About A Global Obligation, Inc.

A Global Obligation is an Incorporated Association, registered in the State of Victoria, Australia. Our rules of incorporation clearly state that the organisation is not carried on for the profit of the members. What does this mean? It means we aren't here to make a dime; we're here to make a difference. Our policy is to spend no more than 10% on administration costs.

Founded in late 2006, A Global Obligation is the brainchild of John Cleary and David Kellam. John and David are both Internet and technology consulting professionals, and are passionate about good technology and education.

Born in Melbourne, Australia, both had the chance to attend schools where they received high quality education. For between 105 and 150 million children in the developing world, such education is merely a dream.

This cold harsh reality was brought home to John and David by movements like Make Poverty History and the Micah challenge, which have done a fantastic job of raising awareness of the problems facing our world. To their business and analytical minds, however, they didn’t see a problem so much as an opportunity for a solution. While they encourage people to pressure their governments to change, they also see great potential to enable individuals to enact change themselves.

Education is the great enabler. It is the thing that allows people to rise above their past. Once given, it can never be taken away. Education is the single best gift we can give the developing world. Education provides opportunity. Opportunity enables change. Want to solve the problem of HIV/AIDS in Africa? The answer is education. Want to solve the problem of the class divide in developing nations? The answer is, again, education. Want to solve the problems of over-tilling of land in the Sudan? Education.

The 10% rule

As outlined above, A Global Obligation is not carried on for the profit of its members. Indeed, our policy is that we shall spend no more than 10% of the money we are donated for our project (i.e. your $1 donation) on administration costs.

Committee of Management

A Global Obligation's Committee of Management governs the day-to-day operation of the Association. Current committee members include our founders, John Cleary and David Kellam, as well as Dr Ray Cleary, Elizabeth Board and Timothy Cleary. Amongst them, they have many years experience with Technology, Social Work, Education and Law.

Two of the passions of John's life brought A Global Obligation into being.

Firstly, John has an at times unhealthy obsession with making sure technology is done right. The second passion is making sure that someone stands up for those who can't stand up for themselves: a belief that those of us lucky enough to live in the developed world have an obligation to help those who can't help themselves in areas like education and health.

During a recent trip to the USA, John realised the vast opportunities for using online mass-micro-payments for fundraising. With the advent of social networking sites for building buzz thrown into the mix, it was an easy decision to come to. This, partnered with his passion for good and free education, has brought him to the project we have today.

John is an avid singer, dancer and actor - but restricts such talents strictly to the non-professional arena. He enjoys films, great coffee and eating out. He loves classic Alfa Romeo cars, and even though they do have a tendency to break his heart he always goes back.

John can be contacted for press enquiries by email at john@aglobalobligation.org or on +61 410 745 780.

David is passionate about technology and education. He is a product of 22 straight years of education from kindergarten to a Masters Degree in Business and Information Technology. His education is a privilege to which most of the developing world can only aspire. By co-founding A Global Obligation, David intends to change this dynamic by leveraging his knowledge of technology and business innovation to develop systems of mass education. He is leading our openEducation project.

David believes in fixing problems at their source, and building solutions that will stand the test of time. Lack of education is the source of the majority of the world's problems. It's what separates the rich and the poor. With A Global Obligation, David intends to radically change this dynamic.

David is a keen singer and member of The Australian Chamber Choir, which will be touring Europe in July 2007. When not rehearsing, David enjoys good food, great coffee and exceptional company.

David can be contacted for press enquiries by email at david@aglobalobligation.org or on +61 410 745 779.

Dr Ray Cleary

A leading community spokesperson, Anglicare Victoria’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ray Cleary heads the largest provider of support services for children and families in Victoria, Australia.

With over 25 years experience in senior roles within community service agencies, Ray’s first appointments were in 1977 as Executive Director of Child Care Services for the Uniting Church and the Copelen Street Family Centre. He then became Associate Director of one of Anglicare Victoria’s founding agencies, the Mission of St. James and St. John, in 1985. In 1987, Ray took up the position of Executive Director with Anglican Homes for Elderly People.

A regular media commentator on social policies, Ray has a Bachelor of Economics, Bachelor of Social Work and Bachelor of Theology combined with a Diploma of Education and a Doctorate in Ministry Studies. Outside work, his interests include camping, Irish music, reading and attending the theatre.

Elizabeth Board

Liz has worked in education (primary, secondary and tertiary) and the not-for-profit sector as a staff member, board member and volunteer. Moving from teaching and lecturing to administration, then into development, has enabled Liz to develop a strong understanding of a range of institutions and their needs.

As well as her teaching qualifications, Liz has a Masters Degree in Education, a BA in English Literature and a Graduate Diploma of Business Management. She is a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a Fellow of the Association of Development and Alumni Professionals in Education.

Liz is Director of Development at Camberwell Grammar School; works as a consultant with Philanthropy Squared on planning for fundraising and mentoring development staff; is a Director of Work and Training, Tasmania, and Apprenticeships Plus and MAS National in Melbourne; and runs an Art Gallery in Richmond.

Her work as a board member and fundraising volunteer in the medical, research and education sectors, has provided her with insights and understandings that inform her passion for assisting young people, especially those who endure disadvantage.

Timothy Cleary

After graduating from the University of Melbourne with honours in both Law and History, Timothy Cleary went to work for Mallesons Stephen Jaques, one of Australia's leading law firms. He currently works in London for Clifford Chance, in the Banking & Finance department.

He has been published in the University College Dublin Law Review, and was also instrumental in the formation of the Melbourne University Political Interest Society.

Other interests include classical music, a great steak and glass of red wine and travelling.