 cover13 613 conFnents13 913 geographic13 regions13 3513 partner13 insFtuFons13 (and13 growing13 weekly)13 thousands13 of13 youth13 and13 three13 UNESCO13 Chairs13 This13 will13 allow13 for13 immediate13 research13 program13 development13 and13 educaFonal13 program13 delivery
hellipa common framework of Community Capacity Building
Youth Development and Conflict Mitigationhellip
The13 network13 will13 be13 led13 by13 three13 UNESCO13 Chairs13 at13 three13 interrelated13 mulFdisciplinary13
20
centers13 the13 Child13 and13 Family13 Research13 Centre13 (NUI13 Galway)13 UNESCO13 Centre13 for13 Research13 on13 Children13 and13 Youth13 (University13 of13 Ulster)13 and13 the13 planned13 UNESCO13 InsAtute13 for13 G lobal13 Humanitar ian13 Development13 (Penn13 State)13 The13 three13 bring13 together13 nearly13 20013 of13 the13 worldrsquos13 best13 researchers13 teachers13 and13 program13 developers
The13 network13 will13 have13 a13 common13 framework13 of13 Community13 Capacity13 Building13 Youth13 Development13 and13 Conflict13 MiFgaFon13 but13 will13 pursue13 specialized13 projects13 on13 health13 and13 well-shy‐being13 educaFon13 and13 literacy13 social13 and13 economic13 development13 the13 physical13 sciences13 agricultural13 development13 civil13 engineering13 and13 many13 other13 areas13 as13 they13 emerge13 We13 will13 be13 able13 to13 conduct13
internaFonal13 comparaFve13 research13 design13 programs13 and13 deliver13 them13 worldwide13 in13 a13 maer13 of13 months13 -shy‐13 not13 years13 as13 is13 oen13 the13 case13 Think13 of13 the13 potenFal
With13 not13 much13 work13 we13 can13 reach13 1000013 kids13 and13 100013 communiFes13 in13 the13 next13 few13 years13 1000013 kids13 and13 communiFes13 who13 see13 a13 brighter13 future13 are13 contribuFng13 members13 of13 society13 lead13 producFve13 and13 safe13 lives13 and13 take13 on13 ownership13 of13 local13 life13 With13 your13 help13 and13 some13 hard13 work13 we13 can13 triple13 the13 number13 of13 youth13 and13 communiFes13 we13 can13 reach
UNITWIN13 goes13 live13 in13 April13 Itrsquos13 already13 growing13 beyond13 our13 control13 Itrsquos13 a13 game13 changer13 and13 once13 in13 a13 lifeFme13 opportunity13 13 Itrsquos13 going13 to13 be13 our13 legacy13 and13 we13 have13 a13 seat13 at13 the13 table13 for13 you
21
The13 second13 big13 item13 focuses13 on13 idenAfying13 the13 best13 pracAces13 for13 youth13 and13 community13 developmenthellipworldwide
Today13 we13 redefine13 global13 comparaFve13 research13 There13 are13 lots13 of13 people13 doing13 great13 and13 effecFve13 work13 worldwide13 We13 are13 going13 to13 begin13 a13 long-shy‐term13 research13 program13 to13 idenFfy13 these13 best13 pracFces13 in13 all13 locaFons13 but13 with13 a13 strong13 focus13 on13 rural13 areas
But13 you13 might13 ask13 why13 There13 is13 an13 increasing13 lsquoyouth13 bulgersquo13 that13 exists13 alongside13 a13 heavy13 dependence13 on13 agriculture13 in13 the13 developing13 world13 The13 UN13 has13 documented13 this13 with13 nearly13 half13 of13 the13 worldrsquos13 populaFon13 residing13 in13 rural13 areas
Over13 9013 of13 all13 rural13 residents13 live13 in13 less13 developed13 regions
Equally13 important13 almost13 a13 third13 of13 the13 world13 populalton13 is13 age13 1513 or13 younger13 and13 half13 are13 under13 age13 2513
8513 of13 all13 youth13 live13 in13 less13 developed13 countries
This13 reality13 creates13 an13 environment13 where13 the13 acltve13 engagement13 of13 communiltes13 is13 essenltal13 to13 future13 growth13 and13 development
Another13 really13 cool13 part13 of13 this13 research13 focuses13 on13 building13 partnerships13 We13 work13 to13 build13 capacity13 and13 partnerships13 through13 North-shy‐South13 and13 South-shy‐South13 partnerships13 that13 shape13 regional13 capacity13 We13 re13 already13 seeing13 great13 things13 such13 as13 in13 Kenya13 and13 Zambia13 where13 we13 have13 linked13 programs13 that13 are13 working13 together13 like13 crazy
Through13 the13 UNESCO13 Chair13 program13 we13 will13 link13 organizaFons13 in13 2513 countries13 to13 share13 resources13 best13 pracFces13 and13 experFse13
22
create13 a13 dynamic13 series13 of13 partnerships13 in13 the13 Global13 South13 and13 form13 a13 community13 of13 naFons13 focused13 on13 youth13 and13 development13 of13 civil13 society
T h i r d 13 i s13 ou r13 G l oba l13 Edu caAona l13 Programming
Today13 we13 revoluFonize13 global13 educaFon13 13 We13 are13 planning13 a13 global13 educaFonal13 program13 focusing13 on13 leadership13 and13 community13 building13 across13 the13 life13 span13 13 Included13 are13 courses13 in13 leadership13 skills13 c o m m u n i t y13 c a p a c i t y13 b u i l d i n g 13 entrepreneurship13 and13 small13 business13 development13 posiFve13 youth13 development13 conflict13 miFgaFon13 and13 many13 others13 areas
Penn13 State13 is13 a13 leader13 in13 distance13 educaFon13 13 It13 recently13 dedicated13 major13 resources13 to13 MOOCs13 Massive13 Open13 Online13 Courses13 13
What13 this13 means13 is13 if13 a13 ciFzen13 of13 this13 planet13 has13 access13 to13 the13 internet13 to13 an13 internet13 cafeacute13 or13 even13 a13 cell13 phone13 they13 will13 be13 provided13 with13 Col lege13 courses13 and13 instrucFonal13 materials
Yoursquore13 asking13 how13 much13 will13 these13 cost13 right13 Thatrsquos13 a13 great13 quesFon13 How13 does13 free13 sound13 Wersquove13 got13 it13 covered13 All13 we13 ask13 is13 that13 you13 take13 the13 knowledge13 and13 skills13 and13 use13 them13 to13 make13 life13 beer13 The13 best13 courses13 in13 the13 world13 taught13 by13 the13 best13 faculty13 Free13 of13 charge13
Distributed13 through13 Penn13 State13 and13 the13 global13 UNESCO13 network13 If13 people13 need13 more13 than13 the13 basic13 knowledge13 base13 we13 can13 do13 that13 too13 CerFficates13 and13 even13 degree13 programs13 at13 all13 levels13 with13 costs13 to13 be13 covered13 by13 foundaFons13 and13 internaFonal13
23
development13 agencies13 Just13 think13 of13 the13 potenFals13 for13 primary13 and13 secondary13 schools13 and13 for13 educators13 in13 the13 developing13 world13 13 Think13 of13 the13 life13 changing13 impacts13 for13 a13 young13 girl13 in13 rural13 Zambia13 a13 street13 child13 in13 Kenya13 and13 a13 young13 farm13 worker13 in13 Cambodia13 Itrsquos13 beyond13 belief13 and13 uerly13 amazing13 13 It13 changes13 everything
So13 those13 are13 three13 of13 the13 big13 things13 that13 are13 happening13 now13 We13 have13 lots13 more13 in13 the13 works13 and13 ready13 to13 launch13 These13 and13 other13 efforts13 will13 help13 us13 realize13 our13 dreams13 of13 a13 beer13 world13 Come13 be13 part13 of13 all13 of13 these13 13 We13 can13 pick13 some13 great13 fights13 together13 I13 promise13 itrsquoll13 be13 awesome13 and13 wersquoll13 do13 miraculous13 things
The key to this is you
Be13 Part13 of13 the13 Journey
We13 WILL13 do13 all13 of13 the13 things13 I13 menFoned13 13 And13 much13 much13 more13 The13 key13 to13 this13 is13 you13 13 Yoursquove13 been13 asked13 to13 be13 here13 today13 because13 we13 know13 you13 will13 fight13 for13 social13 jusFce13 We13 need13 you13 to13 help13 us13 raise13 awareness13 to13 help13 develop13 programs13 and13 research13 and13 help13 us13 find13 funding13 to13 ensure13 this13 is13 a13 reality
If13 you13 think13 about13 it13 there13 is13 no13 beer13 place13 than13 here13 to13 begin13 our13 journey13 Lest13 we13 forget13 we13 are13 in13 Pennsylvania13 This13 place13 that13 saw13 the13 birth13 of13 the13 Molly13 McGuires13 the13 original13 union13 movements13 and13 the13 knights13 of13 labor13 It13 was13 where13 Milton13 Eisenhower13 dreamed13 of13 the
If13 you13 think13 about13 it13 there13 is13 no13 beer13 place13 than13 here13 to13 begin13 our13 journey13 Lest13 we13 forget13 we13 are13 in13 Pennsylvania13 This13 place13 that13
24
saw13 the13 birth13 of13 the13 Molly13 McGuires13 the13 original13 union13 movements13 and13 the13 knights13 of13 labor13 It13 was13 where13 Milton13 Eisenhower13 dreamed13 of13 the13 potenFals13 of13 UNESCO13 13 Where13 Benjamin13 Franklin13 found13 the13 Pennsylvania13 AboliFonist13 Society13 seeking13 to13 end13 slavery13 Where13 our13 founding13 fathers13 conceived13 more13 than13 a13 naFon13 but13 the13 idea13 of13 L ife13 L iberty13 and13 the13 pursuit13 of13 Happiness-shy‐-shy‐-shy‐not13 just13 for13 us13 but13 for13 our13 fellow13 ciFzens13 of13 the13 world13 All13 of13 these13 people13 have13 passed13 the13 torch13 to13 us13 today13 13 Let13 us13 make13 them13 proud13 in13 conFnuing13 their13 quest13 for13 social13 jusFce13 for13 equality13 and13 for13 creaFng13 a13 beer13 world
Now13 is13 our13 moment13 13 Of13 all13 the13 opportuniFes13 out13 there13 none13 have13 greater13 potenFal13 for13 immediate13 and13 long13 term13 impacts13 than13
e du caFon 13 t h e13 t r a n s fo rmaFon13 o f13 communiFes13 empowerment13 of13 the13 excluded13 and13 the13 posiFve13 development13 of13 youth13 None13 Absolutely13 none
Now13 I13 know13 we13 hear13 inspiraFonal13 speeches13 a13 lot13 We13 are13 always13 being13 asked13 to13 open13 our13 hearts13 and13 then13 our13 checkbooks13 3But13 this13 is13 different13 We13 have13 never13 before13 had13 such13 structures13 partners13 and13 resources13 to13 make13 our13 dreams13 a13 reality
hellipthere will be those outside that will tell us that the world is too big
too corrupthellip
I13 know13 we13 are13 all13 Fred13 overworked13 and13 maybe13 a13 bit13 cynical13 of13 all13 this13 I13 know13 there13 will13 be13 those13 outside13 of13 here13 that13 will13 tell13 us13 that13 the13 world13 is13 too13 big13 too13 corrupt13 that13 the13 vicFms13 deserve13 their13 low13 lots13 in13 life13 and13
25
that13 maybe13 for13 the13 sake13 of13 our13 careers13 we13 really13 should13 look13 busy13 while13 doing13 nothing13 But13 Irsquom13 asking13 you13 today13 to13 try13 one13 more13 Fme13 Take13 one13 more13 leap13 of13 faith13 I13 promise13 we13 wonrsquot13 let13 you13 down13 I13 promise13 that13 wersquoll13 be13 part13 of13 something13 legendary13 together
Nonetheless13 as13 you13 quesFon13 our13 ability13 to13 really13 change13 the13 world13 I13 would13 simply13 ask13 you13 to13 remember13 back13 to13 our13 younger13 days13 when13 we13 were13 absolutely13 certain13 that13 we13 could13 do13 it13 13 We13 were13 right13 13 You13 were13 right13 13 You13 were13 right13 and13 your13 dreams13 are13 sFll13 out13 there
I13 want13 to13 share13 one13 last13 story13 13 I13 recently13 read13 a13 wonderful13 essay13 by13 Joseph13 Laplin13 looking13 back13 on13 the13 55th13 Anniversary13 of13 Jack13 Kerouacrsquos13 legendary13 novel13 On13 the13 Road13 13 This13 was13 a13 novel13 that13 sent13 many13 young13 people13
(including13 myself)13 out13 on13 that13 road13 of13 discovery13 in13 search13 of13 the13 limitless13 possibiliFes13 beyond13 our13 hometowns13 13 A13 book13 that13 mandated13 the13 quesFoning13 authority13 the13 quesFoning13 of13 social13 convenFons13 and13 the13 challenging13 of13 the13 moral13 blinds13 spots13 of13 our13 age13 For13 me13 this13 book13 was13 magical
Laplinrsquos13 essay13 took13 aim13 at13 those13 of13 us13 who13 have13 grown13 up13 become13 established13 and13 think13 wersquove13 grown13 wiser13 Especially13 those13 of13 us13 who13 now13 dismiss13 Kerouac13 and13 this13 novel13 that13 once13 inspired13 us13 as13 idealisFc13 childish13 and13 ridiculously13 naiumlve13 in13 its13 call13 for13 social13 change13 But13 Laplin13 had13 a13 wonderfully13 reacFon13 to13 such13 people13 Here13 is13 what13 he13 said
ldquoPerhaps13 these13 people13 never13 took13 to13 or13 went13 back13 on13 the13 road13 -shy‐13 due13 to13 fear13 or13 family13 -shy‐13 and13
26
therefore13 can13 no13 longer13 revisit13 Kerouacrsquos13 work13 Perhaps13 itrsquos13 hard13 to13 even13 look13 at13 his13 wriltng13 because13 readers13 are13 actually13 looking13 at13 themselves13 And13 itrsquos13 easier13 to13 say13 well13 Kerouacrsquos13 naive13 than13 to13 say13 I13 missed13 out13 on13 something13 Maybe13 some13 readers13 have13 given13 up13 on13 the13 search13 for13 beauty13 and13 spirituality13 or13 realized13 that13 theyrsquore13 not13 one13 of13 those13 people13 who13 lsquoburn13 burn13 burn13 like13 fabulous13 yellow13 roman13 candlesrsquo13 and13 that13 knowledge13 is13 painfulrdquo
I13 want13 to13 state13 it13 again13 You13 were13 right13 when13 you13 once13 thought13 we13 would13 change13 the13 world13 And13 you13 are13 sFll13 right13 Your13 dreams13 of13 a13 fair13 equal13 and13 just13 world13 are13 sFll13 out13 there13 and13 together13 we13 will13 reclaim13 them13 and13 make13 them13 a13 reality
hellipin the not too distant future you can put your children and
grandchildren on your knee and tell them about once upon a time
I13 say13 this13 not13 to13 preach13 to13 you13 or13 guilt13 you13 into13 acFon13 I13 just13 want13 to13 put13 it13 into13 perspecFve13 and13 ask13 you13 to13 be13 part13 of13 this13 journey13 If13 we13 live13 up13 to13 our13 ideals13 and13 commitments13 in13 the13 not13 too13 distant13 future13 you13 can13 put13 your13 children13 and13 grandchildren13 on13 your13 knee13 and13 tell13 them13 about13 once13 upon13 a13 Fme13 Once13 upon13 a13 Fme13 when13 educaFon13 was13 only13 for13 the13 privileged13 few13 When13 women13 were13 treated13 as13 second13 class13 ciFzens13 When13 injusFce13 and13 inequality13 were13 the13 standard13 And13 when13 communiFes13 were13 constantly13 trampled13 on13 by13 outside13 interests13 Most13 importantly13 you13 can13 tell13 them13 that13 you13 were13 part13 of13 fixing13 it13 That13 the13 world13 is13 a13 far13 beer13 place13 because13 of13 what13 we13 did13 That13
27
they13 have13 a13 great13 bright13 future13 because13 of13 our13 bold13 efforts13 that13 began13 today13 With13 such13 potenFals13 and13 possibiliFes13 at13 hand13 how13 can13 we13 ever13 explain13 to13 them13 our13 inacFon13 or13 how13 we13 stood13 by13 and13 let13 appalling13 things13 conFnue
As13 we13 close13 I13 want13 to13 ask13 a13 few13 final13 quesFons13 There13 are13 many13 places13 to13 put13 your13 efforts
But13 if13 not13 the13 thousands13 of13 communiAes13 we13 can13 help13 then13 where
If13 not13 the13 billions13 of13 young13 people13 we13 can13 empower13 to13 have13 beMer13 lives13 then13 who
And13 if13 now13 is13 not13 the13 Ame13 for13 bold13 daring13 and13 nearly13 miraculous13 acAons13 then13 when
hellipthe honor is only eclipsed by the responsibility this opportunity
brings with it
If13 you13 need13 proof13 of13 miracles13 than13 look13 no13 further13 than13 this13 stage13 Here13 you13 have13 a13 former13 (or13 perhaps13 not13 so13 former)13 punk13 from13 rural13 Pennsylvania13 of13 Irish13 descent13 standing13 before13 you13 accepFng13 one13 of13 our13 greatest13 honors13 Itrsquos13 absolutely13 humbling13 And13 the13 honor13 is13 only13 eclipsed13 by13 the13 responsibility13 this13 opportunity13 brings13 with13 it13 But13 itrsquos13 not13 inFmidaFng13 Not13 at13 all13 Because13 I13 know13 WE13 are13 in13 this13 together13 And13 for13 all13 of13 this13 I13 will13 be13 forever13 grateful13 to13 you13 for13 sharing13 this13 wonderful13 day13 and13 being13 part13 of13 this13 journey13 that13 will13 transform13 the13 world
Thank13 you13 all13 very13 very13 much
28
CHAPTER13 5
Contact USConnect13 with13 us13 on13 social13 media
unescochairpennstate
unescochairpsu
unescochairpsu
Call13 Write13 or13 Visit
Dr13 Mark13 Brennan204C13 Ferguson13 BuildingUniversity13 Park13 PA13 16802Phone13 1-shy‐814-shy‐863-shy‐0387Email13 unescochairpsueduWeb13 wwwunescochairpsuedu
UNESCO Chair in Rural Community
Leadership and Youth Development
The Pennsylvania State University
United Nations
(GXFDWLRQDO6FLHQWLiquestFDQGCultural Organization
Itrsquos13 the13 right13 thing13 to13 do13 This13 is13 not13 about13 charity13 This13 is13 about13 jusFce13 InvesFng13 in13 educaFon13 is13 more13 effecFve13 cheaper13 and13 leads13 to13 the13 best13 development13 outcomes13 We13 have13 a13 large13 body13 of13 knowledge13 that13 backs13 this13 up
Let13 me13 share13 one13 more13 example13 Chris13 Aredo13 from13 Kenya13 Chris13 had13 a13 normal13 childhood13 unFl13 the13 age13 of13 1213 years13 when13 he13 was13 orphaned13 He13 found13 himself13 living13 in13 the13 rough13 streets13 of13 Nairobi13 scavenging13 and13 stealing13 to13 survive13 He13 lived13 this13 way13 for13 six13 years13 13 I13 donrsquot13 think13 many13 of13 us13 in13 this13 room13 certainly13 myself13 are13 that13 tough13 or13 strong13
Aer13 613 years13 he13 was13 enrolled13 in13 the13 NaFonal13 Youth13 Service13 which13 is13 a13 boot-shy‐camp13 providing13 basic13 vocaFonal13 skills13 Shortly13 thereaer13 he13 met13 Paul13 Maina13 who13 was13 beginning13 to13 form13 the13 Child13 and13 Youth13 Empowerment13 Center
Chris13 joined13 Paul13 and13 in13 late13 200613 the13 Center13 opened13 Here13 Chris13 had13 an13 opportunity13 to13 help13 shape13 beer13 lives13 for13 young13 people13 He13 also13 had13 the13 opportunity13 to13 travel13 to13 Germany13 where13 the13 importance13 of13 educaFon13 became13 even13 more13 evident13 to13 him13 Upon13 his13 return13 he13 enrolled13 in13 high13 school13 which13 he13 quickly13 completed13 With13 the13 assistance13 of13 the13 Centrersquos13 support13 network13 he13 was13 able13 to13 enroll13 in13 University13 and13 will13 receive13 his13 BS13 degree13 this13 coming13 December13 in13 Bus iness13 I nformaFon13
8
Technology13 Chris13 has13 been13 the13 Chairperson13 of13 the13 Universityrsquos13 chapter13 of13 the13 Red13 Cross13 Club13 and13 president13 of13 InternaFonal13 AssociaFon13 of13 Students13 in13 Economic13 and13 Commercial13 Sciences13 He13 is13 part13 of13 the13 UNESCO13 sponsored13 youth13 leadership13 development13 program13 as13 a13 mentor13 facilitator13 and13 community13 leader
I13 menFon13 his13 story13 not13 as13 a13 feel13 good13 moment13 Though13 it13 certainly13 is13 I13 menFon13 it13 because13 it13 highlights13 the13 common13 human13 condiFon13 If13 provided13 with13 the13 opportunity13 for13 learning13 and13 educaFon13 people13 will13 seize13 the13 moment13 Through13 a13 small13 investment13 and13 his13 hard13 work13 Chrisrsquos13 life13 and13 those13 of13 others13 were13 transformed13 In13 less13 than13 ten13 years13 from13 a13 homeless13 street13 youth13 to13 a13 high13 school13 graduate13 to13 a13 college13 graduate13
to13 a13 leader13 acFvist13 and13 agent13 of13 change13 13 Think13 how13 tough13 determined13 resilient13 he13 is13 -shy‐13 and13 he13 is13 not13 terribly13 unusual13 Hersquos13 the13 kind13 of13 person13 I13 want13 on13 my13 teams13 If13 you13 give13 me13 him13 and13 2013 others13 like13 him13 we13 will13 make13 history13 Also13 remember13 there13 are13 more13 than13 a13 billion13 youth13 like13 Chris13 out13 there13 and13 just13 think13 of13 the13 impacts13 of13 reaching13 a13 fracFon13 of13 them13 or13 even13 beer13 yet13 th ink13 o f13 empowering13 them13 all
EducaFon13 is13 power13 and13 sets13 the13 stage13 for13 strong13 communiFes13 that13 take13 care13 of13 their13 own13 needs13 This13 focus13 on13 EducaFon13 for13 All13 will13 be13 a13 cornerstone13 of13 our13 work13 and13 thatrsquos13 the13 first13 thing13 I13 wanted13 to13 share13 with13 you13 today
9
CHAPTER13 3
Realizing Engaged CommunitiesThe13 second13 thing13 I13 want13 to13 share13 with13 you13 is13 the13 importance13 of13 community13 13 Just13 like13 educaFon13 community13 shapes13 producFve13 and13 stable13 lives13 just13 in13 a13 different13 way13 Combining13 the13 two13 is13 magical13 in13 their13 impactBut13 why13 th ink13 about13 commun i ty13 Community13 contributes13 to13 individual13 family13 and13 social13 well13 being13 13 It13 is13 our13 first13 contact13 with13 the13 world13 beyond13 the13 family13 It13 is13 the13 sedng13 for13 socializaFon13 our13 insFtuFons13 and13
the13 development13 of13 rules13 and13 culture
hellipthink about community as one big relationship
Community13 establishes13 and13 maintains13 channels13 of13 communicaFon13 and13 interacFon13 13 I13 always13 tell13 my13 undergraduate13 and13 graduate13 students13 to13 think13 about13 community13 as13 one13 big13 relaFonship13 Think13 about13 what13 happens13 in13 your13 relaFonships13 Itrsquos13 the13 same13 with13 community13 When13 you13 first13 meet13 you13 commun i ca te13 con s tan t l y13 i n te ra c t13 conFnuously13 and13 do13 everything13 together13 As13 Fme13 goes13 on13 the13 communicaFon13 and13 interacFon13 become13 less13 frequent13 And13 as13 we13 all13 know13 it13 someFmes13 is13 not13 long13 before13 problems13 occur13 Where13 mountains13 are13 made13 out13 of13 mole13 hills13 and13 relaFonships13 become13 strained13 someFmes13 to13 the13 point13 of13 breaking13 13
The13 same13 is13 true13 in13 communiFes13 It13 involves13 more13 people13 and13 is13 a13 bit13 messier13 but13 the13 process13 and13 structure13 is13 the13 same13 Just13 as13 in13 our13 relaFonships13 we13 need13 to13 constantly13 be13 working13 to13 maintain13 community
Oen13 during13 presidenFal13 elecFons13 I13 ask13 my13 students13 to13 count13 the13 number13 of13 Fmes13 that13 community13 is13 said13 during13 debates13 and13 speeches13 In13 these13 sedngs13 where13 every13 word13 counts13 and13 costs13 money13 it13 is13 common13 for13 the13 term13 community13 to13 be13 menFoned13 dozens13 of13 Fmes13 in13 an13 hour13 long13 speech13 13 Why13 though13 I t rsquos13 an13 amazing13 idea13 community13 Itrsquos13 tremendously13 powerful13 It13 bring13 up13 all13 those13 warm13 and13 fuzzy13 images13 -shy‐13 real13 and13 imagined13 -shy‐13 of13 what13 life13 was13 like13 or13 could13 be
11
The impacts outcomes and potentials of community are real
tangible and measurable
Now13 before13 you13 think13 me13 an13 academic13 hippy13 or13 that13 Irsquom13 advocaFng13 for13 free13 love13 and13 touchy13 feely13 ideas13 this13 is13 not13 the13 case13 at13 all13 13 The13 impacts13 outcomes13 and13 potenFals13 of13 community13 are13 rea l 13 tangib le 13 and13 measurable13 13 Strong13 communiFes13 are13 more13 resilient13 adapFve13 and13 less13 likely13 to13 be13 explo i ted13 They13 connect13 res idents 13 insFtuFons13 organizaFons13 to13 each13 other13 13 They13 promote13 stability13 have13 less13 crime13 and13 show13 increase13 local13 well-shy‐being13 They13 increase13 involvement13 in13 local13 decision-shy‐making13 and13 parFcipatory13 democracy
There13 are13 also13 tremendous13 personal13 impacts13 Community13 enhances13 our13 social13
psychological13 and13 emoFonal13 development13 13 It13 promotes13 civic13 responsibility13 which13 is13 a13 commitment13 to13 helping13 others13 It13 increases13 cultural13 understanding13 and13 empathy13 13 It13 provides13 life13 skills13 such13 as13 criFcal13 thinking13 interpersonal13 leadership13 and13 conflict13 resoluFon13 skills13
Tremendous things happen when people care about each other and
the place they live in
This13 is13 an13 impressive13 list13 that13 is13 by13 no13 means13 complete13 We13 have13 mountains13 of13 research13 data13 program13 evaluaFons13 thousands13 of13 books13 and13 journal13 arFcles13 to13 prove13 that13 this13 is13 the13 case13 Even13 beer13 wersquove13 studied13 this13 process13 across13 the13 world13 I t rsquos13 true13 everywhere13 The13 condiFons13 and13 context13 might13 be13 a13 lile13 different13 but13 one13 thing13
12
holds13 true13 tremendous13 things13 happen13 when13 people13 care13 about13 each13 other13 and13 the13 place13 they13 live13 in13 This13 is13 not13 an13 idea13 This13 is13 not13 a13 plan13 This13 IS13 fact13 Strong13 communiFes13 equal13 stable13 civil13 and13 just13 socieFes
For13 me13 the13 need13 for13 community13 is13 close13 to13 home13 I13 was13 born13 and13 raised13 in13 a13 small13 town13 in13 northeastern13 Pennsylvania13 I13 came13 from13 people13 who13 le13 Ireland13 and13 Europe13 seeking13 survival13 All13 of13 these13 are13 absolutely13 great13 places13 Places13 blessed13 by13 amazing13 natural13 resources13 amazingly13 diverse13 cultures13 tremendous13 food13 you13 canrsquot13 imagine13 13 Cultures13 whose13 unique13 experiences13 and13 knowledge13 for13 dealing13 with13 the13 challenges13 of13 daily13 life13 were13 massive13 and13 effecFve13 Places13 rich13 in13 social13 supports13 from13 family13 neighbors13 religions13 and13 schools13 Places13 to13
me13 that13 held13 a13 tremendous13 amount13 of13 magic13 in13 them
For many education became not an opportunity but a painful reminder
of what might have been
But13 you13 know13 as13 the13 musician13 Lou13 Reed13 sang13 there13 is13 a13 bit13 of13 magic13 in13 everything13 -shy‐13 and13 then13 some13 loss13 to13 even13 things13 out13 The13 loss13 in13 these13 areas13 was13 characterized13 by13 exploitaFon13 from13 abusive13 outside13 interests13 13 Abuse13 by13 corporaFons13 and13 governments13 that13 harvested13 local13 natural13 resources13 including13 people13 for13 far13 far13 less13 than13 they13 were13 worth13 13 Places13 where13 youth13 were13 eventually13 forced13 to13 leave13 for13 lack13 of13 opportuniFes13 denied13 their13 righkul13 heritage13 and13 forced13 like13 so13 many13 youth13 worldwide13 to13 become13 the13 nomads13 the13 diasporas13 For13 many13 educaFon13
13
became13 not13 an13 opportunity13 but13 a13 painful13 reminder13 of13 what13 might13 have13 been13 Aer13 all13 why13 bother13 learning13 of13 the13 wonders13 of13 Paris13 Rome13 and13 Tokyo13 when13 the13 odds13 of13 you13 gedng13 to13 there13 were13 as13 good13 gedng13 to13 the13 Moon13 For13 most13 the13 mill13 the13 mine13 and13 oen13 the13 unemployment13 line13 were13 our13 desFny
It was the systematic breakdown of our communities
These13 were13 environments13 where13 ciFzens13 were13 slowly13 convinced13 that13 they13 were13 irrelevant13 That13 there13 was13 no13 need13 to13 act13 or13 be13 involved13 locally13 Convinced13 that13 they13 could13 never13 ever13 make13 a13 difference13 13 In13 truth13 this13 impotence13 was13 not13 the13 result13 of13 the13 IlluminaF13 the13 Freemasons13 the13 wealthy13 or13 whatever13 version13 of13 the13 lsquoManrsquo13 that13 we13
created13 It13 was13 not13 the13 standard13 issue13 boot13 of13 the13 Pinkerton13 Agency13 the13 police13 or13 others13 kicking13 in13 our13 door13 forcing13 us13 to13 be13 compliant13 It13 was13 something13 much13 simpler13 and13 infinitely13 more13 ominous13 Something13 much13 harder13 and13 painful13 to13 admit13 truth13 be13 told13 13 It13 was13 the13 systemaFc13 breakdown13 of13 our13 communiFes13 But13 nonetheless13 we13 were13 the13 lucky13 ones13 From13 Africa13 to13 Southeast13 Asia13 to13 South13 and13 Central13 America13 and13 eastern13 Europe13 these13 condiFons13 would13 be13 eagerly13 welcomed13 in13 the13 face13 of13 war13 genocide13 disease13 and13 extreme13 poverty13
hellipour communities can be brought back to life
But13 Irsquove13 good13 news13 Maybe13 itrsquos13 not13 so13 bad13 13 And13 if13 it13 is13 it13 certainly13 does13 not13 need13 to13 be13 13 We13 actually13 have13 lots13 of13 proof13 that13 our13
14
communiFes13 can13 be13 brought13 back13 to13 life13 13 Wersquove13 tremendous13 evidence13 from13 the13 field13 13 From13 do-shy‐gooding13 idealisFc13 acFvists13 to13 bale13 hardened13 program13 agents13 to13 government13 officials13 From13 shrewd13 business13 interests13 to13 chariFes13 and13 nonprofits13 Capacity13 is13 being13 built13 and13 ciFzens13 of13 all13 ages13 are13 being13 empowered13 but13 parFcularly13 those13 amazing13 agents13 of13 change13 young13 people
To13 understand13 this13 letrsquos13 talk13 a13 bit13 about13 what13 community13 is13 Let13 me13 tell13 you13 about13 a13 good13 way13 to13 think13 of13 it13 an13 interacFve13 approach13 to13 community13 At13 the13 core13 of13 community13 is13 the13 interacFon13 and13 interdependence13 among13 local13 people13 Here13 people13 make13 up13 local13 interest13 groups13 that13 are13 loosely13 bounded13 arenas13 for13 interacFon
All13 of13 these13 seek13 to13 look13 aer13 their13 own13 interests13 Community13 evolves13 as13 members13 of13 these13 very13 different13 groups13 interact13 with13 each13 other13 realizing13 their13 common13 general13 needs13 This13 doesnrsquot13 mean13 we13 give13 up13 who13 we13 are13 or13 sell13 out13 We13 just13 realize13 that13 we13 have13 common13 needs13 and13 that13 we13 can13 work13 together13 to13 overcome13 these
15
As13 groups13 and13 residents13 interact13 what13 has13 come13 to13 be13 known13 as13 community13 agency13 emerges13 Agency13 highlights13 the13 fact13 that13
engagement13 has13 power13 It13 shows13 that13 local13 people13 working13 together13 have13 the13 power13 to13 transform13 and13 change13 society13 13 When13 they13 do13 this13 community13 can13 emerge
I13 want13 to13 stress13 this13 is13 a13 process13 though13 13 Community13 is13 not13 a13 given13 State13 College13 will13 always13 be13 on13 a13 map13 But13 the13 connecFon13 between13 people13 that13 makes13 this13 place13 so13 special13 may13 not13 unless13 we13 work13 at13 it13 Keep13 in13 mind13 that13 community13 is13 a13 variable13 Our13 locality13 is13 always13 changing13 with13 people13 coming13 and13 going13 all13 the13 Fmes13 We13 need13 to13 constantly13 be13 working13 to13 maintain13 our13 connecFon13 to13 it13 and13 welcome13 in13 new13 people13 to13 be13 part13 of13 it13 When13 we13 stop13 interacFng13 communicaFng13 and13 being13 inclusive13 it13 simply13 -shy‐13 and13 quickly13 disappears13 But13 if13 developed13 community13 results13 in13 amazing13 things13 here13 and13 abroad
Let13 me13 give13 you13 some13 examples
Civically13 engaged13 youth13 are13 2213 more13 likely
16
to13 graduate13 from13 college13 than13 those13 that13 did13 not
Civically13 engaged13 youth13 are13 413 ltmes13 less13 likely13 to13 exhibit13 ldquorisky13 behaviorrdquo13 such13 as13 drug13 use13 and13 other13 dangerous13 behaviors13
Youth13 are13 813 ltmes13 more13 likely13 to13 believe13 that13 can13 influence13 decision13 making13 if13 they13 are13 civically13 engaged
This13 is13 important13 The13 fact13 of13 the13 maer13 is13 that13 there13 are13 very13 few13 obstacles13 to13 us13 changing13 the13 world13 Wersquove13 just13 convinced13 ourselves13 that13 we13 canrsquot13 make13 a13 difference13 and13 shouldnrsquot13 act13 This13 is13 largely13 because13 wersquove13 been13 uninvolved13 for13 so13 long13 Wersquove13 forgoen13 how13 to13 act13 and13 be13 engaged
One13 more13 thing13 EducaFon13 and13 Community13 intersect13 in13 a13 big13 way13 Where13 community13 involvement13 and13 educaFon13 are13 low13 the13 odds13
of13 extremism13 gangs13 and13 terrorisFc13 organizaFons13 more13 than13 quadruple
helliphad there been a little more education and community capacity
the extremism would have been stopped in its tracks
This13 was13 brought13 home13 to13 me13 during13 visits13 to13 Cambodia13 over13 the13 years13 Every13 Fme13 I13 go13 make13 a13 pilgrimage13 to13 the13 infamous13 Killing13 Fields13 near13 Phom13 Penh13 At13 their13 naFonal13 Genocide13 Museum13 are13 thousands13 of13 photos13 of13 the13 vicFms13 You13 see13 a13 fracFon13 of13 them13
here13 behind13 me13 But13 of13 all13 of13 these13 -shy‐13 one13 haunts13 me13 I13 bring13 her13 flowers13 every13 year13 I13 donrsquot13 know13 her13 name13
17
No13 one13 does13 But13 I13 canrsquot13 forget13 her13 eyes13 I13 canrsquot13 forget13 that13 had13 there13 been13 a13 lile13 more13 educaFon13 and13 community13 capacity13 the13 extremism13 would13 have13 been13 stopped13 in13 its13 tracks13 She13 and13 several13 million13 other13 Cambodians13 would13 be13 with13 us13 today13 The13 same13 is13 true13 in13 Germany13 Rwanda13 Bosnia13 ArgenFna13 and13 elsewhere13 13 We13 owe13 it13 to13 her13 and13 the13 countless13 others13 to13 build13 strong13 educated13 communiFes13 that13 will13 ensure13 extremism13 does13 not13 take13 root13 and13 run13 rampant
If13 nothing13 else13 remember13 this13 Community13 builds13 capacity13 It13 provides13 structure13 and13 social13 supports13 builds13 empathy13 and13 understanding13 and13 provides13 the13 basis13 for13 acFon13 and13 acFvism13 It13 protects13 against13 poverty13 extremism13 and13 chaos
The13 importance13 and13 central13 role13 of13 community13 will13 be13 the13 other13 cornerstone13 of13 our13 work13 and13 was13 the13 second13 thing13 I13 wanted13 to13 share13 with13 you
18
CHAPTER13 4
Transforming the World Through the UNESCO Chairs Program Wersquove13 been13 looking13 forward13 this13 is13 a13 day13 for13 years13 Because13 every13 now13 and13 then13 an13 opportunity13 comes13 along13 that13 just13 changes13 everything13 Wersquove13 been13 working13 really13 really13
hard13 and13 have13 lots13 of13 plans13 that13 are13 ready13 to13 launch13 I13 want13 to13 share13 three13 of13 them13 that13 we13 are13 really13 excited13 about13 They13 really13 are13 amazing13 and13 beauFful13 creaFons
First13 is13 the13 UNTWIN13 Network13 on13 Youth13 and13 Community13 Development13
With13 this13 we13 reinvent13 the13 idea13 of13 global13 partnerships13 and13 collaboraFon13 UNITWIN13 are13 the13 UN13 university13 twining13 and13 partnership13 networks13 They13 open13 up13 all13 kinds13 of13 opportuniFes13 for13 rapid13 research13 and13 acFon13 and13 funding13 While13 UNESCO13 Chairs13 are13 rare13 UNITWIN13 networks13 are13 even13 more13 so13 13 Only13 two13 exist13 in13 the13 US13 We13 got13 the13 go13 ahead13 from13 UNESCO13 to13 start13 developing13 number13 three13 However13 ours13 will13 be13 unmatched13 in13 size13 scope13 and13 impact
6 continents
9 geographic regions
35 partner institutions
Thousands of youth
Three UNESCO Chairs
It13 will13 cover13 613 conFnents13 913 geographic13 regions13 3513 partner13 insFtuFons13 (and13 growing13 weekly)13 thousands13 of13 youth13 and13 three13 UNESCO13 Chairs13 This13 will13 allow13 for13 immediate13 research13 program13 development13 and13 educaFonal13 program13 delivery
hellipa common framework of Community Capacity Building
Youth Development and Conflict Mitigationhellip
The13 network13 will13 be13 led13 by13 three13 UNESCO13 Chairs13 at13 three13 interrelated13 mulFdisciplinary13
20
centers13 the13 Child13 and13 Family13 Research13 Centre13 (NUI13 Galway)13 UNESCO13 Centre13 for13 Research13 on13 Children13 and13 Youth13 (University13 of13 Ulster)13 and13 the13 planned13 UNESCO13 InsAtute13 for13 G lobal13 Humanitar ian13 Development13 (Penn13 State)13 The13 three13 bring13 together13 nearly13 20013 of13 the13 worldrsquos13 best13 researchers13 teachers13 and13 program13 developers
The13 network13 will13 have13 a13 common13 framework13 of13 Community13 Capacity13 Building13 Youth13 Development13 and13 Conflict13 MiFgaFon13 but13 will13 pursue13 specialized13 projects13 on13 health13 and13 well-shy‐being13 educaFon13 and13 literacy13 social13 and13 economic13 development13 the13 physical13 sciences13 agricultural13 development13 civil13 engineering13 and13 many13 other13 areas13 as13 they13 emerge13 We13 will13 be13 able13 to13 conduct13
internaFonal13 comparaFve13 research13 design13 programs13 and13 deliver13 them13 worldwide13 in13 a13 maer13 of13 months13 -shy‐13 not13 years13 as13 is13 oen13 the13 case13 Think13 of13 the13 potenFal
With13 not13 much13 work13 we13 can13 reach13 1000013 kids13 and13 100013 communiFes13 in13 the13 next13 few13 years13 1000013 kids13 and13 communiFes13 who13 see13 a13 brighter13 future13 are13 contribuFng13 members13 of13 society13 lead13 producFve13 and13 safe13 lives13 and13 take13 on13 ownership13 of13 local13 life13 With13 your13 help13 and13 some13 hard13 work13 we13 can13 triple13 the13 number13 of13 youth13 and13 communiFes13 we13 can13 reach
UNITWIN13 goes13 live13 in13 April13 Itrsquos13 already13 growing13 beyond13 our13 control13 Itrsquos13 a13 game13 changer13 and13 once13 in13 a13 lifeFme13 opportunity13 13 Itrsquos13 going13 to13 be13 our13 legacy13 and13 we13 have13 a13 seat13 at13 the13 table13 for13 you
21
The13 second13 big13 item13 focuses13 on13 idenAfying13 the13 best13 pracAces13 for13 youth13 and13 community13 developmenthellipworldwide
Today13 we13 redefine13 global13 comparaFve13 research13 There13 are13 lots13 of13 people13 doing13 great13 and13 effecFve13 work13 worldwide13 We13 are13 going13 to13 begin13 a13 long-shy‐term13 research13 program13 to13 idenFfy13 these13 best13 pracFces13 in13 all13 locaFons13 but13 with13 a13 strong13 focus13 on13 rural13 areas
But13 you13 might13 ask13 why13 There13 is13 an13 increasing13 lsquoyouth13 bulgersquo13 that13 exists13 alongside13 a13 heavy13 dependence13 on13 agriculture13 in13 the13 developing13 world13 The13 UN13 has13 documented13 this13 with13 nearly13 half13 of13 the13 worldrsquos13 populaFon13 residing13 in13 rural13 areas
Over13 9013 of13 all13 rural13 residents13 live13 in13 less13 developed13 regions
Equally13 important13 almost13 a13 third13 of13 the13 world13 populalton13 is13 age13 1513 or13 younger13 and13 half13 are13 under13 age13 2513
8513 of13 all13 youth13 live13 in13 less13 developed13 countries
This13 reality13 creates13 an13 environment13 where13 the13 acltve13 engagement13 of13 communiltes13 is13 essenltal13 to13 future13 growth13 and13 development
Another13 really13 cool13 part13 of13 this13 research13 focuses13 on13 building13 partnerships13 We13 work13 to13 build13 capacity13 and13 partnerships13 through13 North-shy‐South13 and13 South-shy‐South13 partnerships13 that13 shape13 regional13 capacity13 We13 re13 already13 seeing13 great13 things13 such13 as13 in13 Kenya13 and13 Zambia13 where13 we13 have13 linked13 programs13 that13 are13 working13 together13 like13 crazy
Through13 the13 UNESCO13 Chair13 program13 we13 will13 link13 organizaFons13 in13 2513 countries13 to13 share13 resources13 best13 pracFces13 and13 experFse13
22
create13 a13 dynamic13 series13 of13 partnerships13 in13 the13 Global13 South13 and13 form13 a13 community13 of13 naFons13 focused13 on13 youth13 and13 development13 of13 civil13 society
T h i r d 13 i s13 ou r13 G l oba l13 Edu caAona l13 Programming
Today13 we13 revoluFonize13 global13 educaFon13 13 We13 are13 planning13 a13 global13 educaFonal13 program13 focusing13 on13 leadership13 and13 community13 building13 across13 the13 life13 span13 13 Included13 are13 courses13 in13 leadership13 skills13 c o m m u n i t y13 c a p a c i t y13 b u i l d i n g 13 entrepreneurship13 and13 small13 business13 development13 posiFve13 youth13 development13 conflict13 miFgaFon13 and13 many13 others13 areas
Penn13 State13 is13 a13 leader13 in13 distance13 educaFon13 13 It13 recently13 dedicated13 major13 resources13 to13 MOOCs13 Massive13 Open13 Online13 Courses13 13
What13 this13 means13 is13 if13 a13 ciFzen13 of13 this13 planet13 has13 access13 to13 the13 internet13 to13 an13 internet13 cafeacute13 or13 even13 a13 cell13 phone13 they13 will13 be13 provided13 with13 Col lege13 courses13 and13 instrucFonal13 materials
Yoursquore13 asking13 how13 much13 will13 these13 cost13 right13 Thatrsquos13 a13 great13 quesFon13 How13 does13 free13 sound13 Wersquove13 got13 it13 covered13 All13 we13 ask13 is13 that13 you13 take13 the13 knowledge13 and13 skills13 and13 use13 them13 to13 make13 life13 beer13 The13 best13 courses13 in13 the13 world13 taught13 by13 the13 best13 faculty13 Free13 of13 charge13
Distributed13 through13 Penn13 State13 and13 the13 global13 UNESCO13 network13 If13 people13 need13 more13 than13 the13 basic13 knowledge13 base13 we13 can13 do13 that13 too13 CerFficates13 and13 even13 degree13 programs13 at13 all13 levels13 with13 costs13 to13 be13 covered13 by13 foundaFons13 and13 internaFonal13
23
development13 agencies13 Just13 think13 of13 the13 potenFals13 for13 primary13 and13 secondary13 schools13 and13 for13 educators13 in13 the13 developing13 world13 13 Think13 of13 the13 life13 changing13 impacts13 for13 a13 young13 girl13 in13 rural13 Zambia13 a13 street13 child13 in13 Kenya13 and13 a13 young13 farm13 worker13 in13 Cambodia13 Itrsquos13 beyond13 belief13 and13 uerly13 amazing13 13 It13 changes13 everything
So13 those13 are13 three13 of13 the13 big13 things13 that13 are13 happening13 now13 We13 have13 lots13 more13 in13 the13 works13 and13 ready13 to13 launch13 These13 and13 other13 efforts13 will13 help13 us13 realize13 our13 dreams13 of13 a13 beer13 world13 Come13 be13 part13 of13 all13 of13 these13 13 We13 can13 pick13 some13 great13 fights13 together13 I13 promise13 itrsquoll13 be13 awesome13 and13 wersquoll13 do13 miraculous13 things
The key to this is you
Be13 Part13 of13 the13 Journey
We13 WILL13 do13 all13 of13 the13 things13 I13 menFoned13 13 And13 much13 much13 more13 The13 key13 to13 this13 is13 you13 13 Yoursquove13 been13 asked13 to13 be13 here13 today13 because13 we13 know13 you13 will13 fight13 for13 social13 jusFce13 We13 need13 you13 to13 help13 us13 raise13 awareness13 to13 help13 develop13 programs13 and13 research13 and13 help13 us13 find13 funding13 to13 ensure13 this13 is13 a13 reality
If13 you13 think13 about13 it13 there13 is13 no13 beer13 place13 than13 here13 to13 begin13 our13 journey13 Lest13 we13 forget13 we13 are13 in13 Pennsylvania13 This13 place13 that13 saw13 the13 birth13 of13 the13 Molly13 McGuires13 the13 original13 union13 movements13 and13 the13 knights13 of13 labor13 It13 was13 where13 Milton13 Eisenhower13 dreamed13 of13 the
If13 you13 think13 about13 it13 there13 is13 no13 beer13 place13 than13 here13 to13 begin13 our13 journey13 Lest13 we13 forget13 we13 are13 in13 Pennsylvania13 This13 place13 that13
24
saw13 the13 birth13 of13 the13 Molly13 McGuires13 the13 original13 union13 movements13 and13 the13 knights13 of13 labor13 It13 was13 where13 Milton13 Eisenhower13 dreamed13 of13 the13 potenFals13 of13 UNESCO13 13 Where13 Benjamin13 Franklin13 found13 the13 Pennsylvania13 AboliFonist13 Society13 seeking13 to13 end13 slavery13 Where13 our13 founding13 fathers13 conceived13 more13 than13 a13 naFon13 but13 the13 idea13 of13 L ife13 L iberty13 and13 the13 pursuit13 of13 Happiness-shy‐-shy‐-shy‐not13 just13 for13 us13 but13 for13 our13 fellow13 ciFzens13 of13 the13 world13 All13 of13 these13 people13 have13 passed13 the13 torch13 to13 us13 today13 13 Let13 us13 make13 them13 proud13 in13 conFnuing13 their13 quest13 for13 social13 jusFce13 for13 equality13 and13 for13 creaFng13 a13 beer13 world
Now13 is13 our13 moment13 13 Of13 all13 the13 opportuniFes13 out13 there13 none13 have13 greater13 potenFal13 for13 immediate13 and13 long13 term13 impacts13 than13
e du caFon 13 t h e13 t r a n s fo rmaFon13 o f13 communiFes13 empowerment13 of13 the13 excluded13 and13 the13 posiFve13 development13 of13 youth13 None13 Absolutely13 none
Now13 I13 know13 we13 hear13 inspiraFonal13 speeches13 a13 lot13 We13 are13 always13 being13 asked13 to13 open13 our13 hearts13 and13 then13 our13 checkbooks13 3But13 this13 is13 different13 We13 have13 never13 before13 had13 such13 structures13 partners13 and13 resources13 to13 make13 our13 dreams13 a13 reality
hellipthere will be those outside that will tell us that the world is too big
too corrupthellip
I13 know13 we13 are13 all13 Fred13 overworked13 and13 maybe13 a13 bit13 cynical13 of13 all13 this13 I13 know13 there13 will13 be13 those13 outside13 of13 here13 that13 will13 tell13 us13 that13 the13 world13 is13 too13 big13 too13 corrupt13 that13 the13 vicFms13 deserve13 their13 low13 lots13 in13 life13 and13
25
that13 maybe13 for13 the13 sake13 of13 our13 careers13 we13 really13 should13 look13 busy13 while13 doing13 nothing13 But13 Irsquom13 asking13 you13 today13 to13 try13 one13 more13 Fme13 Take13 one13 more13 leap13 of13 faith13 I13 promise13 we13 wonrsquot13 let13 you13 down13 I13 promise13 that13 wersquoll13 be13 part13 of13 something13 legendary13 together
Nonetheless13 as13 you13 quesFon13 our13 ability13 to13 really13 change13 the13 world13 I13 would13 simply13 ask13 you13 to13 remember13 back13 to13 our13 younger13 days13 when13 we13 were13 absolutely13 certain13 that13 we13 could13 do13 it13 13 We13 were13 right13 13 You13 were13 right13 13 You13 were13 right13 and13 your13 dreams13 are13 sFll13 out13 there
I13 want13 to13 share13 one13 last13 story13 13 I13 recently13 read13 a13 wonderful13 essay13 by13 Joseph13 Laplin13 looking13 back13 on13 the13 55th13 Anniversary13 of13 Jack13 Kerouacrsquos13 legendary13 novel13 On13 the13 Road13 13 This13 was13 a13 novel13 that13 sent13 many13 young13 people13
(including13 myself)13 out13 on13 that13 road13 of13 discovery13 in13 search13 of13 the13 limitless13 possibiliFes13 beyond13 our13 hometowns13 13 A13 book13 that13 mandated13 the13 quesFoning13 authority13 the13 quesFoning13 of13 social13 convenFons13 and13 the13 challenging13 of13 the13 moral13 blinds13 spots13 of13 our13 age13 For13 me13 this13 book13 was13 magical
Laplinrsquos13 essay13 took13 aim13 at13 those13 of13 us13 who13 have13 grown13 up13 become13 established13 and13 think13 wersquove13 grown13 wiser13 Especially13 those13 of13 us13 who13 now13 dismiss13 Kerouac13 and13 this13 novel13 that13 once13 inspired13 us13 as13 idealisFc13 childish13 and13 ridiculously13 naiumlve13 in13 its13 call13 for13 social13 change13 But13 Laplin13 had13 a13 wonderfully13 reacFon13 to13 such13 people13 Here13 is13 what13 he13 said
ldquoPerhaps13 these13 people13 never13 took13 to13 or13 went13 back13 on13 the13 road13 -shy‐13 due13 to13 fear13 or13 family13 -shy‐13 and13
26
therefore13 can13 no13 longer13 revisit13 Kerouacrsquos13 work13 Perhaps13 itrsquos13 hard13 to13 even13 look13 at13 his13 wriltng13 because13 readers13 are13 actually13 looking13 at13 themselves13 And13 itrsquos13 easier13 to13 say13 well13 Kerouacrsquos13 naive13 than13 to13 say13 I13 missed13 out13 on13 something13 Maybe13 some13 readers13 have13 given13 up13 on13 the13 search13 for13 beauty13 and13 spirituality13 or13 realized13 that13 theyrsquore13 not13 one13 of13 those13 people13 who13 lsquoburn13 burn13 burn13 like13 fabulous13 yellow13 roman13 candlesrsquo13 and13 that13 knowledge13 is13 painfulrdquo
I13 want13 to13 state13 it13 again13 You13 were13 right13 when13 you13 once13 thought13 we13 would13 change13 the13 world13 And13 you13 are13 sFll13 right13 Your13 dreams13 of13 a13 fair13 equal13 and13 just13 world13 are13 sFll13 out13 there13 and13 together13 we13 will13 reclaim13 them13 and13 make13 them13 a13 reality
hellipin the not too distant future you can put your children and
grandchildren on your knee and tell them about once upon a time
I13 say13 this13 not13 to13 preach13 to13 you13 or13 guilt13 you13 into13 acFon13 I13 just13 want13 to13 put13 it13 into13 perspecFve13 and13 ask13 you13 to13 be13 part13 of13 this13 journey13 If13 we13 live13 up13 to13 our13 ideals13 and13 commitments13 in13 the13 not13 too13 distant13 future13 you13 can13 put13 your13 children13 and13 grandchildren13 on13 your13 knee13 and13 tell13 them13 about13 once13 upon13 a13 Fme13 Once13 upon13 a13 Fme13 when13 educaFon13 was13 only13 for13 the13 privileged13 few13 When13 women13 were13 treated13 as13 second13 class13 ciFzens13 When13 injusFce13 and13 inequality13 were13 the13 standard13 And13 when13 communiFes13 were13 constantly13 trampled13 on13 by13 outside13 interests13 Most13 importantly13 you13 can13 tell13 them13 that13 you13 were13 part13 of13 fixing13 it13 That13 the13 world13 is13 a13 far13 beer13 place13 because13 of13 what13 we13 did13 That13
27
they13 have13 a13 great13 bright13 future13 because13 of13 our13 bold13 efforts13 that13 began13 today13 With13 such13 potenFals13 and13 possibiliFes13 at13 hand13 how13 can13 we13 ever13 explain13 to13 them13 our13 inacFon13 or13 how13 we13 stood13 by13 and13 let13 appalling13 things13 conFnue
As13 we13 close13 I13 want13 to13 ask13 a13 few13 final13 quesFons13 There13 are13 many13 places13 to13 put13 your13 efforts
But13 if13 not13 the13 thousands13 of13 communiAes13 we13 can13 help13 then13 where
If13 not13 the13 billions13 of13 young13 people13 we13 can13 empower13 to13 have13 beMer13 lives13 then13 who
And13 if13 now13 is13 not13 the13 Ame13 for13 bold13 daring13 and13 nearly13 miraculous13 acAons13 then13 when
hellipthe honor is only eclipsed by the responsibility this opportunity
brings with it
If13 you13 need13 proof13 of13 miracles13 than13 look13 no13 further13 than13 this13 stage13 Here13 you13 have13 a13 former13 (or13 perhaps13 not13 so13 former)13 punk13 from13 rural13 Pennsylvania13 of13 Irish13 descent13 standing13 before13 you13 accepFng13 one13 of13 our13 greatest13 honors13 Itrsquos13 absolutely13 humbling13 And13 the13 honor13 is13 only13 eclipsed13 by13 the13 responsibility13 this13 opportunity13 brings13 with13 it13 But13 itrsquos13 not13 inFmidaFng13 Not13 at13 all13 Because13 I13 know13 WE13 are13 in13 this13 together13 And13 for13 all13 of13 this13 I13 will13 be13 forever13 grateful13 to13 you13 for13 sharing13 this13 wonderful13 day13 and13 being13 part13 of13 this13 journey13 that13 will13 transform13 the13 world
Thank13 you13 all13 very13 very13 much
28
CHAPTER13 5
Contact USConnect13 with13 us13 on13 social13 media
unescochairpennstate
unescochairpsu
unescochairpsu
Call13 Write13 or13 Visit
Dr13 Mark13 Brennan204C13 Ferguson13 BuildingUniversity13 Park13 PA13 16802Phone13 1-shy‐814-shy‐863-shy‐0387Email13 unescochairpsueduWeb13 wwwunescochairpsuedu
UNESCO Chair in Rural Community
Leadership and Youth Development
The Pennsylvania State University
United Nations
(GXFDWLRQDO6FLHQWLiquestFDQGCultural Organization
Technology13 Chris13 has13 been13 the13 Chairperson13 of13 the13 Universityrsquos13 chapter13 of13 the13 Red13 Cross13 Club13 and13 president13 of13 InternaFonal13 AssociaFon13 of13 Students13 in13 Economic13 and13 Commercial13 Sciences13 He13 is13 part13 of13 the13 UNESCO13 sponsored13 youth13 leadership13 development13 program13 as13 a13 mentor13 facilitator13 and13 community13 leader
I13 menFon13 his13 story13 not13 as13 a13 feel13 good13 moment13 Though13 it13 certainly13 is13 I13 menFon13 it13 because13 it13 highlights13 the13 common13 human13 condiFon13 If13 provided13 with13 the13 opportunity13 for13 learning13 and13 educaFon13 people13 will13 seize13 the13 moment13 Through13 a13 small13 investment13 and13 his13 hard13 work13 Chrisrsquos13 life13 and13 those13 of13 others13 were13 transformed13 In13 less13 than13 ten13 years13 from13 a13 homeless13 street13 youth13 to13 a13 high13 school13 graduate13 to13 a13 college13 graduate13
