Diaspora for socializing, networking, combatting homesickness and contributing back

So after 7 months in The Netherlands the question that many people ask me is: How did you do to be so connected already?? How do you know so many people in different places in a new country?
And the answer is so simple that sometimes I smile when answering the question. The answer is: Diaspora! There are other groups that I have become in contact and participating with (Alumni of my University, Expats gatherings, facebook and meet up groups, and work related groups). However, a good basis for the network developed here is thanks to becoming part of the organizations that gather compatriots as well as people that in one way or the other are related to Argentina.
The tools available today make it so easy to find each other, meet and greet. From the simple "Argentinos en Holanda" mailing list to the more structured work of the Argentine Dutch Foundation for Solidarity, there are plenty of opportunities to socialize, network and fight homesickness, while 'helping back.'

Something I find is that I not only miss family and friends, but also the Argentine Diaspora in the US! So missing not only the people, but also the institutions I helped grow there. At the same time, what worked in Washington, DC to bring us together and the initiatives we put in place to 'help back,' not necessarily will work from here. It is a new start at that level as well.

What I find as a constant is the interest and urge to get together to not just to drink mate, but also to do something for our country. I am simply proud and happy to experience so!

E Pluribus Unum: Diversity and Community in 21st Century

In this publication Robert Putnam explores the implications of the increase in ethnic
and social heterogeneity in virtually all advanced countries. What is the impact of diversity on sociability? What is the linkage between identity and social capital? Data shows that diversity and solidarity in migrant communities are negatively correlated in the short and medium terms. With time, becoming "‘one’ out of a diverse ‘many’" is possible.I wonder, what implications would this have for the Diasporas? and particularly for those groups of 'nomade' diasporas, the so called 'expats' that change countries every few years?
Linke to this publication was found at the Sustento Institute website

Diaspora Volunteering

This initiative promotes the volunteering of people of the Diaspora living in UK in their countries of orgin, and with great results! Visit the website of Volunteer Services Overseas (VSO). Also recent related article at "DIFID back diaspora volunteering drive"

The Jewish Diaspora

For a while now I have been trying to find some resources that approach and address the Jewish Diaspora from a historical but concise perspective. This article by Jewish peace activist Uri Avnery provides an overview and interesting approach: how Jewish diaspora changed from a 'normal' diaspora to a 'nationalist' diaspora, and argues for the need to recognise the difference between a Diaspora and a state. Full article accessible at the Daily Times: OPINION: The lion and the gazelle

The Potential of Global Sourcing of Services for Achieving Sustainable and Inclusive Growth

Conference I am watching via Webcast. Interesting points by Ray Anthony Roxas-Chua, Chairman, Commission on Information and Communications Technology (CICT), Philippines. He mentions how the role of the Philipino Diaspora (Overseas Filipinos Workers-OFW- they call them) of about 8 million people outside their country is making a difference in this offshoring towards the Philippines. Also links this to the role of ICTs and a governmental policy.
Access the presentations at the eDevelopment site here.

Measuring Development as if People Mattered More Than Places

Recent working paper that presents a new statistic: "income per natural -- the mean annual income of persons born in a given country, regardless of where that person now resides. If income per capita has any interpretation as a welfare measure, exclusive focus on the nationally resident population can lead to substantial errors of the income of the natural population for countries where emigration is an important path to greater welfare." By Michael Clemens and Lant Pritchett. Excellent! Access full paper at the Center for Global Development site

Back to Diaspora Cafe!

Well, the past 3 months have been so hectic that could not find the time to upload all the great stuff I have come across about what is happening in the Diaspora discussion world. In these past three months, while years were changing, I went home (that always means Argentina), launched a new blog with a group of motivated friends and family: www.mayusumaj.blogspot.com to bring awareness about the environmental issues of Mayu Sumaj, Cordoba, Argentina. Also packed 32 boxes with my husband and had a a wonderful and moving farewell from colleagues and dear friends in Washington, DC. And got into a plane in a sunset towards the old Europe and the new town that now is hosting me, The Hague. Now still finding the way around here. There are two Argentine Diaspora organizations: Fundacion Argentino Holandesa de Solidaridad and Fundacion El Desafio. There is also a mailing list that has helped me get a sense of what Argentines around here do, say and think, and to meet some of them. Still and understandably the Argentine diaspora here is much smaller than in the US and many other countries. Will see how active!

