S.13-5
SFU
OFFICE ()!•' Tl I!-: YICK-PRKSIDKXT, ACADKMIC AND PROVOST
I'Diversity Drive, Burnaby, BC
Canada V5A 1S6
TEL: 778.782.3925
FAX: 778.782.5876
www.sru.ca/vpacademic
MEMORANDUM
attention Senate
date
December 12,2012
from
Jon Driver, Vice-President,Academic and
pages
1/1
Provost, and Chair, SCUP
RE:
Institute for Diaspora Research and Engagement (IDRE) (SCUP 12-49)
At its December 5, 2012 meeting SCUP reviewed and approved the proposal Forthe establishment of the
Institute for Diaspora Research and Engagement (IDRE).
Motion:
That Senate approve the proposal for the establishment of the Institute for Diaspora Research and
Engagement as an Institute for a five year term.
cncl.
c: J. Busumtwi-Sam
S. Nanji
SIMON PHASER UNIVERSITY
ENGAGING THE WORLD
SFU
OFFICE OF Tl II-. VICE-PRESIDENIT, RESEARCII
Strand Hall 3195
8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC
Canada V5A 1S6
MEMORANDUM
ATTENTION
FROM
RE:
Sarah Dench, Secretary
Senate Committee on University Planning
(SCUP)
Norbert H. Haunerland
PAGES
1/1
Institute for Diaspora Research and Engagement(IDRE)
TEL 778.782.4152
FAX 778.782.4860
DATE
November 20, 2012
SCUP 12-49
www.sfu.ca/vpresearch
Attached is a proposal from Dr. James Busumtwi-Sam, Chair Department of Political Science for the
establishment
of the Institute for Diaspora Research and Engagement (IDRE).
I recommend approval as a research Institute according to Policy 40.01. Once approved by SCUP the
proposal
should be sent to Senate and the Board of Governors for information.
Motion:
That SCUP approves the Institute for Diaspora
year term.
Attachment
Dr. Norbert Haunerland
Associate Vice-President, Research
C:
Dr. James Busumtwi-Sam, Chair, Department of Political Science
SIMON F R A S E R UNIVERSITY
ENGAGING THE WORLD
as an Institute for a 5
Institute for Diaspora Research and Engagement (IDRE)
Proposal (December 2012)
PREAMBLE
Simon Fraser University's current Strategic Research Plan guides the University "in responding
effectively to the changing environment in research opportunities... and promotes SFU'sresearch
strengths to government, community partners, and funding organizations". SFU'sStrategic Vision
is "to be
the leading engaged university defined by its dynamic integration of innovative
education, cutting-edge research and far-reaching community engagement." This commitment to
responding to
new research opportunities, promoting research to wider audiences, and linking
research, community engagement and education provides a platform for the proposed Institute
for Diaspora Research and Engagement.
Context
Diaspora literally means a dispersal of peoples. The Institute's working understanding of the
concept includes individuals and groups whose attachment to two or more locations within and
across national boundaries is expressed through organized activities, connections and networks.
The past decade or so has witnessed a burgeoning of interest in diaspora in academia and in
public policy,
philanthropy, and business. Within the academy, research into diaspora has become
truly multidisciplinary. Once almost exclusively the purview of anthropologists and historians,
today scholars from a wide range of disciplines at SFU and elsewhere are conducting research into
diaspora. Policymakers and practitioners in government and major international organizations, as
well as
some of the major national and international NGOs and corporations, are paying increased
attention to diaspora, and establishing programs and offices dedicated to engaging diaspora.
Several universities in Canada and abroad have established programs, centres and institutes
devoted to the study of diaspora including the University of Toronto and Carleton University in
Canada, and Oxford University in the UK.
