Student World Assembly --- Promoting Global Democracy, One Student at a Time!

Aid to Orphanage in Bulgaria
SWA-Adelphi, New York City

One of SWA’s most important goals is to act as a positive force within its members’ communities. An excellent example of achieving this positive goal is the SWA-Adelphi Chapter’s efforts to raise almost $2,000 for an orphanage in Dobritch, Bulgaria.

On the 6th of May, 2005 Mr. Georgy Panterov, Chapter President, along with other SWA members and commercial supporters in his community, created an event in New York City, to raise funds for the orphanage. Although the orphanage receives some funding from the Bulgarian government, there are many needs that are not been met and, therefore, additional funding is always required and most welcome.

Tickets were sold in the community for the event which consisted of dinner and entertainment in the form of a live band. Two raffles were held during the dinner, and the winners were given prizes donated by a local investment company. Mr. Panterov organized and conducted the raffles as well as serving as the Master of Ceremonies:

The Student World Assembly would like to congratulate the Adelphi Chapter on a successful fundraiser, and thank its members for their selfless efforts in bettering the lives of children who have already had a difficult road to travel. It sets an excellent example for other chapters since such an event embodies the action-oriented nature of the Student World Assembly.

Over 1,000% Growth in Just One Year!

The Student World Assembly’s membership has increased from only 200 members in 3 universities to over 2200 members in 420 universities. Initially, all of our members came from 3 universities in the United States along with a small number of foreign students. Today, the SWA has established 24 chapters around the world. This growth has taken place within the confines of a mere 12 months. This is an increase of over 1,000%. The SWA is continuing its growth at a rate of approximately 150 members per month.

Sponsored by The Raynault Foundation, the Student World Assembly was established in September 2003. The Foundation provided seed money to develop a web site, begin outreach efforts, and recruit members. The SWA was introduced in a class on Global Issues in the California Polytechnic university (Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo). Professors from other countries visiting Cal Poly were very impressed with the idea of a global student organization. These professors, in turn, recruited over 90 students from countries such as Nigeria, Costa Rica, Afghanistan and China. Following this initial recruitment, many other students from around the world discovered the SWA and joined rapidly.

The Student World Assembly will continue its tradition of outreach. It is important for the SWA to continually strive to offer an opportunity to students all over the globe to participate in the discussion of global issues, share ideas, and come together as a group to orchestrate change on a local and global level by taking action. A 1,000% increase in membership is a great start!