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!

Happy New Year 2010!

Family, friends and colleagues:
Wishing you abundant health, wisdom, and continued success in 2010! I would like to start by recounting a William Faulkner quote I recently read in Newsweek. This was from his Nobel Prize acceptance speech in December of 1950. “I decline to accept the end of man. It is easy enough to say that man is immortal because he will endure: that when the last ding-dong of doom has clanged and faded from the last worthless rock hanging tideless in the last red and dying evening, that even then there will still be one more sound: that of his puny inexhaustible voice, still talking. I refuse to accept this. I believe that man will not merely endure: he will prevail. He is immortal, not because he alone among creatures has an inexhaustible voice, but because he has a soul, a spirit capable of compassion and sacrifice and endurance.” Faulkner used his pen to endure. Let us all use our special gifts to be immortal. I look forward to witnessing your leadership and experiencing your special talents as we forge a stronger tomorrow together.

Please view PineBridge’s e-card at: http://www.pinebridge.com/HappyNewYear/.

Peace,
Jacques-Philippe Piverger
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In this top of the year issue:
1. Global Syndicate, Save the Date, 2nd Annual Power Roundtable Dinner: Tuesday, May 18th, 2010 & New “Sizzling” Board
2. Creme Magazine profile
3. The DNC and National Obama campaign groups have rolled up our efforts into one larger, more organized machine called Gen44. Get involved! https://my.democrats.org/page/contribute/Gen44NYKickoff?custom1=Jacques-Philippe+Piverger.
4. Reshma Saujani for Congress in NY’s 14th District (Upper East Side)—The future is now!
5. April 2nd CUP gala has the “Magic” stick. CUP Fellows application due this Friday.
6. Karim Camara fundraiser on Thursday, 1/7/10.
7. New York Needs You (NYNY) launches!
8. Hankin event to support Governor Paterson
9. Thank you!

1. Global Syndicate, Save the Date, 2nd Annual Power Roundtable Dinner: Tuesday, May 18th, 2010 & New Board
Please be sure to save the date for the 2nd Annual Power Roundtable Dinner. It will take place on Tuesday, May 18th, 2010. Last year’s event featured 100 of the city’s movers and shakers including Mayor Bloomberg, CEO of PineBridge Investments Win Neuger, Actors Geoffrey Holder and Michael Stahl-David, and many others. The following link is a PSA that aired on BET during their most popular show: http://www.vimeo.com/5517087. This year’s we’ll expand capacity to about 150 people and go even deeper with respect to the audience and subject matter. Corporations that wish to partner please contact me or Lisa Mesa at: lmesa@criticalmention.com.

Also, we took great care in selecting the right group of people who will offer leadership in the areas that resonate with The Global Syndicate’s mission and we cannot be more excited about the final slate. Please expect a formal announcement in the next few days! Mission to bridge the gap between the haves and the have nots with particular focus on emerging nations through education, economic development and health care.

2. The good folks at Creme Magazine have featured me on their site in a discussion about business, the markets, civic activity, and the act of recession-proofing. You can read it at the following link: http://www.creme-magazine.com/article/features/the-big-tipper. Feel free to send me (and them) constructive feedback.

3. The DNC and National Obama campaign groups have rolled up our efforts into one larger, more organized machine called Gen44.
It is being orchestrated by full time staff from DC and this vehicle will provide us access to key political figure when they are in NYC as well as the ability to remain on the ground floor of what's happening at any given time. On January 25th Gen44 will be hosting the NYC launch event at Hiro Ballroom with DJ Cassidy and comments from Newark Mayor Corey Booker! (recognize the venue & musical director) Event details are below. You can buy a ticket for the launch event at: https://my.democrats.org/page/contribute/Gen44NYKickoff?custom1=Jacques-Philippe+Piverger. Prices range from $44 to $100 and $1,000. Tickets will sell out fast for this one, so act fast! There are also a few host committee slots left. The raise/write commitment for the host committee is $1,000. Being a ground floor supporter of Gen44 comes with many perks. For example, a couple weeks ago we were convened to speak with David Plouffe about health care as well as a special invite to the White House. This week we're meeting with Governor Tim Kaine of Virginia.

