What an incredible network we have committed to creating, together! I couldn’t be more excited to get this International Humanitarians Council off the ground here in the North State.

Many of you participated in our very first discussion re: the development of this Council in mid-February.

To recap (and for those of you who were unable to attend):

We discussed the concept and gauged interest in developing a network for individuals, organizations, etc. who are working within humanitarian endeavors outside of the US. At the meeting the overwhelming response from the group was both a need and interest in creating such a council; moreover, the group expressed interest in utilizing the council meetings to highlight individual projects and programs; present relevant trainings; open space for networking; and, exploring opportunities to collaborate on fundraising, events, outreach, etc.

At this initial meeting a Steering Committee was formed. It was also determined at that time that Annette Russ, Founder and Executive Director of the international nonprofit organization, Just One Person, would Co-Chair the Steering Committee with me. Currently, Annette and I are working to compile a calendar of potential dates for the upcoming steering committee meetings, as well as suggest agenda items related to the full-council meetings to be developed (by the committee) for the near future.

Additionally, at this initial roundtable we discussed convening the Council meetings once a quarter and having one of those meetings in conjunction with the North Valley Nonprofit Council. In fact, we decided to kick-off the International Humanitarians Council at the March North Valley Nonprofit Council meeting - which we have since completed! Many of you presented at this Event, and the response I’ve received from the audience (about each of your projects) has been fantastic!!

So, where are we today?

As I mentioned Annette Russ and I are in the process of developing a proposed calendar for the Steering Committee Meetings.
If you have “great days” or “days that won’t work for you” please feel free to email us those now.

Around the Globe,

Alexa Valavanis & Annette Russ
Co-Chairs, North Valley International Humanitarians Council