World Refugee Day, June 20, 2025 Diplomats and Senior Level UN experts discuss strategies for Haiti at Delegates Dining Room at UN HQ
Grace Initiative Advisor Abraham Joseph meets with Nobel Peace Prize laureates at the United Nations.
JUANA SUMMERS, HOST:
The U.S. immigration debate has largely focused on the illegal entry of migrants through the U.S. southern border. Most come from Central and South America. The people who often get left out of conversations about immigration are refugees - people fleeing war or persecution. Vermont has a big refugee problem, despite being one of the smallest states, and it's working to resettle hundreds of people from Haiti, Eritrea and Afghanistan. NPR's Sergio Martínez-Beltrán has our story.
SERGIO MARTÍNEZ-BELTRÁN, BYLINE: The community library in Manchester, Vt., is a beautiful building on a quiet road. Lush trees adorn the surroundings here. This library is one of the informal meeting points for the recently arrived Haitian refugees. Jean Gerard Jusmi (ph) is one of them.
JEAN GERARD JUSMI: Vermont is very quiet. Yes, it's very quiet. I can say very organic, too.
MARTÍNEZ-BELTRÁN: Jusmi comes here for the free Wi-Fi. He enjoys volunteering at the local community garden, growing lettuce and tomatoes. A high school math and physics teacher back in Haiti, Jusmi here works in a hotel during the day and at a New England bistro at night, making salads and desserts. He says he left his homeland in April, due to growing lawlessness and gang violence. Basic government services once again collapsed.
JUSMI: There is a bad situation in Haiti. (Inaudible) the gangs there - you know, bad situation right now.
MARTÍNEZ-BELTRÁN: According to the United Nations, gang violence has displaced nearly 600,000 Haitians this year alone. More than 200,000 Haitian migrants, like Jusmi, have resettled in the U.S. Vermont is a state that has put out a welcome mat.
TRACY DOLAN: So it's the right thing to help people and to give them refuge.
MARTÍNEZ-BELTRÁN: Tracy Dolan is the director of Vermont's State Refugee Office.
DOLAN: There are more refugees around the world than there have ever been. Most never get the chance to actually find safety beyond a temporary camp in another country.
MARTÍNEZ-BELTRÁN: Since October of last year, the U.S. has resettled over 86,000 refugees from around the globe. That's the biggest resettlement since 1995. Vermont has already settled about 300 refugees this year. They have a goal of 400 by the end of September, but Dolan says there's a problem.
DOLAN: Housing has been the biggest challenge, both the cost of it - it's expensive - but primarily the availability.
MARTÍNEZ-BELTRÁN: A housing assessment made by the state government said Vermont needs up to 36,000 additional year-round homes in the next five years to meet overall housing demands. So resettlement agencies have had to get creative to find housing. Assisted living facilities, restaurants and hotels in Manchester have offered rooms free or at a reduced price for refugees who work there. Yvonne Lodico is the founder of Grace Initiative Global, one of the nonprofits resettling refugees in Vermont.
YVONNE LODICO: So we have been able to meet our housing challenge almost all through the support of employers.
MARTÍNEZ-BELTRÁN: Still, Lodico says her agency is also looking to rent a house with multiple rooms, as more and more refugees are resettled here.
LODICO: The challenge to that will be, of course, putting the right people together. We cannot have some people who don't eat pork with people who do eat pork, for example.
MARTÍNEZ-BELTRÁN: Lodico says those religious and cultural differences need to be taken into consideration. Her agency has been able to bring nearly a hundred refugees to Vermont since last year, most of them Haitians. Jean Gerard Jusmi is part of a hotel maintenance crew here. His employer gave him his own small room in a building on the property.
JUSMI: I come to work in the United States to help my family, my wife, my kids. You know, I have two kids. They stay in Haiti.
MARTÍNEZ-BELTRÁN: He says he's grateful for the opportunity and the help that he's received from the community.
JUSMI: I really like Vermont. I don't want to leave Vermont. I don't want to quit Vermont.
MARTÍNEZ-BELTRÁN: Jusmi says his next goal is to bring his wife and two children to his adopted hometown. Sergio Martínez-Beltrán, NPR News, Manchester, Vt.
Plight of Haitians
Manchester Community Library, Manchester, VT
June 24, 2023 - 2:00-4:00 PM
Grace Initiative Global organized a discussion on World Refugee Day, which is an occasion to build understanding and empathy for refugees’ plight and to recognize their resilience in rebuilding their lives.”[1] This critical discussion took place at the Manchester Community Library on June 24, 2:00-4:00 PM.
Overview:
A refugee is a person who has fled their own country because they are at risk of serious human rights violations, armed conflict/gang violence and or persecution. The devasting impact on human security due to economic collapse, natural disaster or climate change can also compel people to flee. Some refugees no longer feel safe and might have been targeted just because of who they are or what they do or believe – for example, for their ethnicity, religion, sexuality, or political opinions.
Refugees flee because the threat to their safety and lives is so great that they feel that they have no choice but to leave and to safety outside their country. This is most often due to failed states, civil war or a sovereign which ignores or carries out severe human rights violations against its own citizens, and who cannot or will not protect them from those dangers. Under international law, which is supreme law, refugees have a right to international protection.
Purpose:
Although refugees flee because of real dangers to their lives, their path for safety and security, is laden with perilous challenges including criminality, discrimination, gender-based violence, environmental threats, and exclusion. In addition, some refugees, especially women and girls, risk falling prey to human trafficking and other forms of exploitation. The plight of refugees is not over even when they reach safe borders refugees may face daily racism, xenophobia, and discrimination. To this end, we held a discussion on World Refugee Day to reflect on the perils and challenges refugees face, and to discern strategies for security, objectivity, and a path for self-sufficiency.
[1] United Nations, World Refugee Day. World Refugee Day falls each year on June 20 and celebrates the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution.
Since the adoption of the resolution, the international community gives special recognition to World Humanitarian Day. The purpose is to call attention to the personal commitment of humanitarian workers, especially those aid workers serving in difficult and even life-threatening conditions to ensure assistance and delivery of food, clothing, medicine, and even mental health support to the most vulnerable.
