Responsibilities Decompartmentalized

In this month's issue:
1. Thank you for helping The Global Syndicate (GS) raise over $175,000 during its Rapid Response Earthquake Relief effort.
2. The Haiti Project blossoms: Allocation of $35 million through George Clooney/MTV's Hope For Haiti Now Fund; NBA Wives/VH1 for GS in Miami; Hip Hop Loves Foundation for GS; Hope for Africa Foundation for GS led by NY Jets Safety James Ihedigbo (and many NFL players); NY "Unites" for Haiti today and has "Love" tomorrow.
3. Executive Director position available for GS. (attached description)
4. Reshma Saujani for NY's 14th Congressional District-- join the movement.
5. Council of Urban Professionals Board seats
6. New York Needs You (NYNY) to vote in order to win $25,000!
7. Jonathan Bing's 40th Birthday-- let's celebrate!
8. PinkDingo hits the market hard with NBA Hall of Famer/Businessman David Robinson
9. Jacques-Philippe's Reflections du Jour-- "Responsibilities Decompartmentalized"

1. Thank you for helping The Global Syndicate (GS) raise over $175,000 during its Rapid Response Earthquake Relief effort.

[Go to www.theglobalsyndicate.org and view BET's national coverage of our January 28th event and keep up with the rapidly developing rebuilding effort.]

We raised close to $160,000 through our event on 1/28 and more than $15,000 additional dollars. This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire Global Syndicate team, our corporate and marketing partners, our nonprofit beneficiaries, host committee members, friends, and family. Rest assured that we were engaged in the Haitian redevelopment effort before the EQ, we're engaged now, and we'll be there for the foreseeable future until peace and dignity are restored to our brothers and sisters in Haiti. We will continue to keep you abreast of our efforts and ways to get involved. It is highly recommended that you visit our site often at www.theglobalsyndicate.org for updates. It is also recommended that you get involved by dedicating some of your time on a regular basis. In order to get more involved reach out to info@theglobalsyndicate.org.

2. The Haiti Project blossoms: Allocation of $35 million through George Clooney/MTV's Hope For Haiti Now Fund; NBA Wives/VH1 for GS in Miami; Hip Hop Loves Foundation for GS; Hope for Africa Foundation for GS led by NY Jets Safety James Ihedigbo (and many NFL players); NY "Unites" for Haiti today and has "Love" tomorrow.

As I mentioned previously, January 28th was not the beginning or end but rather a data point in a broader long term development strategy. A few recent and upcoming highlights:

a) As part of George Clooney's Hope For Haiti Now Advisory Board we've allocated $35 million to 6 of the partnering organizations. We decided to really focus on long term development efforts rather than immediate response given the fact that the bulk of funds raised so far have been for immediate needs. I cannot speak enough about the professionalism with which MTV and George managed the entire process. Hats off to them and I am happy to have participated in the first phase of the distribution and look forward to collectively distributing the balance of the $66m in due time.

b) The NBA Wives, who have a TV show airing on VH1 starting next month will be featuring an episode about their support for the people of Haiti. This show will air on VH1 at the end of the season this spring and the taping will take place at a private mansion on an island off the coast of Miami. All proceeds will benefit The Global Syndicate's Haiti Project. There are a handful of tickets remaining ranging from $100 to $1000 or more. They have secured substantial celebrity and media involvement. Furthermore, they have already outdone themselves by securing $1,000,000 in medical equipment for one of GS' beneficiaries: Project Medishare. The other nonprofits that will benefit from this event are Cine Institute, Hollywood Unites for Haiti, and Edeyo. To all my folks in Miami it will be great to see you. Please try to attend if you can. Tickets must be purchased asap at: WWW.PROJECTSAVETHEWORLD.ORG. PLEASE PRINT A COPY OF YOUR DONATION RECEIPT AND SHOW IT AT THE DOOR. Contact Samantha Whitaker for more details about this event at: samanthamarlise@yahoo.com or 305-785-6813.

