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 By Elizabeth Richards Like so many people, I frequently face today’s news with feelings of despair and hopelessness. But in a world that often feels divided and uncertain, one of the most powerful sources of hope I encounter is working with college students who are deeply committed to social change and community engagement. As the leader of The Chandler Center (Southern New Hampshire University’s center for service and community engagement), I daily witness young people’s passion, creativity, curiosity, and determination in service to their community. This reminds me that the future is not only in capable hands, but also in hands that care deeply about justice, equity, and collective well-being. Young adults today are facing a world that is complex and full of challenges—climate change, systemic inequality, political polarization, and rising costs of living, just to name a few. And yet, rather than turning away from these issues, many of them are choosing to lean in. They are volunteering in local food pantries, organizing voter registration campaigns, facilitating difficult conversations, and developing innovative solutions to problems that affect their communities. It’s not performative. It’s personal. They believe they have a role to play in creating a better world—and they act on that belief. They lead with collaboration rather than competition. They prioritize listening and learning over ego and expertise. Many of them approach community work with humility, understanding that change doesn’t come from “saving” others, but from partnering with communities, sharing power, and building relationships grounded in mutual respect. That mindset represents a profound shift from older models of leadership and service—and it’s a shift we desperately need. They’re also unafraid to ask hard questions. They challenge institutions, including their own universities, to live up to their stated values. They push for inclusive policies, more equitable systems, and meaningful opportunities for civic learning. They are not satisfied with symbolic gestures; they want structural change—and they are willing to do the work to make it happen. Of course, young people don’t have all the answers. None of us do. But the energy they bring, the values they live by, and the solidarity they practice remind me every day that positive change is not only possible—it’s already underway. The future is being shaped right now in student-led meetings, community forums, voter registration drives, mutual aid projects, and classrooms where difficult truths are being confronted with courage. Working with college students doesn’t just give me hope—it keeps me going. It reminds me why this work matters. It provides daily evidence that the legacy of our elders lives on in the courage and conviction of young people and in their belief that a better world is possible. Elizabeth Richards serves as the assistant vice president of The Chandler Center, Southern New Hampshire University’s center for civic and community engagement. The Chandler Center envisions a community where every individual is empowered to be curious about and committed to social action and works to meet that vision through the cultivation of community-based leadership opportunities, meaningful community partnerships, and social issue education for students. Elizabeth holds a Bachelor of Specialized Studies in Conference and Event Planning & Master of Education in College Student Personnel from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. She has held professional roles in residence life, student conduct, student leadership, and community engagement. Elizabeth has presented at state, regional, and national conferences on the Social Change Model of Leadership, the challenges faced by first-generation college students, and the role of white people in anti-racism work. She teaches courses related to race, gender, and power and has 15+ years as a social justice educator. When she’s not working, Elizabeth is reading queer romance novels, crocheting, baking, or volunteering in her community. She lives near Concord, New Hampshire, with her wife, two children, and a very fluffy cat. Please note: 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. Of course, young people don’t have all the answers. None of us do. But the energy they bring, the values they live by, and the solidarity they practice remind me every day that positive change is not only possible—it’s already underway. 