1.Purpose
1.1
The Institute'score purpose is to be an internationally recognized institute that combines leading-
edge interdisciplinary scholarly research on diaspora with applied/community-based research,
and engages in innovative, responsive programming and collaborative dialogue, exchange and
partnership with the wider community. These activities build on existing relationships and
linakges with diasporic communuties outside the University forged over the past seven years.1
To
achieve this core purpose the institute will forge closer links among SFU researchers and
between SFU researchers and those outside the university; collect, exchange, and distribute
information; and conduct research in four key thematic areas. These areas include: the nature and
sources of diaspora formation; the scope and impact of diaspora activities across a range of issue-
areas; strategies for disapora engagement; and research on the relationship between diasporism
and multiculturalism, pluralism, national identity, citizenship, and cosmopolitianism. (Appendix 1
provides more detail on these research activities).
1.2
The Institute is affiliated with Simon Fraser University and conducts its activities in such a way as
to enhance the reputation and the programs ofthe University.
Since 2005, SFU has successfully engaged a critical mass of diaspora communities most notably through the CIDA-
funded
Engaging Diaspora in Development
project, SFU's IndiaAdvisory Council, the
Afghanistan Dialogues,
and the
Focus on Africa
series of symposia.
Page 1
2. Activities
2.1
The Institute's activities are primarily intended to forge closer links between scholarly research
and policy/practice - such that the knowledge gained from research helps inform policy and
practice, and the latter helps inform research. The premise is that university-based researchers
have as much to learn from practitioners and policymakers as the latter have to learn from
researchers; and that these exchanges could in turn inform the work of future actors. The
Institute will serve as a node where academic researchers, students, diasporic community leaders
and groups, government officials, leaders in the non-profit and for-profit sectors, and others
exchange knowledge and resources.
3. Functions
The Institute will carry out three main functions:
3.1
Conduct and coordinate interdisciplinary scholarly and community-based research
on diaspora, and
provide research-related and research-informed services to diasporic communities and others
interested in diaspora. Research will be structured around four thematic areas listed in appendix
1.
3.2
Incubate diaspora-driven projects
by offering two core services to external partners: capacity-
building programs to develop skills and sustainable project concepts/proposals, and channeling
funding to seed or scale-up diaspora-driven projects. International projects selected for support
by the Institute will be fully consistent with the University's mission, institutional values and
practices, as
per SFU Policy on International Activities (GP 23). [Appendix 2 provides examples of
these incubation activities]
3.3
Serve as a hub to connect diaspora individuals, communities, organizations and researchers and to
exchange knowledge and research
with one another, the Canadian public, and organizations; and to
link diaspora to funding and project opportunities, to research and expertise, and to innovation in
diaspora-driven initiatives.
4. Governance:
4.1
The Institute is constituted as a research institute at Simon Fraser University under the terms of
SFU Policy R 40.01, comes under the authority of the Vice President Research, and conducts its
affairs in accordance with all other University policies. The term of the Institute is five years as
per SFU Policy R 40.01.
4.2
An annual report on the Institute's activities and financial status from April 1 to March 31,
including the current membership of the Institute,
Steering Committee and AdvisoryBoard,
will be
submitted to the Vice President Research by June 30th of each year.
4.3
Membership: The Institute has two types of members:
Full members:
Full members are SFU faculty members, staff, and graduate students from various
disciplines/academic units actively involved in diaspora-related research and engagement. Full
membership will also include at least one representative from the office of the Vice-President,
External Relations.
Associate Members:
These are representatives of various diaspora-related community
organizations and associations, as well as representatives of organizational partners.
Prospective members (full and associate) will apply directly to the Institute'ssteering committee,
which will determine and approve eligibility for membership.
4.4
The Institute is governed by a Steering Committee and headed by a Director. There is also an
Advisory Board.
Page 2
4.5
The Director of the Institute is an SFU faculty member nominated by the Steering Committee and
appointed
by the Vice President Research. The Director serves a renewable three-year term.
4.6
The Director's tasks include the following responsibility, which he/she may delegate but not
abrogate.