INVITED & ATTENDING GUESTS: cast of "Basketball Wives" (Shaunie O'neal, Evelyn Lozada, Royce Reed, Gloria Govan, Jennifer Williams), Victoria Secret Models Jessica White and Selita Ebanks, VH1's Joumana Kidd,
Lil Wayne, host of NBA, NFL and FIFA players, Miami Commissioner Jerry Libbin, Shade 45's Angela Yee

HOST COMMITTEE: Jacques-Philippe Piverger, Jozy Altidore, Dr. Barth & Kathy Green, Jenna Green, Michael Capponi, Lois Benson, Brigitte Andrade, Brigitte Britton, Commissioner Jerry Libbon, Willard Shepard, George Neary, Heather B Williams, Deanna Morales, Jennifer Williams, Corey Boddie, Joumana Kidd, Regina & George Daniels

c) Hip-Hop Loves Foundation for Haiti to benefit The Global Syndicate! Some of the leading voices of hip-hop past and present have raised their hands to create a compilation to support the cause in Haiti. We are privileged to have their support. More news to come on this soon, but significant resources are being invested in this project and the expectation is that significant fruits will be born. Contact info@theglobalsyndicate.org for more info.

d) Hope for Africa Foundation for GS led by NY Jets Safety James Ihedigbo (and many NFL players). Next month a slew of NFL players are heading down to Haiti in order to get involved. They will be bringing supplies and their energy to literally get their hands dirty and work. Our very own Greg Domond is spearheading this effort.

e) Tonight NY "Unites" for Haiti (Shout out to the whole squad: Obi, Mirande, Brian, Calcie, Juan, Chris, Tinika, etc!)
Living Measure, YP4C, The JI Group and Triumph rally NYers for a special fundraiser in support of Haitian relief and recovery called "United for Haiti" from 5:30 to 9 pm at Nikki Beach in New York City (http://www.nikkibeach.com/newyork/). The event will feature keynote speaker Reverend Al Sharpton, who recently returned from a trip to Haiti. Other prominent guest speakers include Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, Manhattan Borough President Scott M. Stringer, Manhattan Deputy Borough President Rose Pierre-Louis and HAA Founder Dr. Jean Claude Compas. The Haitian National Anthem will be performed by American Idol contestant Joanne Borgella, who is of Haitian descent. Proceeds from the fundraiser will be directed to The Clinton Bush Haiti Fund and the Haitian American Alliance of NY.

f) Tomorrow NY will have "Love" for Haiti! (Shout out to Carla and Shadan)
SNY-YPIC's Latin American Affairs Committee and Economic Development Committee have partnered with Veaux Productions to host: LOVE FOR HAITI - Disaster Relief Fundraiser, Thursday, February 18, 2010 at Touch, 240 West 52nd Street, (Between Broadway and 8th Avenue), from 6:30 - 10:00 PM

The event will feature performances by various singers, musicians and poets coming together for an evening of solidarity and support. Hosted by Big Corey Fresh with music by DJ Crown Jewels, the evening will also feature musical performances by Frenchie Davis of RENT and American Idol fame, among others! Suggested minimum donation $10 or $20 Platinum (includes 2 raffle tickets). Purchase your tickets here: http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103019960269&s=2640&e=001dSmuMxJu2Tz9MTsaslqc8CNAcCGqpK2CiOgeKXP0XJhYWf9G-BM3DpVKAAh4b7qHu-DTAavH0esNcprxLO41us4_PvEQkCwKWyoPAw4Clf-yE1T-SWzRnAuU1wOzZNuC9SPhW1NnScnUSG69VyzMYA. All proceeds donated to will go to the Edeyo Foundation, American Red Cross and the William Jefferson Clinton Foundation.

3. Executive Director position available for GS. (attached description)
The Global Syndicate is currently looking to fill an Executive Director position. We are looking for a driven, international policy and business minded professional who has a penchant for solving tough problems and knows how to harness substantial resources in order to build greatness. Please review the attached job description. Serious candidates should send their CVs to info@theglobalsyndicate.org.

