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October 2014

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Winrock’s Wallace Center, Changing Tastes, and Common Market Philadelphia are conducting a survey of community-based food innovations as part of the movement toward a more just and sustainable food system in the U.S. Responses are due by Oct. 29. Learn more.

See what two Winrock volunteers from the University of Florida shared with avocado farmers in Myanmar, as part of the USAID-funded Farmer-to-Farmer program. Read more in the latest Winrock Volunteers blog.

If you missed the webinar on Sept. 25 from the National Good Food Network (NGFN), Food Hub Benchmarking Study 2014, you can still watch it for free at the webinar archives. Learn more.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of International Labor Affairs has announced this year's report of the "Findings on the Worst Forms of Child Labor." As more countries make progress in the fight against child labor, Winrock remains committed to help build the capacity of governments and institutions to fight the worst forms of child labor.

The ARK Challenge accelerator, along with the Northwest Arkansas Council, was recognized this month with an Excellence in Economic Development Silver Award for Entrepreneurship at the International Economic Development Council’s annual conference in Fort Worth, Texas.

The NGFN webinars, the Mata no Peito initiative, and the Room to Learn project, recently posted new project reports on GlobalGiving. To see all of Winrock’s projects on GlobalGiving, click here.

Congratulations to Winrock volunteers Anais Troadec and Barry Evans for being voted as two of the three winners of the Devex #DoingMore “Volunteers in Action” Photo Contest. Read about the winners, and see the photos at the Volunteers for Economic Growth Alliance (VEGA) website.

Winrock’s American Carbon Registry (ACR) has approved standards designed to enlist ranchers in the fight against climate change. These standards reward ranchers for land management practices that put more carbon in the soil, thereby improving soil health and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Read the full news release.

Are you interested in working at Winrock? Search current openings and post your resume. Would you like to volunteer with Winrock? Learn more about new opportunities for volunteers. Interested in supporting Winrock? View our projects on GlobalGiving.

If you were forwarded this newsletter, consider signing up as a regular subscriber. Want to see past issues? Check out Winrock's newsletter archive.

 Winrock's Elisa Derby co-authors article on maximizing benefits of improved cookstoves
Elisa DerbyAt a meeting of the Working Group to Address Increasing Adoption of Improved Cookstoves, co-hosted by the U.S. Agency for International Development-funded WASHplus and TRAction projects, several factors affecting successful cookstove adoption were identified. Recently, Winrock's Elisa Derby contributed to a peer-reviewed article designed to address the most critical considerations identified at the meeting. The article, "Maximizing the benefits of improved cookstoves: moving from acquisition to correct and consistent use," was published in the August issue of the journal, Global Health: Science and Practice.

To maximize the energy-saving and potential health impacts from improved cookstoves (ICS), the stoves must first be acquired, then used correctly and consistently. Perhaps most critically, the stoves must come to displace the use of the traditional stoves. This article focuses on the critical aspects of building consumer demand and ensuring the correct and consistent use of ICS. Continue for more information, or read the full text of the article.

Jason Bordoff joins Winrock International's board of directors
Jason BordoffEarlier this month, Winrock International announced the election of Jason Bordoff to its board of directors. Bordoff accepted a five-year appointment.

At Columbia University, Bordoff is a professor of Professional Practice in International and Public Affairs, and is the founding director of the Center on Global Energy Policy. Highly regarded as one of top energy policy experts in the world, Bordoff served until January 2013 as special assistant to the President for Energy and Climate Change on the National Security Council staff, and, previously held senior roles as an energy advisor on the White House's National Economic Council and Council on Environmental Quality.

“We are delighted to welcome Mr. Bordoff to Winrock’s board of directors,” said Board Chair Betsy Campbell. “He brings invaluable expertise in economics, energy and the environment to the board; his participation will enhance Winrock’s ability to lead on innovation and increase its global impact.”

Winrock President and CEO Rodney Ferguson added: “Jason’s understanding of international energy markets, and keen insights into the future of energy resources will help us make smart decisions about where to focus our resources.” Read more.

Arkansas Women's Business Center continues to expand its reach
Rattle's Garden ownersFor the past four years, Winrock’s Arkansas Women’s Business Center (AWBC) has made significant strides towards providing training and technical assistance to women entrepreneurs throughout the state, focusing on women in underserved communities. To date, the center has delivered 144 business classes and provided one-on-one counseling services to 168 clients.

Tara Stainton, co-owner of Rattle’s Garden, an organic vegetable and flower garden in Vilonia, Ark., is an AWBC client. Before working with the AWBC, Rattle’s Garden had not put a significant amount effort into marketing because Stainton said she started the farm at the perfect time for her area: “when the Little Rock local food scene was rapidly expanding and new markets offered a lot of opportunity.”

But now, with the help of the AWBC, she is reaching additional market outlets and is working to change their focus to generate additional income. She continues to work with the center as she learns more about business incorporation and taxes so she can more effectively operate her small business.

Recently, Winrock received additional funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the State of Arkansas to expand AWBC efforts. Funding will support:
  • Delivery of five comprehensive business feasibility training and mentoring programs, called Operation Jump Start, for budding entrepreneurs in rural communities in Arkansas and northern Louisiana;
  • Small business training and mentoring services to socially disadvantaged and veteran farmers and ranchers; and
  • Access to local foods in areas with lower access to healthy foods, through the promotion and enhancement of two farmers’ markets, and training for market managers and farmers.
The Arkansas Women’s Business Center continues to seek private funds to increase services and match federal funding. To lend support, visit the AWBC on GlobalGiving.
       


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