by Kayla Stoll
Education is the bridge that separates world crises from global understanding. A single piece of knowledge, combined with the right intentions, can be the deciding factor in history's course. When intertwined with widespread acknowledgment, mankind can work to reshape the world through language and by breaking down barriers. Even if our opinions do not match, educated understanding among a population recognizes all issue sides with equal merit, and uses it to build relationships, even among disagreement. Education lacks when deprived of the opportunity to experience the world… even the most intellectual person secluded to confinement will have nothing to found curiosity. Cities, technology screens, and poverty are mankind’s modern confines, drifting away as “separate” from the natural world, fueling this lack of education. Community, connections, and compassion are the principles that can save the world. The environment maintains its secrets, openly exposing its true colors, whilst keeping surprises—like the “how” and “why” behind such complexities—hidden, waiting for the next pioneers, filled with innate curiosity about its processes, to claim the next discoveries. Yet in our solidarity among our manmade pleasures, too many are not granted the chance to foster such curiosity. It is in the presence of a village—such as the international Global Citizens Circle—that we share knowledge and observations, wholeheartedly raising these future pioneers, who will inspire all generations. Many environmental crises could be remedied through the spread of education—microplastics, greenhouse gas emissions, and fast-fashion waste. The truth behind these issues are masked by a facade of convenience and economic benefit, driving a great canyon between Mother Nature and mankind; a canyon that can only be bridged by awareness. Achieving eco-friendliness is an adaptation, requiring lifestyle commitments for long-term effects, such as adopting reusable cotton bags, metal water bottles, and even switching your plastic cutting board for wood or bamboo. Yet humans innately resist contributing to long-term solutions—yet unwitnessed—compared to immediate, tangible results. Awareness, inspired by community connections, can open this narrow frame of time into a world view: a mental picture of our actions’ consequences, fueling the positive evolution of mankind’s relationship with our planet. Education—the bridge that separates world crises from global understanding. A united society, universally connected through relationships, working for the common good. Global Citizens Circle seamlessly weaves endless backgrounds, ethnicities, and lifestyles through the work of compassionate individuals who instinctively know which connections will change society for the better. This network is the foundation for educating others, making all the world’s stories into a single anthem for us all. Community, connections, compassion; the principles that will safeguard our planet for future generations and save the world.
Kayla Stoll is a 20-year-old naturalist and passionate environmental educator from Bedford, NH. Throughout the last decade, she has been committed to planet advocacy—from organic agriculture to plastic pollution—focused on influencing positive change. She has spent the past seven years researching the plastic pollution crisis, encouraging individuals to take small steps toward improving their environmental footprint.
Kayla is an ecohydrologist finishing her sophomore year at SNHU, earning a degree in environmental science and hopes to pursue environmental engineering in the future. She is also an avid snowboarder, rock climber, herbalist, hiker, and photographer. With published environmental articles in Greet Bedford Magazine, Planet Forward Magazine, Kayla also has an Earth-education YouTube channel (Earthling Impact). She has been featured in SNHU productions and was a TEDxSNHU speaker in February 2025, speaking about environmental education in schools. it is her dream to influence others to step away from plastics and lead more planet-friendly lives. Kayla is part of Global Citizens Circle’s Emerging Leaders program, with a desire to further spread the message of hope and education toward bettering our world.
Please note: 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.
It is in the presence of a village—such as the international Global Citizens Circle—that we share knowledge and observations, wholeheartedly raising these future pioneers, who will inspire all generations. Over the past year, we’ve celebrated the 50th anniversary of Global Citizens Circle—reflecting with gratitude on a remarkable journey, the people who’ve shaped it, and the lasting impact of its work. As we honor this legacy, we are also looking ahead—committed to ensuring that our mission continues to thrive for generations to come. On May 23, so many came together globally to celebrate the 90th birthday of GCC’s founder, Jerry Dunfey. As part of this heartfelt tribute, a very special short film premiered during a private virtual screening. Created by GCC Board Member Michael Lockett and narrated by Global Advisor Marguerite Mariama, the film tells the story of GCC’s evolution and the many activists across the globe who have fueled its mission. It also highlights a new generation of emerging leaders poised to carry this important work forward. We invite you to watch “Global Citizens Circle: Forward to Fifty and Beyond” and be inspired by the journey—and the path that lies ahead.  