It is not possible, however, to consider humanitarian programming without the intersectionality of challenges and root causes of humanitarian emergencies and the pathways for resolving the crises and building resilience. Humanitarian approaches and commitments require holistic programming given the impact of environmental challenges, the changing nature of violent conflict, and the recognition of an increasingly complex and interdependent world, to address the further challenges of poverty alleviation and reduced food insecurity. This involves integrating humanitarian programming with peacebuilding and conflict sensitivity, as well as sustainable development for local systems and averting the worst effects of crises.
In our World Humanitarian Day discussion, we will consider the requirements for holistic and integrated planning for humanitarian delivery and the complex environments humanitarians confront. For those on the front lines, they may confront: violent wars devastating populations, infrastructures, and land in places like Ukraine, Ethiopia, Yemen, or Syria; ongoing governance and humanitarian emergencies in Afghanistan; addressing political instability and climate emergencies such as in Libya; anti-terrorism battles such as in Somalia, Nigeria and Mozambique; territorial disputes with human rights and refugee consequences such as Israel-Palestine; political instability such as in Lebanon and Venezuela; and criminal violence such as in Central America. Therefore, it is critical to recognize the needs of the most affected people requires planning to address the causes of conflict and caring for the victims of war, who are also losing their homes, livelihoods, and familial roots due to inter alia the impact of climate change and lack of development equality.
(Parallel event held on March 23, 2022)
Decreased water and food availability, as well as extreme temperatures, are expected to negatively affect food, water, social and health security, impacting the most vulnerable – women and girls.
Given its unique hydrological limitations, Iraq is one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change impacts in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, particularly due to its arid and downstream location.[1] Iraq is highly vulnerable to changes in precipitation levels. Moreover, the low water level in southern Iraq coupled with sea-level rise in the Persian Gulf has led to the intrusion of soil in Shatt El Arab and groundwater resources, increasing the salinity of water and causing serious damages to the surrounding lands. This situation creates extreme challenges to the people in Marsh Lands, especially the women.2
We examined our proposed project for establishing a community center for women to receive advanced warning and information on water flows, extreme heat. In addition to information, the Center would facilitate engagement and information regarding climate, extreme heat and water and pollution as well as water reduction. The programme focuses on women and girls’ leadership for engagement and empowerment.
[1] Salma Kadry. Gender and Water Dynamics in Iraq: Towards Inclusive and Sustainable Water Responses,
(Ebarlament – Cultures of Democracy, 2021), p. 5. Accessed at https://elbarlament.org/wpcontent/uploads/2021/06/article-II.pdf 2 UNDP. “Ahwari women, The beating heart of the Iraqi marshes” (March 8, 2021).
Accessed at https://www.iq.undp.org/content/iraq/en/home/stories/2021-stories/03/ahwari-women.html 8 Brian Fagan and Nadia Durrani. Climate Chaos Lessons on Survival from our Ancestors, (New York: Public Affairs, 2021), p. 55. 9 Kadry, p. 2.
Refugees.
Special Immigrant Visas, who arrived through the RP program, including Iraqi and Afghani SIVs.
Afghan Humanitarian Parolees.
Non-RP immigrants need to be enrolled within 90 days of the date status granted for:
Cuban/Haitian Entrants.
SIVs who did not arrive through R&P, also known as the ‘walk-in’ SIV clients.
Asylees.
Victims of trafficking.
Ukrainian Humanitarian Parolees.
A Restorative Afghan Refugee Settlement and Integration Process in the USA
(13 December 2021)
As the Afghan refugees set out to resettled in communities throughout the United States, it is critical for the groups welcoming and facilitating this settlement will ensure an encouraging and meaningful settlement in new communities. This integration process goes beyond the assumption of good will or common know how to help the refugees. It involves a positive and holistic settlement entailing a sensitivity of their culture, religion, and history of the refugee – the actual people concerned.[1] Following the departure from military bases, organizations involved in the settlement processes will oversee inter alia arranging accommodation, clothing, employment, health issues, and immersion into schools. In addition, this settlement process will require essential religious connections and sensitivities, as well as the trauma evaluation and counselling. Further, Afghan families may fear introduction into American societies, fearing prejudice toward Muslims. To this end, those involved in the settlement should possess sensitivity of their experience, with a view to supporting a restorative integration.
In addition to cultural competence and awareness, those involved with the refugees must approach their respective involvement with humility for engagement and trust building.[2] This involves removing biases of relationship of power and privilege. Therefore, the resettlement process involves building emotional safety and trust with the collaboration based on unique needs of the refugees. This healing will include cultural empowerment and the availability of culturally responsive resources within the Islamic community, where they may receive religious guidance and a mosque or a place for daily prayer. It is important to sensitive and respectful of the importance of faith of Islam as a way of life. This could be complicated because of language barriers.
To promote a positive outcome of the resettlement process, which integrates a process of healing,[1] we have organized a webcast on: A Restorative Afghan Refugee Settlement and Integration. The discussion will include expert presentations focusing on the Afghan people, their history, their faith so that the refugee resettlement process is positive and restorative. Invited presenters include:
Program
The Reflection on the History and Resilience of Afghanistan:
Ambassador Ahmad Kamal, (former Permanent Representative of the Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the United Nations, also served as Pakistan Ambassador to France, Switzerland, South Korea, adviser to Grace Initiative Global).
Reflections about Personal and Professional Experience
Mr. Mohammad Qasim Popal, Afghan national, lawyer, settled in Toronto. Served with the UN Mission in Afghanistan in humanitarian coordination for 10 years in Kabul. Estimated Timing: 10:10-10:20
Discussion on Trauma Healing
Karen M. Fondacaro, Ph.D. Professor, Department of Psychological Science, University of Vermont, Director, VPS: Leitenberg Center for Evidence-Based Practice, Director, Connecting Cultures &NESTT. Dr. Fondacaro will discuss trauma evaluation of the first group of Afghan refugees in Vermont.
Mr. Agha Jafri, Al Khoei Foundation, USA; Board Member, Grace Initiative Global.
Mr. Jafri will reflect on the webcast and offer questions to the presenters
Mr. Zahoor Hussain Khan , former interpreter to the US Embassy in Kabul
Theological Reflection:
Canon Walter Brownridge, Vermont Diocese for Cultural Transformation
Moderator
Ms. Yvonne Lodico, Founder, Executive Director, Grace Initiative Global
[1] Richard. F. Mollica. Healing Invisible Wounds: Paths to Hope and Recovery in a Violent World, (Harcourt, 2007).
