Student World Assembly

Promoting Global Democracy, One Student at a time!

2 West 64th Street Suite 408

New York, NY 10023
Тел: 1.201.441.9870
Annual Report
Факс: 1.201.568.5307
www.studentworldassembly.org
2006-2007
2006 Annual International Convention Montreal, Canada

2007 Annual International Convention Accra, Ghana

 Table of Contents

A Message from our

Founder
2 Introduction
4

A Glance at Our Past

6

Fiscal Year Report

8
Future Projects
and Goals
10
How You Can Help
12

Acknowledgements
14
Mission:
The Student World Assembly (SWA) is a nongovernmental, nonpartisan and nonprofit
organization established to represent students globally. It provides a deliberate assembly
where students around the world can exchange views, vote on global issues through
online discussion forums and at the annual international conventions, and transform
these views into meaningful actions.

Democratic Philosophy:
The Student World Assembly believes that true global democracy affirms
fundamental human rights, which include the dignity and worth of all human beings,
the equal rights of men and women, social, economic and cultural justice for every
person, and the freedom to promote these causes. SWA’s representative democracy
offers a powerful instrument for addressing the vital social and political conditions
that threaten our global future. The informed wishes of the people, conveyed
through the collective of a democratic assembly, need to be heard in the decision-
making processes. By giving students from the most remote to the more accessible
institutions an equal voice, we are enabling all students to educate, participate and
take action, and to begin thinking of themselves as global citizens.
 A Message to Our Members
From Our Founder Mr. Paul Raynault

Most organizations start as a general membership, and then add students as a special category. SWA is
doing the opposite. Youth are developing the procedures that will eventually allow everyone in the world
to participate in a democratic forum. Thus you are not only members with an opportunity to avail yourself
of the SWA structure, but you also have an opportunity to help develop this structure and through your own
leadership skills, eventually bringing a new opportunity to everyone in the world.

2006-2007 has been another incredible year for the Student World Assembly because of your dedication. It
is certainly very heartening to see so many of you taking such varied initiatives to implement our mission
and expand and improve our procedures, while also developing your own leadership skills. As you will
read in this annual report, our growth over the last year has been spectacular in many areas including
membership, official chapters, voting in elections, and attendance at the annual convention.

Educate
- In March 2006 you passed resolutions on HIV/AIDS. Chapters around the world engaged in
numerous educational meetings with featured speakers.
- In Fall 2006 you chose Human Trafficking as a pressing global issue on which to focus. You
have enhanced your fellow students’ understanding of the problem of human trafficking.
Participate
- Many of you reached out to others in your school and started SWA chapters, resulting in
approximately 4000 new members representing 150 countries. Chapters have frequent
meetings where you are developing ways to work together.
- Attendance at our annual Convention and voting in elections continue to soar, so much
so that at one point the voting volume overwhelmed our web site. Many of you are involved
in plans to continue recruiting others to participate in local events as well as online and regional
activities.
Take Action
- In October 2006, students in Nigeria held a forum to promote democratic participation;
while in New York, students from four different schools participated in the first ever SWA
Youth Activist Leadership Training, which spurred a number of chapters to organize
events and rallies.
- Here in New York, your letters helped to pass the strongest anti-trafficking legislation in the
country, while students in Ghana are involved with the Ministry to help monitor violations in
smaller villages.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you, our dedicated members, volunteers, and
management team that have contributed to SWA’s success over the past year. I am confident that your
passion and commitment will continue to empower your path towards becoming the leaders of the next
generation. I look forward to learning more from you in this incredible journey together.
Sincerely,

2
To achieve our goals of global democracy and
promoting human rights,
SWA centers itself around the following
three themes:

EDUCATE: SWA believes that global awareness begins with

education, and provides background information from a wide
variety of sources on the world’s most pressing global issues. Schools
with SWA Chapters are able to create a space for educators and
students to bring international perspectives to campus.

