A history of CDU and Talloires network
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Talloires Declaration 2005
The Talloires Declaration (.pdf) of 2005 was devised at Tufts University in Talloires, France. The Declaration is a commitment to civic engagement and social responsibility and pledges the establishment of the Talloires Network – a global network of higher education institutions committed to the Declaration.
In May 2006, CDU Vice-Chancellor Professor Helen Garnett signed the university to the Talloires Network. Read related news story:
- 22 May 2006 - CDU joins "Talloires Declaration" on the civic roles and social responsibilities of universities
In March 2008, CDU students Kevin Kadirgamar and Maria Kambouris received funding from the Talloires network to attend the Clinton Global Initiative University (CGIU) meeting in New Orleans. Kevin and Maria got their hands dirty with Brad Pitt (clearing a Hurricane Katrina devastated site), were introduced to Talloires students from all over the globe, and participated in discussions on the idea of a student-led arm of the Talloires Network. Read related news stories:
- 3 March 2008 - Students to join global leaders in New Orleans
- 4 April 2008 - Students return from New Orleans committed to action
Upon return, Maria and Kevin hosted a seminar for staff, students and community members about the CGI U meeting and their "Commitment to Action". This was followed by lunch where the student-led CDU Talloires group was born. Read related news story:
With the enthusiastic support CDU's Coordinator, Community Engagement, Linda Cuttriss, meetings were organised weekly and the seed of CDU Talloires grew into the proactive group of spirited students we see today.
See below for more information
April 2009
CDU Talloires members engage in strategic development processes to determine the ongoing structure and operations of the group.
CDU Talloires student Kevin Kardirgamar initiates the first CDU Model UN.
Following the successful testing of soil samples, the community garden project continues to grow. Meetings are now being held with community partners including Foodcare NT, Environment Centre NT and Darwin Community Arts to move forward to the next stage of planning.
October 2008
CDU Talloires students meet weekly until 5 November 2008. Email contact continues over the long break with some activities ongoing. CDU Talloires students have been engaging with:
- Darwin City Council, regarding permission to use the proposed CDU community garden site for that purpose.
- Carers NT regarding gardening work at one of their respite homes – work planned for December
- Food Care NT regarding partnership for permaculture demonstration site in the CDU community garden
- Jingili Community Garden coordinator regarding advice and offer of taking cuttings from their garden to get CDU community garden started
- Botanical Gardens – Catherine attending meetings of the new Botanical Gardens permaculture garden/sustainable house project. CDU have been offered to use their greenhouse for raising seedlings, etc.
- Greening Australia – discussing possible partnership
- Sponsorships – Shoal Bay Recycle Centre and Tip Shop – for mulch and material
September 2008
CDU Vice Chancellor Helen Garnett hosts a lunch for the CDU Talloires Students Coordinator, Community Engagement and Kevin Kadirgamar from CDU Talloires students meet with Ross Springolo, CDU's Director, Strategic Directions and acting Manager, Governance to formalise the group within CDU governance arrangements.
Maria Kambouris awarded a Clinton Global Initiative University Award Outstanding Commitment grant.
CDU Talloires students Leah, Matt and Ben and Coordinator, Community Engagement Linda Cuttriss meet with Ken Suter, Senior Manager, Major Projects, and Nerida Noble, CDU's Grounds Supervisor, to discuss community garden idea, possible site and required follow up actions.
CDU invited to participate as case study in a book as part of the Routledge/Taylor and Francis series titled, International Studies in Higher Education. The book will focus on civic engagement in higher education and will feature 20 case studies from Talloires institutions around the world.
CDU Vice-Chancellor Professor Helen Garnett hosts a lunch for CDU Talloires students to celebrate successes to date and provide encouragement to new members in their endeavours.
August 2008
Exploratory phase completed. Two possible projects identified with the scoping and initial project planning phase underway. New students recruited to the CDU Talloires Student Network; the group now consists of 19 members.
April 2008
Bringing Back from New Orleans - Maria and Kevin present a seminar to students, staff and public about the CGI U meeting and their "Commitment to Action". The seminar is followed by a lunch to recruit students for CDU Talloires group, with about 15 students signing up. Read related news story:
Coordinator, Community Engagement hosts the CDU Talloires Student Network by convening weekly meetings, forwarding information to students from community organisations and being the focal point for Talloires communications.
Talloires students have met once per week since April 2008 (except for semester break) to establish aims and explore possible community projects around the Talloires themes of literacy and environmental sustainability.
March 2008
Coordinator, Community Engagement assists two students in applying for Talloires funding to attend the Clinton Global Initiative University (CGIU) meeting in New Orleans. Students Maria Kambouris and Kevin Kadirgamar are successful in receiving funding for travel, accommodation and expenses. They attend the CGI U meeting and also meet with Talloires coordinators and other Talloires students. Read related news stories:
- 3 March 2008 - Students to join global leaders in New Orleans
- 4 April 2008 - Students return from New Orleans committed to action
The Talloires Network Student Initiative is born out of CGI U meeting. View Maria and Kevin with the Talloires students in New Orleans >>
Talloires student profiles are created on Talloires Network website. View CDU’s profile >>
October 2007
Coordinator, Community Engagement provides first CDU contribution to the Talloires Global Project. Read more about Contributions [refer to CDU; NALP] >>
September 2007
Coordinator, Community Engagement completes Talloires Institutional Self Assessment. Read more about the Self Assessment >>
May 2006
Charles Darwin University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Helen Garnett, signs the university to the Talloires Network.
