On The Ground

Welcome to ON THE GROUND. A new podcast that, in each episode, showcases one amazing organization that is on the ground, doing the critical social good work needed to help the world achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. On the Ground is produced by the Global NGO Executive Committee. We at GNEC offer our services to more than 1,500 UN-vetted global NGOs, which are on the frontlines of tackling the most pressing issues of our time

Episode 28-- Elder Abuse and Dementia: Brain Health Initiative, Nigeria 06/19/2025

Episode 27: Special Edition--Peace, Justice, Strong Organizations 05/29/2025

Episode 26: The Pressing Issue of Elder Abuse 04/22/2025

Episode 25: Leading the way for education and equality for women since the 1880's 03/24/2025

Special Episode of On the Ground--League of Women Voters 03/20/2025

GNEC Hackathon--Reaching SDGs Through Technology 02/18/2025

On the Ground: Episode 23--Celebrating the January 24th United Nations International Day of Education 01/22/2025

Episode 22-- Discover the Olof Palme Peace Foundation International 11/14/2024

On the Ground Episode 21--Hackathon 2024 11/08/2024

On the Ground Episode 20: Civil Society and the UN Summit of the Future 10/23/2024

On the Ground Episode 19--You Hear theatre—Joanna Sherman co-founder and Artistic Director and Michael McGuigan Managing Director of Bond Street Theatre 06/14/2024

On the Ground Episode 19--You Hear theatre—Joanna Sherman co-founder and Artistic Director and Michael McGuigan Managing Director of Bond Street Theatre In this enlightening episode, Adriane interviews two remarkable figures in mission-driven theatre—Joanna Sherman co-founder and Artistic Director of Bond Street Theatre and Michael McGuigan Managing Director of Bond Street Theatre and an accomplished performer. With a history dating back to 1977, Bond Street Theatre utilizes the arts as a powerful medium for social justice across the globe. Joanna and Michael share their experiences in transforming communities through performance, often venturing into refugee camps, rural villages, and conflict zones to deliver impactful, message-driven theatre. Throughout the episode, Joanna and Michael delve into the challenges and rewards of their unique form of theatre. They discuss their creative process, highlighting how they partner with local communities to produce performances that resonate deeply with their audiences. The conversation also touches on the logistics of sustaining such an ambitious program, from securing funding through U.S. embassies and NGOs to adapting to technological advances. Key topics include notable projects in Afghanistan, Myanmar, and South Africa, and their adaptive strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Key Takeaways: Theatre as a Voice for Justice: Bond Street Theatre uses performance art to address social justice issues in over 60 countries, shaping performances that resonate with local audiences. Community Engagement: Projects are driven by community needs, with local participants often contributing stories and solutions that are then staged as performances. Sustaining Efforts: Success hinges on forming enduring relationships with funding bodies like U.S. embassies and adapting proposals to highlight the measurable impact of their work. Adaptability and Resilience: Despite challenges like political instability and pandemics, Bond Street Theatre continues to thrive by adapting its strategies and leveraging technology where possible. Long-Term Impact: Beyond immediate performances, the organization’s work often results in long-lasting community engagement and empowerment, evident in their projects' ongoing influence. Resources: – Official website for more information on their global initiatives. Contact Bond Street Theatre via Email: Immerse yourself in the full episode to discover how Bond Street Theatre uses the transformative power of the arts to drive social change worldwide. /episode/index/show/933d8d7b-a85f-4ee8-9878-93918bd5ee93/id/31751187

On the Ground Episode 18: You hear Dr. Mayanka Guptak, Joint Secretary of The All India Women’s Education Fund Association (AIWEFA 05/01/2024

