Greetings!
As we enter 2013 we are in the midst of some exciting changes in communications. The global website of Initiatives of Change has just been relaunched in multiple languages and with a more dynamic and engaging look. You will see an increased use of online video clips and links to social media. In the coming weeks our U.S. websites will migrate to the new format.
While the different programs and projects of Initiatives of Change will keep their distinctive identity and focus, they will be presented with a more universal look. This includes greater branding with the Initiatives of Change logo and the phasing out of some of the other individual logos.
The changes will also be reflected in our Breakthroughs newsletter. For a start, the online version will have shorter articles that are linked to the online stories. There will also be a printer-friendly version that can be downloaded for those who prefer. Printer-friendly version
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News from Hope in the Cities
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Telling the truth about Emancipation
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Dr. Ed Ayers in conversation with Rev. Tee Turner (Photo: Charlotte Freeman)
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"How do we tell the story of Emancipation? Is it about a group of benevolent white people or the story of African Americans who worked for it?" Edward Ayers, President of the University of Richmond, and Rev. Sylvester "Tee" Turner of Hope in the Cities, confronted the question at a dialogue hosted by Hope in the Cities on December 13, just days before the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation issued by Lincoln on January 1, 1863. Read more...
Watch the conversation on YouTube
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Empowering "Change Agents"
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Trustbuilding workshop (Photo: Charlotte Freeman)
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Sinclair Community College, the predominant employer and largest higher learning institution in Dayton, OH, has recently launched a diversity and inclusion program, headed by Gwen Jones. This initiative has resulted in the creation of Sinclair "Change Agents," a group of roughly 60 faculty and staff members who are committed to moving Sinclair and the larger Dayton community towards greater inclusion and appreciation for diversity.
The college has chosen Rob Corcoran's book, Trustbuilding, for a "campus read" in January. In preparation Corcoran gave a presentation to 30 of the Change Agents in early December in which he shared the Hope in the Cities story of racial reconciliation in Richmond. Read more...
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Initiatives of Change International
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Caux looks at healing racial history
This year three conferences highlighting themes from the previous Caux Forum on Human Security will kick off the 2013 summer. The first is concerned with Just governance (June 29-July 3), the second with Healing history (July 3-7) and the third is a Dialogue on land and security (July 7-11)
Of particular interest to Americans is the conference on the theme of Healing History: Overcoming Racism, Seeking Equity, Building Community. The purpose is to explore the history and legacies of racism and how communities can work together to build trust, heal wounded memory, and create cultures of inclusion and economies that work for all ... Read more ...
See the side panel for the full 2013 Caux conference schedule.
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Opportunities for Caux 2013
Caux Scholars Program Conflict transformation from the personal to the global June 26-July 23
Twenty students from around the world are selected for this four-week program that is a multi-disciplinary approach to conflict transformation, transformational justice, and principled leadership. It offers academic classes, service for leadership with practical work, a field trip to Geneva and participation in the Initiatives of Change Conferences. Application deadline is February 15, 2013. Watch the video and visit the website for more information ...
Caux Artists Program Building bridges across different cultures and faiths July 7-20
This interdisciplinary summer course in theater, music, and the humanities challenges artists to explore the ethical and spiritual dimensions of the arts. The invitation is to actors, singers, dancers, and instrumentalists who have a vested interest in exploring the power of art as a catalyst for change in society. The program offers classes, lectures, rehearsals and performances as well as participation in selected events during the IofC Conferences. Application deadline is April 30, 2013. Scholarship applications by February 15, 2013. Visit the website for more information ...
Caux Intern Leadership Program
Building a dynamic network of young changemakers
Session 1 : June 22 - July 20
Session 2 : July 15 - August 12
This is is an opportunity for young people to experience the full richness of the Caux conference center: to contribute their service to the conferences, and through the training program to engage with the needs of the world. Board and lodging are fully covered, but Interns are expected to fund their travel costs. Application deadline is January 31, 2013. Visit the website for more information ...
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Commentaries and Reflections
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Healing our cities
Valerie Lemmie was recently elected to the Initiatives of Change USA board and will serve as Treasurer. She currently is the District Director for U.S. Representative Michael Turner of the 10th District, Ohio.
As a new board member, I am pleased to share with you my history with Initiatives of Change (IofC). I was first introduced to IofC through my work with Hope in the Cities in the early 1990s while serving as city manager in Petersburg, Virginia. Like many newcomers to southside Virginia, I was struck by the predominance of everything associated with the Civil War. As a matter of fact, many native white Virginians didn't even call it the Civil War. It was War of Northern Aggression.
I found it ironic that the city promoted its Civil War history, yet this history divided the city along racial lines. I quickly learned that unless we found ways to bridge this divide, building consensus on how best to address community problems would be impossible.
