Michael came to AFJN in the summer of 2005 to join Fr. Bill Dyer in Washington as they picked up the reins and jump-started AFJN into the present. Michael was readily able to serve the membership in many capacities. He was instrumental in developing our website, improved AFJN’s outreach to new members, especially young people, and managed many administrative tasks in the office. During his time at AFJN, Michael liaised with congressional members and State department officials and their staffers in advocacy. He also worked with members of other similar advocacy agencies throughout Washington to bring AFJN’s voice to shared concerns. Michael brought thoughtful and focused analysis to issues with which AFJN concerns itself.

Michael was and is grounded in the Uganda experience that he knows from his time there, from the people he works with on this issue here as well as in Uganda and also from his study and analysis that provided us with very concise and valued tools for advocacy and education. Uganda is where his true passion rests, and so Michael is moving on in mid-January to be part of a more formal coalition for Uganda that will gather the many actors who hope to bring critical mass and attention to guaranteeing peace in Northern Uganda and the surrounding region.

On behalf of all the members of AFJN, I offer Michael our sincere thanks and best wishes in his new ventures. His contribution to the continued service of AFJN as well as to the advocacy and education communities has been very much appreciated and will be missed. Michael, God speed

Rocco Puopolo, SX