PARTICIPATE: Through online discussion forums, SWA members

interact with youth leaders around the world to exchange views
on relevant issues. Members hold events at their universities
providing opportunities for deliberation on local, national, and
international topics. SWA annual International Conventions bring
together students, activists, and scholars to form a democratic
assembly.

TAKE ACTION: SWA members translate their learning and

experience into meaningful action. Through rallies, letter-writing
campaigns, and other means towards creating change, SWA action
promotes new global awareness and activism among students
and their communities.


Introduction
The Student World Assembly is a nongovernmental, nonpartisan organization designed to represent students globally. Founded
in September 2003 to cultivate a more global citizenry, SWA empowers students from around the world through engagement
in critical reflection and creative action for pressing issues in their communities and abroad. The SWA aims to encourage youth
to craft a better world by actively supporting the ideals of individual liberty, informed democratic participation and respect
for the diverse views of the citizens of our planet. Modeled as a representative democracy, SWA’s philosophy is “Promoting
Global Democracy, One Student at a Time,” making it a unique member-based world-wide organization, dedicated to global
democracy, human rights, and preparing leaders of the next generation.

Consistent with its purpose, SWA has formulated the following goals for its members:
- Encouraging grassroots learning, action and participation forums
- Developing leadership skills through hands-on organizing and advocacy for pressing global issues
- Voting, deliberation and action on current pressing issues-locally and globally
- Bridging the digital divide by connecting students around the world and through subsidizing access to
technology

SWA has formulated several stages needed for the development of student participants:

S TAGE 1: Students establish chapters at their universities, allowing individuals to come together to form a collective
voice on campus. This also connects individual students to SWA’s global network of educators and institutions
supporting SWA. New members connect with activists, youth and academics utilizing SWA’s online community,
interacting through the forums and online issue-voting. Where access to technology is limited, SWA members petition
institutions for increased resources, such as computers, in order to increase access to the Assembly. In addition, where
necessary and possible, SWA will provide such resources as cannot be provided by the institution.

S TAGE 2: Students are given access to SWA research to become experts on complex international challenges, such as
HIV/AIDS, Human Trafficking, and other issues selected by SWA membership. Additionally, students utilize event
planning guidelines/action tool-kits, and participation in SWA regional leadership trainings. SWA’s web site delivers
updated international news and highlights upcoming SWA events and action alerts that create a portal for students to
stay continually informed and connected with the organization’s global activities.

S TAGE 3: By utilizing the above resources, students present local and global issues through forums, teach-ins
or panel discussions. By building broad coalitions with other student organizations and civil society, chapters
connect concerns of their schools and communities to broader issues in which SWA engages. Through letter-writing
campaigns, rallies and lobbying, students translate their learning into effective action to contribute positive change to
their communities.

S TAGE 4: Students use SWA to empower the direction of their own world views and global education. They
also use SWA events and international conventions as networking opportunities to enhance their professional
development, applying their expertise in interactions with government officials, academics, social entrepreneurs
and leaders of the nonprofit sector. As informed youth leaders, students facilitate regional leadership trainings and
workshops to guide others on their path to becoming global citizens.

SWA forms alliances with other organizations to facilitate student activism. For instance, SWA and Amnesty
International have arranged joint meetings and action in the US and Africa. Additionally, UNICEF actively supported
SWA’s Convention in Accra, promoting our anti-trafficking work in Ghana.

4
 Events 2006-2007
Annual International Peace Building and
Convention 2006: HIV/ Conflict Resolution for
AIDS Development

National Youth Council of

McGill University Ghana
Montreal, Canada April 7, 2006
March 9, 2006

Tackling the HIV/AIDS The Montreal’06

Epidemic Experience

Kingsborough Community
Manhattanville
College
Purchase, New York
New York, New York
April 13, 2006
April 10, 2006

International AIDS Candle

HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
Light Memorial

Benin City, Nigeria Benin City, Nigeria

May 18, 2006 May 21, 2006

Nigerian Youth
AIDS Walk 2006
Leadership Conference

New York, New York Benin City, Nigeria

May 21, 2006 May 23, 2006
 A Glance at Our Past
Since 2003, the Student World Assembly has rapidly grown to over 14,000 members
in more than 150 countries attending approximately 1,400 colleges and is attracting
300 new students per month. Its web site averages 300,000 hits and 20,000 visits
per month. With 50% of SWA students from the global south, taking action on
issues such as HIV/AIDS, human trafficking and corporate accountability plays a
prominent role in facilitating youth engagement in domestic social, economic, and
political challenges worldwide.