The DNC and Gen44 invite you to a Gen44 Kick Off with Honorary Chair, Mayor Cory Booker and DJ Cassidy
Date: Monday, January 25, 2010
Time: 6:30P – 9:00P
Hiro Ballroom - 88 Ninth Avenue between 16th & 17th Streets

Host Committee (In formation)
Brian Benjamin, Evelyn Coleman, Elissa Doyle, David Genova, William Gilbane III, Jeremy Goldberg, Giovanna Gray, Meena Harris, Hala Hijazi, Diana Hilson, Hrishi Karthikeyan, George Mastriogeorgis, Anuj Mathur, Nihal Mehta, Nico Minerva, Steven Newmark, Catherine Park, Jacques-Philippe Piverger, Scott Reich, Amy Sterner, Annie Mullaly Weir

4. My friend, Reshma Saujani, is running for Congress in NY's 14th District (The Upper East Side). She represents the future. Let's participate by helping her get there.
We will be hosting an event for her next month. Let me know asap if you want to join the host committee/movement on the ground floor. She's a rock star and this is coming from someone who hosted 3 thousand person+ events for Obama's Senate campaign back in 2004 when he was an obscure wanna be Senator from Chicago. Reshma is up next! John Legend and a number of key Obama and Hillary political organizers are also on board with Reshma to give the campaign the requisite heft to get us to the finish line first! She is on the right side of the education debate, economic reform, sustainable energy, health care and many other issues that we all care about. More about Reshma’s story is attached. You can also visit her campaign site at: http://www.reshma2010.com/. Join me today—send me an email saying “Yes, Reshma can!” to join the host committee when it counts.

5. CUP Gala & Fellows
The Council of Urban Professionals will once again be stepping it up a notch as Basketball Hall of Famer and Business mogul, Magic Johnson, joins us at our 3rd Annual gala this spring on April 8th! Save the Date. If your corporation wishes to join Goldman Sachs, Bank of America, AT&T, Williams Capital, BET, and the countless other corporate partners that have supported CUP so far please let me know asap. Every gala to date has been oversubscribed and we’ve never had Magic. “5 second left on the clock in game 7 at the Garden. Magic has the ball going for the nail in the coffin. Beautiful behind the back maneuver and double clutch finish with Bird defending”… was long time ago, forgetting the details:) Plan to celebrate with us! (www.nycup.org)

The 3rd class of CUP Fellows is being recruited. This is quickly becoming a highly sought after experience. The CUP Fellows program provides talented civic-minded women and minority professionals, aged 25-45, with comprehensive development skills and networking opportunities designed to position the Fellows to serve in public leadership positions and on public interest boards in the New York tri-state area. Applications are due 1/15/10. For more information contact Ashleigh Gibson at agibson@nycup.org.

Reflections from a couple 2009 Fellows:
Angela Fernandez, Executive Director of Nothern Manhattan Coalition for Immigrant Rights, “The CUP Fellows program provided me a safe, supportive and encouraging space to learn about the skills one needs to develop to run a successful political campaign. As an individual who has spent most of her career in the non-profit sector, I am very grateful to my colleagues in the Capital Access group for teaching me more than I will ever know about evergreen funds, venture capital and minority-owned businesses.”

PJ Kim, "The workshops and feedback sessions with experts and the fellows were a safe environment to practice public speaking, explore ideas, and examine potential role models in public life. These sorts of practical opportunities are extremely rare. "

6. Assemblyman Karim Camara event: Please Join one of the most effective and responsive elected officials in NYC this Thursday, January 7th from 6p-8p in Brooklyn at Night of the Cookers. Night of the Cookers, 767 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, NY 11217. Ticket Levels range from $100 (friend) to $2,500 (Chair). You can get more information from Alie Walsh at 646-214-3397 or friendsofkarimcamara@gmail.com. You can also learn more about Assemblyman Camara at www.karimcamara.org.

7. Several of my old buddies: Robert Reffkin, Daron Green and Yusef Kassim have decided to roll up their sleeves and impact our community through the creation of New York Needs You (NYNY). The mission of NYNY is to close the opportunity gap through an intensive career development and leadership training program that enables high-potential, first-generation college students to realize their career aspirations. Please visit their site at: http://www.newyorkneedsyou.org/. If you know these guys you know that NYNY will be changing lives!

