O Street International
Happy Memorial Day
Today is a day where all Americans join together to honor those who have given the greatest sacrifice in service to our country. We as a nation, must always remember all of our fallen Heroes and Veterans, it is an American honor and a way of life that places service for others above anything else.
At O Street International we believe in celebrating culture, the qualities in a person, a community and or nation that shape values, rituals, art, and more- from one generation to the next. And it is this example of commitment to service that is an integral part of our culture that we remember today.
So, this weekend as you enjoy your time with family and friends, and you celebrate the strength of our great nation, take the time to honor the American flag, our culture of service and sacrifice, and what those stars and stripes mean to you, your family and your community.
God bless all our Fallen Heroes and their families; the active and reserve military men and women protecting freedom today at home and abroad and all the veterans among us.
Happy New Year from O Street International
O Street International wishes you a Happy and Prosperous New Year and would like to thank everyone for their support in 2016. We had an exciting year and are looking forward to more growth and reaching even more people as we continue to build bridges and show that Outreach and Opportunities truly do Overcome boundaries!
In 2016, we completed our Sports and Wellness Diplomacy program in the UAE through a grant from the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi. Our program was well received allowing us to reach nearly 700 young people in the UAE engaging a wide array of young people on sports, leadership, and wellness. Our 2016 program also included a significant number of female participants, and we were very pleased to have members of our delegation participate in the Fatima Bint Mubarak Elite Athlete program as speakers. We look forward to returning to UAE and continuing to build on the relationship between the U.S. and the people of the UAE for many years to come.
In 2017, we will be expanding our wellness and sports related exchange programs in both scope and regional coverage. We will also be developing our programming areas on health and wellness, sustainability, and youth leadership. We are also working on expanding into Africa, Asia, the Pacific, and Latin America. Stay tuned for more programming and information in the coming months.
O Street International will continue to promote the benefits of cultural exchanges and will begin to develop a database of research to support the benefits and need for continued engagement through cultural and educational diplomacy. We know we cannot succeed without those of you who support our work, so we would like to say thank you for continuing to believe in the work we do. We are looking forward to many great things to come.
On behalf of O Street International and our Board of Directors, Thank you to our volunteers and supporters! We wish you a prosperous 2017!
Marquex Faulkner
Executive Director
Pearl Harbor’s 75th Anniversary and a birth of Service and Volunteerism
Pearl Harbor’s 75th Anniversary and a birth of Service and Volunteerism
Lessons of the past are fuel for our future.
Today, we commemorate the 75th anniversary of Pearl Harbor, a tragedy for the United States Navy and all Americans. Yet, from tragedy, America sprinted into action and the true power of public service and volunteerism was revitalized and changed our Nation, forever.
In 1941, America was divided on many fronts. There was racial injustice, which exposed some of the most horrific acts of violence and hatred geared towards minorities. Americans were still feeling the harsh effects of the Great Depression, and the backlash of a struggling economy created much uncertainty that fueled more prejudice and bigotry.
Many Americans remembered the sacrifices of World War I. Millions served in uniform during the Great War and the scars remained fresh and created an opposition against fascist powers.
On December 7, 1941, in just two hours hundreds of Japanese pilots delivered a crushing blow to our United States Navy, killing more than 2,000 Americans and wounding another 1,000. Ships and many other Navy assets were destroyed, but most importantly, the hearts of Americans were devastated.
The devastation only lasted a moment, then the American people sprang into action. The country coalesced and immediately began enrolling to serve and volunteered across the country to support the home front and the global community.
Pearl Harbor inspired a generation that saw service as a responsibility and that generation inspired generations to follow. Today organizations such as the AmeriCorps have contributed more than 1.4 billion hours in service across America. Each year, nonprofit organizations and communities around the United States reap the benefits of dedicated volunteers who seek to alleviate the lasting effects of poverty.
Today we honor those we lost on December 7, 1941. We also honor the Pearl Harbor veterans who survived that dark morning, many of whom have requested their remains be laid to rest beside those brave Americans they served beside yet perished that day. Women and men have sought to lead lives of devotion to service and volunteerism by applying their talents to public service since Pearl Harbor. They left a better America than they had inherited. I encourage all Americans to seek local avenues to get involved and use your unique skills and talents to encourage generations to come.
By: Omari Faulkner- @ostreet3 (twitter)
Join Us On Giving Tuesday…Help Us Make a Difference
At O Street International, we understand that a little goes a long way and one person can make a difference. That is why we focus on creating relationships through exchanges, building bridges between communities and cultures one person at a time. Our mission to promote Outreach and Opportunities to Overcome Boundaries relies on our supporters, those who believe in the power of connecting people and sharing our common experiences.
