As the date for my departure draws near, I will be posting some links for anyone who is interested in learning more about the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and how it relates to the geopolitics of today, as well as how it has impacted the entire Middle East and the region's attitude toward the West, especially the US. My hope is that people in my circle of friends and family will support me in this long-awaited step in my life- the crossing over from academic study into the field where I will continue to fight for human rights, dignity and justice. This is the beginning of what I've worked very hard to accomplish, and if you'd like to peek in on the journey, check back occasionally. It officially starts June 13th, but all of my pre-departure fundraising will be listed and detailed here as well. If you'd like to be a part of building peace one piece at a time, I invite you to click the donate button and share whatever you care to.
I am also posting the letter I wrote to Project Harmony, because I see it as the vital first step, and because I feel that it explains my motivation to go and DO....
"To Whom it May Concern, I know from personal experience that exposure to the unknown at a young age can teach individuals priceless things about themselves and the world they live in. Experiences such as participating in the Project Harmony summer camp helps them to understand the impact they can make on the world through their peers. Children are still in the process of exploring what kind of person they can be, and I feel that this characteristic makes them the greatest hope in regions such as the Israeli-Palestinian Territories. The children that are exposed to one another this summer will grow up to vote, hold office, and participate in the social fabric of their society. Having a deeper understanding of one another while living in a country immersed in conflict promises a hope for innovative policy as well as mutual understanding and respect. My CELTA certification from the University of Cambridge coupled with by Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Eckerd College have prepared me to assist your organization this summer. As a student preparing to enter Graduate School, I plan to focus my studies on the Middle East and the Arab-Israeli conflict. The conflict has captured my attention since first learning of the history of the dispute. Globalization and modern alliances have made this conflict a major piece of the geopolitical landscape while simultaneously there is a stagnation of progress and tensions in the region continue to escalate. I personally believe that coexistence programming and training among children is one of the most effective ways to introduce the concept of common ground and illustrate our human similarities when removed from politics and ideology. By reinforcing positive connections and creating lifelong learning experiences, one child at a time, through a safe and judgment-free zone I believe that real change can slowly occur. As my volunteer experiences show, I am committed to making a difference one person at a time. I have given time to tasks such as combating the injustices in the Democratic Republic of Congo. I raised public support to convince the Chamber of Commerce for the City of St Petersburg, FL to adopt a conflict mineral-free purchasing ordinance with the assistance of the Enough Project. I also participate in the organization Big Brothers/Big Sisters and have been an active Big Sister for over a year, which has been incredibly rewarding! The experience has taught me, first hand, the positive impact that can be made on a child by simply listening to and spending time with them. I am a firm proponent of learning from experiences. I would greatly appreciate that opportunity to participate in Project Harmony as a General Counselor bringing together Jewish and Arab children in an environment of communication and shared experience to further goals of peace. I would appreciate the opportunity to further discuss my qualifications and experience and how they will contribute to furthering the goals of Action Without Borders and Project Harmony."
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