SPRING 2016
IN ACTION NEWSLETTER It was an honor to join over 700 Israeli and Palestinian members of the Seeds of Peace community for our latest GATHER initiatives in Jericho and Tel Aviv this spring. To see the work of so many young people filled with such inspiration and commitment—there and in every region in which we work—gives me great reason to celebrate, even in this difficult climate. —Leslie A. Lewin, Executive Director
Creating cultural, policy changes in Maine schools PORTLAND, MAINE | This spring, as part of the Maine Program’s commitment to address pressing issues creating divisions in their schools and communities, dozens of Maine Seeds from across the state organized two youth summits. “Both events focused on the power and potential of young people to create meaningful culture and policy change in their schools,” said US Programs Director Sarah Brajtbord. “The Maine Seeds led the way, sharing their work, facilitating dialogue sessions, and learning with and from their peers. It was a beautiful example of youth leadership at every level.” The Maine Youth Summit, held at the Portland Public Library, focused on education, gender, and identity, and was attended by teachers and high school administrators.
The Seeds presented their policy recommendations to a panel of education professionals, community leaders, policymakers—and their peers. They also led an intensive question and answer session with the panelists followed by a dialogue session that engaged the entire group. Topics discussed included standardized testing, de-gendering dress codes, inclusive sex-ed, gender and bathrooms, diversity of teaching staff, and Islamophobia. “This is a platform for Maine students to share their opinions about issues that face our state and how they see them being solved,” said Nina, a Maine Seed who helped organize the Summit. “It allows us to hear all sides of an issue, and gives us a voice in decisions that will ultimately affect us. This is about student leaders
working with administrators and educators to implement concrete solutions to the issues in our educational system and school communities.” The Maine event set the stage for the New England Youth Identity Summit, hosted by Seeds of Peace and Waynflete High School. It was attended by more than 200 students, parents, and educators from 31 schools and organizations from as far away as Rhode Island. The Summit included a series of student-led workshops designed to inspire critical thinking and dialogue on key issues facing US schools. The workshops also equipped participants with the tools to go back to their schools to implement different initiatives and activities to make their communities safer and more inclusive.
Hosting integration camp in Pakistan
GATHERing 700 Israelis and Palestinians JERUSALEM | Over 700 Seeds, parents, educators, and friends came together this spring at GATHER Community Days in Jericho and Tel Aviv to recognize the impact our alumni are having in their communities and take part in workshops, trainings, and networking sessions. GATHER is a Seeds of Peace initiative that supports practical action to advance social change and transform conflict. The day-long convenings marked the first time that Seeds of Peace has brought together the full range of alumni—from Seeds of all ages to Educators and Fellows—alongside external supporters and stakeholders, including members of other organizations working for peace. COMMUNITY DAY PALESTINE In Jericho, the GATHER Community Day included sessions that highlighted the ways in which Seeds, Educators, Fellows, and other organizations are working for change within Palestine. Seed-led panels tackled topics ranging from community empowerment, to gender and politics, and resisting the status quo. The GATHER Community Day was attended by representatives from a wide array of organizations, including the Alliance for Middle East Peace, the Office of the Quartet, the
Israel/Palestine Center for Research and Information, Combatants for Peace, Just Vision, and the Palestine Liberation Organization. Donald Blome, the US Consul General in Jerusalem, spoke to the participants about the vital role of youth leadership as a catalyst for change in the region. “Seeing you all reinforces my own hope that the future of peace in this region is not as dark as some would describe it,” he said. COMMUNITY DAY ISRAEL The GATHER Community Day in Tel Aviv took place at the Dan Panorama Hotel and included panel discussions, workshops, and lectures focused on inspiring change and accelerating the impact of initiatives led by Seeds of Peace alumni. Participants heard from speakers like Iddo, a Seed, high school teacher, and New Visions for Peace Fellow from Jerusalem, who is challenging his students to think critically about the conflict. They also heard from panelists who addressed topics ranging from social entrepreneurship and social change to education and active citizenship. The US Ambassador to Israel Daniel Shapiro attended the event, along with representatives from nearly a dozen organizations in Israel.
LAHORE | With funding from the United States Institute of Peace, Pakistani Seeds and Educators organized a weeklong National Integration Camp for 71 students and educators from across Pakistan. The camp program promotes understanding and tolerance between Pakistani communities often divided and in conflict. Campers tackled national and inter-province issues through dialogue, leadership development, and community action idea generation. They worked to build trust through sports and other fun activities. “Now, I feel like I have the power to change the thoughts of my community,” said Fatima, a camper from Lahore.
Showcasing mission at UK House of Lords LONDON | Lord Stone of Blackheath hosted over 80 Israeli, Palestinian, and UK Seeds and supporters at the House of Lords in London. The meeting of grassroots peace organizations was attended by the British Government Minister for the Middle East, Tobias Ellwood. The event brought together community leaders and alumni of peacebuilding programs and highlighted their potential for engaging young people from Muslim and Jewish communities in the UK. Three Seeds shared their experiences and took part in a discussion focused on approaches to building positive dialogue between groups in conflict. The discussion was moderated by Samantha Simmonds of Sky News.