[1] Jamie D. Aten and Jenny Hwang, eds. Refugee Mental Health (American Psychological Association, 2021), p. 66.
[2] Ibid., p. 60.
Grace Initiative Global organizes important discussion on peacebuilding : Applicable to all internationally - even the United States - see our commentary in VTDigger. Program delivered on GNAT.org
Peacebuilding is an activity that aims to resolve injustice in nonviolent ways and to transform the cultural & structural conditions that generated violence. It is not just a question of national capacity in terms of understanding, education, expertise as in the traditional international peacebuilding strategy, but rather a recognition that resolving grievances, injustices, frustration.
According to the UN: Most peacebuilding happens once conflict – i.e. major, large-scale violence – has ended. But some peacebuilding tasks can start even during conflict. For example, in pockets of peace, civil society organizations, local government or traditional actors may be promoting conflict resolution mechanisms, or seeking to provide basic services or develop livelihood opportunities.
Contributions from Yale Divinity School, UN DPPA, Goddard College, Jerusalem Peacebuilders, Sant Egidio, experts Robin Lloyd (WILFP USA), Maj. General Michael Smith (ret), Dr. Abraham Joseph.
On March 23, 2021, the Grace Initiative Global, organized a session during the 65th UN Commission on the Status of Women conference. Our session focused on: Addressing and Preventing Gender Based Violence through Empowerment and Generation Equality.
Our session included a worldwide perspective embracing dedicated and compassionate experts representing organizations in Vermont, in Geneva, Brazil, Iraq, Colombia and Uganda. Our experts discussed the sobering situation of Gender Based Violence (GBV) for women and girls globally, which intensified with the Covid Pandemic.
Addressing and Preventing Gender Based Violence through Empowerment and Generation Equality
Grace Initiative Global session on Gender Based Violence
during the 65th UN CSW 2021
On March 23, 2021, the Grace Initiative Global, organized a session during the 65th UN Commission on the Status of Women conference. Our session focused on: Addressing and Preventing Gender Based Violence through Empowerment and Generation Equality.
Our session included a worldwide perspective embracing dedicated and compassionate experts representing organizations in Vermont, in Geneva, Brazil, Iraq, Colombia and Uganda. Our experts discussed the sobering situation of Gender Based Violence (GBV) for women and girls globally, which intensified with the Covid Pandemic.
GBV is understood as a violation of human rights and a form of discrimination against women and girls. The Committee on Elimination of Discrimination Against Women defined gender-based violence as a form of violence that disproportionately affects women.[1] It can include violence against women and girls, domestic violence against women, men or children living in the same domestic unit. Although women and girls are the main victims of GBV, it also causes severe harm to families and communities.[2] According to UN report on GBV, global and regional reports indicated an alarming increase in GBV cases during the pandemic, in particular domestic violence. Many of the measures necessary for controlling a viral outbreak also significantly limited the ability of survivors to shield themselves from their abusers, or access support mechanisms.
Thus, with the onset of the Covid Pandemic, GBV increased exponentially. The cataclysmic crisis of covid included health risks or sadly loss of life, food insecurity, job loss, or reduced hours and prolonged shutdowns. Regrettably, Covid also fueled stress and anxiety, which led to increase of household tensions, exacerbating domestic violence. Loss of economic opportunities for women caused many to increasingly work in the informal sector, where they are or were more exposed to the risk of sexual harassment and abuse. Women and girls already in a perilous situation as displaced, or as a refugee, faced further insecurities and physical harms.[3] For example, in the United States research found evidence of an increase of not only in domestic violence cases, but also in the severity of injuries reported.[4] Also, UNHCR found that young women refugees and/or those displaced suffered an increase of sexual violence, consequently causing a rise in early pregnancies. No wonder, the increase of GBV because of Covid, has been referred to as the “shadow pandemic.”
To Address and Present GBV, Grace Initiative proposes a strategy for women and girls through a transformational process. This process, we call SHE, which is comprised of three mechanisms:
Mechanism 1 –Safety, providing a Safe Space Centre
Mechanism 2 – Healing, through engagement and Trauma Care and a chance to Reconstitute one’s self-agency and dignity-
Mechanism 3 - Empowerment, through capacity building, and income generation bringing about resilience.
From Vermont:
Our first speaker was Karen Tronsgard-Scott, who is the executive director for Vermont’s domestic and sexual violence network.
Vermont ‘s strategy of, addressing and preventing domestic and sexual violence, though, is not just a single focus cause but rather a holistic one, uplifting everyone. The Vermont Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence to uproot the causes of violence and to build a world free of oppression where actions,beliefs and systems support all people to thrive.
From Geneva:
Following Karen’s remarks, Ms. Zaytoon Faraj Abdulla, an Iraqi diplomat with the Permanent Mission of Iraq to the UN in Geneva gave a presentation. She focused her remarks on the situation og GBV in Iraq, especially in light of Covid.
From Brazil:
We will hear from Ms. Monica Villarindo - an advisor for Grace Initiative based in Rio de Janeiro. Monica reviewed the tragic situation of Gender based Violence in Brazil and give us examples of hope.
Ms. Rosane Santiago,– Director for Business and New Partnerships for CIEDs, which is one of the largest NGOs in Brazil focusing on Youth, including young women. CIEDS proposes a dynamic and transformation strategy leading to dignity and transformation. Centro Integrado de Estudos e Programas de Desenvolvimento Sustentável (Center for Integrated Programs for Sustainable Development)
From Colombia
Ms. Rosa Salamanca, founder and executive director of Ciase in Colombia, which is well known organization for its work in integrating women in peace and security. Rosa has discussed her views during a presentation before the UN Security Council on Resolution 1325. Today, she will provide a compelling strategy for Addressing Gender Based Violence.
From Iraq
Mr. Mustafa Saad Abbas Al-Rawi who is heading Grace Initiative office in Iraq
He will discuss our transformational plans and projects under the principle of SHE, and explain some of those which focus on the Empowerment of Women through Entrepreunership.
