PRESS RELEASE
Kentucky Youth Advocate, Hasan Davis, Pulling Double Duty with Rockefeller Foundation Next Generation Leadership Program
Program Builds a Network of Leaders To Strengthen Democracy
New York, N.Y., September 3, 2002
The Rockefeller Foundations Next Generation Leadership (NGL) program is a two-year initiative designed to discover ways of strengthening U.S. democracy in the 21st Century.
In 2001 Hasan Davis, who was recently reappointed to Chair the Kentucky Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee by Governor Paul E. Patton, was selected to be a member of the fourth Cohort of the NGL program. After completing the final module he was invited to join the NGL team as program staff/consultant for the fifth Cohort.
Over the next ten months Hasan will join Surita Sandosham, manager of the NGL program at the Rockefeller Foundation, in the planning and co-facilitation of two national and two international modules for the fifth Cohort of NGL fellows, adding his expertise in team building and group dynamics to the wealth of resources gathered to implement the four modules which last between seven and ten days.
"The Next Generation Leadership Program confronts the issues and tensions that today's leadership must address while working with a diverse American population," said Mrs. Sandosham, "What truly makes the NGL program unique is that despite the leaders' differences in demographic backgrounds, outlooks, and political persuasions, the group is encouraged to acquire collaborative skills making them better equipped to address the problems of 21st century. NGL fellows learn to listen and respect differences in opinion while still pragmatically engaging on problem-solving projects."
A nominating committee appointed by the Foundation selects the group of fellows, who represent a cross-section of professions and communities in the United States. During the first year of the NGL program, fellows participate in four group sessions focused on the principles, practices and policies of U.S. democracy. Sessions address issues of race, citizenship, immigration, globalization, and the role of the media and information technology in a democratic society. Participants will also travel to the Mexico and Italy to explore democracy in a more global context.
In the second year, fellows will collaborate on projects in their respective communities that put theories of democracy into action. "This program brings together leaders who would rarely be exposed to each other. We have business executives, educators, scientists, public officials, performance artists and community organizers who'll explore the importance of collaboration in making a democracy function."
The NGL program was created in 1997 by the Rockefeller Foundation to build a network of leaders who would collaborate to help devise innovative, community-based solutions to many of today's challenges.
The Rockefeller Foundation is a philanthropic organization endowed by John D. Rockefeller and chartered in 1913 for the well being of humankind throughout the world. The Foundation seeks to identify, and address at their source, the causes of human suffering and need.
In addition to his work with the Rockefeller Foundation and in Juvenile Justice, Hasan is also an accomplished actor, motivational speaker and poet. After earning a G.E.D. he went on to receive his BA in Oral Communications from Berea College and his Juris Doctor from the University of Kentucky College of Law.
For more information on the Next Generation Leadership Program contact:
Jenny Austin
Rockefeller Foundation Next Generation Leadership Program
Phone: (212) 852-8223
Email: JAustin@rockfound.org
Web site: www.rockfound.org/NGL
For more information about Hasan Davis contact:
Hasan Davis
Empowerment Solutions
Phone: 859-986-4650
Email: hasandavis@hotmail.com
Web site: www.homestead.empowermentsolutions.com
