A. CEDAR is a private organization that does not accept donations or funding proposals. We would be gratified if interested individuals supported worthy causes directly. Whether that's the same groups that CEDAR funds or other causes is entirely up to you. We encourage you to learn about issues that matter to you and take action. I am always happy to see others experience the tremendous satisfaction of making a difference.

A. The learning that comes from direct involvement in Third World countries and impoverished areas of the Western world cannot be measured in conventional or linear terms. Nor should pure emotion be the measure. But many thoughts stand out. I have learned:

• The influence of culture and history in people's lives is powerful.

• The importance of being, living and doing in another culture rather than reliance on academic knowledge to provide understanding cannot be over-estimated.

• The unrealistic, but appealing concept that "poor are happy" is a myth.

• The fact that poverty breeds revolution and crime is very clear.

• The validation of the truth that human rights, especially for women, is a concept far from established or even begun.

• Passivity is the major obstacle to peace.

• Our Western world of affluence is far smaller than the vast world of struggle.

• Above all, there is no greater personal joy than knowing that your efforts have lifted the potential and dignity of a young life.

A. We have limited our area of operation to certain countries, primarily for geographic and economic efficiency, but also because it takes a long time to understand and adapt to the culture in each country and to determine which path to results will work best in that particular setting. Through research and recommendation, our staff seek out those organizations on the ground that share our views, goals and operational standards of education.

A check of their operating history and financial management determines whether CEDAR's standards of transparency, ethics and effective practices can be met.

Finally, the education, personal motivation and integrity of the program's founders and leaders tell us whether a partnership can be a trusting and positive one.

But even after a partnership is formed, CEDAR has severe requirements for financial reporting and operational accountability that meet the compliance rules of Canada Revenue Agency, as well as CEDAR's high standards of professionalism in all of its activities.

CEDAR partnerships are generally long-term in nature, covering several years of cooperative engagement. So unlike one-off donations, our partnerships must be able to endure time and trust.

A. There are moments in times of difficulty and frustration that we ask this question ourselves. And the answer must come from a place different than statistics, news reports and overwhelming odds. Instead, it must come from a place of hope that the ripple effect of progress will eventually matter and a place of optimism that asserts that human beings everywhere represent potential for greatness. Most times, we realize that we ourselves may not be leaving immediate footprints on the planet. But exposure to those high-spirited young people that we have educated through college or university convinces us daily that they represent every possibility of doing so... and doing so dramatically!

A. That is our most frequent question. Of course we love and appreciate Canada; it is our home. And because of our international work, we realize how fortunate we are to live in such a privileged country with freedoms and protections unavailable in many parts of the world. But Canadians do not have the same needs or difficulties as the majority of the world's citizens; nobody will die of starvation here; free education is available to all here; medical care will be withheld from nobody here; support services are provided to all in need here and our democratic system is a powerful protector of human rights for everyone.

So this country does not need the social investment that we attempt to provide in more impoverished settings. But the need elsewhere is overwhelming and touches our hearts and souls in ways indescribable... and unforgettable! That is why we feel pulled to know where we most belong. Where we have an easy life? Or where we have a meaningful life? We are fortunate to be able to have both!