On the Ground Episode 18: You hear Dr. Mayanka Guptak, Joint Secretary of The All India Women’s Education Fund Association (AIWEFA About the Guest(s): Dr. Mayanka Gupta is a gerontologist, academician, and Joint Secretary of the All India Women's Education Fund Association (AIWEFA), an NGO with special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) since 1999. Her work involves advocacy for women's rights in India, focusing on education and empowerment, as well as promoting projects that address climate change and environmental sustainability. Beyond her NGO work, Dr. Gupta has developed a framework for evaluating care institutions and has been deeply involved in research related to the quality of life for older adults. Episode Summary: In this episode, Dr. Mayanka Gupta engages in an enlightening conversation about her role in AIWEFA and discusses the organization's efforts in promoting women's empowerment and education. Gupta delves into the interesting projects spearheaded by AIWEFA, exploring their global impact and collaboration with the United Nations. AIWEFA, established under the vision of Mahatma Gandhi and Lady Dorothy Irwin, has been instrumental in shaping women's rights in India. Dr. Gupta outlines some key initiatives, such as the employment program for women cab drivers with Ola Cabs and the 'Khadi Goes Global' event showcasing indigenous weaving arts. These projects highlight AIWEFA's multi-faceted approach to empowerment, from economic opportunities to cultural representation. Listeners will gain insight into the mechanisms of collaboration with the UN, the strategies for involving youth and leveraging technology, and the advocacy for policy initiatives. Dr. Gupta introduces her personal research on developing a Quality of Life Index for older adults and offers opportunities for collaboration in research and policy implementation. Key Takeaways: AIWEFA is dedicated to enhancing women's empowerment, with a history of rights advocacy and education efforts in India. The organization has an extensive record of participating in and organizing events in collaboration with the United Nations. Dr. Gupta's research on the Quality of Life Index offers a unique perspective on elder care and has potential for broader application. Technology and student engagement play crucial roles in expanding AIWEFA's outreach and impact. Collaborative opportunities are available for those interested in contributing to AIWEFA's goals or Dr. Gupta's ongoing research. Notable Quotes: "We are dedicated to enhancing women's empowerment." "Active engagement with UN agencies, member states, and civil society globally on women's issues." "Leveraging the project further [with ECOSOC status]." "Investing in youth leadership is very, very crucial." "Embracing innovation and technology, NGOs should definitely reach out to broader audiences." Resources: AIWEFA Website: Email for Collaborative Opportunities: Dr. Mayanka Gupta's LinkedIn profile and contact information for collaboration on the Quality of Life Index project. Tune in to discover how AIWEFA's legacy intertwines with contemporary efforts to empower women and how individuals and organizations can collaborate for positive change. Stay connected for more transformative dialogue in upcoming episodes. /episode/index/show/933d8d7b-a85f-4ee8-9878-93918bd5ee93/id/31076963

On the Ground: Episode 17, Memorial Gala for Patrick Sciarratta 03/29/2024

Episode 16, You hear from Global Executive Committee Member and Secretary General of the World Assembly of Youth: Ediola Pasholari 03/05/2024

Episode 15, You hear from Global GNEC President and President of the African Youth Movement Uem Robert 03/04/2024

Episode 16, You hear about the LightUp Foundation from Olasubomi Iginla Aina 01/17/2024

Episode 16, You hear about the LightUp Foundation from Olasubomi Iginla Aina In this episode of On The Ground, we feature Ola Shobomi Iginla Aina, a Director of GNEC and Founder and Executive Director of Light Up Foundation, focusing on youth and community development through volunteering and capacity-building projects. Ola shares the success of their Bag of Hope project, which broke a world record and raised awareness about children's rights. She also delves into the issue of irregular migration and the Foundation's efforts to create awareness and provide opportunities for young people in Africa. Don't miss this inspiring conversation about making a positive impact in communities. Ola Shobomi Iginla Aina is celebrated for her impactful initiatives geared toward youth and community development. Her notable work includes creating awareness, providing opportunities to address issues such as irregular migration, and promoting child rights. Under her leadership, Light Up Foundation has achieved special consultative status with the UNECOSOC and an association with the United Nations Department for Global Communications. Key Takeaways: • The signature project, "Bag of Hope," uses creative means to educate children about their rights, with the added accolade of setting a world record. • Ola emphasizes the dire need to address irregular migration by providing alternative opportunities for African youth, thus preventing life-threatening journeys. • Fundraising and engaging volunteers are crucial to the success and reach of the Light Up Foundation's humanitarian projects. • The excitement builds for the upcoming UN Civil Society Conference in Nairobi, where GNEC and the Light Up Foundation plan to showcase their CAA Mission and recruit further support. Resources: • Light Up Foundation Website: • Email for volunteering or inquiries: Dive into the entire episode to explore the fascinating journey and initiatives of Ola Shobomi Iginla Aina and the Light Up Foundation. Their pragmatic solutions to global challenges are a beacon of hope and inspiration. Stay tuned for more episodes that illuminate paths to a better world. /episode/index/show/933d8d7b-a85f-4ee8-9878-93918bd5ee93/id/29533328

