International Humanitarian Award: Garth Neufeld.

Abstract

This award recognizes extraordinary humanitarian service and activism by a psychologist or a team of psychologists, including professional and/or volunteer work conducted primarily in the field with underserved populations. "As president of Shared Space for All (SSFA), a nonprofit organization that educates and mentors impoverished youth in a village in the province of Isaan, Thailand, Mr. Garth Neufeld has successfully and strategically led the organization. SSFA promotes safer futures for youth in a context where poverty limits education and promotes migration to cities where a lack of skills translates into vulnerability to recruitment into sex work and trafficking. Over 200 at-risk school-aged children have received a range of services through SSFA, including supervised care before and after school, social services such as transportation, and full scholarships for higher education. The organization is exemplary in partnering with the local community and privileging the wisdom of those it serves. Mr. Neufeld has assembled a board of Thai and American members, mobilizing local commitment and engagement, harnessing the power of volunteers both local and overseas, underscoring contextually and culturally appropriate approaches, and balancing when to lead from the front or from behind. Mr. Neufeld is a tenured professor of psychology at Cascadia College, managing an active academic career and commitment to SSFA. He is a leader in Division 2, where he is highly regarded by his colleagues and has received multiple awards for teaching. Mr. Neufeld's vision through SSFA has been described as transformative, creating change by investing in the next generation to build human capital. Mr. Neufeld stands as a shining example of how psychologists can bring their skills and passion to organize and mobilize partnerships that can make a lasting difference in a vulnerable community. For these reasons, American Psychological Association's (APA's) Committee for Global Psychology is honored to present this award to Garth Neufeld." (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).