Jerry biked to his celebration. On May 23, our founder Jerry Dunfey celebrated his 90th birthday in Switzerland surrounded by family. But, in reality, much like Global Citizen Circle (GCC), the celebration was global – with friends zooming in from Northern Ireland, Rwanda, South Africa, Kenya, Belgium and across the U.S. – largely because of all the lives Jerry’s work and care has impacted throughout his 90 years and 50 years of GCC!  Just a sampling of birthday greetings extended to Jerry's from throughout the world:
 Jerry and Nadine enjoying the global celebration on Zoom. With thanks to so many, GCC reach its goal of 90 gifts of $90 in Jerry’s honor to keep the work of GCC going forward. This important work – GCC’s mission – is far from finished. Each gift beyond our goal will help us build a stronger foundation for the next 50 years of dialogue, equity, and global connection. If you haven’t given yet, there’s still time to join this global movement. And if you have, your continued support or sharing this campaign will help carry Jerry’s legacy even further. Some might say we need this work now more than ever. You can lend your support here. GCC family, friends and supporters celebrating in New Hampshire.  Two years ago, I reached out to Global Citizens Circle (GCC) with a simple goal: To grow as a leader. Little did I know, it would become a catalyst for my mission to empower young changemakers. I have since co-facilitated three of our Emerging Leaders programs and most recently, with Abdi Nor Iftin, who I became quite interested in after reading his book, “Call Me American.” I felt empowered and reached out to one of GCC’s Global Advisors, Pamme Boutselis, who knows Abdi from when he spoke at TEDxAmoskeagMillyard, an organization she is also involved with. She was able to connect us – Theo Dunfey, Phoebe de Larrabeiti and me – to Abdi, who later shared in a powerful discussion in an Emerging Leaders program on the topic of resilience. This speaks to what GCC is, a platform of interconnectedness with people passionate about making positive change; indeed, making it a small but mighty organization.  GCC has given me a platform to turn inspiration into action – proof its mission to equip leaders at every level. When I joined, I wanted to bridge the gap between GCC’s legacy and the next generation. Outreach to young people wasn’t just a goal – it became my passion. We’ve since had emerging leaders from Afghanistan, Peru, the Philippines, Morocco, Nigeria, the U.S., Cameroon, Syria, Bangladesh, and Nepal join us. This work mirrors Jerry Dunfey’s, GCC's founding president, original spark – empowering others to lead, no matter their age. At 90, Jerry’s 50-year journey with GCC is a testament to what one visionary can achieve. I joined at 20, and it’s impossible not to wonder: What could the next 50 years hold? But GCC’s future isn’t automatic. In 50 years, who will carry this mission forward? Without intentional investment in young leaders today, what remains of the organization tomorrow? That’s where the Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) comes in. It’s not just an initiative – it’s GCC’s lifeline to the future. The Emerging Leaders Program identifies and connects young leaders to GCC’s network and resources, ensuring the mission outlives its founders. Every young leader we empower today is a seed for GCC’s next era. Jerry built GCC with the audacity to think decades ahead. Now, it’s our turn. If you believe in legacy, mentorship, or the power of youth leadership, this is your invitation to join us. I don’t know what the next 50 years hold, but I know this: GCC’s story is still being written – and its future authors are the emerging leaders we nurture today. As a dedicated mental health advocate and counseling psychology student, Stanley Asango is committed to promoting mental health and wellbeing. Through his active involvement with nonprofit organisations like Miracle Corners of the World Global (MCW Global) and Global Citizens Circle (GCC), he has honed his leadership skills and gained a global perspective. These experiences have fueled his passion for making a positive impact on mental health, both nationally and internationally. Stanley's goal is to leverage his knowledge and skills to drive meaningful change and support communities in achieving better mental health outcomes. 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. Jerry Dunfey built GCC with the audacity to think decades ahead. Now, it’s our turn. If you believe in legacy, mentorship, or the power of youth leadership, this is your invitation to join us.  