Ms. Tasneem Hassan, who is a remarkable young Iraqi woman. At just 13, she is already embarking on a mission to advocate and care for children, women and the planet. She hopes to give a voice for those who don’t have the opportunity to express their concerns. For example, In November 2019, she discussed her mission during her presentation at the United Nations during the World Children’s Day. Today, She will speak about her hopes for Young Women and Generation Equality -Iraq
From Uganda
Our final speaker is Mick Hirsh, is the Founder and Executive Director of
Thrive Gulu – in Uganda. He will focus on the impact of Covid on gender based violence, and Healing for Women and girls.
We are truly grateful for the time and dedication of the experts in our session. We greatly appreciate your attention to the session and the necessity for Addressing and Preventing Gender Based Violence.
[1] Shalini Mittal and Tushar Singh. “Gender-Based Violence During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mini-Review.” Global Womens Health, 8 Sept. 2020 https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fgwh.2020.00004/full 6 Ibid. All types of violence against women and girls, but particularly domestic violence, intensified.
[2] European Commission, Gender Based Violence Accessed at: https://ec.europa.eu/info/policies/justice-andfundamental-rights/gender-equality/gender-based-violence/what-gender-based-violence_en 8 UN Women. “Facts and figures: Ending violence against women” Fact Sheet Nov. 20, 2020. https://www.unwomen.org/en/what-we-do/ending-violence-against-women/facts-and-figures
[3] International Rescue Committee, “New Report Finds 73% of Refugee and Displaced Women Reported an Increase in Domestic Violence Due to COVID-19” (Oct 15, 2020). Accessed at https://www.rescue.org/press-release/new-report-finds-73-refugee-and-displaced-women-reported-increase-domestic-violence.
[4] UNHCR/USA. Gender based violence. Accessed at https://www.unhcr.org/en-us/news/stories/2020/11/5fbd2e774/gender-based-violence-rise-during-lockdowns.html; Melissa Healy. “Domestic violence rose during lockdown — and injuries are dramatically more severe, study finds,” Los Angeles Times, (August 18, 2020). Accessed at https://www.latimes.com/science/story/2020-08-18/intimate-partner-violence-spiked-80-after-pandemic-lockdown-began.
Webinar
In recognition of the 75th Anniversary of the UN Charter,
A Call for Strengthened & Shared Sense of Community
30 June 2020
Women learn to sew masks, which are provided to the Iraq’s Ministry of Education for ensuring the good health of school children.
Grace Initiative began a program in January 2020 for the Empowerment of Vulnerable Women in Basra, Iraq
The program, called the Women’s Training Center, Grace Initiative will begin training of women in agriculture, dairy and animal husbandry. The products the women will develop include medicinal plants, yoghurt, cheese, and honey. The women are vulnerable widowed due to the war with Da’esh or ISIS or economically impoverished. We hope to provide capacity and confidence to find employment or to start a small enterprise. These programs will help to ensure their sustenance and to provide sustainable incomes.
2019 Solstice Peacebuilding and Peaceful Coexistence Forum,
including the Empowerment of Women*©
Yale Divinity School, Grace Initiative Global, Harvard Program on Refugee Trauma
Smokey House Farm, Merck Forest and Farmland, Equinox Resort (VT)
Sponsorship: Ben & Jerry’s Foundation.
Bringing about a world for restored relationships, for livelihood opportunities, for nourishment every day, and for preservation of our Earth
13 December from 1:00 PM to 14 December 4:00 PM
A scientific, economic, ecological, and political understanding is critical for formulating and implementing inclusive sustainable peace and for approaches fostering coexistence. Peaceful coexistence embraces conditions affecting lives and community such as climate change; nutrition and health, and, human security. At the same time, peacebuilding incorporates processes such as reconciliation as trust building. In this continuum from peacebuilding to peaceful coexistence, we envisage inter-dependent processes and conditions, which can strengthen resilience, including in rural areas. For example, increasingly agriculture and farming are employed as a tool for both trauma healing and reconciliation as well as essential for sustenance and food security, as well as gender empowerment. At the same time, climate change may impact food production and cause insecurity.
* This design, winter moon, is based on the art work of Sabra Fields, titled New Moon.
Agriculture, Farming and Food Security
Peaceful and Inclusive Communities
UN Headquarters: Conference Room 8
3 October 2019 - 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
In the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development[1]the international community set out to transform our world by tackling multiple challenges through holistic and synergistic mechanisms to ensure well‐being, economic prosperity, and environmental protection. Agriculture and sustainable farming represents an integral component for the global community to realize the 2030 Agenda’s interrelated transformational goals.
In the Secretary-General’s report on Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition noted that most of the world’s 570 million farms are small and family-run; with family farms cultivating about 75% of the world’s agricultural land.[2] Also, the UN Decade of Family Farming (2019–2028) calls for Governments to develop public policies and investments to support family farming from a holistic perspective, to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and “To Leave No One Behind.”
by Elizabeth Corredor
Ph.D. Candidate Rutgers University, Political Science
On Friday March 15, 2019, the UN Commission on Status of Women (CSW) sixty-third session, UN CSW 63featured a high-level event: “Iraqi Women at the Helm of Rebuilding, Peace and Stability” at UN Headquarters in New York. The co-sponsors for this unique and critical side event comprised: the Permanent Mission of Iraq to the UN, Permanent Mission of Germany to the UN, the SRSG on Sexual Violence in Conflict, the UN-WomenIraq Country Office; and, the Grace Initiative Global. The panel exemplified Iraq’s laudable commitment for empowering women in peace-building - ensuring Iraq’s transformation to a sustainable peace and a more secure future.
Grace Initiative Global founder, Yvonne Lodico, opened the event with a quote from Nobel Peace Laureate: Nadia Murad who stated during her acceptance speech for the Nobel Peace Prize, “Women must be involved in building lasting peace among communities. With the voice and participation of women, we can make fundamental changes in our communities.” Ms. Lodico pointed out that this was especially profound in view of the tragic shooting of the mosque in New Zealand that took place on March 14. These attributes underscored the goals of this high-level event, which illuminates Iraq’s collective and holistic efforts to transcend the destruction and horror of violent extremists, by ensuring that women are a vital part of the peace-building efforts.