We are continuously growing our programs to engage a wider audience. In the past year, we have worked with young women, promoted healthy living and leadership development through sports, grew our relationship and engagement with young people in the United Arab Emirates, and launched sustainability and environmental stewardship programs. As we continue to develop the scope and reach of our programs, we need your support! You are all part of O Street International’s success, and we are thankful for our supporters.
On Giving Tuesday, please support O Street International’s work and program development by making a financial contribution. You can make your contribution HERE. Thank You For Helping Us Make a Difference!
A Veterans Day Message
The strength of our Union should be measured by how we respect and take care of our veterans. Every veteran deserves the support and benefits our country owes them because they have given so much to defend freedom at home and abroad and most importantly, they have earned it!
Our Veterans selfless service reminds us that being American is the one thing that creates unity amongst us all. On this day, let us all reflect on the sacrifice of those brave women and men who have worn America’s cloth and the equal sacrifice of their loved ones.
To uphold this promise, O Street International will continue to support our American Heroes through sharing our nation’s values, culture, and freedoms around the globe and at home. We are committed to establishing new partnerships and to creating new programs that will ensure our Veterans and their families that we hold their service in the highest regard.
Today and every day, we thank Veterans everywhere, may we continue to learn something about honor, courage, and commitment from their actions. From our O Street International team I wish everyone a spirited and patriotic Veterans Day.
Omari Faulkner- President, Board of Directors
Support Children and Schools Affected by Flooding
Please Help School Children Impacted by Flooding
Friends and Family-
As the Back to School season is upon us, some of our fellow citizens in Louisiana are trying to rebuild everything-in addition to completing their back to school lists. It is time to unite and help the Louisiana families that are slowly recovering from the devastating floods that pushed thousands from their homes in Baton Rouge, Lafayette, and other surrounding cities. It is impossible to imagine how those who are suffering can be feeling, our thoughts and prayers are with the families affected.
When there is a need, we respond. The O Street International Flood Family Education Fund will collect donations to procure school supplies, uniforms, and sports equipment for schools directly impacted by the flooding. We will ensure the funds reach those in need without significant overhead and operating cost. Our team is actively working with volunteers on the ground to support those families and schools we know are struggling the most.
This is something we can overcome together by helping children and schools in need. You can support by donating HERE. All donations made through September 30th will support this Fund. Please consider sharing this page so that others may help.
Sincerely,
O Street International’s Flood Response Team
#OStreetIntl #LouisianaFlood
O Street International Continues UAE Sports Diplomacy Exchange Program
Delegation members Soolmaz Abooali, Natalia Isaac, Monica Hargrove, U.S. Ambassador to UAE Barbara Leaf, Board President Omari Faulkner, and U.S. Public Affairs Officer Ali Lejlic, (left to right)
United Arab Emirates (UAE) – On May 9-13th, 2016 O Street International successfully hosted the second phase of its Sports & Wellness Diplomacy program in the Abu Dhabi and Dubai through a grant from U.S. Embassy Abu Dhabi. During our week-long programming, an O Street International team of four elite athletes conducted events and clinics with youth and sport coaches of UAE focusing on wellness, agility, karate and basketball, bringing the total number of participants to 650!
For nearly 50 years, the U.S. and UAE relationship has continued to grow in all areas, especially in the areas of sports, health, culture and social issues. O Street International is thrilled to be a key contributor of this process, advocating and encouraging further engagement between the people of the U.S. and UAE. “In every country and culture, sports teach kids vital lessons in teamwork and leadership, and helps them develop better self-esteem. Through their innovative sports exchanges and programs with Emirati and American athletes, O Street International is building new bridges between the U.S. and UAE, and enhancing understanding,” said UAE Ambassador to the US Yousef Al Otaiba. “I applaud O Street International for its commitment and tireless efforts.”
Building upon our well-received engagement and exchange in 2014, O Street International continues the tradition of sports diplomacy and is paving the way for continuous programming on Sports & Wellness in the UAE as well as in other areas of interest. We are excited to continue growing the relationship between O Street International and the people of the UAE for years to come.
Through mutual respect and engagement, the U.S. and UAE have supported awareness and the strengthening of relations through educational outreach and exchanges such as this Sports & Wellness Diplomacy program. O Street International fully appreciates the tireless work conducted by our diplomatic community. We are honored to support the U.S. Department of State as it strives to build stronger relationships with the people of the UAE. We are also proud to have the support of the people of the UAE as we work toward building lasting relationships.
