THE STRAND — Volume 1, Issue 1
In an age of polarization and separation, THE STRAND is a newsletter about human connections, brought to you by Search for Common Ground. Twice a month, we’ll introduce you to the stories and insight of peacebuilders who are building bridges across some of the world’s most painful divides.
Young reality TV star becomes “President” of Tunisia
On Sunday, November 24th, tens of thousands of people voted via SMS and online to elect Mehdi Ben Ameur as the winner of I am the President, Search’s groundbreaking reality TV show in Tunisia.
Broadcast in the wake of October’s national elections, I am the President is a hybrid of popular TV formats like Pop Idol and The Apprentice in which young candidates compete to become the next youth “President” of Tunisia.
In Tunisia, young people often feel left out of all decision-making. Dialogue between generations is rife with conflict, and youth lack opportunities to have their say. I am the President seeks to trigger unprecedented conversations on pressing social issues between young Tunisians and their seniors — and prove that young people have a role to play in shaping the future of their country.
I am the President aired on Sunday evening on national TV and online, has quickly become a pop culture sensation, and is changing public perceptions of youth’s political leadership.
Watch the final episode: Facebook I YouTube
Rewatch the whole series on the YouTube channel
Follow the show on social media: Facebook I Twitter
#SheThePeacebuilder at the 2019 Common Ground Awards
Search’s year-long campaign #SheThePeacebuilder, celebrating the contribution of women activists to peace and dialogue, culminated in the 2019 Common Ground Awards at The New York City Public Library.
It was a special night, honoring the courage and vision of women peacebuilders from Burundi, Lebanon, and Sudan. It ended with the conferral of the 2019 Common Ground Award to the People of Canada for their historic commitment to lifting the voices of women and girls through their country’s Feminist Foreign Policy. The Consul General of Canada in New York, Her Excellency Phyllis Yaffe, received the Award in person.
Rewatch the show: Facebook I Twitter I YouTube
“The messages sent by Talking Drum Studio encourage people not to give in to violence, to be tolerant, to approach grievances differently, or to try to resolve them in mutual respect. […] I think that is essential. This is what has allowed us to have peace for 15 consecutive years.”— Former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, speaking about Search for Common Ground — Liberia’s radio production house Talking Drum Studio
RECOMMENDED: The Violence Paradox, PBS
Violence is all over the news. But some say we’re living in the most peaceful time in history. Journey through time and the human mind to investigate whether — and how — violence has declined. And witness how people are working to stop violence today.
Watch: PBS
“As the next generation, we will be the ones that have to face the consequences of the discord that is spreading today.”
❤️❤️❤️
