 propagation skills, and pollination biology skills.
Host institution: Keystone Policy Institute, Washington D.C.
The Next 100 Coalition is comprised of more than two-dozen grassroots community, conservation, civil rights, and environmental justice organizations with an inclusive vision for our national public lands. The Next 100 Coalition is committed to the establishment of a just and inclusive system of our nation’s national parks and other public lands. Interns assisted the coalition in honing its message, broadening its audience beyond progressive policy askers at the federal level, and enacting policy recommendations at the state, local, and national level. Interns organized Capitol Hill briefings, tracked federal activity related to public lands in Congress, and attended relevant Congressional briefings and meetings.
Host institution: National Parks Conservation Association, Washington D.C.
Since 1919, the National Parks Conservation Association has worked to strengthen and protect America’s national parks. Its National Parks Magazine fosters an appreciation of the natural and historic treasures found in the parks, educates readers about the need to preserve those resources, and illustrates how member contributions drive the NPCA’s park-protection efforts. The interns researched articles on international parks in NPCA National Parks’ Magazine archives to add to an already existing database that will be visualized in an interactive on-line map (Story Maps) in coordination with NPCA’s Conservation Programs. Interns provided an analysis of how current events potentially impact the reporting, and what we might expect in the current political climate. Interns were provided additional learning experiences, including brown bag lunch talks at major conservation organizations, meetings with federal agency representatives, visits to local national parks, and public hearings on Capitol Hill.
Researchers in the Sandin Lab at UCSD study the ecology of coral reefs and marine communities, with the goal of informing management decisions and finding effective conservation approaches for these imperiled ecosystems. DDCSP interns helped analyze coral reef image data to gain insights into the “natural” spatial patterns of coral and reef fish communities and how anthropogenic stressors alter these interactions. Their analyses will help determine the trends of reef ecosystems, establish metrics for the improved management of coral reefs, and allow researchers to provide better guidance to resource managers, policymakers, and the public.
Borderlands Restoration Leadership Institute is a collaborative effort of multiple organizations that have come together to foster a ‘restoration economy’ in which diverse livelihoods support and restore healthy natural systems and support prosperous and vibrant communities in the US – Mexico borderlands. Interns participated in a portion of the six-week field course in the Madrean Archipelago of the US/Mexico borderland, composed of integrated lectures, workshops, and field trips that addressed a wide range of socio-ecological issues in the region. Interns participated active restoration projects at varying stages of completion, equipping them with knowledge, techniques and skills in both ecological restoration and the restoration economy. Interns developed individual projects based on their interests including, spatial mapping of aquifers and investigative journalism.Spectrophotometric assay of superoxide dismutase activity based on the activated autoxidation of a tetracyclic catechol.

A new spectrophotometric assay of superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity is described. The assay is based on the SOD-mediated increase in the rate of autoxidation of 5,6,6a,11b-tetrahydro-3,9,10-trihydroxybenzo[c]fluorene (BXT-01050) in aqueous alkaline solution. This autoxidation yields a chromophore with a maximal absorbance wavelength of 525 nm. The optimized assay of SOD activity is performed at pH 8.8, 37 degrees C, in 50 mM air-saturated 2-amino-2-methyl-1,3- propanediol buffer containing 3 mM boric acid and 0.1 mM diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid. The kinetic measurement of 525-nm absorbance is performed for 1 min upon addition of BXT-01050. BXT-01050 is stabilized in stock solution acidified at pH 1.5. The SOD activity is determined from the Vs/Vc ratio of the autoxidation rates measured in the presence (Vs) and in the absence (Vc) of sample. One SOD activity unit (U-525) has been defined as the activity that doubles the autoxidation background (Vs/Vc = 2). The equation that fits the standard curve is the same with all studied SODs. Another reagent, 1,4,6-trimethyl-2-vinylpyridinium trifluoromethanesulfonate, directly eliminates interference due to sample mercaptans such as glutathione by means of a very fast alkylation reaction. A fast and reproducible measurement of SOD activity requires only a single determination per sample. At pH 8.8, an optimal assay sensitivity is achieved without strongly affecting the activity of known SODs such as Cu/Zn-, Mn-, or Fe-SOD.I used to be depressed. Seems like my life was going nowhere. I didn't fit in with Shotos or Grapplers. I just felt like I didn't fit in at all, until one day after day-drinking and I was passed out in the gutter. The almighty Lord Bison found me and gave me purpose. He showed me that through his will and Psycho power, all was possible! So now my internet friends I am here to spread the good word of Shadaloo! Join us! There's room for everyone. No one will be left without perfect white teeth like our savior M. Bison!This session featured James Crowley (Strategic Business Advisor, The Crowley Institute), Professor John Gaventa (Director of Research, Institute of Development Studies), Laura Sullivan (Europe and Americas Director for ActionAid International) and was chaired by Catrina Sheridan (Sightsavers International Ireland).
