2014 has been a good year for the Eritrean Diaspora Network (EDN). Our organization’s level of activity has rapidly increased over the last twelve months, as we have fully transitioned into an “action-oriented” group capable of maintaining a consistent level of programming. While EDN members recognize there is much to improve upon, as we begin to look forward to a busy and promising 2015 its worthwhile highlighting what we have achieved over the last year. Happy Holidays!
Expanding the Network
EDN originally began as a small group of six individuals who shared a broad commitment to fostering non-partisan civil society within the Eritrean diaspora. In the past year, EDN’s leadership team has added several new members to the organization that are supporting our work in specific program areas. These individuals are strong additions that have significantly improved EDN’s capacity. We look forward to building EDN’s network of active members in 2015.
Boosting our Online Presence
EDN has greatly expanded our online presence in order to effectively communicate with our supporters. The major achievement was the launch of our website, which is filled with a steadily increasing amount of original content, including blogs that carry social commentary of relevance to the Eritrean diaspora, as well as updates on the organization’s activities. The website is complemented by active Twitter, Instagram (@EriDiaspora), and Facebook accounts.
Professional Development Program Takes Off
EDN has made major advancements in a key program area of professional development. The purpose behind this program agenda is to promote the educational and professional advancement of young Eritreans in the diaspora and deepen their professional networks. During the Eritrean North American soccer tournament in July, EDN held a widely attended professional development workshop at the Hilton in Alexandria, VA. This was followed by the implementation of a professional mentorship program that paired 16 young Eritreans with professional mentors. More recently, EDN began producing a well-subscribed newsletter that provides professional advice and commentary to young Eritreans. The professional development initiative has become a flagship program for EDN, and we look forward to strengthening it over the course of 2015.
Social Events
Building social cohesion within the Eritrean diaspora is of critical importance to EDN. In that vein, the organization has sponsored three separate social functions in the Washington DC area, where EDN supporters met one another, shared ideas, and began to build for the future. Beyond the social benefits of this sort of programming, EDN has successfully used social events as a way to fundraise for its operations. Combined with associated fundraising efforts – for instance, our “Giving Tuesday” campaign in December – EDN has greatly enhanced its financial capacity. Such efforts will have tangible impacts on the quantity and quality of EDN programming in 2015. We encourage all those interested in the organization to attend our social events going forward.
E’LAL with EDN
In May, EDN held the latest installment of its “Elal with EDN” series. Elal events are town hall style meetings in which participants engage in discussion about topics of broad social and political relevance to the Eritrean diaspora. Participation is open to all. Past Elal events dealt with the issue of human trafficking. The most recent Elal focused on developing a set of priorities that could guide EDN programming through 2014-15. In other words, our most recent Elal was a large “brainstorming” session. Future Elal events will explore different themes.
Organizational Development & Fundraising Efforts
EDN has made real progress in building the structure of the organization. The leadership and programming teams have continued to conduct weekly meetings. The organization has drafted by-laws, applied for 501(c)(3) status and several competitive grants, and participated in several private workshops on organizational development. EDN also continues to build relationships with other like-minded civil society organizations.
As mentioned above, EDN held it’s first targeted organizational fundraising effort this year. Your generosity and unwavering support for our organization helped us raise $1,081 to an emergency fund established to help recently arrived Eritrean families pay their utility bills this winter along with $3,055 through our #GivingTuesday campaign which directly funded initiatives aligned to our Recent Arrival Support, Professional Development, and Civic Engagement programs.
Towards the Future
The above list is not exhaustive, but should convey that EDN’s level of activity is rapidly increasing. We plan to take our young organization to the next level in 2015. Two key new programming areas will be critical to building on our initial momentum: a support program designed to assist recent Eritrean refugees, and a community engagement program that build the political capacities of Eritreans in their adopted homes.
Join us as we build strong and united Eritrean diaspora!