Search for Common Ground

Today, Americans are heading to the polls. In this moment of national decision-making, TIME magazine's recent piece "11 Things to Say to Your Relative Whose Politics You Hate" features Common Ground USA @Search for Common Ground Executive Director Nealin Parker’s powerful approach to difficult political conversations: "If I heard only what was on your news feed, I'm sure I'd think the same thing, but I've had different experiences in my life." This reminder — that our views are shaped by unique life experiences — helps us build a foundation of understanding, even in times of disagreement. Elections stir deep emotions in all of us. Every American knows both victory and defeat - the excitement when our candidates win, and disappointment when they don't. These feelings can sometimes push us apart, but they can also remind us of what we share: hope for a better future and love for our democracy. No matter what happens, we all have a choice in how we respond. We can disagree while still listening to understand. We can feel disappointed while still choosing respect. And most importantly, we can love anyway. Check out the article: https://lnkd.in/evXefJBV

84% of the world population - or 8 in 10 people - identify with a religious community. Therefore, it is no surprise that religious beliefs often shape political engagement, influencing everything from the candidates people vote for to the policies they support or oppose. Religious actors—beyond just formal religious leaders— play crucial roles in many civic spaces across the world. Their involvement in elections or the daily governance of a country is complex and can not be easily categorized as net positive or negative. This is a reality that stakeholders must engage with rather than dismiss or wish away. Our latest policy paper, Faith in Policy – Right-Sizing Religious Actors’ Role in Democratic Processes, draws from case studies and provides actionable recommendations for donors, policymakers, and practitioners on how to constructively engage religious actors in democratic processes. 🔗 Explore the lessons in the policy paper: https://lnkd.in/e3pyS-P4

📣Job opportunity in Belgium! Search is looking for a (team of) consultant(s) to conduct audience research in Belgium to identify new ways of increasing support for peacebuilding across political divides. Recent elections in Belgium and across Europe have highlighted a shift in political landscapes, with a growing focus on national interests and security concerns. These developments influence the broader discussion on peacebuilding. As priorities shift towards immediate security measures, long-term peacebuilding efforts may receive less visibility and political and popular support. That’s why we’re looking to conduct research to explore methods for increasing support for peacebuilding by tailoring Search’s language and key messaging so that it appeals to all political perspectives while maintaining our core organizational values. The details: 📆 6-month project 📍 Belgium 🇫🇷🇳🇱🇬🇧 Fluency in French, Dutch, and English required  💬 Minimum 6 years of experience in political communication 📄Application deadline: 22nd of November 🔗Application link: https://lnkd.in/ejSK-6Nj

"𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗽𝗼𝗽𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝗚𝗮𝘇𝗮 𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗸 𝗼𝗳 𝗱𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴": https://lnkd.in/ec_UNgPb We are gravely concerned by the ongoing violence, destruction of health infrastructure, and denial of humanitarian assistance in North Gaza. Attacks on civilians, hospitals, healthcare workers, humanitarian aid providers, and the destruction of shelters must stop immediately if there is to be any hope of a peaceful future between Israel and Palestine. We continue to call for an immediate ceasefire, full respect for international humanitarian law—including the humane treatment and release of all hostages and unjustly detained prisoners—and the removal of restrictions on humanitarian assistance. It is well past time to initiate an inclusive political process that ensures durable peace and security for every Israeli and every Palestinian.

