When I got off the phone with fellow Scholar Joseph Bornstein (OR '07) a few months ago, I was re-energized. Amidst policy debates in Washington, I often feel like I am focused on problems—poverty, environmental degradation, access to quality education, war and conflict, hunger. But hearing about Semilla Nueva (New Seed), the nonprofit organization Joseph co-founded in Guatemala, was the chance to explore innovative and exciting solutions. When I learned that Joseph would be in the States this month, Julie Curti (WI ’06) and I decided to host a discussion for DC Trumans and friends.

More than 30 folks gathered to hear about the challenges facing communities and ecosystems in Guatemala and the impact of Semilla Nueva. Our diverse backgrounds and perspectives made for an engaging and inspiring discussion. To set the stage, Joseph illustrated the detrimental effects of current agricultural methods on people and the land in Guatemala. Most use subsistence farming methods that deplete soil quality and remove necessary nutrients. These crops do not provide adequate nutrition for families, nor can the lands withstand the extreme weather of the region. Joseph then explained how, with innovation and community collaboration as key pillars, Semilla Nueva is working to raise farmer crop yields and rejuvenate the agro-ecosystems upon which communities rely for sustenance. Joseph also explained how, through this work, Semilla Nueva is aiding the efforts to stop deforestation in one of the world's most important forest regions and prevent further land degradation.

An engaging conversation followed. Familiar with the agricultural methods and technologies in Central America, Kyle Gracie (PA ’03) asked about the history of terracing and biodiversity in Guatemala and how innovations in corn seed would contribute to public health and ecosystem stewardship. Marissa Duswalt (TX ’09) provided insights from her experience at the US Department of Agriculture. With experience at the World Bank, Jennie Hatch (ME ’09) sparked a conversation about foreign aid and development practices.

Concluding the event, Joseph reminded us all that Semilla Nueva’s efforts were entirely grassroots. In sharing our ideas and our support, we were helping to grow Semilla Nueva’s impact on communities and ecosystems in Guatemala. And, for many of us who work here in Washington, we were also rooting new ideas for addressing challenges and finding solutions.

Julie and I look forward to sharing the impact of Semilla Nueva and growing the network of supporters. We will be hosting another event in the coming weeks, and we hope other Truman Scholars can join! If you would like to learn more about Semilla Nueva or support its work in Guatemala, visit www.semillanueva.org. Also feel free to contact fellow Truman Scholar Joseph Bornstein (OR ’07) at josephbornstein@semillanueva.org.

Christine Curella (NJ ’07) works at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and loves organizing events with Truman Scholars in the Washington, DC area.

Truman Scholars who joined for this event included Jon Cardinal (NY ’07), Steven (SJ) Cohen (DC ’07), Julie Curti (WI ’06), Marissa Duswalt (TX ’09), Kyle Gracie (PA ’03), Jennie Hatch (ME ’09), and Kelsey Yamasaki (HI ’07).