30 Ways to Build Peace
August 21, 2009
This summer, 107 young people participated in our Peace-building Workshops. Our experienced staff led them through a series of exercises that helped them develop communication and cross-cultural skills. “How do you build peace?” GYV 2009 participants came up with these 30 ways. Feel free to add to their list by writing a comment and start building peace in your communities.
Cross Cultural Immersion Music Workshop
July 27, 2009
It’s a catchy song – Nick
We sing it all the time in the morning – Cali
Yin is learning drum and singing. She played piano and clarinet when she was younger, but gave those up.
Nick played the flute in 8th grade,
“We’re learning a lot about music – the high notes and the low, and the between, and the drumming.” A., a GYV participant from Iraq started drumming on the table as he demonstrated what he was learning in his Arabic music class. The class, lead by Arabic musician Sami Abu Shumays, is bringing speakers of more than 5 languages, from 4 countries together to learn to sing and play music from the Middle East. For many, it’s their first experience playing music. M., also from Iraq, has never been involved in music, but has learned to drum for the class. A. has worked professionally as a DJ, creating beats for commercials and songs.
Other participants were already accomplished musicians when they joined the class, but are enjoying learning a new form. Klara, from Germany, plays jazz and classical saxophone, and is excited to be learning a new form of music. Cali, from the United States, plays violin, piano, clarinet, flute, drums, and lap harp. She says, “It’s a lot of fun because we get to meet each other and learn.” Nick, from Chicago, agreed. “It’s bringing us closer together.”
Learning to sing in Arabic has been a challenge for the non-Arabic speaking participants. Cali says the aspirated Hs are particularly difficult. She explained her difficulty, and it turned into a mini-lesson on the correct pronunciation. The Arabic speaking students in the class spend a lot of time helping the others understand the meaning of the music they are working on.
Both sections of the class are looking forward to performing the song they are learning at Sharing Night. “It’s a catchy song,” says Nick. “We sing it a lot in the mornings,” Cali added.
Peacebuilding Workshop- An Iraqi Prespective
July 27, 2009
The Peacebuilding Workshop is a kind of workshop that focuses on communication and dialogue as tools to bring about peace, understanding and experimental knowledge. It helps promote listening, expressing thoughts and sharing personal experiences to build connecting bridges between participants to bring them closer together so that they could comprehend and appreciate each other in a peaceful and productive manner. Providing a safe and comfortable environment for the participants is the key to beneficial communication and it accommodates speaking up and learning diverse techniques about conflict resolution skills by experiencing the facts rather than studying them. Demonstrating that respect and positive attitude leads to a win/win result provokes the participants to try to make a difference through embracing dialogue and peace as the lane that leads to solutions for our problems.
When I first came here I was really confused about my goals and I had so many thoughts in chaos that I didn’t know how to sort them out, but I have experienced in this workshop that there is really no way to peace, peace is the way. I finally have the motivation that I was lacking to go for my dreams which is to make a positive difference in my society.
~ Iraqi Participant Session B, 2009
Workshops – Put knowledge into action!
November 10, 2008
Workshops meet every week day morning. The instructors are gifted teachers with dynamic teaching approaches. The best part is hearing every one’s thoughts. You will select two workshops during your stay.
Options for Summer 2009 include: Dialogue and Peacebuilding, Global Issues, Crossing Cultures through the Arts, Green Your World
GYV offers in-depth training. Instructors show the interdependence of topics, draw on successful models of problem solving from around the world and help you see how one person can make a difference. Take all this new knowledge and create a plan of action.
Dialogue and Peace building
Learn peace-building skills and how to respond productively to conflict and prejudice. Understand conflict styles, learn mediation techniques, and how to create a better balance of power. Explore non-violence movements, and how to constructively deal with anger. Develop listening and feedback skills and study facilitation techniques.
“I have accomplished the goal of being able to speak in a large group. I learned about dialogue and conflict resolution. Now I can go back home and resolve conflicts whether they are personal, family, or community conflicts. I can start to make change.” ~ Philip Kane, Northern Ireland
Global Issues
So many questions to explore! What are the major peace and security issues in the world right now? How do we identify and address basic human needs? What are the global economic issues that affect you today? How will all these issues affect you in the future? Learn how to analyze the connections between these major concerns and explore possible solutions. Discover how to think and act globally!
” We took a three phase approach: a) inquiring about an issue, b) investigating the facts, and c) initiative -- determining what the global community and we as individuals could do. One issue we decided to take on was children’s health issue, specifically cleft palates. We raised awareness and funds.” ~ Joyce Ngabire, Rwanda.
Crossing Cultures through the Arts
The arts play an essential role in preserving and transmiting culture as well as commenting on the issues of the day. Work with Artists in residence who have specific expertise in storytelling and music from around the world. Build writing and interviewing skills. Create stories, video blogs and more using the peers at GYV as your youth voices. Work with professional musicians and ethnomusicologists exploring different musical styles e.g. Middle East, American roots music, African influences in American music. Learn songs, percussion, and how music unites people.
Green Your World
Explore the natural world and the complex issues facing our ecosystems. Learn how to be a friend to the environment through changing your every day habits to incorporate sustainable living practices. Discover the meanings behind concepts like eco-tourism, permaculture, fair trade, green building, organic agriculture and renewable energy.
Nigerian Participants
October 5, 2008
Your program is a special initiative and selection process and includes in-country assistance with application, visa process, group flight details and a chaperone for groups of 10 or more. Please contact the following people
Stella Abuah Project Coordinator
Telephone: 773-297-5557 Email : patabu@hotmail.com
Martina Omoaka Nigeria Outreach Assistant Coordinator
Telephone : 234-805-584-4208 Or 802-323-9268.
Email : martykjs@yahoo.com
Option 1: Three week Crossing Cultures Program with international and US youths at the Global Youth Village and 2 days in Washington DC
Ages: 15-18 years old
Dates: July 9 – August 3
Tuition: $3500
Option 2: Three week Program with international and US youths at the Global Youth Village and 4 day Citizen Involvement Program in Washington DC
Ages: 15-18
Dates: July 9 to August 7
Tuition: $4600