Speakers included: Mayor of Bagdad H.E. Ms. Thikra Alwash; Permanent Representative of Germany to the U.N. H.E. Ambassador Christopher Heusgen; Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs of the League of Arab States H.E. Sheikha Hessa Bint Khalifa Althani; Under Secretary Gender SRSG on Sexual Violence in Conflict H.E. Ms. Pramila Patten; Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Iraq H.E. Ms. Hala Saleem; President of High Council of Women Affairs Ms. Bakhshan Zangana; Director General of Women Empowerment Dr. Ibtisam Ali. The resounding theme of the session was fostering women’s empowerment and addressing systemic discrimination to achieve sustainable peace and reconciliation.
Each speaker addressed issues related to women’s participation, protection, and prevention ensure their inclusion in peace building processes.
Participation
Despite the growing presence of women as government representatives in Iraq, women remain largely unrepresented in the peace process. The adoption of the Iraqi National Action Plan in accordance with UNSCR 1325 is a promising start and makes Iraqthe first Middle Eastern country to adopt a national action plan. Nonetheless, it remains a top priority to further recognize women not just as passive victims, but also as talented leaders and publicly recognized agents of change within their communities.
Protection
Iraqi women are some of the world’s most vulnerable people with regards to sexual violence, domestic violence, and systematic discrimination. The dire need to update Iraq’s laws to on sexual violence to meet international standards was emphasized, as was the fact that most, if not all, perpetrators of sexual violence in Iraq go unpunished. Session speakers stressed the need to update Iraqi law so that it meets the at least the minimal standards of international law. Such changes are
Required in order to eradicate the pervasive discrimination against women in Iraqi culture.
Prevention
A final resounding message focused on the need to craft policy that focuses on the rebuilding of lives in addition to systems and infrastructure. A key priority is making vital medical and mental health services available for women and for the children born and raised in war. Additionally, economic empowerment opportunities promise to strengthen women’s positions within their communities. Ultimately, policies need to focus on realizing and building upon the capabilities of Iraqi women.
Lastly, H.E. Bhar Aluloom, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Iraq to the UN, closed the session, thanking all the speakers and emphasizing the utmost importance of women’s inclusion for sustainable peace and security for Iraq, and praising the international community’s support for this great fundamental goal.
63rd Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW)
a high-level side event on
“Iraqi Women Taking the Wheel towards Rebuilding Peace and Stability”
Conference Room12
Friday 15 March 2019
16:45 -18:00
Special guests include First Lady of the Republic of Iraq
Burlington Forum on Coexistence
the 70th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Episcopal Church Cathedral Church of Saint Paul
2 Cherry Street
Burlington, VT
December 7, 2018 9:00 AM-1:00 PM
In honor of the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration for Human Rights, a milestone document that proclaimed the equality, justice and human dignity for all people - we are organizing the Burlington Forum on Coexistence at the Episcopal Church Cathedral Church of Saint Paul in Burlington on December 7, 2018, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. This Forum follows the spirit and rationale of the Boston Forum on Coexistence in a Democratic Society held on December 8, 2017.
During the Boston Forum, the participants agreed that we should build upon the goals and outcomes of that Forum and hold fora in other parts of the United States. Therefore, drawing upon this inaugural Forum, we propose a series called the Forum on Co-Existence in a Democratic Society. This Forum will emphasize the recognition and respect of the dignity of every person, a principle underscored in the Universal Declaration. Regrettably, this fundamental right diminishes when it comes to accepting difference due inter alia of gender, race, religion or nationality.
Respecting the dignity of all people is integral for coexistence in a democratic society. When we honor the dignity of another person, we treat him or her with respect. This dignity and respect transcends race, gender, religion, economic status, or even the part of the country one resides. In this regard, the basis for respecting the dignity of others exists universally, independently of a person’s social utility, abilities, race, gender, ethnicity, nationality, or religion. Respecting the dignity of others is critical for a peaceful and inclusive[1]democratic society.
We will invite faith leaders and representatives of civil society, including those who work to combat economic inequality and violence, and those who defend migrants, refugees, and people marginalized by gender, race or religion.
To this end, the purpose of the Forum is to promote a platform for dignity, respect and coexistence, and a road map for addressing the continuation of a heightened hatred, anger, exclusionary outcry. We look for paths of healing and for nurturing positive discourse, with a commitment to fundamental human rights, dignity, respect, and coexistence.
On December 10, 1948, in the wake of the horrors of WWII, the International community convened to commit to respect the dignity of all humankind. We hope to revive this spirit of commitment to human rights on the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights during the Burlington Forum on Coexistence.
The 2018 Forum follows the spirit and rationale of “The Boston Forum on Coexistence in a Democratic Society,” which was held last year. The upcoming Forum builds on the goals of last year’s event by promoting the recognition and respect of the dignity of every person, a principle embodied in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The Rt. Rev. Thomas C. Ely, bishop of The Episcopal Church in Vermont, said, “Dignity is a topic that The Episcopal Church in Vermont has engaged with fervor in recent years. It was the theme of our 2017 diocesan convention, and we continue to explore this aspect of our calling at a time when human differences are so often portrayed as something to be feared rather than celebrated. Co-presenting the Burlington Forum with Grace Initiative is a natural fit and, I hope, will convey to the wider community our commitment to honoring the dignity of all humankind.”
“Respecting the dignity of all people is integral to peaceful, inclusive coexistence in a democratic society,” said Yvonne Lodico, founder of Grace Initiative. “That’s essentially the message of the Burlington Forum as well as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that inspired the event. Dignity and respect transcend perceived differences like race, gender, religion, economic status, and place of residence. In this regard, the basis for respecting the dignity of others exists universally, independently of a person’s social utility, abilities, race, gender, ethnicity, nationality, or religion.”
About the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a milestone document in the history of human rights. Drafted by representatives with different legal and cultural backgrounds from all regions of the world, the Declaration was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in Paris on December 10, 1948 as a common standard of achievements for all peoples and all nations. It sets out, for the first time, fundamental human rights to be universally protected and it has been translated into over 500 languages. Learn more at http://www.un.org/en/universal-declaration-human-rights/.
