Friends of yesterday, today and tomorrow,

In this month of January, already well underway, I wish you and all your friends a bright New Year!

Our year is punctuated by the seasons, birthdays, social and family celebrations and especially by the end of year festivities.

Whether cultural, purely friendly or even commercial, the ritual of greetings – birthday greetings, New Year’s greetings – expresses an impulse of benevolence, it echoes a deep desire to “wish well” for the Other.

As for the tradition of giving gifts, often excessive, often decried, it also corresponds to this need to mark the link, to “say” the attachment and to express a form of gratitude towards the person for whom the gift is intended.

the present.

This term “present”, synonymous with gift, also translates the intention – conscious or not – of a presence to the Other, in the present, here and now.

I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Philippe Ungar for the magnificent gift of his friendship, of his presence at my side, and for the moving present he is giving me through his lines!

Thank you Philippe, my friend!

Dominique 

A path to the Other …

As Leonard Cohen wrote in Anthem, “There is a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in. But it is never without trial, nor without courage, that we are confronted with this crack in the depths of ourselves. Dominique Brustlein-Bobst is one of those humans who have chosen to honor the light that passes through them.

When she encountered storm and adversity, when the crack in her was widened, Dominique chose to stay the course towards the light. She has continued her philanthropic commitments in the service of those struggling with their own vulnerability.

She has been involved in numerous Foundations and Associations in Switzerland and abroad related to the Living – human rights, humanitarian, education, social integration, disability, medical research, culture and arts, support to the animal cause as well as to the environment and research in renewable energies.

In this way, Dominique has never stopped giving and building bridges to connect donors and recipients, to restore dignity, amplify hope and repair our planet.

As a philanthropist, Dominique is an ambassador. She acts on behalf of all humans. She quietly reminds us that service on behalf of all humans is the true nobility, the one that lifts us up to greater than ourselves.

It is never a question of doing everything, but of acting together, to make this crack in ourselves a path towards the other, in all lucidity.

Thank you, Dominique, for showing us this path.

Philippe

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About the Author
Philippe Ungar is a writer, sound archivist and documentary film director. He was first a philosophy professor, then a radio journalist at RTS. Today, he creates audio and video archives for prestigious art collections, art foundations, companies and families who wish to transmit their history and the DNA of their values.
www.philippeungar.comIn 2017, he created Sounds Like Portraits (145 episodes to date), a podcast dedicated to creative humans. Available on Spotify and on soundslikeportraits.com

If you’re interested in following this “Path to the Other”, here are some recent engagements you can support

Click on the photos to access the projets.

I had the great privilege of meeting Kamal Musale, the director of the film “Mother Teresa and Me” and Jacqueline Fritschi-Cornaz, the actress who plays the role of the Mother.  

Thank you to Jacqueline and Kamal for so generously sowing the seeds of light in our world that needs it so much!  

This remarkable work that will leave a mark on those who will have the pleasure of watching it has just been released on the screens of French-speaking Switzerland. All profits from the film will go to support charities in India (Zariya Foundation).

I highly recommend it !

«  If I’m different from you, far from harming you,

I am enriching you. »

Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Dear Friends,

In my January Newsletter, I shared with you my deep conviction that

“Over the years, I have gradually become aware that Creation is a connection of atoms, cells, particles, inanimate and animate beings, that one cannot consider a part of without also considering the whole… wisdom, the zeitgeist or political correctness will eventually lead us all to this point one day or another.

……

The very essence of all human life, the condition of all survival, is connected to this innate capacity of collaboration and complementarity of organisms, of species, as long as they are aware of their interdependence.

In recent years, I have become more and more attached to promoting human encounters, identifying convergences and initiating synergies between people and projects dedicated to the common good.

By connecting them and bringing them together whenever possible, my challenge has been to encourage them to find the greatest common denominator between them, aligning with shared values, – each one preserving their own unique character and DNA -, with a view to the pursuit of their mission and the sustainability of their action over the medium and long term.

This is why new “scores” are being written or have already been composed, in the humanitarian field, between NGOs with complementary approaches working in the same geographical areas, between these NGOs and those dedicated to the defense of human rights, between these NGOs and those working for the protection of the environment – how can one be envisaged without the other -, between institutions dedicated to music, dance, painting, plastic arts, cinema – new collaborations are being created, which would have been unimaginable a short time ago -. “

This roadmap that I have made my own over time, like a fabric of a thousand colours and textures, is constantly enriched by new threads that I add and that intertwine with each other.

To the question that I am often asked, about what guides my judgment and triggers in me this process of adhesion and mobilisation for a new cause, I invariably answer that the project, and the people who carry it, must move me and resonate with me – both through a thorough analysis of the structure, of its functioning and its impact with regard to the project itself, and through a global “understanding” of the human beings who are at its service. This is where the irreplaceable intuition of GO or NO GO also comes into play!

All this is the basis of “trust”, the cornerstone of what will happen.

Many theories have been put forward and much ink has been spilled in an attempt to define, explain and circumscribe what we call “Philanthropy”: the processes involved, the actors involved and the win-win for both.

There are in fact as many textbook cases as there are concrete examples!

Some donors and patrons will prefer to focus on one cause exclusively, in one specific part of the world, while others will be happy to help many projects, both in their immediate environment and beyond their borders!

Some will only want to help small organisations, while others will be more comfortable with large organisations… both have their strengths and weaknesses.

“My” Trust-Based Philanthropy  

Those of you who have followed me over the years know about my commitment to the animal cause and the BanOboun Shelter that I financed in Thailand for stray dogs, victims of human barbarism. This project had disturbed some people who had told me that they supported the animals here in Switzerland, but found it inappropriate to help there. I had retorted that it was first of all for a humanitarian cause – the underprivileged children of Thailand supported by the Jan & Oscar Foundation of my friend Laurence Pian – that I had made many trips there, hence the personal initiative of this Refuge. To which they replied that it is very good to help there, but that we must also help “at home”. Which is also my priority!