Remittance Trends 2007

World Bank publication: "Recorded remittances to developing countries are estimated to reach $240 billion in 2007. The true size of remittances including unrecorded flows is even larger. A near stagnation in remittance flows to Mexico and a deceleration in other Latin American countries contributed to a slowdown in the rate of growth of remittances. Nevertheless, the growth of remittances to developing countries remains robust because of strong growth in Europe and Asia. The remittance industry is experiencing some positive structural changes with the advent of cell phone and internet-based remittance instruments. The diffusion of these changes, however, is slowed by a lack of clarity on key regulations (including those relating
to money laundering and other financial crimes). Remittance costs have fallen, but not far enough, especially in the South-South corridors." From: http://siteresources.worldbank.org/EXTDECPROSPECTS/Resources/476882-1157133580628/BriefingNote3.pdf

Ethiopia: New Website Aims to Help Diaspora Find Jobs

"A newly Africa-wide job search website will benefit Africans in the Diaspora find jobs in their home country or elsewhere in the continent, owners of the website announced on Monday.
The website, named www.zebrajobs.com is a result of partnership between the Info Mind Solutions, an Ethiopian owned human resource development company and the US-based Danya International Inc." From: AllAfrica.com

Filipino Migrant Philanthropy

"Online resource center about migrant philanthropy in the Philippines— with useful information, statistics, and thoughts to ponder about the benevolence of Filipinos abroad."
Site: Philippine Diaspora Philanthropy Portal

IFAD-MIF/IDB Report and Map: "Sending money home: Worldwide remittances to developing countries"

"The importance of remittances to poverty alleviation is obvious, but the potential multiplier effect on economic growth and investment is also significant.

The driving force behind this phenomenon is an estimated 150 million migrants worldwide who sent more than US$300 billion to their families in developing countries during 2006, typically US$100, US$200 or US$300 at a time, through more than 1.5 billion separate financial transactions. These funds are used primarily to meet immediate family needs (consumption) but a significant portion is also available for savings, credit mobilization and other forms of investment. In other words, the world’s largest poverty alleviation programme could also become an effective grass roots economic development programme, particularly in the rural areas that present some of the greatest challenges to financial inclusion."

See IFAD's site and IDB Press Release

The Overseas Singaporean Portal

Portal launched in 2006 and already a success connecting 9,000 Singaporean all around the world. http://www.overseassingaporean.sg/
See also related article

Vietnamese diaspora in Thailand

"Vietnamese-Thais expressed their wishes for an association that would appeal to solidarity and support among Viet Kieu (Vietnamese immigrants) living in Thailand – over 50,000 in total – and contribute to both Vietnam and Thailand." From: THANHIEM News

Caribbean 20/20 and Diaspora

Held June 19-21, 2001, the “Conference on the Caribbean – A 20/20 Vision” is the result of a series of meetings between officials from both the US and CARICOM. Its main purpose is to strengthen the existing relationship between the United States and the Caribbean Community, to develop a vision of the future relationship between the two, and to focus on the way forward to achieve the various developmental objectives for the Caribbean.

The Caribbean Community hopes to strengthen its relationship with the United States at all political levels and to further improve its relations with the Caribbean Diaspora in the US to encourage the Diaspora and friends of the Caribbean to support regional development. See presentations and topics at Diaspora Forum

Africans in Europe seek new ways to invest back home

"Africa’s robust diaspora in Europe will soon have a facility for direct investments in their home countries, a study by the Brussels-based Africa Caribbean Pacific Business Climate says...Officials say the study will most likely recommend a closed-end private equity fund, that would invest alongside a group of diaspora investors and provide them with start-up capital. In addition, discussions are underway to provide technical assistance facilities for any such project...Remittances from Africans working abroad between 2000 and 2003 averaged $17 billion per annum, according to a 2005 report by the United Nations Office of the Special Adviser on Africa. Total Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) flowing into African nations averaged $25 billion per year over the same period, meaning remittances account for most of the FDI flows." From: NationMedia.com/East African News

African diaspora urged to help build Africa

A series of conferences are taking place to address how diasporas can help in "improving trade links, health services and bringing peace to countries in conflict." These diaspora discussions are taking place in London, the Bahamas, with other meetings planned for Europe, the US and Brazil. "These regional summits to be held throughout the year will culminate in a major conference involving heads of State to be held in South Africa early next year." From: SABC News

Bolivia's Ambassador in Canada: Involving Diaspora in Politics

"Currently, a proposal for the active participation of Bolivians living abroad in their country's political destiny is being worked out. On Aug. 6, 2007 the proposal will be presented before parliament for ratification." From: Embassy

Development lessons for Kenyans in the diaspora

Interesting article on the potential pros and cons of remittances from the Kenyan Diaspora. From: Kenya Times

Planning of US-Caribbean Diaspora Conference

"Caricom Caucus of Ambassadors is spearheading a major advocacy and promotion initiative in a number of US cities in advance of the Conference on the Caribbean, 2007...
A ‘Diaspora Dialogue,’ in the form of Town Hall Meetings has been organised in Washington, New York, Hartford, Philadelphia and Miami primarily to engage the diaspora in planning the conference and in shaping its outcome." From: Antigua Sun

Jamaica Diaspora Foundation

"The Foundation will serve as a liaison with the Jamaican Diaspora, the government, the private sector and community-based organizations in Jamaica." From:Jamaica Information Service