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by Theo Spanos Dunfey As we reflect on the past year, Global Citizens Circle (GCC) remains steadfast in our dedication to fostering a world where peace and understanding prevail. In a time where division often grabs headlines, we stand united in our mission to nurture dialogue, empathy, and collaboration across all boundaries. As we look forward to the New Year, we are filled with hope and determination. Our purpose is peace, and our path leads to endless possibilities. Join us in celebrating the triumphs of the past year and in continuing this important journey towards a brighter, more peaceful future for all. Your support for Global Citizens Circle beyond our 50th year will help: • deepen relational activities among emerging and established leaders and respond to their growing demands for our support • enable us to develop a global network of young peacebuilders and a digital tool for keeping them connected • ensure the continued development of Dialogue2Action videos with accompanying discussion guides • allow for more in-person programming to augment robust online programs • expand our partnerships and regional hubs As always, we appreciate your connection, communication and ongoing support throughout 2024 – and look forward to deepening relationships and creating new ones as we venture into the new year. Together, we can achieve greater peace and understanding in our global communities.  In September: An incredible event with the American Friends of the Parents Circle - Families Forum in Boston. This event exemplifies the kind of critical conversations Global Citizens Circle has been convening for over 50 years. Left to right: Colette Phillips, Priscilla Lee, Judith Thompson, Robi Damelin, Layla Alsheikh , Phoebe de Larrabeiti, Sean O'Kane, and Theo Spanos Dunfey, with Susmik Lama at the front. Theo Spanos Dunfey is president and executive director of Global Citizens Circle. She has over 30 years of global experience in non-profits, higher education, and international affairs. Dunfey is a graduate of the Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy at Tufts University, where she earned a Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy, concentrating on American diplomatic history, international communication, and international development. It was during her studies at the Fletcher School that she first began volunteering with Global Citizens Circle’s Boston programs. She also earned a bachelor’s in international relations and French at Brown University. With a primary focus on global issues, Dunfey taught international development at the University of New England, led student groups on global citizenship service-learning trips abroad, directed the World Affairs Council of Maine, and produced numerous global editorial conferences for The WorldPaper before taking the helm at Global Citizens Circle. Together, we can achieve greater peace and understanding in our global communities.
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 By Spencer Hensel My dad died in 2020. But in a much different way, I nearly lost him 4 years prior. It’s not that he was battling a long-term illness. In fact, his untimely death was entirely unexpected. Months after COVID hit, his heart simply stopped. He died in his sleep, and just like that, he was gone. What happened in 2016 in no way prepared us for my dad’s death. He didn’t get a scary prognosis from his PCP, or sustain a life-threatening injury. What happened, in some ways, was even more unimaginable… He voted for Trump. At the time, I was devastated. My dad raised us to be agnostic. His views were distinctly progressive. As someone who was legally blind his entire life, he had a deep compassion for “the little guy,” and he instilled that in every one of his 3 kids. How could he possibly cast a vote for someone I viewed as a self-serving, morally corrupt billionaire? His reasons were unclear to me, mostly because we couldn’t talk about it without fighting. This was the man I considered my best friend growing up. When I was kid, we’d watch scary movies together. When I was older, we did daily email song exchanges and would have check-in calls almost weekly. The first time I introduced him to my now husband, Jude, he gave him a hug so big and sincere, it brought him to tears. My dad loved me and my siblings and my mom. He was a good man. But because of a single vote, it felt like the person who raised me was dead. We didn’t talk for years. I think all the time about how much I wish I had those years back. Sure, given the political climate then, what we needed was distance. But I came to resent a culture that led us to that. We were backed into our respective corners. Further from one another than ever before. And the worst part was, we weren’t alone in that division. Everyone, it seemed, knew someone they’d cut out of their lives because of their politics. Flash forward to November 6, 2024. My liberal friends are (understandably) devastated to see yet another Trump term. So am I (I’m genuinely terrified about how a conservative-majority Supreme Court for the next generation could set this nation back). But on top of that fear, what has shaken me to the core is the hatred and vitriol I’ve seen since the results were called. Public, unhinged displays of disdain, not directed at the establishment, or systems that allowed for another Trump presidency. But toward PEOPLE. Voters, who, as we learned in 2016—8 years ago—are fed drastically different news cycles based on their selected tribes (i.e., Democrat v. Republican; Liberal v. Conservative). The division is not just as bad as 2016; it’s worse. I find myself frustrated with my friends and allies that don’t recognize the inherent bias in news today (right