By Kristen D. Nevious A civil conversation does not just happen. It requires commitment: to the critically important and deep-seated needs that inspired it, to the process, and to the dignity of the participants. In a world that is in desperate need of civil conversations, leaders do emerge and guide us through that process and help us build the bridges that allow us to collectively reach for outcomes that serve the public good. The Marlin Fitzwater Center for Communication has been recognizing Leadership in Public Communication since 2004, shortly after it was founded on the campus of Franklin Pierce University, a liberal arts institution at the foot of Mt. Monadnock in Southwestern New Hampshire. Some Fitzwater Medallion Honorees have hailed from the ranks of mainstream media; others work in the technology, business, civic or educational spheres. Some have spent decades in leadership roles; others are just emerging. Some are building bridges between world-wide audiences; others’ work is evident primarily in their hometowns. But the trait all of the Honorees share is commitment. On March 11, 2020, CNN’s Chief Medical Correspondent and 2022 Fitzwater MedallionHonoree, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, shared with CNN’s audience why he would be “using the term pandemic to describe the current coronavirus outbreak.” He noted that on that day, over 100,000 cases and 3,000 deaths had already been attributed to this new virus. As a neurosurgeon and medical school professor who had dedicated decades of his life to promoting science and health literacy, he presciently walked all who were paying attention through the data at hand, alerting them to potential challenges ahead, and reassuring his global audience that “this is a crisis we can overcome if we can work together.” A 2019 Fitzwater Medallion Honoree, Robert M. Patterson ‘69, pioneered the communication satellite technology that made it possible for Dr. Gupta’s bridges to reach those of us who were increasingly isolated in our homes and communities. Patterson facilitated the very first televised live broadcast event via a U.S. domestic satellite.He went on to arrange transmissions for such critical events as the Reagan- Gorbachev Summit Meetings, and the reunification of West and East Berlin. To note but two other Fitzwater Honorees:
The Fitzwater Center is proud to have presented the 2025 Fitzwater Medallion for Leadership in Public Communication to Theo Spanos Dunfey, President and Executive Director of Global Citizens’ Circle. Dunfey is a civil and courageous conversationalist who has demonstrated a life-long commitment to convening and empowering future generations of global bridge builders. Dunfey embodies the mission of the Marlin Fitzwater Center for Communication to educate leaders in public communications. Within our state-of-the-art technology studios and classrooms, we are intentional about providing our on-campus and off- campus communities with opportunities for perspective-challenging conversations with such global leaders as Nobel Laureate Lech Walesa or Journalism Ethicist Richard T. Griffiths. Our students can develop their communication skills editing an episode of $100 Plus Mileage, a podcast in its fifth season of production in collaboration with Citizens Count. Or, they can crew for NHPBS’s weekly digital public affairs show, The State We’re In, which is produced in collaboration with the Granite State News Collaborative. In the end, we are confident that all will find their voices in the bridge building that is essential to the well-being of our global community. Kristen D. Nevious, whose first encounter with communication media technology was a beautiful baby blue Smith Corona manual typewriter in the 1970s, has been Director of Franklin Pierce University’s Marlin Fitzwater Center for Communication since 2004, where she oversees the video and audio production studios and low-power FM station. Her team of students and staff just completed shooting episode 220 of NHPBS’s The State We’re In, and it produces award-winning podcasts in collaboration with the Granite State News Collaborative, which she co-founded in 2018. Media production is just one way the Fitzwater Center meets its charge to engage intellects, challenge perspectives, teach skills and help people find their voices in the public discourse that is essential to the health of our democracy. Nevious delivers programming that takes advantage of the University’s location in the home of the First-in-the-Nation Primary, including The Presidency and the Press, a high school summer program; PoliticsFitzU, a collegiate political reporting unit that has earned national press credentials to the national political conventions covering presidential races since 2008; and Ravens Sports Network, which livestreams every home game on FloCollege, a global sports livestreaming platform. Her undergraduate and graduate degrees are in journalism, and she has taught at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, Southern Missouri State University, the University of Southern Mississippi, and the University of South Dakota, where she earned tenure. She serves the profession as chair of New Hampshire Public Broadcasting’s Community Advisory Board, and as a member of the New England Newspaper and Press Association’s Board of Directors, the New Hampshire Press Association Board of Directors, and the Journalism Education Foundation of New England Board of Directors. In 2018, she was named the Journalism Educator of the Year by NENPA. Please note: Biweekly, 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. In a world that is in desperate need of civil conversations, leaders do emerge and guide us through that process and help us build the bridges that allow us to collectively reach for outcomes that serve the public good.  