Global Peace and Security Program Overview

The impact of the 9/11 attacks continues to resound in the international system ranging with issues such as cultural insensitivity to nuclear instability.  As an American or an international citizen, the Global Peace & Security Program addresses these issues among many others that can aid in the flourishing of the international community. 

Recognizing that the United States plays a vital role in the international systemthe Global Peace & Security Program provides the tools necessary to educate others on becoming a better-informed and pro-active society. 

Through dialogue and trainings the Global Peace & Security Program connects college students and young professionals with experts, practitioners, and policy-makers to influence United States foreign and domestic policy that affect their lives. The program assists motivated young people to become more active in their local, national, and international communitities with hundreds of townhall meetings, conferences, and campaigns.

From discussing the various methods of peace and security to understanding the numerous forms of conflict the program's activities gives participants the exposure needed to promote global prosperity.  Through workshops, conferences, film screenings, and roundtable discussions along with many other activities Global Peace and Security promotes dialogue and education that is fundamental to advocacy and activism.

The Global Peace & Security Program encompasses a wide range of issue areas and is not limited to the four issues Americans for Informed Democracy will focus on this year: Counterterrorism, Iran, Rising Powers, and the Middle East. Furthermore, we encourage and support activities young people would like to pursue in their communities which can include, but not limited to: birddogging, lobbying, townhall meetings, videoconferences, interfaith discussions, and film screenings. As a resource to young people, please contact the office if you have any questions or need any assistance to become a more proactive global citizen!

As students, we have both a unique and promising opportunity to redress these problems and become active participants in the development process, in instilling a sense of hope in the lives of millions, and in charting a path that ensures dignity for all global citizens.  In fact, students are often better positioned and effective in fostering development than policy makers due to their passion, energy, and the environment in which they work—namely, their universities.

From HIV/AIDS to fair trade, from maternal and child health to potable water, and from debt relief to environmental sustainability, the components of development are varied and complex.  These issues are presented in the toolkit above as mini-campaigns—empowering students to educate ourselves, raise awareness in our respective communities, and then take dictions that will have a positive, tangible impact in our local communities as well as in the lives of millions of poor who lack access to power in their societies.

To help undertake these campaigns, Americans for Informed Democracy offers a diverse set of resources, including assistance with film screenings, video conferences, speaking events, rallies, and general organizing support and mini-grants. Guides to all of these activities can be found in the toolkit above .  Also, if you have other ideas for innovative campaigns and activities on your campus, contact us and we will help you organize them.

We, as youth, have the ability and opportunity to play a substantive role in global development.  We are inextricably linked to others throughout the world, and our actions have broad repercussions.  Let us work together across the country and across borders—using the connections and technology now available as well as our energy and zeal to construct a more equitable, sustainable world.