8. Hankin event to support Governor Paterson: The Hankin crew is hosting an event to benefit Governor Paterson. Please support them. It is guaranteed to be memorable. It will take place this Friday evening, January 8th from 5:30 to 8pm at The Hankin Home, 104 E 36th Street. The host committee is comprised of Ralph Dawson, Gwen & Noel Hankin, Andre Harrell, Ed Lewis, Alfred Liggins, Onelle Procope, Dan Gasby & Barbara Smith, and Reginald Van Lee. For more information contact Arana aranahankin@gmail.com or lorenlillian@gmail.com.

9. Thank you: for another inspiring year. I had a lot to say here, but my 15 minute reprieve from my deadlines has lapsed. Send me a note to let me know what you are up to and let's plan to have another knock out year!

The People's Voice

In this Issue:
1. David Yassky for NYC Comptroller 08.18.09
2. Global Syndicate: Bill Clinton & Unity Congress
3. The Haitian Roundtable
4. The Council of Urban Professionals (CUP)
5. Top Talent (job seekers & providers)
6. Jamie Hector (The Wire & NBC's Heroes) presents "A New Day"
7. Editor's Two or Three Cents

1. David Yassky for NYC Comptroller-- Please join me along with Assemblyman Jonathan Bing, Council Member Dan Garodnick, Virginia Davies, Olga Alexakos, Shannon Anderson, Corey Boddie, Dale Burnett, Lisa Marie Castronovo, Mary Beth Colucci, Jake Dilemani, Kenneth Ebie, Allie Feldman, James Francis, Jeremy Goldberg, Gary Grant, Jason Haas, Mark Halverson, Howard Hemsley, Jake Itzkowitz, Susan Jennings, Robert Kennedy III, Leah Kozak, Heather Leifer, Alex Leopold, Justin Manning, Steve Mantz, Tara Martin, Amy Miller, Steven Newmark, Obinna Onyeagoro, Lawrence Penn, Jacques-Philippe Piverger, Dan Phillips, Gloria Pitagorsky, Keith Powers, Tarrus Richardson, Matt Rising, Ted and Serena Roosevelt, Roberta Semer, PD Shaw, Deborah Slott, Jesse Strauss, Chet Whye and Grace Yu at a fundraiser for our friend and next Comptroller, David Yassky. The event will take place at the home of Virgina Davies and Willard Taylor(299 West 12th Street, PH A) on Tuesday, August 18th from 6p-9p. In order to attend email Arthur at arthur@davidyassky.com and copy me at: jacques@thesoleilgroup.com. Attached are the invites. And, yes this will be a fun event! If you wonder as to why you should support David please read my note below. You must RSVP right away. We are almost out of tickets!

Dear Friend,

It is with great excitement that I encourage you to join me in supporting David Yassky’s bid for Comptroller of New York City. The Comptroller’s race is important—especially given the current economic turmoil that we are experiencing. Of all the excellent candidates that have placed their hat in the ring to serve our city David is by far the most competent. He is on the right side of the issues that matter to us and he has the political, business, and human experiences that are necessary to deliver on his vision.

Some of the issues that I am most passionate about are economic development, education reform, equal opportunity for all New Yorkers, and embracing environmental challenges of this millennium. Over the last several years I have gotten to know David quite well and he has shown time and time again that he will not just speak from a great reservoir of knowledge, but that he will deliver on his promises. On Education: In the last year alone he opposed the Mayor’s cuts to the education budget in the face of significant opposition. On Environment: He wrote the law that put gas-electric hybrid taxis on city streets, reducing air pollution by replacing obsolete gas guzzlers; and he’s pushed for the City to use biofuels instead of conventional heating oil whenever possible. On Economy: He has worked towards invigorating the economy through the creation of jobs through innovative programs that have encouraged the film and television industry to expand here in New York, created low-cost space for manufacturers who want to start up or expand in New York City, and proposed a unique micro-lending program for entrepreneurs and other small businesses. On Inclusion: As an avid participant in the development of programming and policy surrounding diversity and inclusion I can unequivocally state that David has been as supportive of our interests as anyone out there irrespective of race, color or creed from the perspective of time, capital, and passion.