About Grace Initiative Global
The Initiative for Governance, Reconciliation, Agriculture and Coexistence - Grace Initiative Global – strives toward innovative peacebuilding and conflict prevention through strategies of healing, empowering and transforming. Grace Initiative carries out its goals through innovative and expert constructive engagement, focused empowerment, multi-stakeholder collaborations, and holistic understanding; through international and multi-disciplinary expertise. Grace Initiative adheres to and promotes global goals such as the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, UN Security Council Resolution 1325, international human rights instruments, and humanitarian principles. Learn more at http://www.grace-initiative.org/
About The Episcopal Church in Vermont
The Episcopal Church in Vermont comprises 45 congregations across the Green Mountain State that share in the mission to pray the prayer of Christ, to learn the mind of Christ, and to do the deeds of Christ. The congregations live into this mission through ministries of Formation, Liberation, Communication, Connection, and Celebration. The Episcopal Church in Vermont is a member of the worldwide Anglican Communion. Learn more at https://diovermont.org/.
Featured Speakers Who Have Committed So Far…
Featured Speakers who have committed to date are listed below. We are awaiting final word from several others. Please note that this list is subject to change:
· The Rev. Nicholas Porter, co-founder, Jerusalem PeaceBuilders
· Jeff Mandell, program director, Kids4Peace - VT/NH Chapter
· Rabbi Amy Small, Ohavi Zedek Synagogue
· Yvonne Lodico, founder, Grace Initiative Global
· Syed Meesam Razvi, Executive Director, Alliance for Research and Scholastic Heritage
· The Rev. Dr. Arnold Thomas, pastor, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Underhill, VT
· Maurice L. Harris, diocesan communications minister and co-convener of the Racial Reconciliation/Healing Network, The Episcopal Church in Vermont
· The Rev. Earl Kooperkamp, treasurer, and past President, Vermont Interfaith Action; rector, Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, Barre, VT
· Mark Hughes, co-founder and director, Justice For All
· Bor Yang, executive director & legal counsel, Vermont Human Rights
[1]https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/sdg16
Healing, Empowering and Transforming
For Inclusive Peacebuilding, Conflict Prevention and Sustainable Development
With the full integration of rural women in peace processes
Presented on October 26, 2018
10:30 am -12:30 pm
The Justification
The framework for the workshop and the participants’ engagement includes: UN Security Council and General Assembly resolutions, respectively S/RES/2282 and A/RES/70/262, which called for sustaining peace by “preventing the outbreak, escalation, continuation and recurrence of conflict.” Further, it integrates global agendas such as the UN GA High Level Meeting on Peacebuilding, held 24-25 April 2018, which underscored the axiom that we must work “to save peace while it lasts, not to deal with the situation once peace is lost.” Also, it adheres to the 2030 Agenda goals, especially SDGs 1, 5, 12, 15, and 16. This concept also takes into consideration US House H.R. 5273 and US Senate S 3368, to reduce global fragility and violence.
To this end, this workshop on “Circles of Trust” will focus on peacebuilding and conflict prevention, through transforming and sustaining grass roots rural communities, with a particular emphasis on integrating women into this process. Therefore, the overall discussion will emphasize and explore how sustaining peace should in practical terms include conflict prevention, and why and how this includes the full integration of rural communities and especially rural women.
Our Focus
This workshop focuses on integrating holistic goals for peacebuilding, conflict prevention and sustainable development. It concentrates on transformation of lives in rural areas and the impact on women and girls. To this end, we will examine the possibilities for integrating the goals of community healing, of governance through peaceful discourse, and rural sustainable development through community supported agriculture and value-added crops, for nutrition, sustenance and income generation. This includes transformation of causes of conflict, promotion of peace and the prevention of conflict through healing, empowering and transforming lives[1]of rural women, including internally displaced. Rural women endure victimization from: conflict; forced displacement[2]; domestic violence; lack of nutrition and employment.[3]
Agenda:
Ms. Yvonne Lodico:
Founder, Grace Initiative Global
Introduction to Program Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention: Healing, Empowering and Transforming – for Sustainable Development and Sustaining Peace
H. E. Virachai Plasai:
Ambassador of Kingdom of Thailand to the United States
Insight to Community Agriculture: Thailand’s Experience in implementing the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy (SEP) to support rural community development as well as empowering women in rural areas
Dr. Massimo Tommasoli
Permanent Observer to the United Nations, International IDEA
Fostering civic engagement and governance in rural areas for holistic and sustainable peace.
Mr. Robert Terry
Director, Merck Forest and Farmland
Training for Engagement, Efficient La Tra Training of Trainers for Rural Development, Efficient Land Resource Management
Application for Rural Peacebuilding - Colombia
Mr. Gabriel Laizer, Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO)
Peace and Food Security: Investing in Resilience to Sustain Rural Livelihoods Amid Conflict in Colombia.
Diego García-Devis,
Senior Program Officer – Global Drug Policy, Open Society, Soros Foundation
Land management and active rural women participation in drug cultivation areas. The role of women in decision-making processes path to sustain programs aimed at reducing illicit crop production.
Ms. Juliana Valderrama
National Secretariat of Pastoral Social - Cáritas Colombiana
Mr. Mario Pineda
Kroc Institute, Cáritas Colombiana
Explanation of Current Peacebuilding in Rural Areas of Colombian
Insight to application of Circles of Trust with Rural
Women in Colombia, and reflection on Peacebuilding and Reconciliation in Choco
Commentary on Monitoring Localized Peacebuilding in Colombia
[1]https://www.usaid.gov/colombia/results/transforming-lives
[2]http://www.internal-displacement.org/countries/colombia
[3]https://www.nature.com/articles/palcomms201614
UN GA High Level Summit honoring President Nelson Mandela during the anniversary of his 100th birthday and the UN Declaration for Decade of Peace
Speaker: Ambassador Isaiah Chabala,
Former Permanent Representative of Zambia
to the United Nations
in New York and in Geneva
Organized by
(October 12, 2018, 6:00 PM)
On the first day of the opening of 73rd UN General Assembly, world leaders convened to reflect on the 100th anniversary on the remarkable life of Nelson Mandela – a leader imbued with a moral force.[1] His life was indeed remarkable. Not only did his leadership triumph over apartheid and revenge; his leadership exemplified all that was possible through, forgiveness, democratization, reconciliation – so that all people, “the exalted and the wretched of the earth, can live as equals.”[2] During this Summit, the UN Member States unanimously adopted the Nelson Mandela Decade of Peace, 2018-2028.