Founder and Board President of O Street International, Omari Faulkner, reflects on the significance of relationship building; “I have been fortunate over the past 10 years to contribute to the growth and development of sport culture in the United Arab Emirates. During my time on the ground in UAE, I have learned much more from UAE’s coaches, sport leaders and youth than I have taught. The UAE and U.S. have a history of collaboration and mutual respect, I look forward to continuing this framework within the sports community by further investment in Sports Exchange programs between our two nations.”
Congrats to Omari Faulkner on Receiving GU Service Award
On February 5th 2016, Georgetown University honored our very own Omari Faulkner, Founder and Board President, with the 2016 Young Alumni Service Award! O Street International remains rooted in service to our global community and we applaud Mr. Faulkner for his contributions to international diplomacy, Georgetown University, and to O Street International.
A word from our Board President:
The moment I first stepped foot onto Georgetown’s campus, I knew that my life would forever be impacted. What I did not know as an incoming freshman on the Hilltop was that over the course of the next four years, I would be challenged by the tradition that remains a core principle of Georgetown’s mission and identity – men and women in the service of others.
Each person has a uniqueness about him or herself, and when one’s life experiences and willingness to serve the greater benefit of society are factored in, the result is a community immediately impacted in a positive way. Each day, I reflect on the words of Mahatma Gandhi, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” These words encourage me to think outside of myself and give to those most in need.
Service is a major driver in my life. I credit this foundation to my family’s ability to highlight the significance of the progress made by previous generations; progress gained through service and volunteerism. Today, our society is free and prosperous because brave women and men have served, and continue to serve, a cause greater than themselves. That cause is investing in future generations.
I am humbled to be honored with the 2016 Young Alumni Service Award and I thank the Georgetown Alumni Association for this recognition. I also thank all Hoyas – past, present, and future. You inspire me to work as hard as I can to contribute toward current and future generations, and to be the son of Georgetown that you have built me to be.
Sincerely,
Omari Faulkner
Congrats to Omari Faulkner on Receiving GU Service Award
On February 5th 2016, Georgetown University honored our very own Omari Faulkner, Founder and Board President, with the 2016 Young Alumni Service Award! O Street International remains rooted in service to our global community and we applaud Mr. Faulkner for his contributions to international diplomacy, Georgetown University, and to O Street International.
A word from our Board President:
The moment I first stepped foot onto Georgetown’s campus, I knew that my life would forever be impacted. What I did not know as an incoming freshman on the Hilltop was that over the course of the next four years, I would be challenged by the tradition that remains a core principle of Georgetown’s mission and identity – men and women in the service of others.
Each person has a uniqueness about him or herself, and when one’s life experiences and willingness to serve the greater benefit of society are factored in, the result is a community immediately impacted in a positive way. Each day, I reflect on the words of Mahatma Gandhi, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” These words encourage me to think outside of myself and give to those most in need.
Service is a major driver in my life. I credit this foundation to my family’s ability to highlight the significance of the progress made by previous generations; progress gained through service and volunteerism. Today, our society is free and prosperous because brave women and men have served, and continue to serve, a cause greater than themselves. That cause is investing in future generations.
I am humbled to be honored with the 2016 Young Alumni Service Award and I thank the Georgetown Alumni Association for this recognition. I also thank all Hoyas – past, present, and future. You inspire me to work as hard as I can to contribute toward current and future generations, and to be the son of Georgetown that you have built me to be.
Sincerely,
Omari Faulkner
Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Today, as we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr., we are reminded of the service Dr. King gave to his community, both here in the U.S. and later abroad. Dr. King understood the importance of the work one does for those around them, and the power of the individual to make a difference and change the world. We can only imagine when Dr. King began his work in the Civil Rights Movement, if he could fathom the extent to which he would change our world and the legacy he would leave behind. Dr. King reminded us, “We are not makers of history. We are made by history.”
In the latter years of Dr. King’s life, he was very vocal about the plight of those around the globe. While he continued his work for civil rights domestically, he also addressed oppression in the international community as he believed, “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Outreach and the opportunity to connect with someone else is a powerful tool. It takes only one person to make a change, even small in the life of someone else. At O Street International, we believe in the power of outreach and its ability to drive change. By reaching out to others and connecting people, we reinforce the power of people to people exchanges and their ability to connect people with each other on a basic human level. We go beyond our country, our race, our nationality and connect to others through things like compassion, common interests, family, and community.
As you celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day, be reminded of the importance of service. In the words of Dr. King, “Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve.”
O Street International 