The SWA has hosted three International Conventions since its inception.
1,400
The summaries are stated below.
Schools
Convention Location University Featured Topic Attendees
2004 San Luis California Environmental 32
Obispo, Polytechnic State Sustainability &
California University War
2006 Montreal, McGill HIV/AIDS 61
Quebec University
2007 Accra, Ghana University of Human 215
Ghana Trafficking
150
Countries
SWA Chapters
Chapters are the backbone of SWA; there are over 50 active chapters worldwide.
By forming groups on campus, students gather to discuss global issues and promote
SWA through social and educational events.

New Chapters for 2006-2007

»» Borough of Manhattan Community College, New York - USA

1
»» Bronx Community College, New York - USA Vision
»» Brooklyn College, New York - USA
»» Desert Mountain High School, Arizona - USA
»» Ecole Nationale de Commerce et de Gestion, Tanger - Morocco
»» EMonument Open Science Society, Brussels - Belgium
»» Institute of Accountancy, Arusha - Tanzania
»» Jean Jacques Rousseau College, Gabon - Gabon
»» Lehman College, New York - USA
»» Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos - Nigeria
»» Norwalk Community College, Connecticut - USA
»» University of Salzburg, Salzburg - Austria

6
 Events 2006-2007
Three Arm Road Walk
A Meditation on Peace
For HIV/AIDS Awareness

Yenagoa, Nigeria Kingsborough Community

College
June 30, 2006
Brooklyn, New York
July 20, 2006

The Salzburg Seminar and Formation of Accra ‘07

SWA Collaboration Planning Team

Salzburg, Austria Accra, Ghana

July 31, 2006 August 30, 2006

Global Day for Darfur Global Day for Darfur

Accra, Ghana New York, New York

September 17, 2006 September 17, 2006

Societal Impact of Space Desert Mountain High

Flight Conference School Chapter

Washington, D.C. Scottsdale, Arizona

September 19, 2006 September 20, 2006
 Fiscal Year Report
April 1, 2006-March 31, 2007
The Student World Assembly is made possible with the generous support of our many
donors. Last year, we received approximately $132,000 in funding to support our
activities. 85% of our funding came from foundations which have helped to ensure that
SWA is able to fulfill its goals and support its members. In addition, 7% of our revenue
came from individual donors and 5% came from other organizations that support SWA.
Of our total revenue, 41% was put towards our programs and management, 37% was
used for general operating costs, 13% for chapter and regional events, and 9% for annual
convention in Accra, Ghana.
Donations are vital to the work of SWA. With contributions from individuals and
foundations, SWA continues to realize its mission of building global democracy and
promoting human rights.

Income

85% Grants from Foundations

7% Contributions from Individuals
5% Contributions from Organizations

3% Donated Goods and Services

Expenses
41% Programs and Management
37% Operating Costs
13% Events

9% Annual Convention

8
 Events 2006-2007
Debate to Action: Making Student Voices
Building Capacity in Youth
Organizations Count in the Global Arena