Even during his imprisonment, which few could bear, his steadfastness was a catalyst for the international community to move toward coexistence. It is no wonder he received the noble peace prize in 1993.[3] The peaceful election leading to his presidency in 1994, truly symbolized a joyous aspiration for the human spirit. In this regard, his legacy clarified and confirmed that inter alia: discrimination is not acceptable; apartheid of any kind is unlawful; and, violence to gain objectives is unjustifiable.
Therefore, for this humble event we will reflect on Nelson Mandela’s goals and achievements and “his capacity for seeing the best in people and his belief in the dignity of humankind.”[4]
[1]http://www.scmp.com/news/world/article/1374898/nelson-mandelas-struggle-freedom-inspired-world.
[2]Sampson, Anthony,Mandela, The Authorized Biography(Alfred A. Knopf, 1999) p. 239.
[3]https://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/1993/index.html. He shared the prize withFrederik Willem de Klerk "for their work for the peaceful termination of the apartheid regime, and for laying the foundations for a new democratic South Africa."
[4]Ibid., 516.
On May 11-14 2018, Harvard Program on Refugee Trauma and William James College organized a retreat in Manchester, VT, with support from Grace Initiative. The retreat brought experts world wide for sharing ideas on empathy and story telling. During the retreat, Dr. Richard Mollica launched the New Humanistic Psychology.
As published in VT Digger
UN CSW 62 – International and Vermont –
Practices for Rural Agricultural Development and Peacebuilding
On March 22, the Permanent Mission of Iraq to the UN, the Al-Khoei Foundation and the Grace Initiative(of VT), along with organizational support from the Yale Alum Non-profit Alliance (YANA)New England and Vermont, organized a seminar for the UN Commission on Status of Women (CSW) 62 in New York. This year the UN CSW focused on the empowerment of women and girls in rural development. In view of this year’s theme, our seminar called for empowering women and girls in advancing peacebuilding through community agricultural practices, with international and Vermont perspectives. The CSW seminar focused on an innovative practice that Grace Initiative with its partners, including in Colombia, is promoting is called a Restorative Rural Agricultural Development (RRAD). Here, Vermont practices, through inter alia farmers, CSA managers and State legislative representatives provide insight. An organic fertilizer company, GrewGrow Ventures was a sponsor.
Restorative rural agricultural development combines qualities of restorative justice, such as story-telling and healing with relationship building, engagement, social cohesion with community agriculture endeavors, which promote sustainable food security and livelihoods. This is especially important for women and girls, who suffer disproportionately during conflict. To this end, we firmly believe that agriculture offers a variety of healing benefits as it provides those involved with purpose and opportunity as well as physical and psychological benefits.”[1] . In this regard, sustainable production of food, land and water are the sources of community peacebuilding, rather than the drivers of conflict. According to the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), food insecurity and lack of water are a source for the rise of conflicts, exacerbated by climate-related shocks[2]. Our project aims to promote conflict transformation while providing a local source of food security and livelihoods.
The CSW seminar, moderated by Ms. Jessica Scott of UN Sustainable Development Network,
included international and Vermont speakers. From the Permanent Mission of Iraq, Mr. Frias Alkhaqaniexplained the hardship that rural women face in Iraq, especially now after the war against terrorists. In this regard, RRAD has applications in Iraq. Ms. Rita Reddy, senior UN Gender Advisor, gave examples of women’s achievements in promoting community rural development in countries like Viet Nam, Malaysia and Timor-Leste. Ambassador Isaiah Chalaba (Zambia)endorsed the notion of RRAD as it combines spirituality and healing with community agriculture. He discussed current rural programs for women and girls in Zambia combining community agriculture and education.
While attendees appreciated the international speakers, many found the Vermont speakers particularly compelling especially its legislative efforts in promoting sustainable agriculture as well as its innovative community supported agriculture (CSA) practices. Representative Amy Sheldon(Middlebury/Addison 1), who participates on the VT legislative agriculture committee, discussed community goals and challenges in advancing local organic branding and food production. Also, she explained a variety efforts to promote VT farming and locally sourced food, through inter alia: the VT Food Bank; the link of fresh food from VT farms to schools and hospitals; the mission of the VT Land Conservation; and, the goals of the Women’s Agricultural Network (UVM). Also, Representative Sheldon discussed the hardship that dairy farmers face. Ms. Heidi Lynchof Vermont Farmers Food Center (Rutland) discussed VFFC programs for health care, its links with hospitals and the community to ensure nutritious and healthy food sourcing. Heidi also manages VFFC NEA program on community farm stories. Finally, Ms. Amy Frostof Circle Mountain Farm (Guilford) concluded the program with soul searching existential questions such as the links of community farming and the meaning of wealth and the capacity to address life’s vulnerabilities and sudden shocks through farming. Also, Amy explained a link with CSAs and social justice. The Vermont speakers’ presentations exemplified local applications for global peacebuilding. As Dr. Susan Sgorbati, Director CAPA, Bennington College stated, "It is more imperative than ever to find ways to share information, collaborate on ecosystem projects, and build a world where we can providea safe and healthy environment for our women and children."
Ms. Sahar Alsahlani (Interfaith Farm Project and Khoei Foundation) and Ms. Yvonne Lodico, the Initiative for Governance, Reconciliation, Agriculture, and Coexistence (Grace Initiative), a non-profit registered in Vermont.
[1]http://www.farmvetco.org/about-us/our-vision-mission-goals/[2]http://www.fao.org/3/a-I7787e.pdf
UN CSW 62 - RESTORATIVE RURAL AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT
United Nations Commission on Status of Women 62
United Nations Church Center
777 UN Plaza, New York, NY
Restorative Rural Agricultural Development
for Empowering Women and Girls and Advancing Peacebuilding
Concept Note
Our presentation for the UNCSW focused on an Alternative Approach for Empowering Women and Girls in Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention through innovative community agricultural practices. Our approach is called a Restorative Rural Agricultural Development (RRAD). The programme focuses on women and girls’ leadership for rebuilding communities through healing and engagement combined with agricultural practices that comprise a purpose of fostering sustainable and resilient communities for an enduring peace. Grace Initiative wishes to thank a sponsor GreenGrow Ventures[1], an organic fertilizer company based in Demopolis, AL., exporting to 22 countries, including all over Africa and Middle East.
