The document discusses the challenges and lessons learned from developing an international project on Guatemalan adoption policy from a distance in the United States. Some of the key issues addressed include the lack of education, extreme poverty, health disparities, and human rights violations faced in Guatemala. The author was able to produce publications on the topic, develop a website, and provide volunteer services through networking and relationship building, but faced frustrations from the lack of being on location in Guatemala. Important lessons included the value of networking at conferences, improving language skills, and managing risks as junior faculty focused on international work.

1. Project Development from a Distance: A Case Example Karen S. Rotabi, PhD, LMSW, MPH Assistant Professor Virginia Commonwealth University

2. Where it Began: Research & Relationship Building -Guatemala Intercountry Adoption Policy Analysis-

3. Race & Discrimination (Mayans) Lack of Education & 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. Demand for babies & Policies International Policies: CRC & Hague Convention Cultural Context: gender roles, religion, ‘ machismo’ (high rape rates), & shame of illegitimacy, Political Corruption & Oppression Colonialism Economy Export Agriculture Over Population lack of history of domestic adoptions

4. Current Products Multiple Publications Including 2 invited pubs in non-SW/high profile locations Developed a website www.HagueEvaluation.com Interviews with the press Service activity emerged: Volunteer for the US Dept of State for int’l adoption agency accreditation

5. Becoming Relevant to Internationalists Anchor Ideas with Human Rights i.e. Convention on Rights of the Child Other Int’l Agreements i.e. Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption Historical Analysis i.e. Catalyst events (war, genocide, etc.)

6. What’s At Stake

7. Lessons Learned Because I was not “in country,” the process was filled with frustration Networking by email and telephone is really like a roulette Development of policy papers have a value-added to people on the ground My ability to develop proposals is an asset to others I’ve been willing to chase down some rabbit holes—being a risk taker is also an asset

8. More Lessons Learned 7. Networking at international conferences has paid off 8. Self promotion is a little uncomfortable, but it is necessary 9. Language skills are essential—I must continue to improve my Spanish 10. 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)

9. 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)