MSCI

Micronesian Stick Chart Institute

Our Charts. Our Voices

Introducing the MSCI

The Micronesian Stick Chart Institute (MSCI) is a locally founded, independent organization dedicated to empowering the people of the Freely Associated States (FAS) through accessible information, civic engagement, and evidence-based policy analysis.

Rooted in the unique identity and lived realities of the FAS, MSCI exists to keep communities informed and connected across islands and diaspora. We create platforms for citizen voices to speak on the challenges and opportunities facing Micronesia—from outmigration and governance, to geopolitical pressures and regional partnerships.

By prioritizing community-centered solutions, MSCI strives to be a trusted, homegrown space for research, dialogue, and transparency in a rapidly changing world.

What is a Freely Associated State (FAS)?

A Freely Associated State (FAS) is a sovereign nation that has entered into a unique bilateral agreement with the United States known as the Compact of Free Association (COFA). This arrangement grants the U.S. specific strategic and defense rights in exchange for economic assistance and other benefits to the associated state. Currently, the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), and the Republic of Palau hold this status.​

Historical Context

The origins of the FAS designation trace back to the aftermath of World War II, when these Pacific islands were administered by the United States under a United Nations trusteeship known as the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands (TTPI). The primary objective of this trusteeship was to guide these territories toward self-governance or independence. In the 1980s and 1990s, FSM, RMI, and Palau achieved full sovereignty and established COFA agreements with the United States, formalizing their status as Freely Associated States.

Key Provisions of the Compact of Free Association

  • Sovereignty and Self-Governance: Each FAS maintains full sovereignty and conducts its own domestic and foreign affairs.​

  • U.S. Defense Responsibilities: The United States is responsible for the defense and security of the FAS, with exclusive military access to their land, airspace, and territorial waters.

  • Economic Assistance: The U.S. provides financial aid, access to federal programs, and technical assistance to support the development and well-being of the FAS populations.

  • Migration and Residency Rights: Citizens of the FAS have the right to live, work, and study in the United States without a visa, although they are not U.S. citizens.

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Strategic Advisory & Research Offerings

Analytical Services

MSCI provides problem-focused analysis to support evidence-informed decision making across public, nonprofit, and donor-funded initiatives.

  • Diagnostic Analysis: Identify systemic gaps (e.g. workforce retention, program bottlenecks)

  • Descriptive Analysis: Summarize key trends across time/geography (e.g. remittance flows, youth migration)

  • Prescriptive Analysis: Recommend policies or interventions based on findings

  • Comparative Analysis: Benchmark FAS against other island states or regions

  • Equity-Focused Analysis: Examine inclusion or disparities by gender, geography, age, or disability

Political Economy Analysis (PEA)

MSCI writes PEAs to help unpack the formal and informal rules, power dynamics, and actors that shape policy and development outcomes.

  • Understand why reforms stall or succeed

  • Identify champions or spoilers of change

  • Tailor donor-funded programs to real-world constraints

Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL)

MSCI designs and delivers MEL services to improve learning, accountability, and program effectiveness.

  • Baseline Assessments

  • Midterm & Final Evaluations

  • Theory of Change Design

  • MEL Strategy & Framework Development

  • Participatory M&E Tools

Organizational Development & Process Support

MSCI helps institutions strengthen internal systems, decision-making processes, and performance.

  • Process Mapping & Improvement

  • Strategic Planning Facilitation

  • Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) Development

  • Capacity Gap Assessments

  • Leadership & Team Retreats

Stakeholder Engagement & Communication

MSCI designs inclusive engagement processes and outreach strategies that strengthen trust and transparency.

  • Consultation Design & Facilitation

  • Community Feedback Mechanisms

  • Communications Strategy Development

  • Public Sector Outreach & Transparency Support

  • Translation & Localization (Micronesian languages)

Applied Research & Technical Assistance

MSCI partners with governments and donors to deliver technical research in priority areas.

  • Program and project Audits

  • Resilience & Risk Mapping

  • Systems Diagnostics

  • Digital Readiness & Access Studies

Contact Us

admin@stickchart.institute

720 SE 160th AVE STE 103 #254Vancouver, WA 98684