I agree with Zaid. Let us at least introduce gifta and offer our help.
Tareq, would you like to do that?
Jihan

-----Original Message-----
From: GIFTA@yahoogroups.com [mailto:GIFTA@yahoogroups.com]On Behalf Of
zaid
Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2006 11:17 AM
To: GIFTA@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [GIFTA] Intel to Open Technology Center in Gaza


if one can contact Chuck Mulloy
and ask how gifta can help intel
with this effort. i think this
will be a huge start.

best
zaid

--- Feras Qumseya <feras@...> wrote:

> I think we should. What in your opinion is the
> recommended course of action?
>
> -----Original Message-----
>
> From:  zaid <zaid3k@...>
> Subj:  Re: [GIFTA] Intel to Open Technology Center
> in Gaza
> Date:  Tue Feb 21, 2006 10:47 am
> Size:  2K
> To:  GIFTA@yahoogroups.com
>
>
>  hello,
>
>  this is great news. are we doing anything
>  to get involved with this effort?
>
>  best
>  zaid
>
>  --- tariq_almuhtasib <tariq_almuhtasib@...>
>  wrote:
>
>  >
>  > FYI...
>  >
>  >
>
>
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060220/ap_on_hi_te/intel_gaza
>  >
>  > MESA, Ariz. - Intel, the world's largest
>  > semiconductor company, is
>  > planning to build the first information
> technology
>  > education center
>  > in the volatile Gaza Strip.
>  >
>  > The Intel Information Technology Center of
>  > Excellence is intended to
>  > provide IT training to Palestinians and stimulate
>  > development of
>  > high-tech industry in an area where half the
> labor
>  > force is
>  > unemployed. The center is being developed in
>  > conjunction with
>  > Washington, D.C.-based American Near East Refugee
>  > Aid and the
>  > Islamic University of Gaza.
>  >
>  > "We don't want to discount the tension in the
> area
>  > ... but from our
>  > perspective, we view it as something that can
> have a
>  > positive
>  > impact," said Intel spokesman Chuck Mulloy. "If
> you
>  > talk to the
>  > leaders of the Palestinian Authority, this is
>  > exactly the kind
>  > of thing they want. They want education, they
> want
>  > paths to improve
>  > the economic well-being of their citizens."
>  >
>  > Intel has had a presence in Israel for more than
>  > three decades,
>  > but over the past few years has launched an
>  > initiative to also
>  > expand its investments in the Arab world.
>  >
>  > The center is the company's first large project
> in
>  > the Palestinian
>  > territories, an area where American corporate
>  > involvement is rare.
>  >
>  > It will be staffed primarily by Palestinians and
>  > will be located a
>  > couple of miles outside Gaza City in an area
> staked
>  > out to become a
>  > technology park with the Intel center as its
> anchor,
>  > said Peter
>  > Gubser, president of ANERA. Construction is
> expected
>  > to begin in
>  > about two months, with completion a year later.
>  >
>  > The cost to build and equip the center will only
> be
>  > about $1
>  > million, Gubser said, because a dollar goes a lot
>  > farther in the
>  > Middle East.
>  >
>  > Though the security situation in Gaza is not
> good,
>  > Gubser believes
>  > the willingness of Intel to be an American
> corporate
>  > pioneer in the
>  > Gaza Strip may encourage other American
> corporations
>  > to follow.
>   --- message truncated ---
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>     GIFTA-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>
>
>
>
>
>


__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam?  Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com



Yahoo! Groups Links

oh and by the way :

chuck is at chuck.mulloy@...

best
zaid

--- Feras Qumseya <feras@...> wrote:

> I think we should. What in your opinion is the
> recommended course of action?
>
> -----Original Message-----
>
> From:  zaid <zaid3k@...>
> Subj:  Re: [GIFTA] Intel to Open Technology Center
> in Gaza
> Date:  Tue Feb 21, 2006 10:47 am
> Size:  2K
> To:  GIFTA@yahoogroups.com
>
>
>  hello,
>
>  this is great news. are we doing anything
>  to get involved with this effort?
>
>  best
>  zaid
>
>  --- tariq_almuhtasib <tariq_almuhtasib@...>
>  wrote:
>
>  >
>  > FYI...
>  >
>  >
>
>
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060220/ap_on_hi_te/intel_gaza
>  >
>  > MESA, Ariz. - Intel, the world's largest
>  > semiconductor company, is
>  > planning to build the first information
> technology
>  > education center
>  > in the volatile Gaza Strip.
>  >
>  > The Intel Information Technology Center of
>  > Excellence is intended to
>  > provide IT training to Palestinians and stimulate
>  > development of
>  > high-tech industry in an area where half the
> labor
>  > force is
>  > unemployed. The center is being developed in
>  > conjunction with
>  > Washington, D.C.-based American Near East Refugee
>  > Aid and the
>  > Islamic University of Gaza.
>  >
>  > "We don't want to discount the tension in the
> area
>  > ... but from our
>  > perspective, we view it as something that can
> have a
>  > positive
>  > impact," said Intel spokesman Chuck Mulloy. "If
> you
>  > talk to the
>  > leaders of the Palestinian Authority, this is
>  > exactly the kind
>  > of thing they want. They want education, they
> want
>  > paths to improve
>  > the economic well-being of their citizens."
>  >
>  > Intel has had a presence in Israel for more than
>  > three decades,
>  > but over the past few years has launched an
>  > initiative to also
>  > expand its investments in the Arab world.
>  >
>  > The center is the company's first large project
> in
>  > the Palestinian
>  > territories, an area where American corporate
>  > involvement is rare.
>  >
>  > It will be staffed primarily by Palestinians and
>  > will be located a
>  > couple of miles outside Gaza City in an area
> staked
>  > out to become a
>  > technology park with the Intel center as its
> anchor,
>  > said Peter
>  > Gubser, president of ANERA. Construction is
> expected
>  > to begin in
>  > about two months, with completion a year later.
>  >
>  > The cost to build and equip the center will only
> be
>  > about $1
>  > million, Gubser said, because a dollar goes a lot
>  > farther in the
>  > Middle East.
>  >
>  > Though the security situation in Gaza is not
> good,
>  > Gubser believes
>  > the willingness of Intel to be an American
> corporate
>  > pioneer in the
>  > Gaza Strip may encourage other American
> corporations
>  > to follow.
>   --- message truncated ---
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>     GIFTA-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>
>
>
>
>
>


