David J. Smith, JD, MS
CAREER COACH | CONSULTANT | CONFLICT RESOLUTION | PEACEBUILDING
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May/June 2018
Youth Activism
Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution
NEWSLETTER
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Dear Colleague:
This has been a year of youth activism. Much of it came out of tragedy - the violence in Parkland, FL (which was repeated just last week in Santa Fe, TX) - but also out of frustration with policies that target undocumented youth and families.The #MeToo movement has galvanized young women (and men) to change the culture of our often chauvinistic and sexist society. And young people are in the forefront of the Black Lives Matter efforts. It might be lost on some, but we've seen a shift in leadership from traditional elected leadership to that of younger activists: a similar phenomena that took place in the 1960s.
Rather than be naysayers and feel we must encourage youth to "get real," let's support their idealism and help them move from opinions and passion to protest and action. We can play the roles of mentors, sponsors, and advisors to young people who demand a better future that benefits all, including the adults in the room!
Over the next couple of weeks I will be planning my fall travel, if you are interested in a visit where I could talk about careers, peacebuilding, or humanitarian work, let me know!
With the end of the school year, I wish everyone a restful and reflective summer break.
David J. Smith
May 25, 2018
PS: If you feel that you are receiving this newsletter in error, I apologize. You can "unsubscribe" using the button at the bottom of the page.
Photo credit: David J. Smith
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Young People Are Filling to Leadership Void Left by Adults,
Baltimore Sun Op-Ed, May 2, 2018
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I recently published an op-ed in the
Baltimore Sun
making the case for youth leadership and arguing that adults need to offer their support to these efforts. Some elected officials doubt the capacity of young people to make change. I'm reminded of Joan of Arc. Click here to
read
my views.
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Resources for Fostering
Youth Activism
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Coastal Promise - Maryland, September 20-23, 2018
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The Forage Center will hold its next field simulation
September 20-23, 2018 in Swanton (Garrett County), Maryland.
The site is a 2.5 hour drive west of Washington, DC, 3 hours west of Baltimore, 2 hours south of Pittsburgh, and 3.5 hours east of Columbus. If you fly, Pittsburgh is the closest airport. We ask that all applicants have a minimum of a bachelor's degree.(If don't have a bachelor's degree, you can request provisional acceptance.) The fee is $700 for students and $1,000 for working professionals and will include meals and lodging (tents are provided; you must bring a sleeping bag).
Registration
is now open.
You must apply by September 7.
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Articles on Youth Activism from Around World
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Just Asking,
Washington Post, April 15, 2018
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I was happy to be featured in the
Washington Post Magazine's
Just Asking column on April 15, 2018. The piece talks about my work and my journey from divorce lawyer to peacebuilder. Click
here
to read.
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Free Community College and Civic Learning
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My own state of Maryland is the most recent one to offer a free pathway to community college. I think this is a good move. I also think this can advance civic and global education in the U.S.
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6th Annual National Community College Peacebuilding Seminar
George Mason University, November 1-4, 2018
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Diversity, Identity, Stereotypes and Action:
Engaging Young People Today
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Annually, I direct the Youth Diversity Leadership Program for the Rockville, Maryland Human Rights Commission. This year's program brought together high school students from the area to consider issues of diversity and leadership and make change through action. To read more about this year's program, click
here
.
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I was honored to give a talk at the TEDxFulbright program "A Curious Picture" in June 2017 at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center. Click
here
to view it.
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Peace Jobs: A Student's Guide to Starting a Career Working for Peace
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Peace Jobs
was recently reviewed by
Peace Review: A Journal of Social Justice
(by Tom H. Hastings)
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"As one who already uses Smith's book, I hope he updates it with successive editions every few years. It will continue to be a valuable tool for us all as we help students prepare to do what most peace studies students want to do - save the world, full time, and maybe even pay the rent and buy some groceries."
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Information Age Publishing has recently reduced the price of
Peace Jobs
to make it more affordable to students. It is now available for
$33.99
. It can also be ordered in a
Kindle edition
.
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Career Coaching
Are you looking to make a career change in 2018 and looking at the international education, peacebuilding or conflict resolution fields? I am career coaching younger and mid-career professionals who are looking to make a career change.
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Upcoming Talks, Programs and Conferences
Peace and Justice Studies Association Meeting, Philadelphia, PA, September 27-29, 2018
Association for Conflict Resolution Meeting, Pittsburgh, PA, October 3-5, 2018
Alliance for Peacebuilding Conference, Washington, DC, October 24-26, 2018
6th Annual National Community College Peacebuilding Seminar, George Mason University, Arlington, VA, November 1-4, 2018
If I am in your area, I'd love to visit!
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“We were scared, but our fear was not as strong as our courage.”
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