or left). I’m sad that, instead of finding the hope and resilience to reach across the aisles, we’re simply accepting that the United States aren’t so united anymore, that we’re 2 distinct nations battling a righteous war that grows more tense by the day. We as human beings seem to be losing our ability to discuss, to engage and learn. We don’t challenge our own perspectives of the world. We’re more concerned about being right, than taking a step back to understand how things went so wrong. From a capitalist point of view, I get it: Compassion doesn’t sell. It doesn’t get clicks or go viral. Shouting sure does - but to what end? Really. That’s not a rhetorical question. Today’s anger might scratch an immediate itch, but in what way does it serve this country? Especially for future generations? What are today’s behaviors teaching our kids? I can’t help but ask these questions as someone who wants to do good in the world. It was a week before my dad’s death, back in 2020, that we finally moved through the noise and rebuilt our relationship. After visiting him and mom to celebrate my husband’s birthday, I remember literally thinking, “Wow, it feels like I finally have my dad back.” I regained hope. It’s that sense of hope that keeps me from falling into the same destructive patterns I saw on social media and heard from my friends back in 2016, and again today. Even as I see history repeating itself, I have to choose hope. I hope, for those of us who do feel a sense of safety in doing so—and I understand some don’t—that we don’t shut out the family, friends and neighbors who think differently from us. I hope we’ll lean into tough conversations—even when it’s uncomfortable. I hope we can manage our own feelings, and seek to understand. I hope we learn to do better than we did in 2016. Because if we're still this divided as a nation, shaming the other side isn’t the answer. Compassion is. As someone who gives their time—not just with GCC, but as a leader in an allyship space at work, and a TEDx speaker coach—I get to see every day what happens when I try on someone else’s perspective. There’s a magic in that: making connections, especially when those connections aren’t obvious. Those of us looking to make the world better have to flex those muscles. Because if we lose that, we risk losing so much more. I say this from experience. What would’ve happened if my Dad and I stayed in our respective corners, blinded by anger, bruised from battle? What if we never realized that the real fight is for one another, not against? Fortunately, we found a road back to each other that made us appreciate what little time we had left. I only hope the rest of the country can find a way to do the same. Spencer Hensel is a copy director at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU). He is passionate about helping people own their power, and has channeled this passion as a storyteller, manager, mentor and EDI leader at work. A professional writer for over a decade, he’s had the pleasure of writing for Boston startups in the education, food and tech industries. A lifelong learner, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in English Communications at Emmanuel College, along with a graduate certificate in marketing at SNHU. He has also volunteered as a TEDx speaker coach and organizer since 2022. Want to learn more? Connect with him on LinkedIn. Please note: Each week, we invite members of the greater Global Citizens Circle community to contribute to GCC Voices. The views and opinions expressed in each blog post are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Global Citizens Circle. There’s a magic in that: making connections, especially when those connections aren’t obvious. Those of us looking to make the world better have to flex those muscles. Because if we lose that, we risk losing so much more.  Suraj Budathoki, Founder, Peace Initiative Bhutan; Theo Dunfey, Executive Director, Global Citizens Circle; Ahmad Bakdad, Peace & Disarmament Assistant Coordinator, International Peace Bureau By Ahmad Bakdad My recent experience at Constellating Peace in late October in Sierra Leone, organized by Fambul Tok and Catalyst for Peace and made possible through the invitation and funding from Global Citizen Circle (GCC), has been nothing short of transformative. It opened my eyes to the profound power of peace building and reconciliation on the African continent. Through GCC’s support, I discovered a vibrant new world grounded in values of peace, forgiveness, and reconciliation, shaping my understanding of how global peace initiatives can be both deeply rooted in cultural heritage and expansive in their outreach. I met people from across the globe, engaged in discussions that are both challenging and informative. A significant part of my journey was shaped by engaging extensively with youth leaders during the visits. Their passion for peace and development was unmistakable, as was their commitment to uplifting their communities. This experience reinforced my belief in the pivotal role youth play in peace building, yet it also revealed new, innovative ways for youth to drive change.  Ahmad Bakdad with members of village youth council I was particularly moved by my discussion with young leaders and their coordinator in Makeni about work and leisure. One youth’s statement — "We can have fun later; now we have work to do!" — struck me deeply, exemplifying their unwavering dedication to transforming their own lives and those around them.  Mariama EF Jarju, Finance Officer Women in Liberation and Leadership with Theo Dunfey Following this experience, I am taking proactive steps to strengthen and activate my network within the African region, recognizing the immense potential for collaboration and shared impact.  