__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam?  Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com

if one can contact Chuck Mulloy
and ask how gifta can help intel
with this effort. i think this
will be a huge start.

best
zaid

--- Feras Qumseya <feras@...> wrote:

> I think we should. What in your opinion is the
> recommended course of action?
>
> -----Original Message-----
>
> From:  zaid <zaid3k@...>
> Subj:  Re: [GIFTA] Intel to Open Technology Center
> in Gaza
> Date:  Tue Feb 21, 2006 10:47 am
> Size:  2K
> To:  GIFTA@yahoogroups.com
>
>
>  hello,
>
>  this is great news. are we doing anything
>  to get involved with this effort?
>
>  best
>  zaid
>
>  --- tariq_almuhtasib <tariq_almuhtasib@...>
>  wrote:
>
>  >
>  > FYI...
>  >
>  >
>
>
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060220/ap_on_hi_te/intel_gaza
>  >
>  > MESA, Ariz. - Intel, the world's largest
>  > semiconductor company, is
>  > planning to build the first information
> technology
>  > education center
>  > in the volatile Gaza Strip.
>  >
>  > The Intel Information Technology Center of
>  > Excellence is intended to
>  > provide IT training to Palestinians and stimulate
>  > development of
>  > high-tech industry in an area where half the
> labor
>  > force is
>  > unemployed. The center is being developed in
>  > conjunction with
>  > Washington, D.C.-based American Near East Refugee
>  > Aid and the
>  > Islamic University of Gaza.
>  >
>  > "We don't want to discount the tension in the
> area
>  > ... but from our
>  > perspective, we view it as something that can
> have a
>  > positive
>  > impact," said Intel spokesman Chuck Mulloy. "If
> you
>  > talk to the
>  > leaders of the Palestinian Authority, this is
>  > exactly the kind
>  > of thing they want. They want education, they
> want
>  > paths to improve
>  > the economic well-being of their citizens."
>  >
>  > Intel has had a presence in Israel for more than
>  > three decades,
>  > but over the past few years has launched an
>  > initiative to also
>  > expand its investments in the Arab world.
>  >
>  > The center is the company's first large project
> in
>  > the Palestinian
>  > territories, an area where American corporate
>  > involvement is rare.
>  >
>  > It will be staffed primarily by Palestinians and
>  > will be located a
>  > couple of miles outside Gaza City in an area
> staked
>  > out to become a
>  > technology park with the Intel center as its
> anchor,
>  > said Peter
>  > Gubser, president of ANERA. Construction is
> expected
>  > to begin in
>  > about two months, with completion a year later.
>  >
>  > The cost to build and equip the center will only
> be
>  > about $1
>  > million, Gubser said, because a dollar goes a lot
>  > farther in the
>  > Middle East.
>  >
>  > Though the security situation in Gaza is not
> good,
>  > Gubser believes
>  > the willingness of Intel to be an American
> corporate
>  > pioneer in the
>  > Gaza Strip may encourage other American
> corporations
>  > to follow.
>   --- message truncated ---
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>     GIFTA-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>
>
>
>
>
>


__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam?  Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com

I think we should. What in your opinion is the recommended course of action?

-----Original Message-----

From:  zaid <zaid3k@...>
Subj:  Re: [GIFTA] Intel to Open Technology Center in Gaza
Date:  Tue Feb 21, 2006 10:47 am
Size:  2K
To:  GIFTA@yahoogroups.com


  hello,

  this is great news. are we doing anything
  to get involved with this effort?

  best
  zaid

  --- tariq_almuhtasib <tariq_almuhtasib@...>
  wrote:

  >
  > FYI...
  >
  >
  http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060220/ap_on_hi_te/intel_gaza
  >
  > MESA, Ariz. - Intel, the world's largest
  > semiconductor company, is
  > planning to build the first information technology
  > education center
  > in the volatile Gaza Strip.
  >
  > The Intel Information Technology Center of
  > Excellence is intended to
  > provide IT training to Palestinians and stimulate
  > development of
  > high-tech industry in an area where half the labor
  > force is
  > unemployed. The center is being developed in
  > conjunction with
  > Washington, D.C.-based American Near East Refugee
  > Aid and the
  > Islamic University of Gaza.
  >
  > "We don't want to discount the tension in the area
  > ... but from our
  > perspective, we view it as something that can have a
  > positive
  > impact," said Intel spokesman Chuck Mulloy. "If you
  > talk to the
  > leaders of the Palestinian Authority, this is
  > exactly the kind
  > of thing they want. They want education, they want
  > paths to improve
  > the economic well-being of their citizens."
  >
  > Intel has had a presence in Israel for more than
  > three decades,
  > but over the past few years has launched an
  > initiative to also
  > expand its investments in the Arab world.
  >
  > The center is the company's first large project in
  > the Palestinian
  > territories, an area where American corporate
  > involvement is rare.
  >
  > It will be staffed primarily by Palestinians and
  > will be located a
  > couple of miles outside Gaza City in an area staked
  > out to become a
  > technology park with the Intel center as its anchor,
  > said Peter
  > Gubser, president of ANERA. Construction is expected
  > to begin in
  > about two months, with completion a year later.
  >
  > The cost to build and equip the center will only be
  > about $1
  > million, Gubser said, because a dollar goes a lot
  > farther in the
  > Middle East.
  >
  > Though the security situation in Gaza is not good,
  > Gubser believes
  > the willingness of Intel to be an American corporate
  > pioneer in the
  > Gaza Strip may encourage other American corporations
  > to follow.
   --- message truncated ---

hello,

this is great news. are we doing anything
to get involved with this effort?

best
zaid

--- tariq_almuhtasib <tariq_almuhtasib@...>
wrote:

