the year in review, annual report 2006 (Part II)

S.C.O.U.T. B.A.N.A.N.A. Annual Report 2006:


Earlier this month on the Michigan State University campus a 'Party on the Nile' Dance-a-thon was held to raise awareness and funds for Partners in Health Rwanda. With an amazing turnout of participants the dancing lasted from 7pm on World AIDS Day until 7am the next day. Over $1100 was raised with donations still coming in. Many local businesses supported the event with prizes and food to keep the dance-a-thon participants going all night long. The MSU SB chapter has also been recognized by the Residence Halls Association as an 'Organization Of the Month', held two benefit concerts, participated in the Homecoming Parade and was featured in two local newspapers, the State News and the Big Green.



There are also a few developments in the works for SB. We are in the application process to gain official Non-Profit status. We have been working over the past year to figure everything out, understand the forms and processes, get advice from legal people, and finally decided that we needed to just get started ourselves. There are about four forms to fill out and we are currently in the process of submitting our article of incorportation and business plan. Wish us luck! We are also working to develop an application for individuals and projects seeking support from SB. Our plan is to take on projects that may otherwise not be able to recieve funding because they do not hold 501c3 (non-profit) status or are not supported by larger organizations or foundations. Examples would be graduate students projects in sustainable agriculture, etc. or Peace Corps volunteers working on health-related projects in rural villages or any other related project that effectively reaches people in need. The idea is that when a project is taken on, then a university chapter or event organizer will work to increase awareness in their North American community and also raise funds to support the project.


We are also working on putting together a board of directors and a volunteer staff. So far there is myself, roughly 15 university chapter presidents with numerous dedicated members, and one official staff member - a graphic designer. Our graphic designer has helped us to create a new logo, a brochure of our current projects, with other projects in the works, including a new website set-up and design.

Needless to say it has been a veyr busy and involved year for S.C.O.U.T. B.A.N.A.N.A.. We have had so many great developments and success has come from around many corners. We have tackled issues such as access to medicines and healthcare, HIV/AIDS prevention, malaria prevention, access to clean water, and the building of health center to name a few. We are an organization dedicated to supporting the implementation of programs and projects that work and serve those who are all too often under-served. We are always looking for dedicated people to join and change the world. Bring your ideas, advice, support, and compassion and help to make a difference in the world, today!