2007.08.06: August 6, 2007: Headlines: COS - Mali: NGO's: Fund Raising: Akron Beacon Journal: RPCV Scott Lacy formed a non-profit group called African Sky that works to build friendship and understanding between the U.S. and Mali

Peace Corps Online: Directory: Mali: Peace Corps Mali : Peace Corps Mali: Newest Stories: 2007.08.06: August 6, 2007: Headlines: COS - Mali: NGO's: Fund Raising: Akron Beacon Journal: RPCV Scott Lacy formed a non-profit group called African Sky that works to build friendship and understanding between the U.S. and Mali

By Admin1 (admin) (adsl-70-240-136-52.dsl.okcyok.swbell.net - 70.240.136.52) on Sunday, August 26, 2007 - 2:28 pm: Edit Post

RPCV Scott Lacy formed a non-profit group called African Sky that works to build friendship and understanding between the U.S. and Mali

RPCV Scott Lacy formed a non-profit group called African Sky that works to build friendship and understanding between the U.S. and Mali

"The Peace Corps taught me that the poorest of the poor are the most generous and hard-working people in the world. Despite their life challenges and endemic poverty, my host village was easily one of the happiest places I've ever visited. One hour of hard work in the fields under the hot sun made any troubles I had in the U.S. seem petty. This community took me in and cared for me as if I was a long-lost relative."

RPCV Scott Lacy formed a non-profit group called African Sky that works to build friendship and understanding between the U.S. and Mali

Peace Corps volunteer discovers joy

Munroe Falls man helping to raise funds to aid people of Mali in Africa

By Jim Carney Beacon Journal staff writer

Published on Monday, Aug 06, 2007

Scott Lacy grew up in Munroe Falls, but his life was transformed on his first trip to Mali in Africa in 1994 as a member of the Peace Corps.

Not only did he become critically ill from rheumatic fever the next year, but also he fell in love with the country and now works to help its people.

Lacy, 36, formed a non-profit group called African Sky that works to build friendship and understanding between the U.S. and Mali.

Q: How did the Peace Corps change your life?

A: The Peace Corps taught me that the poorest of the poor are the most generous and hard-working people in the world. Despite their life challenges and endemic poverty, my host village was easily one of the happiest places I've ever visited. One hour of hard work in the fields under the hot sun made any troubles I had in the U.S. seem petty. This commu nity took me in and cared for me as if I was a long-lost relative.

Q: Was that the inspiration for your work in Africa?

A: Inequality drives me crazy, and I do not feel whole unless I am doing something to mitigate the social, economic and ecological violence meted out on hard-working farming communities in places like Mali. . . . In addition to my work via African Sky, I teach to inspire young adults who prefer a life of service to alleviate suffering as opposed to a life of shiny cars, real estate and making money for the sake of hoarding it.

Q: What was your first impression of Africa?

A: I was young on my first trip, so it captured my heart, mind and soul. I remember being awestruck as Malians began to teach me of their history, a history in which this same region was one of the most powerful on earth massive armies, embassies throughout the known world, sophisticated governments, universities, and more and this is in the 1200s and 1300s. When I arrived in Mali in 1994, I knew I would forever be connected to this amazing nation.

Q: How did African Sky get started?

A: I believe that friends take care of friends. I see it daily. So I created African Sky to create friendships between U.S. and Malian communities, because I know that through friendship we can transform lives in powerful ways on both sides of the Atlantic.

Q: What do Akronites need to know about the people in Africa?

A: Akronites need to know that Africa is NOT a basket case. It is a massively diverse continent filled with impressive histories beyond a pyramid here and safari there. Furthermore, the continent is filled with innovative farmers, business people, scientists, teachers, community organizers, artists and more. Africa does not need your charity, it needs your friendship. For example, if we cut U.S. subsidies for factory farmers who grow cotton, Mali would not need the levels of aid it receives today. Also, Akronites need to know that we are all Africans, every one of us. Molecular genetics have confirmed that we all came from Africa. For creationists, that means Eden was in East Africa. For evolutionists, well, it means almost the same thing.

Q: You raised money for a school by selling Browns Backers shirts. How did this happen?