to13 a13 leader13 acFvist13 and13 agent13 of13 change13 13 Think13 how13 tough13 determined13 resilient13 he13 is13 -shy‐13 and13 he13 is13 not13 terribly13 unusual13 Hersquos13 the13 kind13 of13 person13 I13 want13 on13 my13 teams13 If13 you13 give13 me13 him13 and13 2013 others13 like13 him13 we13 will13 make13 history13 Also13 remember13 there13 are13 more13 than13 a13 billion13 youth13 like13 Chris13 out13 there13 and13 just13 think13 of13 the13 impacts13 of13 reaching13 a13 fracFon13 of13 them13 or13 even13 beer13 yet13 th ink13 o f13 empowering13 them13 all
EducaFon13 is13 power13 and13 sets13 the13 stage13 for13 strong13 communiFes13 that13 take13 care13 of13 their13 own13 needs13 This13 focus13 on13 EducaFon13 for13 All13 will13 be13 a13 cornerstone13 of13 our13 work13 and13 thatrsquos13 the13 first13 thing13 I13 wanted13 to13 share13 with13 you13 today
9
CHAPTER13 3
Realizing Engaged CommunitiesThe13 second13 thing13 I13 want13 to13 share13 with13 you13 is13 the13 importance13 of13 community13 13 Just13 like13 educaFon13 community13 shapes13 producFve13 and13 stable13 lives13 just13 in13 a13 different13 way13 Combining13 the13 two13 is13 magical13 in13 their13 impactBut13 why13 th ink13 about13 commun i ty13 Community13 contributes13 to13 individual13 family13 and13 social13 well13 being13 13 It13 is13 our13 first13 contact13 with13 the13 world13 beyond13 the13 family13 It13 is13 the13 sedng13 for13 socializaFon13 our13 insFtuFons13 and13
the13 development13 of13 rules13 and13 culture
hellipthink about community as one big relationship
Community13 establishes13 and13 maintains13 channels13 of13 communicaFon13 and13 interacFon13 13 I13 always13 tell13 my13 undergraduate13 and13 graduate13 students13 to13 think13 about13 community13 as13 one13 big13 relaFonship13 Think13 about13 what13 happens13 in13 your13 relaFonships13 Itrsquos13 the13 same13 with13 community13 When13 you13 first13 meet13 you13 commun i ca te13 con s tan t l y13 i n te ra c t13 conFnuously13 and13 do13 everything13 together13 As13 Fme13 goes13 on13 the13 communicaFon13 and13 interacFon13 become13 less13 frequent13 And13 as13 we13 all13 know13 it13 someFmes13 is13 not13 long13 before13 problems13 occur13 Where13 mountains13 are13 made13 out13 of13 mole13 hills13 and13 relaFonships13 become13 strained13 someFmes13 to13 the13 point13 of13 breaking13 13
The13 same13 is13 true13 in13 communiFes13 It13 involves13 more13 people13 and13 is13 a13 bit13 messier13 but13 the13 process13 and13 structure13 is13 the13 same13 Just13 as13 in13 our13 relaFonships13 we13 need13 to13 constantly13 be13 working13 to13 maintain13 community
Oen13 during13 presidenFal13 elecFons13 I13 ask13 my13 students13 to13 count13 the13 number13 of13 Fmes13 that13 community13 is13 said13 during13 debates13 and13 speeches13 In13 these13 sedngs13 where13 every13 word13 counts13 and13 costs13 money13 it13 is13 common13 for13 the13 term13 community13 to13 be13 menFoned13 dozens13 of13 Fmes13 in13 an13 hour13 long13 speech13 13 Why13 though13 I t rsquos13 an13 amazing13 idea13 community13 Itrsquos13 tremendously13 powerful13 It13 bring13 up13 all13 those13 warm13 and13 fuzzy13 images13 -shy‐13 real13 and13 imagined13 -shy‐13 of13 what13 life13 was13 like13 or13 could13 be
11
The impacts outcomes and potentials of community are real
tangible and measurable
Now13 before13 you13 think13 me13 an13 academic13 hippy13 or13 that13 Irsquom13 advocaFng13 for13 free13 love13 and13 touchy13 feely13 ideas13 this13 is13 not13 the13 case13 at13 all13 13 The13 impacts13 outcomes13 and13 potenFals13 of13 community13 are13 rea l 13 tangib le 13 and13 measurable13 13 Strong13 communiFes13 are13 more13 resilient13 adapFve13 and13 less13 likely13 to13 be13 explo i ted13 They13 connect13 res idents 13 insFtuFons13 organizaFons13 to13 each13 other13 13 They13 promote13 stability13 have13 less13 crime13 and13 show13 increase13 local13 well-shy‐being13 They13 increase13 involvement13 in13 local13 decision-shy‐making13 and13 parFcipatory13 democracy
There13 are13 also13 tremendous13 personal13 impacts13 Community13 enhances13 our13 social13
psychological13 and13 emoFonal13 development13 13 It13 promotes13 civic13 responsibility13 which13 is13 a13 commitment13 to13 helping13 others13 It13 increases13 cultural13 understanding13 and13 empathy13 13 It13 provides13 life13 skills13 such13 as13 criFcal13 thinking13 interpersonal13 leadership13 and13 conflict13 resoluFon13 skills13
Tremendous things happen when people care about each other and
the place they live in
This13 is13 an13 impressive13 list13 that13 is13 by13 no13 means13 complete13 We13 have13 mountains13 of13 research13 data13 program13 evaluaFons13 thousands13 of13 books13 and13 journal13 arFcles13 to13 prove13 that13 this13 is13 the13 case13 Even13 beer13 wersquove13 studied13 this13 process13 across13 the13 world13 I t rsquos13 true13 everywhere13 The13 condiFons13 and13 context13 might13 be13 a13 lile13 different13 but13 one13 thing13
12
holds13 true13 tremendous13 things13 happen13 when13 people13 care13 about13 each13 other13 and13 the13 place13 they13 live13 in13 This13 is13 not13 an13 idea13 This13 is13 not13 a13 plan13 This13 IS13 fact13 Strong13 communiFes13 equal13 stable13 civil13 and13 just13 socieFes
For13 me13 the13 need13 for13 community13 is13 close13 to13 home13 I13 was13 born13 and13 raised13 in13 a13 small13 town13 in13 northeastern13 Pennsylvania13 I13 came13 from13 people13 who13 le13 Ireland13 and13 Europe13 seeking13 survival13 All13 of13 these13 are13 absolutely13 great13 places13 Places13 blessed13 by13 amazing13 natural13 resources13 amazingly13 diverse13 cultures13 tremendous13 food13 you13 canrsquot13 imagine13 13 Cultures13 whose13 unique13 experiences13 and13 knowledge13 for13 dealing13 with13 the13 challenges13 of13 daily13 life13 were13 massive13 and13 effecFve13 Places13 rich13 in13 social13 supports13 from13 family13 neighbors13 religions13 and13 schools13 Places13 to13
me13 that13 held13 a13 tremendous13 amount13 of13 magic13 in13 them
For many education became not an opportunity but a painful reminder
of what might have been
But13 you13 know13 as13 the13 musician13 Lou13 Reed13 sang13 there13 is13 a13 bit13 of13 magic13 in13 everything13 -shy‐13 and13 then13 some13 loss13 to13 even13 things13 out13 The13 loss13 in13 these13 areas13 was13 characterized13 by13 exploitaFon13 from13 abusive13 outside13 interests13 13 Abuse13 by13 corporaFons13 and13 governments13 that13 harvested13 local13 natural13 resources13 including13 people13 for13 far13 far13 less13 than13 they13 were13 worth13 13 Places13 where13 youth13 were13 eventually13 forced13 to13 leave13 for13 lack13 of13 opportuniFes13 denied13 their13 righkul13 heritage13 and13 forced13 like13 so13 many13 youth13 worldwide13 to13 become13 the13 nomads13 the13 diasporas13 For13 many13 educaFon13
13
became13 not13 an13 opportunity13 but13 a13 painful13 reminder13 of13 what13 might13 have13 been13 Aer13 all13 why13 bother13 learning13 of13 the13 wonders13 of13 Paris13 Rome13 and13 Tokyo13 when13 the13 odds13 of13 you13 gedng13 to13 there13 were13 as13 good13 gedng13 to13 the13 Moon13 For13 most13 the13 mill13 the13 mine13 and13 oen13 the13 unemployment13 line13 were13 our13 desFny
It was the systematic breakdown of our communities
These13 were13 environments13 where13 ciFzens13 were13 slowly13 convinced13 that13 they13 were13 irrelevant13 That13 there13 was13 no13 need13 to13 act13 or13 be13 involved13 locally13 Convinced13 that13 they13 could13 never13 ever13 make13 a13 difference13 13 In13 truth13 this13 impotence13 was13 not13 the13 result13 of13 the13 IlluminaF13 the13 Freemasons13 the13 wealthy13 or13 whatever13 version13 of13 the13 lsquoManrsquo13 that13 we13
created13 It13 was13 not13 the13 standard13 issue13 boot13 of13 the13 Pinkerton13 Agency13 the13 police13 or13 others13 kicking13 in13 our13 door13 forcing13 us13 to13 be13 compliant13 It13 was13 something13 much13 simpler13 and13 infinitely13 more13 ominous13 Something13 much13 harder13 and13 painful13 to13 admit13 truth13 be13 told13 13 It13 was13 the13 systemaFc13 breakdown13 of13 our13 communiFes13 But13 nonetheless13 we13 were13 the13 lucky13 ones13 From13 Africa13 to13 Southeast13 Asia13 to13 South13 and13 Central13 America13 and13 eastern13 Europe13 these13 condiFons13 would13 be13 eagerly13 welcomed13 in13 the13 face13 of13 war13 genocide13 disease13 and13 extreme13 poverty13
hellipour communities can be brought back to life
But13 Irsquove13 good13 news13 Maybe13 itrsquos13 not13 so13 bad13 13 And13 if13 it13 is13 it13 certainly13 does13 not13 need13 to13 be13 13 We13 actually13 have13 lots13 of13 proof13 that13 our13
14
communiFes13 can13 be13 brought13 back13 to13 life13 13 Wersquove13 tremendous13 evidence13 from13 the13 field13 13 From13 do-shy‐gooding13 idealisFc13 acFvists13 to13 bale13 hardened13 program13 agents13 to13 government13 officials13 From13 shrewd13 business13 interests13 to13 chariFes13 and13 nonprofits13 Capacity13 is13 being13 built13 and13 ciFzens13 of13 all13 ages13 are13 being13 empowered13 but13 parFcularly13 those13 amazing13 agents13 of13 change13 young13 people
To13 understand13 this13 letrsquos13 talk13 a13 bit13 about13 what13 community13 is13 Let13 me13 tell13 you13 about13 a13 good13 way13 to13 think13 of13 it13 an13 interacFve13 approach13 to13 community13 At13 the13 core13 of13 community13 is13 the13 interacFon13 and13 interdependence13 among13 local13 people13 Here13 people13 make13 up13 local13 interest13 groups13 that13 are13 loosely13 bounded13 arenas13 for13 interacFon
All13 of13 these13 seek13 to13 look13 aer13 their13 own13 interests13 Community13 evolves13 as13 members13 of13 these13 very13 different13 groups13 interact13 with13 each13 other13 realizing13 their13 common13 general13 needs13 This13 doesnrsquot13 mean13 we13 give13 up13 who13 we13 are13 or13 sell13 out13 We13 just13 realize13 that13 we13 have13 common13 needs13 and13 that13 we13 can13 work13 together13 to13 overcome13 these
15
As13 groups13 and13 residents13 interact13 what13 has13 come13 to13 be13 known13 as13 community13 agency13 emerges13 Agency13 highlights13 the13 fact13 that13
engagement13 has13 power13 It13 shows13 that13 local13 people13 working13 together13 have13 the13 power13 to13 transform13 and13 change13 society13 13 When13 they13 do13 this13 community13 can13 emerge
I13 want13 to13 stress13 this13 is13 a13 process13 though13 13 Community13 is13 not13 a13 given13 State13 College13 will13 always13 be13 on13 a13 map13 But13 the13 connecFon13 between13 people13 that13 makes13 this13 place13 so13 special13 may13 not13 unless13 we13 work13 at13 it13 Keep13 in13 mind13 that13 community13 is13 a13 variable13 Our13 locality13 is13 always13 changing13 with13 people13 coming13 and13 going13 all13 the13 Fmes13 We13 need13 to13 constantly13 be13 working13 to13 maintain13 our13 connecFon13 to13 it13 and13 welcome13 in13 new13 people13 to13 be13 part13 of13 it13 When13 we13 stop13 interacFng13 communicaFng13 and13 being13 inclusive13 it13 simply13 -shy‐13 and13 quickly13 disappears13 But13 if13 developed13 community13 results13 in13 amazing13 things13 here13 and13 abroad
Let13 me13 give13 you13 some13 examples
Civically13 engaged13 youth13 are13 2213 more13 likely
16
to13 graduate13 from13 college13 than13 those13 that13 did13 not
Civically13 engaged13 youth13 are13 413 ltmes13 less13 likely13 to13 exhibit13 ldquorisky13 behaviorrdquo13 such13 as13 drug13 use13 and13 other13 dangerous13 behaviors13
Youth13 are13 813 ltmes13 more13 likely13 to13 believe13 that13 can13 influence13 decision13 making13 if13 they13 are13 civically13 engaged
This13 is13 important13 The13 fact13 of13 the13 maer13 is13 that13 there13 are13 very13 few13 obstacles13 to13 us13 changing13 the13 world13 Wersquove13 just13 convinced13 ourselves13 that13 we13 canrsquot13 make13 a13 difference13 and13 shouldnrsquot13 act13 This13 is13 largely13 because13 wersquove13 been13 uninvolved13 for13 so13 long13 Wersquove13 forgoen13 how13 to13 act13 and13 be13 engaged
One13 more13 thing13 EducaFon13 and13 Community13 intersect13 in13 a13 big13 way13 Where13 community13 involvement13 and13 educaFon13 are13 low13 the13 odds13
of13 extremism13 gangs13 and13 terrorisFc13 organizaFons13 more13 than13 quadruple
helliphad there been a little more education and community capacity
the extremism would have been stopped in its tracks
This13 was13 brought13 home13 to13 me13 during13 visits13 to13 Cambodia13 over13 the13 years13 Every13 Fme13 I13 go13 make13 a13 pilgrimage13 to13 the13 infamous13 Killing13 Fields13 near13 Phom13 Penh13 At13 their13 naFonal13 Genocide13 Museum13 are13 thousands13 of13 photos13 of13 the13 vicFms13 You13 see13 a13 fracFon13 of13 them13
here13 behind13 me13 But13 of13 all13 of13 these13 -shy‐13 one13 haunts13 me13 I13 bring13 her13 flowers13 every13 year13 I13 donrsquot13 know13 her13 name13
17
No13 one13 does13 But13 I13 canrsquot13 forget13 her13 eyes13 I13 canrsquot13 forget13 that13 had13 there13 been13 a13 lile13 more13 educaFon13 and13 community13 capacity13 the13 extremism13 would13 have13 been13 stopped13 in13 its13 tracks13 She13 and13 several13 million13 other13 Cambodians13 would13 be13 with13 us13 today13 The13 same13 is13 true13 in13 Germany13 Rwanda13 Bosnia13 ArgenFna13 and13 elsewhere13 13 We13 owe13 it13 to13 her13 and13 the13 countless13 others13 to13 build13 strong13 educated13 communiFes13 that13 will13 ensure13 extremism13 does13 not13 take13 root13 and13 run13 rampant
If13 nothing13 else13 remember13 this13 Community13 builds13 capacity13 It13 provides13 structure13 and13 social13 supports13 builds13 empathy13 and13 understanding13 and13 provides13 the13 basis13 for13 acFon13 and13 acFvism13 It13 protects13 against13 poverty13 extremism13 and13 chaos
The13 importance13 and13 central13 role13 of13 community13 will13 be13 the13 other13 cornerstone13 of13 our13 work13 and13 was13 the13 second13 thing13 I13 wanted13 to13 share13 with13 you
18
CHAPTER13 4
Transforming the World Through the UNESCO Chairs Program Wersquove13 been13 looking13 forward13 this13 is13 a13 day13 for13 years13 Because13 every13 now13 and13 then13 an13 opportunity13 comes13 along13 that13 just13 changes13 everything13 Wersquove13 been13 working13 really13 really13
hard13 and13 have13 lots13 of13 plans13 that13 are13 ready13 to13 launch13 I13 want13 to13 share13 three13 of13 them13 that13 we13 are13 really13 excited13 about13 They13 really13 are13 amazing13 and13 beauFful13 creaFons
First13 is13 the13 UNTWIN13 Network13 on13 Youth13 and13 Community13 Development13
With13 this13 we13 reinvent13 the13 idea13 of13 global13 partnerships13 and13 collaboraFon13 UNITWIN13 are13 the13 UN13 university13 twining13 and13 partnership13 networks13 They13 open13 up13 all13 kinds13 of13 opportuniFes13 for13 rapid13 research13 and13 acFon13 and13 funding13 While13 UNESCO13 Chairs13 are13 rare13 UNITWIN13 networks13 are13 even13 more13 so13 13 Only13 two13 exist13 in13 the13 US13 We13 got13 the13 go13 ahead13 from13 UNESCO13 to13 start13 developing13 number13 three13 However13 ours13 will13 be13 unmatched13 in13 size13 scope13 and13 impact
6 continents
9 geographic regions
35 partner institutions
Thousands of youth
Three UNESCO Chairs
It13 will13 cover13 613 conFnents13 913 geographic13 regions13 3513 partner13 insFtuFons13 (and13 growing13 weekly)13 thousands13 of13 youth13 and13 three13 UNESCO13 Chairs13 This13 will13 allow13 for13 immediate13 research13 program13 development13 and13 educaFonal13 program13 delivery
hellipa common framework of Community Capacity Building
Youth Development and Conflict Mitigationhellip
The13 network13 will13 be13 led13 by13 three13 UNESCO13 Chairs13 at13 three13 interrelated13 mulFdisciplinary13
20
centers13 the13 Child13 and13 Family13 Research13 Centre13 (NUI13 Galway)13 UNESCO13 Centre13 for13 Research13 on13 Children13 and13 Youth13 (University13 of13 Ulster)13 and13 the13 planned13 UNESCO13 InsAtute13 for13 G lobal13 Humanitar ian13 Development13 (Penn13 State)13 The13 three13 bring13 together13 nearly13 20013 of13 the13 worldrsquos13 best13 researchers13 teachers13 and13 program13 developers
The13 network13 will13 have13 a13 common13 framework13 of13 Community13 Capacity13 Building13 Youth13 Development13 and13 Conflict13 MiFgaFon13 but13 will13 pursue13 specialized13 projects13 on13 health13 and13 well-shy‐being13 educaFon13 and13 literacy13 social13 and13 economic13 development13 the13 physical13 sciences13 agricultural13 development13 civil13 engineering13 and13 many13 other13 areas13 as13 they13 emerge13 We13 will13 be13 able13 to13 conduct13
internaFonal13 comparaFve13 research13 design13 programs13 and13 deliver13 them13 worldwide13 in13 a13 maer13 of13 months13 -shy‐13 not13 years13 as13 is13 oen13 the13 case13 Think13 of13 the13 potenFal
With13 not13 much13 work13 we13 can13 reach13 1000013 kids13 and13 100013 communiFes13 in13 the13 next13 few13 years13 1000013 kids13 and13 communiFes13 who13 see13 a13 brighter13 future13 are13 contribuFng13 members13 of13 society13 lead13 producFve13 and13 safe13 lives13 and13 take13 on13 ownership13 of13 local13 life13 With13 your13 help13 and13 some13 hard13 work13 we13 can13 triple13 the13 number13 of13 youth13 and13 communiFes13 we13 can13 reach
UNITWIN13 goes13 live13 in13 April13 Itrsquos13 already13 growing13 beyond13 our13 control13 Itrsquos13 a13 game13 changer13 and13 once13 in13 a13 lifeFme13 opportunity13 13 Itrsquos13 going13 to13 be13 our13 legacy13 and13 we13 have13 a13 seat13 at13 the13 table13 for13 you
21
The13 second13 big13 item13 focuses13 on13 idenAfying13 the13 best13 pracAces13 for13 youth13 and13 community13 developmenthellipworldwide
Today13 we13 redefine13 global13 comparaFve13 research13 There13 are13 lots13 of13 people13 doing13 great13 and13 effecFve13 work13 worldwide13 We13 are13 going13 to13 begin13 a13 long-shy‐term13 research13 program13 to13 idenFfy13 these13 best13 pracFces13 in13 all13 locaFons13 but13 with13 a13 strong13 focus13 on13 rural13 areas
But13 you13 might13 ask13 why13 There13 is13 an13 increasing13 lsquoyouth13 bulgersquo13 that13 exists13 alongside13 a13 heavy13 dependence13 on13 agriculture13 in13 the13 developing13 world13 The13 UN13 has13 documented13 this13 with13 nearly13 half13 of13 the13 worldrsquos13 populaFon13 residing13 in13 rural13 areas
Over13 9013 of13 all13 rural13 residents13 live13 in13 less13 developed13 regions
Equally13 important13 almost13 a13 third13 of13 the13 world13 populalton13 is13 age13 1513 or13 younger13 and13 half13 are13 under13 age13 2513
8513 of13 all13 youth13 live13 in13 less13 developed13 countries
This13 reality13 creates13 an13 environment13 where13 the13 acltve13 engagement13 of13 communiltes13 is13 essenltal13 to13 future13 growth13 and13 development
Another13 really13 cool13 part13 of13 this13 research13 focuses13 on13 building13 partnerships13 We13 work13 to13 build13 capacity13 and13 partnerships13 through13 North-shy‐South13 and13 South-shy‐South13 partnerships13 that13 shape13 regional13 capacity13 We13 re13 already13 seeing13 great13 things13 such13 as13 in13 Kenya13 and13 Zambia13 where13 we13 have13 linked13 programs13 that13 are13 working13 together13 like13 crazy
Through13 the13 UNESCO13 Chair13 program13 we13 will13 link13 organizaFons13 in13 2513 countries13 to13 share13 resources13 best13 pracFces13 and13 experFse13
22
create13 a13 dynamic13 series13 of13 partnerships13 in13 the13 Global13 South13 and13 form13 a13 community13 of13 naFons13 focused13 on13 youth13 and13 development13 of13 civil13 society
T h i r d 13 i s13 ou r13 G l oba l13 Edu caAona l13 Programming
Today13 we13 revoluFonize13 global13 educaFon13 13 We13 are13 planning13 a13 global13 educaFonal13 program13 focusing13 on13 leadership13 and13 community13 building13 across13 the13 life13 span13 13 Included13 are13 courses13 in13 leadership13 skills13 c o m m u n i t y13 c a p a c i t y13 b u i l d i n g 13 entrepreneurship13 and13 small13 business13 development13 posiFve13 youth13 development13 conflict13 miFgaFon13 and13 many13 others13 areas
Penn13 State13 is13 a13 leader13 in13 distance13 educaFon13 13 It13 recently13 dedicated13 major13 resources13 to13 MOOCs13 Massive13 Open13 Online13 Courses13 13
What13 this13 means13 is13 if13 a13 ciFzen13 of13 this13 planet13 has13 access13 to13 the13 internet13 to13 an13 internet13 cafeacute13 or13 even13 a13 cell13 phone13 they13 will13 be13 provided13 with13 Col lege13 courses13 and13 instrucFonal13 materials
Yoursquore13 asking13 how13 much13 will13 these13 cost13 right13 Thatrsquos13 a13 great13 quesFon13 How13 does13 free13 sound13 Wersquove13 got13 it13 covered13 All13 we13 ask13 is13 that13 you13 take13 the13 knowledge13 and13 skills13 and13 use13 them13 to13 make13 life13 beer13 The13 best13 courses13 in13 the13 world13 taught13 by13 the13 best13 faculty13 Free13 of13 charge13
Distributed13 through13 Penn13 State13 and13 the13 global13 UNESCO13 network13 If13 people13 need13 more13 than13 the13 basic13 knowledge13 base13 we13 can13 do13 that13 too13 CerFficates13 and13 even13 degree13 programs13 at13 all13 levels13 with13 costs13 to13 be13 covered13 by13 foundaFons13 and13 internaFonal13
23
development13 agencies13 Just13 think13 of13 the13 potenFals13 for13 primary13 and13 secondary13 schools13 and13 for13 educators13 in13 the13 developing13 world13 13 Think13 of13 the13 life13 changing13 impacts13 for13 a13 young13 girl13 in13 rural13 Zambia13 a13 street13 child13 in13 Kenya13 and13 a13 young13 farm13 worker13 in13 Cambodia13 Itrsquos13 beyond13 belief13 and13 uerly13 amazing13 13 It13 changes13 everything
So13 those13 are13 three13 of13 the13 big13 things13 that13 are13 happening13 now13 We13 have13 lots13 more13 in13 the13 works13 and13 ready13 to13 launch13 These13 and13 other13 efforts13 will13 help13 us13 realize13 our13 dreams13 of13 a13 beer13 world13 Come13 be13 part13 of13 all13 of13 these13 13 We13 can13 pick13 some13 great13 fights13 together13 I13 promise13 itrsquoll13 be13 awesome13 and13 wersquoll13 do13 miraculous13 things
The key to this is you
Be13 Part13 of13 the13 Journey
We13 WILL13 do13 all13 of13 the13 things13 I13 menFoned13 13 And13 much13 much13 more13 The13 key13 to13 this13 is13 you13 13 Yoursquove13 been13 asked13 to13 be13 here13 today13 because13 we13 know13 you13 will13 fight13 for13 social13 jusFce13 We13 need13 you13 to13 help13 us13 raise13 awareness13 to13 help13 develop13 programs13 and13 research13 and13 help13 us13 find13 funding13 to13 ensure13 this13 is13 a13 reality
If13 you13 think13 about13 it13 there13 is13 no13 beer13 place13 than13 here13 to13 begin13 our13 journey13 Lest13 we13 forget13 we13 are13 in13 Pennsylvania13 This13 place13 that13 saw13 the13 birth13 of13 the13 Molly13 McGuires13 the13 original13 union13 movements13 and13 the13 knights13 of13 labor13 It13 was13 where13 Milton13 Eisenhower13 dreamed13 of13 the
If13 you13 think13 about13 it13 there13 is13 no13 beer13 place13 than13 here13 to13 begin13 our13 journey13 Lest13 we13 forget13 we13 are13 in13 Pennsylvania13 This13 place13 that13
24
saw13 the13 birth13 of13 the13 Molly13 McGuires13 the13 original13 union13 movements13 and13 the13 knights13 of13 labor13 It13 was13 where13 Milton13 Eisenhower13 dreamed13 of13 the13 potenFals13 of13 UNESCO13 13 Where13 Benjamin13 Franklin13 found13 the13 Pennsylvania13 AboliFonist13 Society13 seeking13 to13 end13 slavery13 Where13 our13 founding13 fathers13 conceived13 more13 than13 a13 naFon13 but13 the13 idea13 of13 L ife13 L iberty13 and13 the13 pursuit13 of13 Happiness-shy‐-shy‐-shy‐not13 just13 for13 us13 but13 for13 our13 fellow13 ciFzens13 of13 the13 world13 All13 of13 these13 people13 have13 passed13 the13 torch13 to13 us13 today13 13 Let13 us13 make13 them13 proud13 in13 conFnuing13 their13 quest13 for13 social13 jusFce13 for13 equality13 and13 for13 creaFng13 a13 beer13 world
Now13 is13 our13 moment13 13 Of13 all13 the13 opportuniFes13 out13 there13 none13 have13 greater13 potenFal13 for13 immediate13 and13 long13 term13 impacts13 than13
e du caFon 13 t h e13 t r a n s fo rmaFon13 o f13 communiFes13 empowerment13 of13 the13 excluded13 and13 the13 posiFve13 development13 of13 youth13 None13 Absolutely13 none
Now13 I13 know13 we13 hear13 inspiraFonal13 speeches13 a13 lot13 We13 are13 always13 being13 asked13 to13 open13 our13 hearts13 and13 then13 our13 checkbooks13 3But13 this13 is13 different13 We13 have13 never13 before13 had13 such13 structures13 partners13 and13 resources13 to13 make13 our13 dreams13 a13 reality
hellipthere will be those outside that will tell us that the world is too big
too corrupthellip
I13 know13 we13 are13 all13 Fred13 overworked13 and13 maybe13 a13 bit13 cynical13 of13 all13 this13 I13 know13 there13 will13 be13 those13 outside13 of13 here13 that13 will13 tell13 us13 that13 the13 world13 is13 too13 big13 too13 corrupt13 that13 the13 vicFms13 deserve13 their13 low13 lots13 in13 life13 and13
25
that13 maybe13 for13 the13 sake13 of13 our13 careers13 we13 really13 should13 look13 busy13 while13 doing13 nothing13 But13 Irsquom13 asking13 you13 today13 to13 try13 one13 more13 Fme13 Take13 one13 more13 leap13 of13 faith13 I13 promise13 we13 wonrsquot13 let13 you13 down13 I13 promise13 that13 wersquoll13 be13 part13 of13 something13 legendary13 together
Nonetheless13 as13 you13 quesFon13 our13 ability13 to13 really13 change13 the13 world13 I13 would13 simply13 ask13 you13 to13 remember13 back13 to13 our13 younger13 days13 when13 we13 were13 absolutely13 certain13 that13 we13 could13 do13 it13 13 We13 were13 right13 13 You13 were13 right13 13 You13 were13 right13 and13 your13 dreams13 are13 sFll13 out13 there
I13 want13 to13 share13 one13 last13 story13 13 I13 recently13 read13 a13 wonderful13 essay13 by13 Joseph13 Laplin13 looking13 back13 on13 the13 55th13 Anniversary13 of13 Jack13 Kerouacrsquos13 legendary13 novel13 On13 the13 Road13 13 This13 was13 a13 novel13 that13 sent13 many13 young13 people13
(including13 myself)13 out13 on13 that13 road13 of13 discovery13 in13 search13 of13 the13 limitless13 possibiliFes13 beyond13 our13 hometowns13 13 A13 book13 that13 mandated13 the13 quesFoning13 authority13 the13 quesFoning13 of13 social13 convenFons13 and13 the13 challenging13 of13 the13 moral13 blinds13 spots13 of13 our13 age13 For13 me13 this13 book13 was13 magical
Laplinrsquos13 essay13 took13 aim13 at13 those13 of13 us13 who13 have13 grown13 up13 become13 established13 and13 think13 wersquove13 grown13 wiser13 Especially13 those13 of13 us13 who13 now13 dismiss13 Kerouac13 and13 this13 novel13 that13 once13 inspired13 us13 as13 idealisFc13 childish13 and13 ridiculously13 naiumlve13 in13 its13 call13 for13 social13 change13 But13 Laplin13 had13 a13 wonderfully13 reacFon13 to13 such13 people13 Here13 is13 what13 he13 said
ldquoPerhaps13 these13 people13 never13 took13 to13 or13 went13 back13 on13 the13 road13 -shy‐13 due13 to13 fear13 or13 family13 -shy‐13 and13
26
therefore13 can13 no13 longer13 revisit13 Kerouacrsquos13 work13 Perhaps13 itrsquos13 hard13 to13 even13 look13 at13 his13 wriltng13 because13 readers13 are13 actually13 looking13 at13 themselves13 And13 itrsquos13 easier13 to13 say13 well13 Kerouacrsquos13 naive13 than13 to13 say13 I13 missed13 out13 on13 something13 Maybe13 some13 readers13 have13 given13 up13 on13 the13 search13 for13 beauty13 and13 spirituality13 or13 realized13 that13 theyrsquore13 not13 one13 of13 those13 people13 who13 lsquoburn13 burn13 burn13 like13 fabulous13 yellow13 roman13 candlesrsquo13 and13 that13 knowledge13 is13 painfulrdquo
I13 want13 to13 state13 it13 again13 You13 were13 right13 when13 you13 once13 thought13 we13 would13 change13 the13 world13 And13 you13 are13 sFll13 right13 Your13 dreams13 of13 a13 fair13 equal13 and13 just13 world13 are13 sFll13 out13 there13 and13 together13 we13 will13 reclaim13 them13 and13 make13 them13 a13 reality
hellipin the not too distant future you can put your children and
grandchildren on your knee and tell them about once upon a time
I13 say13 this13 not13 to13 preach13 to13 you13 or13 guilt13 you13 into13 acFon13 I13 just13 want13 to13 put13 it13 into13 perspecFve13 and13 ask13 you13 to13 be13 part13 of13 this13 journey13 If13 we13 live13 up13 to13 our13 ideals13 and13 commitments13 in13 the13 not13 too13 distant13 future13 you13 can13 put13 your13 children13 and13 grandchildren13 on13 your13 knee13 and13 tell13 them13 about13 once13 upon13 a13 Fme13 Once13 upon13 a13 Fme13 when13 educaFon13 was13 only13 for13 the13 privileged13 few13 When13 women13 were13 treated13 as13 second13 class13 ciFzens13 When13 injusFce13 and13 inequality13 were13 the13 standard13 And13 when13 communiFes13 were13 constantly13 trampled13 on13 by13 outside13 interests13 Most13 importantly13 you13 can13 tell13 them13 that13 you13 were13 part13 of13 fixing13 it13 That13 the13 world13 is13 a13 far13 beer13 place13 because13 of13 what13 we13 did13 That13
27
they13 have13 a13 great13 bright13 future13 because13 of13 our13 bold13 efforts13 that13 began13 today13 With13 such13 potenFals13 and13 possibiliFes13 at13 hand13 how13 can13 we13 ever13 explain13 to13 them13 our13 inacFon13 or13 how13 we13 stood13 by13 and13 let13 appalling13 things13 conFnue
As13 we13 close13 I13 want13 to13 ask13 a13 few13 final13 quesFons13 There13 are13 many13 places13 to13 put13 your13 efforts
But13 if13 not13 the13 thousands13 of13 communiAes13 we13 can13 help13 then13 where
If13 not13 the13 billions13 of13 young13 people13 we13 can13 empower13 to13 have13 beMer13 lives13 then13 who
And13 if13 now13 is13 not13 the13 Ame13 for13 bold13 daring13 and13 nearly13 miraculous13 acAons13 then13 when
hellipthe honor is only eclipsed by the responsibility this opportunity
brings with it
If13 you13 need13 proof13 of13 miracles13 than13 look13 no13 further13 than13 this13 stage13 Here13 you13 have13 a13 former13 (or13 perhaps13 not13 so13 former)13 punk13 from13 rural13 Pennsylvania13 of13 Irish13 descent13 standing13 before13 you13 accepFng13 one13 of13 our13 greatest13 honors13 Itrsquos13 absolutely13 humbling13 And13 the13 honor13 is13 only13 eclipsed13 by13 the13 responsibility13 this13 opportunity13 brings13 with13 it13 But13 itrsquos13 not13 inFmidaFng13 Not13 at13 all13 Because13 I13 know13 WE13 are13 in13 this13 together13 And13 for13 all13 of13 this13 I13 will13 be13 forever13 grateful13 to13 you13 for13 sharing13 this13 wonderful13 day13 and13 being13 part13 of13 this13 journey13 that13 will13 transform13 the13 world
Thank13 you13 all13 very13 very13 much
28
CHAPTER13 5
Contact USConnect13 with13 us13 on13 social13 media
unescochairpennstate
unescochairpsu
unescochairpsu
Call13 Write13 or13 Visit
Dr13 Mark13 Brennan204C13 Ferguson13 BuildingUniversity13 Park13 PA13 16802Phone13 1-shy‐814-shy‐863-shy‐0387Email13 unescochairpsueduWeb13 wwwunescochairpsuedu
UNESCO Chair in Rural Community
Leadership and Youth Development
The Pennsylvania State University
United Nations
(GXFDWLRQDO6FLHQWLiquestFDQGCultural Organization
CHAPTER13 3
Realizing Engaged CommunitiesThe13 second13 thing13 I13 want13 to13 share13 with13 you13 is13 the13 importance13 of13 community13 13 Just13 like13 educaFon13 community13 shapes13 producFve13 and13 stable13 lives13 just13 in13 a13 different13 way13 Combining13 the13 two13 is13 magical13 in13 their13 impactBut13 why13 th ink13 about13 commun i ty13 Community13 contributes13 to13 individual13 family13 and13 social13 well13 being13 13 It13 is13 our13 first13 contact13 with13 the13 world13 beyond13 the13 family13 It13 is13 the13 sedng13 for13 socializaFon13 our13 insFtuFons13 and13
the13 development13 of13 rules13 and13 culture
hellipthink about community as one big relationship
Community13 establishes13 and13 maintains13 channels13 of13 communicaFon13 and13 interacFon13 13 I13 always13 tell13 my13 undergraduate13 and13 graduate13 students13 to13 think13 about13 community13 as13 one13 big13 relaFonship13 Think13 about13 what13 happens13 in13 your13 relaFonships13 Itrsquos13 the13 same13 with13 community13 When13 you13 first13 meet13 you13 commun i ca te13 con s tan t l y13 i n te ra c t13 conFnuously13 and13 do13 everything13 together13 As13 Fme13 goes13 on13 the13 communicaFon13 and13 interacFon13 become13 less13 frequent13 And13 as13 we13 all13 know13 it13 someFmes13 is13 not13 long13 before13 problems13 occur13 Where13 mountains13 are13 made13 out13 of13 mole13 hills13 and13 relaFonships13 become13 strained13 someFmes13 to13 the13 point13 of13 breaking13 13
The13 same13 is13 true13 in13 communiFes13 It13 involves13 more13 people13 and13 is13 a13 bit13 messier13 but13 the13 process13 and13 structure13 is13 the13 same13 Just13 as13 in13 our13 relaFonships13 we13 need13 to13 constantly13 be13 working13 to13 maintain13 community
Oen13 during13 presidenFal13 elecFons13 I13 ask13 my13 students13 to13 count13 the13 number13 of13 Fmes13 that13 community13 is13 said13 during13 debates13 and13 speeches13 In13 these13 sedngs13 where13 every13 word13 counts13 and13 costs13 money13 it13 is13 common13 for13 the13 term13 community13 to13 be13 menFoned13 dozens13 of13 Fmes13 in13 an13 hour13 long13 speech13 13 Why13 though13 I t rsquos13 an13 amazing13 idea13 community13 Itrsquos13 tremendously13 powerful13 It13 bring13 up13 all13 those13 warm13 and13 fuzzy13 images13 -shy‐13 real13 and13 imagined13 -shy‐13 of13 what13 life13 was13 like13 or13 could13 be
11
The impacts outcomes and potentials of community are real
tangible and measurable
Now13 before13 you13 think13 me13 an13 academic13 hippy13 or13 that13 Irsquom13 advocaFng13 for13 free13 love13 and13 touchy13 feely13 ideas13 this13 is13 not13 the13 case13 at13 all13 13 The13 impacts13 outcomes13 and13 potenFals13 of13 community13 are13 rea l 13 tangib le 13 and13 measurable13 13 Strong13 communiFes13 are13 more13 resilient13 adapFve13 and13 less13 likely13 to13 be13 explo i ted13 They13 connect13 res idents 13 insFtuFons13 organizaFons13 to13 each13 other13 13 They13 promote13 stability13 have13 less13 crime13 and13 show13 increase13 local13 well-shy‐being13 They13 increase13 involvement13 in13 local13 decision-shy‐making13 and13 parFcipatory13 democracy
There13 are13 also13 tremendous13 personal13 impacts13 Community13 enhances13 our13 social13
psychological13 and13 emoFonal13 development13 13 It13 promotes13 civic13 responsibility13 which13 is13 a13 commitment13 to13 helping13 others13 It13 increases13 cultural13 understanding13 and13 empathy13 13 It13 provides13 life13 skills13 such13 as13 criFcal13 thinking13 interpersonal13 leadership13 and13 conflict13 resoluFon13 skills13
Tremendous things happen when people care about each other and
the place they live in
This13 is13 an13 impressive13 list13 that13 is13 by13 no13 means13 complete13 We13 have13 mountains13 of13 research13 data13 program13 evaluaFons13 thousands13 of13 books13 and13 journal13 arFcles13 to13 prove13 that13 this13 is13 the13 case13 Even13 beer13 wersquove13 studied13 this13 process13 across13 the13 world13 I t rsquos13 true13 everywhere13 The13 condiFons13 and13 context13 might13 be13 a13 lile13 different13 but13 one13 thing13
12
holds13 true13 tremendous13 things13 happen13 when13 people13 care13 about13 each13 other13 and13 the13 place13 they13 live13 in13 This13 is13 not13 an13 idea13 This13 is13 not13 a13 plan13 This13 IS13 fact13 Strong13 communiFes13 equal13 stable13 civil13 and13 just13 socieFes
For13 me13 the13 need13 for13 community13 is13 close13 to13 home13 I13 was13 born13 and13 raised13 in13 a13 small13 town13 in13 northeastern13 Pennsylvania13 I13 came13 from13 people13 who13 le13 Ireland13 and13 Europe13 seeking13 survival13 All13 of13 these13 are13 absolutely13 great13 places13 Places13 blessed13 by13 amazing13 natural13 resources13 amazingly13 diverse13 cultures13 tremendous13 food13 you13 canrsquot13 imagine13 13 Cultures13 whose13 unique13 experiences13 and13 knowledge13 for13 dealing13 with13 the13 challenges13 of13 daily13 life13 were13 massive13 and13 effecFve13 Places13 rich13 in13 social13 supports13 from13 family13 neighbors13 religions13 and13 schools13 Places13 to13
me13 that13 held13 a13 tremendous13 amount13 of13 magic13 in13 them
For many education became not an opportunity but a painful reminder
of what might have been
But13 you13 know13 as13 the13 musician13 Lou13 Reed13 sang13 there13 is13 a13 bit13 of13 magic13 in13 everything13 -shy‐13 and13 then13 some13 loss13 to13 even13 things13 out13 The13 loss13 in13 these13 areas13 was13 characterized13 by13 exploitaFon13 from13 abusive13 outside13 interests13 13 Abuse13 by13 corporaFons13 and13 governments13 that13 harvested13 local13 natural13 resources13 including13 people13 for13 far13 far13 less13 than13 they13 were13 worth13 13 Places13 where13 youth13 were13 eventually13 forced13 to13 leave13 for13 lack13 of13 opportuniFes13 denied13 their13 righkul13 heritage13 and13 forced13 like13 so13 many13 youth13 worldwide13 to13 become13 the13 nomads13 the13 diasporas13 For13 many13 educaFon13
13
became13 not13 an13 opportunity13 but13 a13 painful13 reminder13 of13 what13 might13 have13 been13 Aer13 all13 why13 bother13 learning13 of13 the13 wonders13 of13 Paris13 Rome13 and13 Tokyo13 when13 the13 odds13 of13 you13 gedng13 to13 there13 were13 as13 good13 gedng13 to13 the13 Moon13 For13 most13 the13 mill13 the13 mine13 and13 oen13 the13 unemployment13 line13 were13 our13 desFny
It was the systematic breakdown of our communities
These13 were13 environments13 where13 ciFzens13 were13 slowly13 convinced13 that13 they13 were13 irrelevant13 That13 there13 was13 no13 need13 to13 act13 or13 be13 involved13 locally13 Convinced13 that13 they13 could13 never13 ever13 make13 a13 difference13 13 In13 truth13 this13 impotence13 was13 not13 the13 result13 of13 the13 IlluminaF13 the13 Freemasons13 the13 wealthy13 or13 whatever13 version13 of13 the13 lsquoManrsquo13 that13 we13
created13 It13 was13 not13 the13 standard13 issue13 boot13 of13 the13 Pinkerton13 Agency13 the13 police13 or13 others13 kicking13 in13 our13 door13 forcing13 us13 to13 be13 compliant13 It13 was13 something13 much13 simpler13 and13 infinitely13 more13 ominous13 Something13 much13 harder13 and13 painful13 to13 admit13 truth13 be13 told13 13 It13 was13 the13 systemaFc13 breakdown13 of13 our13 communiFes13 But13 nonetheless13 we13 were13 the13 lucky13 ones13 From13 Africa13 to13 Southeast13 Asia13 to13 South13 and13 Central13 America13 and13 eastern13 Europe13 these13 condiFons13 would13 be13 eagerly13 welcomed13 in13 the13 face13 of13 war13 genocide13 disease13 and13 extreme13 poverty13
hellipour communities can be brought back to life
But13 Irsquove13 good13 news13 Maybe13 itrsquos13 not13 so13 bad13 13 And13 if13 it13 is13 it13 certainly13 does13 not13 need13 to13 be13 13 We13 actually13 have13 lots13 of13 proof13 that13 our13
14
communiFes13 can13 be13 brought13 back13 to13 life13 13 Wersquove13 tremendous13 evidence13 from13 the13 field13 13 From13 do-shy‐gooding13 idealisFc13 acFvists13 to13 bale13 hardened13 program13 agents13 to13 government13 officials13 From13 shrewd13 business13 interests13 to13 chariFes13 and13 nonprofits13 Capacity13 is13 being13 built13 and13 ciFzens13 of13 all13 ages13 are13 being13 empowered13 but13 parFcularly13 those13 amazing13 agents13 of13 change13 young13 people
To13 understand13 this13 letrsquos13 talk13 a13 bit13 about13 what13 community13 is13 Let13 me13 tell13 you13 about13 a13 good13 way13 to13 think13 of13 it13 an13 interacFve13 approach13 to13 community13 At13 the13 core13 of13 community13 is13 the13 interacFon13 and13 interdependence13 among13 local13 people13 Here13 people13 make13 up13 local13 interest13 groups13 that13 are13 loosely13 bounded13 arenas13 for13 interacFon
All13 of13 these13 seek13 to13 look13 aer13 their13 own13 interests13 Community13 evolves13 as13 members13 of13 these13 very13 different13 groups13 interact13 with13 each13 other13 realizing13 their13 common13 general13 needs13 This13 doesnrsquot13 mean13 we13 give13 up13 who13 we13 are13 or13 sell13 out13 We13 just13 realize13 that13 we13 have13 common13 needs13 and13 that13 we13 can13 work13 together13 to13 overcome13 these
15
As13 groups13 and13 residents13 interact13 what13 has13 come13 to13 be13 known13 as13 community13 agency13 emerges13 Agency13 highlights13 the13 fact13 that13
engagement13 has13 power13 It13 shows13 that13 local13 people13 working13 together13 have13 the13 power13 to13 transform13 and13 change13 society13 13 When13 they13 do13 this13 community13 can13 emerge
I13 want13 to13 stress13 this13 is13 a13 process13 though13 13 Community13 is13 not13 a13 given13 State13 College13 will13 always13 be13 on13 a13 map13 But13 the13 connecFon13 between13 people13 that13 makes13 this13 place13 so13 special13 may13 not13 unless13 we13 work13 at13 it13 Keep13 in13 mind13 that13 community13 is13 a13 variable13 Our13 locality13 is13 always13 changing13 with13 people13 coming13 and13 going13 all13 the13 Fmes13 We13 need13 to13 constantly13 be13 working13 to13 maintain13 our13 connecFon13 to13 it13 and13 welcome13 in13 new13 people13 to13 be13 part13 of13 it13 When13 we13 stop13 interacFng13 communicaFng13 and13 being13 inclusive13 it13 simply13 -shy‐13 and13 quickly13 disappears13 But13 if13 developed13 community13 results13 in13 amazing13 things13 here13 and13 abroad
Let13 me13 give13 you13 some13 examples
Civically13 engaged13 youth13 are13 2213 more13 likely
16
to13 graduate13 from13 college13 than13 those13 that13 did13 not
Civically13 engaged13 youth13 are13 413 ltmes13 less13 likely13 to13 exhibit13 ldquorisky13 behaviorrdquo13 such13 as13 drug13 use13 and13 other13 dangerous13 behaviors13
Youth13 are13 813 ltmes13 more13 likely13 to13 believe13 that13 can13 influence13 decision13 making13 if13 they13 are13 civically13 engaged
This13 is13 important13 The13 fact13 of13 the13 maer13 is13 that13 there13 are13 very13 few13 obstacles13 to13 us13 changing13 the13 world13 Wersquove13 just13 convinced13 ourselves13 that13 we13 canrsquot13 make13 a13 difference13 and13 shouldnrsquot13 act13 This13 is13 largely13 because13 wersquove13 been13 uninvolved13 for13 so13 long13 Wersquove13 forgoen13 how13 to13 act13 and13 be13 engaged
One13 more13 thing13 EducaFon13 and13 Community13 intersect13 in13 a13 big13 way13 Where13 community13 involvement13 and13 educaFon13 are13 low13 the13 odds13
of13 extremism13 gangs13 and13 terrorisFc13 organizaFons13 more13 than13 quadruple
helliphad there been a little more education and community capacity
the extremism would have been stopped in its tracks
This13 was13 brought13 home13 to13 me13 during13 visits13 to13 Cambodia13 over13 the13 years13 Every13 Fme13 I13 go13 make13 a13 pilgrimage13 to13 the13 infamous13 Killing13 Fields13 near13 Phom13 Penh13 At13 their13 naFonal13 Genocide13 Museum13 are13 thousands13 of13 photos13 of13 the13 vicFms13 You13 see13 a13 fracFon13 of13 them13
here13 behind13 me13 But13 of13 all13 of13 these13 -shy‐13 one13 haunts13 me13 I13 bring13 her13 flowers13 every13 year13 I13 donrsquot13 know13 her13 name13
17
No13 one13 does13 But13 I13 canrsquot13 forget13 her13 eyes13 I13 canrsquot13 forget13 that13 had13 there13 been13 a13 lile13 more13 educaFon13 and13 community13 capacity13 the13 extremism13 would13 have13 been13 stopped13 in13 its13 tracks13 She13 and13 several13 million13 other13 Cambodians13 would13 be13 with13 us13 today13 The13 same13 is13 true13 in13 Germany13 Rwanda13 Bosnia13 ArgenFna13 and13 elsewhere13 13 We13 owe13 it13 to13 her13 and13 the13 countless13 others13 to13 build13 strong13 educated13 communiFes13 that13 will13 ensure13 extremism13 does13 not13 take13 root13 and13 run13 rampant
If13 nothing13 else13 remember13 this13 Community13 builds13 capacity13 It13 provides13 structure13 and13 social13 supports13 builds13 empathy13 and13 understanding13 and13 provides13 the13 basis13 for13 acFon13 and13 acFvism13 It13 protects13 against13 poverty13 extremism13 and13 chaos
The13 importance13 and13 central13 role13 of13 community13 will13 be13 the13 other13 cornerstone13 of13 our13 work13 and13 was13 the13 second13 thing13 I13 wanted13 to13 share13 with13 you
18
CHAPTER13 4
Transforming the World Through the UNESCO Chairs Program Wersquove13 been13 looking13 forward13 this13 is13 a13 day13 for13 years13 Because13 every13 now13 and13 then13 an13 opportunity13 comes13 along13 that13 just13 changes13 everything13 Wersquove13 been13 working13 really13 really13
hard13 and13 have13 lots13 of13 plans13 that13 are13 ready13 to13 launch13 I13 want13 to13 share13 three13 of13 them13 that13 we13 are13 really13 excited13 about13 They13 really13 are13 amazing13 and13 beauFful13 creaFons
First13 is13 the13 UNTWIN13 Network13 on13 Youth13 and13 Community13 Development13
With13 this13 we13 reinvent13 the13 idea13 of13 global13 partnerships13 and13 collaboraFon13 UNITWIN13 are13 the13 UN13 university13 twining13 and13 partnership13 networks13 They13 open13 up13 all13 kinds13 of13 opportuniFes13 for13 rapid13 research13 and13 acFon13 and13 funding13 While13 UNESCO13 Chairs13 are13 rare13 UNITWIN13 networks13 are13 even13 more13 so13 13 Only13 two13 exist13 in13 the13 US13 We13 got13 the13 go13 ahead13 from13 UNESCO13 to13 start13 developing13 number13 three13 However13 ours13 will13 be13 unmatched13 in13 size13 scope13 and13 impact
6 continents
9 geographic regions
35 partner institutions
Thousands of youth
Three UNESCO Chairs
It13 will13 cover13 613 conFnents13 913 geographic13 regions13 3513 partner13 insFtuFons13 (and13 growing13 weekly)13 thousands13 of13 youth13 and13 three13 UNESCO13 Chairs13 This13 will13 allow13 for13 immediate13 research13 program13 development13 and13 educaFonal13 program13 delivery
hellipa common framework of Community Capacity Building
Youth Development and Conflict Mitigationhellip
The13 network13 will13 be13 led13 by13 three13 UNESCO13 Chairs13 at13 three13 interrelated13 mulFdisciplinary13
20
centers13 the13 Child13 and13 Family13 Research13 Centre13 (NUI13 Galway)13 UNESCO13 Centre13 for13 Research13 on13 Children13 and13 Youth13 (University13 of13 Ulster)13 and13 the13 planned13 UNESCO13 InsAtute13 for13 G lobal13 Humanitar ian13 Development13 (Penn13 State)13 The13 three13 bring13 together13 nearly13 20013 of13 the13 worldrsquos13 best13 researchers13 teachers13 and13 program13 developers
The13 network13 will13 have13 a13 common13 framework13 of13 Community13 Capacity13 Building13 Youth13 Development13 and13 Conflict13 MiFgaFon13 but13 will13 pursue13 specialized13 projects13 on13 health13 and13 well-shy‐being13 educaFon13 and13 literacy13 social13 and13 economic13 development13 the13 physical13 sciences13 agricultural13 development13 civil13 engineering13 and13 many13 other13 areas13 as13 they13 emerge13 We13 will13 be13 able13 to13 conduct13
internaFonal13 comparaFve13 research13 design13 programs13 and13 deliver13 them13 worldwide13 in13 a13 maer13 of13 months13 -shy‐13 not13 years13 as13 is13 oen13 the13 case13 Think13 of13 the13 potenFal
With13 not13 much13 work13 we13 can13 reach13 1000013 kids13 and13 100013 communiFes13 in13 the13 next13 few13 years13 1000013 kids13 and13 communiFes13 who13 see13 a13 brighter13 future13 are13 contribuFng13 members13 of13 society13 lead13 producFve13 and13 safe13 lives13 and13 take13 on13 ownership13 of13 local13 life13 With13 your13 help13 and13 some13 hard13 work13 we13 can13 triple13 the13 number13 of13 youth13 and13 communiFes13 we13 can13 reach
UNITWIN13 goes13 live13 in13 April13 Itrsquos13 already13 growing13 beyond13 our13 control13 Itrsquos13 a13 game13 changer13 and13 once13 in13 a13 lifeFme13 opportunity13 13 Itrsquos13 going13 to13 be13 our13 legacy13 and13 we13 have13 a13 seat13 at13 the13 table13 for13 you
21
The13 second13 big13 item13 focuses13 on13 idenAfying13 the13 best13 pracAces13 for13 youth13 and13 community13 developmenthellipworldwide
Today13 we13 redefine13 global13 comparaFve13 research13 There13 are13 lots13 of13 people13 doing13 great13 and13 effecFve13 work13 worldwide13 We13 are13 going13 to13 begin13 a13 long-shy‐term13 research13 program13 to13 idenFfy13 these13 best13 pracFces13 in13 all13 locaFons13 but13 with13 a13 strong13 focus13 on13 rural13 areas
But13 you13 might13 ask13 why13 There13 is13 an13 increasing13 lsquoyouth13 bulgersquo13 that13 exists13 alongside13 a13 heavy13 dependence13 on13 agriculture13 in13 the13 developing13 world13 The13 UN13 has13 documented13 this13 with13 nearly13 half13 of13 the13 worldrsquos13 populaFon13 residing13 in13 rural13 areas
Over13 9013 of13 all13 rural13 residents13 live13 in13 less13 developed13 regions
Equally13 important13 almost13 a13 third13 of13 the13 world13 populalton13 is13 age13 1513 or13 younger13 and13 half13 are13 under13 age13 2513
8513 of13 all13 youth13 live13 in13 less13 developed13 countries
This13 reality13 creates13 an13 environment13 where13 the13 acltve13 engagement13 of13 communiltes13 is13 essenltal13 to13 future13 growth13 and13 development
Another13 really13 cool13 part13 of13 this13 research13 focuses13 on13 building13 partnerships13 We13 work13 to13 build13 capacity13 and13 partnerships13 through13 North-shy‐South13 and13 South-shy‐South13 partnerships13 that13 shape13 regional13 capacity13 We13 re13 already13 seeing13 great13 things13 such13 as13 in13 Kenya13 and13 Zambia13 where13 we13 have13 linked13 programs13 that13 are13 working13 together13 like13 crazy
Through13 the13 UNESCO13 Chair13 program13 we13 will13 link13 organizaFons13 in13 2513 countries13 to13 share13 resources13 best13 pracFces13 and13 experFse13
22
create13 a13 dynamic13 series13 of13 partnerships13 in13 the13 Global13 South13 and13 form13 a13 community13 of13 naFons13 focused13 on13 youth13 and13 development13 of13 civil13 society
T h i r d 13 i s13 ou r13 G l oba l13 Edu caAona l13 Programming
Today13 we13 revoluFonize13 global13 educaFon13 13 We13 are13 planning13 a13 global13 educaFonal13 program13 focusing13 on13 leadership13 and13 community13 building13 across13 the13 life13 span13 13 Included13 are13 courses13 in13 leadership13 skills13 c o m m u n i t y13 c a p a c i t y13 b u i l d i n g 13 entrepreneurship13 and13 small13 business13 development13 posiFve13 youth13 development13 conflict13 miFgaFon13 and13 many13 others13 areas
Penn13 State13 is13 a13 leader13 in13 distance13 educaFon13 13 It13 recently13 dedicated13 major13 resources13 to13 MOOCs13 Massive13 Open13 Online13 Courses13 13
What13 this13 means13 is13 if13 a13 ciFzen13 of13 this13 planet13 has13 access13 to13 the13 internet13 to13 an13 internet13 cafeacute13 or13 even13 a13 cell13 phone13 they13 will13 be13 provided13 with13 Col lege13 courses13 and13 instrucFonal13 materials
