A Taste of South Africa

Last night, a group of ten of us went to the South African restaurant 10 Degrees South. We all got dressed up and headed to downtown Atlanta to this four star restaurant. After we avoided the valet parking, we sat down and stared at an unusual menu. Most of us ordered different meals. Branden and Kerri ordered the most unfamiliar meal, Ostrich Medallions. Surprisingly, it tasted like veal. Meanwhile, Phillip ordered Bobotie, sweet ground beef topped with custard and served with yellow rice. This is the most popular dish in South Africa. After cleaning our plates, we are all now looking forward to more South African cuisine.

- Molly

11/14 Meeting

Today, Nancy Berger, co-author of Global Leaders for the 21st Century, spoke to us. She talked about the differences between 20th century and 21st century global leaders. These differences include the increased needs for a global mindset and the ability to work with other cultures, as well as the importance of networking. Networking through social websites and contacts is a lifeline, as we are continuously making discoveries as we plan for our trip to South Africa. Networking also enhances this project and helps us each grow as an individuals. We talked about how leadership is always entails give and take. Leaders need to want to learn and change. Ms. Berger told us that if we are the same person from freshman year to graduation then KSU has failed at helping us achieve and learn. I think it is important to grow as a person during our college career. College is a time to test the waters of new ideas and ways of life. We ended today's discussion with a quote from Colin Powell, "Leadership is the art of accomplishing more than the science of management says is possible."

Molly

Meeting Nov. 7, 2008

Today Betty Siegel came in to talk to us about her experiences in South Africa. Not only was she empowering to our group, but she was helpful in boosting the group's morale. Lately, for me, I have been indifferent about the meetings. It's not that I don't care, it's just I feel that we're kind of at a stand-still. This meeting, however, changed that. Dr. Siegel is so compassionate about what she does that it's hard to not be compassionate with her. Not only did she get me excited about the trip again, but helped me to realize how privileged we are to have the opportunity to do this. Anyone can go on a study abroad trip or a trip with their family and pay the way. But not many people can say that they've not only organized the trip, but raised the money for it, worked with leaders of the school for it as well. Plus, when we get there we get to not only visit the country but become part of it. I'm so excited that we get to stay with families! Now, we will learn more about the culture, learn more about the people, and have a better chance of establishing lasting relationships. Today's meeting was the best meeting we've had in months. I'm so thankful that I have this opportunity.

-Nicole Birk

LINK Leads Meeting 10/31/08

We had an incredible meeting today! We had a guest speaker that came in to talk about her trip to South Africa. She visited Johannesburg and Cape Town. She explained how eye opening her experience there was. She brought so many pictures to give us a feel for what we are going to see when we travel to Cape Town, South Africa. We saw pictures of Betty's Bay, Harmanus, Table Mountain, and Robben Island. Betty's Island and Harmanus are where you can go to get a majestic view of South Africa. You can stand on rocks very close to the ocean and can see penguins and whales! Robben Island is the place where the Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. The cool thing about this tourist site is that all of the tour guides are former prisoners from Robben Island. Robben Island was a prison where only political prisoners were held. Most of the prisoners were Black, Indian or Colored. But, there was one white prisoner. He was kept in a cell all by himself.
After the guest speaker we had our committee reports. Exciting new fundraisers are all coming together nicely.
After this meeting, I am SOO excited to go to South Africa. I knew that I was excited, but after hearing her incredible story I know that we will have a life-changing experience. :) :)

Tarp activity - October 17, 2008

This week in an effort to re-energize the group we began our meeting with the long forgotten ritual of an icebreaker. We began by taking strips of masking tape and writing down our concerns. We were then asked by Brian to place the strips of tape on a folded part of a tarp, and then take a minute to read everyone's concerns. Aside from zombie attacks, real concerns were along the lines of funding, group unity, participation and packing.

Our next task was to take a piece of tape and write down things that made us excited about our South Africa trip. Our causes of excitement were along the lines of: A zombie defense system, birthdays, getting to help people in South Africa,and the fact we already have plane tickets reserved. We placed them on the opposite side of the tarp and reflected on them.

Brian asked us to all stand on the side of the tarp with the negative pieces of tape on them and work as a group to turn over the negative side to the positive side. As a rule we couldn't step off the tarp, however, nothing was said about using chairs as support. . . . Our group pulled ourselves into the mosh pit of the tarp. Clashing our elbows and with little room to breathe, our group did not fare well. Without organization we completely failed to achieve anything except become closer as a group - physically. We tried turning the tarp and quickly ran out of space as people did not know where to stand or what to do when they were in the right spot. Our ideas were mixed and our attempts uncoordinated. We failed as a group to communicate and listen to each other.

