Born in Swansea, South Wales, Jeff has academic qualifications in History, Geography and Economics. Currently living in the US, he specialises in studying societies in contemporary Africa, Asia and Latin America from the perspectives of the above disciplines. He loves to conduct research in these locales, combining it with one of his other pleasures - climbing and camping in the mountains, deserts and forests. Jeff has travelled extensively and has lived in Botswana, Australia and the US as well as his native Wales.

Klaus Surya Kontis has studied sociology, political science and theology. He has 20 years experience of working with conflict management, peace and nonviolence in different contexts both in Sweden and around he world. He is the co-author of the book: "Nonviolence! A handbook for societal change with peaceful means" and also has a background as a nonviolence activist. He has taught "Peace Studies" at the University of Gothenburg and worked with preventive presence in Palestine-Israel. Klaus presently lives in Stockholm and also works as a yoga teacher. He is the founder of: "Nordiska Yogallararforbundet" (The Nordic Yoga teacher Association).

Sian Finn, born and bred in Birmingham is a CIC alumna from cohort 7; she is a recent BSc graduate of Psychology gaining her degree at London South Bank University. Having worked in sales for 10 years, Siân wanted to put her professional skills into generating social capital as opposed to financial. After receiving her TESOL qualification in 2006 Siân has taught a variety of English language courses as a freelance tutor. Whilst studying in London Siân became a residential volunteer at Toynbee Hall an East London charity and has worked on several community learning, engagement projects and initiatives within the borough of Tower Hamlets. Since graduating, Siân has been employed at Toynbee Hall as the Archives Learning and Development Officer; making the rich history of the charity accessible to the community through the organisation of volunteers, interactive learning workshops and training sessions. Siân also works as the information and session supervisor at the free legal advice centre offering an in demand and busy service to members of the public and local community.