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)