Ghana Farleigh Dickinson

October 1, 2006 University
Teaneck, New Jersey
October 18, 2006

Promoting Democratic Youth Activist Leadership

Participation Training

Benin City, Nigeria Columbia University

October 27, 2006 New York, New York
November 4, 2006

Desert Mountain Chapter

SWA Information Session Kick-Off Event

New York University Desert Mountain High

New York, New York School

November 10, 2006 Scottsdale, Arizona

November 15, 2006

Understanding Candle Light Vigil

Globalization Day for Darfur

Borough of Manhattan Kingsborough Community

Community College College
New York, New York Brooklyn, New York
November 18, 2006 November 21, 2006
 Future Projects and Goals
In the past year, SWA has experienced rapid growth as it attracted hundreds of new members,
chapters, and institutions. As a result of this growth, we have developed a budget plan that
will maintain our current active members and chapters and also accommodate the resources
and support that are needed to continue this growth. In addition, we have developed
a financial plan for the new year with total expected expenses at $150, 180. Over the
next three years, the SWA has outlined the following goals:

1. Building leadership: SWA aims for the continuation of leadership development trainings.
SWA has cultivated strong leadership and lively governance among youth, resulting in
increased local engagement through lobbying, hosting forums, or providing community
service on campus.

2.
Expansion: SWA seeks to expand in all regions of the world, specifically North America,
West Africa, and Central Asia. SWA also seeks to strengthen the activities of our
Southern members and bridge the activity found among activists nationwide. Existing
regional representatives in the United States and abroad need resources to support
current SWA participants, as well as to continue to expand student activism.

3.
Strengthening alliances: SWA aspires to boost its base of allies to affect a wide variety of
local issues over time. Through Chapter activities, students have initiated partnerships with
practitioners in the field either through collaborating with organizations such as Amnesty
International or by joining the New York State Anti-Trafficking Coalition.

2007-2008 Projected Budget

8% Annual Convention
18% Events
46% Programs and Management

28% Operating Costs

10
 Events 2006-2007
Experiences in Zambia,
Day for Darfur Central Africa: A
Perspective on Culture

John Jay College of Borough of Manhattan

Criminal Justice Community College
New York, New York New York, New York
November 21, 2006 December 26, 2006

Human Trafficking: What Pre-Convention Human

Can Students Do? Trafficking Presentation

High School for Global Yaba College of Technology

Citizenship Lagos, Nigeria
Brooklyn, New York March 1, 2007
January 23, 2007

Human Trafficking 2007 Annual International

Convention: Human
Forum
Trafficking

Manhattanville College University of Ghana

Purchase, New York Legon-Accra, Ghana
March 1, 2007 March 8, 2007

Conference on Violence
Human Trafficking
Against Women and
Forum
Human Trafficking

Bronx Community College Borough of Manhattan

New York, New York Community College

1.
March 27, 2007 New York, New York
March 28, 2007
 How You Can Help
In the past three years, the SWA has grown immensely in members, awareness, and goals. Due to this exciting
and rapid growth, SWA needs your help. Further support can ensure that all of our members have the necessary
means to an unobstructed road to global democracy. In order for the chapters and members of the SWA to
function to their full potential, more resources are necessary.

Your support can help to connect students of all backgrounds to stand up for a fair and equal world for everyone.
As a supporter of the SWA, you will not only shape the world for our future generations but you will contribute
to your own community. You will be able to keep in touch with SWA by participating in the online discussion
forum, checking our educational resources about pressing global issues, or learning about SWA’s upcoming
events. With your immediate help, we can maximize our efforts to help change the reality of the state of the
world for the betterment of the global population.

You can make your generous donations on our web site at
http://studentworldassembly.org/contribute.htm
Other Ways to Give:
- Shop at the Marketplace
As an Advocate for Global Democracy, and a
- Matching Gifts catalyst for change, SWA depends on your
- Gifts of Stock support for its mission.
- Bequests
For more information about contributions to Student World Assembly, please contact us at
contributions@studentworldassembly.org

Other Ways to Get Involved:

Dialogue is only the first step to creating a global community. To make a positive impact on a global scale, we
must act on our collective positions. Here are other ways you can get involved:
- Become a Member
- Establish a SWA chapter on your campus
- Volunteer your time
For more ways to get involved, please contact us at: info@studentworldassembly.org

Yes, I want to support Student World Assembly in its mission of promoting global democracy.

