“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the
world; indeed it is the only thing that ever has.”
~ Margaret Mead
(United States, South Africa, Canada)
The Amazwi Villager (on-site): Lou Manzo (Senior Editor & Online Content Manager), Briget Ganske (Managing Editor), Daniela Cohen (Senior Editor & NPO Manager)
a.magazine’s African Interview Series (off-site): Mary Laura Huss (Interviewer and Managing Editor), Laura Arenschield (Interviewer), Alicia Gregory (Interviewer), Morgan Hargrave (Interviewer), Corin Hirsch (Interviewer), Deanna Wylie Mayer (Interviewer), Jennifer Steffensen (Interviewer), Maria Schamis Turner (Interviewer), Lisette Ogg (Interviewer)
Amazwi Writers & Photographers Series (single & multi-day workshops): Photography workshop by Tracey Luszcz (Teacher, Poet, Community Activist, and Photographer) * Travel Narrative Workshop by Jeanine Boulay (Poet and Teacher) * Multimedia Narratives workshop with Kate Simonelli (Writer, Singer-Songwriter and Artist)
Founding Director & Editor: Maggie Messitt
(United States, Australia, UK)
Amazwi School of Media Arts: Tom Spurling (Narrative Journalism Instructor), Andrew Starner (English Instructor) , Emily True (Reporting & Fieldwork Instructor), Kelly Wells (Editing Instructor), Lucy Christopher (SOMA Project Mentor)
Amazwi Writers Publishing: Sheri Booker (Editorial Assistant), Margaret Hepp (Editorial Assistant), Debbie Lindsay (Printing Consultant), Ayana Harrun (Art Director of The Villager),
Tracey Samuelson (Managing Editor of a.magazine), Lucy Sharbanee (Art Director of a.magazine)
Organization Management: Maureen Codd (NPO Manager), Jena Hencin (NPO Management Intern), Laura Pugliese (NPO Management Intern), Nadine Randall (NPO Management Consultant)
SOMA Writers Series (single day workshops): Interview workshop by Thomas French (Author & Pulitzer Journalist) * Story Structure workshop by Laura Wexler (Author & Editor)
Founding Director & Editor: Maggie Messitt
(Canada, United States, South Africa)
Organizational and Pilot Academics: Nick Chronopolous, Emily Cadei
Grant Writing & Special Project Coordination Badumile Duma, Mmabatho Seremane
Founding Director and Pilot Writing & Fieldwork Instructor: Maggie Messitt
Volunteer Testimonials
“I was looking to gain experience living and working in the developing world. I didn’t want to pay a fortune to volunteer with programs in Africa, but I also felt like Peace Corps wasn’t exactly for me. I’m so glad I found Amazwi and its rare opportunity for professional development through volunteerism.”
Maureen Codd, United States (2007)
NPO Manager, Amazwi
“Coming from a Jesuit education that stresses the importance of developing into ‘men and women for others,’ I knew that I wanted a job where I could see the ripple effect of my work on a day-to-day basis. I thought about the gamut of established volunteer programs… Although all of these organizations would have allowed me to give back to local communities, none seemed to be tailored to my exact interests and professional goals. By applying to these programs I felt like I was going through the motions and was trying to fit myself into a niche that was not my own. Amazwi was different.”
Emily True, United States (2007)
Reporting & Fieldwork Instructor,
Amazwi School of Media Arts
“Amazwi is a tremendous concept that could easily be replicated throughout the world. My time here has been hugely rewarding as both a writer and a teacher, and I’m glad to have been a part of it from the beginning.”
Tom Spurling, Australia (2007)
Narrative Journalism Instructor,
Amazwi School of Media Arts
“I saw at once that Amazwi would offer me the formative writing experience I had been dreaming of. Through blogging and immersion journalism experience in local South African communities, I know that this position will be incredibly enriching for my career.”
Margaret Hepp, United States (2007)
Editorial Assistant,
Amazwi Writers Publishing