• Chair the steering committee
• Oversee Institute activities and meetings
• Oversee finances and approve contracts
• Recruit members
•
Hire requisite personnel, including support staff and research assistants
•
Prepare annual reports to the VP Research.
4.7
Steering Committee
• Consists of at least 6 faculty members, one graduate student, one staff member, and a
representative
ofthe VP External Relations office.
• Members of the Steering Committee serve three-year renewable terms. The graduate student
member serves a two-year renewable term.
• The steering committee will be responsible for setting overall priorities, direction and
strategic planning for the Institute and oversee the management of its operations. It will
support the development of linkages between community stakeholders and flinders of the
Institute. It is also responsible for approving membership in the Institute. Decisions made by
the steering committee are binding on the Director. While it will normally operate by
consensus, when necessary it can make decisions by majority vote, including appointment of
new members of the steering committee.
• The steering committee may choose to establish various ad hoc committees consisting of the
members of the Institute, members of diaspora communities, and partner organizations in
order to carry out specific functions of the Institute. These committees will be advisory in
nature.
• Initial Steering Committee members are listed in appendix 2.
4.8
Advisory Board
• Consists of 8-10 representatives of diaspora-related community organizations and
associations
and NGO/business organizational partners who are associate Institute members.
Specific criteria for selection of advisory board membership will be developed. The Institute's
Director and at least one member of the steering committee sit on the advisory committee.
•
Membership is from diverse sectors including: business and finance, health, arts/culture,
education, technology, green economy/sustainability, governance/public policy, information
and communications, indigenous affairs.
•
Its
main functions are to serve as the principal liaison between the Institute and the wider
communities it serves, and provide advice and information to the Director and Steering
Committee on important diaspora-related issues. It may make (non-binding)
recommendations to the Director and steering committee.
5. Funding
5.1
Initial funding for the establishment of the Institute will be provided by External Relations and
other sources.
5.2
Additional and ongoing funding will be secured from sources external to the university.
Page 3
Partners
Partners of the Institute will include representatives of faculties engaged in diaspora research at SFU,
national
and international academic institutional partners, diaspora organizations, non-governmental
organizations, funders, and public/government agencies. A list of potential partners is outlined in
Appendix 3.
Further Information
For further information, please contact:
James Busumtwi-Sam, Political Science - 778.782.3729 or ibusumtw(g>sfu.ca
Shaheen Nanji, External Relations - 778.782.5576 or nanii(5)sfu.ca
Page 4
APPENDIX I: PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES
1.
Interdisciplinary Research
The Institute will undertake two broad types of research: The first will be the more 'traditional'scholarly
research geared primarily
towards academic and/or policy audiences. The second will be 'non-
traditional' community-based or 'action' research geared towards serving diaspora communities and
other stakeholders. The Institute will seek to develop innovative ways to tie the two types of research
closer together.
The Institute will bring together researchers and graduate students from various academic units and
faculties within SFU, as well as link SFU researchers with researchers in other academic institutions,
research organizations and think tanks.
The institute will also serve as a centre for the collection, collation and exchange of information on
diaspora. Research findings will be distributed and exchanged through established scholarly avenues
(peer reviewed books, journals, etc) and newer avenues including social media via the 'diasporahub'.
Institute research will be structured around four thematic areas:2
• Research on the nature of diaspora and the conditions that affect diaspora formation in Canada
and around the world.
• Research on diaspora activities across a range of substantive issue-areas at various scales (local to
global) of
concern to public and private agencies, and on the impact of diaspora on processes and
outcomes in these issue-areas. A non-exhaustive list of these issues include: peace and security;
development (poverty, inequality, growth, etc.); environment and sustainability; public health;
food
and nutrition; human/civil rights and gender equality; indigenous rights; arts and culture;
technology
and energy; trade, investment, and entrepreneurship.
• Research on the challenges to, opportunities for, and strategies of enhanced engagement of
diaspora by public and private agencies.
