International Institute For Global Leadership
Issue #225 *September 2020
www.global-leadership.com
Asheville, NC USA
Guest Editorial
A Long Walk to Freedom: An Autobiography of Nelson Mandela
Ajeigbe Aremu Jimi Rexford (Nigeria)
rexajeigbe@gmail.com
A Long Walk to Freedom is a testimony of man’s inhumanity to man as displayed during the apartheid regime of the colonialists and the struggle for self-rule or independence in South Africa which was spearheaded by Nelson Mandela and the consequences.
Below are some of most important ideas to me:
Magnanimity which is having a big heart is a sterling quality that I greatly admired in Nelson Mandela. I had been humbled by his ability to forgive and forget all those who maltreated him and his colleagues at the time he had the power to deal with them. Of particular reference was his meeting with a prison warden in a restaurant. Honestly, I wish we can all have such a big heart to let go the pains and hurts from others.
Sacrifice entails forgetting self for the sake of others. This is a virtue that singled out Nelson Mandela who suffered separation from his family and endured isolation and intimidation, all on the altar of securing freedom for his fatherland. I have been imagining how many people can leave the comfort of their homes. I remember days when I had to shed tears when leaving home for the boarding house or when seeing my relations especially my wife or children off on a journey.
Suffering was really much evident in the life of the writer right from his infancy but he was not deterred and endured all sorts of hardships. It made me to recall my growing up years when I encountered various hardships but which now seemed insignificant when compared to the writer’s. It therefore underlines the fact that a successful life is never a bed of roses. After all, roses even have thorns.
Discrimination: By the colonial masters as I read, had always made my blood to boil because I feel it was inhumane for foreigners to dominate and oppress others in their own country. To me, all men are equal and need to co-exist in peace. Opportunity makes some people to appear superior.
Determination: As displayed by Nelson Mandela coupled with his vision and focus enabled him to endure to the end, thereby achieving his goal of gaining freedom for his people. It is rather a pity for me to state that I lacked those qualities thus my inability to really be what I wanted to be. Suffering coupled with frustration could not allow me to pursue my dreams but thanks to IIGL I have rediscovered myself.
Education: To me makes a person more human and I really cherish the sheer determination of Nelson Mandela to get educated. His ordeals did not deter him to gain knowledge as he held to the view that education liberates human beings from oppression and suppression. My greatest asset in life is the education I have had and I vividly remember those days when I was held in high esteem whenever I was on holidays in the village.
Vision: It keeps a person striving hard in life. No wonder the Scriptures state that my people perish for the lack of vision. Having the big picture in view spurs one on, despite the pitfalls on the way. One is willing to go the extra mile as he or she focuses on the vision and the subsequent success. This is what is keeping me still as an IIGL student as I can see the realization of my vision on completion of the course.
The ideas have reinforced my belief in the fact that one can surely achieve whatever one aims at with determination, hard work, courage and all what I have learned through IIGL. Those are my nuggets for the youths who I have been encouraging to aspire for greatness and be solutions to the problems of the world. I am also convinced that no matter the injustice and inhumanity, there is always a way out if people are courageous to speak out. Such people should be willing to sacrifice their own happiness, freedom and be ready to face suffering, isolation and rejection. The world is in dire need of such men and women as leaders to make the world a better place to live in.
What Others Are Saying
Bodhisattva Prayer for Humanity
“May I be a guard for those who need protection,
a guide for those on the path,
a boat, a raft, a bridge for those who wish to cross the flood.
May I be a lamp in the darkness,
a resting place for the weary,
a healing medicine for all who are sick,
a vase of plenty, a tree of miracles.
And for the boundless multitudes of living beings,
may I bring sustenance and awakening,
enduring like the earth and sky,
until all beings are freed from sorrow,
and all are awakened.”
(This prayer was shared at the beginning of the IIGL Zoom Family Meeting in late August).
What are Students are Reading
The Mediator’s Handbook $16.99
The popular Mediator’s Handbook presents a time-tested, adaptable model for helping people work through conflict. Extensively revised to incorporate recent practice and thinking, the accessible manual format lays out a clear structure for new and occasional mediators, while offering a detailed, nuanced resource for professionals.
Starting with a new chapter on assessing conflict and bringing people to the table, the first section explains the process step-by-step, from opening conversations and exploring the situation, through the phases of finding resolution-deciding on topics, reviewing options, and testing agreements. The “Toolbox” section details the concepts and skills a mediator needs in order to:
Understand the Conflict; Support the people; Facilitate the process; and
Guide decision-making.
Throughout the book, the emphasis is on what the mediator can do or say Now, and on the underlying principles and core methods that can help the mediator make wise choices.
Long a popular course textbook for high schools, universities, and training programs, The Mediator’s Handbook is also a valued desk reference for professional mediators, and a practical guide for managers, organizers, teachers and anyone working with clients, customers, volunteers, committees or teams.
Students/Graduates In Action
First IIGL Family Zoom Meeting held on August 29th
The first IIGL Zoom Meeting was held on August 29th to find out how IIGL students, graduates and contributors were doing with all that is happening in 2020. Kathleen Oweegon (IIGL Corresponding Secretary) hosted and facilitated the meeting. Everyone who attended felt that it was worthwhile and the Zoom technology worked well! The suggestion was made to hold this type of meeting quarterly to connect and share how life is going for IIGL family members! We will keep you posted of future dates and times!
Valuable Resources for Personal & Planetary Transformation
International Day of Peace
Internationaldayofpeace.org
The 2020 Global Peace Day theme is “Shaping Peace Together.” Celebrate the day by spreading compassion, kindness and hope in the face of the pandemic. Stand together with the UN against attempts to use the virus to promote discrimination or hatred. Join us so that we can shape peace together.