It was a richly varied discussion that focused on the ways NGOs can change to adapt to the challenges we are facing, and the ways that NGOs should work to achieve change.
Being a good development or humanitarian organisation is very tricky. ‘Development process’ is complex and hard if addressed seriously. Trying to achieve positive progress or predictable outcome in unstable, insecure, corrupt countries with poorly developed institutions, policies and regulation, with social norms that are difficult to address, is really challenging.
We can look at four different though connected areas of change facing international NGOs. Some present challenges, others opportunities.
1. We need to work harder to design and implement better quality programmes that are more consistent, lasting in impact and that are really value for money.
2. How do we deal with the changing external headwinds that are making our work harder; the rise of populism, nationalism and isolationist thinking; the loss of confidence and trust in the aid industry, and the questioning of the aid budget?
3. We can take action to change this external context in a positive sense - to exploit the opportunities for the poor and the disadvantaged for positive impact and outcome.
4. We need to build and strengthen the capacity of our international organisations to be more than the sum of its parts – increased efficiency, better decision making, about resources, better processes and systems, exploiting technology properly in front and back offices, stronger performance management and accountability.
Change is difficult but not rocket science. Be clear on the change you are seeking to make. If you are sensible and diligent on basic steps and bloody minded to follow through on barriers and blocks – anything is possible.
How do we address growth in an environment of extreme inequality? We must change our approach internationally, and work very differently to now, if we are to ‘find pathways’ to a just world.
New partners working with iNGOs to deliver positive change must be truly relevant to local life – not just ‘international NGOs’. INGOs must build alliances and connections to ensure development is owned and delivered locally. Development must not be just an act of charity – it must be able to model itself and to truly assist domestic organisations and to deliver positive local change.
Effective development and growth must address global equality by including new voices and engaged excellence of research. It is only when we engage with others and when we allow new voices to be part of leadership and decision making for development that we will deliver equal change.
We can say that change has been ineffectual when we see all the crises and political darkness around us. There are so many challenges right now. However INGOS can lead and win on vital development issues and so we must continue to lead new and positive change. We need to manage some difficult transitions in order to be effective.
The international development community must hold itself to account and we must focus on beneficiaries in order to be effective. We must change the model to a beneficiary-led model, devolve power and radically change from the top throughout the entire organisation.Thursday 19th March, 2020
Dear friends,
We live in rapidly changing times, and we understand that uncertainty and anxiety is high for many people. In these times we can be thankful that ‘God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble’ (Psalm 46).
In light of our government’s announcement of restrictions of public gatherings, and in conjunction with updated Anglican church guidelines we are making some changes to our youth ministry programmes for the foreseeable future.
All public church gatherings (including youth groups) have been suspended until further notice.
Especially during this time of uncertainty we want to ensure that our young people don’t simply ‘give up’ on encouraging one another and sharing in Christian community. As a result we are implementing the following changes.
1. Friday Night Youth Groups
From this Friday 20th March, until further notice, both our Friday night youth groups (Fixes and Impact) will not be meeting together in person. Instead, commencing this week we will be