HI-USA- Becoming A “Peace” of the Solution
“Such passion and energy! These people will change the world!!” This was just one of the many comments the San Diego Council received from participants after hosting the first ever HI-USA Peace Building Conference on March 7-9. “Peace-ing Communities Together” brought over 40 young adults (ages 18-29) from around the country to San Diego to learn, discuss and network around peace-building.
Highlights of the three-day conference included cultural performances, international cuisine, and an inspirational keynote address by Dr. Joyce Neu of the Joan Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice in San Diego. “Peace is in rare supply today,” said Dr. Neu. “From Afghanistan to Zimbabwe to the streets of San Diego, there is conflict, violence, and injustice. No longer does the solution to these problems rest only in the hands of diplomats- more and more citizens are making a difference.”
Throughout the weekend, participants gained skills and practical insight on how they can be a part of the solution- through workshops on conflict resolution, cross-cultural communication, and active listening, goal-setting activities, and discussions with local non-profit leaders. Participants also worked together to create a 12-foot mural that will be displayed in the 2010 worldwide exhibition of the UN Association Art Miles Mural project in Egypt.
The conference was designed by and for young adults, to actively engage them in peace-building and the mission of HI-USA. “This is a special time in our history”, said one participant. “More and more young adults are realizing and taking interest in the power they have in molding their communities. This conference is an important step in laying the foundation for that emerging energy.”
The Peace Building Conference will continue to grow as an annual event in San Diego, and will be replicated in other HI Councils in years to come. For more information, please contact Arielle Semmel at asemmel@hichicago.org, or Laura Kuebel at programs@sandiegohostels.org.