Seeking Common Ground (SCG) was founded in 1993 with the goal of helping young people—the next generation of leaders—to see the humanity in the ‘other’ in order to approach conflict resolution from a place of greater empathy, connection, and inclusion. Through integration, socialization, communication, and leadership development, participants of SCG programs gain the skills to become agents for social change in their home communities and beyond. SCG’s 2009 report, Building Bridges for Peace: A Report on Theory, Best Practices and Evaluation after Fifteen Years, demonstrates overwhelmingly that the research-based and field-tested methods used are effective. All other SCG programs are predicated on the flagship Building Bridges for Peace program.

Mission:

SCG combats hate, discrimination, and violent conflict by connecting individuals face-to-face to those they have been taught to fear and mistrust. Our programs empower participants to find their voice, develop a worldview that values a common humanity, and acquire tools to build a more just, inclusive future.

Our Impact:

The global realities of segregation, conflict, and hatred mean young people do not often meet the “other,” and we strive to create the forum for them to do so. Since 1993, Seeking Common Ground has made it possible for diverse teens and young adults from Israel, Palestine, Northern Ireland, South Africa, and the United States to cross seemingly intractable divides. Whether male or female, gay or straight, rich or poor, Christian, Jewish, or Muslim, the experience permanently shifts the way teens see those who are different from them, inspiring the desire to make change. SCG participants tell us, and our research proves, that through our programs, they gain self-esteem, develop empathy, find hope, and become inspired to play an active part in improving their world. SCG participants develop a toolkit of communication, leadership, and conflict transformation skills to utilize as they grow into leaders in their communities.

Our work is divided into two main areas:

1. •National and international ‘people-to-people’ leadership programs for teens and young adults. SCG believes that youth are the world’s best hope for building bridges across cultural, religious, socioeconomic, gender and other divides. Youth have much to contribute regarding how our communities need to change and too often their voices go unheard. Through our programs, growing numbers of teens gain the skills to become transformational leaders in their home communities and worldwide.
   

2. •Training, consulting, and educational programs for students, scholars, practitioners and interested community members.  SCG offers training in our proven best practices; consults on program design, development, implementation, and assessment; offers group facilitation services; and invites teens and adults to take part in international study trips to areas in conflict/post-conflict.