I’m Riley Abbott and I’m a Program Associate at Survivor Corps. I have had a chance to work with some of you directly at the Mine Ban Treaty Meeting of States Parties in June 08, with others while at an advocacy training in Kampala, here in Washington, or even remotely via email.  For those whom I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting face-to-face, I’m really excited to do so!  

I’m a young man in my upper 20s from the Midwestern United States state of Minnesota where the wind and the snow can be dreadful but the food, art and people can make all your worries be gone. I came to Washington, DC after two years living in El Salvador through the Peace Corps where I worked with the municipal government to build the capacity of civil institutions, improve communications between organizations, and reduce youth inscription to gangs and violence. Professionally, I’m interested in building the relationships between civil society organizations, civilians and their governments and involving citizens in the planning and development of cities and regions. At Survivor Corps we call it social capital building and daily I get to exercise my interests through our programs that aid in the recovery of individuals affected by war, help their groups engage with the broader community and become active in exercising their rights.  

I’m really excited for Cartagena, because we will get a chance to engage global leaders and all of us, normal civilians working in human development and peace-building, will get a chance to do it at the highest level!!  It’s a great honor. 

Whether or not I get a chance to join you in Cartagena, please know that I’ll be here in DC supporting you during the lead up and during the conference. Be in touch and let’s make important changes!

October 09, 2009, 1:47pm   Comments