Delyse Sylvester: One person does make a difference
"Every person should have the opportunity to engage in something that means something to them, to make a difference, to know that their lives matter," says Delyse Sylvester. A long-time activist in social justice and international development issues, Delyse joined the Inter Pares Board in 2000.
One of her earliest influences were her parents. Her mother, a nurse, was a leader in the hospice movement and her father, a professor, was an advocate for accessible post-secondary education. Delyse tells us, "I grew up in a family and a community where you were expected to be a leader and make a difference. It's where I was introduced to the politics of how change could happen. This understanding led me to international development issues."
At university, Delyse began volunteering with local groups working on issues related to Africa. She later went to India with Canadian Crossroads International where she worked in an orphanage and home for destitute women. After returning to Canada she sold crafts made by an Indian women's cooperative, and became involved with fair-trade groups. Delyse then worked for CUSO, first as an administrator, then as a program officer, and finally as a fundraiser. Delyse tells us that this was when she "landed."
After years of giving her time and lending her voice, Delyse realized that donating money was also central to a commitment to social justice. In time, she also came to understand that she could help others have that same opportunity - the opportunity to make a difference. "Providing people with the information they need to make the decision to donate is a concrete and constructive way I can help people make a difference in their lives and the lives of others. I have met so many inspiring people who understand the value of giving money, who have chosen to make this world a better place. They give me great hope for what is possible."
Today, Delyse is a fundraising consultant and lives in Nelson, B.C. with Lex, her partner, and their two daughters, Nina and Katie. She also provides fundraising training to social justice groups and organizations in her community.
In order to be most effective in giving their own resources - time, voice, and money - Delyse and Lex have chosen to focus their support. "Lex and I take this commitment seriously. Instead of giving to many groups, we donate to three organizations on a monthly basis. Inter Pares is one of those organizations. When I was working in the international development movement, I knew that Inter Pares was a small but integral voice in building awareness among Canadians about what matters, and taking direct action to have a direct impact on people's lives. I'm always telling my family and friends about the excellent work of Inter Pares." Delyse and Lex also recently decided to leave bequests to Inter Pares in their wills.
Delyse encourages others to "think about what you want to achieve in this world, and then about which group or organization is the one to help you do that. Asking for and giving our money is an opportunity to express our personal values, to join with others to make a difference in the world."
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| Reviewed February 14, 2007 |  |
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