1 commentIf you’re gonna do it big, you’ve gotta do it with the Clinton Global Initiative!
Today, the official programme of the CGI U kicked off. The programme for the day was short, with one plenary sessions and a commitment networking session taking place. The day started off as usual with Scott getting me into trouble with Louise and breaking a button on his laptop keyboard and framing me for it (I guess it’s a full-time job). Scott and I seem to be getting comfortably accustomed to our new deep Southern accents, which seem to dominate our conversations with everybody.
We made our way to the charming University of Miami after Scott and I took forever to leave the hotel. Registration was a breeze and we were all pleased when we were given goodie bags that contained a pen, note pad and slops (yes, slops).
The networking session allowed us to get to know the other participants and to make the GCM network known to as many people as possible. The event has a diverse group of people with a wide range of interests in their activism. From participant to participant, the stories were unique, with people engaging in various commitments from teaching young children about the diabetic risks of their nutritional diets to providing micro-finance to social entrepreneurs in Tanzania. What is clear from the CGI U participants is that they know that they can make a positive impact on their societies and they are willing to make that impact.
We were lucky enough to be offered front row seats for the plenary session with President Bill Clinton as the moderating panellist, Sam Adelsberg of LendforPeace.org, Robyn Allen of the Vehicle Design Summit, Reginah Benjamin – the Surgeon General of the US – and Pharrel Williams of NERD. The session was focused on getting the delegates to understand how successful changemakers had made the possible social impact that they sought to make and the motivation behind their initiatives. The session also engaged the delegates as they had been given the opportunity to send in questions that they had for the panellists. The session set the scene for what is to be a memorable weekend of true skill building, networking, brainstorming and commitment-making.
After the plenary session, Scott and Charlotta managed to say hello to Mr Clinton and to extend a Global Changemakers T-shirt as a gift from the GCM network. I guess Mr Clinton has a new item in his wardrobe. He indicated that he would love to have a chat with us in the coming day.
Also attending the CGI U was Heather Graham, from the movie The Hangover, who was more than happy to take a photo with us and happened to mention what a fine South African gentleman I am – to which I giggled like a star-struck little girl (okay, maybe the latter part of the statement may be exaggerated, but I did get to say hello and ask for a photo).
That’s it for day one of the official programme. We are looking forward to the next two days to come of Project CGI U Miami.
P.S// Keisha (Director of the Clinton Global Initiative University) says hello and thanks to you, Francesca!
N.B// Scott and I share the same shoe size as Mr Clinton! 
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One Response to If you’re gonna do it big, you’ve gotta do it with the Clinton Global Initiative!
You mean Bill Clinton will move a round putting a GCM t-shirt? Thats great am also putting on one for the whole of this week. Yes thats real change. As a change maker, am proud i gave that man a t-shirt, i dressed him. Perfect change.