Youth and Community Conflict Resolution

On July 16, 2014, Meridian welcomed members of an International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) on “Youth and Community Conflict Resolution” for a speed convening session, in partnership with the U.S. Department of State. The delegation of 24 leaders from across the globe includes school counselors, foundation heads and members of local and national government, all working towards peace-building and conflict resolution in their communities. The group met in short, timed sessions with four of their U.S. counterparts: Jessica Elisberg, Program Manager at YouthActionNet; Sandy Guiterrez, Chief Operating Officer of the Latin American Youth Center; Gunnar Hagstrom, Organizational Learning Specialist at PeacePlayers International; and Caitlin Kelly, Program Associate for the Children and Youth at Search for Common Ground. Through the series of small group discussions, participants grappled with the questions of how to best address conflict involving and affecting youth, and shared tools and resources available to aid in their critical work. Over coffee and much laughter, conversations ranged from the role of trust in relationship-building, the importance of working side-by-side with youth, and the potential of sports and physical activity in conflict management.

IVLP volunteers
IVLP participants volunteer with Washington Parks & People and 4H at Mary in Gaye Community Gardens

Following an insightful panel discussion on anti-bullying with the Citywide Youth Bullying Prevention Program, the International Visitors headed to Marvin Gaye Community Gardens to get their hands dirty. In an effort to experience service and volunteerism first-hand, the visitors got promptly to work weeding, composting, and generally beautifying the green space alongside Washington Parks and People. After an informal cultural “dance-off,” participants were paired with young people from a local DC 4-H club and tasked with seed-planting in awaiting garden beds. While the gratification was far from immediate, the relationships and bonds formed with the 4-H students were instantaneous.

Following their time in DC, the group heads to New York City to explore art and peer mediation programs for inner city teens (and take in a Broadway show or two). Through “city splits,” the IVLP then divides and conquers — off to Kalamazoo, Michigan; Kansas City, Missouri; Minneapolis, Minnesota; and Saint Louis, Missouri where diverse topics ranging from community policing to faith-based programming await. The 24 leaders reconvene in scenic Jackson, Wyoming to focus on outdoor summer programs for youth and will conclude in Los Angeles, California, with a youth reconciliation workshop and project closing.

Project summary

Youth and Community Conflict Resolution | July 2014
Number of Attendees:	28
Impact Areas:	Civic Engagement, Cultural Diplomacy, Education, Public Diplomacy
Program Areas:	Global Leadership, Diplomatic Engagement
Partners:	Public Sector, Private Sector