From El Salvador to Kosovo to Liberia, from the streets to the playground to the family, conflict is part of everyday life. The question is, how do we deal with it? How do we support and encourage people to address conflict together? How do we avoid negative outcomes of conflict?

Because conflict has so many dimensions, and affects so many of the people we and other NGOs serve directly and indirectly throughout the world, we thought it was an important topic to address in AED Connections.

In this issue, we cover a variety of conflict and post-conflict situations in which AED has been involved to share ideas we've implemented and reflections on our learning. One thing is very clear: We need to have the ability and the space to negotiate differences.

To help bridge the divided society in Kosovo, for example, we found that the best vehicle to communicate conflict–resolution messages was somewhat surprising: reality television.

A universally recognized signal we put to new use is the red card soccer referees throw down when a player commits a foul. In the hands of a young woman in Madagascar, it becomes a tool to avoid risky behaviors and minimize interpersonal conflict.

And in the U.S. we are tackling the age–old problem of bullying, helping elementary schools teach civility and communicate that it is necessary for adults to step in early.

We'd like to see your ideas on the subject, too. Join the conversation now at www.aed.org/aedconnections.

 

Stephen F. Moseley
President and CEO