>
> FYI...
>
>
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060220/ap_on_hi_te/intel_gaza
>
> MESA, Ariz. - Intel, the world's largest
> semiconductor company, is
> planning to build the first information technology
> education center
> in the volatile     Gaza Strip.
>
> The Intel Information Technology Center of
> Excellence is intended to
> provide IT training to Palestinians and stimulate
> development of
> high-tech industry in an area where half the labor
> force is
> unemployed. The center is being developed in
> conjunction with
> Washington, D.C.-based American Near East Refugee
> Aid and the
> Islamic University of Gaza.
>
> "We don't want to discount the tension in the area
> ... but from our
> perspective, we view it as something that can have a
> positive
> impact," said Intel spokesman Chuck Mulloy. "If you
> talk to the
> leaders of the     Palestinian Authority, this is
> exactly the kind
> of thing they want. They want education, they want
> paths to improve
> the economic well-being of their citizens."
>
> Intel has had a presence in     Israel for more than
> three decades,
> but over the past few years has launched an
> initiative to also
> expand its investments in the Arab world.
>
> The center is the company's first large project in
> the Palestinian
> territories, an area where American corporate
> involvement is rare.
>
> It will be staffed primarily by Palestinians and
> will be located a
> couple of miles outside Gaza City in an area staked
> out to become a
> technology park with the Intel center as its anchor,
> said Peter
> Gubser, president of ANERA. Construction is expected
> to begin in
> about two months, with completion a year later.
>
> The cost to build and equip the center will only be
> about $1
> million, Gubser said, because a dollar goes a lot
> farther in the
> Middle East.
>
> Though the security situation in Gaza is not good,
> Gubser believes
> the willingness of Intel to be an American corporate
> pioneer in the
> Gaza Strip may encourage other American corporations
> to follow.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>     GIFTA-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>
>
>
>
>
>


__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam?  Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com

FYI...

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060220/ap_on_hi_te/intel_gaza

MESA, Ariz. - Intel, the world's largest semiconductor company, is
planning to build the first information technology education center
in the volatile     Gaza Strip.

The Intel Information Technology Center of Excellence is intended to
provide IT training to Palestinians and stimulate development of
high-tech industry in an area where half the labor force is
unemployed. The center is being developed in conjunction with
Washington, D.C.-based American Near East Refugee Aid and the
Islamic University of Gaza.

"We don't want to discount the tension in the area ... but from our
perspective, we view it as something that can have a positive
impact," said Intel spokesman Chuck Mulloy. "If you talk to the
leaders of the     Palestinian Authority, this is exactly the kind
of thing they want. They want education, they want paths to improve
the economic well-being of their citizens."

Intel has had a presence in     Israel for more than three decades,
but over the past few years has launched an initiative to also
expand its investments in the Arab world.

The center is the company's first large project in the Palestinian
territories, an area where American corporate involvement is rare.

It will be staffed primarily by Palestinians and will be located a
couple of miles outside Gaza City in an area staked out to become a
technology park with the Intel center as its anchor, said Peter
Gubser, president of ANERA. Construction is expected to begin in
about two months, with completion a year later.

The cost to build and equip the center will only be about $1
million, Gubser said, because a dollar goes a lot farther in the
Middle East.

Though the security situation in Gaza is not good, Gubser believes
the willingness of Intel to be an American corporate pioneer in the
Gaza Strip may encourage other American corporations to follow.

On Saturday November 19, 2005 GIFTA conducted its first strategic
meeting at Mary Graydon center in the American University. More than
thirty people attended the meeting: 24 attended in person and 6
attended over the conference line.

Attendees are encouraged to fill out meeting feedback form located
at http://www.gifta.org/tinc?key=OtyR88jt&formname=feedback

Through out the meeting, attendees discussed many topics among them:

1- GIFTA's mission and goals
GIFTA's mission is to enhance the daily life of people in the Middle
East through innovation and technology advancement. Some attendee
expresses their desire to adjust the mission to be more specific
and/or to include the desire to establish a professional
organization to provide service to its member. Because of our non-
profit status GIFTA's board of directors has the legal authority
over GIFTA's mission and goals. To address adjustments to GIFTA's
mission, we included a section within meeting feedback form for
attendees to provide suggestions and to state their vision for GIFTA
and provide feedback on this topic. GIFTA's board of directors will
review all feedbacks and take a decision accordingly.

2- The need for an organization like GIFTA
Attendees see innovation as a key ingredient for society
advancements and agreed that we have many individual innovators and
many resources. GIFTA can play a significant role bridging resources
and capabilities to materialize innovation and technology
advancement in the Middle East.

3- GIFTA's membership (membership@...)
Attendees agreed that it is important for GIFTA's to have members.
Attendees recommend developing a membership model based on
individual, organization, and sponsors. To manage membership and
develop policy on conditions, dues, and services we formed a task
force (membership task force). Nidal and Elias volunteered for such
task force. Anyone interested to join their effort is encourage to
contact the task force at memebership@...

4- Resource Database (resource@...)
Attendees recommended the establishment of a searchable resource
database that includes individuals and organizations relevant to
GIFTA's objectives. As a result we formed a task force (Resource
Task force) to develop and materialize the idea. The following
volunteer to form the task force: Nidal, Mazin, Tawfiq, Jihan,
Mariam, and Walid.  Please contact task force directly at
resource@... if you are interested to work on such task

5- Fund raising campaign (Dinner@...)
While discussing many of GIFTA's programs, attendees recognized the
need for a budget. A suggestion to organize a fund raising dinner
around April 2006 was welcomed by almost all attendees.  Mazin,
Sofian, Feras volunteer to form a task force to materialize this
effort. To volunteer, please contact the task force directly at
dinner@...

6- Advance innovation on the Middle East conference (AIM@...)
During the meeting, attendees agreed that establishing a repeatable
and consistent platform such as an annual conference to deal with
all aspects of innovation and technology advancement help
materialize GIFTA's goals. We agreed that there is a need to mature
the idea and define conference shape. This includes logistics,
agenda, attendee, and program. Toward such end, attendees formed a
conference task force from Mariam, Jihan, Sofian, Feras, and Elias.
To volunteer, please contact the task force directly at AIM@...

7- GIFTA's programs
Attendees discussed many programs where GIFTA can add value. For
2006, attendee decided to focus on the topics mentioned above.

8- Core Team
During the conference attendees discussed the need to for a core
team to link different task forces together. As progress on task
forces listed above takes shape, the core team will be formed to
represent these task forces.