A: I was conducting my dissertation research when I was overwhelmed with guilt because of all the knowledge, kindness, and experience that Dissan (his host village in Mali) was giving me. I decided to recruit my community in the U.S. to raise funds to build a pump for my host community as a physical token of my thanks for all they were doing for me. . . . As I was putting together my ideas for raising money for the pump project, the Browns Backers coordinator encouraged me to make a Mali Browns Backer shirt to sell to raise funds. We took the idea and ran with it. Soon after, my sister made a great logo. She worked with my mom, dad, and grandmother to print some shirts, and the rest is history.

After an article in a few papers, we started getting serious numbers of orders. Browns fans rock. . . .

After a high-profile mention in the Sporting News, Sports Illustrated and several papers across the U.S., we managed to raise approximately $10,000, $15 at a time. . . . I told village leaders of our success, and we all decided that instead of a pump, we would build a school. . . . Because so many people wanted to continue supporting the school and Mali, I did the only responsible thing I could. After a pro-bono meeting with Akron lawyer David Kern, I started the process of creating African Sky.

Q: How can Akronites help your organization?

A: They can visit our Web site and spread the word. We even have some school video. They can attend our silent auction. They can attend a pig roast in October that we are hosting with the new Bougouni Browns Backers. They can donate money, sponsor projects, or just buy an African Sky or Bougouni Browns Backer Shirt. We are selling a new version in August.
Jim Carney can be reached at 330-996-3576 or jcarney@thebeaconjournal.com.

Scott Lacy grew up in Munroe Falls, but his life was transformed on his first trip to Mali in Africa in 1994 as a member of the Peace Corps.

Not only did he become critically ill from rheumatic fever the next year, but also he fell in love with the country and now works to help its people.

Lacy, 36, formed a non-profit group called African Sky that works to build friendship and understanding between the U.S. and Mali.

Q: How did the Peace Corps change your life?

A: The Peace Corps taught me that the poorest of the poor are the most generous and hard-working people in the world. Despite their life challenges and endemic poverty, my host village was easily one of the happiest places I've ever visited. One hour of hard work in the fields under the hot sun made any troubles I had in the U.S. seem petty. This commu nity took me in and cared for me as if I was a long-lost relative.

Q: Was that the inspiration for your work in Africa?

A: Inequality drives me crazy, and I do not feel whole unless I am doing something to mitigate the social, economic and ecological violence meted out on hard-working farming communities in places like Mali. . . . In addition to my work via African Sky, I teach to inspire young adults who prefer a life of service to alleviate suffering as opposed to a life of shiny cars, real estate and making money for the sake of hoarding it.

Q: What was your first impression of Africa?

A: I was young on my first trip, so it captured my heart, mind and soul. I remember being awestruck as Malians began to teach me of their history, a history in which this same region was one of the most powerful on earth massive armies, embassies throughout the known world, sophisticated governments, universities, and more and this is in the 1200s and 1300s. When I arrived in Mali in 1994, I knew I would forever be connected to this amazing nation.

Q: How did African Sky get started?

A: I believe that friends take care of friends. I see it daily. So I created African Sky to create friendships between U.S. and Malian communities, because I know that through friendship we can transform lives in powerful ways on both sides of the Atlantic.

Q: What do Akronites need to know about the people in Africa?

A: Akronites need to know that Africa is NOT a basket case. It is a massively diverse continent filled with impressive histories beyond a pyramid here and safari there. Furthermore, the continent is filled with innovative farmers, business people, scientists, teachers, community organizers, artists and more. Africa does not need your charity, it needs your friendship. For example, if we cut U.S. subsidies for factory farmers who grow cotton, Mali would not need the levels of aid it receives today. Also, Akronites need to know that we are all Africans, every one of us. Molecular genetics have confirmed that we all came from Africa. For creationists, that means Eden was in East Africa. For evolutionists, well, it means almost the same thing.

Q: You raised money for a school by selling Browns Backers shirts. How did this happen?

A: I was conducting my dissertation research when I was overwhelmed with guilt because of all the knowledge, kindness, and experience that Dissan (his host village in Mali) was giving me. I decided to recruit my community in the U.S. to raise funds to build a pump for my host community as a physical token of my thanks for all they were doing for me. . . . As I was putting together my ideas for raising money for the pump project, the Browns Backers coordinator encouraged me to make a Mali Browns Backer shirt to sell to raise funds. We took the idea and ran with it. Soon after, my sister made a great logo. She worked with my mom, dad, and grandmother to print some shirts, and the rest is history.

