In the summer of 2005, I was given the opportunity to work with a program in Croatia called Renewing Our Minds (ROM), that focused on teaching leadership and peacebuilding skills. This was my introduction to the concept of peacebuilding, and it radically changed the course of my life and career. The following winter, I studied for a term in Cape Town, South Africa, learning about the post-Apartheid process there. I came away from these two experiences with a deep desire to learn more about conflict resolution processes for the purpose of sharing what I learned with those trying to do this important work.
My senior thesis project for my B.A. in Comparative History of Ideas was a study of the approaches of several peacebuilding non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that I encountered in Croatia and South Africa (ROM, as well as Hands For a Bridge, the Institute for Healing of Memories, and the Direct Action Center for Peace and Memory). Now, as a graduate student in Northwest University's ICCD program, I plan to continue my research into the approaches various organizations and practitioners take as they work to build peace in their various contexts. My hope is that the information I gather can be compiled into a resource highlighting best practices, which can make peacebuilding work even more effective and efficient as practitioners learn from each other's work.
I will be posting on this blog as I conduct my research this summer, and hope that you will feel free to comment, share ideas, and ask questions. I understand that this topic may have controversial components, and ask that all posts be respectful.
Here's hoping that together we can build a more peaceful world.
~Hillary
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