Thanks for everyone that attended the meeting either personally or
over the phone. Please take a moment and provide us with your
feedback by filling the online feedback form located at
http://www.gifta.org/tinc?key=OtyR88jt&formname=feedback

dear sofian,

i hope all is well. thanks for the feedback you
provided. I
am certain that the room for improvement is always the
largest room in the house.

naturally, the meeting happened and was a success
because
of 30 or so members who care about the idea and the
mission.
the meeting did accomplish a good percentage of the
goals
it set out to achieve. once the minutes are published
we can
start planning the agenda and addressing the action
items from
saturday's meeting during our monthly conferences.

i believe it would be helpful to generate a feedback
alias
that we can provide our members to place their
comments
and ideas about gifta and the events/meetings gifta
will hold.
this will help us optimize the traffic on this list.

i am very excited about the potential of gifta, and
look forward
to work with all of you.

best
zaid




--- Sofian Mossallam <sofianmossallam@...>
wrote:

> Salams Everyone,
>  I first want to start with saying that it was a
> great pleasure meeting all
> of you guys! It feels great to meet people that are
> active and care for the
> cause in the Middle East and especially Palestine.
> The first meeting was
> okay it wasn't bad and it wasn't great, I guess I
> would say it was
> acceptable for a first meeting, it is a Strategic
> Meeting anyways. A flaw in
> the meeting was that we stuck on a certain issue for
> longer minutes, such as
> what the MISSION of the organization is. For I have
> to say that who cares
> what the words are, we should care on how we
> implement this organization and
> its beliefs and goals.
>  So now what should we do! I think we should start
> off as soon as possible.
> I understand everyone is busy and holidays are
> approaching but i know I can
> make with my schedule, especially with school and
> family, I know everyone
> can. So let us kick off this organization to a good
> start.
>  Waiting for your replies.
>  Regards,
> Sofian Mossallam
>



__________________________________
Yahoo! FareChase: Search multiple travel sites in one click.
http://farechase.yahoo.com

Hello;

For those that cannot attend in person, we will provide a conference
line for them to dial and participate. Please dial 319-256-0500 and
provide access code 929975# to join the conference. The lines will
be open from 3:00 PM US Eastern Standard Time

Issam

--- In GIFTA@yahoogroups.com, "issamandoni" <issamandoni@y...> wrote:
>
> Hello;
> This message serves as a reminder that GIFTA have its first
> strategic meeting this coming Saturday November 19, 2005 at
3:00PM.
> Below are meeting logistics:
>
> Location:
> The meeting will be help in Mary Graydon Center Room 200 in The
> American University in North West Washington DC. For direction to
> The American University and to Mary Graydon Center, please see
> http://www.american.edu/maps/
>
> When:
> The meeting starts at 3:00 PM on Saturday November 19, 2005 and
last
> until 6:00 PM
>
> Material and Agenda:
> You can download all meeting's material from GIFTA's web site at
> http://www.gifta.org please check the site on Thursday 11/17/2005
to
> download your copy
>
> Conference call:
> For those that cannot attend in person, we will provide a
conference
> line for them to dial and participate. Please dial 319-256-0500
and
> provide access code 929975# to join the conference. The lines will
> be open from 3:00 PM US Eastern Standard Time
>
> If you cannot join in person, please join through the conference
> line.
>
> Looking forward to see you all there
>
> Issam
>

Hello Folks,

FYI...thought this would be of interest to the group.


Thanks,

Tariq Al-Muhtasib



__________________________________
Yahoo! FareChase: Search multiple travel sites in one click.
http://farechase.yahoo.com

GIFTA's Board of Directors appeared at ART Downstairs Café for 16
minutes on November 17, 2005. The segment topic was about GIFTA and
its role in advancing innovation and technology in the Middle East.

For those who do not have ART or missed the show, I recorded the
segment and publish it at http://www.gifta.org/art.wmv

Enjoy

Issam

Hello;
This message serves as a reminder that GIFTA have its first
strategic meeting this coming Saturday November 19, 2005 at 3:00PM.
Below are meeting logistics:

Location:
The meeting will be help in Mary Graydon Center Room 200 in The
American University in North West Washington DC. For direction to
The American University and to Mary Graydon Center, please see
http://www.american.edu/maps/

When:
The meeting starts at 3:00 PM on Saturday November 19, 2005 and last
until 6:00 PM

Material and Agenda:
You can download all meeting's material from GIFTA's web site at
http://www.gifta.org please check the site on Thursday 11/17/2005 to
download your copy

Conference call:
For those that cannot attend in person, we will provide a conference
line for them to dial and participate. Please dial 319-256-0500 and
provide access code 929975# to join the conference. The lines will
be open from 3:00 PM US Eastern Standard Time

If you cannot join in person, please join through the conference
line.

Looking forward to see you all there

Issam

Hi Issam,

I'd be happy to volunteer for taking notes during the meeting and
distributing the minutes.

8- We still need volunteers for:
    a.Take notes during the meeting and provide minutes
    b.Tape the meeting for further processing if needed


Thanks,
Gheed


----- Original Message -----
From: GIFTA@yahoogroups.com
Date: Saturday, November 12, 2005 11:52 am
Subject: [GIFTA] Digest Number 16

> ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------
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> home page
> http://us.click.yahoo.com/dpRU5A/wUILAA/yQLSAA/PMYolB/TM
> --------------------------------------------------------------------
> ~->
>
> There is 1 message in this issue.
>
> Topics in this digest:
>
>      1. Today's conference call results
>           From: "issamandoni" <issamandoni@...>
>
>
> ________________________________________________________________________
> ________________________________________________________________________
>
> Message: 1
>   Date: Fri, 11 Nov 2005 21:00:45 -0000
>   From: "issamandoni" <issamandoni@...>
> Subject: Today's conference call results
>
> Hello;
>
> During the conference call today, we discussed 11/19 meeting
> material and
> who will cover what. We agreed on the followings:
>
> 1- I will cover GIFTA structure and goals
> 2- Samer and Jihan will cover why we need an organization like
>   GIFTA  and the benefits from such organization
> 3- Dr. Mary Gray will cover a section on US resources and source of
>   funding
> 4- Elias, Ziad, and Tariq will lead a section on how GIFTA can
>   achieve its goals. Their topic include GIFTA's membership program,
>   events, and programs
> 5- I will then lead the discussion about "Advance Innovation in the
>   Middle East Conference" AIM. This includes: objectives,
>   participates, logistics, and implementation
> 6- We then conclude by defining follow up items
> 7- We will provide a conference number for those that cannot
> attend.
>   I will publish conference logistics as time approach.
> 8- We still need volunteers for:
>   a.Take notes during the meeting and provide minutes
>   b.Tape the meeting for further processing if needed
>
> Looking forward to see all of you on Saturday 11/19/2005
>
> Sincerely yours
>
> Issam Andoni
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ________________________________________________________________________
> ________________________________________________________________________
>
>
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------------
> ----
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------------
> ----
>
>
>
>