• Research on the relationship between 'diasporism'and other important normative-ideational and
policy frameworks of importance to Canada and many other countries around the world, including
the relationship between diasporism and multiculturalism; diasporism and pluralism; diasporism
and national identity/cohesion; diasporism and democratic citizenship; and diasporism and
cosmopolitanism.
2.
Project Incubator
The purpose of the incubator is to provide support services to projects initiated by diaspora outside SFU,
including
research, mentoring, project design, planning, implementation and evaluation, as well as
financing to seed new ideas or scale-up existing projects. The incubator focuses on diaspora-driven
international development initiatives consistent with current development priorities and practices, and
offers two core services: a) capacity-building programs to develop skills and sustainable project
concepts/proposals, through knowledge exchange, mentorship, and advisory services to selected
projects; and b) an investment fund to seed or scale-up diaspora-driven projects. Projects that meet the
Institute criteria would be provided with access to the resources of the university - the library, a
workspace, and student research assistants in accordance with SFU Policy GP 36: Use of University Space.
Selected
projects would be supported technically and financially to the point in their development when
2These research areasare relevant to several oftheintegrative research themes identified inSFU'scurrent Strategic
Research Plan including, but not limited to, 'Culture,Society and Human Behaviour';'EconomicOrganization, Public
Policy and Global Community';'and 'Environment, Resources and Conservation'
Page 5
they can operate independently and sustainably. The incubator will be operated using external funds
raised in accordance with SFU Policy GP 03: Donations, and managed in accordance with SFU Policy GP
20: Service Contracts.
Strategies for funding this component might include:
•
Create and manage a fund that supports diaspora programming at SFU through a partnership
agreement with a donor (private or public sector). Conceivably, such a partnership might have benefit
to an organization that is either charged with serving diaspora populations or relies on diaspora
clientele, thus creating an opportunity for mutual benefit from such a fund. In addition to financing
start-up projects, the funding would support the capacity-building programming component of the
Institute.
•
Develop an angel investment network3 in partnership with a donor and other investors to incubate
diaspora-driven development initiatives, social enterprises, and innovations.
• Work collaboratively with
other organizations or institutions to develop and support diaspora-based
development initiatives that meet the Institute'score mandate.
3.
Diaspora Hub
The diaspora hub will connect diaspora individuals, communities, organizations and researchers with one
another; and distribute and exchange knowledge and research to stakeholders and the general public.
The hub will develop
networks and exchange information through the use of databases, social media, a
website, listservs, and public engagement activities, such as a community-based dialogue series.
3Angel investors often make investments in people rather than the viability of the initiative. In many cases they
contribute their expertise to the venture to help ensure success. Angel investment networks generally pool their
investments to help absorb the risk. For the purpose of the institute the network would be focussed on development
initiatives and social ventures.
Page 6
APPENDIX 2: STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Steering Committee
Robert Anderson, DEVS Program (FENV) & School of Communications (FCAT)
James Busumtwi-Sam, Political Science (FASS)
Alexander Dawson, Latin American Studies & History (FASS)
June Francis, Beedie School of Business
Huamei Han, Faculty of Education
Shaheen Nanji, International Development, External Relations
Ash Parmeswaran, Engineering Science (FAS)
Paul Crowe, David Lam Centre International Communication (FASS)
Joanna Ashworth, Centre for Sustainable Community Development (FENV)
Habiba Zaman, Gender, Sexuality
and Women'sStudies (FASS)
APPENDIX 2: SFU PARTNERS (Centres, Institutes & Programs)
Centre for the Comparative Study of Muslim Societies and Cultures
Centre for Global Political Economy
Centre for Public Opinion and Political Representation
Centre for Sustainable Community Development
David Lam Centre for International Education
Development and Sustainability Program
Hellenic Studies Program
Institute of Governance Studies
Latin American Studies Program
Office of Francophone and Francophile Affairs
APPENDIX 3: POTENTIAL EXTERNAL PARTNERS
Academic Institutions/Research Institutes
Carleton University, Diaspora and Migration Studies
International Diaspora Engagement Agency (IDEA), USAID
Mosaic Institute, Toronto
Oxford University, Oxford Diaspora Programme
University of Ottawa, School for International Development and Global Studies, Dr. Carlo Dade
University of Toronto, Centre for Diaspora and Transnational Studies
Non-Governmental Organizations
British Columbia Council for International Cooperation
CUSO International
Engineers Without Borders
Free the Children
International Centre for Sustainable Cities
MOSAIC
Oxfam Canada
Save the Children
S.U.C.C.E.S.S.