Yoursquore13 asking13 how13 much13 will13 these13 cost13 right13 Thatrsquos13 a13 great13 quesFon13 How13 does13 free13 sound13 Wersquove13 got13 it13 covered13 All13 we13 ask13 is13 that13 you13 take13 the13 knowledge13 and13 skills13 and13 use13 them13 to13 make13 life13 beer13 The13 best13 courses13 in13 the13 world13 taught13 by13 the13 best13 faculty13 Free13 of13 charge13
Distributed13 through13 Penn13 State13 and13 the13 global13 UNESCO13 network13 If13 people13 need13 more13 than13 the13 basic13 knowledge13 base13 we13 can13 do13 that13 too13 CerFficates13 and13 even13 degree13 programs13 at13 all13 levels13 with13 costs13 to13 be13 covered13 by13 foundaFons13 and13 internaFonal13
23
development13 agencies13 Just13 think13 of13 the13 potenFals13 for13 primary13 and13 secondary13 schools13 and13 for13 educators13 in13 the13 developing13 world13 13 Think13 of13 the13 life13 changing13 impacts13 for13 a13 young13 girl13 in13 rural13 Zambia13 a13 street13 child13 in13 Kenya13 and13 a13 young13 farm13 worker13 in13 Cambodia13 Itrsquos13 beyond13 belief13 and13 uerly13 amazing13 13 It13 changes13 everything
So13 those13 are13 three13 of13 the13 big13 things13 that13 are13 happening13 now13 We13 have13 lots13 more13 in13 the13 works13 and13 ready13 to13 launch13 These13 and13 other13 efforts13 will13 help13 us13 realize13 our13 dreams13 of13 a13 beer13 world13 Come13 be13 part13 of13 all13 of13 these13 13 We13 can13 pick13 some13 great13 fights13 together13 I13 promise13 itrsquoll13 be13 awesome13 and13 wersquoll13 do13 miraculous13 things
The key to this is you
Be13 Part13 of13 the13 Journey
We13 WILL13 do13 all13 of13 the13 things13 I13 menFoned13 13 And13 much13 much13 more13 The13 key13 to13 this13 is13 you13 13 Yoursquove13 been13 asked13 to13 be13 here13 today13 because13 we13 know13 you13 will13 fight13 for13 social13 jusFce13 We13 need13 you13 to13 help13 us13 raise13 awareness13 to13 help13 develop13 programs13 and13 research13 and13 help13 us13 find13 funding13 to13 ensure13 this13 is13 a13 reality
If13 you13 think13 about13 it13 there13 is13 no13 beer13 place13 than13 here13 to13 begin13 our13 journey13 Lest13 we13 forget13 we13 are13 in13 Pennsylvania13 This13 place13 that13 saw13 the13 birth13 of13 the13 Molly13 McGuires13 the13 original13 union13 movements13 and13 the13 knights13 of13 labor13 It13 was13 where13 Milton13 Eisenhower13 dreamed13 of13 the
If13 you13 think13 about13 it13 there13 is13 no13 beer13 place13 than13 here13 to13 begin13 our13 journey13 Lest13 we13 forget13 we13 are13 in13 Pennsylvania13 This13 place13 that13
24
saw13 the13 birth13 of13 the13 Molly13 McGuires13 the13 original13 union13 movements13 and13 the13 knights13 of13 labor13 It13 was13 where13 Milton13 Eisenhower13 dreamed13 of13 the13 potenFals13 of13 UNESCO13 13 Where13 Benjamin13 Franklin13 found13 the13 Pennsylvania13 AboliFonist13 Society13 seeking13 to13 end13 slavery13 Where13 our13 founding13 fathers13 conceived13 more13 than13 a13 naFon13 but13 the13 idea13 of13 L ife13 L iberty13 and13 the13 pursuit13 of13 Happiness-shy‐-shy‐-shy‐not13 just13 for13 us13 but13 for13 our13 fellow13 ciFzens13 of13 the13 world13 All13 of13 these13 people13 have13 passed13 the13 torch13 to13 us13 today13 13 Let13 us13 make13 them13 proud13 in13 conFnuing13 their13 quest13 for13 social13 jusFce13 for13 equality13 and13 for13 creaFng13 a13 beer13 world
Now13 is13 our13 moment13 13 Of13 all13 the13 opportuniFes13 out13 there13 none13 have13 greater13 potenFal13 for13 immediate13 and13 long13 term13 impacts13 than13
e du caFon 13 t h e13 t r a n s fo rmaFon13 o f13 communiFes13 empowerment13 of13 the13 excluded13 and13 the13 posiFve13 development13 of13 youth13 None13 Absolutely13 none
Now13 I13 know13 we13 hear13 inspiraFonal13 speeches13 a13 lot13 We13 are13 always13 being13 asked13 to13 open13 our13 hearts13 and13 then13 our13 checkbooks13 3But13 this13 is13 different13 We13 have13 never13 before13 had13 such13 structures13 partners13 and13 resources13 to13 make13 our13 dreams13 a13 reality
hellipthere will be those outside that will tell us that the world is too big
too corrupthellip
I13 know13 we13 are13 all13 Fred13 overworked13 and13 maybe13 a13 bit13 cynical13 of13 all13 this13 I13 know13 there13 will13 be13 those13 outside13 of13 here13 that13 will13 tell13 us13 that13 the13 world13 is13 too13 big13 too13 corrupt13 that13 the13 vicFms13 deserve13 their13 low13 lots13 in13 life13 and13
25
that13 maybe13 for13 the13 sake13 of13 our13 careers13 we13 really13 should13 look13 busy13 while13 doing13 nothing13 But13 Irsquom13 asking13 you13 today13 to13 try13 one13 more13 Fme13 Take13 one13 more13 leap13 of13 faith13 I13 promise13 we13 wonrsquot13 let13 you13 down13 I13 promise13 that13 wersquoll13 be13 part13 of13 something13 legendary13 together
Nonetheless13 as13 you13 quesFon13 our13 ability13 to13 really13 change13 the13 world13 I13 would13 simply13 ask13 you13 to13 remember13 back13 to13 our13 younger13 days13 when13 we13 were13 absolutely13 certain13 that13 we13 could13 do13 it13 13 We13 were13 right13 13 You13 were13 right13 13 You13 were13 right13 and13 your13 dreams13 are13 sFll13 out13 there
I13 want13 to13 share13 one13 last13 story13 13 I13 recently13 read13 a13 wonderful13 essay13 by13 Joseph13 Laplin13 looking13 back13 on13 the13 55th13 Anniversary13 of13 Jack13 Kerouacrsquos13 legendary13 novel13 On13 the13 Road13 13 This13 was13 a13 novel13 that13 sent13 many13 young13 people13
(including13 myself)13 out13 on13 that13 road13 of13 discovery13 in13 search13 of13 the13 limitless13 possibiliFes13 beyond13 our13 hometowns13 13 A13 book13 that13 mandated13 the13 quesFoning13 authority13 the13 quesFoning13 of13 social13 convenFons13 and13 the13 challenging13 of13 the13 moral13 blinds13 spots13 of13 our13 age13 For13 me13 this13 book13 was13 magical
Laplinrsquos13 essay13 took13 aim13 at13 those13 of13 us13 who13 have13 grown13 up13 become13 established13 and13 think13 wersquove13 grown13 wiser13 Especially13 those13 of13 us13 who13 now13 dismiss13 Kerouac13 and13 this13 novel13 that13 once13 inspired13 us13 as13 idealisFc13 childish13 and13 ridiculously13 naiumlve13 in13 its13 call13 for13 social13 change13 But13 Laplin13 had13 a13 wonderfully13 reacFon13 to13 such13 people13 Here13 is13 what13 he13 said
ldquoPerhaps13 these13 people13 never13 took13 to13 or13 went13 back13 on13 the13 road13 -shy‐13 due13 to13 fear13 or13 family13 -shy‐13 and13
26
therefore13 can13 no13 longer13 revisit13 Kerouacrsquos13 work13 Perhaps13 itrsquos13 hard13 to13 even13 look13 at13 his13 wriltng13 because13 readers13 are13 actually13 looking13 at13 themselves13 And13 itrsquos13 easier13 to13 say13 well13 Kerouacrsquos13 naive13 than13 to13 say13 I13 missed13 out13 on13 something13 Maybe13 some13 readers13 have13 given13 up13 on13 the13 search13 for13 beauty13 and13 spirituality13 or13 realized13 that13 theyrsquore13 not13 one13 of13 those13 people13 who13 lsquoburn13 burn13 burn13 like13 fabulous13 yellow13 roman13 candlesrsquo13 and13 that13 knowledge13 is13 painfulrdquo
I13 want13 to13 state13 it13 again13 You13 were13 right13 when13 you13 once13 thought13 we13 would13 change13 the13 world13 And13 you13 are13 sFll13 right13 Your13 dreams13 of13 a13 fair13 equal13 and13 just13 world13 are13 sFll13 out13 there13 and13 together13 we13 will13 reclaim13 them13 and13 make13 them13 a13 reality
hellipin the not too distant future you can put your children and
grandchildren on your knee and tell them about once upon a time
I13 say13 this13 not13 to13 preach13 to13 you13 or13 guilt13 you13 into13 acFon13 I13 just13 want13 to13 put13 it13 into13 perspecFve13 and13 ask13 you13 to13 be13 part13 of13 this13 journey13 If13 we13 live13 up13 to13 our13 ideals13 and13 commitments13 in13 the13 not13 too13 distant13 future13 you13 can13 put13 your13 children13 and13 grandchildren13 on13 your13 knee13 and13 tell13 them13 about13 once13 upon13 a13 Fme13 Once13 upon13 a13 Fme13 when13 educaFon13 was13 only13 for13 the13 privileged13 few13 When13 women13 were13 treated13 as13 second13 class13 ciFzens13 When13 injusFce13 and13 inequality13 were13 the13 standard13 And13 when13 communiFes13 were13 constantly13 trampled13 on13 by13 outside13 interests13 Most13 importantly13 you13 can13 tell13 them13 that13 you13 were13 part13 of13 fixing13 it13 That13 the13 world13 is13 a13 far13 beer13 place13 because13 of13 what13 we13 did13 That13
27
they13 have13 a13 great13 bright13 future13 because13 of13 our13 bold13 efforts13 that13 began13 today13 With13 such13 potenFals13 and13 possibiliFes13 at13 hand13 how13 can13 we13 ever13 explain13 to13 them13 our13 inacFon13 or13 how13 we13 stood13 by13 and13 let13 appalling13 things13 conFnue
As13 we13 close13 I13 want13 to13 ask13 a13 few13 final13 quesFons13 There13 are13 many13 places13 to13 put13 your13 efforts
But13 if13 not13 the13 thousands13 of13 communiAes13 we13 can13 help13 then13 where
If13 not13 the13 billions13 of13 young13 people13 we13 can13 empower13 to13 have13 beMer13 lives13 then13 who
And13 if13 now13 is13 not13 the13 Ame13 for13 bold13 daring13 and13 nearly13 miraculous13 acAons13 then13 when
hellipthe honor is only eclipsed by the responsibility this opportunity
brings with it
If13 you13 need13 proof13 of13 miracles13 than13 look13 no13 further13 than13 this13 stage13 Here13 you13 have13 a13 former13 (or13 perhaps13 not13 so13 former)13 punk13 from13 rural13 Pennsylvania13 of13 Irish13 descent13 standing13 before13 you13 accepFng13 one13 of13 our13 greatest13 honors13 Itrsquos13 absolutely13 humbling13 And13 the13 honor13 is13 only13 eclipsed13 by13 the13 responsibility13 this13 opportunity13 brings13 with13 it13 But13 itrsquos13 not13 inFmidaFng13 Not13 at13 all13 Because13 I13 know13 WE13 are13 in13 this13 together13 And13 for13 all13 of13 this13 I13 will13 be13 forever13 grateful13 to13 you13 for13 sharing13 this13 wonderful13 day13 and13 being13 part13 of13 this13 journey13 that13 will13 transform13 the13 world
Thank13 you13 all13 very13 very13 much
28
CHAPTER13 5
Contact USConnect13 with13 us13 on13 social13 media
unescochairpennstate
unescochairpsu
unescochairpsu
Call13 Write13 or13 Visit
Dr13 Mark13 Brennan204C13 Ferguson13 BuildingUniversity13 Park13 PA13 16802Phone13 1-shy‐814-shy‐863-shy‐0387Email13 unescochairpsueduWeb13 wwwunescochairpsuedu
UNESCO Chair in Rural Community
Leadership and Youth Development
The Pennsylvania State University
United Nations
(GXFDWLRQDO6FLHQWLiquestFDQGCultural Organization
the13 development13 of13 rules13 and13 culture
hellipthink about community as one big relationship
Community13 establishes13 and13 maintains13 channels13 of13 communicaFon13 and13 interacFon13 13 I13 always13 tell13 my13 undergraduate13 and13 graduate13 students13 to13 think13 about13 community13 as13 one13 big13 relaFonship13 Think13 about13 what13 happens13 in13 your13 relaFonships13 Itrsquos13 the13 same13 with13 community13 When13 you13 first13 meet13 you13 commun i ca te13 con s tan t l y13 i n te ra c t13 conFnuously13 and13 do13 everything13 together13 As13 Fme13 goes13 on13 the13 communicaFon13 and13 interacFon13 become13 less13 frequent13 And13 as13 we13 all13 know13 it13 someFmes13 is13 not13 long13 before13 problems13 occur13 Where13 mountains13 are13 made13 out13 of13 mole13 hills13 and13 relaFonships13 become13 strained13 someFmes13 to13 the13 point13 of13 breaking13 13
The13 same13 is13 true13 in13 communiFes13 It13 involves13 more13 people13 and13 is13 a13 bit13 messier13 but13 the13 process13 and13 structure13 is13 the13 same13 Just13 as13 in13 our13 relaFonships13 we13 need13 to13 constantly13 be13 working13 to13 maintain13 community
Oen13 during13 presidenFal13 elecFons13 I13 ask13 my13 students13 to13 count13 the13 number13 of13 Fmes13 that13 community13 is13 said13 during13 debates13 and13 speeches13 In13 these13 sedngs13 where13 every13 word13 counts13 and13 costs13 money13 it13 is13 common13 for13 the13 term13 community13 to13 be13 menFoned13 dozens13 of13 Fmes13 in13 an13 hour13 long13 speech13 13 Why13 though13 I t rsquos13 an13 amazing13 idea13 community13 Itrsquos13 tremendously13 powerful13 It13 bring13 up13 all13 those13 warm13 and13 fuzzy13 images13 -shy‐13 real13 and13 imagined13 -shy‐13 of13 what13 life13 was13 like13 or13 could13 be
11
The impacts outcomes and potentials of community are real
tangible and measurable
Now13 before13 you13 think13 me13 an13 academic13 hippy13 or13 that13 Irsquom13 advocaFng13 for13 free13 love13 and13 touchy13 feely13 ideas13 this13 is13 not13 the13 case13 at13 all13 13 The13 impacts13 outcomes13 and13 potenFals13 of13 community13 are13 rea l 13 tangib le 13 and13 measurable13 13 Strong13 communiFes13 are13 more13 resilient13 adapFve13 and13 less13 likely13 to13 be13 explo i ted13 They13 connect13 res idents 13 insFtuFons13 organizaFons13 to13 each13 other13 13 They13 promote13 stability13 have13 less13 crime13 and13 show13 increase13 local13 well-shy‐being13 They13 increase13 involvement13 in13 local13 decision-shy‐making13 and13 parFcipatory13 democracy
There13 are13 also13 tremendous13 personal13 impacts13 Community13 enhances13 our13 social13
psychological13 and13 emoFonal13 development13 13 It13 promotes13 civic13 responsibility13 which13 is13 a13 commitment13 to13 helping13 others13 It13 increases13 cultural13 understanding13 and13 empathy13 13 It13 provides13 life13 skills13 such13 as13 criFcal13 thinking13 interpersonal13 leadership13 and13 conflict13 resoluFon13 skills13
Tremendous things happen when people care about each other and
the place they live in
This13 is13 an13 impressive13 list13 that13 is13 by13 no13 means13 complete13 We13 have13 mountains13 of13 research13 data13 program13 evaluaFons13 thousands13 of13 books13 and13 journal13 arFcles13 to13 prove13 that13 this13 is13 the13 case13 Even13 beer13 wersquove13 studied13 this13 process13 across13 the13 world13 I t rsquos13 true13 everywhere13 The13 condiFons13 and13 context13 might13 be13 a13 lile13 different13 but13 one13 thing13
12
holds13 true13 tremendous13 things13 happen13 when13 people13 care13 about13 each13 other13 and13 the13 place13 they13 live13 in13 This13 is13 not13 an13 idea13 This13 is13 not13 a13 plan13 This13 IS13 fact13 Strong13 communiFes13 equal13 stable13 civil13 and13 just13 socieFes
For13 me13 the13 need13 for13 community13 is13 close13 to13 home13 I13 was13 born13 and13 raised13 in13 a13 small13 town13 in13 northeastern13 Pennsylvania13 I13 came13 from13 people13 who13 le13 Ireland13 and13 Europe13 seeking13 survival13 All13 of13 these13 are13 absolutely13 great13 places13 Places13 blessed13 by13 amazing13 natural13 resources13 amazingly13 diverse13 cultures13 tremendous13 food13 you13 canrsquot13 imagine13 13 Cultures13 whose13 unique13 experiences13 and13 knowledge13 for13 dealing13 with13 the13 challenges13 of13 daily13 life13 were13 massive13 and13 effecFve13 Places13 rich13 in13 social13 supports13 from13 family13 neighbors13 religions13 and13 schools13 Places13 to13
me13 that13 held13 a13 tremendous13 amount13 of13 magic13 in13 them
For many education became not an opportunity but a painful reminder
of what might have been
But13 you13 know13 as13 the13 musician13 Lou13 Reed13 sang13 there13 is13 a13 bit13 of13 magic13 in13 everything13 -shy‐13 and13 then13 some13 loss13 to13 even13 things13 out13 The13 loss13 in13 these13 areas13 was13 characterized13 by13 exploitaFon13 from13 abusive13 outside13 interests13 13 Abuse13 by13 corporaFons13 and13 governments13 that13 harvested13 local13 natural13 resources13 including13 people13 for13 far13 far13 less13 than13 they13 were13 worth13 13 Places13 where13 youth13 were13 eventually13 forced13 to13 leave13 for13 lack13 of13 opportuniFes13 denied13 their13 righkul13 heritage13 and13 forced13 like13 so13 many13 youth13 worldwide13 to13 become13 the13 nomads13 the13 diasporas13 For13 many13 educaFon13
13
became13 not13 an13 opportunity13 but13 a13 painful13 reminder13 of13 what13 might13 have13 been13 Aer13 all13 why13 bother13 learning13 of13 the13 wonders13 of13 Paris13 Rome13 and13 Tokyo13 when13 the13 odds13 of13 you13 gedng13 to13 there13 were13 as13 good13 gedng13 to13 the13 Moon13 For13 most13 the13 mill13 the13 mine13 and13 oen13 the13 unemployment13 line13 were13 our13 desFny
It was the systematic breakdown of our communities
These13 were13 environments13 where13 ciFzens13 were13 slowly13 convinced13 that13 they13 were13 irrelevant13 That13 there13 was13 no13 need13 to13 act13 or13 be13 involved13 locally13 Convinced13 that13 they13 could13 never13 ever13 make13 a13 difference13 13 In13 truth13 this13 impotence13 was13 not13 the13 result13 of13 the13 IlluminaF13 the13 Freemasons13 the13 wealthy13 or13 whatever13 version13 of13 the13 lsquoManrsquo13 that13 we13
created13 It13 was13 not13 the13 standard13 issue13 boot13 of13 the13 Pinkerton13 Agency13 the13 police13 or13 others13 kicking13 in13 our13 door13 forcing13 us13 to13 be13 compliant13 It13 was13 something13 much13 simpler13 and13 infinitely13 more13 ominous13 Something13 much13 harder13 and13 painful13 to13 admit13 truth13 be13 told13 13 It13 was13 the13 systemaFc13 breakdown13 of13 our13 communiFes13 But13 nonetheless13 we13 were13 the13 lucky13 ones13 From13 Africa13 to13 Southeast13 Asia13 to13 South13 and13 Central13 America13 and13 eastern13 Europe13 these13 condiFons13 would13 be13 eagerly13 welcomed13 in13 the13 face13 of13 war13 genocide13 disease13 and13 extreme13 poverty13
hellipour communities can be brought back to life
But13 Irsquove13 good13 news13 Maybe13 itrsquos13 not13 so13 bad13 13 And13 if13 it13 is13 it13 certainly13 does13 not13 need13 to13 be13 13 We13 actually13 have13 lots13 of13 proof13 that13 our13
14
communiFes13 can13 be13 brought13 back13 to13 life13 13 Wersquove13 tremendous13 evidence13 from13 the13 field13 13 From13 do-shy‐gooding13 idealisFc13 acFvists13 to13 bale13 hardened13 program13 agents13 to13 government13 officials13 From13 shrewd13 business13 interests13 to13 chariFes13 and13 nonprofits13 Capacity13 is13 being13 built13 and13 ciFzens13 of13 all13 ages13 are13 being13 empowered13 but13 parFcularly13 those13 amazing13 agents13 of13 change13 young13 people
To13 understand13 this13 letrsquos13 talk13 a13 bit13 about13 what13 community13 is13 Let13 me13 tell13 you13 about13 a13 good13 way13 to13 think13 of13 it13 an13 interacFve13 approach13 to13 community13 At13 the13 core13 of13 community13 is13 the13 interacFon13 and13 interdependence13 among13 local13 people13 Here13 people13 make13 up13 local13 interest13 groups13 that13 are13 loosely13 bounded13 arenas13 for13 interacFon
All13 of13 these13 seek13 to13 look13 aer13 their13 own13 interests13 Community13 evolves13 as13 members13 of13 these13 very13 different13 groups13 interact13 with13 each13 other13 realizing13 their13 common13 general13 needs13 This13 doesnrsquot13 mean13 we13 give13 up13 who13 we13 are13 or13 sell13 out13 We13 just13 realize13 that13 we13 have13 common13 needs13 and13 that13 we13 can13 work13 together13 to13 overcome13 these
15
As13 groups13 and13 residents13 interact13 what13 has13 come13 to13 be13 known13 as13 community13 agency13 emerges13 Agency13 highlights13 the13 fact13 that13
engagement13 has13 power13 It13 shows13 that13 local13 people13 working13 together13 have13 the13 power13 to13 transform13 and13 change13 society13 13 When13 they13 do13 this13 community13 can13 emerge
I13 want13 to13 stress13 this13 is13 a13 process13 though13 13 Community13 is13 not13 a13 given13 State13 College13 will13 always13 be13 on13 a13 map13 But13 the13 connecFon13 between13 people13 that13 makes13 this13 place13 so13 special13 may13 not13 unless13 we13 work13 at13 it13 Keep13 in13 mind13 that13 community13 is13 a13 variable13 Our13 locality13 is13 always13 changing13 with13 people13 coming13 and13 going13 all13 the13 Fmes13 We13 need13 to13 constantly13 be13 working13 to13 maintain13 our13 connecFon13 to13 it13 and13 welcome13 in13 new13 people13 to13 be13 part13 of13 it13 When13 we13 stop13 interacFng13 communicaFng13 and13 being13 inclusive13 it13 simply13 -shy‐13 and13 quickly13 disappears13 But13 if13 developed13 community13 results13 in13 amazing13 things13 here13 and13 abroad
Let13 me13 give13 you13 some13 examples
Civically13 engaged13 youth13 are13 2213 more13 likely
16
to13 graduate13 from13 college13 than13 those13 that13 did13 not
Civically13 engaged13 youth13 are13 413 ltmes13 less13 likely13 to13 exhibit13 ldquorisky13 behaviorrdquo13 such13 as13 drug13 use13 and13 other13 dangerous13 behaviors13
Youth13 are13 813 ltmes13 more13 likely13 to13 believe13 that13 can13 influence13 decision13 making13 if13 they13 are13 civically13 engaged
This13 is13 important13 The13 fact13 of13 the13 maer13 is13 that13 there13 are13 very13 few13 obstacles13 to13 us13 changing13 the13 world13 Wersquove13 just13 convinced13 ourselves13 that13 we13 canrsquot13 make13 a13 difference13 and13 shouldnrsquot13 act13 This13 is13 largely13 because13 wersquove13 been13 uninvolved13 for13 so13 long13 Wersquove13 forgoen13 how13 to13 act13 and13 be13 engaged
One13 more13 thing13 EducaFon13 and13 Community13 intersect13 in13 a13 big13 way13 Where13 community13 involvement13 and13 educaFon13 are13 low13 the13 odds13
of13 extremism13 gangs13 and13 terrorisFc13 organizaFons13 more13 than13 quadruple
helliphad there been a little more education and community capacity
the extremism would have been stopped in its tracks
This13 was13 brought13 home13 to13 me13 during13 visits13 to13 Cambodia13 over13 the13 years13 Every13 Fme13 I13 go13 make13 a13 pilgrimage13 to13 the13 infamous13 Killing13 Fields13 near13 Phom13 Penh13 At13 their13 naFonal13 Genocide13 Museum13 are13 thousands13 of13 photos13 of13 the13 vicFms13 You13 see13 a13 fracFon13 of13 them13
here13 behind13 me13 But13 of13 all13 of13 these13 -shy‐13 one13 haunts13 me13 I13 bring13 her13 flowers13 every13 year13 I13 donrsquot13 know13 her13 name13
17
No13 one13 does13 But13 I13 canrsquot13 forget13 her13 eyes13 I13 canrsquot13 forget13 that13 had13 there13 been13 a13 lile13 more13 educaFon13 and13 community13 capacity13 the13 extremism13 would13 have13 been13 stopped13 in13 its13 tracks13 She13 and13 several13 million13 other13 Cambodians13 would13 be13 with13 us13 today13 The13 same13 is13 true13 in13 Germany13 Rwanda13 Bosnia13 ArgenFna13 and13 elsewhere13 13 We13 owe13 it13 to13 her13 and13 the13 countless13 others13 to13 build13 strong13 educated13 communiFes13 that13 will13 ensure13 extremism13 does13 not13 take13 root13 and13 run13 rampant
If13 nothing13 else13 remember13 this13 Community13 builds13 capacity13 It13 provides13 structure13 and13 social13 supports13 builds13 empathy13 and13 understanding13 and13 provides13 the13 basis13 for13 acFon13 and13 acFvism13 It13 protects13 against13 poverty13 extremism13 and13 chaos
The13 importance13 and13 central13 role13 of13 community13 will13 be13 the13 other13 cornerstone13 of13 our13 work13 and13 was13 the13 second13 thing13 I13 wanted13 to13 share13 with13 you
18
CHAPTER13 4
Transforming the World Through the UNESCO Chairs Program Wersquove13 been13 looking13 forward13 this13 is13 a13 day13 for13 years13 Because13 every13 now13 and13 then13 an13 opportunity13 comes13 along13 that13 just13 changes13 everything13 Wersquove13 been13 working13 really13 really13
hard13 and13 have13 lots13 of13 plans13 that13 are13 ready13 to13 launch13 I13 want13 to13 share13 three13 of13 them13 that13 we13 are13 really13 excited13 about13 They13 really13 are13 amazing13 and13 beauFful13 creaFons
First13 is13 the13 UNTWIN13 Network13 on13 Youth13 and13 Community13 Development13
With13 this13 we13 reinvent13 the13 idea13 of13 global13 partnerships13 and13 collaboraFon13 UNITWIN13 are13 the13 UN13 university13 twining13 and13 partnership13 networks13 They13 open13 up13 all13 kinds13 of13 opportuniFes13 for13 rapid13 research13 and13 acFon13 and13 funding13 While13 UNESCO13 Chairs13 are13 rare13 UNITWIN13 networks13 are13 even13 more13 so13 13 Only13 two13 exist13 in13 the13 US13 We13 got13 the13 go13 ahead13 from13 UNESCO13 to13 start13 developing13 number13 three13 However13 ours13 will13 be13 unmatched13 in13 size13 scope13 and13 impact
6 continents
9 geographic regions
35 partner institutions
Thousands of youth
Three UNESCO Chairs
It13 will13 cover13 613 conFnents13 913 geographic13 regions13 3513 partner13 insFtuFons13 (and13 growing13 weekly)13 thousands13 of13 youth13 and13 three13 UNESCO13 Chairs13 This13 will13 allow13 for13 immediate13 research13 program13 development13 and13 educaFonal13 program13 delivery
hellipa common framework of Community Capacity Building
Youth Development and Conflict Mitigationhellip
The13 network13 will13 be13 led13 by13 three13 UNESCO13 Chairs13 at13 three13 interrelated13 mulFdisciplinary13
20
centers13 the13 Child13 and13 Family13 Research13 Centre13 (NUI13 Galway)13 UNESCO13 Centre13 for13 Research13 on13 Children13 and13 Youth13 (University13 of13 Ulster)13 and13 the13 planned13 UNESCO13 InsAtute13 for13 G lobal13 Humanitar ian13 Development13 (Penn13 State)13 The13 three13 bring13 together13 nearly13 20013 of13 the13 worldrsquos13 best13 researchers13 teachers13 and13 program13 developers
The13 network13 will13 have13 a13 common13 framework13 of13 Community13 Capacity13 Building13 Youth13 Development13 and13 Conflict13 MiFgaFon13 but13 will13 pursue13 specialized13 projects13 on13 health13 and13 well-shy‐being13 educaFon13 and13 literacy13 social13 and13 economic13 development13 the13 physical13 sciences13 agricultural13 development13 civil13 engineering13 and13 many13 other13 areas13 as13 they13 emerge13 We13 will13 be13 able13 to13 conduct13
internaFonal13 comparaFve13 research13 design13 programs13 and13 deliver13 them13 worldwide13 in13 a13 maer13 of13 months13 -shy‐13 not13 years13 as13 is13 oen13 the13 case13 Think13 of13 the13 potenFal
With13 not13 much13 work13 we13 can13 reach13 1000013 kids13 and13 100013 communiFes13 in13 the13 next13 few13 years13 1000013 kids13 and13 communiFes13 who13 see13 a13 brighter13 future13 are13 contribuFng13 members13 of13 society13 lead13 producFve13 and13 safe13 lives13 and13 take13 on13 ownership13 of13 local13 life13 With13 your13 help13 and13 some13 hard13 work13 we13 can13 triple13 the13 number13 of13 youth13 and13 communiFes13 we13 can13 reach
UNITWIN13 goes13 live13 in13 April13 Itrsquos13 already13 growing13 beyond13 our13 control13 Itrsquos13 a13 game13 changer13 and13 once13 in13 a13 lifeFme13 opportunity13 13 Itrsquos13 going13 to13 be13 our13 legacy13 and13 we13 have13 a13 seat13 at13 the13 table13 for13 you
21
The13 second13 big13 item13 focuses13 on13 idenAfying13 the13 best13 pracAces13 for13 youth13 and13 community13 developmenthellipworldwide
Today13 we13 redefine13 global13 comparaFve13 research13 There13 are13 lots13 of13 people13 doing13 great13 and13 effecFve13 work13 worldwide13 We13 are13 going13 to13 begin13 a13 long-shy‐term13 research13 program13 to13 idenFfy13 these13 best13 pracFces13 in13 all13 locaFons13 but13 with13 a13 strong13 focus13 on13 rural13 areas
But13 you13 might13 ask13 why13 There13 is13 an13 increasing13 lsquoyouth13 bulgersquo13 that13 exists13 alongside13 a13 heavy13 dependence13 on13 agriculture13 in13 the13 developing13 world13 The13 UN13 has13 documented13 this13 with13 nearly13 half13 of13 the13 worldrsquos13 populaFon13 residing13 in13 rural13 areas
Over13 9013 of13 all13 rural13 residents13 live13 in13 less13 developed13 regions
Equally13 important13 almost13 a13 third13 of13 the13 world13 populalton13 is13 age13 1513 or13 younger13 and13 half13 are13 under13 age13 2513
8513 of13 all13 youth13 live13 in13 less13 developed13 countries
This13 reality13 creates13 an13 environment13 where13 the13 acltve13 engagement13 of13 communiltes13 is13 essenltal13 to13 future13 growth13 and13 development
Another13 really13 cool13 part13 of13 this13 research13 focuses13 on13 building13 partnerships13 We13 work13 to13 build13 capacity13 and13 partnerships13 through13 North-shy‐South13 and13 South-shy‐South13 partnerships13 that13 shape13 regional13 capacity13 We13 re13 already13 seeing13 great13 things13 such13 as13 in13 Kenya13 and13 Zambia13 where13 we13 have13 linked13 programs13 that13 are13 working13 together13 like13 crazy
Through13 the13 UNESCO13 Chair13 program13 we13 will13 link13 organizaFons13 in13 2513 countries13 to13 share13 resources13 best13 pracFces13 and13 experFse13
22
create13 a13 dynamic13 series13 of13 partnerships13 in13 the13 Global13 South13 and13 form13 a13 community13 of13 naFons13 focused13 on13 youth13 and13 development13 of13 civil13 society
T h i r d 13 i s13 ou r13 G l oba l13 Edu caAona l13 Programming
Today13 we13 revoluFonize13 global13 educaFon13 13 We13 are13 planning13 a13 global13 educaFonal13 program13 focusing13 on13 leadership13 and13 community13 building13 across13 the13 life13 span13 13 Included13 are13 courses13 in13 leadership13 skills13 c o m m u n i t y13 c a p a c i t y13 b u i l d i n g 13 entrepreneurship13 and13 small13 business13 development13 posiFve13 youth13 development13 conflict13 miFgaFon13 and13 many13 others13 areas
Penn13 State13 is13 a13 leader13 in13 distance13 educaFon13 13 It13 recently13 dedicated13 major13 resources13 to13 MOOCs13 Massive13 Open13 Online13 Courses13 13
What13 this13 means13 is13 if13 a13 ciFzen13 of13 this13 planet13 has13 access13 to13 the13 internet13 to13 an13 internet13 cafeacute13 or13 even13 a13 cell13 phone13 they13 will13 be13 provided13 with13 Col lege13 courses13 and13 instrucFonal13 materials
Yoursquore13 asking13 how13 much13 will13 these13 cost13 right13 Thatrsquos13 a13 great13 quesFon13 How13 does13 free13 sound13 Wersquove13 got13 it13 covered13 All13 we13 ask13 is13 that13 you13 take13 the13 knowledge13 and13 skills13 and13 use13 them13 to13 make13 life13 beer13 The13 best13 courses13 in13 the13 world13 taught13 by13 the13 best13 faculty13 Free13 of13 charge13
Distributed13 through13 Penn13 State13 and13 the13 global13 UNESCO13 network13 If13 people13 need13 more13 than13 the13 basic13 knowledge13 base13 we13 can13 do13 that13 too13 CerFficates13 and13 even13 degree13 programs13 at13 all13 levels13 with13 costs13 to13 be13 covered13 by13 foundaFons13 and13 internaFonal13
23
development13 agencies13 Just13 think13 of13 the13 potenFals13 for13 primary13 and13 secondary13 schools13 and13 for13 educators13 in13 the13 developing13 world13 13 Think13 of13 the13 life13 changing13 impacts13 for13 a13 young13 girl13 in13 rural13 Zambia13 a13 street13 child13 in13 Kenya13 and13 a13 young13 farm13 worker13 in13 Cambodia13 Itrsquos13 beyond13 belief13 and13 uerly13 amazing13 13 It13 changes13 everything
So13 those13 are13 three13 of13 the13 big13 things13 that13 are13 happening13 now13 We13 have13 lots13 more13 in13 the13 works13 and13 ready13 to13 launch13 These13 and13 other13 efforts13 will13 help13 us13 realize13 our13 dreams13 of13 a13 beer13 world13 Come13 be13 part13 of13 all13 of13 these13 13 We13 can13 pick13 some13 great13 fights13 together13 I13 promise13 itrsquoll13 be13 awesome13 and13 wersquoll13 do13 miraculous13 things
The key to this is you
Be13 Part13 of13 the13 Journey
We13 WILL13 do13 all13 of13 the13 things13 I13 menFoned13 13 And13 much13 much13 more13 The13 key13 to13 this13 is13 you13 13 Yoursquove13 been13 asked13 to13 be13 here13 today13 because13 we13 know13 you13 will13 fight13 for13 social13 jusFce13 We13 need13 you13 to13 help13 us13 raise13 awareness13 to13 help13 develop13 programs13 and13 research13 and13 help13 us13 find13 funding13 to13 ensure13 this13 is13 a13 reality
If13 you13 think13 about13 it13 there13 is13 no13 beer13 place13 than13 here13 to13 begin13 our13 journey13 Lest13 we13 forget13 we13 are13 in13 Pennsylvania13 This13 place13 that13 saw13 the13 birth13 of13 the13 Molly13 McGuires13 the13 original13 union13 movements13 and13 the13 knights13 of13 labor13 It13 was13 where13 Milton13 Eisenhower13 dreamed13 of13 the
If13 you13 think13 about13 it13 there13 is13 no13 beer13 place13 than13 here13 to13 begin13 our13 journey13 Lest13 we13 forget13 we13 are13 in13 Pennsylvania13 This13 place13 that13
24
saw13 the13 birth13 of13 the13 Molly13 McGuires13 the13 original13 union13 movements13 and13 the13 knights13 of13 labor13 It13 was13 where13 Milton13 Eisenhower13 dreamed13 of13 the13 potenFals13 of13 UNESCO13 13 Where13 Benjamin13 Franklin13 found13 the13 Pennsylvania13 AboliFonist13 Society13 seeking13 to13 end13 slavery13 Where13 our13 founding13 fathers13 conceived13 more13 than13 a13 naFon13 but13 the13 idea13 of13 L ife13 L iberty13 and13 the13 pursuit13 of13 Happiness-shy‐-shy‐-shy‐not13 just13 for13 us13 but13 for13 our13 fellow13 ciFzens13 of13 the13 world13 All13 of13 these13 people13 have13 passed13 the13 torch13 to13 us13 today13 13 Let13 us13 make13 them13 proud13 in13 conFnuing13 their13 quest13 for13 social13 jusFce13 for13 equality13 and13 for13 creaFng13 a13 beer13 world
Now13 is13 our13 moment13 13 Of13 all13 the13 opportuniFes13 out13 there13 none13 have13 greater13 potenFal13 for13 immediate13 and13 long13 term13 impacts13 than13
e du caFon 13 t h e13 t r a n s fo rmaFon13 o f13 communiFes13 empowerment13 of13 the13 excluded13 and13 the13 posiFve13 development13 of13 youth13 None13 Absolutely13 none
Now13 I13 know13 we13 hear13 inspiraFonal13 speeches13 a13 lot13 We13 are13 always13 being13 asked13 to13 open13 our13 hearts13 and13 then13 our13 checkbooks13 3But13 this13 is13 different13 We13 have13 never13 before13 had13 such13 structures13 partners13 and13 resources13 to13 make13 our13 dreams13 a13 reality
hellipthere will be those outside that will tell us that the world is too big
too corrupthellip
I13 know13 we13 are13 all13 Fred13 overworked13 and13 maybe13 a13 bit13 cynical13 of13 all13 this13 I13 know13 there13 will13 be13 those13 outside13 of13 here13 that13 will13 tell13 us13 that13 the13 world13 is13 too13 big13 too13 corrupt13 that13 the13 vicFms13 deserve13 their13 low13 lots13 in13 life13 and13
25
that13 maybe13 for13 the13 sake13 of13 our13 careers13 we13 really13 should13 look13 busy13 while13 doing13 nothing13 But13 Irsquom13 asking13 you13 today13 to13 try13 one13 more13 Fme13 Take13 one13 more13 leap13 of13 faith13 I13 promise13 we13 wonrsquot13 let13 you13 down13 I13 promise13 that13 wersquoll13 be13 part13 of13 something13 legendary13 together
Nonetheless13 as13 you13 quesFon13 our13 ability13 to13 really13 change13 the13 world13 I13 would13 simply13 ask13 you13 to13 remember13 back13 to13 our13 younger13 days13 when13 we13 were13 absolutely13 certain13 that13 we13 could13 do13 it13 13 We13 were13 right13 13 You13 were13 right13 13 You13 were13 right13 and13 your13 dreams13 are13 sFll13 out13 there
I13 want13 to13 share13 one13 last13 story13 13 I13 recently13 read13 a13 wonderful13 essay13 by13 Joseph13 Laplin13 looking13 back13 on13 the13 55th13 Anniversary13 of13 Jack13 Kerouacrsquos13 legendary13 novel13 On13 the13 Road13 13 This13 was13 a13 novel13 that13 sent13 many13 young13 people13
(including13 myself)13 out13 on13 that13 road13 of13 discovery13 in13 search13 of13 the13 limitless13 possibiliFes13 beyond13 our13 hometowns13 13 A13 book13 that13 mandated13 the13 quesFoning13 authority13 the13 quesFoning13 of13 social13 convenFons13 and13 the13 challenging13 of13 the13 moral13 blinds13 spots13 of13 our13 age13 For13 me13 this13 book13 was13 magical
Laplinrsquos13 essay13 took13 aim13 at13 those13 of13 us13 who13 have13 grown13 up13 become13 established13 and13 think13 wersquove13 grown13 wiser13 Especially13 those13 of13 us13 who13 now13 dismiss13 Kerouac13 and13 this13 novel13 that13 once13 inspired13 us13 as13 idealisFc13 childish13 and13 ridiculously13 naiumlve13 in13 its13 call13 for13 social13 change13 But13 Laplin13 had13 a13 wonderfully13 reacFon13 to13 such13 people13 Here13 is13 what13 he13 said
ldquoPerhaps13 these13 people13 never13 took13 to13 or13 went13 back13 on13 the13 road13 -shy‐13 due13 to13 fear13 or13 family13 -shy‐13 and13
26
therefore13 can13 no13 longer13 revisit13 Kerouacrsquos13 work13 Perhaps13 itrsquos13 hard13 to13 even13 look13 at13 his13 wriltng13 because13 readers13 are13 actually13 looking13 at13 themselves13 And13 itrsquos13 easier13 to13 say13 well13 Kerouacrsquos13 naive13 than13 to13 say13 I13 missed13 out13 on13 something13 Maybe13 some13 readers13 have13 given13 up13 on13 the13 search13 for13 beauty13 and13 spirituality13 or13 realized13 that13 theyrsquore13 not13 one13 of13 those13 people13 who13 lsquoburn13 burn13 burn13 like13 fabulous13 yellow13 roman13 candlesrsquo13 and13 that13 knowledge13 is13 painfulrdquo
I13 want13 to13 state13 it13 again13 You13 were13 right13 when13 you13 once13 thought13 we13 would13 change13 the13 world13 And13 you13 are13 sFll13 right13 Your13 dreams13 of13 a13 fair13 equal13 and13 just13 world13 are13 sFll13 out13 there13 and13 together13 we13 will13 reclaim13 them13 and13 make13 them13 a13 reality
hellipin the not too distant future you can put your children and
grandchildren on your knee and tell them about once upon a time
I13 say13 this13 not13 to13 preach13 to13 you13 or13 guilt13 you13 into13 acFon13 I13 just13 want13 to13 put13 it13 into13 perspecFve13 and13 ask13 you13 to13 be13 part13 of13 this13 journey13 If13 we13 live13 up13 to13 our13 ideals13 and13 commitments13 in13 the13 not13 too13 distant13 future13 you13 can13 put13 your13 children13 and13 grandchildren13 on13 your13 knee13 and13 tell13 them13 about13 once13 upon13 a13 Fme13 Once13 upon13 a13 Fme13 when13 educaFon13 was13 only13 for13 the13 privileged13 few13 When13 women13 were13 treated13 as13 second13 class13 ciFzens13 When13 injusFce13 and13 inequality13 were13 the13 standard13 And13 when13 communiFes13 were13 constantly13 trampled13 on13 by13 outside13 interests13 Most13 importantly13 you13 can13 tell13 them13 that13 you13 were13 part13 of13 fixing13 it13 That13 the13 world13 is13 a13 far13 beer13 place13 because13 of13 what13 we13 did13 That13
27
they13 have13 a13 great13 bright13 future13 because13 of13 our13 bold13 efforts13 that13 began13 today13 With13 such13 potenFals13 and13 possibiliFes13 at13 hand13 how13 can13 we13 ever13 explain13 to13 them13 our13 inacFon13 or13 how13 we13 stood13 by13 and13 let13 appalling13 things13 conFnue
As13 we13 close13 I13 want13 to13 ask13 a13 few13 final13 quesFons13 There13 are13 many13 places13 to13 put13 your13 efforts
But13 if13 not13 the13 thousands13 of13 communiAes13 we13 can13 help13 then13 where
If13 not13 the13 billions13 of13 young13 people13 we13 can13 empower13 to13 have13 beMer13 lives13 then13 who
And13 if13 now13 is13 not13 the13 Ame13 for13 bold13 daring13 and13 nearly13 miraculous13 acAons13 then13 when
hellipthe honor is only eclipsed by the responsibility this opportunity
brings with it
If13 you13 need13 proof13 of13 miracles13 than13 look13 no13 further13 than13 this13 stage13 Here13 you13 have13 a13 former13 (or13 perhaps13 not13 so13 former)13 punk13 from13 rural13 Pennsylvania13 of13 Irish13 descent13 standing13 before13 you13 accepFng13 one13 of13 our13 greatest13 honors13 Itrsquos13 absolutely13 humbling13 And13 the13 honor13 is13 only13 eclipsed13 by13 the13 responsibility13 this13 opportunity13 brings13 with13 it13 But13 itrsquos13 not13 inFmidaFng13 Not13 at13 all13 Because13 I13 know13 WE13 are13 in13 this13 together13 And13 for13 all13 of13 this13 I13 will13 be13 forever13 grateful13 to13 you13 for13 sharing13 this13 wonderful13 day13 and13 being13 part13 of13 this13 journey13 that13 will13 transform13 the13 world
Thank13 you13 all13 very13 very13 much
28
CHAPTER13 5
Contact USConnect13 with13 us13 on13 social13 media
unescochairpennstate
unescochairpsu
unescochairpsu
Call13 Write13 or13 Visit
Dr13 Mark13 Brennan204C13 Ferguson13 BuildingUniversity13 Park13 PA13 16802Phone13 1-shy‐814-shy‐863-shy‐0387Email13 unescochairpsueduWeb13 wwwunescochairpsuedu
UNESCO Chair in Rural Community
Leadership and Youth Development
The Pennsylvania State University
United Nations
(GXFDWLRQDO6FLHQWLiquestFDQGCultural Organization
The impacts outcomes and potentials of community are real
tangible and measurable
Now13 before13 you13 think13 me13 an13 academic13 hippy13 or13 that13 Irsquom13 advocaFng13 for13 free13 love13 and13 touchy13 feely13 ideas13 this13 is13 not13 the13 case13 at13 all13 13 The13 impacts13 outcomes13 and13 potenFals13 of13 community13 are13 rea l 13 tangib le 13 and13 measurable13 13 Strong13 communiFes13 are13 more13 resilient13 adapFve13 and13 less13 likely13 to13 be13 explo i ted13 They13 connect13 res idents 13 insFtuFons13 organizaFons13 to13 each13 other13 13 They13 promote13 stability13 have13 less13 crime13 and13 show13 increase13 local13 well-shy‐being13 They13 increase13 involvement13 in13 local13 decision-shy‐making13 and13 parFcipatory13 democracy
There13 are13 also13 tremendous13 personal13 impacts13 Community13 enhances13 our13 social13
psychological13 and13 emoFonal13 development13 13 It13 promotes13 civic13 responsibility13 which13 is13 a13 commitment13 to13 helping13 others13 It13 increases13 cultural13 understanding13 and13 empathy13 13 It13 provides13 life13 skills13 such13 as13 criFcal13 thinking13 interpersonal13 leadership13 and13 conflict13 resoluFon13 skills13
Tremendous things happen when people care about each other and
the place they live in
This13 is13 an13 impressive13 list13 that13 is13 by13 no13 means13 complete13 We13 have13 mountains13 of13 research13 data13 program13 evaluaFons13 thousands13 of13 books13 and13 journal13 arFcles13 to13 prove13 that13 this13 is13 the13 case13 Even13 beer13 wersquove13 studied13 this13 process13 across13 the13 world13 I t rsquos13 true13 everywhere13 The13 condiFons13 and13 context13 might13 be13 a13 lile13 different13 but13 one13 thing13
12
holds13 true13 tremendous13 things13 happen13 when13 people13 care13 about13 each13 other13 and13 the13 place13 they13 live13 in13 This13 is13 not13 an13 idea13 This13 is13 not13 a13 plan13 This13 IS13 fact13 Strong13 communiFes13 equal13 stable13 civil13 and13 just13 socieFes
For13 me13 the13 need13 for13 community13 is13 close13 to13 home13 I13 was13 born13 and13 raised13 in13 a13 small13 town13 in13 northeastern13 Pennsylvania13 I13 came13 from13 people13 who13 le13 Ireland13 and13 Europe13 seeking13 survival13 All13 of13 these13 are13 absolutely13 great13 places13 Places13 blessed13 by13 amazing13 natural13 resources13 amazingly13 diverse13 cultures13 tremendous13 food13 you13 canrsquot13 imagine13 13 Cultures13 whose13 unique13 experiences13 and13 knowledge13 for13 dealing13 with13 the13 challenges13 of13 daily13 life13 were13 massive13 and13 effecFve13 Places13 rich13 in13 social13 supports13 from13 family13 neighbors13 religions13 and13 schools13 Places13 to13
me13 that13 held13 a13 tremendous13 amount13 of13 magic13 in13 them
For many education became not an opportunity but a painful reminder
of what might have been
But13 you13 know13 as13 the13 musician13 Lou13 Reed13 sang13 there13 is13 a13 bit13 of13 magic13 in13 everything13 -shy‐13 and13 then13 some13 loss13 to13 even13 things13 out13 The13 loss13 in13 these13 areas13 was13 characterized13 by13 exploitaFon13 from13 abusive13 outside13 interests13 13 Abuse13 by13 corporaFons13 and13 governments13 that13 harvested13 local13 natural13 resources13 including13 people13 for13 far13 far13 less13 than13 they13 were13 worth13 13 Places13 where13 youth13 were13 eventually13 forced13 to13 leave13 for13 lack13 of13 opportuniFes13 denied13 their13 righkul13 heritage13 and13 forced13 like13 so13 many13 youth13 worldwide13 to13 become13 the13 nomads13 the13 diasporas13 For13 many13 educaFon13
13
became13 not13 an13 opportunity13 but13 a13 painful13 reminder13 of13 what13 might13 have13 been13 Aer13 all13 why13 bother13 learning13 of13 the13 wonders13 of13 Paris13 Rome13 and13 Tokyo13 when13 the13 odds13 of13 you13 gedng13 to13 there13 were13 as13 good13 gedng13 to13 the13 Moon13 For13 most13 the13 mill13 the13 mine13 and13 oen13 the13 unemployment13 line13 were13 our13 desFny
It was the systematic breakdown of our communities
These13 were13 environments13 where13 ciFzens13 were13 slowly13 convinced13 that13 they13 were13 irrelevant13 That13 there13 was13 no13 need13 to13 act13 or13 be13 involved13 locally13 Convinced13 that13 they13 could13 never13 ever13 make13 a13 difference13 13 In13 truth13 this13 impotence13 was13 not13 the13 result13 of13 the13 IlluminaF13 the13 Freemasons13 the13 wealthy13 or13 whatever13 version13 of13 the13 lsquoManrsquo13 that13 we13
created13 It13 was13 not13 the13 standard13 issue13 boot13 of13 the13 Pinkerton13 Agency13 the13 police13 or13 others13 kicking13 in13 our13 door13 forcing13 us13 to13 be13 compliant13 It13 was13 something13 much13 simpler13 and13 infinitely13 more13 ominous13 Something13 much13 harder13 and13 painful13 to13 admit13 truth13 be13 told13 13 It13 was13 the13 systemaFc13 breakdown13 of13 our13 communiFes13 But13 nonetheless13 we13 were13 the13 lucky13 ones13 From13 Africa13 to13 Southeast13 Asia13 to13 South13 and13 Central13 America13 and13 eastern13 Europe13 these13 condiFons13 would13 be13 eagerly13 welcomed13 in13 the13 face13 of13 war13 genocide13 disease13 and13 extreme13 poverty13
hellipour communities can be brought back to life
But13 Irsquove13 good13 news13 Maybe13 itrsquos13 not13 so13 bad13 13 And13 if13 it13 is13 it13 certainly13 does13 not13 need13 to13 be13 13 We13 actually13 have13 lots13 of13 proof13 that13 our13
14
communiFes13 can13 be13 brought13 back13 to13 life13 13 Wersquove13 tremendous13 evidence13 from13 the13 field13 13 From13 do-shy‐gooding13 idealisFc13 acFvists13 to13 bale13 hardened13 program13 agents13 to13 government13 officials13 From13 shrewd13 business13 interests13 to13 chariFes13 and13 nonprofits13 Capacity13 is13 being13 built13 and13 ciFzens13 of13 all13 ages13 are13 being13 empowered13 but13 parFcularly13 those13 amazing13 agents13 of13 change13 young13 people
To13 understand13 this13 letrsquos13 talk13 a13 bit13 about13 what13 community13 is13 Let13 me13 tell13 you13 about13 a13 good13 way13 to13 think13 of13 it13 an13 interacFve13 approach13 to13 community13 At13 the13 core13 of13 community13 is13 the13 interacFon13 and13 interdependence13 among13 local13 people13 Here13 people13 make13 up13 local13 interest13 groups13 that13 are13 loosely13 bounded13 arenas13 for13 interacFon
All13 of13 these13 seek13 to13 look13 aer13 their13 own13 interests13 Community13 evolves13 as13 members13 of13 these13 very13 different13 groups13 interact13 with13 each13 other13 realizing13 their13 common13 general13 needs13 This13 doesnrsquot13 mean13 we13 give13 up13 who13 we13 are13 or13 sell13 out13 We13 just13 realize13 that13 we13 have13 common13 needs13 and13 that13 we13 can13 work13 together13 to13 overcome13 these
15
As13 groups13 and13 residents13 interact13 what13 has13 come13 to13 be13 known13 as13 community13 agency13 emerges13 Agency13 highlights13 the13 fact13 that13
engagement13 has13 power13 It13 shows13 that13 local13 people13 working13 together13 have13 the13 power13 to13 transform13 and13 change13 society13 13 When13 they13 do13 this13 community13 can13 emerge
I13 want13 to13 stress13 this13 is13 a13 process13 though13 13 Community13 is13 not13 a13 given13 State13 College13 will13 always13 be13 on13 a13 map13 But13 the13 connecFon13 between13 people13 that13 makes13 this13 place13 so13 special13 may13 not13 unless13 we13 work13 at13 it13 Keep13 in13 mind13 that13 community13 is13 a13 variable13 Our13 locality13 is13 always13 changing13 with13 people13 coming13 and13 going13 all13 the13 Fmes13 We13 need13 to13 constantly13 be13 working13 to13 maintain13 our13 connecFon13 to13 it13 and13 welcome13 in13 new13 people13 to13 be13 part13 of13 it13 When13 we13 stop13 interacFng13 communicaFng13 and13 being13 inclusive13 it13 simply13 -shy‐13 and13 quickly13 disappears13 But13 if13 developed13 community13 results13 in13 amazing13 things13 here13 and13 abroad
Let13 me13 give13 you13 some13 examples
Civically13 engaged13 youth13 are13 2213 more13 likely
16
to13 graduate13 from13 college13 than13 those13 that13 did13 not
Civically13 engaged13 youth13 are13 413 ltmes13 less13 likely13 to13 exhibit13 ldquorisky13 behaviorrdquo13 such13 as13 drug13 use13 and13 other13 dangerous13 behaviors13
Youth13 are13 813 ltmes13 more13 likely13 to13 believe13 that13 can13 influence13 decision13 making13 if13 they13 are13 civically13 engaged
This13 is13 important13 The13 fact13 of13 the13 maer13 is13 that13 there13 are13 very13 few13 obstacles13 to13 us13 changing13 the13 world13 Wersquove13 just13 convinced13 ourselves13 that13 we13 canrsquot13 make13 a13 difference13 and13 shouldnrsquot13 act13 This13 is13 largely13 because13 wersquove13 been13 uninvolved13 for13 so13 long13 Wersquove13 forgoen13 how13 to13 act13 and13 be13 engaged
One13 more13 thing13 EducaFon13 and13 Community13 intersect13 in13 a13 big13 way13 Where13 community13 involvement13 and13 educaFon13 are13 low13 the13 odds13
of13 extremism13 gangs13 and13 terrorisFc13 organizaFons13 more13 than13 quadruple
helliphad there been a little more education and community capacity
the extremism would have been stopped in its tracks
This13 was13 brought13 home13 to13 me13 during13 visits13 to13 Cambodia13 over13 the13 years13 Every13 Fme13 I13 go13 make13 a13 pilgrimage13 to13 the13 infamous13 Killing13 Fields13 near13 Phom13 Penh13 At13 their13 naFonal13 Genocide13 Museum13 are13 thousands13 of13 photos13 of13 the13 vicFms13 You13 see13 a13 fracFon13 of13 them13
here13 behind13 me13 But13 of13 all13 of13 these13 -shy‐13 one13 haunts13 me13 I13 bring13 her13 flowers13 every13 year13 I13 donrsquot13 know13 her13 name13
17
No13 one13 does13 But13 I13 canrsquot13 forget13 her13 eyes13 I13 canrsquot13 forget13 that13 had13 there13 been13 a13 lile13 more13 educaFon13 and13 community13 capacity13 the13 extremism13 would13 have13 been13 stopped13 in13 its13 tracks13 She13 and13 several13 million13 other13 Cambodians13 would13 be13 with13 us13 today13 The13 same13 is13 true13 in13 Germany13 Rwanda13 Bosnia13 ArgenFna13 and13 elsewhere13 13 We13 owe13 it13 to13 her13 and13 the13 countless13 others13 to13 build13 strong13 educated13 communiFes13 that13 will13 ensure13 extremism13 does13 not13 take13 root13 and13 run13 rampant
If13 nothing13 else13 remember13 this13 Community13 builds13 capacity13 It13 provides13 structure13 and13 social13 supports13 builds13 empathy13 and13 understanding13 and13 provides13 the13 basis13 for13 acFon13 and13 acFvism13 It13 protects13 against13 poverty13 extremism13 and13 chaos
The13 importance13 and13 central13 role13 of13 community13 will13 be13 the13 other13 cornerstone13 of13 our13 work13 and13 was13 the13 second13 thing13 I13 wanted13 to13 share13 with13 you
