Youth Agriculturalists and Environmentalists Unite to Work for the Environment, Food Security, Civic Engagement and Mutual Understanding

Young people (age 16-40 for this discussion) constitute an important contributor to improved U.S.-Muslim relations.   The thesis of this project is that young people, if united around a common interest and common goal, can develop friendships across cultures.  Through friendships the young lose fear of the “other” and can begin a dialogue on topics of mutual interest, in this case strengthened U.S.-Muslim relations.

The Bridges Institute, a new NGO launched to strengthen democracy and governance in Africa through global partnerships in social development, plans to contribute to better understanding in U.S.-Muslim relations by working with two youth-serving international NGOs focused on the environment and agriculture:  Opportunities Industrialization Centers International (OICI), an organization started by U.S. civil rights icon Reverend Leon Sullivan; and the Jane Goodall Institute, founded by the highly respected chimpanzee researcher.  Both OICI and JGI have significant presences in the U.S. and global reach through robust programs around the world, many in Muslim-majority countries.  Bridges will work with both to develop a youth-centered program to help strengthen the environment and increase agricultural productivity.   By sharing common problems, strategies and lessons learned, participants will be able to develop shared goals and determine common values.  With values aligned and trust established, the young people will be ready to seek better understanding of other cultures, explore their roles and civic responsibilities as young citizens, and ultimately develop their own ways to strengthen U.S.-Muslim relations.

The proposed program would have three phases.  OICI, active in 19 countries in Africa, Asia and the Caribbean, works with a sister NGO, Opportunities Industrialization Centers of America (OICA).   In
 Phase I, youth active in OICI and OICA would establish a formal collaborative relationship based on a commitment to improved agricultural productivity and food security.  The Jane Good Institute’s Roots and Shoots program, with chapters in the U.S., Tanzania, Qatar, and 19 other countries, works in public schools and madrasas to promote environmental stewardship through concrete projects.   Dialogue will be started between and among various JGI country programs, linking programs such as Tanzania Roots and Shoots, with its large Muslim participation and Muslim leadership, to Roots and Shoots Qatar, and Roots in Shoots in San Diego, U.S.A. 

In Phase II, the dialogue will expand to a conversation between OICI and JGI, among  selected chapters of both NGOs, with special attention to Muslim-predominant programs.  In other words, JGI Tanzania, OICI Ghana, and a Roots and Shoots program in New Mexico might work together on an environmental issue.

In phase III, the dialogue will be expanded to a cadre of U.S. high school students committed to promoting Africa’s sustainable development.  Through a partnership between The Bridges Institute and the Africa Society (U.S.-based NGO dedicated to educating  Americans about Africa),  90 U.S. high school students from various faiths are eager to meet and work with young people from Africa. 
The anticipated outcome is a long-term partnership among the young people from multiple countries in which they are able to discuss issues in U.S.-Muslim relations, especially the role of civil society and individual civic engagement in the ongoing development of their countries.

The groups would maintain contact through social networks and be charged with exploring ways of using IT to communicate best practices, share lessons learned and discuss their roles as responsible young citizens.  Bridges will try to identify a large IT company willing to work with the group to develop a social network and other IT infrastructure, thereby putting global digital access at the service of young people committed to the environment and to mutual understanding. While the dialogue would take place through Facebook, Twitter and other social networking mechanisms, hopefully the OICI and JGI participants would be able to meet in person at a Library of Alexandria event at a future date to reinforce their new ties and friendships and cultural understanding. 

Vivian Lowery Derryck, The Bridges Institute
Other partners:  Opportunities Industrialization Centers International, Jane Goodall Institute, The Africa Society