Last week, Search for Common Ground CEO Shamil Idriss spoke at Devex World. Here are three key takeaways: 1. In a world facing record-high levels of political polarization across every region, destructive conflict threatens to block new progress and erase past gains. 2. We can better prevent violence worldwide by supporting inclusive, multipartial coalitions and networks that bridge societal divides. By doing so, we ensure our actions contribute to—or at the very least, do not undermine—the five vital signs of a healthy society: • Inter-communal trust • Institutional legitimacy • Low levels of violence • People’s sense of agency • Investments in problem-solving mechanisms 3. In the face of devastating violence in the Middle East, Sudan, Ukraine, and beyond, citizen peacebuilders are least effective when political and military leaders convince themselves—and much of their populations—that peace and security can be ‘won’ militarily. Lasting peace and security are only achievable through diplomacy, political courage, and a steadfast commitment to international laws and norms. #DevexWorld (Photos by Kevin Allen Photography)

Join us for the second session of a 4-part series on insights and recommendations from the UNDP's Human Development Report #HDR2024 for innovative governance programming.    In this 2nd webinar, co-organized alongside the UNDP and Global Forum for Media Development (GFMD), we will investigate the relationship between media development and polarization and unpack its impacts on democratic governance. We will also explore enabling principles and working approaches to advance media development in various contexts including across highly polarized environments.   📆 Wednesday, 30 October   🕤 9-10:30am EDT | 2-3:30pm CEST   📍 Learn more on the event page: https://lnkd.in/eJzK8z7x 🔗 Register and Join us: http://bit.ly/4henInX

On Monday, Search CEO Shamil Idriss attended the 4th annual Eradicate Hate Global Summit. As the most comprehensive anti-hate conference in the world, participants included leaders from around the world, researchers, and people directly affected by violent conflict and hate crimes. Learn more about the event, including reflections from Shamil Idriss on the value of bringing together diverse perspectives, knowledge, and experience to “build a collective wisdom”, transforming violence into lasting peace: https://lnkd.in/eZQT236E

In Burundi, we’re celebrating women's incredible strength and leadership! Our recent media caravan traveled across four provinces, engaging communities with fun activities like quiz games and participatory theater. Together, our team tackled important topics like women’s access to financial services, girls' education, and women's roles in addressing climate change. The energy was amazing as women came together to challenge cultural norms and spread vital information on MPOX prevention to keep everyone safe. Peace looks different in each country we work in. Your support allows us to keep building stronger, more inclusive communities.

Free on the 23rd of October? Then join Peace@COP’s webinar on the latest insights and recommendations for involving peace in climate action negotiations at COP29, as outlined in their recent policy paper! 🌿 Who: Peace@COP is a global participatory collective of over 200 individuals from more than 80 institutions across five continents, all dedicated to integrating peace responsiveness and conflict sensitivity into climate change policy. 📑 What: A webinar for the launch of our latest policy paper: “Navigating the peace and security implications of climate change: Recommendations on the climate-conflict nexus at COP29”, offering an in-depth discussion on key recommendations and action points.  💻 Where: On Zoom, the 23rd of October, at 14h CET. 🔗 Register online here: https://lnkd.in/eEDUSXUA #PeaceAtCOP

🇧🇪💬 We’re organizing 3 panels at the upcoming EU Community of Practice on Peace Mediation 2024 in Brussels! 🔵 "Linking Insider Mediator Networks to Broader Infrastructures for Peace" The session will explore how to effectively link insider mediators to broader peace infrastructures, what support they need from national and international organizations, and how these connections can be implemented. 🔵 "Religious and Secular Actors - New and Traditional Partners for Peace?" (In person only) This participatory roundtable will explore best practices for religious engagement in peacebuilding while addressing religious-secular challenges and silos, so as to identify ways forward for better collaboration and will feature Fatima Madaki, our Nigeria Country Director! 🇳🇬 🔵 "Partnering with Youth toward Inclusive Peace Processes" This hybrid workshop will bring together young peace practitioners from Sudan 🇸🇩 and Yemen 🇾🇪, as well as senior officials from the Office of the President of Ukraine 🇺🇦, EEAS, Finnish MFA 🇫🇮, and IGAD to examine the why, what, and how of the EU's support for youth inclusion in peace processes amid a shifting peacemaking landscape. 🔗 Register today: https://lnkd.in/duAsrNi #PeaceBuilding #PeaceBuilders