Activist Supporter Advocate Senior Donor Patron

$35 $100 $500 $2,000 $10,000 Other ___

Send a check to:

The Student World Assembly is organized and operated exclusively
214 North Woodland Street for charitable and educational purposes under section 501(c)(3) of
Englewood, NJ 07631 the US Internal Revenue Code. All donations are tax-deductible.
Phone: 1.201.441.9870
(Payable to the Student World Assembly)

12
 International Annual Convention Ghana 2007

2007 International Convention-Accra, Ghana

To become involved with the Student World Assembly, visit us at:

www.studentworldassembly.org
 Acknowledgements
We wish to thank the following who have contributed meaningfully to SWA during the past and present.

Foundations and Organizations

The Raynault Foundation American Movement for World Government

The Dreitzer Foundation UNICEF

Individuals

Abeed Ramji, Montreal Julius G. Wisiy, Cameroon

Abigail Omolewa, England Karen K. Lucas, New York
Aboubakry Sy, Mauritania AMB Kimon Valaskakis, Montreal
Adebari Adeolu, Nigeria Kwame A. Frempong, Ghana
Adebayo W. Gbenro, Nigeria Lakshmi Ganapathy, Indiana
Adel Dayarian, New Jersey Leen Qablawi, Montreal
Alessandra Galli, New York Li Liu, New York
Alexandra Freiman, New York Dr. M. Reza Fakhari , New York
Alina Vrejoiu, New York Matthew Zaksek, Arizona
Alireza Hajihosseini, New York Matthias K. Boahen, Ghana
Amin Y. Mirzaee, New York Mehdi Kazemi, New York
Andrew Rowan, New York Senator Mike Gravel, Alaska
Anita Hashemi, New Zealand M. Reza Torkzahrani, New York
Antony Odek, Kenya Moses Kanduri, Ghana
Arif Yusuf, Montreal Natasha Motwani, New York
Aydin Y Mirzaee, Ottawa Nicholas Rizopoulos, New York
Barbara Schaier-peleg, New York Parisa Honarbakhsh, New York
Bud Evans, California Patience Ameyaw, New York
Dr. C.C. Nwogu, Nigeria Paul Raynault, New York
AMB Carlton Coon, Washington, D.C. Pedram Bagheri, New York
Dr. Carol Davenport, New Zealand Rachel Holland, New York
Charles Osareimen, Nigeria Dr. Regina S. Peruggi, New York
Chethan Satya, Montreal Dr. Rick Repetti, New York
Cheryl Genet, California Dr. Robert A. Scott, New York
Corinne Lubrano, New York Russell Genet, California
Dabal B. Bista, Nepal Prof. Sadiku S. Ojo, Nigeria
Daniel E. Obiri, Ghana Samer Shuaib, New York
Diba P. Abibou, Gabon Savy Lach, Cambodia
Elmutaz A. Gadallah, Sudan Shahram Hashemi, New York
Eloisa Tigre, Washington D.C. Shaunte Baboumian, New York
Evans D. Norte, New York Sheena Singh, New York
Gideon M. Commey, Ghana Siekula Vannie, Liberia
Ginger Albertson, New York Sina Motamedi, New York
Hal Schaffer, Florida Stanley Dumebi, Nigeria
Hannah Dunphy, New York Stephen Kwaw, London
Igor Sery, New York Svetlana Kotlyarenko, New York
Janine Palludan, New York Tal Nimrodi, New York
Jin Wang, New York Tatiana Kotlyarenko, New York
Jochen Fried, Austria Prof. Taylor, Ghana
Dr. John Fanselow, New Zealand Troy Davis, France
Joseph Chuman, New York Dr. Vincent Makanjuola, Nigeria
Judith Chiti, New York
14
 New York AIDS Walk March 2006

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“Promoting Global Democracy, One Student at a Time!”

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