Newsletterhttp://www.impak.org/newsletter/en-US2012-02-12T14:10:44ZSquarespace Site Server v5.11.81 (http://www.squarespace.com/)Summer 2007 :: Community Newshttp://www.impak.org/newsletter/2007/8/12/summer-2007-community-news.htmlImpak2007-08-12T20:08:49Z [ impak ] :: Pakistan Service Corps

Impak Community News
Summer 2007

Over the past few months, Pakistan has seen a lot of coverage in the news, from torrential weather to political strife to recent cinematic appearances (A Mighty Heart and Khuda Kay Liye). A lot of us have been talking about the changes taking place and we wonder what lies ahead for Pakistan's future.

At Impak, we try to stay apolitical and focus on bringing positive change that might open up doors for the country's future. It's important to maintain open dialogue and discuss the problems, but every once in a while we'd like to push our community to go beyond dialogue and seek real change on the ground.

In this brief issue, we've highlighted some ways you can personally connect with Impak's mission of bringing positive change. We hope that you'll join us for our upcoming open house in Chicago or keep in touch with us with your input and ideas.

In this issue:

1. Labor Day Weekend: Open House - Chicago
2. Call for Board Members
3. Send Us Your Links

1. Labor Day Weekend: Open House - Chicago

You're invited to get engaged and meet with like-minded individuals who are interested in making a difference.

This Labor Day weekend, come to Chicago in the backdrop of ISNA's annual conference and join us for some activities where you can learn more about Impak and get connected.

RSVP Now: Facebook | EventBrite

For updates visit Impak's website.

2. Call for Board Members

Impak is actively looking for board members who can volunteer some time and provide leadership for a great cause. We've opened up this process and are trying to reach out all over to find the best and most motivated individuals. Here are a few general qualities that we look for in a possible candidate:

Has an interest in South Asia and/or development
Is based in the US, UK, Canada or Pakistan
Understands Impak's mission and long-term vision

If you or someone you know happens to be a great fit for us, submit a recommendation.

3. Send Us Your Links

Impak wants to build a stronger community. Part of this effort is to find out what you're up to, what you're tapped into and how we can help one another out. We're putting together a comprehensive page of links on our website with some of the best informational sources (news sites, blogs, personal pages) and organizational pages associated with Pakistan. We'll take the best ones and post them on our website and also include some in our quarterly newsletters.

Submit your links to us online.

[ impak ] :: Pakistan Service Corps

]]>Winter 2007 :: Community Newshttp://www.impak.org/newsletter/2007/2/15/winter-2007-community-news.htmlImpak2007-02-15T15:57:41Z Last summer 14 participants from the US, UK and Canada took part in Impak's 2006 Quake Relief Summer Program (QRSP). The experience was challenging but brought many successes in the areas of health, education, and infrastructure for earthquake affectees in Kashmir and Northern Pakistan.

Having successfully launched two programs, Impak now looks ahead for new opportunities where it can make a difference. In this edition of our newsletter, we'll look back at what we've achieved, how we're growing, and how you might be able to get involved.

Your tax-deductible donation is one way to be a part of our mission to bring positive change by connecting individuals abroad to Pakistan through meaningful opportunities and experiences.

In this issue:

1. Quake Relief Summer Program (QRSP)
2. Plans for 2007
3. Introducing KashmirCorps
4. In Search of Volunteer Leaders
5. Other News: Website, Wikipedia, and Tax Exemption

1. Quake Relief Summer Program (QRSP)

On October 8, 2005, a 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck South Asia, leaving over 75,000 dead and hundreds of thousands injured and homeless. Impak responded with the 2006 Quake Relief Summer Program where fourteen participants from the US, UK and Canada were selected to try to make a difference in the region in the areas of health, education and infrastructure.

Among those participating was Babar Ali, a law student, who worked for Concern for Children with primary school children in the villages of Chikkar and Bandi Chakkan. Alisa Khan, a medical student, worked with Operation Heartbeat and Amit Jiwani consulted for Comprehensive Disaster Response Services (CDRS) to promote health education in Garhi Dupatta. Faraz Ahmad and Mashael Yazdanie from the UK and Canada, respectively, developed their own projects that brought immense benefit to families in the town of Bagh. Shazia Riaz, a case health worker, worked with Ibtida,helping school children in Mansehra.

You can read more about the experience on our website.

2. Plans for 2007

This year Impak continues its tradition of bringing innovative and effective programs, but with a focus on specialized placements. We believe this new initiative will help us expand into niche areas while also allowing us to focus on building a strong foundation as an organization.

We're still working on finalizing plans and we'll let you know on our website if there is any availability. Most likely, we will be recruiting directly through partner organizations.

Please note that there will be no applications posted online for the 2007 program. However, in 2008 we aim to bring back our traditional summer placement program in addition to some new opportunities.

3. Introducing KashmirCorps

If you're thinking about volunteering this summer in South Asia, KashmirCorps is offering volunteer opportunities in Indian-administered Kashmir. Consider applying or pass on this message from KashmirCorps to others who might be interested:

KashmirCorps is a private NGO seeking to bring about a positive change in Kashmir through its volunteer and service opportunities. In the process, we hope to establish tolerance and end the stigma associated with the Kashmir conflict, all while celebrating the rich and vibrant history of the region. We are currently accepting applications for the Summer 2007 on our website, and have projects available in three sectors: Healthcare, Education, and Economic Development. Kashmir is quite possibly one of the most beautiful regions in the world, but much of its beauty has been blemished by more than sixty years of war. This summer, we look forward to taking a dynamic group of students and young professionals to the region where they can utilize their expertise in the assistance of those who need it the most. Visit the KashmirCorps website and apply today!

4. In Search of Volunteer Leaders

Impak is searching for volunteers who can take an active role as a leader in helping to develop and manage projects. Only select individuals who have proven experience, can work independently, and are dedicated will be selected.

Click here to view the details of the position and to submit your resume for us to review. If your skills match our needs, we will get in touch with you.

5. Other News

A few months ago we updated our website (http://www.impak.org). Make sure you check it out!
Have you seen our Wikipedia entry?
Important: We are now officially a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, so feel free to donate!

Community Links

PakCast
A weekly dialogue between Pakistan and the West (available as a Podcast).

TravelPak
An adventure touring company that follows a unique approach of allowing visitors to experience the history, culture and people as well so as to provide visitors with as real insight into Pakistan.

Newtraid
Newtraid arose from the need to provide advice and support to organizations and individuals who cannot afford commercial consultancy but whose development would be beneficial to their local community. Newtraid provides an online meeting place where volunteer consultants can meet nonprofit organizations and share their knowledge, skills and experience.

You can submit a link to us that we can include on our website or newsletter by completing this form.
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