Project Development from a Distance:
A Case Example
Karen S. Rotabi, PhD, LMSW, MPHAssistant Professor
Virginia Commonwealth University
Where it Began:Research & Relationship Building
-Guatemala Intercountry Adoption Policy Analysis-
Race &Discrimination
(Mayans)
Lack ofEducation & Opportunity
History of War, Genocide &
Displacement
Health Disparities:Reproduction/
Contraception & Malnutrition
Extreme Poverty & Desperation
Most Basic Human Resource:
Sex Organs &Reproduction
Guatemala Child Adoption Policy
U.S. Demandfor babies& Policies
International Policies:
CRC &Hague Convention
Cultural Context: gender
roles, religion, ‘machismo’ (high rape rates), & shame of illegitimacy,
Political Corruption
& Oppression
Colonialism
Economy
ExportAgriculture
OverPopulation
lack of history of domestic adoptions
Current Products
• Multiple Publications– Including 2 invited pubs in non-SW/high profile
locations
• Developed a websitewww.HagueEvaluation.com
• Interviews with the press• Service activity emerged: Volunteer for the US
Dept of State for int’l adoption agency accreditation
Becoming Relevant to Internationalists
Anchor Ideas with
Human Rightsi.e. Convention on Rights of the Child
Other Int’l Agreementsi.e. Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption
Historical Analysis i.e. Catalyst events
(war, genocide, etc.)
What’s At Stake
Lessons Learned
1. Because I was not “in country,” the process was filled with frustration
2. Networking by email and telephone is really like a roulette
3. Development of policy papers have a value-added to people on the ground
4. My ability to develop proposals is an asset to others
5. I’ve been willing to chase down some rabbit holes—being a risk taker is also an asset
More Lessons Learned7. Networking at international conferences has
paid off8. Self promotion is a little uncomfortable, but it is
necessary9. Language skills are essential—I must continue
to improve my Spanish10. Choose a region—become an expert in an area
(i.e. my focus on Central America & post-conflict)11. As junior faculty, this is risky business in terms
of tenure (even if they say int’l SW is a priority)
Final Thoughts…1. While global social work is very satisfying and has
great opportunities, it can be a lonely existence within the faculty environment because your work is often done out of sight and you can be accused of always coming and going.
2. Also, it is inevitable that others do not understand—see you as pursuing a travel opportunity rather than a research agenda
3. I’m still trying to figure out how to mix a service project with a research project (again the tenure issue)