Hello;

During the conference call today, we discussed 11/19 meeting
material and
who will cover what. We agreed on the followings:

1- I will cover GIFTA structure and goals
2- Samer and Jihan will cover why we need an organization like
    GIFTA  and the benefits from such organization
3- Dr. Mary Gray will cover a section on US resources and source of
    funding
4- Elias, Ziad, and Tariq will lead a section on how GIFTA can
    achieve its goals. Their topic include GIFTA's membership program,
    events, and programs
5- I will then lead the discussion about "Advance Innovation in the
    Middle East Conference" AIM. This includes: objectives,
    participates, logistics, and implementation
6- We then conclude by defining follow up items
7- We will provide a conference number for those that cannot attend.
    I will publish conference logistics as time approach.
8- We still need volunteers for:
    a.Take notes during the meeting and provide minutes
    b.Tape the meeting for further processing if needed

Looking forward to see all of you on Saturday 11/19/2005

Sincerely yours

Issam Andoni

Date: Friday November 11th, 2005
Time: 3:00 PM US Eastern Standard Time. Please translate to your time
Duration: 30 minutes
Conference number: (319)-256-0500
Access code: 929975#
Agenda: Review prepared materials and agree on action plan

Zaid/Tariq/Elias/Samer;
To help maximize our time, please send me what you developed so I
can put them together and publish them for download. I will publish
the complied material at http://www.gifta.org/all.ppt by noon on
Friday 11/11/2005 for all to download.

Your contribution to the discussion is very important. Please make
attempt to join.


Sincerely yours

Issam

We recorded the show yesterday. The show will air next week not this
week as I previously indicated. Time and schedule are included at
the end of this message.

Issam


--- In GIFTA@yahoogroups.com, "issamandoni" <issamandoni@y...> wrote:
>
> GIFTA is invited to participate on this week ART show: Downstairs
> Café. The first 16 minutes of the program is dedicated to GIFTA to
> discuss its effort to advance innovation in the Middle East. This
> week Downstairs Café will air on Wednesday 11/9/2005 at 8PM EST
and
> repeats on Sunday 1:00AM EST.  See below for program schedule.
>
> Issam
>
> ====================================
> Downstairs Café airing schedule:
>
> ART AMERICAN: EVERY WEDNESDAYS @ 8PM EST AND REPEATS ON EVERY
SUNDAY
> @ 1:00AM EST.
>
> EIN (MIDDLE EAST): EVERY SUNDAY @ 8:30PM GMT (11:30PM MECCA) AND
> REPEATS EVERY MONDAY @ 1:00PM GMT (4:00PM MECCA)
>
> ART CABLE (LATINO): EVERY FRIDAY @ 6:30PM EST
>
> ART EUROPE: EVERY TUESDAY @ 6PM GMT AND REPEATS ON EVERY WEDNESDAY
@
> 8AM GMT
>
> AUSTRALIA: EVERY MONDAY @ 6PM SYD AND REPEATS EVERY TUESDAY @
> 11:30PM SYD
>
> For more information, please refer to ART website at
> http://www.art-tv.net/MovieChannel/movies_program.asp?
> ShowID=4169&ChannelID=17
>

GIFTA is invited to participate on this week ART show: Downstairs
Café. The first 16 minutes of the program is dedicated to GIFTA to
discuss its effort to advance innovation in the Middle East. This
week Downstairs Café will air on Wednesday 11/9/2005 at 8PM EST and
repeats on Sunday 1:00AM EST.  See below for program schedule.

Issam

====================================
Downstairs Café airing schedule:

ART AMERICAN: EVERY WEDNESDAYS @ 8PM EST AND REPEATS ON EVERY SUNDAY
@ 1:00AM EST.

EIN (MIDDLE EAST): EVERY SUNDAY @ 8:30PM GMT (11:30PM MECCA) AND
REPEATS EVERY MONDAY @ 1:00PM GMT (4:00PM MECCA)

ART CABLE (LATINO): EVERY FRIDAY @ 6:30PM EST

ART EUROPE: EVERY TUESDAY @ 6PM GMT AND REPEATS ON EVERY WEDNESDAY @
8AM GMT

AUSTRALIA: EVERY MONDAY @ 6PM SYD AND REPEATS EVERY TUESDAY @
11:30PM SYD

For more information, please refer to ART website at
http://www.art-tv.net/MovieChannel/movies_program.asp?
ShowID=4169&ChannelID=17

hello,

i hope all is well. i do not have elias's email so i
cc'ed
the group hoping the elias will pick this up and
shrinks
the discussion list until we have something to present
to the group next week.

best
zaid

here are the current talking points to the how section
:

----------------------->8
# Expand Membership through Innovative Service
   - GIFTA’s membership
   - Identify needed services
# Promote Collaboration and Enrich its experience
   - GIFTA’s mentor program
   - Develop partnerships with businesses &
universities

# Establish Consistent and Repeatable Programs
   - Advance Innovation in the Middle East Conference
(AIM)
   - Develop technology transfer program

membership

# Who can become a members?
    - GIFTA's membership is open to any individual that
supports
       the goals of  the organization. These
individuals should also
       belong to one of the following categories:
         + Scientists and researchers Universities
professors and
             students focus on science and technology
         + Technology business owners, professionals,
and consultants

# Gifta’s members can
    - Influence ME innovations and advancements
    - Internetworking and collaborations with similar
professional

# Future Services
    - Patent services and legal advice
    - Research service
    - Business incubation service
    - Venture Capital resources


8<-----------------------------


--- Tariq Al-Muhtasib <tariq_almuhtasib@...>
wrote:

>
> Hey Folks,
>
> I was in transit to Jordan so I missed the meeting.
> I
> can still support you guys while I'm here.  I figure
> I
> can support Elias and Zaid on third section.
>
> Elias and Zaid please drop me an email with some
> context regarding what we want to produce.
>
> Regards,
>
> Tariq Al-Muhtasib
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> --- issamandoni <issamandoni@...> wrote:
>
> > All;
> > During the conference call we discussed 11/19
> > meeting materials and
> > divided the preparation among us. We divided the
> > meeting into two
> > main parts: the first addressing GIFTA as
> > organization while the
> > second addressing the conference. We further
> divided
> > GIFTA's section
> > to three pieces: why, what, and how. Feras, and I
> > will expand the
> > first two sections (why GIFTA? and what is
> GIFTA?).
> > Elias and Zaid
> > will expand on the third (How we can achieve our
> > goals). We agree to
> > have a second conference call next Friday same
> time
> > to discuss what
> > we produce and expand the other pieces
> accordingly.
> >
> > Samer;
> > Thank you very much for volunteering. As an
> > economists, a writer,
> > and a Word Bank Communications Officer, you have
> the
> > best resources
> > to prepare and present a section on the need for
> an
> > organization
> > like GIFTA and "AIM" conference affect into the
> > growth and
> > advancement in that part of the word.
> >
> > Sincerely yours
> >
> > Issam Andoni
> >
> >
> > --- In GIFTA@yahoogroups.com, Samer Badawi
> > <samer.badawi@g...> wrote:
> > >
> > > All,
> > >  I'm sorry I missed this -- had another meeting
> at
> > work. Please
> > let me know
> > > how I can help with preparations for the
> meeting.
> > >  Thanks,
> > > Samer
> > >
> > >  On 11/3/05, issamandoni <issamandoni@y...>
> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Date: Friday November 4th, 2005
> > > > Time: 2:00 PM US Eastern Standard Time. Please
> > translate to your
> > time
> > > > Duration: 30 minutes
> > > > Conference number: (319)-256-0500
> > > > Access code: 929975#
> > > > Topic: GIFTA's strategy meeting (11/19/2005)
> > preparation
> > > >
> > > > Con call Agenda:
> > > >
> > > > 1- Review draft agenda. Please download draft
> > agenda from
> > > > http://www.gifta.org/AIMAgenda.pdf
> > > > 2- Discuss meeting format and roles
> > > > 3- Develop meeting action items
> > > > 4- Agree on day and time for a monthly con
> call
> > > > 5- Address any issues that you may have
> > > >
> > > > Your contribution to the discussion is very
> > important. Please
> > make
> > > > attempt to join.
> > > >
> > > > Sincerely yours
> > > >
> > > > Issam
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > --- In GIFTA@yahoogroups.com, "issamandoni"
> > <issamandoni@y...>
> > wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > > Hi;
> > > > > As we progress forward, we need a faster
> > communication
> > channel. I
> > > > > would like to enrich this discussion board
> by
> > a monthly
> > conference
> > > > > call. The call will be open for any member
> to
> > join and
> > contribute
> > > > to
> > > > > the discussion. Two days before the call I
> > will send the group
> > > > call
> > > > > logistics.
> > > > >
> > > > > In our first conference call we need to
> > discuss our planning
> > > > effort
> > > > > for our first strategy meet. As November
> 19th
> > is approaching, I
> > > > would
> > > > > like to propose having our first conference
> > call on Friday
> > > > November
> > > > > 4th at 2:00 PM.
> > > > >
> > > > > Call logistics: Please call (319)-256-0500
> > when prompted for
> > your
> > > > > Access Code please enter 929975#
> > > > >
> > > > > Sincerely yours
> > > > >
> > > > > Issam Andoni
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > Yahoo! Groups Links
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
>
> __________________________________________________
> Do You Yahoo!?
> Tired of spam?  Yahoo! Mail has the best spam
> protection around
> http://mail.yahoo.com
>
>
> ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor
> --------------------~-->
> Get fast access to your favorite Yahoo! Groups. Make
> Yahoo! your home page
>
http://us.click.yahoo.com/dpRU5A/wUILAA/yQLSAA/PMYolB/TM
>
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>     GIFTA-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>
>
>
>
>
>





__________________________________
Yahoo! Mail - PC Magazine Editors' Choice 2005
http://mail.yahoo.com

Hey Folks,

I was in transit to Jordan so I missed the meeting.  I
can still support you guys while I'm here.  I figure I
can support Elias and Zaid on third section.

Elias and Zaid please drop me an email with some
context regarding what we want to produce.

Regards,

Tariq Al-Muhtasib







--- issamandoni <issamandoni@...> wrote:

> All;
> During the conference call we discussed 11/19
> meeting materials and
> divided the preparation among us. We divided the
> meeting into two
> main parts: the first addressing GIFTA as
> organization while the
> second addressing the conference. We further divided
> GIFTA's section
> to three pieces: why, what, and how. Feras, and I
> will expand the
> first two sections (why GIFTA? and what is GIFTA?).
> Elias and Zaid
> will expand on the third (How we can achieve our
> goals). We agree to
> have a second conference call next Friday same time
> to discuss what
> we produce and expand the other pieces accordingly.
>
> Samer;
> Thank you very much for volunteering. As an
> economists, a writer,
> and a Word Bank Communications Officer, you have the
> best resources
> to prepare and present a section on the need for an
> organization
> like GIFTA and "AIM" conference affect into the
> growth and
> advancement in that part of the word.
>
> Sincerely yours
>
> Issam Andoni
>
>
> --- In GIFTA@yahoogroups.com, Samer Badawi
> <samer.badawi@g...> wrote:
> >
> > All,
> >  I'm sorry I missed this -- had another meeting at
> work. Please
> let me know
> > how I can help with preparations for the meeting.
> >  Thanks,
> > Samer
> >
> >  On 11/3/05, issamandoni <issamandoni@y...> wrote:
> > >
> > > Date: Friday November 4th, 2005
> > > Time: 2:00 PM US Eastern Standard Time. Please
> translate to your
> time
> > > Duration: 30 minutes
> > > Conference number: (319)-256-0500
> > > Access code: 929975#
> > > Topic: GIFTA's strategy meeting (11/19/2005)
> preparation
> > >
> > > Con call Agenda:
> > >
> > > 1- Review draft agenda. Please download draft
> agenda from
> > > http://www.gifta.org/AIMAgenda.pdf
> > > 2- Discuss meeting format and roles
> > > 3- Develop meeting action items
> > > 4- Agree on day and time for a monthly con call
> > > 5- Address any issues that you may have
> > >
> > > Your contribution to the discussion is very
> important. Please
> make
> > > attempt to join.
> > >
> > > Sincerely yours
> > >
> > > Issam
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > --- In GIFTA@yahoogroups.com, "issamandoni"
> <issamandoni@y...>
> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Hi;
> > > > As we progress forward, we need a faster
> communication
> channel. I
> > > > would like to enrich this discussion board by
> a monthly
> conference
> > > > call. The call will be open for any member to
> join and
> contribute
> > > to
> > > > the discussion. Two days before the call I
> will send the group
> > > call
> > > > logistics.
> > > >
> > > > In our first conference call we need to
> discuss our planning
> > > effort
> > > > for our first strategy meet. As November 19th
> is approaching, I
> > > would
> > > > like to propose having our first conference
> call on Friday
> > > November
> > > > 4th at 2:00 PM.
> > > >
> > > > Call logistics: Please call (319)-256-0500
> when prompted for
> your
> > > > Access Code please enter 929975#
> > > >
> > > > Sincerely yours
> > > >
> > > > Issam Andoni
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Yahoo! Groups Links
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
>
>
>
>
>
>