It is interesting to read this article on “Trust-Based Philanthropy” https://theconversation.com/how-mackenzie-scotts-12-billion-in-gifts-to-charity-reflect-an-uncommon-trust-in-the-groups-she-supports-173496

which reflects this new trend that is developing in the United States … if the examples and amounts mentioned reflect a state of mind and a culture that are very different from ours, they can nonetheless be a powerful source of inspiration for many individuals who are in the process of making a personal choice to give back.

It should be noted that philanthropy cannot be reduced to the act of a financial donation, far from it! Any voluntary approach, any personal commitment that makes time and skills available, is the result of the same benevolence and generosity!

Two recent examples among others of my range of action and of the different networks in which I have recently intervened through this “trust-based” commitment

-The three projects highlighted below, namely MEDAIR, the Antoine de Saint Exupéry Foundation for Youth and the Lausanne School of Music, all follow the same approach! –

I was contacted at the beginning of the year by the Swiss Association of Fundraisers “Swissfundraising”, which organises 3 to 4 panels per year, to allow exchanges between different actors within various NGOs,  and who are involved in fundraising. 

During a presentation that I gave last spring, while testifying about my career and my different commitments in front of representatives of large and small foundations and public and private NGOs, I became even more aware of the importance for all of them, within the framework of their mission and the crucial issue of funding which is their responsibility, to find the “greatest common denominator” between them, if necessary, in order to create synergies and partnerships over the medium term. To ensure the sustainability of their action in the service of the beneficiaries of their respective NGOs.

Ultimately, it is up to each of us to define “our own” Trust-Based Philanthropy!

The two projects highlighted below, the Antoine de Saint Exupéry Foundation for Youth Jeunesse and the Ecole de Musique de Lausanne (Music School of Lausanne), follow the same approach, based on trust!

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FASEJ

« Pour ce qui est de l’avenir tu n’as pas à le prévoir, mais à le rendre possible. »

Antoine de Saint-Exupéry (Citadelle)

“The FASEJ was created 14 years ago by the family of the famous writer-pilot to house the solidarity initiatives sponsored by the heirs and their international partners. “A legacy as important as this entails as many duties as rights,” explains 97-year-old François d’Agay, nephew and godson of the author of The Little Prince and President of the Foundation.
The choice to support projects to help young people, and more particularly in the field of education, is strategic. It is absolutely essential to put the values conveyed by the life and work of Antoine de Saint Exupéry at the service of young citizens. And to give hope to our youth who are worried about their future between climate crisis and social chaos.
When we speak of hope, responsibility, elevation, and wisdom, we think of the Little Prince.
Dominique’s actions and her life have always been in line with this philosophy. She has naturally put her network, her energy and her enthusiasm at the service of the FASEJ in Switzerland and in the world.
We thank her for being an Ambassador of the ANTOINE DE SAINT EXUPERY FOUNDATION FOR YOUTH!

Olivier d’Agay

General Secretary of
 FONDATION ANTOINE DE SAINT EXUPERY POUR LA JEUNESSE (FASEJ)

The Antoine de Saint Exupéry Youth Foundation is partnering with Zero Emission Group to create the workshop “Future Starts Now!”
This workshop aims to inspire young people to pursue scientific careers to address the climate challenges of today and tomorrow. 

This interactive presentation is designed in two blocks. The first part, presented by EPFL students, aims to explain the causes and consequences of the climate crisis and then to show the role of science and engineering in the implementation of solutions through several concrete case studies. The second part is an exchange with one of the founders of a start-up labelled part of the 1000+ solutions by the Solar Impulse Foundation.

We want to create a moment of sharing and inspire young people through the experiences of students and young entrepreneurs. In this way, we hope to help high school students find their vocation and encourage them to join a new generation of scientists and engineers ready to take on the challenges of tomorrow. 

After a first year of deploying the workshop in French-speaking high schools, we have the ambition to translate it to share it with all Swiss high schools.

Our Youth need your support !

To support this beautiful pedagogical project:

 

http://fasej.org

MUSIC FOR ALL

Convinced that artistic practice is a life-long apprenticeship to train the actors of tomorrow, the School of Music Lausanne – EML – offers musical training accessible to all.

www.em-l.ch

To be seen and heard, this magnificent project recently created by the EML in collaboration with the MCBA – Musée Cantonal des Beaux-Arts de Lausanne.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1babBNw5Cak !

“Bruno Merlino, a member of the FDRG Foundation Board, and I shared our project with Dominique who was very receptive. She generously listened to us, sharing her philanthropic vision and her vast experience with Foundations. Convinced that by joining forces with other Foundations, we could better serve our missions, she put us in touch with the institutions that defend the causes that are dear to her heart. As a true builder, she created the “bridges” necessary to defend our projects. Thus, we have met several actors with whom we have had rich exchanges leading to synergies and new projects, some of which are already in progress.

We will take as a witness the participation of three young musicians from the EML who will soon play, as a preview, at the Charity Event “Zero Emission” supported by the Antoine de St. Exupéry Foundation for Youth. A great example of young people who, in parallel to their education at EPFL, cultivate their passion for music. We are convinced that the practice of art and science is also a bridge-builder, and will be at the heart of tomorrow’s innovations.

 Theodor Gafner, director of the l’EML

A strong connection has been forged over the years between the EML and the Fondation de Ribaupierre-Graz which is a nugget that just needs to grow and develop…

https://fdrg.ch/

 

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Wishing you a beautiful autumn filled with the colours of Life to each and everyone of you Dominique Brustlein-Bobst

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