4. Reshma Saujani for NY's 14th Congressional District-- join the movement.
Reshma is in and I'm supporting. Please join us. Let me know if you're in. Read the following New York Post story about the launch:http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/manhattan/dem_rival_for_maloney_seat_JYLOySWo7X8uDGL0bHItsO
Reshma's story (one that many NYers can relate to): My parents came to America as political refugees from Uganda fleeing political persecution and the dictator Idi Amin. America gave my family a fresh start and my parents worked tirelessly to make sure that I had every opportunity to succeed. Now it’s time for me to repay that debt to America and to my parents by running for Congress and fighting to make sure everyone in New York City has the opportunity to have a great education, a great job, and a chance to pursue their dream. New York is the greatest city in the world, but Congress and our government are not doing enough to get our families, friends and neighbors back to work. I will bring new energy and innovative ideas to Washington, and I will fight every day to create jobs and get our economy moving again.

5. Council of Urban Professionals Board seats
CUP-- a nonprofit focused on education, capital access, and leadership development is looking to add to its board. The organization is also creating a Leadership Board for young professionals looking to get their foot into the perennial board door. I am a Founder and Board Member. Feel free to ask me any questions about the organization. Trust that I am biased, but am willing to refer you to less biased individuals for a more objective perspective. Visit our site at: www.nycup.org. Let me know if you want more info. Deadline is quickly approaching for applicants.

6. New York Needs You (NYNY) to vote in order to win $25,000!
The team of NYNY is already in the top 10 and slated to win $25k! Let's take them over the top in the final days and vote for them everyday. Go to www.refresheverything.com/nyny and participate in helping NYNY!!! Shout out to Reffkin, Kasim, Green, Youngblood and the entire NYNY crew for being leaders among the likes of me.

7. Jonathan Bing's 40th Birthday-- let's celebrate!
Help me celebrate with Assemblyman Jonathan Bing as he brings in his 40th! Event details are attached and in the following link: www.JonathanBing.com/birthday. Party to take place evening of Thursday, March 4th, 7p-10p.

8. PinkDingo hits the market hard with NBA Hall of Famer/Businessman David Robinson
A friend developed a very cool site that simplifies the process for giving small amounts of money across many nonprofits. Check out his site and the supportive pitch they've received from David Robinson: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jx2H6ZjxcOs. (www.pinkdingo.com)

9. Jacques-Philippe's Reflections du Jour-- "Responsibilities Decompartmentalized"
Today I was at the Eisenhower Executive Office in DC with President Obama and his senior advisors discussing the topic of the Economic Recovery Act. Tomorrow I may be in a smaller meeting with President Clinton about rebuilding Haiti. Seeing the passion with which these ex-Presidents (but still mortal men) provide public service has made me think more about the idea of responsibility. They seem to take on the world with all their might because they feel a sense of responsibility. Naturally Haiti has been on my mind a lot lately so I'm thinking about my responsibility as relates to the devastation that has hit the island killing 200,000+ people.

My thoughts with respect to responsibility are split into three categories: Haitian guilt, Haitian-American guilt, and American guilt. The Haitian guilt is tied to the fact that my family has been in some way tied to the island of Hispaniola for over 300 years and we never built the types of frame works that were necessary to be sustainable. The Haitian-American guilt is tied to the fact that we left Haiti from 40 to 70 years ago reaping the benefits of advanced degrees, technology and resources but never having completed the circle of bringing the key learnings back to those we left behind. And lastly as an American I’m guilty for invoking a punitive 100+ year economic embargo on Haiti from the time it proclaimed its independence as the first free Black nation in the Western hemisphere due in large part to the fact we still had slavery and Jim Crow on our lands. I fit all three categories and therefore am triply responsible and accept that. Chances are 99% of people who have gotten this far in my message share some part of this responsibility. Therefore, I think there are really only two responses: 1) sit in shame and non-action; 2) use this massive calamity as a turning point to participate in the rebuilding of a nation and our collective spirit from one of indifference to one of love. I believe Presidents Clinton, Obama and Bush are choosing the latter as am I! Thank you for joining us. Contact info@theglobalsyndicate.org to get involved!