For more about this year’s theme, CLICK HERE
To read the UN Secretary-General’s 100 Day Countdown Message, CLICK HERE
“Each year, on 21 September, the United Nations calls on everyone, everywhere, to observe 24 hours of non-violence and ceasefire. Today, 100 days before the International Day of Peace, it is essential to remember that our common enemy is a virus that causes widespread suffering and risks reversing decades of human progress. That is why, as the COVID-19 pandemic took hold, I called on all warring parties to lay down their weapons. These are not normal times, and our responses cannot be routine. The pandemic is not just a health issue. It is having direct and troubling effects on development, peace and security. Our global ceasefire appeal is resonating in many places and with many different groups. While distrust can make implementation difficult, I have been heartened by the strong support the appeal has received from civil society, which can influence and mobilize people at the grassroots.”
News
Attention IIGL Students
Historically every August, we do a check on student progress to see who has completed an assessment or a Level Three assignment during the current year. Starting in 2020, we have decided to extend this deadline to November 30, 2020. So if you want to remain an Active Student and you haven’t completed an assessment or a Level Three assignment sometime in 2019-2020, please contact Deb Rosen about your intentions to do so! IIGL is structured so if you do have to stop your studies for awhile, you can restart them at anytime by submitting an assessment or assignment. If you have any questions feel free to email me! If you are a Provisional Student and you are past the 30 day deadline yet would still like to complete your Introductory Assessments, contact Deb as well with your intentions.
IIGL Book Sales Continue…
The IIGL Board of Directors shared that the IIGL book, “Creating Your Path Through Leadership” book sales continue to provide a Royalty payment to IIGL each month. It has also helped new potential donors understand more about IIGL! The book is available both on Kindle and in Paperback on Amazon.com! Check it out! Here’s the link: https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=dp_byline_sr_book_1…
Meet Our New Students
Bolaji Abiodun Samuel (Nigeria)
I hold a Bachelor of Engineering (i.e B.Eng) in Chemical Engineering in Federal University of Technology, Minna. I am a born leader whose core area of strength is in motivating and transforming others to become the best they least imagine to be. As a motivational speaker and writer my dreams are to speak in seminars, conferences, youth platforms all over the world and to be a best selling author with my books. My interests are reading, writing, music, and motivational speaking.
To view complete profiles, Click Here
Visionary Leadership
Student Progress
We had 10 students from 5 countries complete a total of 15 books in August. These students were from Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Uganda and Zimbabwe.
Jibril Abdul Razak (Ghana)
* How to Win Friends and Influence People
James Trotman (Liberia)
* The 45 Second Presentation that will Change your Life Forever
Udeme Idem (Nigeria)
* Awaken the Giant Within
* Creating your Path through Leadership
Adeosun Oluwatosin Isaac (Nigeria)
* 10 Days to More Confident Public Speaking
Kevin Obioma (Nigeria)
* How to Win Friends and Influence People
Ndefo Chikanso Patricia (Nigeria)
* Goal Setting 101
* Leadership for Dummies
* The Law of Attraction
Ajeigbe Aremu Jimi Rexford (Nigeria).
* A Long Walk to Freedom
* The New One Minute Manager
Bolaji Abiodun Samuel (Nigeria)
* As a Man Thinketh
* Jonathan Livingston Seagull
Kalema Joseph (Uganda)
* Success through a Positive Mental Attitude
Bernard Ndhlovu (Zimbabwe)
* The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People
Graduates
There were no new Students who completed a level of study this month
Statistics
New Enrollments
7 enrolled in August
34 enrolled in 2020
Book Assessments
15 in August
115 in 2020
Books Shipped
0 in August
12 in 2020
Cost of Books
$0 in August
$254.17 in 2020
You Make It Possible
We extend a special thanks to the following individuals and/or organizations who contributed to IIGL last month. Your ongoing support makes this work possible.
Deb Silver (Israel)
Lynne Murguia (USA/AZ)
John Hornecker (USA/NC)
Michael Lightweaver (USA/NC)
Roger Yomba (USA/PA)
Deb Rosen (USA/WI)
Patrice Zorn (USA/WI)
Make A Difference
Dream Team 22
Please join Dream Team 22 as our goal is to have 220 people contributing $22 per month. We understand that money is energy and that to sustain and build IIGL we need a lot of people pouring their energy into this endeavor on a regular basis. We also know that not everyone can afford to commit $22 a month – especially our students, who live in countries with economies in which this amount can be equal to a weeks’ salary. So we are offering two options for those who wish to become a part of the Dream Team. One can commit to a $22 a month contribution or to spending 22 seconds each day holding the vision of IIGL becoming financially sustainable by the end of 2018.
Will you join the Dream Team and help us create an energetic foundation to support the transformational work of IIGL? You can really make a difference in the world by making a modest contribution of time or money. To make the $22 a month commitment or a one time donation, click the link below. To become a member of the Dream Team 22 by committing 22 second a day to help us hold the vision, contact Deb for details: drosen2@wi.rr.com
Checks on US banks, payable to the International Institute For Global Leadership, can be mailed to IIGL, 11537 N. Lake Shore Drive, Mequon, WI 53092 USA. Contributions may also be made by credit card by clicking the link below. Contributions are tax deductible under the 501 (c) 3 tax code of the United States Internal Revenue Service.
To Contribute By Paypal, go to www.paypal.com and make donation to iigl.globalleadership@gmail.com
To Contribute By Credit Card, go to global-leadership.com