Restorative rural agricultural development builds from the necessity for healing and for rebuilding of relationships, communities and societies after conflict, violence and extreme poverty. Its goals are transformational with objectives of community reconciliation, sustainability, and resilience.
In addition to healing, community agricultural provides local food sources, providing directly nutrition and sustenance. According to the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), malnutrition and food insecurity is on the rise. The food security situation has worsened in parts of sub-Saharan Africa, South-Eastern Asia and Western Asia, and deteriorations have been observed most notably in situations of conflict and conflict combined with droughts or floods. The number of conflicts is also on the rise. Exacerbated by climate-related shocks, conflicts seriously affect food security and are a cause of much of the recent increase in food insecurity. To this end, our project aims to promote peacebuilding and to provide a local source of food security.[2]
Our proposed programme proposes a restorative justice programme that provides truth telling, healing, combined with sustainable agricultural mechanisms for women and girls who are reintegrating back into civil society after conflict and or extreme hardship due to violence or criminal activity. During conflict and violence, women and girls are at high risk of discrimination, gender-violence and extreme poverty. Also, when they reintegrate they do so with substantial trauma and this trauma needs to be addressed.
As part of the healing and sustainability process, we propose community sustainable farming. We firmly believe that agriculture offers a variety of healing benefits as it provides those involved with purpose and opportunity as well as physical and psychological benefits.”[3] For example, through the CSA, women will learn about sustainable and organic farming, which in turn, will provide them with skill building, sustainable consumption and income alternatives for them, their families and their communities. This will ultimately result in high self-esteem for women who can become leaders for peace.
In addition, the program provides an alternative and cost-effective mechanism for facilitating and fostering peacebuilding through innovative community agricultural practices. This program combines qualities of restorative justice, such as story-telling and healing with relationship building, engagement, social cohesion with community agriculture endeavors which promote sustainable and resilient agricultural practices [4]. RRAD considers land management, alternative low cost energy and green technology, and programs such as community supported agriculture (CSA). It will examine holistic policies and alternative development
In summary, the RRAD programme offers an innovative peacebuilding for enabling a sustainable peacebuilding. which mitigates drivers of conflict and helping to prevent conflict. The approach for is applicable for programs which include civil society and faith communities, local governance, gender equity, and youth engagement. The programme’s goal is empowerment for women and girls for rural agricultural development for sustainable and lasting peace.
Achieving Global Goals
The restorative rural agricultural development program integrates global goals such as 2030 Agenda; food security; human rights notions of dignity and justice; climate change imperatives; action plans for preventing violent extremism; UN SCR 1325; the UN CSW62; the Beijing Platform; SDGs 1 (elimination of poverty), 5 (gender equality), 12 (responsible consumption), 15 (life on land) and 16 (peaceful and inclusive societies).
[1] http://greengrowventures.com
[2] http://www.fao.org/3/a-I7787e.pdf
[3] http://www.farmvetco.org/about-us/our-vision-mission-goals/
[4]https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/a8c5/0718d36ca6664c1b47df3cbe507113f0e050.pdf
March 22, 2018
12:30pm -2:00 pm
United Nations Church Center
777 UN Plaza, New York, NY
for Empowering Women and Girls and Advancing Peacebuilding
UNCSW focuses on an Alternative Approach for Empowering Women and Girls in Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention through innovative community agricultural practices. Our approach is called a Restorative Rural Agricultural Development (RRAD). The programme focuses on women and girls’ leadership for rebuilding communities through healing and engagement combined with agricultural practices that comprise a purpose of fostering sustainable and resilient communities for an enduring peace.
Restorative rural agricultural development builds from the necessity for healing and for rebuilding of relationships, communities and societies after conflict, violence and extreme poverty. Its goals are transformational with objectives of community reconciliation, sustainability, and resilience.
Agenda
Ms. Sahar Alsahlani, Al-Khoei Foundation Welcome
Ms. Yvonne Lodico, Founder, Grace Initiative Welcome
Ms. Jessica Scott, UN SDG Academy Moderator
Ambassador Isaiah Chabala, Visionary Empowerment for Zambia
Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
Ms. Zaytoon Faraj,
Iraqi Delegation UN CSW Iraq’s Strategy for rural women and girls
Ms. Rita Reddy, UN DPKO Adviser Discussion on Women in Timor-Leste
Former, Gender Adviser, UNMIT
Former, Director of Civil Affairs,
UNAMID
Yvonne Lodico Introduction to Vermont goals for women (YANA VT) and rural development
Representative Amy Sheldon Legislative initiatives for inclusive,
Middlebury/Addison sustainable development.
Ms. Heidi Lynch Community Supported Agriculture (CSA),
Vermont Farmers as a provider of health care
Ms. Amy Frost CSA and Social Justice
Circle Mountain Farm
Ms. Sahar Alshlani Conclusion
The Initiative for Governance, Reconciliation and Coexistence (Grace Initiative) is convening a Forum to address intensifying differences in the US regarding the rule of law, fundamental freedoms, and inclusion. The Forum draws from a recent Pew Research Study that recently found that Americans are more divided than ever over about social issues such as safety net, race, and immigration. To develop policy and to protect fundamental freedoms and rights, we need to find common ground for addressing collective challenges in our democratic society.
Our goal is to develop a strategy for a road map for coexistence in one of the world’s oldest democracies – the US. We hope to take up concerns, hopes and fears. The Forum will provide a platform for strategies for promoting dialogue, countering extremism, and fostering healing to halt the rise of divisiveness. Also, we will examine how the globally endorsed 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals, especially for peaceful and inclusive societies, applies in the US.
This Forum will comprise of international and national experts in democracy, coexistence, immigration, psychology, and social justice. Speakers include:
Dr. Massimo Tommasoli, Permanent Observer at the United Nations for International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA); Dr. Theodore Johnson, Brandeis University, The Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Associate Professor in Conflict Resolution and Coexistence; Rabbi Or Rose, Director, The Miller Center for Interreligious Learning & Leadership, Ms. Marion Davis, Massachusetts Immigration and Refugee Coalition (MIRA Coalition); Mr. Syed Meesam Razvi, al-Kohei Foundation; Representative from the Mayor’s Office. Also, Greta Hagen of UU Urban Ministry will welcome everyone.
Please RSVP at: contact@grace-initiative.org. No cost, but donations welcomed.
