“Exchange and Solidarity: Exploring Civic Health and the Third Sector and
in Timor-Leste from the UW-Madison Center for Community and Nonprofit Studies”
Mary Beth Collins, J.D., M.A.
Executive Director of the Center for Community and Nonprofit Studies (the “CommNS”)
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Through an ACYPL (American Council of Young Political Leaders) YSEALI (Youth Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative) Reciprocal Exchange, Mary Beth, Executive Director of the UW-Madison Center for Community and Nonprofit Studies (the “CommNS”), traveled to Timor-Leste in March 2023. With the support of a remarkable team of past and aspiring YSEALI program fellows, Mary Beth, along with her co-delegate Dr. Kwasi Obeng, participated in a full week of activities to share, learn, and exchange about key themes relevant in Wisconsin and in Timor-Leste, one of the world’s youngest democracies. Key themes explored included the Timorese struggle for independence, colonial history and influence, youth engagement, sustainable economies, natural resource stewardship, civic health, and the role of nongovernmental organizations/nonprofits in a healthy civil society and in meeting basic needs, and higher education programming to nurture the next generation of leaders. This rich exchange opportunity forged understanding, meaningful relationships, possible project concepts for future collaboration, and deeper appreciation for the solidarity we share across seemingly disparate contexts in supporting and sustaining pro-democratic communities and nations where all can thrive.
Mary Beth Collins is the Executive Director of the Center for Community and Nonprofit Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
This event is free and open to the public. A recording will be available on the CSEAS YouTube channel following the event.