Their questions were often about how to close the gap in conversations between generations and cultures at Forum tables, and particularly how to affect change for future generations.  Their intention of creating the World Forum as a way for community to have conversation in a more creative, less polarizing way resonated with my own aspirations and, I believed, was a great start in seeding real change in the world.

In 2004, I had just emerged from an experience working with young advocates for change from Bosnia, Croatia and Serbia.  The yearning I witnessed from this post-conflict zone in the world for connection, creative solutions and new ways to be heard, concerned me very much.

I am originally from New Zealand, raised in the Middle East, educated in the U.K., and have lived in the United States all of my adult life.  As a consequence of having to continually adapt to new environments and circumstances, I am very interested in finding commonalities between people and bridging our differences.  Professionally, thirty years of work in film production and publishing has developed my passion for putting people together for creativity and enterprise.  As a mother, my concerns for my own children are with me every day.  As a world citizen, I am compelled to make a positive contribution, and I choose to do that through my advocacy for youth on a global level.

Most people identify New Zealand as one of the most beautiful countries in the world, and they are right, it is that.  Many people may not know that New Zealand is the first country to see the sun rise every day.  It is not without its conflicts though, as most countries are not.  I was sure that few young adults in the U.S. knew anything about the Treaty of Waitangi and how it is impacting New Zealand. 

I began the Youth Dialogue Project with the idea of bringing five directions of the world together to help close this cross-cultural gap and to prepare them to participate equally at the table during the World Forum dialogues.

I was seeking youth, ages 18 to 25-years old, who had demonstrated through their actions that they were passionate about global creative solutions and were deeply curious to learn more about themselves, each other and their conflicts through the process of dialogue.  I envisioned these young people becoming more cross-culturally competent and consciously aware of ways to resolve conflict without needing to devolve into violence.

Initial feedback on the YDP vision showed promise.  Angeles Arrien, my mentor and teacher, exclaimed “Voices from the five directions, I love it!”   The RockRose founders and investors said “Go for it!”  My husband said, “I’ll support you in every way I can”.  And I said, “OK, and…I’m going to need some help!”

And so, the Youth Dialogue Project was born. 

More of the YDP story at Umbrella Organizations...