Building Bridges in the U.S.
November 15, 2005
U.S. HOME GROUP MEETS IN SAN FRANCISCO
November 11-13, 2005, American Building Bridges for Peace participants and LITs gathered in San Francisco to enjoy each other’s company and address the theme of Inclusive Communities. The highlight of the weekend was a panel of local community leaders and activists engaged with the issues of social change and actively working to create inclusive communities. Jaedon offered his unique perspective on allies and action coming from work with LGBTQ youth. Xiomara shared her experiences creating Art in Action, a program that creates a safe space to explore identity and social activism through the arts. Ameena told us about the genesis of the Islamic Networks Group (ING) and her personal inclusion and exclusion as a Muslim woman in the United States, especially after 9/11. Finally, Ilise challenged us to think about the invisible members of society, to speak up and out about their identities and issues, such as her personal identity as a Sephardic Jew.
After the panel, BBfP participants engaged in a workshop where they were presented with realistic situations in which people’s practices, opinions and beliefs are obstacles to creating safe, inclusive communities. They discussed these scenarios and considered how they are the same and different from the realities they face in their home communities. They also brainstormed actions they can take to become involved.
The weekend continued with community building games in Golden Gate State Park and a night out with guests and friends of Seeking Common Ground at Battambang (a Cambodian restaurant) and the play, the “Arab-Israeli Cookbook” at the Old Oakland Theater.
The retreat was a success! Important to the follow-up program is the momentum and excitement that comes out of our time together. It allows us to plan Individual Projects and to engage in the hard work that needs to be done. Ali, an LIT from Denver said, “I feel rejuvenated and have more hope and ambition than I have in the last months.” Now we are planning for our next retreat! Watch for an update in late January about our time in Chicago.
Building Bridges in the U.S. Archive
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November 16, 2007 |
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The BBfP 2007-2008 U.S. Follow-Up Program Kicks off in the Badlands, South Dakota |
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March 29, 2007 |
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Speaking out, Making Change in Denver |
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November 10, 2006 |
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US Home Group meets for first Follow-Up Program Retreat! |
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April 2, 2006 |
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CONFRONTING PRIVILEGE IN DENVER |
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January 15, 2006 |
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COMMUNITY, CULTURE, AND SERVICE IN CHICAGO |
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January 14, 2006 |
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BUILDING BRIDGES FOR PEACE AND FACE TO FACE/FAITH TO FAITH TAKE PART IN FIRST DENVER SERVICE DAY |
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November 15, 2005 |
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U.S. HOME GROUP MEETS IN SAN FRANCISCO |
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October 16, 2004 |
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BAY AREA GIRLS GATHERING SUMMER MEMORIES FOR SCRAPBOOK |
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October 4, 2004 |
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BAY AREA PARTICIPANTS KICK OFF FOLLOW-UP PROGRAM |
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July 21, 2004 |
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BUILDING BRIDGES FOR PEACE CELEBRATES 11 YEARS OF PROGRAMMING |
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