Then something fortuitous happened. Richmond Mayor Walter Kenney introduced me to Hope in the Cities. Prior to this, I had not thought about racial issues as something both African Americans and whites should address together. Building trust through honest dialogue and working towards racial reconciliation helped our city begin to heal-and to move forward collectively to address challenges and opportunities... Read more ... |
We must do better
Susan Corcoran is the Communications Director for Initiatives of Change U.S.A.
The recent shooting of innocent children in Newtown, CT, has caused us to ask ourselves how we can do better. In President Obama's words, "These tragedies must end. And to end them, we must change."
The blogosphere is full of suggestions about tougher gun control legislation, heightened security in schools and care for the mentally ill. All this is important but more profoundly there is violence that stalks every human heart. We live in a culture of violence and rage.
Too often, no matter our age, if we don't get what we want, when we want it, we lash out or throw a temper tantrum. Daily we experience road rage and impatience that puts others at risk. We pour contempt on the less fortunate and neglect the most vulnerable among us. We make choices based on what suits us with little regard for the consequences for others. We glorify violence and then we wonder why for some it quickly moves from fantasy to reality... Read more ...
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Initiatives of Change focuses on the link between personal and global change and seeks to inspire, equip, and engage individuals as trustbuilders.
It starts with listening and responding to the still small voice within, applying values of integrity to everyday living, and taking risks to bridge divides.Visit our website for more information.
We hope you enjoyed this issue of Breakthroughs Online. Please share this newsletter with your friends and forward it to those you know have a passion for trustbuilding.
Thank you! |
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Please consider a gift to Initiatives of Change
Sixty percent of our support comes from people just like you! No gift is too large or too small.
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Posters from Metropolitan Richmond Day are on sale
Price $10. Order from our office
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Upcoming Events
February 1-3
Creators of Peace Circle, Washington, DC - This experience offers women an opportunity to embrace their value as peace-creators in family, community and nation. If you are interested in learning more about Creators of Peace Circles contact Kathy Aquilina at 202 872 9077 or email.
Making Democracy Real, India - This international dialogue, convened at the Initiatives of Change conference center at Asia Plateau, will examine some of the challenges and responsibilities for stakeholders of democracy. For more information March 12-14
Duke University Divinity School Pilgrimage of Pain and Hope, Richmond, VA - Students will explore the work of healing history and its legacy in Richmond. March 22-23
Hope in the Cities Facilitator Training, Richmond, VA
- A 12-hour facilitator training focused on building both competence and confidence in facilitating difficult and heated dialogues and discussions. Location: Hope in the Cities Office. Time: Fri. 4:00 - 8:00pm, Sat. 9:00am - 6:00 pm. For more information and to register
April 17-21 National Conference for Reconciliation and Healing, South Sudan - Initiatives of Change International will partner with the government in providing international speakers and facilitators with evidence of reconciliation and healing during this conference. For more information May 4 Trustbuilding and Community Change Workshop, Richmond, VA - A one-day interactive workshop exploring trust as social capital and trustbuilding as an essential skill for effective leaders in a diverse world. It draws on Rob Corcoran's book, Trustbuilding. Location: Richmond Hill. Time: Sat. 9:00am - 6:00pm. For more information and to register
May 17-18
Hope in the Cities Walking Through History Workshop, Richmond, VA - A 12-hour training with Hope in the Cities to explore the methodology that encourages healing and understanding. It will include a walk along the historic Slave Trail. Location: Richmond Hill. Time: Fri. 4:00 pm - Sat. 6:00 pm. For more information and to register
May 29-31 The Value of Reconciliation: opportunity, equity and race, Tulsa, OK - The John Hope Franklin Center for Reconciliation is convening this fourth national symposium. Hope in the Cities will be presenting a workshop. For more information June 7-8 Hope in the Cities Facilitator Training, Richmond, VA- A 12-hour facilitator training focused on building both competence and confidence in facilitating difficult and heated dialogues and discussions. Location: Richmond Hill. Time: Fri. 4:00 pm - Sat. 6:00 pm. For more information and to register June 29-August 122013 Caux Summer Conferences, Switzerland
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Caux Conference Report
Read it online or order from our office |
Caux Conferences 2013
June 29-July 3 Just governance Exploring the personal qualities needed for effective governance and structures which promote integrity and cooperation
July 3-7
Healing history
Overcoming racism, seeking equity, building community July 7-11
Dialogue on land and security Share experience and build partnerships in restoring land, lives and peace.
July 13-19Trust and integrity in the global economy Toward economic justice and environmental stability
July 24-30 Children as actors in transforming society The role of children and youth as active citizens
August 1-6 Learning to live in a multicultural world Imagining and co-creating a desired future in Europe through intergenerational and intercultural dialogue
August 7-12 Seeds of inspiration People sharing the inspiration that shaped their lives
More information available soon on the Caux website
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Read author
Rob Corcoran's latest blog,
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The Imam & The Pastor
"The African model for finding peace amid the continent's warring communities"
The Times (London)
An African Answer
The second film about
the work of these two
African peacemakers.
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