18
CHAPTER13 4
Transforming the World Through the UNESCO Chairs Program Wersquove13 been13 looking13 forward13 this13 is13 a13 day13 for13 years13 Because13 every13 now13 and13 then13 an13 opportunity13 comes13 along13 that13 just13 changes13 everything13 Wersquove13 been13 working13 really13 really13
hard13 and13 have13 lots13 of13 plans13 that13 are13 ready13 to13 launch13 I13 want13 to13 share13 three13 of13 them13 that13 we13 are13 really13 excited13 about13 They13 really13 are13 amazing13 and13 beauFful13 creaFons
First13 is13 the13 UNTWIN13 Network13 on13 Youth13 and13 Community13 Development13
With13 this13 we13 reinvent13 the13 idea13 of13 global13 partnerships13 and13 collaboraFon13 UNITWIN13 are13 the13 UN13 university13 twining13 and13 partnership13 networks13 They13 open13 up13 all13 kinds13 of13 opportuniFes13 for13 rapid13 research13 and13 acFon13 and13 funding13 While13 UNESCO13 Chairs13 are13 rare13 UNITWIN13 networks13 are13 even13 more13 so13 13 Only13 two13 exist13 in13 the13 US13 We13 got13 the13 go13 ahead13 from13 UNESCO13 to13 start13 developing13 number13 three13 However13 ours13 will13 be13 unmatched13 in13 size13 scope13 and13 impact
6 continents
9 geographic regions
35 partner institutions
Thousands of youth
Three UNESCO Chairs
It13 will13 cover13 613 conFnents13 913 geographic13 regions13 3513 partner13 insFtuFons13 (and13 growing13 weekly)13 thousands13 of13 youth13 and13 three13 UNESCO13 Chairs13 This13 will13 allow13 for13 immediate13 research13 program13 development13 and13 educaFonal13 program13 delivery
hellipa common framework of Community Capacity Building
Youth Development and Conflict Mitigationhellip
The13 network13 will13 be13 led13 by13 three13 UNESCO13 Chairs13 at13 three13 interrelated13 mulFdisciplinary13
20
centers13 the13 Child13 and13 Family13 Research13 Centre13 (NUI13 Galway)13 UNESCO13 Centre13 for13 Research13 on13 Children13 and13 Youth13 (University13 of13 Ulster)13 and13 the13 planned13 UNESCO13 InsAtute13 for13 G lobal13 Humanitar ian13 Development13 (Penn13 State)13 The13 three13 bring13 together13 nearly13 20013 of13 the13 worldrsquos13 best13 researchers13 teachers13 and13 program13 developers
The13 network13 will13 have13 a13 common13 framework13 of13 Community13 Capacity13 Building13 Youth13 Development13 and13 Conflict13 MiFgaFon13 but13 will13 pursue13 specialized13 projects13 on13 health13 and13 well-shy‐being13 educaFon13 and13 literacy13 social13 and13 economic13 development13 the13 physical13 sciences13 agricultural13 development13 civil13 engineering13 and13 many13 other13 areas13 as13 they13 emerge13 We13 will13 be13 able13 to13 conduct13
internaFonal13 comparaFve13 research13 design13 programs13 and13 deliver13 them13 worldwide13 in13 a13 maer13 of13 months13 -shy‐13 not13 years13 as13 is13 oen13 the13 case13 Think13 of13 the13 potenFal
With13 not13 much13 work13 we13 can13 reach13 1000013 kids13 and13 100013 communiFes13 in13 the13 next13 few13 years13 1000013 kids13 and13 communiFes13 who13 see13 a13 brighter13 future13 are13 contribuFng13 members13 of13 society13 lead13 producFve13 and13 safe13 lives13 and13 take13 on13 ownership13 of13 local13 life13 With13 your13 help13 and13 some13 hard13 work13 we13 can13 triple13 the13 number13 of13 youth13 and13 communiFes13 we13 can13 reach
UNITWIN13 goes13 live13 in13 April13 Itrsquos13 already13 growing13 beyond13 our13 control13 Itrsquos13 a13 game13 changer13 and13 once13 in13 a13 lifeFme13 opportunity13 13 Itrsquos13 going13 to13 be13 our13 legacy13 and13 we13 have13 a13 seat13 at13 the13 table13 for13 you
21
The13 second13 big13 item13 focuses13 on13 idenAfying13 the13 best13 pracAces13 for13 youth13 and13 community13 developmenthellipworldwide
Today13 we13 redefine13 global13 comparaFve13 research13 There13 are13 lots13 of13 people13 doing13 great13 and13 effecFve13 work13 worldwide13 We13 are13 going13 to13 begin13 a13 long-shy‐term13 research13 program13 to13 idenFfy13 these13 best13 pracFces13 in13 all13 locaFons13 but13 with13 a13 strong13 focus13 on13 rural13 areas
But13 you13 might13 ask13 why13 There13 is13 an13 increasing13 lsquoyouth13 bulgersquo13 that13 exists13 alongside13 a13 heavy13 dependence13 on13 agriculture13 in13 the13 developing13 world13 The13 UN13 has13 documented13 this13 with13 nearly13 half13 of13 the13 worldrsquos13 populaFon13 residing13 in13 rural13 areas
Over13 9013 of13 all13 rural13 residents13 live13 in13 less13 developed13 regions
Equally13 important13 almost13 a13 third13 of13 the13 world13 populalton13 is13 age13 1513 or13 younger13 and13 half13 are13 under13 age13 2513
8513 of13 all13 youth13 live13 in13 less13 developed13 countries
This13 reality13 creates13 an13 environment13 where13 the13 acltve13 engagement13 of13 communiltes13 is13 essenltal13 to13 future13 growth13 and13 development
Another13 really13 cool13 part13 of13 this13 research13 focuses13 on13 building13 partnerships13 We13 work13 to13 build13 capacity13 and13 partnerships13 through13 North-shy‐South13 and13 South-shy‐South13 partnerships13 that13 shape13 regional13 capacity13 We13 re13 already13 seeing13 great13 things13 such13 as13 in13 Kenya13 and13 Zambia13 where13 we13 have13 linked13 programs13 that13 are13 working13 together13 like13 crazy
Through13 the13 UNESCO13 Chair13 program13 we13 will13 link13 organizaFons13 in13 2513 countries13 to13 share13 resources13 best13 pracFces13 and13 experFse13
22
create13 a13 dynamic13 series13 of13 partnerships13 in13 the13 Global13 South13 and13 form13 a13 community13 of13 naFons13 focused13 on13 youth13 and13 development13 of13 civil13 society
T h i r d 13 i s13 ou r13 G l oba l13 Edu caAona l13 Programming
Today13 we13 revoluFonize13 global13 educaFon13 13 We13 are13 planning13 a13 global13 educaFonal13 program13 focusing13 on13 leadership13 and13 community13 building13 across13 the13 life13 span13 13 Included13 are13 courses13 in13 leadership13 skills13 c o m m u n i t y13 c a p a c i t y13 b u i l d i n g 13 entrepreneurship13 and13 small13 business13 development13 posiFve13 youth13 development13 conflict13 miFgaFon13 and13 many13 others13 areas
Penn13 State13 is13 a13 leader13 in13 distance13 educaFon13 13 It13 recently13 dedicated13 major13 resources13 to13 MOOCs13 Massive13 Open13 Online13 Courses13 13
What13 this13 means13 is13 if13 a13 ciFzen13 of13 this13 planet13 has13 access13 to13 the13 internet13 to13 an13 internet13 cafeacute13 or13 even13 a13 cell13 phone13 they13 will13 be13 provided13 with13 Col lege13 courses13 and13 instrucFonal13 materials
Yoursquore13 asking13 how13 much13 will13 these13 cost13 right13 Thatrsquos13 a13 great13 quesFon13 How13 does13 free13 sound13 Wersquove13 got13 it13 covered13 All13 we13 ask13 is13 that13 you13 take13 the13 knowledge13 and13 skills13 and13 use13 them13 to13 make13 life13 beer13 The13 best13 courses13 in13 the13 world13 taught13 by13 the13 best13 faculty13 Free13 of13 charge13
Distributed13 through13 Penn13 State13 and13 the13 global13 UNESCO13 network13 If13 people13 need13 more13 than13 the13 basic13 knowledge13 base13 we13 can13 do13 that13 too13 CerFficates13 and13 even13 degree13 programs13 at13 all13 levels13 with13 costs13 to13 be13 covered13 by13 foundaFons13 and13 internaFonal13
23
development13 agencies13 Just13 think13 of13 the13 potenFals13 for13 primary13 and13 secondary13 schools13 and13 for13 educators13 in13 the13 developing13 world13 13 Think13 of13 the13 life13 changing13 impacts13 for13 a13 young13 girl13 in13 rural13 Zambia13 a13 street13 child13 in13 Kenya13 and13 a13 young13 farm13 worker13 in13 Cambodia13 Itrsquos13 beyond13 belief13 and13 uerly13 amazing13 13 It13 changes13 everything
So13 those13 are13 three13 of13 the13 big13 things13 that13 are13 happening13 now13 We13 have13 lots13 more13 in13 the13 works13 and13 ready13 to13 launch13 These13 and13 other13 efforts13 will13 help13 us13 realize13 our13 dreams13 of13 a13 beer13 world13 Come13 be13 part13 of13 all13 of13 these13 13 We13 can13 pick13 some13 great13 fights13 together13 I13 promise13 itrsquoll13 be13 awesome13 and13 wersquoll13 do13 miraculous13 things
The key to this is you
Be13 Part13 of13 the13 Journey
We13 WILL13 do13 all13 of13 the13 things13 I13 menFoned13 13 And13 much13 much13 more13 The13 key13 to13 this13 is13 you13 13 Yoursquove13 been13 asked13 to13 be13 here13 today13 because13 we13 know13 you13 will13 fight13 for13 social13 jusFce13 We13 need13 you13 to13 help13 us13 raise13 awareness13 to13 help13 develop13 programs13 and13 research13 and13 help13 us13 find13 funding13 to13 ensure13 this13 is13 a13 reality
If13 you13 think13 about13 it13 there13 is13 no13 beer13 place13 than13 here13 to13 begin13 our13 journey13 Lest13 we13 forget13 we13 are13 in13 Pennsylvania13 This13 place13 that13 saw13 the13 birth13 of13 the13 Molly13 McGuires13 the13 original13 union13 movements13 and13 the13 knights13 of13 labor13 It13 was13 where13 Milton13 Eisenhower13 dreamed13 of13 the
If13 you13 think13 about13 it13 there13 is13 no13 beer13 place13 than13 here13 to13 begin13 our13 journey13 Lest13 we13 forget13 we13 are13 in13 Pennsylvania13 This13 place13 that13
24
saw13 the13 birth13 of13 the13 Molly13 McGuires13 the13 original13 union13 movements13 and13 the13 knights13 of13 labor13 It13 was13 where13 Milton13 Eisenhower13 dreamed13 of13 the13 potenFals13 of13 UNESCO13 13 Where13 Benjamin13 Franklin13 found13 the13 Pennsylvania13 AboliFonist13 Society13 seeking13 to13 end13 slavery13 Where13 our13 founding13 fathers13 conceived13 more13 than13 a13 naFon13 but13 the13 idea13 of13 L ife13 L iberty13 and13 the13 pursuit13 of13 Happiness-shy‐-shy‐-shy‐not13 just13 for13 us13 but13 for13 our13 fellow13 ciFzens13 of13 the13 world13 All13 of13 these13 people13 have13 passed13 the13 torch13 to13 us13 today13 13 Let13 us13 make13 them13 proud13 in13 conFnuing13 their13 quest13 for13 social13 jusFce13 for13 equality13 and13 for13 creaFng13 a13 beer13 world
Now13 is13 our13 moment13 13 Of13 all13 the13 opportuniFes13 out13 there13 none13 have13 greater13 potenFal13 for13 immediate13 and13 long13 term13 impacts13 than13
e du caFon 13 t h e13 t r a n s fo rmaFon13 o f13 communiFes13 empowerment13 of13 the13 excluded13 and13 the13 posiFve13 development13 of13 youth13 None13 Absolutely13 none
Now13 I13 know13 we13 hear13 inspiraFonal13 speeches13 a13 lot13 We13 are13 always13 being13 asked13 to13 open13 our13 hearts13 and13 then13 our13 checkbooks13 3But13 this13 is13 different13 We13 have13 never13 before13 had13 such13 structures13 partners13 and13 resources13 to13 make13 our13 dreams13 a13 reality
hellipthere will be those outside that will tell us that the world is too big
too corrupthellip
I13 know13 we13 are13 all13 Fred13 overworked13 and13 maybe13 a13 bit13 cynical13 of13 all13 this13 I13 know13 there13 will13 be13 those13 outside13 of13 here13 that13 will13 tell13 us13 that13 the13 world13 is13 too13 big13 too13 corrupt13 that13 the13 vicFms13 deserve13 their13 low13 lots13 in13 life13 and13
25
that13 maybe13 for13 the13 sake13 of13 our13 careers13 we13 really13 should13 look13 busy13 while13 doing13 nothing13 But13 Irsquom13 asking13 you13 today13 to13 try13 one13 more13 Fme13 Take13 one13 more13 leap13 of13 faith13 I13 promise13 we13 wonrsquot13 let13 you13 down13 I13 promise13 that13 wersquoll13 be13 part13 of13 something13 legendary13 together
Nonetheless13 as13 you13 quesFon13 our13 ability13 to13 really13 change13 the13 world13 I13 would13 simply13 ask13 you13 to13 remember13 back13 to13 our13 younger13 days13 when13 we13 were13 absolutely13 certain13 that13 we13 could13 do13 it13 13 We13 were13 right13 13 You13 were13 right13 13 You13 were13 right13 and13 your13 dreams13 are13 sFll13 out13 there
I13 want13 to13 share13 one13 last13 story13 13 I13 recently13 read13 a13 wonderful13 essay13 by13 Joseph13 Laplin13 looking13 back13 on13 the13 55th13 Anniversary13 of13 Jack13 Kerouacrsquos13 legendary13 novel13 On13 the13 Road13 13 This13 was13 a13 novel13 that13 sent13 many13 young13 people13
(including13 myself)13 out13 on13 that13 road13 of13 discovery13 in13 search13 of13 the13 limitless13 possibiliFes13 beyond13 our13 hometowns13 13 A13 book13 that13 mandated13 the13 quesFoning13 authority13 the13 quesFoning13 of13 social13 convenFons13 and13 the13 challenging13 of13 the13 moral13 blinds13 spots13 of13 our13 age13 For13 me13 this13 book13 was13 magical
Laplinrsquos13 essay13 took13 aim13 at13 those13 of13 us13 who13 have13 grown13 up13 become13 established13 and13 think13 wersquove13 grown13 wiser13 Especially13 those13 of13 us13 who13 now13 dismiss13 Kerouac13 and13 this13 novel13 that13 once13 inspired13 us13 as13 idealisFc13 childish13 and13 ridiculously13 naiumlve13 in13 its13 call13 for13 social13 change13 But13 Laplin13 had13 a13 wonderfully13 reacFon13 to13 such13 people13 Here13 is13 what13 he13 said
ldquoPerhaps13 these13 people13 never13 took13 to13 or13 went13 back13 on13 the13 road13 -shy‐13 due13 to13 fear13 or13 family13 -shy‐13 and13
26
therefore13 can13 no13 longer13 revisit13 Kerouacrsquos13 work13 Perhaps13 itrsquos13 hard13 to13 even13 look13 at13 his13 wriltng13 because13 readers13 are13 actually13 looking13 at13 themselves13 And13 itrsquos13 easier13 to13 say13 well13 Kerouacrsquos13 naive13 than13 to13 say13 I13 missed13 out13 on13 something13 Maybe13 some13 readers13 have13 given13 up13 on13 the13 search13 for13 beauty13 and13 spirituality13 or13 realized13 that13 theyrsquore13 not13 one13 of13 those13 people13 who13 lsquoburn13 burn13 burn13 like13 fabulous13 yellow13 roman13 candlesrsquo13 and13 that13 knowledge13 is13 painfulrdquo
I13 want13 to13 state13 it13 again13 You13 were13 right13 when13 you13 once13 thought13 we13 would13 change13 the13 world13 And13 you13 are13 sFll13 right13 Your13 dreams13 of13 a13 fair13 equal13 and13 just13 world13 are13 sFll13 out13 there13 and13 together13 we13 will13 reclaim13 them13 and13 make13 them13 a13 reality
hellipin the not too distant future you can put your children and
grandchildren on your knee and tell them about once upon a time
I13 say13 this13 not13 to13 preach13 to13 you13 or13 guilt13 you13 into13 acFon13 I13 just13 want13 to13 put13 it13 into13 perspecFve13 and13 ask13 you13 to13 be13 part13 of13 this13 journey13 If13 we13 live13 up13 to13 our13 ideals13 and13 commitments13 in13 the13 not13 too13 distant13 future13 you13 can13 put13 your13 children13 and13 grandchildren13 on13 your13 knee13 and13 tell13 them13 about13 once13 upon13 a13 Fme13 Once13 upon13 a13 Fme13 when13 educaFon13 was13 only13 for13 the13 privileged13 few13 When13 women13 were13 treated13 as13 second13 class13 ciFzens13 When13 injusFce13 and13 inequality13 were13 the13 standard13 And13 when13 communiFes13 were13 constantly13 trampled13 on13 by13 outside13 interests13 Most13 importantly13 you13 can13 tell13 them13 that13 you13 were13 part13 of13 fixing13 it13 That13 the13 world13 is13 a13 far13 beer13 place13 because13 of13 what13 we13 did13 That13
27
they13 have13 a13 great13 bright13 future13 because13 of13 our13 bold13 efforts13 that13 began13 today13 With13 such13 potenFals13 and13 possibiliFes13 at13 hand13 how13 can13 we13 ever13 explain13 to13 them13 our13 inacFon13 or13 how13 we13 stood13 by13 and13 let13 appalling13 things13 conFnue
As13 we13 close13 I13 want13 to13 ask13 a13 few13 final13 quesFons13 There13 are13 many13 places13 to13 put13 your13 efforts
But13 if13 not13 the13 thousands13 of13 communiAes13 we13 can13 help13 then13 where
If13 not13 the13 billions13 of13 young13 people13 we13 can13 empower13 to13 have13 beMer13 lives13 then13 who
And13 if13 now13 is13 not13 the13 Ame13 for13 bold13 daring13 and13 nearly13 miraculous13 acAons13 then13 when
hellipthe honor is only eclipsed by the responsibility this opportunity
brings with it
If13 you13 need13 proof13 of13 miracles13 than13 look13 no13 further13 than13 this13 stage13 Here13 you13 have13 a13 former13 (or13 perhaps13 not13 so13 former)13 punk13 from13 rural13 Pennsylvania13 of13 Irish13 descent13 standing13 before13 you13 accepFng13 one13 of13 our13 greatest13 honors13 Itrsquos13 absolutely13 humbling13 And13 the13 honor13 is13 only13 eclipsed13 by13 the13 responsibility13 this13 opportunity13 brings13 with13 it13 But13 itrsquos13 not13 inFmidaFng13 Not13 at13 all13 Because13 I13 know13 WE13 are13 in13 this13 together13 And13 for13 all13 of13 this13 I13 will13 be13 forever13 grateful13 to13 you13 for13 sharing13 this13 wonderful13 day13 and13 being13 part13 of13 this13 journey13 that13 will13 transform13 the13 world
Thank13 you13 all13 very13 very13 much
28
CHAPTER13 5
Contact USConnect13 with13 us13 on13 social13 media
unescochairpennstate
unescochairpsu
unescochairpsu
Call13 Write13 or13 Visit
Dr13 Mark13 Brennan204C13 Ferguson13 BuildingUniversity13 Park13 PA13 16802Phone13 1-shy‐814-shy‐863-shy‐0387Email13 unescochairpsueduWeb13 wwwunescochairpsuedu
UNESCO Chair in Rural Community
Leadership and Youth Development
The Pennsylvania State University
United Nations
(GXFDWLRQDO6FLHQWLiquestFDQGCultural Organization
holds13 true13 tremendous13 things13 happen13 when13 people13 care13 about13 each13 other13 and13 the13 place13 they13 live13 in13 This13 is13 not13 an13 idea13 This13 is13 not13 a13 plan13 This13 IS13 fact13 Strong13 communiFes13 equal13 stable13 civil13 and13 just13 socieFes
For13 me13 the13 need13 for13 community13 is13 close13 to13 home13 I13 was13 born13 and13 raised13 in13 a13 small13 town13 in13 northeastern13 Pennsylvania13 I13 came13 from13 people13 who13 le13 Ireland13 and13 Europe13 seeking13 survival13 All13 of13 these13 are13 absolutely13 great13 places13 Places13 blessed13 by13 amazing13 natural13 resources13 amazingly13 diverse13 cultures13 tremendous13 food13 you13 canrsquot13 imagine13 13 Cultures13 whose13 unique13 experiences13 and13 knowledge13 for13 dealing13 with13 the13 challenges13 of13 daily13 life13 were13 massive13 and13 effecFve13 Places13 rich13 in13 social13 supports13 from13 family13 neighbors13 religions13 and13 schools13 Places13 to13
me13 that13 held13 a13 tremendous13 amount13 of13 magic13 in13 them
For many education became not an opportunity but a painful reminder
of what might have been
But13 you13 know13 as13 the13 musician13 Lou13 Reed13 sang13 there13 is13 a13 bit13 of13 magic13 in13 everything13 -shy‐13 and13 then13 some13 loss13 to13 even13 things13 out13 The13 loss13 in13 these13 areas13 was13 characterized13 by13 exploitaFon13 from13 abusive13 outside13 interests13 13 Abuse13 by13 corporaFons13 and13 governments13 that13 harvested13 local13 natural13 resources13 including13 people13 for13 far13 far13 less13 than13 they13 were13 worth13 13 Places13 where13 youth13 were13 eventually13 forced13 to13 leave13 for13 lack13 of13 opportuniFes13 denied13 their13 righkul13 heritage13 and13 forced13 like13 so13 many13 youth13 worldwide13 to13 become13 the13 nomads13 the13 diasporas13 For13 many13 educaFon13
13
became13 not13 an13 opportunity13 but13 a13 painful13 reminder13 of13 what13 might13 have13 been13 Aer13 all13 why13 bother13 learning13 of13 the13 wonders13 of13 Paris13 Rome13 and13 Tokyo13 when13 the13 odds13 of13 you13 gedng13 to13 there13 were13 as13 good13 gedng13 to13 the13 Moon13 For13 most13 the13 mill13 the13 mine13 and13 oen13 the13 unemployment13 line13 were13 our13 desFny
It was the systematic breakdown of our communities
These13 were13 environments13 where13 ciFzens13 were13 slowly13 convinced13 that13 they13 were13 irrelevant13 That13 there13 was13 no13 need13 to13 act13 or13 be13 involved13 locally13 Convinced13 that13 they13 could13 never13 ever13 make13 a13 difference13 13 In13 truth13 this13 impotence13 was13 not13 the13 result13 of13 the13 IlluminaF13 the13 Freemasons13 the13 wealthy13 or13 whatever13 version13 of13 the13 lsquoManrsquo13 that13 we13
created13 It13 was13 not13 the13 standard13 issue13 boot13 of13 the13 Pinkerton13 Agency13 the13 police13 or13 others13 kicking13 in13 our13 door13 forcing13 us13 to13 be13 compliant13 It13 was13 something13 much13 simpler13 and13 infinitely13 more13 ominous13 Something13 much13 harder13 and13 painful13 to13 admit13 truth13 be13 told13 13 It13 was13 the13 systemaFc13 breakdown13 of13 our13 communiFes13 But13 nonetheless13 we13 were13 the13 lucky13 ones13 From13 Africa13 to13 Southeast13 Asia13 to13 South13 and13 Central13 America13 and13 eastern13 Europe13 these13 condiFons13 would13 be13 eagerly13 welcomed13 in13 the13 face13 of13 war13 genocide13 disease13 and13 extreme13 poverty13
hellipour communities can be brought back to life
But13 Irsquove13 good13 news13 Maybe13 itrsquos13 not13 so13 bad13 13 And13 if13 it13 is13 it13 certainly13 does13 not13 need13 to13 be13 13 We13 actually13 have13 lots13 of13 proof13 that13 our13
14
communiFes13 can13 be13 brought13 back13 to13 life13 13 Wersquove13 tremendous13 evidence13 from13 the13 field13 13 From13 do-shy‐gooding13 idealisFc13 acFvists13 to13 bale13 hardened13 program13 agents13 to13 government13 officials13 From13 shrewd13 business13 interests13 to13 chariFes13 and13 nonprofits13 Capacity13 is13 being13 built13 and13 ciFzens13 of13 all13 ages13 are13 being13 empowered13 but13 parFcularly13 those13 amazing13 agents13 of13 change13 young13 people
To13 understand13 this13 letrsquos13 talk13 a13 bit13 about13 what13 community13 is13 Let13 me13 tell13 you13 about13 a13 good13 way13 to13 think13 of13 it13 an13 interacFve13 approach13 to13 community13 At13 the13 core13 of13 community13 is13 the13 interacFon13 and13 interdependence13 among13 local13 people13 Here13 people13 make13 up13 local13 interest13 groups13 that13 are13 loosely13 bounded13 arenas13 for13 interacFon
All13 of13 these13 seek13 to13 look13 aer13 their13 own13 interests13 Community13 evolves13 as13 members13 of13 these13 very13 different13 groups13 interact13 with13 each13 other13 realizing13 their13 common13 general13 needs13 This13 doesnrsquot13 mean13 we13 give13 up13 who13 we13 are13 or13 sell13 out13 We13 just13 realize13 that13 we13 have13 common13 needs13 and13 that13 we13 can13 work13 together13 to13 overcome13 these
15
As13 groups13 and13 residents13 interact13 what13 has13 come13 to13 be13 known13 as13 community13 agency13 emerges13 Agency13 highlights13 the13 fact13 that13
engagement13 has13 power13 It13 shows13 that13 local13 people13 working13 together13 have13 the13 power13 to13 transform13 and13 change13 society13 13 When13 they13 do13 this13 community13 can13 emerge
I13 want13 to13 stress13 this13 is13 a13 process13 though13 13 Community13 is13 not13 a13 given13 State13 College13 will13 always13 be13 on13 a13 map13 But13 the13 connecFon13 between13 people13 that13 makes13 this13 place13 so13 special13 may13 not13 unless13 we13 work13 at13 it13 Keep13 in13 mind13 that13 community13 is13 a13 variable13 Our13 locality13 is13 always13 changing13 with13 people13 coming13 and13 going13 all13 the13 Fmes13 We13 need13 to13 constantly13 be13 working13 to13 maintain13 our13 connecFon13 to13 it13 and13 welcome13 in13 new13 people13 to13 be13 part13 of13 it13 When13 we13 stop13 interacFng13 communicaFng13 and13 being13 inclusive13 it13 simply13 -shy‐13 and13 quickly13 disappears13 But13 if13 developed13 community13 results13 in13 amazing13 things13 here13 and13 abroad
Let13 me13 give13 you13 some13 examples
Civically13 engaged13 youth13 are13 2213 more13 likely
16
to13 graduate13 from13 college13 than13 those13 that13 did13 not
Civically13 engaged13 youth13 are13 413 ltmes13 less13 likely13 to13 exhibit13 ldquorisky13 behaviorrdquo13 such13 as13 drug13 use13 and13 other13 dangerous13 behaviors13
Youth13 are13 813 ltmes13 more13 likely13 to13 believe13 that13 can13 influence13 decision13 making13 if13 they13 are13 civically13 engaged
This13 is13 important13 The13 fact13 of13 the13 maer13 is13 that13 there13 are13 very13 few13 obstacles13 to13 us13 changing13 the13 world13 Wersquove13 just13 convinced13 ourselves13 that13 we13 canrsquot13 make13 a13 difference13 and13 shouldnrsquot13 act13 This13 is13 largely13 because13 wersquove13 been13 uninvolved13 for13 so13 long13 Wersquove13 forgoen13 how13 to13 act13 and13 be13 engaged
One13 more13 thing13 EducaFon13 and13 Community13 intersect13 in13 a13 big13 way13 Where13 community13 involvement13 and13 educaFon13 are13 low13 the13 odds13
of13 extremism13 gangs13 and13 terrorisFc13 organizaFons13 more13 than13 quadruple
helliphad there been a little more education and community capacity
the extremism would have been stopped in its tracks
This13 was13 brought13 home13 to13 me13 during13 visits13 to13 Cambodia13 over13 the13 years13 Every13 Fme13 I13 go13 make13 a13 pilgrimage13 to13 the13 infamous13 Killing13 Fields13 near13 Phom13 Penh13 At13 their13 naFonal13 Genocide13 Museum13 are13 thousands13 of13 photos13 of13 the13 vicFms13 You13 see13 a13 fracFon13 of13 them13
here13 behind13 me13 But13 of13 all13 of13 these13 -shy‐13 one13 haunts13 me13 I13 bring13 her13 flowers13 every13 year13 I13 donrsquot13 know13 her13 name13
17
No13 one13 does13 But13 I13 canrsquot13 forget13 her13 eyes13 I13 canrsquot13 forget13 that13 had13 there13 been13 a13 lile13 more13 educaFon13 and13 community13 capacity13 the13 extremism13 would13 have13 been13 stopped13 in13 its13 tracks13 She13 and13 several13 million13 other13 Cambodians13 would13 be13 with13 us13 today13 The13 same13 is13 true13 in13 Germany13 Rwanda13 Bosnia13 ArgenFna13 and13 elsewhere13 13 We13 owe13 it13 to13 her13 and13 the13 countless13 others13 to13 build13 strong13 educated13 communiFes13 that13 will13 ensure13 extremism13 does13 not13 take13 root13 and13 run13 rampant
If13 nothing13 else13 remember13 this13 Community13 builds13 capacity13 It13 provides13 structure13 and13 social13 supports13 builds13 empathy13 and13 understanding13 and13 provides13 the13 basis13 for13 acFon13 and13 acFvism13 It13 protects13 against13 poverty13 extremism13 and13 chaos
The13 importance13 and13 central13 role13 of13 community13 will13 be13 the13 other13 cornerstone13 of13 our13 work13 and13 was13 the13 second13 thing13 I13 wanted13 to13 share13 with13 you
18
CHAPTER13 4
Transforming the World Through the UNESCO Chairs Program Wersquove13 been13 looking13 forward13 this13 is13 a13 day13 for13 years13 Because13 every13 now13 and13 then13 an13 opportunity13 comes13 along13 that13 just13 changes13 everything13 Wersquove13 been13 working13 really13 really13
hard13 and13 have13 lots13 of13 plans13 that13 are13 ready13 to13 launch13 I13 want13 to13 share13 three13 of13 them13 that13 we13 are13 really13 excited13 about13 They13 really13 are13 amazing13 and13 beauFful13 creaFons
First13 is13 the13 UNTWIN13 Network13 on13 Youth13 and13 Community13 Development13
With13 this13 we13 reinvent13 the13 idea13 of13 global13 partnerships13 and13 collaboraFon13 UNITWIN13 are13 the13 UN13 university13 twining13 and13 partnership13 networks13 They13 open13 up13 all13 kinds13 of13 opportuniFes13 for13 rapid13 research13 and13 acFon13 and13 funding13 While13 UNESCO13 Chairs13 are13 rare13 UNITWIN13 networks13 are13 even13 more13 so13 13 Only13 two13 exist13 in13 the13 US13 We13 got13 the13 go13 ahead13 from13 UNESCO13 to13 start13 developing13 number13 three13 However13 ours13 will13 be13 unmatched13 in13 size13 scope13 and13 impact
6 continents
9 geographic regions
35 partner institutions
Thousands of youth
Three UNESCO Chairs
It13 will13 cover13 613 conFnents13 913 geographic13 regions13 3513 partner13 insFtuFons13 (and13 growing13 weekly)13 thousands13 of13 youth13 and13 three13 UNESCO13 Chairs13 This13 will13 allow13 for13 immediate13 research13 program13 development13 and13 educaFonal13 program13 delivery
hellipa common framework of Community Capacity Building
Youth Development and Conflict Mitigationhellip
The13 network13 will13 be13 led13 by13 three13 UNESCO13 Chairs13 at13 three13 interrelated13 mulFdisciplinary13
20
centers13 the13 Child13 and13 Family13 Research13 Centre13 (NUI13 Galway)13 UNESCO13 Centre13 for13 Research13 on13 Children13 and13 Youth13 (University13 of13 Ulster)13 and13 the13 planned13 UNESCO13 InsAtute13 for13 G lobal13 Humanitar ian13 Development13 (Penn13 State)13 The13 three13 bring13 together13 nearly13 20013 of13 the13 worldrsquos13 best13 researchers13 teachers13 and13 program13 developers
The13 network13 will13 have13 a13 common13 framework13 of13 Community13 Capacity13 Building13 Youth13 Development13 and13 Conflict13 MiFgaFon13 but13 will13 pursue13 specialized13 projects13 on13 health13 and13 well-shy‐being13 educaFon13 and13 literacy13 social13 and13 economic13 development13 the13 physical13 sciences13 agricultural13 development13 civil13 engineering13 and13 many13 other13 areas13 as13 they13 emerge13 We13 will13 be13 able13 to13 conduct13
internaFonal13 comparaFve13 research13 design13 programs13 and13 deliver13 them13 worldwide13 in13 a13 maer13 of13 months13 -shy‐13 not13 years13 as13 is13 oen13 the13 case13 Think13 of13 the13 potenFal
With13 not13 much13 work13 we13 can13 reach13 1000013 kids13 and13 100013 communiFes13 in13 the13 next13 few13 years13 1000013 kids13 and13 communiFes13 who13 see13 a13 brighter13 future13 are13 contribuFng13 members13 of13 society13 lead13 producFve13 and13 safe13 lives13 and13 take13 on13 ownership13 of13 local13 life13 With13 your13 help13 and13 some13 hard13 work13 we13 can13 triple13 the13 number13 of13 youth13 and13 communiFes13 we13 can13 reach
UNITWIN13 goes13 live13 in13 April13 Itrsquos13 already13 growing13 beyond13 our13 control13 Itrsquos13 a13 game13 changer13 and13 once13 in13 a13 lifeFme13 opportunity13 13 Itrsquos13 going13 to13 be13 our13 legacy13 and13 we13 have13 a13 seat13 at13 the13 table13 for13 you
21
The13 second13 big13 item13 focuses13 on13 idenAfying13 the13 best13 pracAces13 for13 youth13 and13 community13 developmenthellipworldwide
Today13 we13 redefine13 global13 comparaFve13 research13 There13 are13 lots13 of13 people13 doing13 great13 and13 effecFve13 work13 worldwide13 We13 are13 going13 to13 begin13 a13 long-shy‐term13 research13 program13 to13 idenFfy13 these13 best13 pracFces13 in13 all13 locaFons13 but13 with13 a13 strong13 focus13 on13 rural13 areas
But13 you13 might13 ask13 why13 There13 is13 an13 increasing13 lsquoyouth13 bulgersquo13 that13 exists13 alongside13 a13 heavy13 dependence13 on13 agriculture13 in13 the13 developing13 world13 The13 UN13 has13 documented13 this13 with13 nearly13 half13 of13 the13 worldrsquos13 populaFon13 residing13 in13 rural13 areas
Over13 9013 of13 all13 rural13 residents13 live13 in13 less13 developed13 regions
Equally13 important13 almost13 a13 third13 of13 the13 world13 populalton13 is13 age13 1513 or13 younger13 and13 half13 are13 under13 age13 2513
8513 of13 all13 youth13 live13 in13 less13 developed13 countries
This13 reality13 creates13 an13 environment13 where13 the13 acltve13 engagement13 of13 communiltes13 is13 essenltal13 to13 future13 growth13 and13 development
Another13 really13 cool13 part13 of13 this13 research13 focuses13 on13 building13 partnerships13 We13 work13 to13 build13 capacity13 and13 partnerships13 through13 North-shy‐South13 and13 South-shy‐South13 partnerships13 that13 shape13 regional13 capacity13 We13 re13 already13 seeing13 great13 things13 such13 as13 in13 Kenya13 and13 Zambia13 where13 we13 have13 linked13 programs13 that13 are13 working13 together13 like13 crazy
Through13 the13 UNESCO13 Chair13 program13 we13 will13 link13 organizaFons13 in13 2513 countries13 to13 share13 resources13 best13 pracFces13 and13 experFse13
22
create13 a13 dynamic13 series13 of13 partnerships13 in13 the13 Global13 South13 and13 form13 a13 community13 of13 naFons13 focused13 on13 youth13 and13 development13 of13 civil13 society
T h i r d 13 i s13 ou r13 G l oba l13 Edu caAona l13 Programming
Today13 we13 revoluFonize13 global13 educaFon13 13 We13 are13 planning13 a13 global13 educaFonal13 program13 focusing13 on13 leadership13 and13 community13 building13 across13 the13 life13 span13 13 Included13 are13 courses13 in13 leadership13 skills13 c o m m u n i t y13 c a p a c i t y13 b u i l d i n g 13 entrepreneurship13 and13 small13 business13 development13 posiFve13 youth13 development13 conflict13 miFgaFon13 and13 many13 others13 areas
Penn13 State13 is13 a13 leader13 in13 distance13 educaFon13 13 It13 recently13 dedicated13 major13 resources13 to13 MOOCs13 Massive13 Open13 Online13 Courses13 13
What13 this13 means13 is13 if13 a13 ciFzen13 of13 this13 planet13 has13 access13 to13 the13 internet13 to13 an13 internet13 cafeacute13 or13 even13 a13 cell13 phone13 they13 will13 be13 provided13 with13 Col lege13 courses13 and13 instrucFonal13 materials
Yoursquore13 asking13 how13 much13 will13 these13 cost13 right13 Thatrsquos13 a13 great13 quesFon13 How13 does13 free13 sound13 Wersquove13 got13 it13 covered13 All13 we13 ask13 is13 that13 you13 take13 the13 knowledge13 and13 skills13 and13 use13 them13 to13 make13 life13 beer13 The13 best13 courses13 in13 the13 world13 taught13 by13 the13 best13 faculty13 Free13 of13 charge13
Distributed13 through13 Penn13 State13 and13 the13 global13 UNESCO13 network13 If13 people13 need13 more13 than13 the13 basic13 knowledge13 base13 we13 can13 do13 that13 too13 CerFficates13 and13 even13 degree13 programs13 at13 all13 levels13 with13 costs13 to13 be13 covered13 by13 foundaFons13 and13 internaFonal13
23
development13 agencies13 Just13 think13 of13 the13 potenFals13 for13 primary13 and13 secondary13 schools13 and13 for13 educators13 in13 the13 developing13 world13 13 Think13 of13 the13 life13 changing13 impacts13 for13 a13 young13 girl13 in13 rural13 Zambia13 a13 street13 child13 in13 Kenya13 and13 a13 young13 farm13 worker13 in13 Cambodia13 Itrsquos13 beyond13 belief13 and13 uerly13 amazing13 13 It13 changes13 everything
So13 those13 are13 three13 of13 the13 big13 things13 that13 are13 happening13 now13 We13 have13 lots13 more13 in13 the13 works13 and13 ready13 to13 launch13 These13 and13 other13 efforts13 will13 help13 us13 realize13 our13 dreams13 of13 a13 beer13 world13 Come13 be13 part13 of13 all13 of13 these13 13 We13 can13 pick13 some13 great13 fights13 together13 I13 promise13 itrsquoll13 be13 awesome13 and13 wersquoll13 do13 miraculous13 things
The key to this is you
Be13 Part13 of13 the13 Journey
We13 WILL13 do13 all13 of13 the13 things13 I13 menFoned13 13 And13 much13 much13 more13 The13 key13 to13 this13 is13 you13 13 Yoursquove13 been13 asked13 to13 be13 here13 today13 because13 we13 know13 you13 will13 fight13 for13 social13 jusFce13 We13 need13 you13 to13 help13 us13 raise13 awareness13 to13 help13 develop13 programs13 and13 research13 and13 help13 us13 find13 funding13 to13 ensure13 this13 is13 a13 reality
If13 you13 think13 about13 it13 there13 is13 no13 beer13 place13 than13 here13 to13 begin13 our13 journey13 Lest13 we13 forget13 we13 are13 in13 Pennsylvania13 This13 place13 that13 saw13 the13 birth13 of13 the13 Molly13 McGuires13 the13 original13 union13 movements13 and13 the13 knights13 of13 labor13 It13 was13 where13 Milton13 Eisenhower13 dreamed13 of13 the
If13 you13 think13 about13 it13 there13 is13 no13 beer13 place13 than13 here13 to13 begin13 our13 journey13 Lest13 we13 forget13 we13 are13 in13 Pennsylvania13 This13 place13 that13
24
saw13 the13 birth13 of13 the13 Molly13 McGuires13 the13 original13 union13 movements13 and13 the13 knights13 of13 labor13 It13 was13 where13 Milton13 Eisenhower13 dreamed13 of13 the13 potenFals13 of13 UNESCO13 13 Where13 Benjamin13 Franklin13 found13 the13 Pennsylvania13 AboliFonist13 Society13 seeking13 to13 end13 slavery13 Where13 our13 founding13 fathers13 conceived13 more13 than13 a13 naFon13 but13 the13 idea13 of13 L ife13 L iberty13 and13 the13 pursuit13 of13 Happiness-shy‐-shy‐-shy‐not13 just13 for13 us13 but13 for13 our13 fellow13 ciFzens13 of13 the13 world13 All13 of13 these13 people13 have13 passed13 the13 torch13 to13 us13 today13 13 Let13 us13 make13 them13 proud13 in13 conFnuing13 their13 quest13 for13 social13 jusFce13 for13 equality13 and13 for13 creaFng13 a13 beer13 world
Now13 is13 our13 moment13 13 Of13 all13 the13 opportuniFes13 out13 there13 none13 have13 greater13 potenFal13 for13 immediate13 and13 long13 term13 impacts13 than13
e du caFon 13 t h e13 t r a n s fo rmaFon13 o f13 communiFes13 empowerment13 of13 the13 excluded13 and13 the13 posiFve13 development13 of13 youth13 None13 Absolutely13 none
Now13 I13 know13 we13 hear13 inspiraFonal13 speeches13 a13 lot13 We13 are13 always13 being13 asked13 to13 open13 our13 hearts13 and13 then13 our13 checkbooks13 3But13 this13 is13 different13 We13 have13 never13 before13 had13 such13 structures13 partners13 and13 resources13 to13 make13 our13 dreams13 a13 reality
hellipthere will be those outside that will tell us that the world is too big
too corrupthellip
I13 know13 we13 are13 all13 Fred13 overworked13 and13 maybe13 a13 bit13 cynical13 of13 all13 this13 I13 know13 there13 will13 be13 those13 outside13 of13 here13 that13 will13 tell13 us13 that13 the13 world13 is13 too13 big13 too13 corrupt13 that13 the13 vicFms13 deserve13 their13 low13 lots13 in13 life13 and13
25
that13 maybe13 for13 the13 sake13 of13 our13 careers13 we13 really13 should13 look13 busy13 while13 doing13 nothing13 But13 Irsquom13 asking13 you13 today13 to13 try13 one13 more13 Fme13 Take13 one13 more13 leap13 of13 faith13 I13 promise13 we13 wonrsquot13 let13 you13 down13 I13 promise13 that13 wersquoll13 be13 part13 of13 something13 legendary13 together
Nonetheless13 as13 you13 quesFon13 our13 ability13 to13 really13 change13 the13 world13 I13 would13 simply13 ask13 you13 to13 remember13 back13 to13 our13 younger13 days13 when13 we13 were13 absolutely13 certain13 that13 we13 could13 do13 it13 13 We13 were13 right13 13 You13 were13 right13 13 You13 were13 right13 and13 your13 dreams13 are13 sFll13 out13 there
I13 want13 to13 share13 one13 last13 story13 13 I13 recently13 read13 a13 wonderful13 essay13 by13 Joseph13 Laplin13 looking13 back13 on13 the13 55th13 Anniversary13 of13 Jack13 Kerouacrsquos13 legendary13 novel13 On13 the13 Road13 13 This13 was13 a13 novel13 that13 sent13 many13 young13 people13
(including13 myself)13 out13 on13 that13 road13 of13 discovery13 in13 search13 of13 the13 limitless13 possibiliFes13 beyond13 our13 hometowns13 13 A13 book13 that13 mandated13 the13 quesFoning13 authority13 the13 quesFoning13 of13 social13 convenFons13 and13 the13 challenging13 of13 the13 moral13 blinds13 spots13 of13 our13 age13 For13 me13 this13 book13 was13 magical
Laplinrsquos13 essay13 took13 aim13 at13 those13 of13 us13 who13 have13 grown13 up13 become13 established13 and13 think13 wersquove13 grown13 wiser13 Especially13 those13 of13 us13 who13 now13 dismiss13 Kerouac13 and13 this13 novel13 that13 once13 inspired13 us13 as13 idealisFc13 childish13 and13 ridiculously13 naiumlve13 in13 its13 call13 for13 social13 change13 But13 Laplin13 had13 a13 wonderfully13 reacFon13 to13 such13 people13 Here13 is13 what13 he13 said
ldquoPerhaps13 these13 people13 never13 took13 to13 or13 went13 back13 on13 the13 road13 -shy‐13 due13 to13 fear13 or13 family13 -shy‐13 and13
26
therefore13 can13 no13 longer13 revisit13 Kerouacrsquos13 work13 Perhaps13 itrsquos13 hard13 to13 even13 look13 at13 his13 wriltng13 because13 readers13 are13 actually13 looking13 at13 themselves13 And13 itrsquos13 easier13 to13 say13 well13 Kerouacrsquos13 naive13 than13 to13 say13 I13 missed13 out13 on13 something13 Maybe13 some13 readers13 have13 given13 up13 on13 the13 search13 for13 beauty13 and13 spirituality13 or13 realized13 that13 theyrsquore13 not13 one13 of13 those13 people13 who13 lsquoburn13 burn13 burn13 like13 fabulous13 yellow13 roman13 candlesrsquo13 and13 that13 knowledge13 is13 painfulrdquo
I13 want13 to13 state13 it13 again13 You13 were13 right13 when13 you13 once13 thought13 we13 would13 change13 the13 world13 And13 you13 are13 sFll13 right13 Your13 dreams13 of13 a13 fair13 equal13 and13 just13 world13 are13 sFll13 out13 there13 and13 together13 we13 will13 reclaim13 them13 and13 make13 them13 a13 reality
hellipin the not too distant future you can put your children and
grandchildren on your knee and tell them about once upon a time
I13 say13 this13 not13 to13 preach13 to13 you13 or13 guilt13 you13 into13 acFon13 I13 just13 want13 to13 put13 it13 into13 perspecFve13 and13 ask13 you13 to13 be13 part13 of13 this13 journey13 If13 we13 live13 up13 to13 our13 ideals13 and13 commitments13 in13 the13 not13 too13 distant13 future13 you13 can13 put13 your13 children13 and13 grandchildren13 on13 your13 knee13 and13 tell13 them13 about13 once13 upon13 a13 Fme13 Once13 upon13 a13 Fme13 when13 educaFon13 was13 only13 for13 the13 privileged13 few13 When13 women13 were13 treated13 as13 second13 class13 ciFzens13 When13 injusFce13 and13 inequality13 were13 the13 standard13 And13 when13 communiFes13 were13 constantly13 trampled13 on13 by13 outside13 interests13 Most13 importantly13 you13 can13 tell13 them13 that13 you13 were13 part13 of13 fixing13 it13 That13 the13 world13 is13 a13 far13 beer13 place13 because13 of13 what13 we13 did13 That13
27
they13 have13 a13 great13 bright13 future13 because13 of13 our13 bold13 efforts13 that13 began13 today13 With13 such13 potenFals13 and13 possibiliFes13 at13 hand13 how13 can13 we13 ever13 explain13 to13 them13 our13 inacFon13 or13 how13 we13 stood13 by13 and13 let13 appalling13 things13 conFnue
As13 we13 close13 I13 want13 to13 ask13 a13 few13 final13 quesFons13 There13 are13 many13 places13 to13 put13 your13 efforts
But13 if13 not13 the13 thousands13 of13 communiAes13 we13 can13 help13 then13 where
If13 not13 the13 billions13 of13 young13 people13 we13 can13 empower13 to13 have13 beMer13 lives13 then13 who
And13 if13 now13 is13 not13 the13 Ame13 for13 bold13 daring13 and13 nearly13 miraculous13 acAons13 then13 when
hellipthe honor is only eclipsed by the responsibility this opportunity
brings with it
If13 you13 need13 proof13 of13 miracles13 than13 look13 no13 further13 than13 this13 stage13 Here13 you13 have13 a13 former13 (or13 perhaps13 not13 so13 former)13 punk13 from13 rural13 Pennsylvania13 of13 Irish13 descent13 standing13 before13 you13 accepFng13 one13 of13 our13 greatest13 honors13 Itrsquos13 absolutely13 humbling13 And13 the13 honor13 is13 only13 eclipsed13 by13 the13 responsibility13 this13 opportunity13 brings13 with13 it13 But13 itrsquos13 not13 inFmidaFng13 Not13 at13 all13 Because13 I13 know13 WE13 are13 in13 this13 together13 And13 for13 all13 of13 this13 I13 will13 be13 forever13 grateful13 to13 you13 for13 sharing13 this13 wonderful13 day13 and13 being13 part13 of13 this13 journey13 that13 will13 transform13 the13 world
Thank13 you13 all13 very13 very13 much
28
CHAPTER13 5
Contact USConnect13 with13 us13 on13 social13 media
unescochairpennstate
unescochairpsu
unescochairpsu
Call13 Write13 or13 Visit
Dr13 Mark13 Brennan204C13 Ferguson13 BuildingUniversity13 Park13 PA13 16802Phone13 1-shy‐814-shy‐863-shy‐0387Email13 unescochairpsueduWeb13 wwwunescochairpsuedu
UNESCO Chair in Rural Community
Leadership and Youth Development
The Pennsylvania State University
United Nations
(GXFDWLRQDO6FLHQWLiquestFDQGCultural Organization
became13 not13 an13 opportunity13 but13 a13 painful13 reminder13 of13 what13 might13 have13 been13 Aer13 all13 why13 bother13 learning13 of13 the13 wonders13 of13 Paris13 Rome13 and13 Tokyo13 when13 the13 odds13 of13 you13 gedng13 to13 there13 were13 as13 good13 gedng13 to13 the13 Moon13 For13 most13 the13 mill13 the13 mine13 and13 oen13 the13 unemployment13 line13 were13 our13 desFny
It was the systematic breakdown of our communities
These13 were13 environments13 where13 ciFzens13 were13 slowly13 convinced13 that13 they13 were13 irrelevant13 That13 there13 was13 no13 need13 to13 act13 or13 be13 involved13 locally13 Convinced13 that13 they13 could13 never13 ever13 make13 a13 difference13 13 In13 truth13 this13 impotence13 was13 not13 the13 result13 of13 the13 IlluminaF13 the13 Freemasons13 the13 wealthy13 or13 whatever13 version13 of13 the13 lsquoManrsquo13 that13 we13
created13 It13 was13 not13 the13 standard13 issue13 boot13 of13 the13 Pinkerton13 Agency13 the13 police13 or13 others13 kicking13 in13 our13 door13 forcing13 us13 to13 be13 compliant13 It13 was13 something13 much13 simpler13 and13 infinitely13 more13 ominous13 Something13 much13 harder13 and13 painful13 to13 admit13 truth13 be13 told13 13 It13 was13 the13 systemaFc13 breakdown13 of13 our13 communiFes13 But13 nonetheless13 we13 were13 the13 lucky13 ones13 From13 Africa13 to13 Southeast13 Asia13 to13 South13 and13 Central13 America13 and13 eastern13 Europe13 these13 condiFons13 would13 be13 eagerly13 welcomed13 in13 the13 face13 of13 war13 genocide13 disease13 and13 extreme13 poverty13
hellipour communities can be brought back to life
But13 Irsquove13 good13 news13 Maybe13 itrsquos13 not13 so13 bad13 13 And13 if13 it13 is13 it13 certainly13 does13 not13 need13 to13 be13 13 We13 actually13 have13 lots13 of13 proof13 that13 our13
14
communiFes13 can13 be13 brought13 back13 to13 life13 13 Wersquove13 tremendous13 evidence13 from13 the13 field13 13 From13 do-shy‐gooding13 idealisFc13 acFvists13 to13 bale13 hardened13 program13 agents13 to13 government13 officials13 From13 shrewd13 business13 interests13 to13 chariFes13 and13 nonprofits13 Capacity13 is13 being13 built13 and13 ciFzens13 of13 all13 ages13 are13 being13 empowered13 but13 parFcularly13 those13 amazing13 agents13 of13 change13 young13 people
To13 understand13 this13 letrsquos13 talk13 a13 bit13 about13 what13 community13 is13 Let13 me13 tell13 you13 about13 a13 good13 way13 to13 think13 of13 it13 an13 interacFve13 approach13 to13 community13 At13 the13 core13 of13 community13 is13 the13 interacFon13 and13 interdependence13 among13 local13 people13 Here13 people13 make13 up13 local13 interest13 groups13 that13 are13 loosely13 bounded13 arenas13 for13 interacFon
All13 of13 these13 seek13 to13 look13 aer13 their13 own13 interests13 Community13 evolves13 as13 members13 of13 these13 very13 different13 groups13 interact13 with13 each13 other13 realizing13 their13 common13 general13 needs13 This13 doesnrsquot13 mean13 we13 give13 up13 who13 we13 are13 or13 sell13 out13 We13 just13 realize13 that13 we13 have13 common13 needs13 and13 that13 we13 can13 work13 together13 to13 overcome13 these
15
As13 groups13 and13 residents13 interact13 what13 has13 come13 to13 be13 known13 as13 community13 agency13 emerges13 Agency13 highlights13 the13 fact13 that13
engagement13 has13 power13 It13 shows13 that13 local13 people13 working13 together13 have13 the13 power13 to13 transform13 and13 change13 society13 13 When13 they13 do13 this13 community13 can13 emerge
I13 want13 to13 stress13 this13 is13 a13 process13 though13 13 Community13 is13 not13 a13 given13 State13 College13 will13 always13 be13 on13 a13 map13 But13 the13 connecFon13 between13 people13 that13 makes13 this13 place13 so13 special13 may13 not13 unless13 we13 work13 at13 it13 Keep13 in13 mind13 that13 community13 is13 a13 variable13 Our13 locality13 is13 always13 changing13 with13 people13 coming13 and13 going13 all13 the13 Fmes13 We13 need13 to13 constantly13 be13 working13 to13 maintain13 our13 connecFon13 to13 it13 and13 welcome13 in13 new13 people13 to13 be13 part13 of13 it13 When13 we13 stop13 interacFng13 communicaFng13 and13 being13 inclusive13 it13 simply13 -shy‐13 and13 quickly13 disappears13 But13 if13 developed13 community13 results13 in13 amazing13 things13 here13 and13 abroad
Let13 me13 give13 you13 some13 examples
Civically13 engaged13 youth13 are13 2213 more13 likely
16
to13 graduate13 from13 college13 than13 those13 that13 did13 not
Civically13 engaged13 youth13 are13 413 ltmes13 less13 likely13 to13 exhibit13 ldquorisky13 behaviorrdquo13 such13 as13 drug13 use13 and13 other13 dangerous13 behaviors13
Youth13 are13 813 ltmes13 more13 likely13 to13 believe13 that13 can13 influence13 decision13 making13 if13 they13 are13 civically13 engaged
This13 is13 important13 The13 fact13 of13 the13 maer13 is13 that13 there13 are13 very13 few13 obstacles13 to13 us13 changing13 the13 world13 Wersquove13 just13 convinced13 ourselves13 that13 we13 canrsquot13 make13 a13 difference13 and13 shouldnrsquot13 act13 This13 is13 largely13 because13 wersquove13 been13 uninvolved13 for13 so13 long13 Wersquove13 forgoen13 how13 to13 act13 and13 be13 engaged
One13 more13 thing13 EducaFon13 and13 Community13 intersect13 in13 a13 big13 way13 Where13 community13 involvement13 and13 educaFon13 are13 low13 the13 odds13
of13 extremism13 gangs13 and13 terrorisFc13 organizaFons13 more13 than13 quadruple
helliphad there been a little more education and community capacity
the extremism would have been stopped in its tracks
This13 was13 brought13 home13 to13 me13 during13 visits13 to13 Cambodia13 over13 the13 years13 Every13 Fme13 I13 go13 make13 a13 pilgrimage13 to13 the13 infamous13 Killing13 Fields13 near13 Phom13 Penh13 At13 their13 naFonal13 Genocide13 Museum13 are13 thousands13 of13 photos13 of13 the13 vicFms13 You13 see13 a13 fracFon13 of13 them13
here13 behind13 me13 But13 of13 all13 of13 these13 -shy‐13 one13 haunts13 me13 I13 bring13 her13 flowers13 every13 year13 I13 donrsquot13 know13 her13 name13
17
No13 one13 does13 But13 I13 canrsquot13 forget13 her13 eyes13 I13 canrsquot13 forget13 that13 had13 there13 been13 a13 lile13 more13 educaFon13 and13 community13 capacity13 the13 extremism13 would13 have13 been13 stopped13 in13 its13 tracks13 She13 and13 several13 million13 other13 Cambodians13 would13 be13 with13 us13 today13 The13 same13 is13 true13 in13 Germany13 Rwanda13 Bosnia13 ArgenFna13 and13 elsewhere13 13 We13 owe13 it13 to13 her13 and13 the13 countless13 others13 to13 build13 strong13 educated13 communiFes13 that13 will13 ensure13 extremism13 does13 not13 take13 root13 and13 run13 rampant
If13 nothing13 else13 remember13 this13 Community13 builds13 capacity13 It13 provides13 structure13 and13 social13 supports13 builds13 empathy13 and13 understanding13 and13 provides13 the13 basis13 for13 acFon13 and13 acFvism13 It13 protects13 against13 poverty13 extremism13 and13 chaos
The13 importance13 and13 central13 role13 of13 community13 will13 be13 the13 other13 cornerstone13 of13 our13 work13 and13 was13 the13 second13 thing13 I13 wanted13 to13 share13 with13 you
18
CHAPTER13 4
Transforming the World Through the UNESCO Chairs Program Wersquove13 been13 looking13 forward13 this13 is13 a13 day13 for13 years13 Because13 every13 now13 and13 then13 an13 opportunity13 comes13 along13 that13 just13 changes13 everything13 Wersquove13 been13 working13 really13 really13