After an article in a few papers, we started getting serious numbers of orders. Browns fans rock. . . .

After a high-profile mention in the Sporting News, Sports Illustrated and several papers across the U.S., we managed to raise approximately $10,000, $15 at a time. . . . I told village leaders of our success, and we all decided that instead of a pump, we would build a school. . . . Because so many people wanted to continue supporting the school and Mali, I did the only responsible thing I could. After a pro-bono meeting with Akron lawyer David Kern, I started the process of creating African Sky.

Q: How can Akronites help your organization?

A: They can visit our Web site and spread the word. We even have some school video. They can attend our silent auction. They can attend a pig roast in October that we are hosting with the new Bougouni Browns Backers. They can donate money, sponsor projects, or just buy an African Sky or Bougouni Browns Backer Shirt. We are selling a new version in August.

Jim Carney can be reached at 330-996-3576 or jcarney@thebeaconjournal.com.




Links to Related Topics (Tags):

Headlines: August, 2007; Peace Corps Mali; Directory of Mali RPCVs; Messages and Announcements for Mali RPCVs; NGO's; Fund Raising; Ohio





When this story was posted in August 2007, this was on the front page of PCOL:


Contact PCOLBulletin BoardRegisterSearch PCOLWhat's New?

Peace Corps Online The Independent News Forum serving Returned Peace Corps Volunteers
Senator Dodd's Peace Corps Hearings Date: July 25 2007 No: 1178 Senator Dodd's Peace Corps Hearings
Read PCOL's executive summary of Senator Chris Dodd's hearings on July 25 on the Peace Corps Volunteer Empowerment Act and why Peace Corps Director Ron Tschetter does not believe the bill would contribute to an improved Peace Corps while four other RPCV witnesses do. Highlights of the hearings included Dodd's questioning of Tschetter on political meetings at Peace Corps Headquarters and the Inspector General's testimony on the re-opening of the Walter Poirier III investigation.

Peace Corps News Peace Corps Library Peace corps History RPCV Directory Sign Up

Paul Theroux: Peace Corps Writer Date: August 15 2007 No: 1185 Paul Theroux: Peace Corps Writer
Paul Theroux began by writing about the life he knew in Africa as a Peace Corps Volunteer. His first first three novels are set in Africa and two of his later novels recast his Peace Corps tour as fiction. Read about how Theroux involved himself with rebel politicians, was expelled from Malawi, and how the Peace Corps tried to ruin him financially in John Coyne's analysis and appreciation of one of the greatest American writers of his generation (who also happens to be an RPCV).

August 4, 2007: This Month's Top Stories Date: August 5 2007 No: 1182 August 4, 2007: This Month's Top Stories
Peace Corps reopens Guinea Program 19 Jul
China beating US in public diplomacy 4 Aug
Shalala continues fight for wounded soldiers 4 Aug
Sue Hilderbrand's goal is stopping funding for Iraq war 3 Aug
Matthew Barison went from Uzbekistan to Romania 2 Aug
Peter Chilson writes "Disturbance-Loving Species" 31 Jul
An RPCV remembers Texas Tower Tragedy 29 Jul
Daniel Balluff films documentaries on Niger 28 Jul
Renewing the Bond of Trust with PCVs 27 Jul
Carol Bellamy to chair Fair Labor Foundation 25 Jul
Delay in Julia Campbell trial 24 Jul
PCV Brian writes: Secondary Projects - First Priority 23 Jul
Dodd says no easy election for Democrats in 2008 22 Jul
John Smart writes: Bush's palace in Iraq 20 Jul
Bill Moyers eulogizes Lady Bird Johnson 15 Jul
Social Justice ranks high on Dan Weinberg’s agenda 15 Jul
PCV Tait writes: Good-bye to my village 14 Jul
Amy Smith organizes Development Design Summit 13 Jul
Cameron Quinn to head PC Third Goal Office 11 Jul
Josh Yardley brought Red Sox to Burkina Faso 11 Jul
James Rupert writes: Islamabad's Red Mosque 11 Jul
Sarah Chayes writes: NATO didn't lose Afghanistan 10 Jul

Dodd issues call for National Service Date: June 26 2007 No: 1164 Dodd issues call for National Service
Standing on the steps of the Nashua City Hall where JFK kicked off his campaign in 1960, Presidential Candidate Chris Dodd issued a call for National Service. "Like thousands of others, I heard President Kennedy's words and a short time later joined the Peace Corps." Dodd said his goal is to see 40 million people volunteering in some form or another by 2020. "We have an appetite for service. We like to be asked to roll up our sleeves and make a contribution," he said. "We haven't been asked in a long time."