__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam?  Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com

All;
During the conference call we discussed 11/19 meeting materials and
divided the preparation among us. We divided the meeting into two
main parts: the first addressing GIFTA as organization while the
second addressing the conference. We further divided GIFTA's section
to three pieces: why, what, and how. Feras, and I will expand the
first two sections (why GIFTA? and what is GIFTA?). Elias and Zaid
will expand on the third (How we can achieve our goals). We agree to
have a second conference call next Friday same time to discuss what
we produce and expand the other pieces accordingly.

Samer;
Thank you very much for volunteering. As an economists, a writer,
and a Word Bank Communications Officer, you have the best resources
to prepare and present a section on the need for an organization
like GIFTA and "AIM" conference affect into the growth and
advancement in that part of the word.

Sincerely yours

Issam Andoni


--- In GIFTA@yahoogroups.com, Samer Badawi <samer.badawi@g...> wrote:
>
> All,
>  I'm sorry I missed this -- had another meeting at work. Please
let me know
> how I can help with preparations for the meeting.
>  Thanks,
> Samer
>
>  On 11/3/05, issamandoni <issamandoni@y...> wrote:
> >
> > Date: Friday November 4th, 2005
> > Time: 2:00 PM US Eastern Standard Time. Please translate to your
time
> > Duration: 30 minutes
> > Conference number: (319)-256-0500
> > Access code: 929975#
> > Topic: GIFTA's strategy meeting (11/19/2005) preparation
> >
> > Con call Agenda:
> >
> > 1- Review draft agenda. Please download draft agenda from
> > http://www.gifta.org/AIMAgenda.pdf
> > 2- Discuss meeting format and roles
> > 3- Develop meeting action items
> > 4- Agree on day and time for a monthly con call
> > 5- Address any issues that you may have
> >
> > Your contribution to the discussion is very important. Please
make
> > attempt to join.
> >
> > Sincerely yours
> >
> > Issam
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > --- In GIFTA@yahoogroups.com, "issamandoni" <issamandoni@y...>
wrote:
> > >
> > > Hi;
> > > As we progress forward, we need a faster communication
channel. I
> > > would like to enrich this discussion board by a monthly
conference
> > > call. The call will be open for any member to join and
contribute
> > to
> > > the discussion. Two days before the call I will send the group
> > call
> > > logistics.
> > >
> > > In our first conference call we need to discuss our planning
> > effort
> > > for our first strategy meet. As November 19th is approaching, I
> > would
> > > like to propose having our first conference call on Friday
> > November
> > > 4th at 2:00 PM.
> > >
> > > Call logistics: Please call (319)-256-0500 when prompted for
your
> > > Access Code please enter 929975#
> > >
> > > Sincerely yours
> > >
> > > Issam Andoni
> > >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
>

hi,

i will be a little late joining the conference.

thanks
zaid

--- issamandoni <issamandoni@...> wrote:

> Date: Friday November 4th, 2005
> Time: 2:00 PM US Eastern Standard Time. Please
> translate to your time
> Duration: 30 minutes
> Conference number: (319)-256-0500
> Access code: 929975#
> Topic: GIFTA's strategy meeting (11/19/2005)
> preparation
>
> Con call Agenda:
>
> 1- Review draft agenda. Please download draft agenda
> from
>         http://www.gifta.org/AIMAgenda.pdf
> 2- Discuss meeting format and roles
> 3- Develop meeting action items
> 4- Agree on day and time for a monthly con call
> 5- Address any issues that you may have
>
> Your contribution to the discussion is very
> important. Please make
> attempt to join.
>
> Sincerely yours
>
> Issam
>
>
>
>
>
> --- In GIFTA@yahoogroups.com, "issamandoni"
> <issamandoni@y...> wrote:
> >
> > Hi;
> > As we progress forward, we need a faster
> communication channel. I
> > would like to enrich this discussion board by a
> monthly conference
> > call. The call will be open for any member to join
> and contribute
> to
> > the discussion. Two days before the call I will
> send the group
> call
> > logistics.
> >
> > In our first conference call we need to discuss
> our planning
> effort
> > for our first strategy meet. As November 19th is
> approaching, I
> would
> > like to propose having our first conference call
> on Friday
> November
> > 4th at 2:00 PM.
> >
> > Call logistics: Please call (319)-256-0500 when
> prompted for your
> > Access Code please enter 929975#
> >
> > Sincerely yours
> >
> > Issam Andoni
> >
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor
> --------------------~-->
> Get fast access to your favorite Yahoo! Groups. Make
> Yahoo! your home page
>
http://us.click.yahoo.com/dpRU5A/wUILAA/yQLSAA/PMYolB/TM
>
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>     GIFTA-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>
>
>
>
>




__________________________________
Yahoo! FareChase: Search multiple travel sites in one click.
http://farechase.yahoo.com

Date: Friday November 4th, 2005
Time: 2:00 PM US Eastern Standard Time. Please translate to your time
Duration: 30 minutes
Conference number: (319)-256-0500
Access code: 929975#
Topic: GIFTA's strategy meeting (11/19/2005) preparation

Con call Agenda:

1- Review draft agenda. Please download draft agenda from
         http://www.gifta.org/AIMAgenda.pdf
2- Discuss meeting format and roles
3- Develop meeting action items
4- Agree on day and time for a monthly con call
5- Address any issues that you may have

Your contribution to the discussion is very important. Please make
attempt to join.

