GK Builders Institute

Ever dream of being a part of recorded history? Ever have that rare opportunity when you know that you are? That's what happened to us this weekend. The concept is simple, but the reality is truly revolutionary. The GK Builders Institute is an academic adventure that is first being undertaken by the Jesuit Ateneo de Manila University and the University of the Philippines. Both schools have agreed to work in conjunction with GK on research ventures that explore why GK is successful on many different levels. There findings are being compiled into an academic curriculum that will be taught in the schools as part of the GK Builders Institute. This weekend we participated in the first ever Township Development Summit, a program of GKBI sponsored and hosted jointly by UP and AdMU. More than 100 mayors from around the Philippines gathered for the summit to learn about GK and to learn how their Local Government Unit (LGU) can support the work, bringing assistance to squatters in their cities. It is truly inspiring to see people of significant power and stature come together with a humble heart willing to learn. Most importantly, these mayors found new hope for the problems of poverty in their cities, and have been empowered to do something significant about it. As part of the Builders Corps, many mayors were also approaching each of us, imploring us to visit their cities, to bring the message of hope, and ultimately to help GK communities grow in their cities- creating a slum-free, squatter-free Philippines. When I first heard that we were going to meet some local mayors, I envisioned people who had political power over cities about the size of most US suburbs, or smaller. Nope. Some of the videos that we saw this weekend showed off cities easily the size of Toledo, if not even Cleveland. These are prominent figures with major budgets responsible for thousands of poor squatters in their cities. They came to the summit by invite and with curiosity. Many left with new hope and a vision for change, growth and upward movement of the poorest of the poor in their cities. Many had 10-50 hectares ready to be inspected for development, and within only a few years, the very real possibility of giving thousands of squatters a new home, and a new community. A place to call their own, and to welcome others with pride and dignity. A house that is earned, that restores an individual's sense of providing for their family, and their sense of building a beautiful, loving, and nurturing environment for their children. THIS IS GK. A movement that has been growing one village at a time suddenly exploding, and will likely show growth in the next year that looks more like 10 - 100 villages at a time. I know it sounds far-fetched, absurd even, but it's true. If you doubt, I encourage you to come and be a part of it so that your heart too can have hope for the future. Amidst all of this inspiration on the local level, several prominent national leaders were also present for the weekend. We met personally several provincial governors, and heard a couple Senators speak. And Tito Tony personally introduced us to the Vice President of the Philippines! We were all surprised by his relaxed candor, but we later found out that he has been a strong supporter of GK from the very beginning. He has spoken at several GK events, and has said that he will never turn one down! So we were among a few that were directly introduced to him. Personally, I felt like he truly tried to empower the LGU's with the support of the national government to engage GK and start effectively fighting poverty in this beautiful place. So, we had a busy weekend. It was educational, but more, it was inspirational. The Summit was so successful that it was overbooked before it started. A second summit is being planned for November, and several mayors have asked to send other members of their staffs. In addition to hosting summits at UP and Ateneo, mayors and Universities around the Philippines have also offered to host, bring hope to the country, and a solution to local leaders. It is truly a grace to be a small part of something great. It is also a sometimes fearsome task to wonder what God will ask of us in this place. In truth, there is nothing here we can do that is within our means- but everything can be done, because we do not rely on ourselves!