For all these reasons and innumerable more I ask you to stand with me in support of David’s candidacy. Feel free to contact me with any questions.

Sincerely, Jacques-Philippe Piverger

2. Global Syndicate: Bill Clinton & Unity Congress-- First a big congratulations to The Haitian League and Drs. Moise and Lauredan and Stuart Leiderman and Pierre Brunache, in particular, for their leadership in coordinating an excellent "Haiti Unity Congress" in Miami this weekend. It truly accomplished its key objective of unity by bringing thought leaders from accross the globe together on the topic of restoration of prosperity and peace in Haiti. Individuals like ex-President Clinton, Prime Minister Michelle Duvivier Pierre-Louis, Senators and major investors from NYC and Miami to Taiwan and Paris were in attendance. I've attached an overview of Bill Clinton's remarks. The Prime Minister gave a very honest and profound speech on why "Unity" is so important right now. I moderated and spoke on sessions related to investments, economic development and NGO participation. The Global Syndicate was well represented and continues to be well positioned to receive tremendous support for its programming as people are thrilled by the dynamism of the team. Last month a handful of folks and myself sat down with ex-President Clinton for about 2 hours discussing our plans for developing Haiti. I must say that I was absolutely struck by the time President Clinton has made available for dealing with this issue. It looks like our creation of the Global Syndicate's Haiti Project was absolutely timely and the outcome should be a good one! We have Stephen Jacob organizing a massive event to support the campaign in Chicago on August 27th. We also have Daphne Dufresne spearheading a DC effort for this September. And we have an army of folks dispersed throughout the Continental United States and abroad. Attached is the Project Summary Package and the organization's manual which describes most of the functional roles and lists many of the current leaders. If you wish to be involved let me know asap. You can learn more about The Global Syndicate on our website as well: http://www.theglobalsyndicate.org/.

3. The Haitian Roundtable-- I have the privilege of being a Founding Member of The Haitian Roundtable along with Patricia Beauvais, Reginald Canal, Raudline Etienne, Jeffrey Gardere, Jacques Jiha, Rita Jospeh, Stanley Laborde, Rodney Leon, Daphne Leroy, Patrick Lespinasse, Linda Moise-Mellon, Woody Pascal, Jacques-Philippe Piverger, Richard Roy, Brian Simon, Rosemonde Pierre-Louis, Yves-Merry Telemaque, and Frederic Toussaint. Our first event took place on August 4th featuring all of NYC's candidates for the office of Public Advocate. The New York Women's Foundation and Carib News were partners on this event and everything from the spirited debate to the ambiance was top notch. My gratitude to all the candidates and participants!

4. The Council of Urban Professionals (CUP)-- Our executive director had an article on the topic of Diversity published in The Huffington Post. Check it out at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/chloe-drew/diversity-is-the-key-to-p_b_247827.html. Also, highly recommend that you make comments about the story. I perused the comments and there is no lack of unfounded commentary that needs to be balanced with thoughtful insights. And in the last month alone we hosted all the candidates for Comptroller and 10 of the state's public plans representing over $400 billion in assets. This was a first of its kind connecting capital seekers with capital providers. Through the REACH Program we also contributed over $1 million to the city's students and spurred a 21% Increase in the number of Advanced Placement Exams Passed. 35% increase among Latino and African-American students! Yes, officially rockstar status! If you have not already done so, get on the bus: http://www.nycup.org/! :)

5. Top Talent: (job seekers & providers)
Jennifer Hickman Piverger-- After 4 years of maternity leave I am looking for the right job that leverages my skills and experience in order to contribute to some subset of the areas of writing, health care, children's education, and/or general wellness in the forms of yoga, nutrition and other holistic disciplines. I have been a Writer and Researcher at such magazines as Harper's Bazaar, CosmoGirl, Marie Claire, Suede, Lucky and Glamour. I have an A.B. in English/Women's Studies and an MA in Humanities and Social Thought with particular focus on the arts and history from NYU. "The most diligent and passionate individual on the market. Plus substantial intangible value-adds in the form of networks and deep knowledge of multiple disciplines."--JPP Contact her with relevant job opportunities at hickmanjen@yahoo.com.

