Working to end identity-based violence, from dangerous speech to genocide, in the US and abroad
Once known as the Carl Wilkens Fellowship, the Pathways for Peace Collaborative develops effective leaders (Pathfinders) and tools that seek to build and strengthen community-based action and sustained political will to address the entire spectrum of identity-based violence, from dangerous speech to genocide. The Collaborative works to challenge informal, cultural norms and formal structures that seek to divide us. Our core values in this work are:
Shared Purpose
We choose to develop relationships with people of varying identities and help them forge pathways that unite diverse people. We foster connection and fellowship bridging together the wisdom of grassroots and grasstops, sharing resources, and leveraging strengths of communities and organizations.
Prevention First
We empower community-based Pathfinders to identify and address the drivers of conflict in their own communities in order to prevent violence before it begins.
Driving Action
Statements alone cannot fulfill the promise of “Never Again” that was made after the Holocaust. We must drive people to take meaningful and measurable action, locally, nationally, and internationally. Advocacy to end and prevent identity-based violence, mass atrocities, and genocide is a core part of our programming.
Personal and Community Growth
We believe that active reflection of our own language and actions at the personal and community level is an essential part of fostering a more inclusive environment where all identities are seen, heard, and accepted.
Program Pillars
Advocacy
Active promotion of peaceful communities through programs and campaigns that are national in reach and can be elaborated upon locally.
Launched in March 2019, the Global Compassion Circle challenges anti-refugee rhetoric and counters Dangerous Speech by creating a circle of compassion and support between people around the world and immigrants, refugees, and the displaced—linked through compassion, understanding, and action. Once involved, members are invited to take action at the personal, community, and international level.
April is Genocide Awareness and Prevention Month. Each year, communities unite together to remember, heal, and take action. iACT works in collaboration with communities, organizations, schools, and leaders in the United States and around the world to raise awareness, support actions that put humanity before politics, and work towards breaking the cycles of violence endemic to communities targeted because of their identity.
Education
Adaptable leadership and community-based tools, workshops, and curricula that can be strengthened and adapted by Pathfinders to meet local needs, both in formal or informal education settings.
iACT and trained Pathfinders lead workshops, presentations, and conferences on identifying and countering Dangerous Speech, ending and preventing genocide, understanding communities to change and create discourse norms, and creating localized action campaigns.
Camp Darfur is an interactive exhibit that engages guests in understanding how identify-based biases can lead to Dangerous Speech and genocide. Schools and communities can choose to add workshops around identity-based violence, crafting community lexicons, and creating discourse norms to their Camp Darfur experience.
Global Citizens is a universal preschool curriculum and set of resources that connects children pre-K to second grade with their peers living in refugee camps. Through empathy-based and developmentally appropriate tools, activities, and resources that meet nationally-recognized preschool learning foundations, this program fosters connection and empathy, and creates the foundation for global ambassadorship at the earliest stages of development in the next generation.
Speech and Dialogue
Purposeful creation of space for Pathfinders to reflect on how words and their delivery impact others. The growth of thoughtful facilitators who pay forward their learnings through dialogue from one-on-one conversations to community-level gatherings.
In 2019, iACT will launch a mindful leadership certification program that equips Pathfinders with tools and resources to reflect on their personal presence as leaders and create safe spaces for communities to heal, live with purpose, and transform their futures. Humanitarians, grassroots leaders, educators, and individuals affected by mass atrocities, their descendants, and allies are welcome to participate in this inaugural Pathfinder certification.
OUR
IMPACT
125,000+
Americans engaged in action
86
Camp Darfur exhibits
76
Pathways for Peace Fellows
142
Global Compassion Circle Members
PATHWAYS OF PEACE
FACTS
2018
1,020
Hate groups in the U.S.
120,216
22,498
TAKE
ACTION
Camp Darfur
Bring an interactive exhibit that engages visitors in understanding identity-based violence, from Dangerous Speech to genocide to your community.
iACT Gathering
Host a gathering to promote and support our work to make lasting change for refugees around the world.
Workshop
Invite iACT into your community to facilitate workshops covering Dangerous Speech, genocide, mindful humanitarianism, and community action.
RESOURCES
UPDATES
Discussing iACT with Fr. Vazken Movsesian
Fr. Vazken Movsesian, from In His Shoes, interviewed Katie-Jay and Gabriel about their shared journey as anti-genocide activists and about iACT’s work, from its inception to our recent trip to Armenia to work with communities affected by the 2020 war in Artsakh.
Revving Our Engines for CAR
We are excited to announce that iACT has secured initial funding for our team to return to the Central African Republic (CAR) this fall, for the first time since 2017.
Mindfulness and Soccer in Armenia
I had the good fortune to recently spend 10 days or so in Armenia with Gabriel and Katie-Jay launching a soccer academy for coaches and kids affected by the war in Artsakh. My role was to bring the mindfulness piece of the puzzle and to share some simple practices and...