Founded 2003 | ||
Conflict Solutions International (CSI) is a small, nonpartisan and not-for-profit organization. It was incorporated in February 2003, in the District of Columbia and is an all-volunteer organization.
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Mission
As a non-governmental organization (NGO), CSI mostly operates in the field of human rights, with a special focus on the issue of self-determination—liberation and independence movements from all over the world feature among the central issues of interest to the organization. It is a nonpartisan organization serving as a fact-finder, monitor and/or mediator. It can also provide resources such as legal research and media relations. CSI aims to serve as an advocate for those whom traditional media has left behind. With their educational and professional backgrounds, CSI personnel can also offer negotiation and other expert services, using their knowledge towards the goal of conflict resolution.
Activities
Currently headquartered on K Street in Washington, D.C., CSI has conducted a number of studies and research on human rights issues. Some of CSI's research is brought to the public in the form of lectures by noted individuals in the human rights field. Most of those presentations are filmed and shown on YouTube and on its own website. Rather than presenting lectures by academics, however, most of the speakers tend to actors involved in actual conflicts. For example, CSI filmed two presentations by Grace Collins, the honorary ambassador of Nagaland to the United States. Those videos have generated reactions, some negative, like the attention of a columnist for "Crusade Watch"—a website of writers set against separatist evangelical Christian organizations they consider to be a "threat". Another speaker that was featured was PS. Ajrawat, M.D., P.A., a representative of the Sikh separatist movement. CSI also organized a program on Burma which featured speakers from the government in exile of that country. In April 2008, a program was organized by CSI on Tibet. The featured speaker was Mary Beth Markey of the International Campaign for Tibet. In February 2009, an event titled "Anniversary of a Revolution: Perspectives on Iran" brought together six distinguished individuals for a panel discussion in front of more than 40 attendees. More recently, educational events have been held on the past, present and future of U.S.-Cuban relations and on the Muslim world and civil society development.
In addition to special programs, CSI also hosts outreach events for the purpose of educating the public on its activities, networking and to attract the interest of potential volunteers.
Organizational structure
Conflict Solutions International is governed by a Board of Directors who appoints a President, the chief executive officer of the corporation. The corporation also has a Secretary and a Treasurer. The Directors and the President currently reside in Washington, DC. The President appoints Advisors who can reside anywhere. They do not have voting power. However, this Board of Advisors contains professionals from all over the world, including the director of the Outreach Division for the United Nations Department of Public Information, a former Consul General in Washington, DC and an adjunct professor at Northwestern University School of Law, International Center for Human Rights in Chicago.
Many of the tasks undertaken by the corporation are handled by volunteers in the Special Services division. Those include researchers, a webmaster, film crews and others. In its programs, CSI uses professional speakers as moderators. Among them are Allison Johnson and DaBeth Manns.
In addition, CSI has a roster of mission personnel. On the roster are many qualified professionals who are generally available to travel on short notice and have experience in difficult areas.