May 27, 2004: Headlines: COS - Venezuela: NPCA: PCOL Exclusive: Maury Sterns is Candidate for NPCA Americas Country of Service Representative

Peace Corps Online: Directory: Venezuela: Peace Corps Venezuela : The Peace Corps in Venezuela: May 27, 2004: Headlines: COS - Venezuela: NPCA: PCOL Exclusive: Maury Sterns is Candidate for NPCA Americas Country of Service Representative

By Admin1 (admin) (pool-151-196-115-42.balt.east.verizon.net - 151.196.115.42) on Monday, May 31, 2004 - 6:37 pm: Edit Post

Maury Sterns is Candidate for NPCA Americas Country of Service Representative

Maury Sterns is Candidate for NPCA Americas Country of Service Representative



Last week the NPCA mailed out ballots for the election of eight new members of their Board of Directors - five regional and three country of service board positions. Seven of the positions are uncontested but for the first time in a long while, one of the board positions (The Americas Country of Service Region) is being sought by two candidates.

This is a very healthy development and one we hope to see more of in the future. These positions should be sought after because there are important things going on in the NPCA that should engage the organization's membership. "Peace Corps Online" does not take an editorial position on which of the two candidates is the better candidate. Both of them, Josh Busby and Maury Sterns, are fine candidates and both are qualified for the board position.

Since candidate statements on the NPCA ballot are so short, "Peace Corps Online" is providing an opportunity to both candidates to publish an extended biography and statement. Please read the candidates' statements, leave your comments, vote in the election, and send the candidate you prefer to the NPCA Board with a mandate to represent you and to work for the positions he has taken at:


Maury Sterns (RPCV/Venezuela), Candidate for Americas Regional Representative, NPCA,, maurysterns@aol.com *

* This link was active on the date it was posted. PCOL is not responsible for broken links which may have changed.



Maury Sterns (RPCV/Venezuela), Candidate for Americas Regional Representative, NPCA,, maurysterns@aol.com

Dear Friends,

Since leaving the Board a few years ago, although I have continued to co-chair the Awards Committee, I have come to believe that I could make a greater contribution by serving again on the Board especially during this important time when the RPCV community is once again beginning to expand and receive greater attention.

Our RPCV perspective can have even more impact on our own lives and those of our local, national, and international communities. I am anxious to play an active role in re-energizing our efforts to build on our Peace Corps experience.

Since candidate statements on the ballot are so short, I wanted to fill you in with a few more details on why I'd like to be your Americas Rep on the NPCA Board.

Maury Sterns


 Maury Sterns

My primary interest in running for re-election to the Board is to devote special time and energy to strengthen the role of the "Friends of" constituency within the NPCA community. I want to promote more exchange among Country of Service groups, give greater attention to the linkages with countries of service at annual and regional meetings and create Regional Associations of Country of Service Groups such as RPCVs of the Americas.

Many RPCVs are hungry for updates about countries of service and ways to maintain active support networks. Some groups do already play an active role in sponsoring students and other visitors, others have raised funds for natural disaster victims, and still others have waged educational campaigns to correct the popular image of some countries. We can do even more to promote joint projects, to share best practices, and to develop creative ways to maintain active linkages and support networks. One concrete suggestion would be to publish a "how-to" manual containing an inventory of completed projects to facilitate replicating successful activities at home and abroad.


Other areas of special interest include:

More recognition for RPCV accomplishments-taking pride in honoring "our own" also stimulates an on-going spirit of volunteerism in the community at-large, more impact on cultural sensitivity, on foreign policy, and on non-government activities, to break down barriers leading to sustainable development and peaceful co-existence.

More direct interaction between the NPCA Board and affiliated RPCV groups so everyone feels part of a vital interactive community.

More opportunities to serve again-for example, direct involvement of RPCV groups in support of PC Partnerships, beyond providing funds, by advising and overseeing the implementation of projects.

Stronger NPCA role on Peace Corps Advisory Board to help steer the organization and to encourage leadership by experienced RPCVs


Peace Corps Experience:

Volunteer in the Peace Corps' first university education project in Venezuela: taught ESL at the University of Zulia in Maracaibo, established a School of Re-Education at the National Prison, and an educational program for blind children taught by blind adults.

Vice President of Boston Area RPCVs: launched a high school program sending students to visit Volunteers in Belize and Kenya, and started the New England Association of RPCVs.

 Maury Sterns

NPCA Board Member: instrumental in expanding the number of affiliated groups, helped to launch the "to serve again" program, as VP, developed a long range plan for the organization and streamlined the Board Meeting agenda by introducing an Agenda Book, served as Chair of the Awards Committee overseeing the process of selecting Shriver and Ruppe Award winners, and continue to serve as Co-Chair since leaving the Board.


Professional Experience:

My career has been dedicated to international service:

Associate Professor at Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada
Taught sociology, established a Latin American Studies Program, an exchange program with Peru and Ecuador, and initiated and taught the first Educational Television Course in Atlantic Canada.

Regional Director, The Latin American Scholarship Program of American Universities at Harvard University
Traveled regularly to over 100 universities in 14 Latin American countries, to assist in establishing development priorities, and selecting professors to pursue graduate studies at U.S. universities to upgrade sponsoring Latin American universities.

Director of International Studies, Lesley University Graduate School
Initiated and directed an MA. Degree program training intercultural practitioners.

Training Officer at The World Bank
Managed the Executive Development Program that included the placement of senior managers for one-week stays with poor families in the developing world, and conducted teambuilding and leadership skills workshops around the world.

Executive Director of QSD: Quality Staff Development International (www.qsdinternational.com)
Launched a consulting practice serving the international development community as facilitator and trainer improving communication, teamwork, and leadership skills toward achieving sustainable development and global peace.


Academic Background

Ph.D. in Human Development from The University of Chicago -- doctoral thesis on "Three Decades of Student Leadership in Brazil: 1935-1965)

M.A. in Political Science and SIDEC International Development Education Certificate from Stanford University

B.A. in Government and Psychology from Oberlin College

 Maury Sterns

I look forward to the prospect of re-invigorating the NPCA Board, expanding the association's programs, and strengthening our impact as over a generation of RPCVs, on the larger community at home and abroad, by serving as your Americas Representative and welcome your support and that of your colleagues. Watch for new email ballots soon.

Many thanks

Maury

p.s. Please don't hesitate to share your ideas about ways to strengthen the NPCA organization, to support the RPCV community, and to carry out the third goal of the Peace Corps---"to bring the world back home" and to continue to serve as volunteers.



Read the Extended Biography and Statement of Candidate Josh Busby

 Josh Busby

Read the extended biography and statement by Josh Busby here.





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This story has been posted in the following forums: : Headlines; COS - Venezuela; NPCA

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