Rice Kelley Center Student Staff At the UN Center in Bangkok Thailand

 

The following post were written by Allyse Volpe (Rice MGA, 2024) while attending the 12th USLS Symposium hosted by Humanitarian Affairs Asia at the United Nations Center in Bangkok. 

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At the start of August 2024, I had the opportunity to attend the 12th annual University Scholars Leadership Symposium (USLS) hosted by Humanitarian Affairs Asia in collaboration with the United Nations. Five hundred delegates from around the world centralized at the United Nations Centre in Bangkok, Thailand, to learn from distinguished global change makers, create meaningful connections, and serve local communities. As a Rice University and Master of Global Affairs representative, I felt a personal connection to make the most of the opportunity I was given.

Humanitarian Affairs Asia was founded following the events of 9/11 in 2001 when founder Kim Solomon reflected on the catastrophic events he witnessed in New York City. "If one man could create that much death and destruction, why can't one person inspire that same level of change?" This question remains central to Humanitarian Affairs Asia and prompted the USLS Conference over the past 12 years. Throughout the four-day Symposium, major themes echoed in the messages of the speakers, reflecting the inspiring message of Mr. Solomon: 

Compassionate leadership: There are two types of leadership, positional and real. The latter encompasses empathy, openness of communication, physical and mental well-being, inclusion, integrity, and respect. The common misconception regards compassion as weakness; however, recognizing the needs and feelings of other is more effective and efficient to addressing problems. Being humble enough to ask "Why?" opens the doors for productive discussion and brings humanity back into focus. 

The world needs action, not opinions: In a world ruled by social media, with infinite opinions posted online every second, making real change requires risk and execution. Raising awareness is never the end goal, it is simply a stepping stone towards doing what is required. Once you discover your voice, share what you have to say and turn those words into reality. People follow people, so leverage the skills you have, to act and empower those around you. 

Energy is your most valuable currency: Real changemakers show up at 100% every day and are mindful off how they invest their energy. A Harvard Study by Richard Farson and Ralph Keyes found that the number one attribute of failed leaders is their lack of energy and enthusiasm; therefore, leading with optimism is pinnacle motivating the people around you. Most importantly, do not waste your efforts on individuals trying to tear you down. While you can't always control the people around you, you have a choice to choose the people you surround yourself with. Like flowers and plants, people lead towards the light, so be the Sun.  

Locating Congressionally Mandated Reports

 

Join The Library of Congress Law Library on January 28, 2025, at 1 p.m. EST for their latest Lunch and Learn webinar, “Locating Congressionally Mandated Reports.” This webinar is the latest installment in the Law Library’s lunchtime learning program. Earlier webinars in this series have covered federal legislative history research, the Law Library’s historical legal reports, and treaty research.

This presentation will answer several questions about congressionally mandated reports, including:

1. What is a congressionally mandated report?
2. Why do federal agencies write these reports?
3. Where do these reports go after they are written?
4. How do I know if a report was submitted to Congress?
5. How do I locate copies of these reports?

This webinar will also include live demonstrations and recommendations on when and how to consult the National Archives, commercial publications, or online resources to find these materials.

Information provided by the Library of Congress Law Library.

Remembering Jimmy Carter: Explore Presidential and Historical Government Resources at Fondren Library

    

(Official White House photograph, 

Schumacher, Karl, photographer)

 The nation mourns the passing of former President Jimmy Carter, who died on December 29, 2024 at his home in Plains, Georgia. At 100 years old, President Carter was the longest-lived president in American history. His legacy extends beyond his presidency, marked by significant diplomatic efforts and humanitarian work through The Carter Center, the nonprofit he and his wife, Rosalynn Carter, founded. His life of public service and commitment to peace and human rights continue to inspire people worldwide.

    For those interested in learning more about Jimmy Carter's presidency and contributions, Fondren Library offers a wealth of resources. As part of the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP), Fondren provides access to comprehensive collections of official federal government publications across three branches published in digital, paper, and microform formats.

    You are invited to delve deeper into the history of President Jimmy Carter and other pivotal moments in U.S. presidential history. Fondren Library is here to support your research and curiosity.

Explore These Resources:

• Presidential Libraries and Archives: Discover digitized materials and records from the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library, offering insights into his domestic and foreign policies.
• American Presidency Project: Access presidential speeches, executive orders, and public papers through this extensive online resource. Explore here
• Foreign Relations of the United States (FRUS) Series: Examine the official documentary record of major U.S. foreign policy decisions, including those during Carter's administration.
• HeinOnline & ProQuest Congressional (Fondren Library subscription): Browse legislative materials, executive orders, and historical government publications related to Carter's presidency.
• Historical U.S. Federal Government Documents: Visit Fondren's LibGuide to access curated collections of historical federal documents. View here

Need Library Assistance?

    If you're interested in exploring these resources or need more guidance in navigating government documents, contact Anna Xiong, Government Information Coordinator and FDLP Representative:

• Email: jax2@rice.edu 
• Call: (713)348-6212
• Research guides: https://libguides.rice.edu/gov
• Free Classes: Register or Request
  
• FDLP blog: https://ricegovinfo.blogspot.com/
• In person: Rice University Fondren Library is a congressionally designated depository for U.S. Government documents. Public access to the government documents collection is guaranteed by public law. (Title 44 United States Code)  All patrons are welcome to browse our collection of Government documents in print, microform, or access government information digitally via library computers. Before your trip, make sure you read the Information for Kelley Center's Visitors.