Suraj Budathoki, Ahmad Bakdad, France Bognon, Interim CEO, International Civil Society Action Network; Jesica Rhone, Director of International Programs, McConnell Foundation The conference introduced me to a diverse array of organizations and inspiring individuals from across Africa and beyond, each committed to advancing peace, development, and social change. These connections have not only expanded my professional network but have also deepened my understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within the African context. I am also planning to reactivate and empower the African network in my current organization and integrate those new connections within. My interest in Africa has grown profoundly, and I am excited to build upon these new connections.  Theo Dunfey and Ahmad Bakdad For GCC, I see immense value in continuing — and perhaps in the future, organizing —such events for young peace builders and existing members. These gatherings can greatly expand GCC’s influence and promote its vision of cultural diversity and support for peace builders worldwide. I am grateful to GCC for this opportunity and look forward to furthering our shared mission of global peace. Thank you, GCC — I am always open to collaborating in this inspiring journey.  Ahmad Bakdad is a legal professional from Syria who advocates for the rights of young individuals and children, actively supporting initiatives for social justice, human rights, and the advancement of peace and equality. Over the last seven years, he has dedicated himself to collaborating with diverse civil society organizations, NGOs, INGOs, and UN agencies, including SOS Children's Villages, UNICEF, the Syrian Bar Association, and the United Nations Development Programme. His contributions have impacted humanitarian endeavors across Syria and the Middle East. Bakdad also holds active memberships in several international associations focused on youth, community development, and peace building. During his fellowship, Bakdad will join an international organization in Europe, where he will contribute to their global work on conflict resolution and peacebuilding. His time at the organization will be dedicated to strengthening his skills and enhancing his knowledge in the areas of peace building and conflict resolution. He aims to expand his network by engaging with international colleagues and learning from their experiences. Bakdad plans to leverage this experience and newfound knowledge to empower communities in Syria and internationally. He intends to transfer his expertise and use it to drive social change and social cohesion initiatives for peace and social integration. Read more about him in this GCC Voices Q&A. Please note: Each week, we invite members of the greater Global Citizens Circle community to contribute to GCC Voices. The views and opinions expressed in each blog post are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Global Citizens Circle. Through GCC’s support, I discovered a vibrant new world grounded in values of peace, forgiveness, and reconciliation, shaping my understanding of how global peace initiatives can be both deeply rooted in cultural heritage and expansive in their outreach.  By Dr. Jim Freiburger Two rivers converse Blending fresh, brackish waters Innovate new stream Looking out my window, I witness the energetic, freshwater Exeter River merging with the Tidal Basin River Swampscott. Together they meld into a new passageway to the nearby ocean. Fledgling fish, hatched upriver in the freshwater, swim downstream through the now blended waters, and acclimate as adults in a new ocean setting. The combined rivers created an environment for a new generation of fish to cope with the future. The blended rivers pathway is analogous to the role Global Citizens (GCC) has chosen to create an intergenerational approach to world issues. GCC provides a space in which a younger generation of leaders can converse and share their ideas and enthusiasm with an older generation of peacemakers and leaders. In a recent GCC Circle, an Israeli young man, Yigal Elhanan, and a Palestinian young man, Arab Aramin, shared their stories. Elhanan’s five-year-old sister was killed by a Palestinian bomber. Aramin’s 10-year-old sister was shot by an Israeli soldier. They recreated the role of their parents, founders of the Parent’s Circle for Reconciliation and Peace, had in helping them move through hatred and trauma to become activists for reconciliation and peace. Similarly, intergenerational leaders from Ukraine, Nepal, Syria, Sierra Leone, Afghanistan, India, and America have presented their stories in GCC circles. Several intergenerational leaders are also represented on the GCC advisory council and board. The GCC Emerging Leader program is a model for intergenerational cooperation to develop reconciliation and peace.  Dr. Jim Freiburger is a retired professor of organizational leadership and corporate social responsibility to graduate students from around the world. He currently enjoys applying the Haiku expression and the lens of his camera to capture scenes in nature. Freiburger has been actively associated with Global Citizens Circle during its 50-year existence. In 2022, he authored a memoir, “An Iowa Farm Boy’s Odyssey: Priest, Parent, Professor.“ Contact him at [email protected] Please note: Each week, we invite members of the greater Global Citizens Circle community to contribute to GCC Voices. The views and opinions expressed in each blog post are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Global Citizens Circle. GCC provides a space in which a younger generation of leaders can converse and share their ideas and enthusiasm with an older generation of peacemakers and leaders. |
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