UNICEF Canada
World Vision
Page 7
wusc
YMCA Canada
Diaspora Organizations/NGOs
African Canadian Social Development Council
BC Young Afghans
Dr. Njenga Foundation for Sustainable HIV/AIDS Projects (Kenya)
Education without Borders (South Africa)
Enspire Foundation (Philippines)
LatinCouver
Maria-Helena Foundation (Pakistan)
Nepal Cultural Society (Nepal)
Peace It
Together Society (Israel/Middle East)
Point Youth Media (East Africa)
Ugandan Cultural Association of BC (Uganda)
Umoja Compassion Society (Africa)
Youth Initiative Canada (Kenya)
Government ("Canada^)
BC Ministry for Jobs, Tourism and Innovation (includes immigration)
BCAdvance Education (includes multiculturalism)
Canadian International Development Agency
Human Resources and Development Canada
Ministry of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism
Government flnternationan
International Diaspora Engagement Alliance, US State Department
USAID
Diaspora ministries in various countries
Private Sector
MentorCloud
Funding Partners
International Development Research Council
Maytree Foundation
S-Vox
This Global Village/Love Global
UN Family
ofAgencies
Vancouver Foundation
World Bank
(Other foundations, individual and corporate donors to be identified)
Page 8
From: Shaheen Nanji<shaheen_nanji@sfu.ca>
Subject:
Re: IDRE proposal for submission to SCUP
Date: November 2, 2012 10:36:53 AM PDT
To: Valerie Murdoch <murdoch@sfu.ca>
Cc: James Busumtwi-Sam <jbusumtw@sfu.ca>
Thanks, Valerie.
We will get back to you and Norbert shortly.
Shaheen
Shaheen Nanji, MA
Director, International Development
SFU International
Simon Fraser University
Room 2151, Strand Hall
8888 University Drive
Burnaby, BC Canada V5A1S6
http://www.sfu.ca/international-developrnent/
Tel. (778) 782-5576 Fax (778) 782-5880
On 2012-11-02, at 10:34 AM, Valerie Murdoch wrote:
Hi Shaheen,
Asa follow-up to our telephoneconversation yesterday, attached is a copyof your proposal with mycomments - See Section 4.
Governance.
Once you revise the proposal, please send it to Norbert Haunerland (sfuavor@sfu.ca) and myself.
Many thanks,
Valerie
<REVISED - IDRE Proposal_Oct 23 2012.pdf>
On 2012-10-26. at 2:04 PM, Mario Pinto wrote:
Original Message
Subject:IDRE
proposal for submission to SCUP
Date:Fri, 26 Oct 2012 14:03:53 -0700 (PDT)
From.-James Busumtwi-sam <ibusumtw@sfu.ca>
To:Mario Pinto <bpinto@sfu.ca>
CCrNorbert Haunerland <sfu avpr@sfu.ca>
Dear Dr Pinto,
Please find attached a memo to you and a copy of a proposal for an Instutute for Diaspora Research and
SFU
SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY
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•
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Institute for Diaspora Research and Engagement (IDRE)
BUS 719, 723, 724, 725, 726, 729
EASC311.609
ENV400
FNST 353
FPA184
HIST 463, 476, [358 / IS 358]
HSCI 843
IAT 854, 856
IS [358 / HIST 358]; [845, 855, 865 / HS 845, 855, 865]
KIN 482
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URB615
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