Newsroom
Volunteerism brings a global group together at Arizona State University
February 6, 2025 — The ASU Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation recently welcomed distinguished global participants through the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), organized by Global Ties Arizona (GTAZ). Global Ties Arizona is dedicated to building strong international relationships that foster more peaceful, informed and prosperous communities across Arizona and the world. This visit brought together professionals from diverse volunteer and civic action organizations around the world to engage in dialogue and learn about volunteerism in the United States from the ASU Lodestar Center.
- Ms. Hala Farid Faris (Egypt): CEO and Founding Partner of Ariu for Consultancy and Training (ACT), with extensive experience in peacebuilding and education initiatives.
- Mr. William Kusi (Ghana): CEO of Pozitiv Communications and Advisory Board Member of the U.S.-Ghana Alumni Association, with a passion for youth education and civic activism.
- Ms. Ghia Haddad (Lebanon): Community and Partnerships Lead at The Volunteer Circle, specializing in volunteer engagement for diverse groups including refugees and young adults.
- Ms. Rahaf Nasser H Alhumaid (Saudi Arabia): Market Analyst at Aramco Trading Company and active in charitable projects such as building schools and supporting cancer patients.
- Mr. Yinzhou Cai (Singapore): Director of Citizen Adventures, promoting community awareness through educational tours and local grassroots initiatives.
- Mr. David Fischer (Switzerland): President of Discuss It and board member of Politcast Uri, with a focus on political engagement among youth.
- Ms. Chiu Yueh Chen (Taiwan): Executive Director of the Taiwan Information Literacy Empowerment Association, known for her work combating disinformation.
The IVLP is the nation’s premier professional exchange program and provides a platform for global professionals to connect and exchange ideas with American counterparts. This visit underscored the Lodestar Center’s role as a leader in advancing civic engagement and nonprofit development.
During the discussion, Dr. Robert Ashcraft, executive director of the Lodestar Center, provided an in-depth overview of how the Center engages in volunteerism, the civic action space, the Center’s commitment to fostering a culture of service through research, community-based initiatives, and professional development programs. Dr. Ashcraft highlighted the importance of volunteer engagement as a critical tool for addressing societal challenges and enhancing community well-being. He described the Center’s work in connecting nonprofit organizations with resources, developing leadership training programs, and promoting best practices in volunteer management.
Dr. Ashcraft also spoke about the Center’s role in advancing civic action through partnerships with local and national organizations. By leveraging these collaborations, the Lodestar Center not only supports volunteer-driven initiatives but also influences programmatic approaches to civic involvement. His remarks underscored the Center’s holistic approach, which integrates research, training, and on-the-ground efforts to ensure sustainable community impact.
The participants left with a deeper understanding of the U.S. nonprofit landscape and valuable insights that they can apply to their work in their home countries. The ASU Lodestar Center is honored to have been part of this experience and excited to continue its work in advancing volunteerism and nonprofit excellence.
Image: A visiting group from the U.S. Department of State at the ASU Lodestar Center with Dr. Robert Ashcraft