July 9, 2007: This Month's Top Stories Date: July 10 2007 No: 1172 July 9, 2007: This Month's Top Stories
O'Hanlon says "soft partition" occurring in Iraq 9 Jul
Eric R. Green writes on coming oil crisis 8 Jul
Why Dodd joined the Peace Corps 5 Jul
Jim Doyle positioned for third term 5 Jul
Michael Adlerstein to direct UN Master Plan 3 Jul
Shalala says Veterans report will be solution driven 1 Jul
Blackwill says: No process will make up for stupidity 30 Jun
Allan Reed creates a Diaspora Skills Transfer Program 29 Jun
State Dept apology ends hold on Green nomination 28 Jun
Call for stories to celebrate PC 50th Anniversary 25 Jun
Michael Shereikis is singer and guitarist for Chopteeth 25 Jun
Christopher R. Hill Visits North Korea 22 Jun
Tschetter at JFK Bust Unveiling Ceremony 21 Jun
Kiribati too risky for PCVs 17 Jun
James Rupert writes: US calls for free Pakistani elections 17 Jun
Colin Cowherd says PCVs are losers 7 Jun
Tony Hall Warns of Food Shortages in North Korea 7 Jun
Youth Theatre performs Spencer Smith's "Voices from Chernobyl" 7 Jun
Ifugao names forest park after Julia Campbell 6 Jun
Anissa Paulsen assembles "The Many Colors of Islam" 5 Jun
Obituary for Nepal RPCV Loret Miller Ruppe 2 Jun
Forty PCVS to arrive in Ethiopia 2 Jun

Public diplomacy rests on sound public policy Date: June 10 2007 No: 1153 Public diplomacy rests on sound public policy
When President Kennedy spoke of "a long twilight struggle," and challenged the country to "ask not," he signaled that the Cold War was the challenge and framework defining US foreign policy. The current challenge is not a struggle against a totalitarian foe. It is not a battle against an enemy called "Islamofascism." From these false assumptions flow false choices, including the false choice between law enforcement and war. Instead, law enforcement and military force both must be essential instruments, along with diplomacy, including public diplomacy. But public diplomacy rests on policy, and to begin with, the policy must be sound. Read more.

Ambassador revokes clearance for PC Director Date: June 27 2007 No: 1166 Ambassador revokes clearance for PC Director
A post made on PCOL from volunteers in Tanzania alleges that Ambassador Retzer has acted improperly in revoking the country clearance of Country Director Christine Djondo. A statement from Peace Corps' Press Office says that the Peace Corps strongly disagrees with the ambassador’s decision. On June 8 the White House announced that Retzer is being replaced as Ambassador. Latest: Senator Dodd has placed a hold on Mark Green's nomination to be Ambassador to Tanzania.

June 1, 2007: This Month's Top Stories Date: June 1 2007 No: 1141 June 1, 2007: This Month's Top Stories
Returned Volunteers and Staff honor Warren Wiggins 15 May
Tom Seligman curates "Art of Being Tuareg" 26 May
PCV Marilyn Foss dies in China 25 May
Poet Susan Rich writes: The Women of Kismayo 22 May
Christopher Hill considers visit to North Korea 18 May
Peter Hessler talks about time in Fuling as PCV 18 May
Murder charges filed in death of PCV Julia Campbell 17 May
David Pitts claims JFK offered PC to Lem Billings 16 May
Niki Tsongas announces candidacy for Congress 16 May
James Rupert writes: Pakistanis talk of Musharraf's departure 16 May
Chris Matthews writes: Jerry Falwell's Political Legacy 15 May
Ron Tschetter visits volunteers in Botswana 14 May
Which assignment to take? Africa, Europe, or Central Asia 14 May
Willy Volk writes: New way to keep mosquitoes at bay 14 May
Jim Walsh takes special interest in Nepal 13 May
NPCA offers podcasts of social entrepreneurs 10 May
Gaddi Vasquez showcases food aid work in Central America 10 May
Donna Tabor dreamed up Cafe Chavalos 8 May
Tom Bissell writing book about Jesus' 13 Apostles 8 May
Jody Olsen praises PCV blogging 7 May
PC responds to missing volunteers in 2001 and 2007 2 May