hard13 and13 have13 lots13 of13 plans13 that13 are13 ready13 to13 launch13 I13 want13 to13 share13 three13 of13 them13 that13 we13 are13 really13 excited13 about13 They13 really13 are13 amazing13 and13 beauFful13 creaFons
First13 is13 the13 UNTWIN13 Network13 on13 Youth13 and13 Community13 Development13
With13 this13 we13 reinvent13 the13 idea13 of13 global13 partnerships13 and13 collaboraFon13 UNITWIN13 are13 the13 UN13 university13 twining13 and13 partnership13 networks13 They13 open13 up13 all13 kinds13 of13 opportuniFes13 for13 rapid13 research13 and13 acFon13 and13 funding13 While13 UNESCO13 Chairs13 are13 rare13 UNITWIN13 networks13 are13 even13 more13 so13 13 Only13 two13 exist13 in13 the13 US13 We13 got13 the13 go13 ahead13 from13 UNESCO13 to13 start13 developing13 number13 three13 However13 ours13 will13 be13 unmatched13 in13 size13 scope13 and13 impact
6 continents
9 geographic regions
35 partner institutions
Thousands of youth
Three UNESCO Chairs
It13 will13 cover13 613 conFnents13 913 geographic13 regions13 3513 partner13 insFtuFons13 (and13 growing13 weekly)13 thousands13 of13 youth13 and13 three13 UNESCO13 Chairs13 This13 will13 allow13 for13 immediate13 research13 program13 development13 and13 educaFonal13 program13 delivery
hellipa common framework of Community Capacity Building
Youth Development and Conflict Mitigationhellip
The13 network13 will13 be13 led13 by13 three13 UNESCO13 Chairs13 at13 three13 interrelated13 mulFdisciplinary13
20
centers13 the13 Child13 and13 Family13 Research13 Centre13 (NUI13 Galway)13 UNESCO13 Centre13 for13 Research13 on13 Children13 and13 Youth13 (University13 of13 Ulster)13 and13 the13 planned13 UNESCO13 InsAtute13 for13 G lobal13 Humanitar ian13 Development13 (Penn13 State)13 The13 three13 bring13 together13 nearly13 20013 of13 the13 worldrsquos13 best13 researchers13 teachers13 and13 program13 developers
The13 network13 will13 have13 a13 common13 framework13 of13 Community13 Capacity13 Building13 Youth13 Development13 and13 Conflict13 MiFgaFon13 but13 will13 pursue13 specialized13 projects13 on13 health13 and13 well-shy‐being13 educaFon13 and13 literacy13 social13 and13 economic13 development13 the13 physical13 sciences13 agricultural13 development13 civil13 engineering13 and13 many13 other13 areas13 as13 they13 emerge13 We13 will13 be13 able13 to13 conduct13
internaFonal13 comparaFve13 research13 design13 programs13 and13 deliver13 them13 worldwide13 in13 a13 maer13 of13 months13 -shy‐13 not13 years13 as13 is13 oen13 the13 case13 Think13 of13 the13 potenFal
With13 not13 much13 work13 we13 can13 reach13 1000013 kids13 and13 100013 communiFes13 in13 the13 next13 few13 years13 1000013 kids13 and13 communiFes13 who13 see13 a13 brighter13 future13 are13 contribuFng13 members13 of13 society13 lead13 producFve13 and13 safe13 lives13 and13 take13 on13 ownership13 of13 local13 life13 With13 your13 help13 and13 some13 hard13 work13 we13 can13 triple13 the13 number13 of13 youth13 and13 communiFes13 we13 can13 reach
UNITWIN13 goes13 live13 in13 April13 Itrsquos13 already13 growing13 beyond13 our13 control13 Itrsquos13 a13 game13 changer13 and13 once13 in13 a13 lifeFme13 opportunity13 13 Itrsquos13 going13 to13 be13 our13 legacy13 and13 we13 have13 a13 seat13 at13 the13 table13 for13 you
21
The13 second13 big13 item13 focuses13 on13 idenAfying13 the13 best13 pracAces13 for13 youth13 and13 community13 developmenthellipworldwide
Today13 we13 redefine13 global13 comparaFve13 research13 There13 are13 lots13 of13 people13 doing13 great13 and13 effecFve13 work13 worldwide13 We13 are13 going13 to13 begin13 a13 long-shy‐term13 research13 program13 to13 idenFfy13 these13 best13 pracFces13 in13 all13 locaFons13 but13 with13 a13 strong13 focus13 on13 rural13 areas
But13 you13 might13 ask13 why13 There13 is13 an13 increasing13 lsquoyouth13 bulgersquo13 that13 exists13 alongside13 a13 heavy13 dependence13 on13 agriculture13 in13 the13 developing13 world13 The13 UN13 has13 documented13 this13 with13 nearly13 half13 of13 the13 worldrsquos13 populaFon13 residing13 in13 rural13 areas
Over13 9013 of13 all13 rural13 residents13 live13 in13 less13 developed13 regions
Equally13 important13 almost13 a13 third13 of13 the13 world13 populalton13 is13 age13 1513 or13 younger13 and13 half13 are13 under13 age13 2513
8513 of13 all13 youth13 live13 in13 less13 developed13 countries
This13 reality13 creates13 an13 environment13 where13 the13 acltve13 engagement13 of13 communiltes13 is13 essenltal13 to13 future13 growth13 and13 development
Another13 really13 cool13 part13 of13 this13 research13 focuses13 on13 building13 partnerships13 We13 work13 to13 build13 capacity13 and13 partnerships13 through13 North-shy‐South13 and13 South-shy‐South13 partnerships13 that13 shape13 regional13 capacity13 We13 re13 already13 seeing13 great13 things13 such13 as13 in13 Kenya13 and13 Zambia13 where13 we13 have13 linked13 programs13 that13 are13 working13 together13 like13 crazy
Through13 the13 UNESCO13 Chair13 program13 we13 will13 link13 organizaFons13 in13 2513 countries13 to13 share13 resources13 best13 pracFces13 and13 experFse13
22
create13 a13 dynamic13 series13 of13 partnerships13 in13 the13 Global13 South13 and13 form13 a13 community13 of13 naFons13 focused13 on13 youth13 and13 development13 of13 civil13 society
T h i r d 13 i s13 ou r13 G l oba l13 Edu caAona l13 Programming
Today13 we13 revoluFonize13 global13 educaFon13 13 We13 are13 planning13 a13 global13 educaFonal13 program13 focusing13 on13 leadership13 and13 community13 building13 across13 the13 life13 span13 13 Included13 are13 courses13 in13 leadership13 skills13 c o m m u n i t y13 c a p a c i t y13 b u i l d i n g 13 entrepreneurship13 and13 small13 business13 development13 posiFve13 youth13 development13 conflict13 miFgaFon13 and13 many13 others13 areas
Penn13 State13 is13 a13 leader13 in13 distance13 educaFon13 13 It13 recently13 dedicated13 major13 resources13 to13 MOOCs13 Massive13 Open13 Online13 Courses13 13
What13 this13 means13 is13 if13 a13 ciFzen13 of13 this13 planet13 has13 access13 to13 the13 internet13 to13 an13 internet13 cafeacute13 or13 even13 a13 cell13 phone13 they13 will13 be13 provided13 with13 Col lege13 courses13 and13 instrucFonal13 materials
Yoursquore13 asking13 how13 much13 will13 these13 cost13 right13 Thatrsquos13 a13 great13 quesFon13 How13 does13 free13 sound13 Wersquove13 got13 it13 covered13 All13 we13 ask13 is13 that13 you13 take13 the13 knowledge13 and13 skills13 and13 use13 them13 to13 make13 life13 beer13 The13 best13 courses13 in13 the13 world13 taught13 by13 the13 best13 faculty13 Free13 of13 charge13
Distributed13 through13 Penn13 State13 and13 the13 global13 UNESCO13 network13 If13 people13 need13 more13 than13 the13 basic13 knowledge13 base13 we13 can13 do13 that13 too13 CerFficates13 and13 even13 degree13 programs13 at13 all13 levels13 with13 costs13 to13 be13 covered13 by13 foundaFons13 and13 internaFonal13
23
development13 agencies13 Just13 think13 of13 the13 potenFals13 for13 primary13 and13 secondary13 schools13 and13 for13 educators13 in13 the13 developing13 world13 13 Think13 of13 the13 life13 changing13 impacts13 for13 a13 young13 girl13 in13 rural13 Zambia13 a13 street13 child13 in13 Kenya13 and13 a13 young13 farm13 worker13 in13 Cambodia13 Itrsquos13 beyond13 belief13 and13 uerly13 amazing13 13 It13 changes13 everything
So13 those13 are13 three13 of13 the13 big13 things13 that13 are13 happening13 now13 We13 have13 lots13 more13 in13 the13 works13 and13 ready13 to13 launch13 These13 and13 other13 efforts13 will13 help13 us13 realize13 our13 dreams13 of13 a13 beer13 world13 Come13 be13 part13 of13 all13 of13 these13 13 We13 can13 pick13 some13 great13 fights13 together13 I13 promise13 itrsquoll13 be13 awesome13 and13 wersquoll13 do13 miraculous13 things
The key to this is you
Be13 Part13 of13 the13 Journey
We13 WILL13 do13 all13 of13 the13 things13 I13 menFoned13 13 And13 much13 much13 more13 The13 key13 to13 this13 is13 you13 13 Yoursquove13 been13 asked13 to13 be13 here13 today13 because13 we13 know13 you13 will13 fight13 for13 social13 jusFce13 We13 need13 you13 to13 help13 us13 raise13 awareness13 to13 help13 develop13 programs13 and13 research13 and13 help13 us13 find13 funding13 to13 ensure13 this13 is13 a13 reality
If13 you13 think13 about13 it13 there13 is13 no13 beer13 place13 than13 here13 to13 begin13 our13 journey13 Lest13 we13 forget13 we13 are13 in13 Pennsylvania13 This13 place13 that13 saw13 the13 birth13 of13 the13 Molly13 McGuires13 the13 original13 union13 movements13 and13 the13 knights13 of13 labor13 It13 was13 where13 Milton13 Eisenhower13 dreamed13 of13 the
If13 you13 think13 about13 it13 there13 is13 no13 beer13 place13 than13 here13 to13 begin13 our13 journey13 Lest13 we13 forget13 we13 are13 in13 Pennsylvania13 This13 place13 that13
24
saw13 the13 birth13 of13 the13 Molly13 McGuires13 the13 original13 union13 movements13 and13 the13 knights13 of13 labor13 It13 was13 where13 Milton13 Eisenhower13 dreamed13 of13 the13 potenFals13 of13 UNESCO13 13 Where13 Benjamin13 Franklin13 found13 the13 Pennsylvania13 AboliFonist13 Society13 seeking13 to13 end13 slavery13 Where13 our13 founding13 fathers13 conceived13 more13 than13 a13 naFon13 but13 the13 idea13 of13 L ife13 L iberty13 and13 the13 pursuit13 of13 Happiness-shy‐-shy‐-shy‐not13 just13 for13 us13 but13 for13 our13 fellow13 ciFzens13 of13 the13 world13 All13 of13 these13 people13 have13 passed13 the13 torch13 to13 us13 today13 13 Let13 us13 make13 them13 proud13 in13 conFnuing13 their13 quest13 for13 social13 jusFce13 for13 equality13 and13 for13 creaFng13 a13 beer13 world
Now13 is13 our13 moment13 13 Of13 all13 the13 opportuniFes13 out13 there13 none13 have13 greater13 potenFal13 for13 immediate13 and13 long13 term13 impacts13 than13
e du caFon 13 t h e13 t r a n s fo rmaFon13 o f13 communiFes13 empowerment13 of13 the13 excluded13 and13 the13 posiFve13 development13 of13 youth13 None13 Absolutely13 none
Now13 I13 know13 we13 hear13 inspiraFonal13 speeches13 a13 lot13 We13 are13 always13 being13 asked13 to13 open13 our13 hearts13 and13 then13 our13 checkbooks13 3But13 this13 is13 different13 We13 have13 never13 before13 had13 such13 structures13 partners13 and13 resources13 to13 make13 our13 dreams13 a13 reality
hellipthere will be those outside that will tell us that the world is too big
too corrupthellip
I13 know13 we13 are13 all13 Fred13 overworked13 and13 maybe13 a13 bit13 cynical13 of13 all13 this13 I13 know13 there13 will13 be13 those13 outside13 of13 here13 that13 will13 tell13 us13 that13 the13 world13 is13 too13 big13 too13 corrupt13 that13 the13 vicFms13 deserve13 their13 low13 lots13 in13 life13 and13
25
that13 maybe13 for13 the13 sake13 of13 our13 careers13 we13 really13 should13 look13 busy13 while13 doing13 nothing13 But13 Irsquom13 asking13 you13 today13 to13 try13 one13 more13 Fme13 Take13 one13 more13 leap13 of13 faith13 I13 promise13 we13 wonrsquot13 let13 you13 down13 I13 promise13 that13 wersquoll13 be13 part13 of13 something13 legendary13 together
Nonetheless13 as13 you13 quesFon13 our13 ability13 to13 really13 change13 the13 world13 I13 would13 simply13 ask13 you13 to13 remember13 back13 to13 our13 younger13 days13 when13 we13 were13 absolutely13 certain13 that13 we13 could13 do13 it13 13 We13 were13 right13 13 You13 were13 right13 13 You13 were13 right13 and13 your13 dreams13 are13 sFll13 out13 there
I13 want13 to13 share13 one13 last13 story13 13 I13 recently13 read13 a13 wonderful13 essay13 by13 Joseph13 Laplin13 looking13 back13 on13 the13 55th13 Anniversary13 of13 Jack13 Kerouacrsquos13 legendary13 novel13 On13 the13 Road13 13 This13 was13 a13 novel13 that13 sent13 many13 young13 people13
(including13 myself)13 out13 on13 that13 road13 of13 discovery13 in13 search13 of13 the13 limitless13 possibiliFes13 beyond13 our13 hometowns13 13 A13 book13 that13 mandated13 the13 quesFoning13 authority13 the13 quesFoning13 of13 social13 convenFons13 and13 the13 challenging13 of13 the13 moral13 blinds13 spots13 of13 our13 age13 For13 me13 this13 book13 was13 magical
Laplinrsquos13 essay13 took13 aim13 at13 those13 of13 us13 who13 have13 grown13 up13 become13 established13 and13 think13 wersquove13 grown13 wiser13 Especially13 those13 of13 us13 who13 now13 dismiss13 Kerouac13 and13 this13 novel13 that13 once13 inspired13 us13 as13 idealisFc13 childish13 and13 ridiculously13 naiumlve13 in13 its13 call13 for13 social13 change13 But13 Laplin13 had13 a13 wonderfully13 reacFon13 to13 such13 people13 Here13 is13 what13 he13 said
ldquoPerhaps13 these13 people13 never13 took13 to13 or13 went13 back13 on13 the13 road13 -shy‐13 due13 to13 fear13 or13 family13 -shy‐13 and13
26
therefore13 can13 no13 longer13 revisit13 Kerouacrsquos13 work13 Perhaps13 itrsquos13 hard13 to13 even13 look13 at13 his13 wriltng13 because13 readers13 are13 actually13 looking13 at13 themselves13 And13 itrsquos13 easier13 to13 say13 well13 Kerouacrsquos13 naive13 than13 to13 say13 I13 missed13 out13 on13 something13 Maybe13 some13 readers13 have13 given13 up13 on13 the13 search13 for13 beauty13 and13 spirituality13 or13 realized13 that13 theyrsquore13 not13 one13 of13 those13 people13 who13 lsquoburn13 burn13 burn13 like13 fabulous13 yellow13 roman13 candlesrsquo13 and13 that13 knowledge13 is13 painfulrdquo
I13 want13 to13 state13 it13 again13 You13 were13 right13 when13 you13 once13 thought13 we13 would13 change13 the13 world13 And13 you13 are13 sFll13 right13 Your13 dreams13 of13 a13 fair13 equal13 and13 just13 world13 are13 sFll13 out13 there13 and13 together13 we13 will13 reclaim13 them13 and13 make13 them13 a13 reality
hellipin the not too distant future you can put your children and
grandchildren on your knee and tell them about once upon a time
I13 say13 this13 not13 to13 preach13 to13 you13 or13 guilt13 you13 into13 acFon13 I13 just13 want13 to13 put13 it13 into13 perspecFve13 and13 ask13 you13 to13 be13 part13 of13 this13 journey13 If13 we13 live13 up13 to13 our13 ideals13 and13 commitments13 in13 the13 not13 too13 distant13 future13 you13 can13 put13 your13 children13 and13 grandchildren13 on13 your13 knee13 and13 tell13 them13 about13 once13 upon13 a13 Fme13 Once13 upon13 a13 Fme13 when13 educaFon13 was13 only13 for13 the13 privileged13 few13 When13 women13 were13 treated13 as13 second13 class13 ciFzens13 When13 injusFce13 and13 inequality13 were13 the13 standard13 And13 when13 communiFes13 were13 constantly13 trampled13 on13 by13 outside13 interests13 Most13 importantly13 you13 can13 tell13 them13 that13 you13 were13 part13 of13 fixing13 it13 That13 the13 world13 is13 a13 far13 beer13 place13 because13 of13 what13 we13 did13 That13
27
they13 have13 a13 great13 bright13 future13 because13 of13 our13 bold13 efforts13 that13 began13 today13 With13 such13 potenFals13 and13 possibiliFes13 at13 hand13 how13 can13 we13 ever13 explain13 to13 them13 our13 inacFon13 or13 how13 we13 stood13 by13 and13 let13 appalling13 things13 conFnue
As13 we13 close13 I13 want13 to13 ask13 a13 few13 final13 quesFons13 There13 are13 many13 places13 to13 put13 your13 efforts
But13 if13 not13 the13 thousands13 of13 communiAes13 we13 can13 help13 then13 where
If13 not13 the13 billions13 of13 young13 people13 we13 can13 empower13 to13 have13 beMer13 lives13 then13 who
And13 if13 now13 is13 not13 the13 Ame13 for13 bold13 daring13 and13 nearly13 miraculous13 acAons13 then13 when
hellipthe honor is only eclipsed by the responsibility this opportunity
brings with it
If13 you13 need13 proof13 of13 miracles13 than13 look13 no13 further13 than13 this13 stage13 Here13 you13 have13 a13 former13 (or13 perhaps13 not13 so13 former)13 punk13 from13 rural13 Pennsylvania13 of13 Irish13 descent13 standing13 before13 you13 accepFng13 one13 of13 our13 greatest13 honors13 Itrsquos13 absolutely13 humbling13 And13 the13 honor13 is13 only13 eclipsed13 by13 the13 responsibility13 this13 opportunity13 brings13 with13 it13 But13 itrsquos13 not13 inFmidaFng13 Not13 at13 all13 Because13 I13 know13 WE13 are13 in13 this13 together13 And13 for13 all13 of13 this13 I13 will13 be13 forever13 grateful13 to13 you13 for13 sharing13 this13 wonderful13 day13 and13 being13 part13 of13 this13 journey13 that13 will13 transform13 the13 world
Thank13 you13 all13 very13 very13 much
28
CHAPTER13 5
Contact USConnect13 with13 us13 on13 social13 media
unescochairpennstate
unescochairpsu
unescochairpsu
Call13 Write13 or13 Visit
Dr13 Mark13 Brennan204C13 Ferguson13 BuildingUniversity13 Park13 PA13 16802Phone13 1-shy‐814-shy‐863-shy‐0387Email13 unescochairpsueduWeb13 wwwunescochairpsuedu
UNESCO Chair in Rural Community
Leadership and Youth Development
The Pennsylvania State University
United Nations
(GXFDWLRQDO6FLHQWLiquestFDQGCultural Organization
communiFes13 can13 be13 brought13 back13 to13 life13 13 Wersquove13 tremendous13 evidence13 from13 the13 field13 13 From13 do-shy‐gooding13 idealisFc13 acFvists13 to13 bale13 hardened13 program13 agents13 to13 government13 officials13 From13 shrewd13 business13 interests13 to13 chariFes13 and13 nonprofits13 Capacity13 is13 being13 built13 and13 ciFzens13 of13 all13 ages13 are13 being13 empowered13 but13 parFcularly13 those13 amazing13 agents13 of13 change13 young13 people
To13 understand13 this13 letrsquos13 talk13 a13 bit13 about13 what13 community13 is13 Let13 me13 tell13 you13 about13 a13 good13 way13 to13 think13 of13 it13 an13 interacFve13 approach13 to13 community13 At13 the13 core13 of13 community13 is13 the13 interacFon13 and13 interdependence13 among13 local13 people13 Here13 people13 make13 up13 local13 interest13 groups13 that13 are13 loosely13 bounded13 arenas13 for13 interacFon
All13 of13 these13 seek13 to13 look13 aer13 their13 own13 interests13 Community13 evolves13 as13 members13 of13 these13 very13 different13 groups13 interact13 with13 each13 other13 realizing13 their13 common13 general13 needs13 This13 doesnrsquot13 mean13 we13 give13 up13 who13 we13 are13 or13 sell13 out13 We13 just13 realize13 that13 we13 have13 common13 needs13 and13 that13 we13 can13 work13 together13 to13 overcome13 these
15
As13 groups13 and13 residents13 interact13 what13 has13 come13 to13 be13 known13 as13 community13 agency13 emerges13 Agency13 highlights13 the13 fact13 that13
engagement13 has13 power13 It13 shows13 that13 local13 people13 working13 together13 have13 the13 power13 to13 transform13 and13 change13 society13 13 When13 they13 do13 this13 community13 can13 emerge
I13 want13 to13 stress13 this13 is13 a13 process13 though13 13 Community13 is13 not13 a13 given13 State13 College13 will13 always13 be13 on13 a13 map13 But13 the13 connecFon13 between13 people13 that13 makes13 this13 place13 so13 special13 may13 not13 unless13 we13 work13 at13 it13 Keep13 in13 mind13 that13 community13 is13 a13 variable13 Our13 locality13 is13 always13 changing13 with13 people13 coming13 and13 going13 all13 the13 Fmes13 We13 need13 to13 constantly13 be13 working13 to13 maintain13 our13 connecFon13 to13 it13 and13 welcome13 in13 new13 people13 to13 be13 part13 of13 it13 When13 we13 stop13 interacFng13 communicaFng13 and13 being13 inclusive13 it13 simply13 -shy‐13 and13 quickly13 disappears13 But13 if13 developed13 community13 results13 in13 amazing13 things13 here13 and13 abroad
Let13 me13 give13 you13 some13 examples
Civically13 engaged13 youth13 are13 2213 more13 likely
16
to13 graduate13 from13 college13 than13 those13 that13 did13 not
Civically13 engaged13 youth13 are13 413 ltmes13 less13 likely13 to13 exhibit13 ldquorisky13 behaviorrdquo13 such13 as13 drug13 use13 and13 other13 dangerous13 behaviors13
Youth13 are13 813 ltmes13 more13 likely13 to13 believe13 that13 can13 influence13 decision13 making13 if13 they13 are13 civically13 engaged
This13 is13 important13 The13 fact13 of13 the13 maer13 is13 that13 there13 are13 very13 few13 obstacles13 to13 us13 changing13 the13 world13 Wersquove13 just13 convinced13 ourselves13 that13 we13 canrsquot13 make13 a13 difference13 and13 shouldnrsquot13 act13 This13 is13 largely13 because13 wersquove13 been13 uninvolved13 for13 so13 long13 Wersquove13 forgoen13 how13 to13 act13 and13 be13 engaged
One13 more13 thing13 EducaFon13 and13 Community13 intersect13 in13 a13 big13 way13 Where13 community13 involvement13 and13 educaFon13 are13 low13 the13 odds13
of13 extremism13 gangs13 and13 terrorisFc13 organizaFons13 more13 than13 quadruple
helliphad there been a little more education and community capacity
the extremism would have been stopped in its tracks
This13 was13 brought13 home13 to13 me13 during13 visits13 to13 Cambodia13 over13 the13 years13 Every13 Fme13 I13 go13 make13 a13 pilgrimage13 to13 the13 infamous13 Killing13 Fields13 near13 Phom13 Penh13 At13 their13 naFonal13 Genocide13 Museum13 are13 thousands13 of13 photos13 of13 the13 vicFms13 You13 see13 a13 fracFon13 of13 them13
here13 behind13 me13 But13 of13 all13 of13 these13 -shy‐13 one13 haunts13 me13 I13 bring13 her13 flowers13 every13 year13 I13 donrsquot13 know13 her13 name13
17
No13 one13 does13 But13 I13 canrsquot13 forget13 her13 eyes13 I13 canrsquot13 forget13 that13 had13 there13 been13 a13 lile13 more13 educaFon13 and13 community13 capacity13 the13 extremism13 would13 have13 been13 stopped13 in13 its13 tracks13 She13 and13 several13 million13 other13 Cambodians13 would13 be13 with13 us13 today13 The13 same13 is13 true13 in13 Germany13 Rwanda13 Bosnia13 ArgenFna13 and13 elsewhere13 13 We13 owe13 it13 to13 her13 and13 the13 countless13 others13 to13 build13 strong13 educated13 communiFes13 that13 will13 ensure13 extremism13 does13 not13 take13 root13 and13 run13 rampant
If13 nothing13 else13 remember13 this13 Community13 builds13 capacity13 It13 provides13 structure13 and13 social13 supports13 builds13 empathy13 and13 understanding13 and13 provides13 the13 basis13 for13 acFon13 and13 acFvism13 It13 protects13 against13 poverty13 extremism13 and13 chaos
The13 importance13 and13 central13 role13 of13 community13 will13 be13 the13 other13 cornerstone13 of13 our13 work13 and13 was13 the13 second13 thing13 I13 wanted13 to13 share13 with13 you
18
CHAPTER13 4
Transforming the World Through the UNESCO Chairs Program Wersquove13 been13 looking13 forward13 this13 is13 a13 day13 for13 years13 Because13 every13 now13 and13 then13 an13 opportunity13 comes13 along13 that13 just13 changes13 everything13 Wersquove13 been13 working13 really13 really13
hard13 and13 have13 lots13 of13 plans13 that13 are13 ready13 to13 launch13 I13 want13 to13 share13 three13 of13 them13 that13 we13 are13 really13 excited13 about13 They13 really13 are13 amazing13 and13 beauFful13 creaFons
First13 is13 the13 UNTWIN13 Network13 on13 Youth13 and13 Community13 Development13
With13 this13 we13 reinvent13 the13 idea13 of13 global13 partnerships13 and13 collaboraFon13 UNITWIN13 are13 the13 UN13 university13 twining13 and13 partnership13 networks13 They13 open13 up13 all13 kinds13 of13 opportuniFes13 for13 rapid13 research13 and13 acFon13 and13 funding13 While13 UNESCO13 Chairs13 are13 rare13 UNITWIN13 networks13 are13 even13 more13 so13 13 Only13 two13 exist13 in13 the13 US13 We13 got13 the13 go13 ahead13 from13 UNESCO13 to13 start13 developing13 number13 three13 However13 ours13 will13 be13 unmatched13 in13 size13 scope13 and13 impact
6 continents
9 geographic regions
35 partner institutions
Thousands of youth
Three UNESCO Chairs
It13 will13 cover13 613 conFnents13 913 geographic13 regions13 3513 partner13 insFtuFons13 (and13 growing13 weekly)13 thousands13 of13 youth13 and13 three13 UNESCO13 Chairs13 This13 will13 allow13 for13 immediate13 research13 program13 development13 and13 educaFonal13 program13 delivery
hellipa common framework of Community Capacity Building
Youth Development and Conflict Mitigationhellip
The13 network13 will13 be13 led13 by13 three13 UNESCO13 Chairs13 at13 three13 interrelated13 mulFdisciplinary13
20
centers13 the13 Child13 and13 Family13 Research13 Centre13 (NUI13 Galway)13 UNESCO13 Centre13 for13 Research13 on13 Children13 and13 Youth13 (University13 of13 Ulster)13 and13 the13 planned13 UNESCO13 InsAtute13 for13 G lobal13 Humanitar ian13 Development13 (Penn13 State)13 The13 three13 bring13 together13 nearly13 20013 of13 the13 worldrsquos13 best13 researchers13 teachers13 and13 program13 developers
The13 network13 will13 have13 a13 common13 framework13 of13 Community13 Capacity13 Building13 Youth13 Development13 and13 Conflict13 MiFgaFon13 but13 will13 pursue13 specialized13 projects13 on13 health13 and13 well-shy‐being13 educaFon13 and13 literacy13 social13 and13 economic13 development13 the13 physical13 sciences13 agricultural13 development13 civil13 engineering13 and13 many13 other13 areas13 as13 they13 emerge13 We13 will13 be13 able13 to13 conduct13
internaFonal13 comparaFve13 research13 design13 programs13 and13 deliver13 them13 worldwide13 in13 a13 maer13 of13 months13 -shy‐13 not13 years13 as13 is13 oen13 the13 case13 Think13 of13 the13 potenFal
With13 not13 much13 work13 we13 can13 reach13 1000013 kids13 and13 100013 communiFes13 in13 the13 next13 few13 years13 1000013 kids13 and13 communiFes13 who13 see13 a13 brighter13 future13 are13 contribuFng13 members13 of13 society13 lead13 producFve13 and13 safe13 lives13 and13 take13 on13 ownership13 of13 local13 life13 With13 your13 help13 and13 some13 hard13 work13 we13 can13 triple13 the13 number13 of13 youth13 and13 communiFes13 we13 can13 reach
UNITWIN13 goes13 live13 in13 April13 Itrsquos13 already13 growing13 beyond13 our13 control13 Itrsquos13 a13 game13 changer13 and13 once13 in13 a13 lifeFme13 opportunity13 13 Itrsquos13 going13 to13 be13 our13 legacy13 and13 we13 have13 a13 seat13 at13 the13 table13 for13 you
21
The13 second13 big13 item13 focuses13 on13 idenAfying13 the13 best13 pracAces13 for13 youth13 and13 community13 developmenthellipworldwide
Today13 we13 redefine13 global13 comparaFve13 research13 There13 are13 lots13 of13 people13 doing13 great13 and13 effecFve13 work13 worldwide13 We13 are13 going13 to13 begin13 a13 long-shy‐term13 research13 program13 to13 idenFfy13 these13 best13 pracFces13 in13 all13 locaFons13 but13 with13 a13 strong13 focus13 on13 rural13 areas
But13 you13 might13 ask13 why13 There13 is13 an13 increasing13 lsquoyouth13 bulgersquo13 that13 exists13 alongside13 a13 heavy13 dependence13 on13 agriculture13 in13 the13 developing13 world13 The13 UN13 has13 documented13 this13 with13 nearly13 half13 of13 the13 worldrsquos13 populaFon13 residing13 in13 rural13 areas
Over13 9013 of13 all13 rural13 residents13 live13 in13 less13 developed13 regions
Equally13 important13 almost13 a13 third13 of13 the13 world13 populalton13 is13 age13 1513 or13 younger13 and13 half13 are13 under13 age13 2513
8513 of13 all13 youth13 live13 in13 less13 developed13 countries
This13 reality13 creates13 an13 environment13 where13 the13 acltve13 engagement13 of13 communiltes13 is13 essenltal13 to13 future13 growth13 and13 development
Another13 really13 cool13 part13 of13 this13 research13 focuses13 on13 building13 partnerships13 We13 work13 to13 build13 capacity13 and13 partnerships13 through13 North-shy‐South13 and13 South-shy‐South13 partnerships13 that13 shape13 regional13 capacity13 We13 re13 already13 seeing13 great13 things13 such13 as13 in13 Kenya13 and13 Zambia13 where13 we13 have13 linked13 programs13 that13 are13 working13 together13 like13 crazy
Through13 the13 UNESCO13 Chair13 program13 we13 will13 link13 organizaFons13 in13 2513 countries13 to13 share13 resources13 best13 pracFces13 and13 experFse13
22
create13 a13 dynamic13 series13 of13 partnerships13 in13 the13 Global13 South13 and13 form13 a13 community13 of13 naFons13 focused13 on13 youth13 and13 development13 of13 civil13 society
T h i r d 13 i s13 ou r13 G l oba l13 Edu caAona l13 Programming
Today13 we13 revoluFonize13 global13 educaFon13 13 We13 are13 planning13 a13 global13 educaFonal13 program13 focusing13 on13 leadership13 and13 community13 building13 across13 the13 life13 span13 13 Included13 are13 courses13 in13 leadership13 skills13 c o m m u n i t y13 c a p a c i t y13 b u i l d i n g 13 entrepreneurship13 and13 small13 business13 development13 posiFve13 youth13 development13 conflict13 miFgaFon13 and13 many13 others13 areas
Penn13 State13 is13 a13 leader13 in13 distance13 educaFon13 13 It13 recently13 dedicated13 major13 resources13 to13 MOOCs13 Massive13 Open13 Online13 Courses13 13
What13 this13 means13 is13 if13 a13 ciFzen13 of13 this13 planet13 has13 access13 to13 the13 internet13 to13 an13 internet13 cafeacute13 or13 even13 a13 cell13 phone13 they13 will13 be13 provided13 with13 Col lege13 courses13 and13 instrucFonal13 materials
Yoursquore13 asking13 how13 much13 will13 these13 cost13 right13 Thatrsquos13 a13 great13 quesFon13 How13 does13 free13 sound13 Wersquove13 got13 it13 covered13 All13 we13 ask13 is13 that13 you13 take13 the13 knowledge13 and13 skills13 and13 use13 them13 to13 make13 life13 beer13 The13 best13 courses13 in13 the13 world13 taught13 by13 the13 best13 faculty13 Free13 of13 charge13
Distributed13 through13 Penn13 State13 and13 the13 global13 UNESCO13 network13 If13 people13 need13 more13 than13 the13 basic13 knowledge13 base13 we13 can13 do13 that13 too13 CerFficates13 and13 even13 degree13 programs13 at13 all13 levels13 with13 costs13 to13 be13 covered13 by13 foundaFons13 and13 internaFonal13
23
development13 agencies13 Just13 think13 of13 the13 potenFals13 for13 primary13 and13 secondary13 schools13 and13 for13 educators13 in13 the13 developing13 world13 13 Think13 of13 the13 life13 changing13 impacts13 for13 a13 young13 girl13 in13 rural13 Zambia13 a13 street13 child13 in13 Kenya13 and13 a13 young13 farm13 worker13 in13 Cambodia13 Itrsquos13 beyond13 belief13 and13 uerly13 amazing13 13 It13 changes13 everything
So13 those13 are13 three13 of13 the13 big13 things13 that13 are13 happening13 now13 We13 have13 lots13 more13 in13 the13 works13 and13 ready13 to13 launch13 These13 and13 other13 efforts13 will13 help13 us13 realize13 our13 dreams13 of13 a13 beer13 world13 Come13 be13 part13 of13 all13 of13 these13 13 We13 can13 pick13 some13 great13 fights13 together13 I13 promise13 itrsquoll13 be13 awesome13 and13 wersquoll13 do13 miraculous13 things
The key to this is you
Be13 Part13 of13 the13 Journey
We13 WILL13 do13 all13 of13 the13 things13 I13 menFoned13 13 And13 much13 much13 more13 The13 key13 to13 this13 is13 you13 13 Yoursquove13 been13 asked13 to13 be13 here13 today13 because13 we13 know13 you13 will13 fight13 for13 social13 jusFce13 We13 need13 you13 to13 help13 us13 raise13 awareness13 to13 help13 develop13 programs13 and13 research13 and13 help13 us13 find13 funding13 to13 ensure13 this13 is13 a13 reality
If13 you13 think13 about13 it13 there13 is13 no13 beer13 place13 than13 here13 to13 begin13 our13 journey13 Lest13 we13 forget13 we13 are13 in13 Pennsylvania13 This13 place13 that13 saw13 the13 birth13 of13 the13 Molly13 McGuires13 the13 original13 union13 movements13 and13 the13 knights13 of13 labor13 It13 was13 where13 Milton13 Eisenhower13 dreamed13 of13 the
If13 you13 think13 about13 it13 there13 is13 no13 beer13 place13 than13 here13 to13 begin13 our13 journey13 Lest13 we13 forget13 we13 are13 in13 Pennsylvania13 This13 place13 that13
24
saw13 the13 birth13 of13 the13 Molly13 McGuires13 the13 original13 union13 movements13 and13 the13 knights13 of13 labor13 It13 was13 where13 Milton13 Eisenhower13 dreamed13 of13 the13 potenFals13 of13 UNESCO13 13 Where13 Benjamin13 Franklin13 found13 the13 Pennsylvania13 AboliFonist13 Society13 seeking13 to13 end13 slavery13 Where13 our13 founding13 fathers13 conceived13 more13 than13 a13 naFon13 but13 the13 idea13 of13 L ife13 L iberty13 and13 the13 pursuit13 of13 Happiness-shy‐-shy‐-shy‐not13 just13 for13 us13 but13 for13 our13 fellow13 ciFzens13 of13 the13 world13 All13 of13 these13 people13 have13 passed13 the13 torch13 to13 us13 today13 13 Let13 us13 make13 them13 proud13 in13 conFnuing13 their13 quest13 for13 social13 jusFce13 for13 equality13 and13 for13 creaFng13 a13 beer13 world
Now13 is13 our13 moment13 13 Of13 all13 the13 opportuniFes13 out13 there13 none13 have13 greater13 potenFal13 for13 immediate13 and13 long13 term13 impacts13 than13
e du caFon 13 t h e13 t r a n s fo rmaFon13 o f13 communiFes13 empowerment13 of13 the13 excluded13 and13 the13 posiFve13 development13 of13 youth13 None13 Absolutely13 none
Now13 I13 know13 we13 hear13 inspiraFonal13 speeches13 a13 lot13 We13 are13 always13 being13 asked13 to13 open13 our13 hearts13 and13 then13 our13 checkbooks13 3But13 this13 is13 different13 We13 have13 never13 before13 had13 such13 structures13 partners13 and13 resources13 to13 make13 our13 dreams13 a13 reality
hellipthere will be those outside that will tell us that the world is too big
too corrupthellip
I13 know13 we13 are13 all13 Fred13 overworked13 and13 maybe13 a13 bit13 cynical13 of13 all13 this13 I13 know13 there13 will13 be13 those13 outside13 of13 here13 that13 will13 tell13 us13 that13 the13 world13 is13 too13 big13 too13 corrupt13 that13 the13 vicFms13 deserve13 their13 low13 lots13 in13 life13 and13
25
that13 maybe13 for13 the13 sake13 of13 our13 careers13 we13 really13 should13 look13 busy13 while13 doing13 nothing13 But13 Irsquom13 asking13 you13 today13 to13 try13 one13 more13 Fme13 Take13 one13 more13 leap13 of13 faith13 I13 promise13 we13 wonrsquot13 let13 you13 down13 I13 promise13 that13 wersquoll13 be13 part13 of13 something13 legendary13 together
Nonetheless13 as13 you13 quesFon13 our13 ability13 to13 really13 change13 the13 world13 I13 would13 simply13 ask13 you13 to13 remember13 back13 to13 our13 younger13 days13 when13 we13 were13 absolutely13 certain13 that13 we13 could13 do13 it13 13 We13 were13 right13 13 You13 were13 right13 13 You13 were13 right13 and13 your13 dreams13 are13 sFll13 out13 there
I13 want13 to13 share13 one13 last13 story13 13 I13 recently13 read13 a13 wonderful13 essay13 by13 Joseph13 Laplin13 looking13 back13 on13 the13 55th13 Anniversary13 of13 Jack13 Kerouacrsquos13 legendary13 novel13 On13 the13 Road13 13 This13 was13 a13 novel13 that13 sent13 many13 young13 people13
(including13 myself)13 out13 on13 that13 road13 of13 discovery13 in13 search13 of13 the13 limitless13 possibiliFes13 beyond13 our13 hometowns13 13 A13 book13 that13 mandated13 the13 quesFoning13 authority13 the13 quesFoning13 of13 social13 convenFons13 and13 the13 challenging13 of13 the13 moral13 blinds13 spots13 of13 our13 age13 For13 me13 this13 book13 was13 magical
Laplinrsquos13 essay13 took13 aim13 at13 those13 of13 us13 who13 have13 grown13 up13 become13 established13 and13 think13 wersquove13 grown13 wiser13 Especially13 those13 of13 us13 who13 now13 dismiss13 Kerouac13 and13 this13 novel13 that13 once13 inspired13 us13 as13 idealisFc13 childish13 and13 ridiculously13 naiumlve13 in13 its13 call13 for13 social13 change13 But13 Laplin13 had13 a13 wonderfully13 reacFon13 to13 such13 people13 Here13 is13 what13 he13 said
ldquoPerhaps13 these13 people13 never13 took13 to13 or13 went13 back13 on13 the13 road13 -shy‐13 due13 to13 fear13 or13 family13 -shy‐13 and13
26
therefore13 can13 no13 longer13 revisit13 Kerouacrsquos13 work13 Perhaps13 itrsquos13 hard13 to13 even13 look13 at13 his13 wriltng13 because13 readers13 are13 actually13 looking13 at13 themselves13 And13 itrsquos13 easier13 to13 say13 well13 Kerouacrsquos13 naive13 than13 to13 say13 I13 missed13 out13 on13 something13 Maybe13 some13 readers13 have13 given13 up13 on13 the13 search13 for13 beauty13 and13 spirituality13 or13 realized13 that13 theyrsquore13 not13 one13 of13 those13 people13 who13 lsquoburn13 burn13 burn13 like13 fabulous13 yellow13 roman13 candlesrsquo13 and13 that13 knowledge13 is13 painfulrdquo
I13 want13 to13 state13 it13 again13 You13 were13 right13 when13 you13 once13 thought13 we13 would13 change13 the13 world13 And13 you13 are13 sFll13 right13 Your13 dreams13 of13 a13 fair13 equal13 and13 just13 world13 are13 sFll13 out13 there13 and13 together13 we13 will13 reclaim13 them13 and13 make13 them13 a13 reality
hellipin the not too distant future you can put your children and
grandchildren on your knee and tell them about once upon a time
I13 say13 this13 not13 to13 preach13 to13 you13 or13 guilt13 you13 into13 acFon13 I13 just13 want13 to13 put13 it13 into13 perspecFve13 and13 ask13 you13 to13 be13 part13 of13 this13 journey13 If13 we13 live13 up13 to13 our13 ideals13 and13 commitments13 in13 the13 not13 too13 distant13 future13 you13 can13 put13 your13 children13 and13 grandchildren13 on13 your13 knee13 and13 tell13 them13 about13 once13 upon13 a13 Fme13 Once13 upon13 a13 Fme13 when13 educaFon13 was13 only13 for13 the13 privileged13 few13 When13 women13 were13 treated13 as13 second13 class13 ciFzens13 When13 injusFce13 and13 inequality13 were13 the13 standard13 And13 when13 communiFes13 were13 constantly13 trampled13 on13 by13 outside13 interests13 Most13 importantly13 you13 can13 tell13 them13 that13 you13 were13 part13 of13 fixing13 it13 That13 the13 world13 is13 a13 far13 beer13 place13 because13 of13 what13 we13 did13 That13
27
they13 have13 a13 great13 bright13 future13 because13 of13 our13 bold13 efforts13 that13 began13 today13 With13 such13 potenFals13 and13 possibiliFes13 at13 hand13 how13 can13 we13 ever13 explain13 to13 them13 our13 inacFon13 or13 how13 we13 stood13 by13 and13 let13 appalling13 things13 conFnue
As13 we13 close13 I13 want13 to13 ask13 a13 few13 final13 quesFons13 There13 are13 many13 places13 to13 put13 your13 efforts
But13 if13 not13 the13 thousands13 of13 communiAes13 we13 can13 help13 then13 where
If13 not13 the13 billions13 of13 young13 people13 we13 can13 empower13 to13 have13 beMer13 lives13 then13 who
And13 if13 now13 is13 not13 the13 Ame13 for13 bold13 daring13 and13 nearly13 miraculous13 acAons13 then13 when
hellipthe honor is only eclipsed by the responsibility this opportunity
brings with it
If13 you13 need13 proof13 of13 miracles13 than13 look13 no13 further13 than13 this13 stage13 Here13 you13 have13 a13 former13 (or13 perhaps13 not13 so13 former)13 punk13 from13 rural13 Pennsylvania13 of13 Irish13 descent13 standing13 before13 you13 accepFng13 one13 of13 our13 greatest13 honors13 Itrsquos13 absolutely13 humbling13 And13 the13 honor13 is13 only13 eclipsed13 by13 the13 responsibility13 this13 opportunity13 brings13 with13 it13 But13 itrsquos13 not13 inFmidaFng13 Not13 at13 all13 Because13 I13 know13 WE13 are13 in13 this13 together13 And13 for13 all13 of13 this13 I13 will13 be13 forever13 grateful13 to13 you13 for13 sharing13 this13 wonderful13 day13 and13 being13 part13 of13 this13 journey13 that13 will13 transform13 the13 world
Thank13 you13 all13 very13 very13 much
28
CHAPTER13 5
Contact USConnect13 with13 us13 on13 social13 media
unescochairpennstate
unescochairpsu
unescochairpsu
Call13 Write13 or13 Visit
Dr13 Mark13 Brennan204C13 Ferguson13 BuildingUniversity13 Park13 PA13 16802Phone13 1-shy‐814-shy‐863-shy‐0387Email13 unescochairpsueduWeb13 wwwunescochairpsuedu
UNESCO Chair in Rural Community
Leadership and Youth Development
The Pennsylvania State University
United Nations
(GXFDWLRQDO6FLHQWLiquestFDQGCultural Organization
As13 groups13 and13 residents13 interact13 what13 has13 come13 to13 be13 known13 as13 community13 agency13 emerges13 Agency13 highlights13 the13 fact13 that13
engagement13 has13 power13 It13 shows13 that13 local13 people13 working13 together13 have13 the13 power13 to13 transform13 and13 change13 society13 13 When13 they13 do13 this13 community13 can13 emerge
I13 want13 to13 stress13 this13 is13 a13 process13 though13 13 Community13 is13 not13 a13 given13 State13 College13 will13 always13 be13 on13 a13 map13 But13 the13 connecFon13 between13 people13 that13 makes13 this13 place13 so13 special13 may13 not13 unless13 we13 work13 at13 it13 Keep13 in13 mind13 that13 community13 is13 a13 variable13 Our13 locality13 is13 always13 changing13 with13 people13 coming13 and13 going13 all13 the13 Fmes13 We13 need13 to13 constantly13 be13 working13 to13 maintain13 our13 connecFon13 to13 it13 and13 welcome13 in13 new13 people13 to13 be13 part13 of13 it13 When13 we13 stop13 interacFng13 communicaFng13 and13 being13 inclusive13 it13 simply13 -shy‐13 and13 quickly13 disappears13 But13 if13 developed13 community13 results13 in13 amazing13 things13 here13 and13 abroad
Let13 me13 give13 you13 some13 examples
Civically13 engaged13 youth13 are13 2213 more13 likely
16
to13 graduate13 from13 college13 than13 those13 that13 did13 not
Civically13 engaged13 youth13 are13 413 ltmes13 less13 likely13 to13 exhibit13 ldquorisky13 behaviorrdquo13 such13 as13 drug13 use13 and13 other13 dangerous13 behaviors13
Youth13 are13 813 ltmes13 more13 likely13 to13 believe13 that13 can13 influence13 decision13 making13 if13 they13 are13 civically13 engaged
This13 is13 important13 The13 fact13 of13 the13 maer13 is13 that13 there13 are13 very13 few13 obstacles13 to13 us13 changing13 the13 world13 Wersquove13 just13 convinced13 ourselves13 that13 we13 canrsquot13 make13 a13 difference13 and13 shouldnrsquot13 act13 This13 is13 largely13 because13 wersquove13 been13 uninvolved13 for13 so13 long13 Wersquove13 forgoen13 how13 to13 act13 and13 be13 engaged
One13 more13 thing13 EducaFon13 and13 Community13 intersect13 in13 a13 big13 way13 Where13 community13 involvement13 and13 educaFon13 are13 low13 the13 odds13
of13 extremism13 gangs13 and13 terrorisFc13 organizaFons13 more13 than13 quadruple
helliphad there been a little more education and community capacity
the extremism would have been stopped in its tracks
This13 was13 brought13 home13 to13 me13 during13 visits13 to13 Cambodia13 over13 the13 years13 Every13 Fme13 I13 go13 make13 a13 pilgrimage13 to13 the13 infamous13 Killing13 Fields13 near13 Phom13 Penh13 At13 their13 naFonal13 Genocide13 Museum13 are13 thousands13 of13 photos13 of13 the13 vicFms13 You13 see13 a13 fracFon13 of13 them13
here13 behind13 me13 But13 of13 all13 of13 these13 -shy‐13 one13 haunts13 me13 I13 bring13 her13 flowers13 every13 year13 I13 donrsquot13 know13 her13 name13
17
No13 one13 does13 But13 I13 canrsquot13 forget13 her13 eyes13 I13 canrsquot13 forget13 that13 had13 there13 been13 a13 lile13 more13 educaFon13 and13 community13 capacity13 the13 extremism13 would13 have13 been13 stopped13 in13 its13 tracks13 She13 and13 several13 million13 other13 Cambodians13 would13 be13 with13 us13 today13 The13 same13 is13 true13 in13 Germany13 Rwanda13 Bosnia13 ArgenFna13 and13 elsewhere13 13 We13 owe13 it13 to13 her13 and13 the13 countless13 others13 to13 build13 strong13 educated13 communiFes13 that13 will13 ensure13 extremism13 does13 not13 take13 root13 and13 run13 rampant
If13 nothing13 else13 remember13 this13 Community13 builds13 capacity13 It13 provides13 structure13 and13 social13 supports13 builds13 empathy13 and13 understanding13 and13 provides13 the13 basis13 for13 acFon13 and13 acFvism13 It13 protects13 against13 poverty13 extremism13 and13 chaos
The13 importance13 and13 central13 role13 of13 community13 will13 be13 the13 other13 cornerstone13 of13 our13 work13 and13 was13 the13 second13 thing13 I13 wanted13 to13 share13 with13 you
18
CHAPTER13 4
Transforming the World Through the UNESCO Chairs Program Wersquove13 been13 looking13 forward13 this13 is13 a13 day13 for13 years13 Because13 every13 now13 and13 then13 an13 opportunity13 comes13 along13 that13 just13 changes13 everything13 Wersquove13 been13 working13 really13 really13
hard13 and13 have13 lots13 of13 plans13 that13 are13 ready13 to13 launch13 I13 want13 to13 share13 three13 of13 them13 that13 we13 are13 really13 excited13 about13 They13 really13 are13 amazing13 and13 beauFful13 creaFons
First13 is13 the13 UNTWIN13 Network13 on13 Youth13 and13 Community13 Development13
With13 this13 we13 reinvent13 the13 idea13 of13 global13 partnerships13 and13 collaboraFon13 UNITWIN13 are13 the13 UN13 university13 twining13 and13 partnership13 networks13 They13 open13 up13 all13 kinds13 of13 opportuniFes13 for13 rapid13 research13 and13 acFon13 and13 funding13 While13 UNESCO13 Chairs13 are13 rare13 UNITWIN13 networks13 are13 even13 more13 so13 13 Only13 two13 exist13 in13 the13 US13 We13 got13 the13 go13 ahead13 from13 UNESCO13 to13 start13 developing13 number13 three13 However13 ours13 will13 be13 unmatched13 in13 size13 scope13 and13 impact
6 continents
9 geographic regions
35 partner institutions
Thousands of youth
Three UNESCO Chairs
It13 will13 cover13 613 conFnents13 913 geographic13 regions13 3513 partner13 insFtuFons13 (and13 growing13 weekly)13 thousands13 of13 youth13 and13 three13 UNESCO13 Chairs13 This13 will13 allow13 for13 immediate13 research13 program13 development13 and13 educaFonal13 program13 delivery
hellipa common framework of Community Capacity Building
Youth Development and Conflict Mitigationhellip
The13 network13 will13 be13 led13 by13 three13 UNESCO13 Chairs13 at13 three13 interrelated13 mulFdisciplinary13
20
centers13 the13 Child13 and13 Family13 Research13 Centre13 (NUI13 Galway)13 UNESCO13 Centre13 for13 Research13 on13 Children13 and13 Youth13 (University13 of13 Ulster)13 and13 the13 planned13 UNESCO13 InsAtute13 for13 G lobal13 Humanitar ian13 Development13 (Penn13 State)13 The13 three13 bring13 together13 nearly13 20013 of13 the13 worldrsquos13 best13 researchers13 teachers13 and13 program13 developers
The13 network13 will13 have13 a13 common13 framework13 of13 Community13 Capacity13 Building13 Youth13 Development13 and13 Conflict13 MiFgaFon13 but13 will13 pursue13 specialized13 projects13 on13 health13 and13 well-shy‐being13 educaFon13 and13 literacy13 social13 and13 economic13 development13 the13 physical13 sciences13 agricultural13 development13 civil13 engineering13 and13 many13 other13 areas13 as13 they13 emerge13 We13 will13 be13 able13 to13 conduct13
internaFonal13 comparaFve13 research13 design13 programs13 and13 deliver13 them13 worldwide13 in13 a13 maer13 of13 months13 -shy‐13 not13 years13 as13 is13 oen13 the13 case13 Think13 of13 the13 potenFal
With13 not13 much13 work13 we13 can13 reach13 1000013 kids13 and13 100013 communiFes13 in13 the13 next13 few13 years13 1000013 kids13 and13 communiFes13 who13 see13 a13 brighter13 future13 are13 contribuFng13 members13 of13 society13 lead13 producFve13 and13 safe13 lives13 and13 take13 on13 ownership13 of13 local13 life13 With13 your13 help13 and13 some13 hard13 work13 we13 can13 triple13 the13 number13 of13 youth13 and13 communiFes13 we13 can13 reach
UNITWIN13 goes13 live13 in13 April13 Itrsquos13 already13 growing13 beyond13 our13 control13 Itrsquos13 a13 game13 changer13 and13 once13 in13 a13 lifeFme13 opportunity13 13 Itrsquos13 going13 to13 be13 our13 legacy13 and13 we13 have13 a13 seat13 at13 the13 table13 for13 you
21
The13 second13 big13 item13 focuses13 on13 idenAfying13 the13 best13 pracAces13 for13 youth13 and13 community13 developmenthellipworldwide
Today13 we13 redefine13 global13 comparaFve13 research13 There13 are13 lots13 of13 people13 doing13 great13 and13 effecFve13 work13 worldwide13 We13 are13 going13 to13 begin13 a13 long-shy‐term13 research13 program13 to13 idenFfy13 these13 best13 pracFces13 in13 all13 locaFons13 but13 with13 a13 strong13 focus13 on13 rural13 areas
But13 you13 might13 ask13 why13 There13 is13 an13 increasing13 lsquoyouth13 bulgersquo13 that13 exists13 alongside13 a13 heavy13 dependence13 on13 agriculture13 in13 the13 developing13 world13 The13 UN13 has13 documented13 this13 with13 nearly13 half13 of13 the13 worldrsquos13 populaFon13 residing13 in13 rural13 areas
Over13 9013 of13 all13 rural13 residents13 live13 in13 less13 developed13 regions
Equally13 important13 almost13 a13 third13 of13 the13 world13 populalton13 is13 age13 1513 or13 younger13 and13 half13 are13 under13 age13 2513
8513 of13 all13 youth13 live13 in13 less13 developed13 countries
This13 reality13 creates13 an13 environment13 where13 the13 acltve13 engagement13 of13 communiltes13 is13 essenltal13 to13 future13 growth13 and13 development
Another13 really13 cool13 part13 of13 this13 research13 focuses13 on13 building13 partnerships13 We13 work13 to13 build13 capacity13 and13 partnerships13 through13 North-shy‐South13 and13 South-shy‐South13 partnerships13 that13 shape13 regional13 capacity13 We13 re13 already13 seeing13 great13 things13 such13 as13 in13 Kenya13 and13 Zambia13 where13 we13 have13 linked13 programs13 that13 are13 working13 together13 like13 crazy
Through13 the13 UNESCO13 Chair13 program13 we13 will13 link13 organizaFons13 in13 2513 countries13 to13 share13 resources13 best13 pracFces13 and13 experFse13
22
create13 a13 dynamic13 series13 of13 partnerships13 in13 the13 Global13 South13 and13 form13 a13 community13 of13 naFons13 focused13 on13 youth13 and13 development13 of13 civil13 society
T h i r d 13 i s13 ou r13 G l oba l13 Edu caAona l13 Programming
Today13 we13 revoluFonize13 global13 educaFon13 13 We13 are13 planning13 a13 global13 educaFonal13 program13 focusing13 on13 leadership13 and13 community13 building13 across13 the13 life13 span13 13 Included13 are13 courses13 in13 leadership13 skills13 c o m m u n i t y13 c a p a c i t y13 b u i l d i n g 13 entrepreneurship13 and13 small13 business13 development13 posiFve13 youth13 development13 conflict13 miFgaFon13 and13 many13 others13 areas
Penn13 State13 is13 a13 leader13 in13 distance13 educaFon13 13 It13 recently13 dedicated13 major13 resources13 to13 MOOCs13 Massive13 Open13 Online13 Courses13 13
What13 this13 means13 is13 if13 a13 ciFzen13 of13 this13 planet13 has13 access13 to13 the13 internet13 to13 an13 internet13 cafeacute13 or13 even13 a13 cell13 phone13 they13 will13 be13 provided13 with13 Col lege13 courses13 and13 instrucFonal13 materials
Yoursquore13 asking13 how13 much13 will13 these13 cost13 right13 Thatrsquos13 a13 great13 quesFon13 How13 does13 free13 sound13 Wersquove13 got13 it13 covered13 All13 we13 ask13 is13 that13 you13 take13 the13 knowledge13 and13 skills13 and13 use13 them13 to13 make13 life13 beer13 The13 best13 courses13 in13 the13 world13 taught13 by13 the13 best13 faculty13 Free13 of13 charge13
Distributed13 through13 Penn13 State13 and13 the13 global13 UNESCO13 network13 If13 people13 need13 more13 than13 the13 basic13 knowledge13 base13 we13 can13 do13 that13 too13 CerFficates13 and13 even13 degree13 programs13 at13 all13 levels13 with13 costs13 to13 be13 covered13 by13 foundaFons13 and13 internaFonal13
23
development13 agencies13 Just13 think13 of13 the13 potenFals13 for13 primary13 and13 secondary13 schools13 and13 for13 educators13 in13 the13 developing13 world13 13 Think13 of13 the13 life13 changing13 impacts13 for13 a13 young13 girl13 in13 rural13 Zambia13 a13 street13 child13 in13 Kenya13 and13 a13 young13 farm13 worker13 in13 Cambodia13 Itrsquos13 beyond13 belief13 and13 uerly13 amazing13 13 It13 changes13 everything
So13 those13 are13 three13 of13 the13 big13 things13 that13 are13 happening13 now13 We13 have13 lots13 more13 in13 the13 works13 and13 ready13 to13 launch13 These13 and13 other13 efforts13 will13 help13 us13 realize13 our13 dreams13 of13 a13 beer13 world13 Come13 be13 part13 of13 all13 of13 these13 13 We13 can13 pick13 some13 great13 fights13 together13 I13 promise13 itrsquoll13 be13 awesome13 and13 wersquoll13 do13 miraculous13 things
The key to this is you
Be13 Part13 of13 the13 Journey
We13 WILL13 do13 all13 of13 the13 things13 I13 menFoned13 13 And13 much13 much13 more13 The13 key13 to13 this13 is13 you13 13 Yoursquove13 been13 asked13 to13 be13 here13 today13 because13 we13 know13 you13 will13 fight13 for13 social13 jusFce13 We13 need13 you13 to13 help13 us13 raise13 awareness13 to13 help13 develop13 programs13 and13 research13 and13 help13 us13 find13 funding13 to13 ensure13 this13 is13 a13 reality
If13 you13 think13 about13 it13 there13 is13 no13 beer13 place13 than13 here13 to13 begin13 our13 journey13 Lest13 we13 forget13 we13 are13 in13 Pennsylvania13 This13 place13 that13 saw13 the13 birth13 of13 the13 Molly13 McGuires13 the13 original13 union13 movements13 and13 the13 knights13 of13 labor13 It13 was13 where13 Milton13 Eisenhower13 dreamed13 of13 the
If13 you13 think13 about13 it13 there13 is13 no13 beer13 place13 than13 here13 to13 begin13 our13 journey13 Lest13 we13 forget13 we13 are13 in13 Pennsylvania13 This13 place13 that13
24
saw13 the13 birth13 of13 the13 Molly13 McGuires13 the13 original13 union13 movements13 and13 the13 knights13 of13 labor13 It13 was13 where13 Milton13 Eisenhower13 dreamed13 of13 the13 potenFals13 of13 UNESCO13 13 Where13 Benjamin13 Franklin13 found13 the13 Pennsylvania13 AboliFonist13 Society13 seeking13 to13 end13 slavery13 Where13 our13 founding13 fathers13 conceived13 more13 than13 a13 naFon13 but13 the13 idea13 of13 L ife13 L iberty13 and13 the13 pursuit13 of13 Happiness-shy‐-shy‐-shy‐not13 just13 for13 us13 but13 for13 our13 fellow13 ciFzens13 of13 the13 world13 All13 of13 these13 people13 have13 passed13 the13 torch13 to13 us13 today13 13 Let13 us13 make13 them13 proud13 in13 conFnuing13 their13 quest13 for13 social13 jusFce13 for13 equality13 and13 for13 creaFng13 a13 beer13 world
Now13 is13 our13 moment13 13 Of13 all13 the13 opportuniFes13 out13 there13 none13 have13 greater13 potenFal13 for13 immediate13 and13 long13 term13 impacts13 than13
e du caFon 13 t h e13 t r a n s fo rmaFon13 o f13 communiFes13 empowerment13 of13 the13 excluded13 and13 the13 posiFve13 development13 of13 youth13 None13 Absolutely13 none
Now13 I13 know13 we13 hear13 inspiraFonal13 speeches13 a13 lot13 We13 are13 always13 being13 asked13 to13 open13 our13 hearts13 and13 then13 our13 checkbooks13 3But13 this13 is13 different13 We13 have13 never13 before13 had13 such13 structures13 partners13 and13 resources13 to13 make13 our13 dreams13 a13 reality
hellipthere will be those outside that will tell us that the world is too big
too corrupthellip
I13 know13 we13 are13 all13 Fred13 overworked13 and13 maybe13 a13 bit13 cynical13 of13 all13 this13 I13 know13 there13 will13 be13 those13 outside13 of13 here13 that13 will13 tell13 us13 that13 the13 world13 is13 too13 big13 too13 corrupt13 that13 the13 vicFms13 deserve13 their13 low13 lots13 in13 life13 and13
25
that13 maybe13 for13 the13 sake13 of13 our13 careers13 we13 really13 should13 look13 busy13 while13 doing13 nothing13 But13 Irsquom13 asking13 you13 today13 to13 try13 one13 more13 Fme13 Take13 one13 more13 leap13 of13 faith13 I13 promise13 we13 wonrsquot13 let13 you13 down13 I13 promise13 that13 wersquoll13 be13 part13 of13 something13 legendary13 together
Nonetheless13 as13 you13 quesFon13 our13 ability13 to13 really13 change13 the13 world13 I13 would13 simply13 ask13 you13 to13 remember13 back13 to13 our13 younger13 days13 when13 we13 were13 absolutely13 certain13 that13 we13 could13 do13 it13 13 We13 were13 right13 13 You13 were13 right13 13 You13 were13 right13 and13 your13 dreams13 are13 sFll13 out13 there
I13 want13 to13 share13 one13 last13 story13 13 I13 recently13 read13 a13 wonderful13 essay13 by13 Joseph13 Laplin13 looking13 back13 on13 the13 55th13 Anniversary13 of13 Jack13 Kerouacrsquos13 legendary13 novel13 On13 the13 Road13 13 This13 was13 a13 novel13 that13 sent13 many13 young13 people13
(including13 myself)13 out13 on13 that13 road13 of13 discovery13 in13 search13 of13 the13 limitless13 possibiliFes13 beyond13 our13 hometowns13 13 A13 book13 that13 mandated13 the13 quesFoning13 authority13 the13 quesFoning13 of13 social13 convenFons13 and13 the13 challenging13 of13 the13 moral13 blinds13 spots13 of13 our13 age13 For13 me13 this13 book13 was13 magical
Laplinrsquos13 essay13 took13 aim13 at13 those13 of13 us13 who13 have13 grown13 up13 become13 established13 and13 think13 wersquove13 grown13 wiser13 Especially13 those13 of13 us13 who13 now13 dismiss13 Kerouac13 and13 this13 novel13 that13 once13 inspired13 us13 as13 idealisFc13 childish13 and13 ridiculously13 naiumlve13 in13 its13 call13 for13 social13 change13 But13 Laplin13 had13 a13 wonderfully13 reacFon13 to13 such13 people13 Here13 is13 what13 he13 said
ldquoPerhaps13 these13 people13 never13 took13 to13 or13 went13 back13 on13 the13 road13 -shy‐13 due13 to13 fear13 or13 family13 -shy‐13 and13
26
therefore13 can13 no13 longer13 revisit13 Kerouacrsquos13 work13 Perhaps13 itrsquos13 hard13 to13 even13 look13 at13 his13 wriltng13 because13 readers13 are13 actually13 looking13 at13 themselves13 And13 itrsquos13 easier13 to13 say13 well13 Kerouacrsquos13 naive13 than13 to13 say13 I13 missed13 out13 on13 something13 Maybe13 some13 readers13 have13 given13 up13 on13 the13 search13 for13 beauty13 and13 spirituality13 or13 realized13 that13 theyrsquore13 not13 one13 of13 those13 people13 who13 lsquoburn13 burn13 burn13 like13 fabulous13 yellow13 roman13 candlesrsquo13 and13 that13 knowledge13 is13 painfulrdquo
I13 want13 to13 state13 it13 again13 You13 were13 right13 when13 you13 once13 thought13 we13 would13 change13 the13 world13 And13 you13 are13 sFll13 right13 Your13 dreams13 of13 a13 fair13 equal13 and13 just13 world13 are13 sFll13 out13 there13 and13 together13 we13 will13 reclaim13 them13 and13 make13 them13 a13 reality
hellipin the not too distant future you can put your children and
grandchildren on your knee and tell them about once upon a time
I13 say13 this13 not13 to13 preach13 to13 you13 or13 guilt13 you13 into13 acFon13 I13 just13 want13 to13 put13 it13 into13 perspecFve13 and13 ask13 you13 to13 be13 part13 of13 this13 journey13 If13 we13 live13 up13 to13 our13 ideals13 and13 commitments13 in13 the13 not13 too13 distant13 future13 you13 can13 put13 your13 children13 and13 grandchildren13 on13 your13 knee13 and13 tell13 them13 about13 once13 upon13 a13 Fme13 Once13 upon13 a13 Fme13 when13 educaFon13 was13 only13 for13 the13 privileged13 few13 When13 women13 were13 treated13 as13 second13 class13 ciFzens13 When13 injusFce13 and13 inequality13 were13 the13 standard13 And13 when13 communiFes13 were13 constantly13 trampled13 on13 by13 outside13 interests13 Most13 importantly13 you13 can13 tell13 them13 that13 you13 were13 part13 of13 fixing13 it13 That13 the13 world13 is13 a13 far13 beer13 place13 because13 of13 what13 we13 did13 That13
27
they13 have13 a13 great13 bright13 future13 because13 of13 our13 bold13 efforts13 that13 began13 today13 With13 such13 potenFals13 and13 possibiliFes13 at13 hand13 how13 can13 we13 ever13 explain13 to13 them13 our13 inacFon13 or13 how13 we13 stood13 by13 and13 let13 appalling13 things13 conFnue
As13 we13 close13 I13 want13 to13 ask13 a13 few13 final13 quesFons13 There13 are13 many13 places13 to13 put13 your13 efforts
But13 if13 not13 the13 thousands13 of13 communiAes13 we13 can13 help13 then13 where
If13 not13 the13 billions13 of13 young13 people13 we13 can13 empower13 to13 have13 beMer13 lives13 then13 who
And13 if13 now13 is13 not13 the13 Ame13 for13 bold13 daring13 and13 nearly13 miraculous13 acAons13 then13 when
hellipthe honor is only eclipsed by the responsibility this opportunity
brings with it
If13 you13 need13 proof13 of13 miracles13 than13 look13 no13 further13 than13 this13 stage13 Here13 you13 have13 a13 former13 (or13 perhaps13 not13 so13 former)13 punk13 from13 rural13 Pennsylvania13 of13 Irish13 descent13 standing13 before13 you13 accepFng13 one13 of13 our13 greatest13 honors13 Itrsquos13 absolutely13 humbling13 And13 the13 honor13 is13 only13 eclipsed13 by13 the13 responsibility13 this13 opportunity13 brings13 with13 it13 But13 itrsquos13 not13 inFmidaFng13 Not13 at13 all13 Because13 I13 know13 WE13 are13 in13 this13 together13 And13 for13 all13 of13 this13 I13 will13 be13 forever13 grateful13 to13 you13 for13 sharing13 this13 wonderful13 day13 and13 being13 part13 of13 this13 journey13 that13 will13 transform13 the13 world
Thank13 you13 all13 very13 very13 much
28
CHAPTER13 5
Contact USConnect13 with13 us13 on13 social13 media
unescochairpennstate
unescochairpsu
unescochairpsu
Call13 Write13 or13 Visit
Dr13 Mark13 Brennan204C13 Ferguson13 BuildingUniversity13 Park13 PA13 16802Phone13 1-shy‐814-shy‐863-shy‐0387Email13 unescochairpsueduWeb13 wwwunescochairpsuedu
UNESCO Chair in Rural Community
Leadership and Youth Development
The Pennsylvania State University
United Nations
(GXFDWLRQDO6FLHQWLiquestFDQGCultural Organization
to13 graduate13 from13 college13 than13 those13 that13 did13 not
Civically13 engaged13 youth13 are13 413 ltmes13 less13 likely13 to13 exhibit13 ldquorisky13 behaviorrdquo13 such13 as13 drug13 use13 and13 other13 dangerous13 behaviors13
Youth13 are13 813 ltmes13 more13 likely13 to13 believe13 that13 can13 influence13 decision13 making13 if13 they13 are13 civically13 engaged
This13 is13 important13 The13 fact13 of13 the13 maer13 is13 that13 there13 are13 very13 few13 obstacles13 to13 us13 changing13 the13 world13 Wersquove13 just13 convinced13 ourselves13 that13 we13 canrsquot13 make13 a13 difference13 and13 shouldnrsquot13 act13 This13 is13 largely13 because13 wersquove13 been13 uninvolved13 for13 so13 long13 Wersquove13 forgoen13 how13 to13 act13 and13 be13 engaged
One13 more13 thing13 EducaFon13 and13 Community13 intersect13 in13 a13 big13 way13 Where13 community13 involvement13 and13 educaFon13 are13 low13 the13 odds13
of13 extremism13 gangs13 and13 terrorisFc13 organizaFons13 more13 than13 quadruple
helliphad there been a little more education and community capacity
the extremism would have been stopped in its tracks
This13 was13 brought13 home13 to13 me13 during13 visits13 to13 Cambodia13 over13 the13 years13 Every13 Fme13 I13 go13 make13 a13 pilgrimage13 to13 the13 infamous13 Killing13 Fields13 near13 Phom13 Penh13 At13 their13 naFonal13 Genocide13 Museum13 are13 thousands13 of13 photos13 of13 the13 vicFms13 You13 see13 a13 fracFon13 of13 them13
here13 behind13 me13 But13 of13 all13 of13 these13 -shy‐13 one13 haunts13 me13 I13 bring13 her13 flowers13 every13 year13 I13 donrsquot13 know13 her13 name13
17
No13 one13 does13 But13 I13 canrsquot13 forget13 her13 eyes13 I13 canrsquot13 forget13 that13 had13 there13 been13 a13 lile13 more13 educaFon13 and13 community13 capacity13 the13 extremism13 would13 have13 been13 stopped13 in13 its13 tracks13 She13 and13 several13 million13 other13 Cambodians13 would13 be13 with13 us13 today13 The13 same13 is13 true13 in13 Germany13 Rwanda13 Bosnia13 ArgenFna13 and13 elsewhere13 13 We13 owe13 it13 to13 her13 and13 the13 countless13 others13 to13 build13 strong13 educated13 communiFes13 that13 will13 ensure13 extremism13 does13 not13 take13 root13 and13 run13 rampant
If13 nothing13 else13 remember13 this13 Community13 builds13 capacity13 It13 provides13 structure13 and13 social13 supports13 builds13 empathy13 and13 understanding13 and13 provides13 the13 basis13 for13 acFon13 and13 acFvism13 It13 protects13 against13 poverty13 extremism13 and13 chaos
The13 importance13 and13 central13 role13 of13 community13 will13 be13 the13 other13 cornerstone13 of13 our13 work13 and13 was13 the13 second13 thing13 I13 wanted13 to13 share13 with13 you
18
CHAPTER13 4
Transforming the World Through the UNESCO Chairs Program Wersquove13 been13 looking13 forward13 this13 is13 a13 day13 for13 years13 Because13 every13 now13 and13 then13 an13 opportunity13 comes13 along13 that13 just13 changes13 everything13 Wersquove13 been13 working13 really13 really13
hard13 and13 have13 lots13 of13 plans13 that13 are13 ready13 to13 launch13 I13 want13 to13 share13 three13 of13 them13 that13 we13 are13 really13 excited13 about13 They13 really13 are13 amazing13 and13 beauFful13 creaFons
First13 is13 the13 UNTWIN13 Network13 on13 Youth13 and13 Community13 Development13
With13 this13 we13 reinvent13 the13 idea13 of13 global13 partnerships13 and13 collaboraFon13 UNITWIN13 are13 the13 UN13 university13 twining13 and13 partnership13 networks13 They13 open13 up13 all13 kinds13 of13 opportuniFes13 for13 rapid13 research13 and13 acFon13 and13 funding13 While13 UNESCO13 Chairs13 are13 rare13 UNITWIN13 networks13 are13 even13 more13 so13 13 Only13 two13 exist13 in13 the13 US13 We13 got13 the13 go13 ahead13 from13 UNESCO13 to13 start13 developing13 number13 three13 However13 ours13 will13 be13 unmatched13 in13 size13 scope13 and13 impact
6 continents
9 geographic regions
35 partner institutions
Thousands of youth
Three UNESCO Chairs
It13 will13 cover13 613 conFnents13 913 geographic13 regions13 3513 partner13 insFtuFons13 (and13 growing13 weekly)13 thousands13 of13 youth13 and13 three13 UNESCO13 Chairs13 This13 will13 allow13 for13 immediate13 research13 program13 development13 and13 educaFonal13 program13 delivery
hellipa common framework of Community Capacity Building
Youth Development and Conflict Mitigationhellip
The13 network13 will13 be13 led13 by13 three13 UNESCO13 Chairs13 at13 three13 interrelated13 mulFdisciplinary13
20
centers13 the13 Child13 and13 Family13 Research13 Centre13 (NUI13 Galway)13 UNESCO13 Centre13 for13 Research13 on13 Children13 and13 Youth13 (University13 of13 Ulster)13 and13 the13 planned13 UNESCO13 InsAtute13 for13 G lobal13 Humanitar ian13 Development13 (Penn13 State)13 The13 three13 bring13 together13 nearly13 20013 of13 the13 worldrsquos13 best13 researchers13 teachers13 and13 program13 developers
The13 network13 will13 have13 a13 common13 framework13 of13 Community13 Capacity13 Building13 Youth13 Development13 and13 Conflict13 MiFgaFon13 but13 will13 pursue13 specialized13 projects13 on13 health13 and13 well-shy‐being13 educaFon13 and13 literacy13 social13 and13 economic13 development13 the13 physical13 sciences13 agricultural13 development13 civil13 engineering13 and13 many13 other13 areas13 as13 they13 emerge13 We13 will13 be13 able13 to13 conduct13
internaFonal13 comparaFve13 research13 design13 programs13 and13 deliver13 them13 worldwide13 in13 a13 maer13 of13 months13 -shy‐13 not13 years13 as13 is13 oen13 the13 case13 Think13 of13 the13 potenFal
With13 not13 much13 work13 we13 can13 reach13 1000013 kids13 and13 100013 communiFes13 in13 the13 next13 few13 years13 1000013 kids13 and13 communiFes13 who13 see13 a13 brighter13 future13 are13 contribuFng13 members13 of13 society13 lead13 producFve13 and13 safe13 lives13 and13 take13 on13 ownership13 of13 local13 life13 With13 your13 help13 and13 some13 hard13 work13 we13 can13 triple13 the13 number13 of13 youth13 and13 communiFes13 we13 can13 reach
UNITWIN13 goes13 live13 in13 April13 Itrsquos13 already13 growing13 beyond13 our13 control13 Itrsquos13 a13 game13 changer13 and13 once13 in13 a13 lifeFme13 opportunity13 13 Itrsquos13 going13 to13 be13 our13 legacy13 and13 we13 have13 a13 seat13 at13 the13 table13 for13 you
21
The13 second13 big13 item13 focuses13 on13 idenAfying13 the13 best13 pracAces13 for13 youth13 and13 community13 developmenthellipworldwide
Today13 we13 redefine13 global13 comparaFve13 research13 There13 are13 lots13 of13 people13 doing13 great13 and13 effecFve13 work13 worldwide13 We13 are13 going13 to13 begin13 a13 long-shy‐term13 research13 program13 to13 idenFfy13 these13 best13 pracFces13 in13 all13 locaFons13 but13 with13 a13 strong13 focus13 on13 rural13 areas
But13 you13 might13 ask13 why13 There13 is13 an13 increasing13 lsquoyouth13 bulgersquo13 that13 exists13 alongside13 a13 heavy13 dependence13 on13 agriculture13 in13 the13 developing13 world13 The13 UN13 has13 documented13 this13 with13 nearly13 half13 of13 the13 worldrsquos13 populaFon13 residing13 in13 rural13 areas
Over13 9013 of13 all13 rural13 residents13 live13 in13 less13 developed13 regions
Equally13 important13 almost13 a13 third13 of13 the13 world13 populalton13 is13 age13 1513 or13 younger13 and13 half13 are13 under13 age13 2513
8513 of13 all13 youth13 live13 in13 less13 developed13 countries
This13 reality13 creates13 an13 environment13 where13 the13 acltve13 engagement13 of13 communiltes13 is13 essenltal13 to13 future13 growth13 and13 development
Another13 really13 cool13 part13 of13 this13 research13 focuses13 on13 building13 partnerships13 We13 work13 to13 build13 capacity13 and13 partnerships13 through13 North-shy‐South13 and13 South-shy‐South13 partnerships13 that13 shape13 regional13 capacity13 We13 re13 already13 seeing13 great13 things13 such13 as13 in13 Kenya13 and13 Zambia13 where13 we13 have13 linked13 programs13 that13 are13 working13 together13 like13 crazy
Through13 the13 UNESCO13 Chair13 program13 we13 will13 link13 organizaFons13 in13 2513 countries13 to13 share13 resources13 best13 pracFces13 and13 experFse13
22
create13 a13 dynamic13 series13 of13 partnerships13 in13 the13 Global13 South13 and13 form13 a13 community13 of13 naFons13 focused13 on13 youth13 and13 development13 of13 civil13 society
T h i r d 13 i s13 ou r13 G l oba l13 Edu caAona l13 Programming
Today13 we13 revoluFonize13 global13 educaFon13 13 We13 are13 planning13 a13 global13 educaFonal13 program13 focusing13 on13 leadership13 and13 community13 building13 across13 the13 life13 span13 13 Included13 are13 courses13 in13 leadership13 skills13 c o m m u n i t y13 c a p a c i t y13 b u i l d i n g 13 entrepreneurship13 and13 small13 business13 development13 posiFve13 youth13 development13 conflict13 miFgaFon13 and13 many13 others13 areas
Penn13 State13 is13 a13 leader13 in13 distance13 educaFon13 13 It13 recently13 dedicated13 major13 resources13 to13 MOOCs13 Massive13 Open13 Online13 Courses13 13
What13 this13 means13 is13 if13 a13 ciFzen13 of13 this13 planet13 has13 access13 to13 the13 internet13 to13 an13 internet13 cafeacute13 or13 even13 a13 cell13 phone13 they13 will13 be13 provided13 with13 Col lege13 courses13 and13 instrucFonal13 materials
Yoursquore13 asking13 how13 much13 will13 these13 cost13 right13 Thatrsquos13 a13 great13 quesFon13 How13 does13 free13 sound13 Wersquove13 got13 it13 covered13 All13 we13 ask13 is13 that13 you13 take13 the13 knowledge13 and13 skills13 and13 use13 them13 to13 make13 life13 beer13 The13 best13 courses13 in13 the13 world13 taught13 by13 the13 best13 faculty13 Free13 of13 charge13
Distributed13 through13 Penn13 State13 and13 the13 global13 UNESCO13 network13 If13 people13 need13 more13 than13 the13 basic13 knowledge13 base13 we13 can13 do13 that13 too13 CerFficates13 and13 even13 degree13 programs13 at13 all13 levels13 with13 costs13 to13 be13 covered13 by13 foundaFons13 and13 internaFonal13
23
development13 agencies13 Just13 think13 of13 the13 potenFals13 for13 primary13 and13 secondary13 schools13 and13 for13 educators13 in13 the13 developing13 world13 13 Think13 of13 the13 life13 changing13 impacts13 for13 a13 young13 girl13 in13 rural13 Zambia13 a13 street13 child13 in13 Kenya13 and13 a13 young13 farm13 worker13 in13 Cambodia13 Itrsquos13 beyond13 belief13 and13 uerly13 amazing13 13 It13 changes13 everything
So13 those13 are13 three13 of13 the13 big13 things13 that13 are13 happening13 now13 We13 have13 lots13 more13 in13 the13 works13 and13 ready13 to13 launch13 These13 and13 other13 efforts13 will13 help13 us13 realize13 our13 dreams13 of13 a13 beer13 world13 Come13 be13 part13 of13 all13 of13 these13 13 We13 can13 pick13 some13 great13 fights13 together13 I13 promise13 itrsquoll13 be13 awesome13 and13 wersquoll13 do13 miraculous13 things
The key to this is you
Be13 Part13 of13 the13 Journey
We13 WILL13 do13 all13 of13 the13 things13 I13 menFoned13 13 And13 much13 much13 more13 The13 key13 to13 this13 is13 you13 13 Yoursquove13 been13 asked13 to13 be13 here13 today13 because13 we13 know13 you13 will13 fight13 for13 social13 jusFce13 We13 need13 you13 to13 help13 us13 raise13 awareness13 to13 help13 develop13 programs13 and13 research13 and13 help13 us13 find13 funding13 to13 ensure13 this13 is13 a13 reality
If13 you13 think13 about13 it13 there13 is13 no13 beer13 place13 than13 here13 to13 begin13 our13 journey13 Lest13 we13 forget13 we13 are13 in13 Pennsylvania13 This13 place13 that13 saw13 the13 birth13 of13 the13 Molly13 McGuires13 the13 original13 union13 movements13 and13 the13 knights13 of13 labor13 It13 was13 where13 Milton13 Eisenhower13 dreamed13 of13 the
If13 you13 think13 about13 it13 there13 is13 no13 beer13 place13 than13 here13 to13 begin13 our13 journey13 Lest13 we13 forget13 we13 are13 in13 Pennsylvania13 This13 place13 that13
24
saw13 the13 birth13 of13 the13 Molly13 McGuires13 the13 original13 union13 movements13 and13 the13 knights13 of13 labor13 It13 was13 where13 Milton13 Eisenhower13 dreamed13 of13 the13 potenFals13 of13 UNESCO13 13 Where13 Benjamin13 Franklin13 found13 the13 Pennsylvania13 AboliFonist13 Society13 seeking13 to13 end13 slavery13 Where13 our13 founding13 fathers13 conceived13 more13 than13 a13 naFon13 but13 the13 idea13 of13 L ife13 L iberty13 and13 the13 pursuit13 of13 Happiness-shy‐-shy‐-shy‐not13 just13 for13 us13 but13 for13 our13 fellow13 ciFzens13 of13 the13 world13 All13 of13 these13 people13 have13 passed13 the13 torch13 to13 us13 today13 13 Let13 us13 make13 them13 proud13 in13 conFnuing13 their13 quest13 for13 social13 jusFce13 for13 equality13 and13 for13 creaFng13 a13 beer13 world
Now13 is13 our13 moment13 13 Of13 all13 the13 opportuniFes13 out13 there13 none13 have13 greater13 potenFal13 for13 immediate13 and13 long13 term13 impacts13 than13
e du caFon 13 t h e13 t r a n s fo rmaFon13 o f13 communiFes13 empowerment13 of13 the13 excluded13 and13 the13 posiFve13 development13 of13 youth13 None13 Absolutely13 none
Now13 I13 know13 we13 hear13 inspiraFonal13 speeches13 a13 lot13 We13 are13 always13 being13 asked13 to13 open13 our13 hearts13 and13 then13 our13 checkbooks13 3But13 this13 is13 different13 We13 have13 never13 before13 had13 such13 structures13 partners13 and13 resources13 to13 make13 our13 dreams13 a13 reality
hellipthere will be those outside that will tell us that the world is too big
too corrupthellip
I13 know13 we13 are13 all13 Fred13 overworked13 and13 maybe13 a13 bit13 cynical13 of13 all13 this13 I13 know13 there13 will13 be13 those13 outside13 of13 here13 that13 will13 tell13 us13 that13 the13 world13 is13 too13 big13 too13 corrupt13 that13 the13 vicFms13 deserve13 their13 low13 lots13 in13 life13 and13
25
that13 maybe13 for13 the13 sake13 of13 our13 careers13 we13 really13 should13 look13 busy13 while13 doing13 nothing13 But13 Irsquom13 asking13 you13 today13 to13 try13 one13 more13 Fme13 Take13 one13 more13 leap13 of13 faith13 I13 promise13 we13 wonrsquot13 let13 you13 down13 I13 promise13 that13 wersquoll13 be13 part13 of13 something13 legendary13 together
Nonetheless13 as13 you13 quesFon13 our13 ability13 to13 really13 change13 the13 world13 I13 would13 simply13 ask13 you13 to13 remember13 back13 to13 our13 younger13 days13 when13 we13 were13 absolutely13 certain13 that13 we13 could13 do13 it13 13 We13 were13 right13 13 You13 were13 right13 13 You13 were13 right13 and13 your13 dreams13 are13 sFll13 out13 there
I13 want13 to13 share13 one13 last13 story13 13 I13 recently13 read13 a13 wonderful13 essay13 by13 Joseph13 Laplin13 looking13 back13 on13 the13 55th13 Anniversary13 of13 Jack13 Kerouacrsquos13 legendary13 novel13 On13 the13 Road13 13 This13 was13 a13 novel13 that13 sent13 many13 young13 people13
(including13 myself)13 out13 on13 that13 road13 of13 discovery13 in13 search13 of13 the13 limitless13 possibiliFes13 beyond13 our13 hometowns13 13 A13 book13 that13 mandated13 the13 quesFoning13 authority13 the13 quesFoning13 of13 social13 convenFons13 and13 the13 challenging13 of13 the13 moral13 blinds13 spots13 of13 our13 age13 For13 me13 this13 book13 was13 magical
Laplinrsquos13 essay13 took13 aim13 at13 those13 of13 us13 who13 have13 grown13 up13 become13 established13 and13 think13 wersquove13 grown13 wiser13 Especially13 those13 of13 us13 who13 now13 dismiss13 Kerouac13 and13 this13 novel13 that13 once13 inspired13 us13 as13 idealisFc13 childish13 and13 ridiculously13 naiumlve13 in13 its13 call13 for13 social13 change13 But13 Laplin13 had13 a13 wonderfully13 reacFon13 to13 such13 people13 Here13 is13 what13 he13 said
ldquoPerhaps13 these13 people13 never13 took13 to13 or13 went13 back13 on13 the13 road13 -shy‐13 due13 to13 fear13 or13 family13 -shy‐13 and13
26
therefore13 can13 no13 longer13 revisit13 Kerouacrsquos13 work13 Perhaps13 itrsquos13 hard13 to13 even13 look13 at13 his13 wriltng13 because13 readers13 are13 actually13 looking13 at13 themselves13 And13 itrsquos13 easier13 to13 say13 well13 Kerouacrsquos13 naive13 than13 to13 say13 I13 missed13 out13 on13 something13 Maybe13 some13 readers13 have13 given13 up13 on13 the13 search13 for13 beauty13 and13 spirituality13 or13 realized13 that13 theyrsquore13 not13 one13 of13 those13 people13 who13 lsquoburn13 burn13 burn13 like13 fabulous13 yellow13 roman13 candlesrsquo13 and13 that13 knowledge13 is13 painfulrdquo
I13 want13 to13 state13 it13 again13 You13 were13 right13 when13 you13 once13 thought13 we13 would13 change13 the13 world13 And13 you13 are13 sFll13 right13 Your13 dreams13 of13 a13 fair13 equal13 and13 just13 world13 are13 sFll13 out13 there13 and13 together13 we13 will13 reclaim13 them13 and13 make13 them13 a13 reality
hellipin the not too distant future you can put your children and
grandchildren on your knee and tell them about once upon a time
I13 say13 this13 not13 to13 preach13 to13 you13 or13 guilt13 you13 into13 acFon13 I13 just13 want13 to13 put13 it13 into13 perspecFve13 and13 ask13 you13 to13 be13 part13 of13 this13 journey13 If13 we13 live13 up13 to13 our13 ideals13 and13 commitments13 in13 the13 not13 too13 distant13 future13 you13 can13 put13 your13 children13 and13 grandchildren13 on13 your13 knee13 and13 tell13 them13 about13 once13 upon13 a13 Fme13 Once13 upon13 a13 Fme13 when13 educaFon13 was13 only13 for13 the13 privileged13 few13 When13 women13 were13 treated13 as13 second13 class13 ciFzens13 When13 injusFce13 and13 inequality13 were13 the13 standard13 And13 when13 communiFes13 were13 constantly13 trampled13 on13 by13 outside13 interests13 Most13 importantly13 you13 can13 tell13 them13 that13 you13 were13 part13 of13 fixing13 it13 That13 the13 world13 is13 a13 far13 beer13 place13 because13 of13 what13 we13 did13 That13
27
they13 have13 a13 great13 bright13 future13 because13 of13 our13 bold13 efforts13 that13 began13 today13 With13 such13 potenFals13 and13 possibiliFes13 at13 hand13 how13 can13 we13 ever13 explain13 to13 them13 our13 inacFon13 or13 how13 we13 stood13 by13 and13 let13 appalling13 things13 conFnue
As13 we13 close13 I13 want13 to13 ask13 a13 few13 final13 quesFons13 There13 are13 many13 places13 to13 put13 your13 efforts
But13 if13 not13 the13 thousands13 of13 communiAes13 we13 can13 help13 then13 where
If13 not13 the13 billions13 of13 young13 people13 we13 can13 empower13 to13 have13 beMer13 lives13 then13 who
And13 if13 now13 is13 not13 the13 Ame13 for13 bold13 daring13 and13 nearly13 miraculous13 acAons13 then13 when
hellipthe honor is only eclipsed by the responsibility this opportunity
brings with it
If13 you13 need13 proof13 of13 miracles13 than13 look13 no13 further13 than13 this13 stage13 Here13 you13 have13 a13 former13 (or13 perhaps13 not13 so13 former)13 punk13 from13 rural13 Pennsylvania13 of13 Irish13 descent13 standing13 before13 you13 accepFng13 one13 of13 our13 greatest13 honors13 Itrsquos13 absolutely13 humbling13 And13 the13 honor13 is13 only13 eclipsed13 by13 the13 responsibility13 this13 opportunity13 brings13 with13 it13 But13 itrsquos13 not13 inFmidaFng13 Not13 at13 all13 Because13 I13 know13 WE13 are13 in13 this13 together13 And13 for13 all13 of13 this13 I13 will13 be13 forever13 grateful13 to13 you13 for13 sharing13 this13 wonderful13 day13 and13 being13 part13 of13 this13 journey13 that13 will13 transform13 the13 world
Thank13 you13 all13 very13 very13 much
28
CHAPTER13 5
Contact USConnect13 with13 us13 on13 social13 media
unescochairpennstate
unescochairpsu
unescochairpsu
Call13 Write13 or13 Visit
Dr13 Mark13 Brennan204C13 Ferguson13 BuildingUniversity13 Park13 PA13 16802Phone13 1-shy‐814-shy‐863-shy‐0387Email13 unescochairpsueduWeb13 wwwunescochairpsuedu
UNESCO Chair in Rural Community
Leadership and Youth Development
The Pennsylvania State University
United Nations
(GXFDWLRQDO6FLHQWLiquestFDQGCultural Organization
No13 one13 does13 But13 I13 canrsquot13 forget13 her13 eyes13 I13 canrsquot13 forget13 that13 had13 there13 been13 a13 lile13 more13 educaFon13 and13 community13 capacity13 the13 extremism13 would13 have13 been13 stopped13 in13 its13 tracks13 She13 and13 several13 million13 other13 Cambodians13 would13 be13 with13 us13 today13 The13 same13 is13 true13 in13 Germany13 Rwanda13 Bosnia13 ArgenFna13 and13 elsewhere13 13 We13 owe13 it13 to13 her13 and13 the13 countless13 others13 to13 build13 strong13 educated13 communiFes13 that13 will13 ensure13 extremism13 does13 not13 take13 root13 and13 run13 rampant
If13 nothing13 else13 remember13 this13 Community13 builds13 capacity13 It13 provides13 structure13 and13 social13 supports13 builds13 empathy13 and13 understanding13 and13 provides13 the13 basis13 for13 acFon13 and13 acFvism13 It13 protects13 against13 poverty13 extremism13 and13 chaos
The13 importance13 and13 central13 role13 of13 community13 will13 be13 the13 other13 cornerstone13 of13 our13 work13 and13 was13 the13 second13 thing13 I13 wanted13 to13 share13 with13 you
18
CHAPTER13 4
Transforming the World Through the UNESCO Chairs Program Wersquove13 been13 looking13 forward13 this13 is13 a13 day13 for13 years13 Because13 every13 now13 and13 then13 an13 opportunity13 comes13 along13 that13 just13 changes13 everything13 Wersquove13 been13 working13 really13 really13
hard13 and13 have13 lots13 of13 plans13 that13 are13 ready13 to13 launch13 I13 want13 to13 share13 three13 of13 them13 that13 we13 are13 really13 excited13 about13 They13 really13 are13 amazing13 and13 beauFful13 creaFons
First13 is13 the13 UNTWIN13 Network13 on13 Youth13 and13 Community13 Development13
With13 this13 we13 reinvent13 the13 idea13 of13 global13 partnerships13 and13 collaboraFon13 UNITWIN13 are13 the13 UN13 university13 twining13 and13 partnership13 networks13 They13 open13 up13 all13 kinds13 of13 opportuniFes13 for13 rapid13 research13 and13 acFon13 and13 funding13 While13 UNESCO13 Chairs13 are13 rare13 UNITWIN13 networks13 are13 even13 more13 so13 13 Only13 two13 exist13 in13 the13 US13 We13 got13 the13 go13 ahead13 from13 UNESCO13 to13 start13 developing13 number13 three13 However13 ours13 will13 be13 unmatched13 in13 size13 scope13 and13 impact
6 continents
9 geographic regions
35 partner institutions
Thousands of youth
Three UNESCO Chairs
It13 will13 cover13 613 conFnents13 913 geographic13 regions13 3513 partner13 insFtuFons13 (and13 growing13 weekly)13 thousands13 of13 youth13 and13 three13 UNESCO13 Chairs13 This13 will13 allow13 for13 immediate13 research13 program13 development13 and13 educaFonal13 program13 delivery
hellipa common framework of Community Capacity Building
Youth Development and Conflict Mitigationhellip
The13 network13 will13 be13 led13 by13 three13 UNESCO13 Chairs13 at13 three13 interrelated13 mulFdisciplinary13
20
centers13 the13 Child13 and13 Family13 Research13 Centre13 (NUI13 Galway)13 UNESCO13 Centre13 for13 Research13 on13 Children13 and13 Youth13 (University13 of13 Ulster)13 and13 the13 planned13 UNESCO13 InsAtute13 for13 G lobal13 Humanitar ian13 Development13 (Penn13 State)13 The13 three13 bring13 together13 nearly13 20013 of13 the13 worldrsquos13 best13 researchers13 teachers13 and13 program13 developers
The13 network13 will13 have13 a13 common13 framework13 of13 Community13 Capacity13 Building13 Youth13 Development13 and13 Conflict13 MiFgaFon13 but13 will13 pursue13 specialized13 projects13 on13 health13 and13 well-shy‐being13 educaFon13 and13 literacy13 social13 and13 economic13 development13 the13 physical13 sciences13 agricultural13 development13 civil13 engineering13 and13 many13 other13 areas13 as13 they13 emerge13 We13 will13 be13 able13 to13 conduct13
internaFonal13 comparaFve13 research13 design13 programs13 and13 deliver13 them13 worldwide13 in13 a13 maer13 of13 months13 -shy‐13 not13 years13 as13 is13 oen13 the13 case13 Think13 of13 the13 potenFal
With13 not13 much13 work13 we13 can13 reach13 1000013 kids13 and13 100013 communiFes13 in13 the13 next13 few13 years13 1000013 kids13 and13 communiFes13 who13 see13 a13 brighter13 future13 are13 contribuFng13 members13 of13 society13 lead13 producFve13 and13 safe13 lives13 and13 take13 on13 ownership13 of13 local13 life13 With13 your13 help13 and13 some13 hard13 work13 we13 can13 triple13 the13 number13 of13 youth13 and13 communiFes13 we13 can13 reach
UNITWIN13 goes13 live13 in13 April13 Itrsquos13 already13 growing13 beyond13 our13 control13 Itrsquos13 a13 game13 changer13 and13 once13 in13 a13 lifeFme13 opportunity13 13 Itrsquos13 going13 to13 be13 our13 legacy13 and13 we13 have13 a13 seat13 at13 the13 table13 for13 you
21
The13 second13 big13 item13 focuses13 on13 idenAfying13 the13 best13 pracAces13 for13 youth13 and13 community13 developmenthellipworldwide
Today13 we13 redefine13 global13 comparaFve13 research13 There13 are13 lots13 of13 people13 doing13 great13 and13 effecFve13 work13 worldwide13 We13 are13 going13 to13 begin13 a13 long-shy‐term13 research13 program13 to13 idenFfy13 these13 best13 pracFces13 in13 all13 locaFons13 but13 with13 a13 strong13 focus13 on13 rural13 areas
But13 you13 might13 ask13 why13 There13 is13 an13 increasing13 lsquoyouth13 bulgersquo13 that13 exists13 alongside13 a13 heavy13 dependence13 on13 agriculture13 in13 the13 developing13 world13 The13 UN13 has13 documented13 this13 with13 nearly13 half13 of13 the13 worldrsquos13 populaFon13 residing13 in13 rural13 areas
Over13 9013 of13 all13 rural13 residents13 live13 in13 less13 developed13 regions
Equally13 important13 almost13 a13 third13 of13 the13 world13 populalton13 is13 age13 1513 or13 younger13 and13 half13 are13 under13 age13 2513
8513 of13 all13 youth13 live13 in13 less13 developed13 countries
This13 reality13 creates13 an13 environment13 where13 the13 acltve13 engagement13 of13 communiltes13 is13 essenltal13 to13 future13 growth13 and13 development
Another13 really13 cool13 part13 of13 this13 research13 focuses13 on13 building13 partnerships13 We13 work13 to13 build13 capacity13 and13 partnerships13 through13 North-shy‐South13 and13 South-shy‐South13 partnerships13 that13 shape13 regional13 capacity13 We13 re13 already13 seeing13 great13 things13 such13 as13 in13 Kenya13 and13 Zambia13 where13 we13 have13 linked13 programs13 that13 are13 working13 together13 like13 crazy
Through13 the13 UNESCO13 Chair13 program13 we13 will13 link13 organizaFons13 in13 2513 countries13 to13 share13 resources13 best13 pracFces13 and13 experFse13
22
create13 a13 dynamic13 series13 of13 partnerships13 in13 the13 Global13 South13 and13 form13 a13 community13 of13 naFons13 focused13 on13 youth13 and13 development13 of13 civil13 society
T h i r d 13 i s13 ou r13 G l oba l13 Edu caAona l13 Programming
Today13 we13 revoluFonize13 global13 educaFon13 13 We13 are13 planning13 a13 global13 educaFonal13 program13 focusing13 on13 leadership13 and13 community13 building13 across13 the13 life13 span13 13 Included13 are13 courses13 in13 leadership13 skills13 c o m m u n i t y13 c a p a c i t y13 b u i l d i n g 13 entrepreneurship13 and13 small13 business13 development13 posiFve13 youth13 development13 conflict13 miFgaFon13 and13 many13 others13 areas
Penn13 State13 is13 a13 leader13 in13 distance13 educaFon13 13 It13 recently13 dedicated13 major13 resources13 to13 MOOCs13 Massive13 Open13 Online13 Courses13 13
What13 this13 means13 is13 if13 a13 ciFzen13 of13 this13 planet13 has13 access13 to13 the13 internet13 to13 an13 internet13 cafeacute13 or13 even13 a13 cell13 phone13 they13 will13 be13 provided13 with13 Col lege13 courses13 and13 instrucFonal13 materials
Yoursquore13 asking13 how13 much13 will13 these13 cost13 right13 Thatrsquos13 a13 great13 quesFon13 How13 does13 free13 sound13 Wersquove13 got13 it13 covered13 All13 we13 ask13 is13 that13 you13 take13 the13 knowledge13 and13 skills13 and13 use13 them13 to13 make13 life13 beer13 The13 best13 courses13 in13 the13 world13 taught13 by13 the13 best13 faculty13 Free13 of13 charge13
Distributed13 through13 Penn13 State13 and13 the13 global13 UNESCO13 network13 If13 people13 need13 more13 than13 the13 basic13 knowledge13 base13 we13 can13 do13 that13 too13 CerFficates13 and13 even13 degree13 programs13 at13 all13 levels13 with13 costs13 to13 be13 covered13 by13 foundaFons13 and13 internaFonal13
23
development13 agencies13 Just13 think13 of13 the13 potenFals13 for13 primary13 and13 secondary13 schools13 and13 for13 educators13 in13 the13 developing13 world13 13 Think13 of13 the13 life13 changing13 impacts13 for13 a13 young13 girl13 in13 rural13 Zambia13 a13 street13 child13 in13 Kenya13 and13 a13 young13 farm13 worker13 in13 Cambodia13 Itrsquos13 beyond13 belief13 and13 uerly13 amazing13 13 It13 changes13 everything
So13 those13 are13 three13 of13 the13 big13 things13 that13 are13 happening13 now13 We13 have13 lots13 more13 in13 the13 works13 and13 ready13 to13 launch13 These13 and13 other13 efforts13 will13 help13 us13 realize13 our13 dreams13 of13 a13 beer13 world13 Come13 be13 part13 of13 all13 of13 these13 13 We13 can13 pick13 some13 great13 fights13 together13 I13 promise13 itrsquoll13 be13 awesome13 and13 wersquoll13 do13 miraculous13 things
The key to this is you
Be13 Part13 of13 the13 Journey
We13 WILL13 do13 all13 of13 the13 things13 I13 menFoned13 13 And13 much13 much13 more13 The13 key13 to13 this13 is13 you13 13 Yoursquove13 been13 asked13 to13 be13 here13 today13 because13 we13 know13 you13 will13 fight13 for13 social13 jusFce13 We13 need13 you13 to13 help13 us13 raise13 awareness13 to13 help13 develop13 programs13 and13 research13 and13 help13 us13 find13 funding13 to13 ensure13 this13 is13 a13 reality
If13 you13 think13 about13 it13 there13 is13 no13 beer13 place13 than13 here13 to13 begin13 our13 journey13 Lest13 we13 forget13 we13 are13 in13 Pennsylvania13 This13 place13 that13 saw13 the13 birth13 of13 the13 Molly13 McGuires13 the13 original13 union13 movements13 and13 the13 knights13 of13 labor13 It13 was13 where13 Milton13 Eisenhower13 dreamed13 of13 the
If13 you13 think13 about13 it13 there13 is13 no13 beer13 place13 than13 here13 to13 begin13 our13 journey13 Lest13 we13 forget13 we13 are13 in13 Pennsylvania13 This13 place13 that13
24
saw13 the13 birth13 of13 the13 Molly13 McGuires13 the13 original13 union13 movements13 and13 the13 knights13 of13 labor13 It13 was13 where13 Milton13 Eisenhower13 dreamed13 of13 the13 potenFals13 of13 UNESCO13 13 Where13 Benjamin13 Franklin13 found13 the13 Pennsylvania13 AboliFonist13 Society13 seeking13 to13 end13 slavery13 Where13 our13 founding13 fathers13 conceived13 more13 than13 a13 naFon13 but13 the13 idea13 of13 L ife13 L iberty13 and13 the13 pursuit13 of13 Happiness-shy‐-shy‐-shy‐not13 just13 for13 us13 but13 for13 our13 fellow13 ciFzens13 of13 the13 world13 All13 of13 these13 people13 have13 passed13 the13 torch13 to13 us13 today13 13 Let13 us13 make13 them13 proud13 in13 conFnuing13 their13 quest13 for13 social13 jusFce13 for13 equality13 and13 for13 creaFng13 a13 beer13 world
Now13 is13 our13 moment13 13 Of13 all13 the13 opportuniFes13 out13 there13 none13 have13 greater13 potenFal13 for13 immediate13 and13 long13 term13 impacts13 than13
e du caFon 13 t h e13 t r a n s fo rmaFon13 o f13 communiFes13 empowerment13 of13 the13 excluded13 and13 the13 posiFve13 development13 of13 youth13 None13 Absolutely13 none
Now13 I13 know13 we13 hear13 inspiraFonal13 speeches13 a13 lot13 We13 are13 always13 being13 asked13 to13 open13 our13 hearts13 and13 then13 our13 checkbooks13 3But13 this13 is13 different13 We13 have13 never13 before13 had13 such13 structures13 partners13 and13 resources13 to13 make13 our13 dreams13 a13 reality
hellipthere will be those outside that will tell us that the world is too big
too corrupthellip
I13 know13 we13 are13 all13 Fred13 overworked13 and13 maybe13 a13 bit13 cynical13 of13 all13 this13 I13 know13 there13 will13 be13 those13 outside13 of13 here13 that13 will13 tell13 us13 that13 the13 world13 is13 too13 big13 too13 corrupt13 that13 the13 vicFms13 deserve13 their13 low13 lots13 in13 life13 and13
25
that13 maybe13 for13 the13 sake13 of13 our13 careers13 we13 really13 should13 look13 busy13 while13 doing13 nothing13 But13 Irsquom13 asking13 you13 today13 to13 try13 one13 more13 Fme13 Take13 one13 more13 leap13 of13 faith13 I13 promise13 we13 wonrsquot13 let13 you13 down13 I13 promise13 that13 wersquoll13 be13 part13 of13 something13 legendary13 together
Nonetheless13 as13 you13 quesFon13 our13 ability13 to13 really13 change13 the13 world13 I13 would13 simply13 ask13 you13 to13 remember13 back13 to13 our13 younger13 days13 when13 we13 were13 absolutely13 certain13 that13 we13 could13 do13 it13 13 We13 were13 right13 13 You13 were13 right13 13 You13 were13 right13 and13 your13 dreams13 are13 sFll13 out13 there
I13 want13 to13 share13 one13 last13 story13 13 I13 recently13 read13 a13 wonderful13 essay13 by13 Joseph13 Laplin13 looking13 back13 on13 the13 55th13 Anniversary13 of13 Jack13 Kerouacrsquos13 legendary13 novel13 On13 the13 Road13 13 This13 was13 a13 novel13 that13 sent13 many13 young13 people13
(including13 myself)13 out13 on13 that13 road13 of13 discovery13 in13 search13 of13 the13 limitless13 possibiliFes13 beyond13 our13 hometowns13 13 A13 book13 that13 mandated13 the13 quesFoning13 authority13 the13 quesFoning13 of13 social13 convenFons13 and13 the13 challenging13 of13 the13 moral13 blinds13 spots13 of13 our13 age13 For13 me13 this13 book13 was13 magical
Laplinrsquos13 essay13 took13 aim13 at13 those13 of13 us13 who13 have13 grown13 up13 become13 established13 and13 think13 wersquove13 grown13 wiser13 Especially13 those13 of13 us13 who13 now13 dismiss13 Kerouac13 and13 this13 novel13 that13 once13 inspired13 us13 as13 idealisFc13 childish13 and13 ridiculously13 naiumlve13 in13 its13 call13 for13 social13 change13 But13 Laplin13 had13 a13 wonderfully13 reacFon13 to13 such13 people13 Here13 is13 what13 he13 said
ldquoPerhaps13 these13 people13 never13 took13 to13 or13 went13 back13 on13 the13 road13 -shy‐13 due13 to13 fear13 or13 family13 -shy‐13 and13
26
therefore13 can13 no13 longer13 revisit13 Kerouacrsquos13 work13 Perhaps13 itrsquos13 hard13 to13 even13 look13 at13 his13 wriltng13 because13 readers13 are13 actually13 looking13 at13 themselves13 And13 itrsquos13 easier13 to13 say13 well13 Kerouacrsquos13 naive13 than13 to13 say13 I13 missed13 out13 on13 something13 Maybe13 some13 readers13 have13 given13 up13 on13 the13 search13 for13 beauty13 and13 spirituality13 or13 realized13 that13 theyrsquore13 not13 one13 of13 those13 people13 who13 lsquoburn13 burn13 burn13 like13 fabulous13 yellow13 roman13 candlesrsquo13 and13 that13 knowledge13 is13 painfulrdquo
I13 want13 to13 state13 it13 again13 You13 were13 right13 when13 you13 once13 thought13 we13 would13 change13 the13 world13 And13 you13 are13 sFll13 right13 Your13 dreams13 of13 a13 fair13 equal13 and13 just13 world13 are13 sFll13 out13 there13 and13 together13 we13 will13 reclaim13 them13 and13 make13 them13 a13 reality
hellipin the not too distant future you can put your children and
grandchildren on your knee and tell them about once upon a time
I13 say13 this13 not13 to13 preach13 to13 you13 or13 guilt13 you13 into13 acFon13 I13 just13 want13 to13 put13 it13 into13 perspecFve13 and13 ask13 you13 to13 be13 part13 of13 this13 journey13 If13 we13 live13 up13 to13 our13 ideals13 and13 commitments13 in13 the13 not13 too13 distant13 future13 you13 can13 put13 your13 children13 and13 grandchildren13 on13 your13 knee13 and13 tell13 them13 about13 once13 upon13 a13 Fme13 Once13 upon13 a13 Fme13 when13 educaFon13 was13 only13 for13 the13 privileged13 few13 When13 women13 were13 treated13 as13 second13 class13 ciFzens13 When13 injusFce13 and13 inequality13 were13 the13 standard13 And13 when13 communiFes13 were13 constantly13 trampled13 on13 by13 outside13 interests13 Most13 importantly13 you13 can13 tell13 them13 that13 you13 were13 part13 of13 fixing13 it13 That13 the13 world13 is13 a13 far13 beer13 place13 because13 of13 what13 we13 did13 That13
27
they13 have13 a13 great13 bright13 future13 because13 of13 our13 bold13 efforts13 that13 began13 today13 With13 such13 potenFals13 and13 possibiliFes13 at13 hand13 how13 can13 we13 ever13 explain13 to13 them13 our13 inacFon13 or13 how13 we13 stood13 by13 and13 let13 appalling13 things13 conFnue
As13 we13 close13 I13 want13 to13 ask13 a13 few13 final13 quesFons13 There13 are13 many13 places13 to13 put13 your13 efforts
But13 if13 not13 the13 thousands13 of13 communiAes13 we13 can13 help13 then13 where
If13 not13 the13 billions13 of13 young13 people13 we13 can13 empower13 to13 have13 beMer13 lives13 then13 who
And13 if13 now13 is13 not13 the13 Ame13 for13 bold13 daring13 and13 nearly13 miraculous13 acAons13 then13 when
hellipthe honor is only eclipsed by the responsibility this opportunity
brings with it
If13 you13 need13 proof13 of13 miracles13 than13 look13 no13 further13 than13 this13 stage13 Here13 you13 have13 a13 former13 (or13 perhaps13 not13 so13 former)13 punk13 from13 rural13 Pennsylvania13 of13 Irish13 descent13 standing13 before13 you13 accepFng13 one13 of13 our13 greatest13 honors13 Itrsquos13 absolutely13 humbling13 And13 the13 honor13 is13 only13 eclipsed13 by13 the13 responsibility13 this13 opportunity13 brings13 with13 it13 But13 itrsquos13 not13 inFmidaFng13 Not13 at13 all13 Because13 I13 know13 WE13 are13 in13 this13 together13 And13 for13 all13 of13 this13 I13 will13 be13 forever13 grateful13 to13 you13 for13 sharing13 this13 wonderful13 day13 and13 being13 part13 of13 this13 journey13 that13 will13 transform13 the13 world
Thank13 you13 all13 very13 very13 much
28
CHAPTER13 5
Contact USConnect13 with13 us13 on13 social13 media
unescochairpennstate
unescochairpsu
unescochairpsu
Call13 Write13 or13 Visit
Dr13 Mark13 Brennan204C13 Ferguson13 BuildingUniversity13 Park13 PA13 16802Phone13 1-shy‐814-shy‐863-shy‐0387Email13 unescochairpsueduWeb13 wwwunescochairpsuedu
UNESCO Chair in Rural Community
Leadership and Youth Development
The Pennsylvania State University
United Nations
(GXFDWLRQDO6FLHQWLiquestFDQGCultural Organization
CHAPTER13 4
Transforming the World Through the UNESCO Chairs Program Wersquove13 been13 looking13 forward13 this13 is13 a13 day13 for13 years13 Because13 every13 now13 and13 then13 an13 opportunity13 comes13 along13 that13 just13 changes13 everything13 Wersquove13 been13 working13 really13 really13
hard13 and13 have13 lots13 of13 plans13 that13 are13 ready13 to13 launch13 I13 want13 to13 share13 three13 of13 them13 that13 we13 are13 really13 excited13 about13 They13 really13 are13 amazing13 and13 beauFful13 creaFons
First13 is13 the13 UNTWIN13 Network13 on13 Youth13 and13 Community13 Development13
With13 this13 we13 reinvent13 the13 idea13 of13 global13 partnerships13 and13 collaboraFon13 UNITWIN13 are13 the13 UN13 university13 twining13 and13 partnership13 networks13 They13 open13 up13 all13 kinds13 of13 opportuniFes13 for13 rapid13 research13 and13 acFon13 and13 funding13 While13 UNESCO13 Chairs13 are13 rare13 UNITWIN13 networks13 are13 even13 more13 so13 13 Only13 two13 exist13 in13 the13 US13 We13 got13 the13 go13 ahead13 from13 UNESCO13 to13 start13 developing13 number13 three13 However13 ours13 will13 be13 unmatched13 in13 size13 scope13 and13 impact
6 continents
9 geographic regions
35 partner institutions
Thousands of youth
Three UNESCO Chairs
It13 will13 cover13 613 conFnents13 913 geographic13 regions13 3513 partner13 insFtuFons13 (and13 growing13 weekly)13 thousands13 of13 youth13 and13 three13 UNESCO13 Chairs13 This13 will13 allow13 for13 immediate13 research13 program13 development13 and13 educaFonal13 program13 delivery
hellipa common framework of Community Capacity Building
Youth Development and Conflict Mitigationhellip
The13 network13 will13 be13 led13 by13 three13 UNESCO13 Chairs13 at13 three13 interrelated13 mulFdisciplinary13
20
centers13 the13 Child13 and13 Family13 Research13 Centre13 (NUI13 Galway)13 UNESCO13 Centre13 for13 Research13 on13 Children13 and13 Youth13 (University13 of13 Ulster)13 and13 the13 planned13 UNESCO13 InsAtute13 for13 G lobal13 Humanitar ian13 Development13 (Penn13 State)13 The13 three13 bring13 together13 nearly13 20013 of13 the13 worldrsquos13 best13 researchers13 teachers13 and13 program13 developers
The13 network13 will13 have13 a13 common13 framework13 of13 Community13 Capacity13 Building13 Youth13 Development13 and13 Conflict13 MiFgaFon13 but13 will13 pursue13 specialized13 projects13 on13 health13 and13 well-shy‐being13 educaFon13 and13 literacy13 social13 and13 economic13 development13 the13 physical13 sciences13 agricultural13 development13 civil13 engineering13 and13 many13 other13 areas13 as13 they13 emerge13 We13 will13 be13 able13 to13 conduct13
internaFonal13 comparaFve13 research13 design13 programs13 and13 deliver13 them13 worldwide13 in13 a13 maer13 of13 months13 -shy‐13 not13 years13 as13 is13 oen13 the13 case13 Think13 of13 the13 potenFal
With13 not13 much13 work13 we13 can13 reach13 1000013 kids13 and13 100013 communiFes13 in13 the13 next13 few13 years13 1000013 kids13 and13 communiFes13 who13 see13 a13 brighter13 future13 are13 contribuFng13 members13 of13 society13 lead13 producFve13 and13 safe13 lives13 and13 take13 on13 ownership13 of13 local13 life13 With13 your13 help13 and13 some13 hard13 work13 we13 can13 triple13 the13 number13 of13 youth13 and13 communiFes13 we13 can13 reach
UNITWIN13 goes13 live13 in13 April13 Itrsquos13 already13 growing13 beyond13 our13 control13 Itrsquos13 a13 game13 changer13 and13 once13 in13 a13 lifeFme13 opportunity13 13 Itrsquos13 going13 to13 be13 our13 legacy13 and13 we13 have13 a13 seat13 at13 the13 table13 for13 you
21
The13 second13 big13 item13 focuses13 on13 idenAfying13 the13 best13 pracAces13 for13 youth13 and13 community13 developmenthellipworldwide
Today13 we13 redefine13 global13 comparaFve13 research13 There13 are13 lots13 of13 people13 doing13 great13 and13 effecFve13 work13 worldwide13 We13 are13 going13 to13 begin13 a13 long-shy‐term13 research13 program13 to13 idenFfy13 these13 best13 pracFces13 in13 all13 locaFons13 but13 with13 a13 strong13 focus13 on13 rural13 areas
But13 you13 might13 ask13 why13 There13 is13 an13 increasing13 lsquoyouth13 bulgersquo13 that13 exists13 alongside13 a13 heavy13 dependence13 on13 agriculture13 in13 the13 developing13 world13 The13 UN13 has13 documented13 this13 with13 nearly13 half13 of13 the13 worldrsquos13 populaFon13 residing13 in13 rural13 areas
Over13 9013 of13 all13 rural13 residents13 live13 in13 less13 developed13 regions
Equally13 important13 almost13 a13 third13 of13 the13 world13 populalton13 is13 age13 1513 or13 younger13 and13 half13 are13 under13 age13 2513
8513 of13 all13 youth13 live13 in13 less13 developed13 countries
This13 reality13 creates13 an13 environment13 where13 the13 acltve13 engagement13 of13 communiltes13 is13 essenltal13 to13 future13 growth13 and13 development
Another13 really13 cool13 part13 of13 this13 research13 focuses13 on13 building13 partnerships13 We13 work13 to13 build13 capacity13 and13 partnerships13 through13 North-shy‐South13 and13 South-shy‐South13 partnerships13 that13 shape13 regional13 capacity13 We13 re13 already13 seeing13 great13 things13 such13 as13 in13 Kenya13 and13 Zambia13 where13 we13 have13 linked13 programs13 that13 are13 working13 together13 like13 crazy
Through13 the13 UNESCO13 Chair13 program13 we13 will13 link13 organizaFons13 in13 2513 countries13 to13 share13 resources13 best13 pracFces13 and13 experFse13
22
create13 a13 dynamic13 series13 of13 partnerships13 in13 the13 Global13 South13 and13 form13 a13 community13 of13 naFons13 focused13 on13 youth13 and13 development13 of13 civil13 society
T h i r d 13 i s13 ou r13 G l oba l13 Edu caAona l13 Programming
Today13 we13 revoluFonize13 global13 educaFon13 13 We13 are13 planning13 a13 global13 educaFonal13 program13 focusing13 on13 leadership13 and13 community13 building13 across13 the13 life13 span13 13 Included13 are13 courses13 in13 leadership13 skills13 c o m m u n i t y13 c a p a c i t y13 b u i l d i n g 13 entrepreneurship13 and13 small13 business13 development13 posiFve13 youth13 development13 conflict13 miFgaFon13 and13 many13 others13 areas
Penn13 State13 is13 a13 leader13 in13 distance13 educaFon13 13 It13 recently13 dedicated13 major13 resources13 to13 MOOCs13 Massive13 Open13 Online13 Courses13 13
What13 this13 means13 is13 if13 a13 ciFzen13 of13 this13 planet13 has13 access13 to13 the13 internet13 to13 an13 internet13 cafeacute13 or13 even13 a13 cell13 phone13 they13 will13 be13 provided13 with13 Col lege13 courses13 and13 instrucFonal13 materials
Yoursquore13 asking13 how13 much13 will13 these13 cost13 right13 Thatrsquos13 a13 great13 quesFon13 How13 does13 free13 sound13 Wersquove13 got13 it13 covered13 All13 we13 ask13 is13 that13 you13 take13 the13 knowledge13 and13 skills13 and13 use13 them13 to13 make13 life13 beer13 The13 best13 courses13 in13 the13 world13 taught13 by13 the13 best13 faculty13 Free13 of13 charge13
Distributed13 through13 Penn13 State13 and13 the13 global13 UNESCO13 network13 If13 people13 need13 more13 than13 the13 basic13 knowledge13 base13 we13 can13 do13 that13 too13 CerFficates13 and13 even13 degree13 programs13 at13 all13 levels13 with13 costs13 to13 be13 covered13 by13 foundaFons13 and13 internaFonal13
23
development13 agencies13 Just13 think13 of13 the13 potenFals13 for13 primary13 and13 secondary13 schools13 and13 for13 educators13 in13 the13 developing13 world13 13 Think13 of13 the13 life13 changing13 impacts13 for13 a13 young13 girl13 in13 rural13 Zambia13 a13 street13 child13 in13 Kenya13 and13 a13 young13 farm13 worker13 in13 Cambodia13 Itrsquos13 beyond13 belief13 and13 uerly13 amazing13 13 It13 changes13 everything
So13 those13 are13 three13 of13 the13 big13 things13 that13 are13 happening13 now13 We13 have13 lots13 more13 in13 the13 works13 and13 ready13 to13 launch13 These13 and13 other13 efforts13 will13 help13 us13 realize13 our13 dreams13 of13 a13 beer13 world13 Come13 be13 part13 of13 all13 of13 these13 13 We13 can13 pick13 some13 great13 fights13 together13 I13 promise13 itrsquoll13 be13 awesome13 and13 wersquoll13 do13 miraculous13 things
The key to this is you
Be13 Part13 of13 the13 Journey
We13 WILL13 do13 all13 of13 the13 things13 I13 menFoned13 13 And13 much13 much13 more13 The13 key13 to13 this13 is13 you13 13 Yoursquove13 been13 asked13 to13 be13 here13 today13 because13 we13 know13 you13 will13 fight13 for13 social13 jusFce13 We13 need13 you13 to13 help13 us13 raise13 awareness13 to13 help13 develop13 programs13 and13 research13 and13 help13 us13 find13 funding13 to13 ensure13 this13 is13 a13 reality
If13 you13 think13 about13 it13 there13 is13 no13 beer13 place13 than13 here13 to13 begin13 our13 journey13 Lest13 we13 forget13 we13 are13 in13 Pennsylvania13 This13 place13 that13 saw13 the13 birth13 of13 the13 Molly13 McGuires13 the13 original13 union13 movements13 and13 the13 knights13 of13 labor13 It13 was13 where13 Milton13 Eisenhower13 dreamed13 of13 the
If13 you13 think13 about13 it13 there13 is13 no13 beer13 place13 than13 here13 to13 begin13 our13 journey13 Lest13 we13 forget13 we13 are13 in13 Pennsylvania13 This13 place13 that13
24
saw13 the13 birth13 of13 the13 Molly13 McGuires13 the13 original13 union13 movements13 and13 the13 knights13 of13 labor13 It13 was13 where13 Milton13 Eisenhower13 dreamed13 of13 the13 potenFals13 of13 UNESCO13 13 Where13 Benjamin13 Franklin13 found13 the13 Pennsylvania13 AboliFonist13 Society13 seeking13 to13 end13 slavery13 Where13 our13 founding13 fathers13 conceived13 more13 than13 a13 naFon13 but13 the13 idea13 of13 L ife13 L iberty13 and13 the13 pursuit13 of13 Happiness-shy‐-shy‐-shy‐not13 just13 for13 us13 but13 for13 our13 fellow13 ciFzens13 of13 the13 world13 All13 of13 these13 people13 have13 passed13 the13 torch13 to13 us13 today13 13 Let13 us13 make13 them13 proud13 in13 conFnuing13 their13 quest13 for13 social13 jusFce13 for13 equality13 and13 for13 creaFng13 a13 beer13 world
Now13 is13 our13 moment13 13 Of13 all13 the13 opportuniFes13 out13 there13 none13 have13 greater13 potenFal13 for13 immediate13 and13 long13 term13 impacts13 than13
e du caFon 13 t h e13 t r a n s fo rmaFon13 o f13 communiFes13 empowerment13 of13 the13 excluded13 and13 the13 posiFve13 development13 of13 youth13 None13 Absolutely13 none
Now13 I13 know13 we13 hear13 inspiraFonal13 speeches13 a13 lot13 We13 are13 always13 being13 asked13 to13 open13 our13 hearts13 and13 then13 our13 checkbooks13 3But13 this13 is13 different13 We13 have13 never13 before13 had13 such13 structures13 partners13 and13 resources13 to13 make13 our13 dreams13 a13 reality
hellipthere will be those outside that will tell us that the world is too big
too corrupthellip
I13 know13 we13 are13 all13 Fred13 overworked13 and13 maybe13 a13 bit13 cynical13 of13 all13 this13 I13 know13 there13 will13 be13 those13 outside13 of13 here13 that13 will13 tell13 us13 that13 the13 world13 is13 too13 big13 too13 corrupt13 that13 the13 vicFms13 deserve13 their13 low13 lots13 in13 life13 and13
25
that13 maybe13 for13 the13 sake13 of13 our13 careers13 we13 really13 should13 look13 busy13 while13 doing13 nothing13 But13 Irsquom13 asking13 you13 today13 to13 try13 one13 more13 Fme13 Take13 one13 more13 leap13 of13 faith13 I13 promise13 we13 wonrsquot13 let13 you13 down13 I13 promise13 that13 wersquoll13 be13 part13 of13 something13 legendary13 together
Nonetheless13 as13 you13 quesFon13 our13 ability13 to13 really13 change13 the13 world13 I13 would13 simply13 ask13 you13 to13 remember13 back13 to13 our13 younger13 days13 when13 we13 were13 absolutely13 certain13 that13 we13 could13 do13 it13 13 We13 were13 right13 13 You13 were13 right13 13 You13 were13 right13 and13 your13 dreams13 are13 sFll13 out13 there
I13 want13 to13 share13 one13 last13 story13 13 I13 recently13 read13 a13 wonderful13 essay13 by13 Joseph13 Laplin13 looking13 back13 on13 the13 55th13 Anniversary13 of13 Jack13 Kerouacrsquos13 legendary13 novel13 On13 the13 Road13 13 This13 was13 a13 novel13 that13 sent13 many13 young13 people13
(including13 myself)13 out13 on13 that13 road13 of13 discovery13 in13 search13 of13 the13 limitless13 possibiliFes13 beyond13 our13 hometowns13 13 A13 book13 that13 mandated13 the13 quesFoning13 authority13 the13 quesFoning13 of13 social13 convenFons13 and13 the13 challenging13 of13 the13 moral13 blinds13 spots13 of13 our13 age13 For13 me13 this13 book13 was13 magical
Laplinrsquos13 essay13 took13 aim13 at13 those13 of13 us13 who13 have13 grown13 up13 become13 established13 and13 think13 wersquove13 grown13 wiser13 Especially13 those13 of13 us13 who13 now13 dismiss13 Kerouac13 and13 this13 novel13 that13 once13 inspired13 us13 as13 idealisFc13 childish13 and13 ridiculously13 naiumlve13 in13 its13 call13 for13 social13 change13 But13 Laplin13 had13 a13 wonderfully13 reacFon13 to13 such13 people13 Here13 is13 what13 he13 said
ldquoPerhaps13 these13 people13 never13 took13 to13 or13 went13 back13 on13 the13 road13 -shy‐13 due13 to13 fear13 or13 family13 -shy‐13 and13
26
therefore13 can13 no13 longer13 revisit13 Kerouacrsquos13 work13 Perhaps13 itrsquos13 hard13 to13 even13 look13 at13 his13 wriltng13 because13 readers13 are13 actually13 looking13 at13 themselves13 And13 itrsquos13 easier13 to13 say13 well13 Kerouacrsquos13 naive13 than13 to13 say13 I13 missed13 out13 on13 something13 Maybe13 some13 readers13 have13 given13 up13 on13 the13 search13 for13 beauty13 and13 spirituality13 or13 realized13 that13 theyrsquore13 not13 one13 of13 those13 people13 who13 lsquoburn13 burn13 burn13 like13 fabulous13 yellow13 roman13 candlesrsquo13 and13 that13 knowledge13 is13 painfulrdquo
I13 want13 to13 state13 it13 again13 You13 were13 right13 when13 you13 once13 thought13 we13 would13 change13 the13 world13 And13 you13 are13 sFll13 right13 Your13 dreams13 of13 a13 fair13 equal13 and13 just13 world13 are13 sFll13 out13 there13 and13 together13 we13 will13 reclaim13 them13 and13 make13 them13 a13 reality
hellipin the not too distant future you can put your children and
grandchildren on your knee and tell them about once upon a time
I13 say13 this13 not13 to13 preach13 to13 you13 or13 guilt13 you13 into13 acFon13 I13 just13 want13 to13 put13 it13 into13 perspecFve13 and13 ask13 you13 to13 be13 part13 of13 this13 journey13 If13 we13 live13 up13 to13 our13 ideals13 and13 commitments13 in13 the13 not13 too13 distant13 future13 you13 can13 put13 your13 children13 and13 grandchildren13 on13 your13 knee13 and13 tell13 them13 about13 once13 upon13 a13 Fme13 Once13 upon13 a13 Fme13 when13 educaFon13 was13 only13 for13 the13 privileged13 few13 When13 women13 were13 treated13 as13 second13 class13 ciFzens13 When13 injusFce13 and13 inequality13 were13 the13 standard13 And13 when13 communiFes13 were13 constantly13 trampled13 on13 by13 outside13 interests13 Most13 importantly13 you13 can13 tell13 them13 that13 you13 were13 part13 of13 fixing13 it13 That13 the13 world13 is13 a13 far13 beer13 place13 because13 of13 what13 we13 did13 That13
27
they13 have13 a13 great13 bright13 future13 because13 of13 our13 bold13 efforts13 that13 began13 today13 With13 such13 potenFals13 and13 possibiliFes13 at13 hand13 how13 can13 we13 ever13 explain13 to13 them13 our13 inacFon13 or13 how13 we13 stood13 by13 and13 let13 appalling13 things13 conFnue
As13 we13 close13 I13 want13 to13 ask13 a13 few13 final13 quesFons13 There13 are13 many13 places13 to13 put13 your13 efforts
But13 if13 not13 the13 thousands13 of13 communiAes13 we13 can13 help13 then13 where
If13 not13 the13 billions13 of13 young13 people13 we13 can13 empower13 to13 have13 beMer13 lives13 then13 who
And13 if13 now13 is13 not13 the13 Ame13 for13 bold13 daring13 and13 nearly13 miraculous13 acAons13 then13 when
hellipthe honor is only eclipsed by the responsibility this opportunity
brings with it
If13 you13 need13 proof13 of13 miracles13 than13 look13 no13 further13 than13 this13 stage13 Here13 you13 have13 a13 former13 (or13 perhaps13 not13 so13 former)13 punk13 from13 rural13 Pennsylvania13 of13 Irish13 descent13 standing13 before13 you13 accepFng13 one13 of13 our13 greatest13 honors13 Itrsquos13 absolutely13 humbling13 And13 the13 honor13 is13 only13 eclipsed13 by13 the13 responsibility13 this13 opportunity13 brings13 with13 it13 But13 itrsquos13 not13 inFmidaFng13 Not13 at13 all13 Because13 I13 know13 WE13 are13 in13 this13 together13 And13 for13 all13 of13 this13 I13 will13 be13 forever13 grateful13 to13 you13 for13 sharing13 this13 wonderful13 day13 and13 being13 part13 of13 this13 journey13 that13 will13 transform13 the13 world
Thank13 you13 all13 very13 very13 much
28
CHAPTER13 5
Contact USConnect13 with13 us13 on13 social13 media
unescochairpennstate
unescochairpsu
unescochairpsu
Call13 Write13 or13 Visit
Dr13 Mark13 Brennan204C13 Ferguson13 BuildingUniversity13 Park13 PA13 16802Phone13 1-shy‐814-shy‐863-shy‐0387Email13 unescochairpsueduWeb13 wwwunescochairpsuedu
UNESCO Chair in Rural Community
Leadership and Youth Development
The Pennsylvania State University
United Nations
(GXFDWLRQDO6FLHQWLiquestFDQGCultural Organization
hard13 and13 have13 lots13 of13 plans13 that13 are13 ready13 to13 launch13 I13 want13 to13 share13 three13 of13 them13 that13 we13 are13 really13 excited13 about13 They13 really13 are13 amazing13 and13 beauFful13 creaFons
First13 is13 the13 UNTWIN13 Network13 on13 Youth13 and13 Community13 Development13
With13 this13 we13 reinvent13 the13 idea13 of13 global13 partnerships13 and13 collaboraFon13 UNITWIN13 are13 the13 UN13 university13 twining13 and13 partnership13 networks13 They13 open13 up13 all13 kinds13 of13 opportuniFes13 for13 rapid13 research13 and13 acFon13 and13 funding13 While13 UNESCO13 Chairs13 are13 rare13 UNITWIN13 networks13 are13 even13 more13 so13 13 Only13 two13 exist13 in13 the13 US13 We13 got13 the13 go13 ahead13 from13 UNESCO13 to13 start13 developing13 number13 three13 However13 ours13 will13 be13 unmatched13 in13 size13 scope13 and13 impact
6 continents
9 geographic regions
35 partner institutions
Thousands of youth
Three UNESCO Chairs
It13 will13 cover13 613 conFnents13 913 geographic13 regions13 3513 partner13 insFtuFons13 (and13 growing13 weekly)13 thousands13 of13 youth13 and13 three13 UNESCO13 Chairs13 This13 will13 allow13 for13 immediate13 research13 program13 development13 and13 educaFonal13 program13 delivery
hellipa common framework of Community Capacity Building
Youth Development and Conflict Mitigationhellip
The13 network13 will13 be13 led13 by13 three13 UNESCO13 Chairs13 at13 three13 interrelated13 mulFdisciplinary13
20
centers13 the13 Child13 and13 Family13 Research13 Centre13 (NUI13 Galway)13 UNESCO13 Centre13 for13 Research13 on13 Children13 and13 Youth13 (University13 of13 Ulster)13 and13 the13 planned13 UNESCO13 InsAtute13 for13 G lobal13 Humanitar ian13 Development13 (Penn13 State)13 The13 three13 bring13 together13 nearly13 20013 of13 the13 worldrsquos13 best13 researchers13 teachers13 and13 program13 developers
The13 network13 will13 have13 a13 common13 framework13 of13 Community13 Capacity13 Building13 Youth13 Development13 and13 Conflict13 MiFgaFon13 but13 will13 pursue13 specialized13 projects13 on13 health13 and13 well-shy‐being13 educaFon13 and13 literacy13 social13 and13 economic13 development13 the13 physical13 sciences13 agricultural13 development13 civil13 engineering13 and13 many13 other13 areas13 as13 they13 emerge13 We13 will13 be13 able13 to13 conduct13
internaFonal13 comparaFve13 research13 design13 programs13 and13 deliver13 them13 worldwide13 in13 a13 maer13 of13 months13 -shy‐13 not13 years13 as13 is13 oen13 the13 case13 Think13 of13 the13 potenFal
With13 not13 much13 work13 we13 can13 reach13 1000013 kids13 and13 100013 communiFes13 in13 the13 next13 few13 years13 1000013 kids13 and13 communiFes13 who13 see13 a13 brighter13 future13 are13 contribuFng13 members13 of13 society13 lead13 producFve13 and13 safe13 lives13 and13 take13 on13 ownership13 of13 local13 life13 With13 your13 help13 and13 some13 hard13 work13 we13 can13 triple13 the13 number13 of13 youth13 and13 communiFes13 we13 can13 reach
UNITWIN13 goes13 live13 in13 April13 Itrsquos13 already13 growing13 beyond13 our13 control13 Itrsquos13 a13 game13 changer13 and13 once13 in13 a13 lifeFme13 opportunity13 13 Itrsquos13 going13 to13 be13 our13 legacy13 and13 we13 have13 a13 seat13 at13 the13 table13 for13 you
21
The13 second13 big13 item13 focuses13 on13 idenAfying13 the13 best13 pracAces13 for13 youth13 and13 community13 developmenthellipworldwide
Today13 we13 redefine13 global13 comparaFve13 research13 There13 are13 lots13 of13 people13 doing13 great13 and13 effecFve13 work13 worldwide13 We13 are13 going13 to13 begin13 a13 long-shy‐term13 research13 program13 to13 idenFfy13 these13 best13 pracFces13 in13 all13 locaFons13 but13 with13 a13 strong13 focus13 on13 rural13 areas
But13 you13 might13 ask13 why13 There13 is13 an13 increasing13 lsquoyouth13 bulgersquo13 that13 exists13 alongside13 a13 heavy13 dependence13 on13 agriculture13 in13 the13 developing13 world13 The13 UN13 has13 documented13 this13 with13 nearly13 half13 of13 the13 worldrsquos13 populaFon13 residing13 in13 rural13 areas
Over13 9013 of13 all13 rural13 residents13 live13 in13 less13 developed13 regions
Equally13 important13 almost13 a13 third13 of13 the13 world13 populalton13 is13 age13 1513 or13 younger13 and13 half13 are13 under13 age13 2513
8513 of13 all13 youth13 live13 in13 less13 developed13 countries
This13 reality13 creates13 an13 environment13 where13 the13 acltve13 engagement13 of13 communiltes13 is13 essenltal13 to13 future13 growth13 and13 development
Another13 really13 cool13 part13 of13 this13 research13 focuses13 on13 building13 partnerships13 We13 work13 to13 build13 capacity13 and13 partnerships13 through13 North-shy‐South13 and13 South-shy‐South13 partnerships13 that13 shape13 regional13 capacity13 We13 re13 already13 seeing13 great13 things13 such13 as13 in13 Kenya13 and13 Zambia13 where13 we13 have13 linked13 programs13 that13 are13 working13 together13 like13 crazy
Through13 the13 UNESCO13 Chair13 program13 we13 will13 link13 organizaFons13 in13 2513 countries13 to13 share13 resources13 best13 pracFces13 and13 experFse13
22
create13 a13 dynamic13 series13 of13 partnerships13 in13 the13 Global13 South13 and13 form13 a13 community13 of13 naFons13 focused13 on13 youth13 and13 development13 of13 civil13 society
T h i r d 13 i s13 ou r13 G l oba l13 Edu caAona l13 Programming
Today13 we13 revoluFonize13 global13 educaFon13 13 We13 are13 planning13 a13 global13 educaFonal13 program13 focusing13 on13 leadership13 and13 community13 building13 across13 the13 life13 span13 13 Included13 are13 courses13 in13 leadership13 skills13 c o m m u n i t y13 c a p a c i t y13 b u i l d i n g 13 entrepreneurship13 and13 small13 business13 development13 posiFve13 youth13 development13 conflict13 miFgaFon13 and13 many13 others13 areas
Penn13 State13 is13 a13 leader13 in13 distance13 educaFon13 13 It13 recently13 dedicated13 major13 resources13 to13 MOOCs13 Massive13 Open13 Online13 Courses13 13
What13 this13 means13 is13 if13 a13 ciFzen13 of13 this13 planet13 has13 access13 to13 the13 internet13 to13 an13 internet13 cafeacute13 or13 even13 a13 cell13 phone13 they13 will13 be13 provided13 with13 Col lege13 courses13 and13 instrucFonal13 materials
Yoursquore13 asking13 how13 much13 will13 these13 cost13 right13 Thatrsquos13 a13 great13 quesFon13 How13 does13 free13 sound13 Wersquove13 got13 it13 covered13 All13 we13 ask13 is13 that13 you13 take13 the13 knowledge13 and13 skills13 and13 use13 them13 to13 make13 life13 beer13 The13 best13 courses13 in13 the13 world13 taught13 by13 the13 best13 faculty13 Free13 of13 charge13
Distributed13 through13 Penn13 State13 and13 the13 global13 UNESCO13 network13 If13 people13 need13 more13 than13 the13 basic13 knowledge13 base13 we13 can13 do13 that13 too13 CerFficates13 and13 even13 degree13 programs13 at13 all13 levels13 with13 costs13 to13 be13 covered13 by13 foundaFons13 and13 internaFonal13
23
development13 agencies13 Just13 think13 of13 the13 potenFals13 for13 primary13 and13 secondary13 schools13 and13 for13 educators13 in13 the13 developing13 world13 13 Think13 of13 the13 life13 changing13 impacts13 for13 a13 young13 girl13 in13 rural13 Zambia13 a13 street13 child13 in13 Kenya13 and13 a13 young13 farm13 worker13 in13 Cambodia13 Itrsquos13 beyond13 belief13 and13 uerly13 amazing13 13 It13 changes13 everything
So13 those13 are13 three13 of13 the13 big13 things13 that13 are13 happening13 now13 We13 have13 lots13 more13 in13 the13 works13 and13 ready13 to13 launch13 These13 and13 other13 efforts13 will13 help13 us13 realize13 our13 dreams13 of13 a13 beer13 world13 Come13 be13 part13 of13 all13 of13 these13 13 We13 can13 pick13 some13 great13 fights13 together13 I13 promise13 itrsquoll13 be13 awesome13 and13 wersquoll13 do13 miraculous13 things
The key to this is you
Be13 Part13 of13 the13 Journey
We13 WILL13 do13 all13 of13 the13 things13 I13 menFoned13 13 And13 much13 much13 more13 The13 key13 to13 this13 is13 you13 13 Yoursquove13 been13 asked13 to13 be13 here13 today13 because13 we13 know13 you13 will13 fight13 for13 social13 jusFce13 We13 need13 you13 to13 help13 us13 raise13 awareness13 to13 help13 develop13 programs13 and13 research13 and13 help13 us13 find13 funding13 to13 ensure13 this13 is13 a13 reality
If13 you13 think13 about13 it13 there13 is13 no13 beer13 place13 than13 here13 to13 begin13 our13 journey13 Lest13 we13 forget13 we13 are13 in13 Pennsylvania13 This13 place13 that13 saw13 the13 birth13 of13 the13 Molly13 McGuires13 the13 original13 union13 movements13 and13 the13 knights13 of13 labor13 It13 was13 where13 Milton13 Eisenhower13 dreamed13 of13 the
If13 you13 think13 about13 it13 there13 is13 no13 beer13 place13 than13 here13 to13 begin13 our13 journey13 Lest13 we13 forget13 we13 are13 in13 Pennsylvania13 This13 place13 that13
24
saw13 the13 birth13 of13 the13 Molly13 McGuires13 the13 original13 union13 movements13 and13 the13 knights13 of13 labor13 It13 was13 where13 Milton13 Eisenhower13 dreamed13 of13 the13 potenFals13 of13 UNESCO13 13 Where13 Benjamin13 Franklin13 found13 the13 Pennsylvania13 AboliFonist13 Society13 seeking13 to13 end13 slavery13 Where13 our13 founding13 fathers13 conceived13 more13 than13 a13 naFon13 but13 the13 idea13 of13 L ife13 L iberty13 and13 the13 pursuit13 of13 Happiness-shy‐-shy‐-shy‐not13 just13 for13 us13 but13 for13 our13 fellow13 ciFzens13 of13 the13 world13 All13 of13 these13 people13 have13 passed13 the13 torch13 to13 us13 today13 13 Let13 us13 make13 them13 proud13 in13 conFnuing13 their13 quest13 for13 social13 jusFce13 for13 equality13 and13 for13 creaFng13 a13 beer13 world
Now13 is13 our13 moment13 13 Of13 all13 the13 opportuniFes13 out13 there13 none13 have13 greater13 potenFal13 for13 immediate13 and13 long13 term13 impacts13 than13
e du caFon 13 t h e13 t r a n s fo rmaFon13 o f13 communiFes13 empowerment13 of13 the13 excluded13 and13 the13 posiFve13 development13 of13 youth13 None13 Absolutely13 none
Now13 I13 know13 we13 hear13 inspiraFonal13 speeches13 a13 lot13 We13 are13 always13 being13 asked13 to13 open13 our13 hearts13 and13 then13 our13 checkbooks13 3But13 this13 is13 different13 We13 have13 never13 before13 had13 such13 structures13 partners13 and13 resources13 to13 make13 our13 dreams13 a13 reality
hellipthere will be those outside that will tell us that the world is too big
too corrupthellip
I13 know13 we13 are13 all13 Fred13 overworked13 and13 maybe13 a13 bit13 cynical13 of13 all13 this13 I13 know13 there13 will13 be13 those13 outside13 of13 here13 that13 will13 tell13 us13 that13 the13 world13 is13 too13 big13 too13 corrupt13 that13 the13 vicFms13 deserve13 their13 low13 lots13 in13 life13 and13
25
that13 maybe13 for13 the13 sake13 of13 our13 careers13 we13 really13 should13 look13 busy13 while13 doing13 nothing13 But13 Irsquom13 asking13 you13 today13 to13 try13 one13 more13 Fme13 Take13 one13 more13 leap13 of13 faith13 I13 promise13 we13 wonrsquot13 let13 you13 down13 I13 promise13 that13 wersquoll13 be13 part13 of13 something13 legendary13 together
Nonetheless13 as13 you13 quesFon13 our13 ability13 to13 really13 change13 the13 world13 I13 would13 simply13 ask13 you13 to13 remember13 back13 to13 our13 younger13 days13 when13 we13 were13 absolutely13 certain13 that13 we13 could13 do13 it13 13 We13 were13 right13 13 You13 were13 right13 13 You13 were13 right13 and13 your13 dreams13 are13 sFll13 out13 there
I13 want13 to13 share13 one13 last13 story13 13 I13 recently13 read13 a13 wonderful13 essay13 by13 Joseph13 Laplin13 looking13 back13 on13 the13 55th13 Anniversary13 of13 Jack13 Kerouacrsquos13 legendary13 novel13 On13 the13 Road13 13 This13 was13 a13 novel13 that13 sent13 many13 young13 people13
(including13 myself)13 out13 on13 that13 road13 of13 discovery13 in13 search13 of13 the13 limitless13 possibiliFes13 beyond13 our13 hometowns13 13 A13 book13 that13 mandated13 the13 quesFoning13 authority13 the13 quesFoning13 of13 social13 convenFons13 and13 the13 challenging13 of13 the13 moral13 blinds13 spots13 of13 our13 age13 For13 me13 this13 book13 was13 magical
Laplinrsquos13 essay13 took13 aim13 at13 those13 of13 us13 who13 have13 grown13 up13 become13 established13 and13 think13 wersquove13 grown13 wiser13 Especially13 those13 of13 us13 who13 now13 dismiss13 Kerouac13 and13 this13 novel13 that13 once13 inspired13 us13 as13 idealisFc13 childish13 and13 ridiculously13 naiumlve13 in13 its13 call13 for13 social13 change13 But13 Laplin13 had13 a13 wonderfully13 reacFon13 to13 such13 people13 Here13 is13 what13 he13 said
ldquoPerhaps13 these13 people13 never13 took13 to13 or13 went13 back13 on13 the13 road13 -shy‐13 due13 to13 fear13 or13 family13 -shy‐13 and13
26
therefore13 can13 no13 longer13 revisit13 Kerouacrsquos13 work13 Perhaps13 itrsquos13 hard13 to13 even13 look13 at13 his13 wriltng13 because13 readers13 are13 actually13 looking13 at13 themselves13 And13 itrsquos13 easier13 to13 say13 well13 Kerouacrsquos13 naive13 than13 to13 say13 I13 missed13 out13 on13 something13 Maybe13 some13 readers13 have13 given13 up13 on13 the13 search13 for13 beauty13 and13 spirituality13 or13 realized13 that13 theyrsquore13 not13 one13 of13 those13 people13 who13 lsquoburn13 burn13 burn13 like13 fabulous13 yellow13 roman13 candlesrsquo13 and13 that13 knowledge13 is13 painfulrdquo
I13 want13 to13 state13 it13 again13 You13 were13 right13 when13 you13 once13 thought13 we13 would13 change13 the13 world13 And13 you13 are13 sFll13 right13 Your13 dreams13 of13 a13 fair13 equal13 and13 just13 world13 are13 sFll13 out13 there13 and13 together13 we13 will13 reclaim13 them13 and13 make13 them13 a13 reality
hellipin the not too distant future you can put your children and
grandchildren on your knee and tell them about once upon a time
I13 say13 this13 not13 to13 preach13 to13 you13 or13 guilt13 you13 into13 acFon13 I13 just13 want13 to13 put13 it13 into13 perspecFve13 and13 ask13 you13 to13 be13 part13 of13 this13 journey13 If13 we13 live13 up13 to13 our13 ideals13 and13 commitments13 in13 the13 not13 too13 distant13 future13 you13 can13 put13 your13 children13 and13 grandchildren13 on13 your13 knee13 and13 tell13 them13 about13 once13 upon13 a13 Fme13 Once13 upon13 a13 Fme13 when13 educaFon13 was13 only13 for13 the13 privileged13 few13 When13 women13 were13 treated13 as13 second13 class13 ciFzens13 When13 injusFce13 and13 inequality13 were13 the13 standard13 And13 when13 communiFes13 were13 constantly13 trampled13 on13 by13 outside13 interests13 Most13 importantly13 you13 can13 tell13 them13 that13 you13 were13 part13 of13 fixing13 it13 That13 the13 world13 is13 a13 far13 beer13 place13 because13 of13 what13 we13 did13 That13
27
they13 have13 a13 great13 bright13 future13 because13 of13 our13 bold13 efforts13 that13 began13 today13 With13 such13 potenFals13 and13 possibiliFes13 at13 hand13 how13 can13 we13 ever13 explain13 to13 them13 our13 inacFon13 or13 how13 we13 stood13 by13 and13 let13 appalling13 things13 conFnue
As13 we13 close13 I13 want13 to13 ask13 a13 few13 final13 quesFons13 There13 are13 many13 places13 to13 put13 your13 efforts
But13 if13 not13 the13 thousands13 of13 communiAes13 we13 can13 help13 then13 where
If13 not13 the13 billions13 of13 young13 people13 we13 can13 empower13 to13 have13 beMer13 lives13 then13 who
And13 if13 now13 is13 not13 the13 Ame13 for13 bold13 daring13 and13 nearly13 miraculous13 acAons13 then13 when
hellipthe honor is only eclipsed by the responsibility this opportunity
brings with it
If13 you13 need13 proof13 of13 miracles13 than13 look13 no13 further13 than13 this13 stage13 Here13 you13 have13 a13 former13 (or13 perhaps13 not13 so13 former)13 punk13 from13 rural13 Pennsylvania13 of13 Irish13 descent13 standing13 before13 you13 accepFng13 one13 of13 our13 greatest13 honors13 Itrsquos13 absolutely13 humbling13 And13 the13 honor13 is13 only13 eclipsed13 by13 the13 responsibility13 this13 opportunity13 brings13 with13 it13 But13 itrsquos13 not13 inFmidaFng13 Not13 at13 all13 Because13 I13 know13 WE13 are13 in13 this13 together13 And13 for13 all13 of13 this13 I13 will13 be13 forever13 grateful13 to13 you13 for13 sharing13 this13 wonderful13 day13 and13 being13 part13 of13 this13 journey13 that13 will13 transform13 the13 world
Thank13 you13 all13 very13 very13 much
28
CHAPTER13 5
Contact USConnect13 with13 us13 on13 social13 media
unescochairpennstate
unescochairpsu
unescochairpsu
Call13 Write13 or13 Visit
Dr13 Mark13 Brennan204C13 Ferguson13 BuildingUniversity13 Park13 PA13 16802Phone13 1-shy‐814-shy‐863-shy‐0387Email13 unescochairpsueduWeb13 wwwunescochairpsuedu
UNESCO Chair in Rural Community
Leadership and Youth Development
The Pennsylvania State University
United Nations
(GXFDWLRQDO6FLHQWLiquestFDQGCultural Organization
centers13 the13 Child13 and13 Family13 Research13 Centre13 (NUI13 Galway)13 UNESCO13 Centre13 for13 Research13 on13 Children13 and13 Youth13 (University13 of13 Ulster)13 and13 the13 planned13 UNESCO13 InsAtute13 for13 G lobal13 Humanitar ian13 Development13 (Penn13 State)13 The13 three13 bring13 together13 nearly13 20013 of13 the13 worldrsquos13 best13 researchers13 teachers13 and13 program13 developers
The13 network13 will13 have13 a13 common13 framework13 of13 Community13 Capacity13 Building13 Youth13 Development13 and13 Conflict13 MiFgaFon13 but13 will13 pursue13 specialized13 projects13 on13 health13 and13 well-shy‐being13 educaFon13 and13 literacy13 social13 and13 economic13 development13 the13 physical13 sciences13 agricultural13 development13 civil13 engineering13 and13 many13 other13 areas13 as13 they13 emerge13 We13 will13 be13 able13 to13 conduct13
internaFonal13 comparaFve13 research13 design13 programs13 and13 deliver13 them13 worldwide13 in13 a13 maer13 of13 months13 -shy‐13 not13 years13 as13 is13 oen13 the13 case13 Think13 of13 the13 potenFal
With13 not13 much13 work13 we13 can13 reach13 1000013 kids13 and13 100013 communiFes13 in13 the13 next13 few13 years13 1000013 kids13 and13 communiFes13 who13 see13 a13 brighter13 future13 are13 contribuFng13 members13 of13 society13 lead13 producFve13 and13 safe13 lives13 and13 take13 on13 ownership13 of13 local13 life13 With13 your13 help13 and13 some13 hard13 work13 we13 can13 triple13 the13 number13 of13 youth13 and13 communiFes13 we13 can13 reach
UNITWIN13 goes13 live13 in13 April13 Itrsquos13 already13 growing13 beyond13 our13 control13 Itrsquos13 a13 game13 changer13 and13 once13 in13 a13 lifeFme13 opportunity13 13 Itrsquos13 going13 to13 be13 our13 legacy13 and13 we13 have13 a13 seat13 at13 the13 table13 for13 you
21
The13 second13 big13 item13 focuses13 on13 idenAfying13 the13 best13 pracAces13 for13 youth13 and13 community13 developmenthellipworldwide
Today13 we13 redefine13 global13 comparaFve13 research13 There13 are13 lots13 of13 people13 doing13 great13 and13 effecFve13 work13 worldwide13 We13 are13 going13 to13 begin13 a13 long-shy‐term13 research13 program13 to13 idenFfy13 these13 best13 pracFces13 in13 all13 locaFons13 but13 with13 a13 strong13 focus13 on13 rural13 areas
But13 you13 might13 ask13 why13 There13 is13 an13 increasing13 lsquoyouth13 bulgersquo13 that13 exists13 alongside13 a13 heavy13 dependence13 on13 agriculture13 in13 the13 developing13 world13 The13 UN13 has13 documented13 this13 with13 nearly13 half13 of13 the13 worldrsquos13 populaFon13 residing13 in13 rural13 areas
Over13 9013 of13 all13 rural13 residents13 live13 in13 less13 developed13 regions
Equally13 important13 almost13 a13 third13 of13 the13 world13 populalton13 is13 age13 1513 or13 younger13 and13 half13 are13 under13 age13 2513
8513 of13 all13 youth13 live13 in13 less13 developed13 countries
This13 reality13 creates13 an13 environment13 where13 the13 acltve13 engagement13 of13 communiltes13 is13 essenltal13 to13 future13 growth13 and13 development
Another13 really13 cool13 part13 of13 this13 research13 focuses13 on13 building13 partnerships13 We13 work13 to13 build13 capacity13 and13 partnerships13 through13 North-shy‐South13 and13 South-shy‐South13 partnerships13 that13 shape13 regional13 capacity13 We13 re13 already13 seeing13 great13 things13 such13 as13 in13 Kenya13 and13 Zambia13 where13 we13 have13 linked13 programs13 that13 are13 working13 together13 like13 crazy
Through13 the13 UNESCO13 Chair13 program13 we13 will13 link13 organizaFons13 in13 2513 countries13 to13 share13 resources13 best13 pracFces13 and13 experFse13
22
create13 a13 dynamic13 series13 of13 partnerships13 in13 the13 Global13 South13 and13 form13 a13 community13 of13 naFons13 focused13 on13 youth13 and13 development13 of13 civil13 society
T h i r d 13 i s13 ou r13 G l oba l13 Edu caAona l13 Programming
Today13 we13 revoluFonize13 global13 educaFon13 13 We13 are13 planning13 a13 global13 educaFonal13 program13 focusing13 on13 leadership13 and13 community13 building13 across13 the13 life13 span13 13 Included13 are13 courses13 in13 leadership13 skills13 c o m m u n i t y13 c a p a c i t y13 b u i l d i n g 13 entrepreneurship13 and13 small13 business13 development13 posiFve13 youth13 development13 conflict13 miFgaFon13 and13 many13 others13 areas
Penn13 State13 is13 a13 leader13 in13 distance13 educaFon13 13 It13 recently13 dedicated13 major13 resources13 to13 MOOCs13 Massive13 Open13 Online13 Courses13 13
What13 this13 means13 is13 if13 a13 ciFzen13 of13 this13 planet13 has13 access13 to13 the13 internet13 to13 an13 internet13 cafeacute13 or13 even13 a13 cell13 phone13 they13 will13 be13 provided13 with13 Col lege13 courses13 and13 instrucFonal13 materials
Yoursquore13 asking13 how13 much13 will13 these13 cost13 right13 Thatrsquos13 a13 great13 quesFon13 How13 does13 free13 sound13 Wersquove13 got13 it13 covered13 All13 we13 ask13 is13 that13 you13 take13 the13 knowledge13 and13 skills13 and13 use13 them13 to13 make13 life13 beer13 The13 best13 courses13 in13 the13 world13 taught13 by13 the13 best13 faculty13 Free13 of13 charge13
Distributed13 through13 Penn13 State13 and13 the13 global13 UNESCO13 network13 If13 people13 need13 more13 than13 the13 basic13 knowledge13 base13 we13 can13 do13 that13 too13 CerFficates13 and13 even13 degree13 programs13 at13 all13 levels13 with13 costs13 to13 be13 covered13 by13 foundaFons13 and13 internaFonal13
23
development13 agencies13 Just13 think13 of13 the13 potenFals13 for13 primary13 and13 secondary13 schools13 and13 for13 educators13 in13 the13 developing13 world13 13 Think13 of13 the13 life13 changing13 impacts13 for13 a13 young13 girl13 in13 rural13 Zambia13 a13 street13 child13 in13 Kenya13 and13 a13 young13 farm13 worker13 in13 Cambodia13 Itrsquos13 beyond13 belief13 and13 uerly13 amazing13 13 It13 changes13 everything
So13 those13 are13 three13 of13 the13 big13 things13 that13 are13 happening13 now13 We13 have13 lots13 more13 in13 the13 works13 and13 ready13 to13 launch13 These13 and13 other13 efforts13 will13 help13 us13 realize13 our13 dreams13 of13 a13 beer13 world13 Come13 be13 part13 of13 all13 of13 these13 13 We13 can13 pick13 some13 great13 fights13 together13 I13 promise13 itrsquoll13 be13 awesome13 and13 wersquoll13 do13 miraculous13 things
The key to this is you
Be13 Part13 of13 the13 Journey
We13 WILL13 do13 all13 of13 the13 things13 I13 menFoned13 13 And13 much13 much13 more13 The13 key13 to13 this13 is13 you13 13 Yoursquove13 been13 asked13 to13 be13 here13 today13 because13 we13 know13 you13 will13 fight13 for13 social13 jusFce13 We13 need13 you13 to13 help13 us13 raise13 awareness13 to13 help13 develop13 programs13 and13 research13 and13 help13 us13 find13 funding13 to13 ensure13 this13 is13 a13 reality
If13 you13 think13 about13 it13 there13 is13 no13 beer13 place13 than13 here13 to13 begin13 our13 journey13 Lest13 we13 forget13 we13 are13 in13 Pennsylvania13 This13 place13 that13 saw13 the13 birth13 of13 the13 Molly13 McGuires13 the13 original13 union13 movements13 and13 the13 knights13 of13 labor13 It13 was13 where13 Milton13 Eisenhower13 dreamed13 of13 the
If13 you13 think13 about13 it13 there13 is13 no13 beer13 place13 than13 here13 to13 begin13 our13 journey13 Lest13 we13 forget13 we13 are13 in13 Pennsylvania13 This13 place13 that13
24
saw13 the13 birth13 of13 the13 Molly13 McGuires13 the13 original13 union13 movements13 and13 the13 knights13 of13 labor13 It13 was13 where13 Milton13 Eisenhower13 dreamed13 of13 the13 potenFals13 of13 UNESCO13 13 Where13 Benjamin13 Franklin13 found13 the13 Pennsylvania13 AboliFonist13 Society13 seeking13 to13 end13 slavery13 Where13 our13 founding13 fathers13 conceived13 more13 than13 a13 naFon13 but13 the13 idea13 of13 L ife13 L iberty13 and13 the13 pursuit13 of13 Happiness-shy‐-shy‐-shy‐not13 just13 for13 us13 but13 for13 our13 fellow13 ciFzens13 of13 the13 world13 All13 of13 these13 people13 have13 passed13 the13 torch13 to13 us13 today13 13 Let13 us13 make13 them13 proud13 in13 conFnuing13 their13 quest13 for13 social13 jusFce13 for13 equality13 and13 for13 creaFng13 a13 beer13 world
Now13 is13 our13 moment13 13 Of13 all13 the13 opportuniFes13 out13 there13 none13 have13 greater13 potenFal13 for13 immediate13 and13 long13 term13 impacts13 than13
e du caFon 13 t h e13 t r a n s fo rmaFon13 o f13 communiFes13 empowerment13 of13 the13 excluded13 and13 the13 posiFve13 development13 of13 youth13 None13 Absolutely13 none
Now13 I13 know13 we13 hear13 inspiraFonal13 speeches13 a13 lot13 We13 are13 always13 being13 asked13 to13 open13 our13 hearts13 and13 then13 our13 checkbooks13 3But13 this13 is13 different13 We13 have13 never13 before13 had13 such13 structures13 partners13 and13 resources13 to13 make13 our13 dreams13 a13 reality
hellipthere will be those outside that will tell us that the world is too big
too corrupthellip
I13 know13 we13 are13 all13 Fred13 overworked13 and13 maybe13 a13 bit13 cynical13 of13 all13 this13 I13 know13 there13 will13 be13 those13 outside13 of13 here13 that13 will13 tell13 us13 that13 the13 world13 is13 too13 big13 too13 corrupt13 that13 the13 vicFms13 deserve13 their13 low13 lots13 in13 life13 and13
25
that13 maybe13 for13 the13 sake13 of13 our13 careers13 we13 really13 should13 look13 busy13 while13 doing13 nothing13 But13 Irsquom13 asking13 you13 today13 to13 try13 one13 more13 Fme13 Take13 one13 more13 leap13 of13 faith13 I13 promise13 we13 wonrsquot13 let13 you13 down13 I13 promise13 that13 wersquoll13 be13 part13 of13 something13 legendary13 together
Nonetheless13 as13 you13 quesFon13 our13 ability13 to13 really13 change13 the13 world13 I13 would13 simply13 ask13 you13 to13 remember13 back13 to13 our13 younger13 days13 when13 we13 were13 absolutely13 certain13 that13 we13 could13 do13 it13 13 We13 were13 right13 13 You13 were13 right13 13 You13 were13 right13 and13 your13 dreams13 are13 sFll13 out13 there
I13 want13 to13 share13 one13 last13 story13 13 I13 recently13 read13 a13 wonderful13 essay13 by13 Joseph13 Laplin13 looking13 back13 on13 the13 55th13 Anniversary13 of13 Jack13 Kerouacrsquos13 legendary13 novel13 On13 the13 Road13 13 This13 was13 a13 novel13 that13 sent13 many13 young13 people13
(including13 myself)13 out13 on13 that13 road13 of13 discovery13 in13 search13 of13 the13 limitless13 possibiliFes13 beyond13 our13 hometowns13 13 A13 book13 that13 mandated13 the13 quesFoning13 authority13 the13 quesFoning13 of13 social13 convenFons13 and13 the13 challenging13 of13 the13 moral13 blinds13 spots13 of13 our13 age13 For13 me13 this13 book13 was13 magical
Laplinrsquos13 essay13 took13 aim13 at13 those13 of13 us13 who13 have13 grown13 up13 become13 established13 and13 think13 wersquove13 grown13 wiser13 Especially13 those13 of13 us13 who13 now13 dismiss13 Kerouac13 and13 this13 novel13 that13 once13 inspired13 us13 as13 idealisFc13 childish13 and13 ridiculously13 naiumlve13 in13 its13 call13 for13 social13 change13 But13 Laplin13 had13 a13 wonderfully13 reacFon13 to13 such13 people13 Here13 is13 what13 he13 said
ldquoPerhaps13 these13 people13 never13 took13 to13 or13 went13 back13 on13 the13 road13 -shy‐13 due13 to13 fear13 or13 family13 -shy‐13 and13
26
therefore13 can13 no13 longer13 revisit13 Kerouacrsquos13 work13 Perhaps13 itrsquos13 hard13 to13 even13 look13 at13 his13 wriltng13 because13 readers13 are13 actually13 looking13 at13 themselves13 And13 itrsquos13 easier13 to13 say13 well13 Kerouacrsquos13 naive13 than13 to13 say13 I13 missed13 out13 on13 something13 Maybe13 some13 readers13 have13 given13 up13 on13 the13 search13 for13 beauty13 and13 spirituality13 or13 realized13 that13 theyrsquore13 not13 one13 of13 those13 people13 who13 lsquoburn13 burn13 burn13 like13 fabulous13 yellow13 roman13 candlesrsquo13 and13 that13 knowledge13 is13 painfulrdquo
I13 want13 to13 state13 it13 again13 You13 were13 right13 when13 you13 once13 thought13 we13 would13 change13 the13 world13 And13 you13 are13 sFll13 right13 Your13 dreams13 of13 a13 fair13 equal13 and13 just13 world13 are13 sFll13 out13 there13 and13 together13 we13 will13 reclaim13 them13 and13 make13 them13 a13 reality
hellipin the not too distant future you can put your children and
grandchildren on your knee and tell them about once upon a time
I13 say13 this13 not13 to13 preach13 to13 you13 or13 guilt13 you13 into13 acFon13 I13 just13 want13 to13 put13 it13 into13 perspecFve13 and13 ask13 you13 to13 be13 part13 of13 this13 journey13 If13 we13 live13 up13 to13 our13 ideals13 and13 commitments13 in13 the13 not13 too13 distant13 future13 you13 can13 put13 your13 children13 and13 grandchildren13 on13 your13 knee13 and13 tell13 them13 about13 once13 upon13 a13 Fme13 Once13 upon13 a13 Fme13 when13 educaFon13 was13 only13 for13 the13 privileged13 few13 When13 women13 were13 treated13 as13 second13 class13 ciFzens13 When13 injusFce13 and13 inequality13 were13 the13 standard13 And13 when13 communiFes13 were13 constantly13 trampled13 on13 by13 outside13 interests13 Most13 importantly13 you13 can13 tell13 them13 that13 you13 were13 part13 of13 fixing13 it13 That13 the13 world13 is13 a13 far13 beer13 place13 because13 of13 what13 we13 did13 That13
27
they13 have13 a13 great13 bright13 future13 because13 of13 our13 bold13 efforts13 that13 began13 today13 With13 such13 potenFals13 and13 possibiliFes13 at13 hand13 how13 can13 we13 ever13 explain13 to13 them13 our13 inacFon13 or13 how13 we13 stood13 by13 and13 let13 appalling13 things13 conFnue
As13 we13 close13 I13 want13 to13 ask13 a13 few13 final13 quesFons13 There13 are13 many13 places13 to13 put13 your13 efforts
But13 if13 not13 the13 thousands13 of13 communiAes13 we13 can13 help13 then13 where
If13 not13 the13 billions13 of13 young13 people13 we13 can13 empower13 to13 have13 beMer13 lives13 then13 who
And13 if13 now13 is13 not13 the13 Ame13 for13 bold13 daring13 and13 nearly13 miraculous13 acAons13 then13 when
hellipthe honor is only eclipsed by the responsibility this opportunity
brings with it
If13 you13 need13 proof13 of13 miracles13 than13 look13 no13 further13 than13 this13 stage13 Here13 you13 have13 a13 former13 (or13 perhaps13 not13 so13 former)13 punk13 from13 rural13 Pennsylvania13 of13 Irish13 descent13 standing13 before13 you13 accepFng13 one13 of13 our13 greatest13 honors13 Itrsquos13 absolutely13 humbling13 And13 the13 honor13 is13 only13 eclipsed13 by13 the13 responsibility13 this13 opportunity13 brings13 with13 it13 But13 itrsquos13 not13 inFmidaFng13 Not13 at13 all13 Because13 I13 know13 WE13 are13 in13 this13 together13 And13 for13 all13 of13 this13 I13 will13 be13 forever13 grateful13 to13 you13 for13 sharing13 this13 wonderful13 day13 and13 being13 part13 of13 this13 journey13 that13 will13 transform13 the13 world
Thank13 you13 all13 very13 very13 much
28
CHAPTER13 5
Contact USConnect13 with13 us13 on13 social13 media
unescochairpennstate
unescochairpsu
unescochairpsu
Call13 Write13 or13 Visit
Dr13 Mark13 Brennan204C13 Ferguson13 BuildingUniversity13 Park13 PA13 16802Phone13 1-shy‐814-shy‐863-shy‐0387Email13 unescochairpsueduWeb13 wwwunescochairpsuedu
UNESCO Chair in Rural Community
Leadership and Youth Development
The Pennsylvania State University
United Nations
(GXFDWLRQDO6FLHQWLiquestFDQGCultural Organization
The13 second13 big13 item13 focuses13 on13 idenAfying13 the13 best13 pracAces13 for13 youth13 and13 community13 developmenthellipworldwide
Today13 we13 redefine13 global13 comparaFve13 research13 There13 are13 lots13 of13 people13 doing13 great13 and13 effecFve13 work13 worldwide13 We13 are13 going13 to13 begin13 a13 long-shy‐term13 research13 program13 to13 idenFfy13 these13 best13 pracFces13 in13 all13 locaFons13 but13 with13 a13 strong13 focus13 on13 rural13 areas
But13 you13 might13 ask13 why13 There13 is13 an13 increasing13 lsquoyouth13 bulgersquo13 that13 exists13 alongside13 a13 heavy13 dependence13 on13 agriculture13 in13 the13 developing13 world13 The13 UN13 has13 documented13 this13 with13 nearly13 half13 of13 the13 worldrsquos13 populaFon13 residing13 in13 rural13 areas
Over13 9013 of13 all13 rural13 residents13 live13 in13 less13 developed13 regions
Equally13 important13 almost13 a13 third13 of13 the13 world13 populalton13 is13 age13 1513 or13 younger13 and13 half13 are13 under13 age13 2513
8513 of13 all13 youth13 live13 in13 less13 developed13 countries
This13 reality13 creates13 an13 environment13 where13 the13 acltve13 engagement13 of13 communiltes13 is13 essenltal13 to13 future13 growth13 and13 development
Another13 really13 cool13 part13 of13 this13 research13 focuses13 on13 building13 partnerships13 We13 work13 to13 build13 capacity13 and13 partnerships13 through13 North-shy‐South13 and13 South-shy‐South13 partnerships13 that13 shape13 regional13 capacity13 We13 re13 already13 seeing13 great13 things13 such13 as13 in13 Kenya13 and13 Zambia13 where13 we13 have13 linked13 programs13 that13 are13 working13 together13 like13 crazy
Through13 the13 UNESCO13 Chair13 program13 we13 will13 link13 organizaFons13 in13 2513 countries13 to13 share13 resources13 best13 pracFces13 and13 experFse13
22
create13 a13 dynamic13 series13 of13 partnerships13 in13 the13 Global13 South13 and13 form13 a13 community13 of13 naFons13 focused13 on13 youth13 and13 development13 of13 civil13 society
T h i r d 13 i s13 ou r13 G l oba l13 Edu caAona l13 Programming
Today13 we13 revoluFonize13 global13 educaFon13 13 We13 are13 planning13 a13 global13 educaFonal13 program13 focusing13 on13 leadership13 and13 community13 building13 across13 the13 life13 span13 13 Included13 are13 courses13 in13 leadership13 skills13 c o m m u n i t y13 c a p a c i t y13 b u i l d i n g 13 entrepreneurship13 and13 small13 business13 development13 posiFve13 youth13 development13 conflict13 miFgaFon13 and13 many13 others13 areas
Penn13 State13 is13 a13 leader13 in13 distance13 educaFon13 13 It13 recently13 dedicated13 major13 resources13 to13 MOOCs13 Massive13 Open13 Online13 Courses13 13
What13 this13 means13 is13 if13 a13 ciFzen13 of13 this13 planet13 has13 access13 to13 the13 internet13 to13 an13 internet13 cafeacute13 or13 even13 a13 cell13 phone13 they13 will13 be13 provided13 with13 Col lege13 courses13 and13 instrucFonal13 materials
Yoursquore13 asking13 how13 much13 will13 these13 cost13 right13 Thatrsquos13 a13 great13 quesFon13 How13 does13 free13 sound13 Wersquove13 got13 it13 covered13 All13 we13 ask13 is13 that13 you13 take13 the13 knowledge13 and13 skills13 and13 use13 them13 to13 make13 life13 beer13 The13 best13 courses13 in13 the13 world13 taught13 by13 the13 best13 faculty13 Free13 of13 charge13
Distributed13 through13 Penn13 State13 and13 the13 global13 UNESCO13 network13 If13 people13 need13 more13 than13 the13 basic13 knowledge13 base13 we13 can13 do13 that13 too13 CerFficates13 and13 even13 degree13 programs13 at13 all13 levels13 with13 costs13 to13 be13 covered13 by13 foundaFons13 and13 internaFonal13
23
development13 agencies13 Just13 think13 of13 the13 potenFals13 for13 primary13 and13 secondary13 schools13 and13 for13 educators13 in13 the13 developing13 world13 13 Think13 of13 the13 life13 changing13 impacts13 for13 a13 young13 girl13 in13 rural13 Zambia13 a13 street13 child13 in13 Kenya13 and13 a13 young13 farm13 worker13 in13 Cambodia13 Itrsquos13 beyond13 belief13 and13 uerly13 amazing13 13 It13 changes13 everything
So13 those13 are13 three13 of13 the13 big13 things13 that13 are13 happening13 now13 We13 have13 lots13 more13 in13 the13 works13 and13 ready13 to13 launch13 These13 and13 other13 efforts13 will13 help13 us13 realize13 our13 dreams13 of13 a13 beer13 world13 Come13 be13 part13 of13 all13 of13 these13 13 We13 can13 pick13 some13 great13 fights13 together13 I13 promise13 itrsquoll13 be13 awesome13 and13 wersquoll13 do13 miraculous13 things
The key to this is you
Be13 Part13 of13 the13 Journey
We13 WILL13 do13 all13 of13 the13 things13 I13 menFoned13 13 And13 much13 much13 more13 The13 key13 to13 this13 is13 you13 13 Yoursquove13 been13 asked13 to13 be13 here13 today13 because13 we13 know13 you13 will13 fight13 for13 social13 jusFce13 We13 need13 you13 to13 help13 us13 raise13 awareness13 to13 help13 develop13 programs13 and13 research13 and13 help13 us13 find13 funding13 to13 ensure13 this13 is13 a13 reality