Episode 13, You hear about the GNEC Hackathon from Jason Xu and Ruoyu Xu 12/14/2023

Episode 12, You hear Gloria Blackwell, CEO of the American Association of University Women (AAUW)) 11/13/2023

Episode 11, You hear Kazuki Yamada of WHO, supporting the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021-2030) 10/09/2023

Episode 10, You hear Lucía Vilariño Fiore and Phillip C. Stittleburg, Organization of American Firefighters 09/11/2023

Episode 8, You hear Margaret Young, Founder of Age Knowble and Chair of GAROP 08/10/2023

Episode 8, You hear Cynthia Stuen, NGO Committee on Ageing 07/09/2023

Episode 7, Guest: Dr. C’fine Ezeanochie Okorochukwu, Founder of the Centre for Public Health, consultant to the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations 06/12/2023

On the Ground, Episode 6: In this episode of On the Ground, you hear the wisdom of two of the most successful advocates associated with GNEC and the United Nations. 05/10/2023

On the Ground, Episode 6: In this episode of On the Ground, you hear the wisdom of two of the most successful advocates associated with GNEC and the United Nations. Dr. Bobbi Nasser has represented the International Federation of Settlements, and Neighborhood Centers (IFS) since 1991. Dr. Nasser serves as Co-Chair of the Executive Committee of the NGO Committee on Human Rights. Dr. Nasser is a mental health clinician who has worked with refugee communities for 36 years, including counseling torture survivors, human rights training, and leadership development. And she's currently on the board of the South Asian Council for Social Services. And a senior advisor for the International Center for Advocates Against Discrimination. I first had the pleasure of meeting her and seeing how she creates coalitions at an April 2023 event at the United Nations. She chaired a committee meeting and an outstanding presentation regarding the Office of the High Commission of Human Rights and the NGO Committee on Human Rights. Our next guest is Dr. Kate Armstrong, the Founder and President of CLAN: Caring and Living as Neighbors, an Australian non-governmental organization committed to equity for children living with chronic health conditions. In resource-poor countries, it is a success. It started in Southeast Asia and has continued into Africa and Europe. You'll hear about a brand-new initiative that will light you up and that you'll want to learn from for your organization. 10 Takeaways from these two leaders in societal change: How to form coalitions that work How to engage local policymakers How to fundraise with effective protocols for success How to message and support others in spreading your message How passion can wane and how you can get over burnout How to keep up your energy no matter how difficult the environment How to mentor and be mentored How to best work with the United Nations How to navigate the UN system NEWS YOU CAN USE TO GET FREE CLASSES ON ADVOCACY /episode/index/show/933d8d7b-a85f-4ee8-9878-93918bd5ee93/id/26793051

On the Ground, Episode 5: This episode is both practical and inspirational. Discover how to create an influential newsletter with instructions from the NGO Committee on Ageing newsletter team, followed by the inspirational words of the Founder of FANCV, 04/10/2023

Special Guests: Rose Cardarelli, Founder & CEO, Education for All Coalition and BIRCAN ÜNVER, Founding and Current President, Light Millenium 03/06/2023

Discover What GNEC's New Podcast Delivers in Information and Inspiration 02/15/2023

On the Ground Episode 2: Liliya Borovets - The Illuminate Foundation 05/24/2022

On the Ground Episode #1: Elizabeth Dabney Hochman - KidSpirit 02/24/2022

On The Ground

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