Today, I started training to be a facilitator in Soliya’s Connect program. Over the next six weeks I will get to know facilitators from all over the world. With only ten individuals in our virtual meeting room, I met people from Sudan, Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, Syria, as well as my fellow statesiders in New York and Georgia. Together this fall, we will dialogue with university students  about issues related to the  so called divide between the “West & Arab/Muslim Worlds.” In October, I will be partnered with a facilitator from the East, as I represent the West.  Our students will participate from their homes in the Middle East, Europe, North Africa and the US.

1. Building Knowledge about Pressing Issues & Other Cultures – Soliya increases young adults’ knowledge about key international issues and other cultures and enables them to understand other perspectives on divisive subjects, thereby enhancing their ability to counter stereotypes and ignorance.
2. Establishing Meaningful Relationships Across Cultural Divides – Soliya provides young adults with the unique platform through which they can meet people on the other side of this divide.  It also proactively builds the connections between youth and conducts exercises that encourage them to empathize with the “other” so they can develop meaningful relationships.  
3. Developing Communication, Media & Critical Thinking Skills – Soliya develops young adults’ abilities to communicate effectively about sensitive, divisive issues.  Considering the importance of the media in shaping perspectives on these issues, Soliya focuses on developing young adults’ media production and media literacy skills.  The program pushes young adults to be self-reflective and think critically about their own viewpoints and the information they are exposed to.

I look forward to spending more time with my co-facilitators this summer, as we prepare for this coming fall semester. I will keep you posted as I learn more about this program.

Additionally, this fall I will be taking part in Pace e Bene’s ten month nonvolence education program. If you want to join me in becoming an agent of nonviolent change, click here to learn more about the program>>