Peace Corps Funnies Date: May 25 2007 No: 1135 Peace Corps Funnies
A PCV writing home? Our editor hard at work? Take a look at our Peace Corps Funnies and Peace Corps Cartoons and see why Peace Corps Volunteers say that sometimes a touch of levity can be one of the best ways of dealing with frustrations in the field. Read what RPCVs say about the lighter side of life in the Peace Corps and see why irreverent observations can often contain more than a grain of truth. We'll supply the photos. You supply the captions.

PCOL serves half million Date: May 1 2007 No: 1120 PCOL serves half million
PCOL's readership for April exceeded 525,000 visitors - a 50% increase over last year. This year also saw the advent of a new web site: Peace Corps News that together with the Peace Corps Library and History of the Peace Corps serve 17,000 RPCVs, Staff, and Friends of the Peace Corps every day. Thanks for making PCOL your source of news for the Peace Corps community. Read more.

Suspect confesses in murder of PCV Date: April 27 2007 No: 1109 Suspect confesses in murder of PCV
Search parties in the Philippines discovered the body of Peace Corps Volunteer Julia Campbell near Barangay Batad, Banaue town on April 17. Director Tschetter expressed his sorrow at learning the news. “Julia was a proud member of the Peace Corps family, and she contributed greatly to the lives of Filipino citizens in Donsol, Sorsogon, where she served,” he said. Latest: Suspect Juan Duntugan admits to killing Campbell. Leave your thoughts and condolences .

Warren Wiggins: Architect of the Peace Corps Date: April 15 2007 No: 1095 Warren Wiggins: Architect of the Peace Corps
Warren Wiggins, who died at 84 on April 13, became one of the architects of the Peace Corps in 1961 when his paper, "A Towering Task," landed in the lap of Sargent Shriver, just as Shriver was trying to figure out how to turn the Peace Corps into a working federal department. Shriver was electrified by the treatise, which urged the agency to act boldly. Read Mr. Wiggins' obituary and biography, take an opportunity to read the original document that shaped the Peace Corps' mission, and read John Coyne's special issue commemorating "A Towering Task."

The Peace Corps Library Date: July 11 2006 No: 923 The Peace Corps Library
The Peace Corps Library is now available online with over 40,000 index entries in 500 categories. Looking for a Returned Volunteer? Check our RPCV Directory or leave a message on our Bulletin Board. New: Sign up to receive our free Monthly Magazine by email, research the History of the Peace Corps, or sign up for a daily news summary of Peace Corps stories. FAQ: Visit our FAQ for more information about PCOL.

He served with honor Date: September 12 2006 No: 983 He served with honor
One year ago, Staff Sgt. Robert J. Paul (RPCV Kenya) carried on an ongoing dialog on this website on the military and the peace corps and his role as a member of a Civil Affairs Team in Iraq and Afghanistan. We have just received a report that Sargeant Paul has been killed by a car bomb in Kabul. Words cannot express our feeling of loss for this tremendous injury to the entire RPCV community. Most of us didn't know him personally but we knew him from his words. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends. He was one of ours and he served with honor.


Read the stories and leave your comments.






Some postings on Peace Corps Online are provided to the individual members of this group without permission of the copyright owner for the non-profit purposes of criticism, comment, education, scholarship, and research under the "Fair Use" provisions of U.S. Government copyright laws and they may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner. Peace Corps Online does not vouch for the accuracy of the content of the postings, which is the sole responsibility of the copyright holder.

Story Source: Akron Beacon Journal

This story has been posted in the following forums: : Headlines; COS - Mali; NGO's; Fund Raising

PCOL38505
97


Add a Message


This is a public posting area. Enter your username and password if you have an account. Otherwise, enter your full name as your username and leave the password blank. Your e-mail address is optional.
Username:  
Password:
E-mail: