Karen was Executive Director of AIDemocracy from 2010-2012. Karen has extensive experience building networks for social change, both in the US and abroad. She previously managed Oxfam International’s Health and Education For All campaign in Mali, West Africa, where she supported the advocacy work of national organizations and founded the “Espace de Plaidoyer” activist network. She has also worked with Netcentric Campaigns, where she analyzed and supported activist networks working on the 2008 US presidential election and women’s and environment issues; the Bank Information Center, a World Bank watchdog; and IFIwatchnet, an online community of activists concerned with the international financial institutions. One of her most formative experiences was the three years she spent as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Niger, where she worked with local communities to address challenges to food production, environmental protection, health and education. Karen has a BA in History (Honors) from the University of Michigan and an MPA in International Development from the Woodrow Wilson School at Princeton University.
Karen Showalter – Board Co-Chair
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What’s at Stake with the Super Committee? Everything, says Bread for the World
Bread for the World does a great job outlining the role and implications of the Super Committee, which will propose over $1 trillion in budget cuts by the end of the year, many of which could directly affect funding to fight global poverty. Just as a household budget can become a complicated process of negotiating family members’ needs, wants, and priorities, the federal budget process in Washington, DC, can be taxing, with everyone vying for their piece of the pie. Last August, President Obama and congressional leaders approved the Budget … [Read more...]
Occupying Wall Street: vocalizing the frustrations of our generation
The “Occupy Wall Street” movement jolts us into important debate around our financial system, the fate of our generation, and how young people should be using our voice to demand change. Whether or not you agree with the goals of the group, the very act of standing up and speaking out about a system fraught with inconsistencies and imbalances must be admired. Let us use this moment as a call to action to not only question our financial system, but our political one as well. And most importantly, let’s remember that as youth we have tremendous power … [Read more...]
Tell Congress that students care about the fight against global hunger!
Today activists from across the country will join forces to send a loud and clear message to members of Congress: Protect funding for global hunger and global poverty-focused programs! We need you to add your voice to this call, making it clear that we, as young people, care about these issues. Once again global hunger programs are in extreme danger as Congress makes decisions about next year’s budget. The House of Representatives has proposed cutting critical investments in smallholder agriculture by more than 35%. These investments in … [Read more...]
Do something, but do it wisely
I believe in my own power, and the power of young people, to build a better world. And there are many ways we can take action. We can protest or take direct action, for example protesting the Keystone Pipeline outside the White House. We can speak out to decision-makers, or educate our peers about social challenges. We can do service work, or buy more responsible products. We can start an organization or a business that contributes to finding solutions. Since an early age, I've felt compelled to speak out about any number of social issues. One of my … [Read more...]
How are you marking the 10th anniversary of 9/11?
Ten years after 9/11, our country and our planet face incredible challenges. We can do better, and our generation can make it happen. Americans for Informed Democracy (AIDemocracy) was founded after 9/11 to help young people discuss the US role in the world. Ten years later, this conversation is more important than ever. This coming Sunday please take a few minutes to remember those we lost in 2001, and as a result of our subsequent engagements in Iraq and Afghanistan. Then think about what you can do to build a better world, one that is more … [Read more...]
Network in context
In recent weeks I've written about the value of networks - loose communities united around a common purpose - and how new media facilitates their work. AIDemocracy is shifting to a more nimble network structure this summer, and I think it's important to share why we've made this decision. Today I'm going to reflect on why the current climate makes this model so strategic. But first, let me briefly unpack what we mean by network. As stated above, a network is a loose community coalescing around a common goal. In our case, it's promoting a more … [Read more...]
How new media helps us be a network
New media has dramatically changed the landscape in which we work. As a national organization with lots of work to do, but a very small budget, this plays to our advantage. Last week I wrote about the expanded network model we're rolling out this summer. The availability and power of new media are major drivers of this shift. Here's a snapshot of what we're currently using and how it's working: Wordpress: In the past year we have built two new websites (www.aidemocracy.org and www.be2021.org) using the open-source Wordpress platform. Wordpress … [Read more...]
Here comes the network! AIDemocracy stands up against a difficult climate
It’s an interesting time to be a young activist. Global challenges like poverty, security and the rights of women and girls need serious attention; every day over 1500 women die of pregnancy or childbirth-related causes, and over 1 billion people live on less than $2/day. Ours is the most global generation yet, and we feel this pain. We identify with our peers overseas more than our parents or grandparents did. We connect, listen, talk and share online, as well as through travel, study-abroad and service programs. Numbering over 100 million … [Read more...]
Why the IMF Director debate even matters…
Perhaps you're following the back and forth on the selection process for the next Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), following the arrest and resignation of Dominique Strauss-Kahn. But I'll bet the majority of us are not. Hold on! This is actually a big deal. Here's why: The IMF wields tremendous influence over the global financial system. With 184 member countries and based in Washington DC, the IMF was founded to promote international monetary cooperation and stability. The IMF provides "surveillance" of global economic … [Read more...]
100 Great Ways College Students Have Changed the World
I'm reposting the first part of an interesting piece by BestCollegesOnline.com that highlights ways students have changed the world for the better. Below is the first part of this list, how students have "made history". Check out their the full post for how students have contributed to business, innovation, service work and charity. Note: the original post also links to more information on each. What do you think? Are these inspiring examples? What would you add to this list? 100 Great Ways College Students Have Changed the … [Read more...]