Sincerely yours

Issam





--- In GIFTA@yahoogroups.com, "issamandoni" <issamandoni@y...> wrote:
>
> Hi;
> As we progress forward, we need a faster communication channel. I
> would like to enrich this discussion board by a monthly conference
> call. The call will be open for any member to join and contribute
to
> the discussion. Two days before the call I will send the group
call
> logistics.
>
> In our first conference call we need to discuss our planning
effort
> for our first strategy meet. As November 19th is approaching, I
would
> like to propose having our first conference call on Friday
November
> 4th at 2:00 PM.
>
> Call logistics: Please call (319)-256-0500 when prompted for your
> Access Code please enter 929975#
>
> Sincerely yours
>
> Issam Andoni
>

Hi;
As we progress forward, we need a faster communication channel. I
would like to enrich this discussion board by a monthly conference
call. The call will be open for any member to join and contribute to
the discussion. Two days before the call I will send the group call
logistics.

In our first conference call we need to discuss our planning effort
for our first strategy meet. As November 19th is approaching, I would
like to propose having our first conference call on Friday November
4th at 2:00 PM.

Call logistics: Please call (319)-256-0500 when prompted for your
Access Code please enter 929975#

Sincerely yours

Issam Andoni

I start putting together a power point presentation for the 11/19/05
meeting. I created a presentation template and proposed draft agenda
and started with the first slide. You can download a copy of what I
put together from http://www.gifta.org/AIM.ppt

I am looking for feedback on the template and the agenda, as well as
for volunteers to help develop and delivering meeting's materials.

This include presenting and leading the discussion during the meeting.

Issam

I am really exited about the great development at GIFTA and while we
are looking for big advancements and significant achievements, we
need to keep an eye on small but achievable initiatives. In this
posting I would like to discuss a new initiative that we can start
with right now and can have a significant impact toward achieving
our goals and objectives.

The idea is to launch a mentor program as a bridge between the
people with knowledge, expertise, and experience and those in need
for such wealth of information and networking. On voluntary bases,
GIFTA's members register as potentials mentors. Such information can
be published in database that will hide their identity but expose
their expertise, experience, and their expectation from
participating in such program. Such database can then be available
for other members, professionals, students, researchers, etc for
search where they can request a specific member to become their
mentor. The idea is to have a one on one relationship that helps
advance those in need. Those can be locals or in the Middle East.

The idea is very raw. It needs some volunteers that can work
independently to develop details. Such details should include
answers to basic questions such as why, what, who, and how. These
volunteers then will present project details and their
implementation plan to the team for feedback and execution.

Issam

Tariq brings out very good points. I would like to thank him for
bringing such important topics to the discussion.
As start GIFTA is a non-profit organization that has non-profit
status 501c(3) from the IRS. In the process of gaining its legal and
non-profit status, GIFTA formed a board of directors and submit
official article of incorporation that include its by laws.
By virtue of law and our status as a 501c(3), GIFTA's board of
directors have the authority to have the final determination as to
the definition of GIFTA and its mission. However, our article of
incorporation and bylaws are general guidlines. Our mission and
goals as defined in our official paper are to advance innovation and
technology in developing counties in general and in the Middle East
in specific. Our article of incorporation clearly define GIFTA as a
body that will help people in selective developing countries to have
active role in technology development and innovation through
collaboration with US professionals, universities, and business. Our
article of incorporation also mentions the GIFTA will have members
and thus will provide member's services.

So while GIFTA's vision, goals and objectives are well defined and
bind by the law, its vehicles, methods, and programs are open for us
to define and drive. And while we are doing that we need to define
not only concept of operations but also standards for our programs
and activities.

I hope this answer some of the issues you are discussion in your
posting.

Issam



--- In GIFTA@yahoogroups.com, "tariq_almuhtasib"
<tariq_almuhtasib@y...> wrote:
>
>
> Hello all,
>
> I appreciate the comments regarding identifying value for
members.
> As well a providing portal community to share, exchange and in
maybe
> in the future market products/services. We're obviously in the
> brainstorming stage and things will evolve.  I do have a few
> questions just so I contribute more effectively and what is the
> priority at the moment:
>
> Is GIFTA as an organization fully defined?
> What aspects of GIFTA need to be solidified?
>
>  What is the value proposition for all GIFTA
> members/participants?
> - Knowledge transfer
> - Identify opportunities for growth and innovation
> - Community outreach/development
>
>  Do we need to develop concept of operations (CONOPS)?
>    - Administrative standards
>    - Management and oversight
>    - Starting new projects/initiatives
>
>  What will GIFTA's initial set of initiatives be?
> - Conference (AIME)
> - Portal platform
> - Etc…
>
>
> Last year I attended the http://www.jordanictforum.com/  in Jordan
> which was quite interesting.  There are various organizations in
the
> Middle East that we can learn from and potential partner up if
> deemed appropriate. I met Janet Longmore president of a Digital
> Opportunity Trust a non-profit whose organizations has quite a few
> chapters in the Middle East delivering technology training
programs.
> You can learn more about them at http://www.dotrust.org/index.html
>
> Regards,
>
> Tariq Al-Muhtasib
>

Hello all,

I appreciate the comments regarding identifying value for members.
As well a providing portal community to share, exchange and in maybe
in the future market products/services. We're obviously in the
brainstorming stage and things will evolve.  I do have a few
questions just so I contribute more effectively and what is the
priority at the moment:

Is GIFTA as an organization fully defined?
What aspects of GIFTA need to be solidified?

	 What is the value proposition for all GIFTA
members/participants?
- Knowledge transfer
- Identify opportunities for growth and innovation
- Community outreach/development

	 Do we need to develop concept of operations (CONOPS)?
  	 - Administrative standards
  	 - Management and oversight
  	 - Starting new projects/initiatives

	 What will GIFTA's initial set of initiatives be?
- Conference (AIME)
- Portal platform
- Etc…


Last year I attended the http://www.jordanictforum.com/  in Jordan
which was quite interesting.  There are various organizations in the
Middle East that we can learn from and potential partner up if
deemed appropriate. I met Janet Longmore president of a Digital
Opportunity Trust a non-profit whose organizations has quite a few
chapters in the Middle East delivering technology training programs.
You can learn more about them at http://www.dotrust.org/index.html

Regards,

Tariq Al-Muhtasib