If13 you13 think13 about13 it13 there13 is13 no13 beer13 place13 than13 here13 to13 begin13 our13 journey13 Lest13 we13 forget13 we13 are13 in13 Pennsylvania13 This13 place13 that13 saw13 the13 birth13 of13 the13 Molly13 McGuires13 the13 original13 union13 movements13 and13 the13 knights13 of13 labor13 It13 was13 where13 Milton13 Eisenhower13 dreamed13 of13 the
If13 you13 think13 about13 it13 there13 is13 no13 beer13 place13 than13 here13 to13 begin13 our13 journey13 Lest13 we13 forget13 we13 are13 in13 Pennsylvania13 This13 place13 that13
24
saw13 the13 birth13 of13 the13 Molly13 McGuires13 the13 original13 union13 movements13 and13 the13 knights13 of13 labor13 It13 was13 where13 Milton13 Eisenhower13 dreamed13 of13 the13 potenFals13 of13 UNESCO13 13 Where13 Benjamin13 Franklin13 found13 the13 Pennsylvania13 AboliFonist13 Society13 seeking13 to13 end13 slavery13 Where13 our13 founding13 fathers13 conceived13 more13 than13 a13 naFon13 but13 the13 idea13 of13 L ife13 L iberty13 and13 the13 pursuit13 of13 Happiness-shy‐-shy‐-shy‐not13 just13 for13 us13 but13 for13 our13 fellow13 ciFzens13 of13 the13 world13 All13 of13 these13 people13 have13 passed13 the13 torch13 to13 us13 today13 13 Let13 us13 make13 them13 proud13 in13 conFnuing13 their13 quest13 for13 social13 jusFce13 for13 equality13 and13 for13 creaFng13 a13 beer13 world
Now13 is13 our13 moment13 13 Of13 all13 the13 opportuniFes13 out13 there13 none13 have13 greater13 potenFal13 for13 immediate13 and13 long13 term13 impacts13 than13
e du caFon 13 t h e13 t r a n s fo rmaFon13 o f13 communiFes13 empowerment13 of13 the13 excluded13 and13 the13 posiFve13 development13 of13 youth13 None13 Absolutely13 none
Now13 I13 know13 we13 hear13 inspiraFonal13 speeches13 a13 lot13 We13 are13 always13 being13 asked13 to13 open13 our13 hearts13 and13 then13 our13 checkbooks13 3But13 this13 is13 different13 We13 have13 never13 before13 had13 such13 structures13 partners13 and13 resources13 to13 make13 our13 dreams13 a13 reality
hellipthere will be those outside that will tell us that the world is too big
too corrupthellip
I13 know13 we13 are13 all13 Fred13 overworked13 and13 maybe13 a13 bit13 cynical13 of13 all13 this13 I13 know13 there13 will13 be13 those13 outside13 of13 here13 that13 will13 tell13 us13 that13 the13 world13 is13 too13 big13 too13 corrupt13 that13 the13 vicFms13 deserve13 their13 low13 lots13 in13 life13 and13
25
that13 maybe13 for13 the13 sake13 of13 our13 careers13 we13 really13 should13 look13 busy13 while13 doing13 nothing13 But13 Irsquom13 asking13 you13 today13 to13 try13 one13 more13 Fme13 Take13 one13 more13 leap13 of13 faith13 I13 promise13 we13 wonrsquot13 let13 you13 down13 I13 promise13 that13 wersquoll13 be13 part13 of13 something13 legendary13 together
Nonetheless13 as13 you13 quesFon13 our13 ability13 to13 really13 change13 the13 world13 I13 would13 simply13 ask13 you13 to13 remember13 back13 to13 our13 younger13 days13 when13 we13 were13 absolutely13 certain13 that13 we13 could13 do13 it13 13 We13 were13 right13 13 You13 were13 right13 13 You13 were13 right13 and13 your13 dreams13 are13 sFll13 out13 there
I13 want13 to13 share13 one13 last13 story13 13 I13 recently13 read13 a13 wonderful13 essay13 by13 Joseph13 Laplin13 looking13 back13 on13 the13 55th13 Anniversary13 of13 Jack13 Kerouacrsquos13 legendary13 novel13 On13 the13 Road13 13 This13 was13 a13 novel13 that13 sent13 many13 young13 people13
(including13 myself)13 out13 on13 that13 road13 of13 discovery13 in13 search13 of13 the13 limitless13 possibiliFes13 beyond13 our13 hometowns13 13 A13 book13 that13 mandated13 the13 quesFoning13 authority13 the13 quesFoning13 of13 social13 convenFons13 and13 the13 challenging13 of13 the13 moral13 blinds13 spots13 of13 our13 age13 For13 me13 this13 book13 was13 magical
Laplinrsquos13 essay13 took13 aim13 at13 those13 of13 us13 who13 have13 grown13 up13 become13 established13 and13 think13 wersquove13 grown13 wiser13 Especially13 those13 of13 us13 who13 now13 dismiss13 Kerouac13 and13 this13 novel13 that13 once13 inspired13 us13 as13 idealisFc13 childish13 and13 ridiculously13 naiumlve13 in13 its13 call13 for13 social13 change13 But13 Laplin13 had13 a13 wonderfully13 reacFon13 to13 such13 people13 Here13 is13 what13 he13 said
ldquoPerhaps13 these13 people13 never13 took13 to13 or13 went13 back13 on13 the13 road13 -shy‐13 due13 to13 fear13 or13 family13 -shy‐13 and13
26
therefore13 can13 no13 longer13 revisit13 Kerouacrsquos13 work13 Perhaps13 itrsquos13 hard13 to13 even13 look13 at13 his13 wriltng13 because13 readers13 are13 actually13 looking13 at13 themselves13 And13 itrsquos13 easier13 to13 say13 well13 Kerouacrsquos13 naive13 than13 to13 say13 I13 missed13 out13 on13 something13 Maybe13 some13 readers13 have13 given13 up13 on13 the13 search13 for13 beauty13 and13 spirituality13 or13 realized13 that13 theyrsquore13 not13 one13 of13 those13 people13 who13 lsquoburn13 burn13 burn13 like13 fabulous13 yellow13 roman13 candlesrsquo13 and13 that13 knowledge13 is13 painfulrdquo
I13 want13 to13 state13 it13 again13 You13 were13 right13 when13 you13 once13 thought13 we13 would13 change13 the13 world13 And13 you13 are13 sFll13 right13 Your13 dreams13 of13 a13 fair13 equal13 and13 just13 world13 are13 sFll13 out13 there13 and13 together13 we13 will13 reclaim13 them13 and13 make13 them13 a13 reality
hellipin the not too distant future you can put your children and
grandchildren on your knee and tell them about once upon a time
I13 say13 this13 not13 to13 preach13 to13 you13 or13 guilt13 you13 into13 acFon13 I13 just13 want13 to13 put13 it13 into13 perspecFve13 and13 ask13 you13 to13 be13 part13 of13 this13 journey13 If13 we13 live13 up13 to13 our13 ideals13 and13 commitments13 in13 the13 not13 too13 distant13 future13 you13 can13 put13 your13 children13 and13 grandchildren13 on13 your13 knee13 and13 tell13 them13 about13 once13 upon13 a13 Fme13 Once13 upon13 a13 Fme13 when13 educaFon13 was13 only13 for13 the13 privileged13 few13 When13 women13 were13 treated13 as13 second13 class13 ciFzens13 When13 injusFce13 and13 inequality13 were13 the13 standard13 And13 when13 communiFes13 were13 constantly13 trampled13 on13 by13 outside13 interests13 Most13 importantly13 you13 can13 tell13 them13 that13 you13 were13 part13 of13 fixing13 it13 That13 the13 world13 is13 a13 far13 beer13 place13 because13 of13 what13 we13 did13 That13
27
they13 have13 a13 great13 bright13 future13 because13 of13 our13 bold13 efforts13 that13 began13 today13 With13 such13 potenFals13 and13 possibiliFes13 at13 hand13 how13 can13 we13 ever13 explain13 to13 them13 our13 inacFon13 or13 how13 we13 stood13 by13 and13 let13 appalling13 things13 conFnue
As13 we13 close13 I13 want13 to13 ask13 a13 few13 final13 quesFons13 There13 are13 many13 places13 to13 put13 your13 efforts
But13 if13 not13 the13 thousands13 of13 communiAes13 we13 can13 help13 then13 where
If13 not13 the13 billions13 of13 young13 people13 we13 can13 empower13 to13 have13 beMer13 lives13 then13 who
And13 if13 now13 is13 not13 the13 Ame13 for13 bold13 daring13 and13 nearly13 miraculous13 acAons13 then13 when
hellipthe honor is only eclipsed by the responsibility this opportunity
brings with it
If13 you13 need13 proof13 of13 miracles13 than13 look13 no13 further13 than13 this13 stage13 Here13 you13 have13 a13 former13 (or13 perhaps13 not13 so13 former)13 punk13 from13 rural13 Pennsylvania13 of13 Irish13 descent13 standing13 before13 you13 accepFng13 one13 of13 our13 greatest13 honors13 Itrsquos13 absolutely13 humbling13 And13 the13 honor13 is13 only13 eclipsed13 by13 the13 responsibility13 this13 opportunity13 brings13 with13 it13 But13 itrsquos13 not13 inFmidaFng13 Not13 at13 all13 Because13 I13 know13 WE13 are13 in13 this13 together13 And13 for13 all13 of13 this13 I13 will13 be13 forever13 grateful13 to13 you13 for13 sharing13 this13 wonderful13 day13 and13 being13 part13 of13 this13 journey13 that13 will13 transform13 the13 world
Thank13 you13 all13 very13 very13 much
28
CHAPTER13 5
Contact USConnect13 with13 us13 on13 social13 media
unescochairpennstate
unescochairpsu
unescochairpsu
Call13 Write13 or13 Visit
Dr13 Mark13 Brennan204C13 Ferguson13 BuildingUniversity13 Park13 PA13 16802Phone13 1-shy‐814-shy‐863-shy‐0387Email13 unescochairpsueduWeb13 wwwunescochairpsuedu
UNESCO Chair in Rural Community
Leadership and Youth Development
The Pennsylvania State University
United Nations
(GXFDWLRQDO6FLHQWLiquestFDQGCultural Organization
create13 a13 dynamic13 series13 of13 partnerships13 in13 the13 Global13 South13 and13 form13 a13 community13 of13 naFons13 focused13 on13 youth13 and13 development13 of13 civil13 society
T h i r d 13 i s13 ou r13 G l oba l13 Edu caAona l13 Programming
Today13 we13 revoluFonize13 global13 educaFon13 13 We13 are13 planning13 a13 global13 educaFonal13 program13 focusing13 on13 leadership13 and13 community13 building13 across13 the13 life13 span13 13 Included13 are13 courses13 in13 leadership13 skills13 c o m m u n i t y13 c a p a c i t y13 b u i l d i n g 13 entrepreneurship13 and13 small13 business13 development13 posiFve13 youth13 development13 conflict13 miFgaFon13 and13 many13 others13 areas
Penn13 State13 is13 a13 leader13 in13 distance13 educaFon13 13 It13 recently13 dedicated13 major13 resources13 to13 MOOCs13 Massive13 Open13 Online13 Courses13 13
What13 this13 means13 is13 if13 a13 ciFzen13 of13 this13 planet13 has13 access13 to13 the13 internet13 to13 an13 internet13 cafeacute13 or13 even13 a13 cell13 phone13 they13 will13 be13 provided13 with13 Col lege13 courses13 and13 instrucFonal13 materials
Yoursquore13 asking13 how13 much13 will13 these13 cost13 right13 Thatrsquos13 a13 great13 quesFon13 How13 does13 free13 sound13 Wersquove13 got13 it13 covered13 All13 we13 ask13 is13 that13 you13 take13 the13 knowledge13 and13 skills13 and13 use13 them13 to13 make13 life13 beer13 The13 best13 courses13 in13 the13 world13 taught13 by13 the13 best13 faculty13 Free13 of13 charge13
Distributed13 through13 Penn13 State13 and13 the13 global13 UNESCO13 network13 If13 people13 need13 more13 than13 the13 basic13 knowledge13 base13 we13 can13 do13 that13 too13 CerFficates13 and13 even13 degree13 programs13 at13 all13 levels13 with13 costs13 to13 be13 covered13 by13 foundaFons13 and13 internaFonal13
23
development13 agencies13 Just13 think13 of13 the13 potenFals13 for13 primary13 and13 secondary13 schools13 and13 for13 educators13 in13 the13 developing13 world13 13 Think13 of13 the13 life13 changing13 impacts13 for13 a13 young13 girl13 in13 rural13 Zambia13 a13 street13 child13 in13 Kenya13 and13 a13 young13 farm13 worker13 in13 Cambodia13 Itrsquos13 beyond13 belief13 and13 uerly13 amazing13 13 It13 changes13 everything
So13 those13 are13 three13 of13 the13 big13 things13 that13 are13 happening13 now13 We13 have13 lots13 more13 in13 the13 works13 and13 ready13 to13 launch13 These13 and13 other13 efforts13 will13 help13 us13 realize13 our13 dreams13 of13 a13 beer13 world13 Come13 be13 part13 of13 all13 of13 these13 13 We13 can13 pick13 some13 great13 fights13 together13 I13 promise13 itrsquoll13 be13 awesome13 and13 wersquoll13 do13 miraculous13 things
The key to this is you
Be13 Part13 of13 the13 Journey
We13 WILL13 do13 all13 of13 the13 things13 I13 menFoned13 13 And13 much13 much13 more13 The13 key13 to13 this13 is13 you13 13 Yoursquove13 been13 asked13 to13 be13 here13 today13 because13 we13 know13 you13 will13 fight13 for13 social13 jusFce13 We13 need13 you13 to13 help13 us13 raise13 awareness13 to13 help13 develop13 programs13 and13 research13 and13 help13 us13 find13 funding13 to13 ensure13 this13 is13 a13 reality
If13 you13 think13 about13 it13 there13 is13 no13 beer13 place13 than13 here13 to13 begin13 our13 journey13 Lest13 we13 forget13 we13 are13 in13 Pennsylvania13 This13 place13 that13 saw13 the13 birth13 of13 the13 Molly13 McGuires13 the13 original13 union13 movements13 and13 the13 knights13 of13 labor13 It13 was13 where13 Milton13 Eisenhower13 dreamed13 of13 the
If13 you13 think13 about13 it13 there13 is13 no13 beer13 place13 than13 here13 to13 begin13 our13 journey13 Lest13 we13 forget13 we13 are13 in13 Pennsylvania13 This13 place13 that13
24
saw13 the13 birth13 of13 the13 Molly13 McGuires13 the13 original13 union13 movements13 and13 the13 knights13 of13 labor13 It13 was13 where13 Milton13 Eisenhower13 dreamed13 of13 the13 potenFals13 of13 UNESCO13 13 Where13 Benjamin13 Franklin13 found13 the13 Pennsylvania13 AboliFonist13 Society13 seeking13 to13 end13 slavery13 Where13 our13 founding13 fathers13 conceived13 more13 than13 a13 naFon13 but13 the13 idea13 of13 L ife13 L iberty13 and13 the13 pursuit13 of13 Happiness-shy‐-shy‐-shy‐not13 just13 for13 us13 but13 for13 our13 fellow13 ciFzens13 of13 the13 world13 All13 of13 these13 people13 have13 passed13 the13 torch13 to13 us13 today13 13 Let13 us13 make13 them13 proud13 in13 conFnuing13 their13 quest13 for13 social13 jusFce13 for13 equality13 and13 for13 creaFng13 a13 beer13 world
Now13 is13 our13 moment13 13 Of13 all13 the13 opportuniFes13 out13 there13 none13 have13 greater13 potenFal13 for13 immediate13 and13 long13 term13 impacts13 than13
e du caFon 13 t h e13 t r a n s fo rmaFon13 o f13 communiFes13 empowerment13 of13 the13 excluded13 and13 the13 posiFve13 development13 of13 youth13 None13 Absolutely13 none
Now13 I13 know13 we13 hear13 inspiraFonal13 speeches13 a13 lot13 We13 are13 always13 being13 asked13 to13 open13 our13 hearts13 and13 then13 our13 checkbooks13 3But13 this13 is13 different13 We13 have13 never13 before13 had13 such13 structures13 partners13 and13 resources13 to13 make13 our13 dreams13 a13 reality
hellipthere will be those outside that will tell us that the world is too big
too corrupthellip
I13 know13 we13 are13 all13 Fred13 overworked13 and13 maybe13 a13 bit13 cynical13 of13 all13 this13 I13 know13 there13 will13 be13 those13 outside13 of13 here13 that13 will13 tell13 us13 that13 the13 world13 is13 too13 big13 too13 corrupt13 that13 the13 vicFms13 deserve13 their13 low13 lots13 in13 life13 and13
25
that13 maybe13 for13 the13 sake13 of13 our13 careers13 we13 really13 should13 look13 busy13 while13 doing13 nothing13 But13 Irsquom13 asking13 you13 today13 to13 try13 one13 more13 Fme13 Take13 one13 more13 leap13 of13 faith13 I13 promise13 we13 wonrsquot13 let13 you13 down13 I13 promise13 that13 wersquoll13 be13 part13 of13 something13 legendary13 together
Nonetheless13 as13 you13 quesFon13 our13 ability13 to13 really13 change13 the13 world13 I13 would13 simply13 ask13 you13 to13 remember13 back13 to13 our13 younger13 days13 when13 we13 were13 absolutely13 certain13 that13 we13 could13 do13 it13 13 We13 were13 right13 13 You13 were13 right13 13 You13 were13 right13 and13 your13 dreams13 are13 sFll13 out13 there
I13 want13 to13 share13 one13 last13 story13 13 I13 recently13 read13 a13 wonderful13 essay13 by13 Joseph13 Laplin13 looking13 back13 on13 the13 55th13 Anniversary13 of13 Jack13 Kerouacrsquos13 legendary13 novel13 On13 the13 Road13 13 This13 was13 a13 novel13 that13 sent13 many13 young13 people13
(including13 myself)13 out13 on13 that13 road13 of13 discovery13 in13 search13 of13 the13 limitless13 possibiliFes13 beyond13 our13 hometowns13 13 A13 book13 that13 mandated13 the13 quesFoning13 authority13 the13 quesFoning13 of13 social13 convenFons13 and13 the13 challenging13 of13 the13 moral13 blinds13 spots13 of13 our13 age13 For13 me13 this13 book13 was13 magical
Laplinrsquos13 essay13 took13 aim13 at13 those13 of13 us13 who13 have13 grown13 up13 become13 established13 and13 think13 wersquove13 grown13 wiser13 Especially13 those13 of13 us13 who13 now13 dismiss13 Kerouac13 and13 this13 novel13 that13 once13 inspired13 us13 as13 idealisFc13 childish13 and13 ridiculously13 naiumlve13 in13 its13 call13 for13 social13 change13 But13 Laplin13 had13 a13 wonderfully13 reacFon13 to13 such13 people13 Here13 is13 what13 he13 said
ldquoPerhaps13 these13 people13 never13 took13 to13 or13 went13 back13 on13 the13 road13 -shy‐13 due13 to13 fear13 or13 family13 -shy‐13 and13
26
therefore13 can13 no13 longer13 revisit13 Kerouacrsquos13 work13 Perhaps13 itrsquos13 hard13 to13 even13 look13 at13 his13 wriltng13 because13 readers13 are13 actually13 looking13 at13 themselves13 And13 itrsquos13 easier13 to13 say13 well13 Kerouacrsquos13 naive13 than13 to13 say13 I13 missed13 out13 on13 something13 Maybe13 some13 readers13 have13 given13 up13 on13 the13 search13 for13 beauty13 and13 spirituality13 or13 realized13 that13 theyrsquore13 not13 one13 of13 those13 people13 who13 lsquoburn13 burn13 burn13 like13 fabulous13 yellow13 roman13 candlesrsquo13 and13 that13 knowledge13 is13 painfulrdquo
I13 want13 to13 state13 it13 again13 You13 were13 right13 when13 you13 once13 thought13 we13 would13 change13 the13 world13 And13 you13 are13 sFll13 right13 Your13 dreams13 of13 a13 fair13 equal13 and13 just13 world13 are13 sFll13 out13 there13 and13 together13 we13 will13 reclaim13 them13 and13 make13 them13 a13 reality
hellipin the not too distant future you can put your children and
grandchildren on your knee and tell them about once upon a time
I13 say13 this13 not13 to13 preach13 to13 you13 or13 guilt13 you13 into13 acFon13 I13 just13 want13 to13 put13 it13 into13 perspecFve13 and13 ask13 you13 to13 be13 part13 of13 this13 journey13 If13 we13 live13 up13 to13 our13 ideals13 and13 commitments13 in13 the13 not13 too13 distant13 future13 you13 can13 put13 your13 children13 and13 grandchildren13 on13 your13 knee13 and13 tell13 them13 about13 once13 upon13 a13 Fme13 Once13 upon13 a13 Fme13 when13 educaFon13 was13 only13 for13 the13 privileged13 few13 When13 women13 were13 treated13 as13 second13 class13 ciFzens13 When13 injusFce13 and13 inequality13 were13 the13 standard13 And13 when13 communiFes13 were13 constantly13 trampled13 on13 by13 outside13 interests13 Most13 importantly13 you13 can13 tell13 them13 that13 you13 were13 part13 of13 fixing13 it13 That13 the13 world13 is13 a13 far13 beer13 place13 because13 of13 what13 we13 did13 That13
27
they13 have13 a13 great13 bright13 future13 because13 of13 our13 bold13 efforts13 that13 began13 today13 With13 such13 potenFals13 and13 possibiliFes13 at13 hand13 how13 can13 we13 ever13 explain13 to13 them13 our13 inacFon13 or13 how13 we13 stood13 by13 and13 let13 appalling13 things13 conFnue
As13 we13 close13 I13 want13 to13 ask13 a13 few13 final13 quesFons13 There13 are13 many13 places13 to13 put13 your13 efforts
But13 if13 not13 the13 thousands13 of13 communiAes13 we13 can13 help13 then13 where
If13 not13 the13 billions13 of13 young13 people13 we13 can13 empower13 to13 have13 beMer13 lives13 then13 who
And13 if13 now13 is13 not13 the13 Ame13 for13 bold13 daring13 and13 nearly13 miraculous13 acAons13 then13 when
hellipthe honor is only eclipsed by the responsibility this opportunity
brings with it
If13 you13 need13 proof13 of13 miracles13 than13 look13 no13 further13 than13 this13 stage13 Here13 you13 have13 a13 former13 (or13 perhaps13 not13 so13 former)13 punk13 from13 rural13 Pennsylvania13 of13 Irish13 descent13 standing13 before13 you13 accepFng13 one13 of13 our13 greatest13 honors13 Itrsquos13 absolutely13 humbling13 And13 the13 honor13 is13 only13 eclipsed13 by13 the13 responsibility13 this13 opportunity13 brings13 with13 it13 But13 itrsquos13 not13 inFmidaFng13 Not13 at13 all13 Because13 I13 know13 WE13 are13 in13 this13 together13 And13 for13 all13 of13 this13 I13 will13 be13 forever13 grateful13 to13 you13 for13 sharing13 this13 wonderful13 day13 and13 being13 part13 of13 this13 journey13 that13 will13 transform13 the13 world
Thank13 you13 all13 very13 very13 much
28
CHAPTER13 5
Contact USConnect13 with13 us13 on13 social13 media
unescochairpennstate
unescochairpsu
unescochairpsu
Call13 Write13 or13 Visit
Dr13 Mark13 Brennan204C13 Ferguson13 BuildingUniversity13 Park13 PA13 16802Phone13 1-shy‐814-shy‐863-shy‐0387Email13 unescochairpsueduWeb13 wwwunescochairpsuedu
UNESCO Chair in Rural Community
Leadership and Youth Development
The Pennsylvania State University
United Nations
(GXFDWLRQDO6FLHQWLiquestFDQGCultural Organization
development13 agencies13 Just13 think13 of13 the13 potenFals13 for13 primary13 and13 secondary13 schools13 and13 for13 educators13 in13 the13 developing13 world13 13 Think13 of13 the13 life13 changing13 impacts13 for13 a13 young13 girl13 in13 rural13 Zambia13 a13 street13 child13 in13 Kenya13 and13 a13 young13 farm13 worker13 in13 Cambodia13 Itrsquos13 beyond13 belief13 and13 uerly13 amazing13 13 It13 changes13 everything
So13 those13 are13 three13 of13 the13 big13 things13 that13 are13 happening13 now13 We13 have13 lots13 more13 in13 the13 works13 and13 ready13 to13 launch13 These13 and13 other13 efforts13 will13 help13 us13 realize13 our13 dreams13 of13 a13 beer13 world13 Come13 be13 part13 of13 all13 of13 these13 13 We13 can13 pick13 some13 great13 fights13 together13 I13 promise13 itrsquoll13 be13 awesome13 and13 wersquoll13 do13 miraculous13 things
The key to this is you
Be13 Part13 of13 the13 Journey
We13 WILL13 do13 all13 of13 the13 things13 I13 menFoned13 13 And13 much13 much13 more13 The13 key13 to13 this13 is13 you13 13 Yoursquove13 been13 asked13 to13 be13 here13 today13 because13 we13 know13 you13 will13 fight13 for13 social13 jusFce13 We13 need13 you13 to13 help13 us13 raise13 awareness13 to13 help13 develop13 programs13 and13 research13 and13 help13 us13 find13 funding13 to13 ensure13 this13 is13 a13 reality
If13 you13 think13 about13 it13 there13 is13 no13 beer13 place13 than13 here13 to13 begin13 our13 journey13 Lest13 we13 forget13 we13 are13 in13 Pennsylvania13 This13 place13 that13 saw13 the13 birth13 of13 the13 Molly13 McGuires13 the13 original13 union13 movements13 and13 the13 knights13 of13 labor13 It13 was13 where13 Milton13 Eisenhower13 dreamed13 of13 the
If13 you13 think13 about13 it13 there13 is13 no13 beer13 place13 than13 here13 to13 begin13 our13 journey13 Lest13 we13 forget13 we13 are13 in13 Pennsylvania13 This13 place13 that13
24
saw13 the13 birth13 of13 the13 Molly13 McGuires13 the13 original13 union13 movements13 and13 the13 knights13 of13 labor13 It13 was13 where13 Milton13 Eisenhower13 dreamed13 of13 the13 potenFals13 of13 UNESCO13 13 Where13 Benjamin13 Franklin13 found13 the13 Pennsylvania13 AboliFonist13 Society13 seeking13 to13 end13 slavery13 Where13 our13 founding13 fathers13 conceived13 more13 than13 a13 naFon13 but13 the13 idea13 of13 L ife13 L iberty13 and13 the13 pursuit13 of13 Happiness-shy‐-shy‐-shy‐not13 just13 for13 us13 but13 for13 our13 fellow13 ciFzens13 of13 the13 world13 All13 of13 these13 people13 have13 passed13 the13 torch13 to13 us13 today13 13 Let13 us13 make13 them13 proud13 in13 conFnuing13 their13 quest13 for13 social13 jusFce13 for13 equality13 and13 for13 creaFng13 a13 beer13 world
Now13 is13 our13 moment13 13 Of13 all13 the13 opportuniFes13 out13 there13 none13 have13 greater13 potenFal13 for13 immediate13 and13 long13 term13 impacts13 than13
e du caFon 13 t h e13 t r a n s fo rmaFon13 o f13 communiFes13 empowerment13 of13 the13 excluded13 and13 the13 posiFve13 development13 of13 youth13 None13 Absolutely13 none
Now13 I13 know13 we13 hear13 inspiraFonal13 speeches13 a13 lot13 We13 are13 always13 being13 asked13 to13 open13 our13 hearts13 and13 then13 our13 checkbooks13 3But13 this13 is13 different13 We13 have13 never13 before13 had13 such13 structures13 partners13 and13 resources13 to13 make13 our13 dreams13 a13 reality
hellipthere will be those outside that will tell us that the world is too big
too corrupthellip
I13 know13 we13 are13 all13 Fred13 overworked13 and13 maybe13 a13 bit13 cynical13 of13 all13 this13 I13 know13 there13 will13 be13 those13 outside13 of13 here13 that13 will13 tell13 us13 that13 the13 world13 is13 too13 big13 too13 corrupt13 that13 the13 vicFms13 deserve13 their13 low13 lots13 in13 life13 and13
25
that13 maybe13 for13 the13 sake13 of13 our13 careers13 we13 really13 should13 look13 busy13 while13 doing13 nothing13 But13 Irsquom13 asking13 you13 today13 to13 try13 one13 more13 Fme13 Take13 one13 more13 leap13 of13 faith13 I13 promise13 we13 wonrsquot13 let13 you13 down13 I13 promise13 that13 wersquoll13 be13 part13 of13 something13 legendary13 together
Nonetheless13 as13 you13 quesFon13 our13 ability13 to13 really13 change13 the13 world13 I13 would13 simply13 ask13 you13 to13 remember13 back13 to13 our13 younger13 days13 when13 we13 were13 absolutely13 certain13 that13 we13 could13 do13 it13 13 We13 were13 right13 13 You13 were13 right13 13 You13 were13 right13 and13 your13 dreams13 are13 sFll13 out13 there
I13 want13 to13 share13 one13 last13 story13 13 I13 recently13 read13 a13 wonderful13 essay13 by13 Joseph13 Laplin13 looking13 back13 on13 the13 55th13 Anniversary13 of13 Jack13 Kerouacrsquos13 legendary13 novel13 On13 the13 Road13 13 This13 was13 a13 novel13 that13 sent13 many13 young13 people13
(including13 myself)13 out13 on13 that13 road13 of13 discovery13 in13 search13 of13 the13 limitless13 possibiliFes13 beyond13 our13 hometowns13 13 A13 book13 that13 mandated13 the13 quesFoning13 authority13 the13 quesFoning13 of13 social13 convenFons13 and13 the13 challenging13 of13 the13 moral13 blinds13 spots13 of13 our13 age13 For13 me13 this13 book13 was13 magical
Laplinrsquos13 essay13 took13 aim13 at13 those13 of13 us13 who13 have13 grown13 up13 become13 established13 and13 think13 wersquove13 grown13 wiser13 Especially13 those13 of13 us13 who13 now13 dismiss13 Kerouac13 and13 this13 novel13 that13 once13 inspired13 us13 as13 idealisFc13 childish13 and13 ridiculously13 naiumlve13 in13 its13 call13 for13 social13 change13 But13 Laplin13 had13 a13 wonderfully13 reacFon13 to13 such13 people13 Here13 is13 what13 he13 said
ldquoPerhaps13 these13 people13 never13 took13 to13 or13 went13 back13 on13 the13 road13 -shy‐13 due13 to13 fear13 or13 family13 -shy‐13 and13
26
therefore13 can13 no13 longer13 revisit13 Kerouacrsquos13 work13 Perhaps13 itrsquos13 hard13 to13 even13 look13 at13 his13 wriltng13 because13 readers13 are13 actually13 looking13 at13 themselves13 And13 itrsquos13 easier13 to13 say13 well13 Kerouacrsquos13 naive13 than13 to13 say13 I13 missed13 out13 on13 something13 Maybe13 some13 readers13 have13 given13 up13 on13 the13 search13 for13 beauty13 and13 spirituality13 or13 realized13 that13 theyrsquore13 not13 one13 of13 those13 people13 who13 lsquoburn13 burn13 burn13 like13 fabulous13 yellow13 roman13 candlesrsquo13 and13 that13 knowledge13 is13 painfulrdquo
I13 want13 to13 state13 it13 again13 You13 were13 right13 when13 you13 once13 thought13 we13 would13 change13 the13 world13 And13 you13 are13 sFll13 right13 Your13 dreams13 of13 a13 fair13 equal13 and13 just13 world13 are13 sFll13 out13 there13 and13 together13 we13 will13 reclaim13 them13 and13 make13 them13 a13 reality
hellipin the not too distant future you can put your children and
grandchildren on your knee and tell them about once upon a time
I13 say13 this13 not13 to13 preach13 to13 you13 or13 guilt13 you13 into13 acFon13 I13 just13 want13 to13 put13 it13 into13 perspecFve13 and13 ask13 you13 to13 be13 part13 of13 this13 journey13 If13 we13 live13 up13 to13 our13 ideals13 and13 commitments13 in13 the13 not13 too13 distant13 future13 you13 can13 put13 your13 children13 and13 grandchildren13 on13 your13 knee13 and13 tell13 them13 about13 once13 upon13 a13 Fme13 Once13 upon13 a13 Fme13 when13 educaFon13 was13 only13 for13 the13 privileged13 few13 When13 women13 were13 treated13 as13 second13 class13 ciFzens13 When13 injusFce13 and13 inequality13 were13 the13 standard13 And13 when13 communiFes13 were13 constantly13 trampled13 on13 by13 outside13 interests13 Most13 importantly13 you13 can13 tell13 them13 that13 you13 were13 part13 of13 fixing13 it13 That13 the13 world13 is13 a13 far13 beer13 place13 because13 of13 what13 we13 did13 That13
27
they13 have13 a13 great13 bright13 future13 because13 of13 our13 bold13 efforts13 that13 began13 today13 With13 such13 potenFals13 and13 possibiliFes13 at13 hand13 how13 can13 we13 ever13 explain13 to13 them13 our13 inacFon13 or13 how13 we13 stood13 by13 and13 let13 appalling13 things13 conFnue
As13 we13 close13 I13 want13 to13 ask13 a13 few13 final13 quesFons13 There13 are13 many13 places13 to13 put13 your13 efforts
But13 if13 not13 the13 thousands13 of13 communiAes13 we13 can13 help13 then13 where
If13 not13 the13 billions13 of13 young13 people13 we13 can13 empower13 to13 have13 beMer13 lives13 then13 who
And13 if13 now13 is13 not13 the13 Ame13 for13 bold13 daring13 and13 nearly13 miraculous13 acAons13 then13 when
hellipthe honor is only eclipsed by the responsibility this opportunity
brings with it
If13 you13 need13 proof13 of13 miracles13 than13 look13 no13 further13 than13 this13 stage13 Here13 you13 have13 a13 former13 (or13 perhaps13 not13 so13 former)13 punk13 from13 rural13 Pennsylvania13 of13 Irish13 descent13 standing13 before13 you13 accepFng13 one13 of13 our13 greatest13 honors13 Itrsquos13 absolutely13 humbling13 And13 the13 honor13 is13 only13 eclipsed13 by13 the13 responsibility13 this13 opportunity13 brings13 with13 it13 But13 itrsquos13 not13 inFmidaFng13 Not13 at13 all13 Because13 I13 know13 WE13 are13 in13 this13 together13 And13 for13 all13 of13 this13 I13 will13 be13 forever13 grateful13 to13 you13 for13 sharing13 this13 wonderful13 day13 and13 being13 part13 of13 this13 journey13 that13 will13 transform13 the13 world
Thank13 you13 all13 very13 very13 much
28
CHAPTER13 5
Contact USConnect13 with13 us13 on13 social13 media
unescochairpennstate
unescochairpsu
unescochairpsu
Call13 Write13 or13 Visit
Dr13 Mark13 Brennan204C13 Ferguson13 BuildingUniversity13 Park13 PA13 16802Phone13 1-shy‐814-shy‐863-shy‐0387Email13 unescochairpsueduWeb13 wwwunescochairpsuedu
UNESCO Chair in Rural Community
Leadership and Youth Development
The Pennsylvania State University
United Nations
(GXFDWLRQDO6FLHQWLiquestFDQGCultural Organization
saw13 the13 birth13 of13 the13 Molly13 McGuires13 the13 original13 union13 movements13 and13 the13 knights13 of13 labor13 It13 was13 where13 Milton13 Eisenhower13 dreamed13 of13 the13 potenFals13 of13 UNESCO13 13 Where13 Benjamin13 Franklin13 found13 the13 Pennsylvania13 AboliFonist13 Society13 seeking13 to13 end13 slavery13 Where13 our13 founding13 fathers13 conceived13 more13 than13 a13 naFon13 but13 the13 idea13 of13 L ife13 L iberty13 and13 the13 pursuit13 of13 Happiness-shy‐-shy‐-shy‐not13 just13 for13 us13 but13 for13 our13 fellow13 ciFzens13 of13 the13 world13 All13 of13 these13 people13 have13 passed13 the13 torch13 to13 us13 today13 13 Let13 us13 make13 them13 proud13 in13 conFnuing13 their13 quest13 for13 social13 jusFce13 for13 equality13 and13 for13 creaFng13 a13 beer13 world
Now13 is13 our13 moment13 13 Of13 all13 the13 opportuniFes13 out13 there13 none13 have13 greater13 potenFal13 for13 immediate13 and13 long13 term13 impacts13 than13
e du caFon 13 t h e13 t r a n s fo rmaFon13 o f13 communiFes13 empowerment13 of13 the13 excluded13 and13 the13 posiFve13 development13 of13 youth13 None13 Absolutely13 none
Now13 I13 know13 we13 hear13 inspiraFonal13 speeches13 a13 lot13 We13 are13 always13 being13 asked13 to13 open13 our13 hearts13 and13 then13 our13 checkbooks13 3But13 this13 is13 different13 We13 have13 never13 before13 had13 such13 structures13 partners13 and13 resources13 to13 make13 our13 dreams13 a13 reality
hellipthere will be those outside that will tell us that the world is too big
too corrupthellip
I13 know13 we13 are13 all13 Fred13 overworked13 and13 maybe13 a13 bit13 cynical13 of13 all13 this13 I13 know13 there13 will13 be13 those13 outside13 of13 here13 that13 will13 tell13 us13 that13 the13 world13 is13 too13 big13 too13 corrupt13 that13 the13 vicFms13 deserve13 their13 low13 lots13 in13 life13 and13
25
that13 maybe13 for13 the13 sake13 of13 our13 careers13 we13 really13 should13 look13 busy13 while13 doing13 nothing13 But13 Irsquom13 asking13 you13 today13 to13 try13 one13 more13 Fme13 Take13 one13 more13 leap13 of13 faith13 I13 promise13 we13 wonrsquot13 let13 you13 down13 I13 promise13 that13 wersquoll13 be13 part13 of13 something13 legendary13 together
Nonetheless13 as13 you13 quesFon13 our13 ability13 to13 really13 change13 the13 world13 I13 would13 simply13 ask13 you13 to13 remember13 back13 to13 our13 younger13 days13 when13 we13 were13 absolutely13 certain13 that13 we13 could13 do13 it13 13 We13 were13 right13 13 You13 were13 right13 13 You13 were13 right13 and13 your13 dreams13 are13 sFll13 out13 there
I13 want13 to13 share13 one13 last13 story13 13 I13 recently13 read13 a13 wonderful13 essay13 by13 Joseph13 Laplin13 looking13 back13 on13 the13 55th13 Anniversary13 of13 Jack13 Kerouacrsquos13 legendary13 novel13 On13 the13 Road13 13 This13 was13 a13 novel13 that13 sent13 many13 young13 people13
(including13 myself)13 out13 on13 that13 road13 of13 discovery13 in13 search13 of13 the13 limitless13 possibiliFes13 beyond13 our13 hometowns13 13 A13 book13 that13 mandated13 the13 quesFoning13 authority13 the13 quesFoning13 of13 social13 convenFons13 and13 the13 challenging13 of13 the13 moral13 blinds13 spots13 of13 our13 age13 For13 me13 this13 book13 was13 magical
Laplinrsquos13 essay13 took13 aim13 at13 those13 of13 us13 who13 have13 grown13 up13 become13 established13 and13 think13 wersquove13 grown13 wiser13 Especially13 those13 of13 us13 who13 now13 dismiss13 Kerouac13 and13 this13 novel13 that13 once13 inspired13 us13 as13 idealisFc13 childish13 and13 ridiculously13 naiumlve13 in13 its13 call13 for13 social13 change13 But13 Laplin13 had13 a13 wonderfully13 reacFon13 to13 such13 people13 Here13 is13 what13 he13 said
ldquoPerhaps13 these13 people13 never13 took13 to13 or13 went13 back13 on13 the13 road13 -shy‐13 due13 to13 fear13 or13 family13 -shy‐13 and13
26
therefore13 can13 no13 longer13 revisit13 Kerouacrsquos13 work13 Perhaps13 itrsquos13 hard13 to13 even13 look13 at13 his13 wriltng13 because13 readers13 are13 actually13 looking13 at13 themselves13 And13 itrsquos13 easier13 to13 say13 well13 Kerouacrsquos13 naive13 than13 to13 say13 I13 missed13 out13 on13 something13 Maybe13 some13 readers13 have13 given13 up13 on13 the13 search13 for13 beauty13 and13 spirituality13 or13 realized13 that13 theyrsquore13 not13 one13 of13 those13 people13 who13 lsquoburn13 burn13 burn13 like13 fabulous13 yellow13 roman13 candlesrsquo13 and13 that13 knowledge13 is13 painfulrdquo
I13 want13 to13 state13 it13 again13 You13 were13 right13 when13 you13 once13 thought13 we13 would13 change13 the13 world13 And13 you13 are13 sFll13 right13 Your13 dreams13 of13 a13 fair13 equal13 and13 just13 world13 are13 sFll13 out13 there13 and13 together13 we13 will13 reclaim13 them13 and13 make13 them13 a13 reality
hellipin the not too distant future you can put your children and
grandchildren on your knee and tell them about once upon a time
I13 say13 this13 not13 to13 preach13 to13 you13 or13 guilt13 you13 into13 acFon13 I13 just13 want13 to13 put13 it13 into13 perspecFve13 and13 ask13 you13 to13 be13 part13 of13 this13 journey13 If13 we13 live13 up13 to13 our13 ideals13 and13 commitments13 in13 the13 not13 too13 distant13 future13 you13 can13 put13 your13 children13 and13 grandchildren13 on13 your13 knee13 and13 tell13 them13 about13 once13 upon13 a13 Fme13 Once13 upon13 a13 Fme13 when13 educaFon13 was13 only13 for13 the13 privileged13 few13 When13 women13 were13 treated13 as13 second13 class13 ciFzens13 When13 injusFce13 and13 inequality13 were13 the13 standard13 And13 when13 communiFes13 were13 constantly13 trampled13 on13 by13 outside13 interests13 Most13 importantly13 you13 can13 tell13 them13 that13 you13 were13 part13 of13 fixing13 it13 That13 the13 world13 is13 a13 far13 beer13 place13 because13 of13 what13 we13 did13 That13
27
they13 have13 a13 great13 bright13 future13 because13 of13 our13 bold13 efforts13 that13 began13 today13 With13 such13 potenFals13 and13 possibiliFes13 at13 hand13 how13 can13 we13 ever13 explain13 to13 them13 our13 inacFon13 or13 how13 we13 stood13 by13 and13 let13 appalling13 things13 conFnue
As13 we13 close13 I13 want13 to13 ask13 a13 few13 final13 quesFons13 There13 are13 many13 places13 to13 put13 your13 efforts
But13 if13 not13 the13 thousands13 of13 communiAes13 we13 can13 help13 then13 where
If13 not13 the13 billions13 of13 young13 people13 we13 can13 empower13 to13 have13 beMer13 lives13 then13 who
And13 if13 now13 is13 not13 the13 Ame13 for13 bold13 daring13 and13 nearly13 miraculous13 acAons13 then13 when
hellipthe honor is only eclipsed by the responsibility this opportunity
brings with it
If13 you13 need13 proof13 of13 miracles13 than13 look13 no13 further13 than13 this13 stage13 Here13 you13 have13 a13 former13 (or13 perhaps13 not13 so13 former)13 punk13 from13 rural13 Pennsylvania13 of13 Irish13 descent13 standing13 before13 you13 accepFng13 one13 of13 our13 greatest13 honors13 Itrsquos13 absolutely13 humbling13 And13 the13 honor13 is13 only13 eclipsed13 by13 the13 responsibility13 this13 opportunity13 brings13 with13 it13 But13 itrsquos13 not13 inFmidaFng13 Not13 at13 all13 Because13 I13 know13 WE13 are13 in13 this13 together13 And13 for13 all13 of13 this13 I13 will13 be13 forever13 grateful13 to13 you13 for13 sharing13 this13 wonderful13 day13 and13 being13 part13 of13 this13 journey13 that13 will13 transform13 the13 world
Thank13 you13 all13 very13 very13 much
28
CHAPTER13 5
Contact USConnect13 with13 us13 on13 social13 media
unescochairpennstate
unescochairpsu
unescochairpsu
Call13 Write13 or13 Visit
Dr13 Mark13 Brennan204C13 Ferguson13 BuildingUniversity13 Park13 PA13 16802Phone13 1-shy‐814-shy‐863-shy‐0387Email13 unescochairpsueduWeb13 wwwunescochairpsuedu
UNESCO Chair in Rural Community
Leadership and Youth Development
The Pennsylvania State University
United Nations
(GXFDWLRQDO6FLHQWLiquestFDQGCultural Organization
that13 maybe13 for13 the13 sake13 of13 our13 careers13 we13 really13 should13 look13 busy13 while13 doing13 nothing13 But13 Irsquom13 asking13 you13 today13 to13 try13 one13 more13 Fme13 Take13 one13 more13 leap13 of13 faith13 I13 promise13 we13 wonrsquot13 let13 you13 down13 I13 promise13 that13 wersquoll13 be13 part13 of13 something13 legendary13 together
Nonetheless13 as13 you13 quesFon13 our13 ability13 to13 really13 change13 the13 world13 I13 would13 simply13 ask13 you13 to13 remember13 back13 to13 our13 younger13 days13 when13 we13 were13 absolutely13 certain13 that13 we13 could13 do13 it13 13 We13 were13 right13 13 You13 were13 right13 13 You13 were13 right13 and13 your13 dreams13 are13 sFll13 out13 there
I13 want13 to13 share13 one13 last13 story13 13 I13 recently13 read13 a13 wonderful13 essay13 by13 Joseph13 Laplin13 looking13 back13 on13 the13 55th13 Anniversary13 of13 Jack13 Kerouacrsquos13 legendary13 novel13 On13 the13 Road13 13 This13 was13 a13 novel13 that13 sent13 many13 young13 people13
(including13 myself)13 out13 on13 that13 road13 of13 discovery13 in13 search13 of13 the13 limitless13 possibiliFes13 beyond13 our13 hometowns13 13 A13 book13 that13 mandated13 the13 quesFoning13 authority13 the13 quesFoning13 of13 social13 convenFons13 and13 the13 challenging13 of13 the13 moral13 blinds13 spots13 of13 our13 age13 For13 me13 this13 book13 was13 magical
Laplinrsquos13 essay13 took13 aim13 at13 those13 of13 us13 who13 have13 grown13 up13 become13 established13 and13 think13 wersquove13 grown13 wiser13 Especially13 those13 of13 us13 who13 now13 dismiss13 Kerouac13 and13 this13 novel13 that13 once13 inspired13 us13 as13 idealisFc13 childish13 and13 ridiculously13 naiumlve13 in13 its13 call13 for13 social13 change13 But13 Laplin13 had13 a13 wonderfully13 reacFon13 to13 such13 people13 Here13 is13 what13 he13 said
ldquoPerhaps13 these13 people13 never13 took13 to13 or13 went13 back13 on13 the13 road13 -shy‐13 due13 to13 fear13 or13 family13 -shy‐13 and13
26
therefore13 can13 no13 longer13 revisit13 Kerouacrsquos13 work13 Perhaps13 itrsquos13 hard13 to13 even13 look13 at13 his13 wriltng13 because13 readers13 are13 actually13 looking13 at13 themselves13 And13 itrsquos13 easier13 to13 say13 well13 Kerouacrsquos13 naive13 than13 to13 say13 I13 missed13 out13 on13 something13 Maybe13 some13 readers13 have13 given13 up13 on13 the13 search13 for13 beauty13 and13 spirituality13 or13 realized13 that13 theyrsquore13 not13 one13 of13 those13 people13 who13 lsquoburn13 burn13 burn13 like13 fabulous13 yellow13 roman13 candlesrsquo13 and13 that13 knowledge13 is13 painfulrdquo
I13 want13 to13 state13 it13 again13 You13 were13 right13 when13 you13 once13 thought13 we13 would13 change13 the13 world13 And13 you13 are13 sFll13 right13 Your13 dreams13 of13 a13 fair13 equal13 and13 just13 world13 are13 sFll13 out13 there13 and13 together13 we13 will13 reclaim13 them13 and13 make13 them13 a13 reality
hellipin the not too distant future you can put your children and
grandchildren on your knee and tell them about once upon a time
I13 say13 this13 not13 to13 preach13 to13 you13 or13 guilt13 you13 into13 acFon13 I13 just13 want13 to13 put13 it13 into13 perspecFve13 and13 ask13 you13 to13 be13 part13 of13 this13 journey13 If13 we13 live13 up13 to13 our13 ideals13 and13 commitments13 in13 the13 not13 too13 distant13 future13 you13 can13 put13 your13 children13 and13 grandchildren13 on13 your13 knee13 and13 tell13 them13 about13 once13 upon13 a13 Fme13 Once13 upon13 a13 Fme13 when13 educaFon13 was13 only13 for13 the13 privileged13 few13 When13 women13 were13 treated13 as13 second13 class13 ciFzens13 When13 injusFce13 and13 inequality13 were13 the13 standard13 And13 when13 communiFes13 were13 constantly13 trampled13 on13 by13 outside13 interests13 Most13 importantly13 you13 can13 tell13 them13 that13 you13 were13 part13 of13 fixing13 it13 That13 the13 world13 is13 a13 far13 beer13 place13 because13 of13 what13 we13 did13 That13
27
they13 have13 a13 great13 bright13 future13 because13 of13 our13 bold13 efforts13 that13 began13 today13 With13 such13 potenFals13 and13 possibiliFes13 at13 hand13 how13 can13 we13 ever13 explain13 to13 them13 our13 inacFon13 or13 how13 we13 stood13 by13 and13 let13 appalling13 things13 conFnue
As13 we13 close13 I13 want13 to13 ask13 a13 few13 final13 quesFons13 There13 are13 many13 places13 to13 put13 your13 efforts
But13 if13 not13 the13 thousands13 of13 communiAes13 we13 can13 help13 then13 where
If13 not13 the13 billions13 of13 young13 people13 we13 can13 empower13 to13 have13 beMer13 lives13 then13 who
And13 if13 now13 is13 not13 the13 Ame13 for13 bold13 daring13 and13 nearly13 miraculous13 acAons13 then13 when
hellipthe honor is only eclipsed by the responsibility this opportunity
brings with it
If13 you13 need13 proof13 of13 miracles13 than13 look13 no13 further13 than13 this13 stage13 Here13 you13 have13 a13 former13 (or13 perhaps13 not13 so13 former)13 punk13 from13 rural13 Pennsylvania13 of13 Irish13 descent13 standing13 before13 you13 accepFng13 one13 of13 our13 greatest13 honors13 Itrsquos13 absolutely13 humbling13 And13 the13 honor13 is13 only13 eclipsed13 by13 the13 responsibility13 this13 opportunity13 brings13 with13 it13 But13 itrsquos13 not13 inFmidaFng13 Not13 at13 all13 Because13 I13 know13 WE13 are13 in13 this13 together13 And13 for13 all13 of13 this13 I13 will13 be13 forever13 grateful13 to13 you13 for13 sharing13 this13 wonderful13 day13 and13 being13 part13 of13 this13 journey13 that13 will13 transform13 the13 world
Thank13 you13 all13 very13 very13 much
28
CHAPTER13 5
Contact USConnect13 with13 us13 on13 social13 media
unescochairpennstate
unescochairpsu
unescochairpsu
Call13 Write13 or13 Visit
Dr13 Mark13 Brennan204C13 Ferguson13 BuildingUniversity13 Park13 PA13 16802Phone13 1-shy‐814-shy‐863-shy‐0387Email13 unescochairpsueduWeb13 wwwunescochairpsuedu
UNESCO Chair in Rural Community
Leadership and Youth Development
The Pennsylvania State University
United Nations
(GXFDWLRQDO6FLHQWLiquestFDQGCultural Organization
therefore13 can13 no13 longer13 revisit13 Kerouacrsquos13 work13 Perhaps13 itrsquos13 hard13 to13 even13 look13 at13 his13 wriltng13 because13 readers13 are13 actually13 looking13 at13 themselves13 And13 itrsquos13 easier13 to13 say13 well13 Kerouacrsquos13 naive13 than13 to13 say13 I13 missed13 out13 on13 something13 Maybe13 some13 readers13 have13 given13 up13 on13 the13 search13 for13 beauty13 and13 spirituality13 or13 realized13 that13 theyrsquore13 not13 one13 of13 those13 people13 who13 lsquoburn13 burn13 burn13 like13 fabulous13 yellow13 roman13 candlesrsquo13 and13 that13 knowledge13 is13 painfulrdquo
I13 want13 to13 state13 it13 again13 You13 were13 right13 when13 you13 once13 thought13 we13 would13 change13 the13 world13 And13 you13 are13 sFll13 right13 Your13 dreams13 of13 a13 fair13 equal13 and13 just13 world13 are13 sFll13 out13 there13 and13 together13 we13 will13 reclaim13 them13 and13 make13 them13 a13 reality
hellipin the not too distant future you can put your children and
grandchildren on your knee and tell them about once upon a time
I13 say13 this13 not13 to13 preach13 to13 you13 or13 guilt13 you13 into13 acFon13 I13 just13 want13 to13 put13 it13 into13 perspecFve13 and13 ask13 you13 to13 be13 part13 of13 this13 journey13 If13 we13 live13 up13 to13 our13 ideals13 and13 commitments13 in13 the13 not13 too13 distant13 future13 you13 can13 put13 your13 children13 and13 grandchildren13 on13 your13 knee13 and13 tell13 them13 about13 once13 upon13 a13 Fme13 Once13 upon13 a13 Fme13 when13 educaFon13 was13 only13 for13 the13 privileged13 few13 When13 women13 were13 treated13 as13 second13 class13 ciFzens13 When13 injusFce13 and13 inequality13 were13 the13 standard13 And13 when13 communiFes13 were13 constantly13 trampled13 on13 by13 outside13 interests13 Most13 importantly13 you13 can13 tell13 them13 that13 you13 were13 part13 of13 fixing13 it13 That13 the13 world13 is13 a13 far13 beer13 place13 because13 of13 what13 we13 did13 That13
27
they13 have13 a13 great13 bright13 future13 because13 of13 our13 bold13 efforts13 that13 began13 today13 With13 such13 potenFals13 and13 possibiliFes13 at13 hand13 how13 can13 we13 ever13 explain13 to13 them13 our13 inacFon13 or13 how13 we13 stood13 by13 and13 let13 appalling13 things13 conFnue
As13 we13 close13 I13 want13 to13 ask13 a13 few13 final13 quesFons13 There13 are13 many13 places13 to13 put13 your13 efforts
But13 if13 not13 the13 thousands13 of13 communiAes13 we13 can13 help13 then13 where
If13 not13 the13 billions13 of13 young13 people13 we13 can13 empower13 to13 have13 beMer13 lives13 then13 who
And13 if13 now13 is13 not13 the13 Ame13 for13 bold13 daring13 and13 nearly13 miraculous13 acAons13 then13 when
hellipthe honor is only eclipsed by the responsibility this opportunity
brings with it
If13 you13 need13 proof13 of13 miracles13 than13 look13 no13 further13 than13 this13 stage13 Here13 you13 have13 a13 former13 (or13 perhaps13 not13 so13 former)13 punk13 from13 rural13 Pennsylvania13 of13 Irish13 descent13 standing13 before13 you13 accepFng13 one13 of13 our13 greatest13 honors13 Itrsquos13 absolutely13 humbling13 And13 the13 honor13 is13 only13 eclipsed13 by13 the13 responsibility13 this13 opportunity13 brings13 with13 it13 But13 itrsquos13 not13 inFmidaFng13 Not13 at13 all13 Because13 I13 know13 WE13 are13 in13 this13 together13 And13 for13 all13 of13 this13 I13 will13 be13 forever13 grateful13 to13 you13 for13 sharing13 this13 wonderful13 day13 and13 being13 part13 of13 this13 journey13 that13 will13 transform13 the13 world
Thank13 you13 all13 very13 very13 much
28
CHAPTER13 5
Contact USConnect13 with13 us13 on13 social13 media
unescochairpennstate
unescochairpsu
unescochairpsu
Call13 Write13 or13 Visit
Dr13 Mark13 Brennan204C13 Ferguson13 BuildingUniversity13 Park13 PA13 16802Phone13 1-shy‐814-shy‐863-shy‐0387Email13 unescochairpsueduWeb13 wwwunescochairpsuedu
UNESCO Chair in Rural Community
Leadership and Youth Development
The Pennsylvania State University
United Nations
(GXFDWLRQDO6FLHQWLiquestFDQGCultural Organization
they13 have13 a13 great13 bright13 future13 because13 of13 our13 bold13 efforts13 that13 began13 today13 With13 such13 potenFals13 and13 possibiliFes13 at13 hand13 how13 can13 we13 ever13 explain13 to13 them13 our13 inacFon13 or13 how13 we13 stood13 by13 and13 let13 appalling13 things13 conFnue
As13 we13 close13 I13 want13 to13 ask13 a13 few13 final13 quesFons13 There13 are13 many13 places13 to13 put13 your13 efforts
But13 if13 not13 the13 thousands13 of13 communiAes13 we13 can13 help13 then13 where
If13 not13 the13 billions13 of13 young13 people13 we13 can13 empower13 to13 have13 beMer13 lives13 then13 who
And13 if13 now13 is13 not13 the13 Ame13 for13 bold13 daring13 and13 nearly13 miraculous13 acAons13 then13 when
hellipthe honor is only eclipsed by the responsibility this opportunity
brings with it
If13 you13 need13 proof13 of13 miracles13 than13 look13 no13 further13 than13 this13 stage13 Here13 you13 have13 a13 former13 (or13 perhaps13 not13 so13 former)13 punk13 from13 rural13 Pennsylvania13 of13 Irish13 descent13 standing13 before13 you13 accepFng13 one13 of13 our13 greatest13 honors13 Itrsquos13 absolutely13 humbling13 And13 the13 honor13 is13 only13 eclipsed13 by13 the13 responsibility13 this13 opportunity13 brings13 with13 it13 But13 itrsquos13 not13 inFmidaFng13 Not13 at13 all13 Because13 I13 know13 WE13 are13 in13 this13 together13 And13 for13 all13 of13 this13 I13 will13 be13 forever13 grateful13 to13 you13 for13 sharing13 this13 wonderful13 day13 and13 being13 part13 of13 this13 journey13 that13 will13 transform13 the13 world
Thank13 you13 all13 very13 very13 much
28
CHAPTER13 5
Contact USConnect13 with13 us13 on13 social13 media
unescochairpennstate
unescochairpsu
unescochairpsu
Call13 Write13 or13 Visit
Dr13 Mark13 Brennan204C13 Ferguson13 BuildingUniversity13 Park13 PA13 16802Phone13 1-shy‐814-shy‐863-shy‐0387Email13 unescochairpsueduWeb13 wwwunescochairpsuedu
UNESCO Chair in Rural Community
Leadership and Youth Development
The Pennsylvania State University
United Nations
(GXFDWLRQDO6FLHQWLiquestFDQGCultural Organization
CHAPTER13 5
Contact USConnect13 with13 us13 on13 social13 media
unescochairpennstate
unescochairpsu
unescochairpsu
Call13 Write13 or13 Visit
Dr13 Mark13 Brennan204C13 Ferguson13 BuildingUniversity13 Park13 PA13 16802Phone13 1-shy‐814-shy‐863-shy‐0387Email13 unescochairpsueduWeb13 wwwunescochairpsuedu
UNESCO Chair in Rural Community
Leadership and Youth Development
The Pennsylvania State University
United Nations
(GXFDWLRQDO6FLHQWLiquestFDQGCultural Organization