Brian stopped us after about 10 minutes and gave us a little more space on the tarp so we could have a second go at it. We welcomed the breathing room and the extra space. This time around we managed to actually listen to one another and work together to convert the tarp from one side to the other. We used a strategy that involved gradually flipping over the tarp and having the people step on the folded over half. After a little effort we managed to get it to work.


(Us standing on the tarp, listening to ideas)

Afterward we reflected on what made the exercise work. We listened, and at some point everyone had to participate and step up. We were able to metaphorically turn our concerns into excitement. Brian ended by giving us a reminder that we have pulled in more money than all of the previous groups combined and we have a lot of strength within the group.

- Andrew

South Africa Panel - October 10, 2008

Today we were suppose to have a panel of citizens from South Africa, but many were not able to make it. One representative, Ms. Carolyn Ward, was able to attend and she gave some insightful information about her beloved country South Africa. Carolyn told of her childhood experiences growing up in South Africa during apartheid. Since apartheid the country still faces issues regarding race, but Carolyn says it is all about how your family raised you. In her case, her family raised her to regard all people as equal, but there are still some South Africans that believe blacks and coloureds( mixed white and black) are beneath them. She also talked about the issues that are going on right now with the South African president resigning. She says that she is not worried and feels that everything will work itself out. She also mentioned that South Africans are more welcoming than Americans. Which I can believe.
Now to the fun stuff! After Brian left, the discussion wasn't as serious anymore. Lol! We asked Carolyn things about South African fashion, which resembles European dress. Interesting! We talked about the food. She says that South Africans are not big on going out to eat at fast food restaurants. They tend to stay at home and eat with the family. South Africans eat the same foods that Americans eat, but they eat also some things that we don't eat, like ostrich. Yeah! I said it ostrich. She also talked about the Alfred & Victoria Waterfront which resembles a harbour. It is the perfect destination for food and shopping in South Africa. Corey, his crazy self, asked about women and relationships. Yes people, he took it there. Carolyn says that South Africans do not participate that much in PDA.
Overall the discussion was exciting and very informative. Now I know a little bit more about South Africa than I knew before. I'm so excited to go and I can't wait til May. Signing off!


Jamilah Hankins
Link Leads 2008-2009

Meeting - September 12, 2008

Hey guys! 

Again, sorry it took so long to get the post up; I had tons of technical difficulties getting the video and sound to work.

Phillip 

September 5th

Hey guys,

Well, on september 5th, we watched a movie during our link leads meeting. We were originally going to watch The Color of Friendship, which is about an American and South African family and how they interact. However, Brian could not find this movie and so he decided on The Color of Freedom. GREAT MOVIE! This movie tells the story of Nelson Mandela. It is so inspiring to see the trials and tribulations he went through; and through it all, he stayed positive. His mission was to create an equal environment for all, no matter the color of skin. We haven't finished the movie yet because we ran out of time this week. Hopefully we will get to it soon because I cannot wait to see how the story continues. 

I am really excited to that we all got to experience a piece of South Africa's history through a movie. I think it makes the stories we hear and research real and personal. I am thrilled to experience this trip next summer. I am blessed to be a part of the organizing and cannot wait to see what May 2009 will hold!

~Jacqueline

Meeting #2 - Thoughts From Branden

Branden provides his insight on the second LINK Leads meeting of the year. Friday, August 29th, 2008.

The First Leads Meeting

Molly & Sam discussing the first LINK Leads meeting. Friday, August 22nd, 2008.

LINK LEADS
International Civic Engagement Project
Statement Of Goal & Shared Vision

The Goal of the LINK Leads Group is to create an International Civic Engagement Project that will fully connect Leads members with South African Culture and through this relationship facilitate a project that will have a significant impact on our global community. It is our Shared Vision that ideas, communication, experiences, and interaction will flow freely between our two unique cultures after the completion of the International Civic Engagement Project. This Goal and Shared Vision will be achieved by the execution of the following objectives:


OBJECTIVE I
To strengthen the relationship of the Leads Group & enroll all members in the above mentioned Goal and Vision

OBJECTIVE II
To boost cultural immersion and global learning by developing an International Civic Engagement Project that connects Leads members with the social, business, and political communities of South Africa in creating a project for sustained change

OBJECTIVE III
To isolate the resources and connections necessary to facilitate the International Civic Engagement Project by the implementation of all leadership skills practiced and developed during participation in the LINK Program

OBJECTIVE IV
To enroll both campus and community in our Goal and Vision, both prior to and after completion of the International Civic Engagement Project, by creating awareness of South Africa, South African Culture, and the group’s experiences in the country

OBJECTIVE V
To establish continual, mutual, positive change via a sustainable relationship with a South African University and its student, faculty, and community population