Quiana Hart-- Outstanding financial analyst from top bank looking to explore options across industries. Recent undergrad with strong experience across financial institutions and the nonprofit/community building sector looking for new opportunity to grow as a professional. "She has been a key member of The Global Syndicate's development and she is also involved in The Council of Urban Professionals during which time I have seen her deliver!"--JPP Contact her at quiana.hart@gmail.com with relevant options.

Silfath Pinto-- Sense Your Style is an image consulting company. She works with professionals teaching them how to refine their business attire in order to maximize their professional presence and be on top of their game. Silfath also offers image consulting services for personal attire – week-end, after work, special events, etc. Check out: http://www.senseyourstyle.com/.

Ryanne Conway, by way of Pierre Brunache-- I'm a recruiting consultant working on behalf of EngenderHealth, a non-profit organization based in NYC. I'm searching for a Director of Grants and Contracts to join our team, and was wondering if you were interested in learning about the opportunity. If you're not on the job market, perhaps you may know of someone in your network with a similar background who is on the market? I appreciate your time and consideration! Contact, rconway@jcsi.net.

Danladi Verheijen-- Verod Capital is an investment and advisory boutique that focuses on making equity investments in attractive, high-growth companies, while also providing M&A, capital raising and general financial advisory services to clients in West Africa. Verod Capital brings a unique and multi-disciplinary approach to transactions via a combination of investment banking, principal investment, and strategic consulting expertise. Verod Capital is extremely opportunistic and currently has five portfolio companies. More information about the company can be found at: http://www.verodcapital.com/. Verod Capital is seeking dynamic and entrepreneurial investment professionals to join its team. Verod Capital is based in Lagos, Nigeria. If you are interested in exploring opportunities with us, please send your CV to danladi.verheijen@verodcapital.com.

6. Jamie Hector (The Wire & NBC's Heroes) presents "A New Day"-- a Moving Mountains Production. Saturday, August 22nd, 3:30 at Brooklyn Museum (200 Eastern Pkwy). Purchase your ticket and get more info at: www.anewday.eventbrite.com. The invite is attached.

7. Editor's Two or Three Cents-- I would say the most compelling read I've had in the last month is "How David Beats Goliath", by Malcolm Gladwell. This note was forwarded to me by Alex Kiagiri who, in his own right, is one to watch. It tackles the topic of overcoming great obstacles through appropriate strategy, discipline, and hard work making a case for Pitino's "Full Court Press" even off the court. I've attached the article for you to read with the hope that you will find ways to apply it in your every day life in our eternal quest for approaching our full potential.

The only other thing that I must share is how awesome my wife and kids are. I was away this weekend on Global Syndicate and personal business and all I could think about is how great it will be when I get home and hear the sound of my 4 year old daughter running to hide (our daily ritual), and the probing stare of my 7 month old son, then there's the perennial smile of my beautiful wife who constantly lights up the room. This reminds me of a conversation I had with the incomparable Geoffrey Holder earlier this year when he said, "My wife is the most beautiful woman in the world". I second that motion and hope that all men and women experience true love every day: agape love.

Sincerely,

Jacques-Philippe

P.S.-- Keep me informed of worthwhile things to post. (20,000+ subscribers)

Saturday, July 25th: Jump 'n Funk for Haiti Project

Saturday, July 25, 2009 -- Omo Alade, K&K Productions, Africa Reply, Wunmi Girl, The Soleil Group, and The Premiere Group have joined forces to pay homage to the late and great Fela Kuti. The concert will showcase the musial stylings of Wunmi, Asiko, and Kofo the Wonderman; all of whom have garnered esteem for their unique take on Fela's contribution to the Afrobeat community. The musical journey will be culminated by Rich Medina's 9th Annual Jump n Funk Party! The concert and after party will be held at Le Poisson Rouge located at 158 Bleeker Street; tickets are $20 in advance at: http://lepoissonrouge.com/events/view/403. For more information contact: Keyone at 917-214-9555 or Yexenia at 917-202-0000. Portion of proceeds to benefit The Global Syndicate's Haiti Project and Young Rock Soccer Academy!