By Pamme Boutselis Throughout the past 50 years, Global Citizens Circle has created essential dialogue around serious societal issues throughout the U.S. and across the world, especially at Circle events. I appreciate the sense of connection each Circle has given me, the opportunities to connect with others globally, and, notably, the access to people I most likely would never have experienced otherwise – and for that I’m grateful. One Circle, in particular, the first virtual Circle actually, made a marked impression on me at a time when we were all feeling especially vulnerable. I invite you to think back to where you were in early April 2020 and consider what your mindset might have been. As for me, I was working from home for several weeks at this point, having gone remote for what we thought would be just two weeks as the coronavirus ramped up stateside. Before March was out, though, the university I work at was partnering with the city to provide overflow hospital space on our campus. The mom of four now-grown kids, two of my sons lived local to me in New Hampshire, one with his wife and two recently adopted kids – and a baby soon to join their family that summer – and the other with his wife, also pregnant and due in May. My daughter, her husband and two kids had just moved back from Vermont to the town where she’d grown up (and where I still live). My youngest lived in Brooklyn, where he and his girlfriend worked in hospitality. Just a few days after NYC shut down in mid-March, my youngest son tested positive for Covid-19, and his girlfriend also did just a week or so later. In those early days, of course, there were no vaccines, and the uncertainty of the virus’s severity was incredibly alarming, with media stories of deaths worldwide coming at us daily. The length of time those diagnosed with Covid-19 had to quarantine was much longer than it is today. As our family in Brooklyn remained isolated in their apartment, we pondered how to get them safely back to NH once they were able to go out again. It was a surreal time, and one like nothing none of us had ever experienced before. Like many, I was scared – and watching the news each day with growing concern. And then I received an email from Global Citizens Circle, telling of a virtual Circle planned for April 7, 2020: “Connection & Action in Uncertain Time.” Having witnessed the power of an in-person Circle firsthand, I wondered what this might feel like online, particularly as we were all just beginning to get our feet wet in this new digital meeting space. But I knew I needed to be on that call.  Until now, most of what I knew about this global pandemic was what I saw in the media and briefly heard from a friend or two across the sea. April 7th brought this all home, allowing me to bear witness to what others were experiencing in a way I never could have imagined. As participants joined the Circle, there were a few that I knew, but so many others coming together from throughout the world. Two people will always stay with me. Ralph Zhang, a man in Wuhan, the capital of Hubei, China, a place I’d only recently become acquainted with via the news. His city had been released that day from a two-plus-month lockdown – and as he spoke with us, his face close to the computer screen, what he had been through over the past few months was evident with every word and facial expression he shared. It was haunting in many ways, but I also recognized that the virus had advanced earlier in that area. We had not yet entered into that stage yet in the U.S., although we were certainly heading there. While Ralph Zhang’s experience gave me trepidation, it also gave me hope; that there would be light eventually as we continued down this tunnel. Another man shared what he was witnessing – this time, more local in Manhattan. Although I don’t recall his name, I do remember what he had to say. He spoke of living near one of the big hospitals in the city, and on his noontime walks each day seeing the refrigerated trucks – something I had heard about and seen pictures of in the news. This was where the remains of people who had passed from Covid-19 were being housed. Hearing this took my breath away, lending credence to what I had already known to be true but now cementing it solidly as something real happening not too far away. It added to my urgency in wanting to get my son and his girlfriend out of the city as quickly as possible. It also grew the empathy I felt for those who died away from loved ones in those hospitals, for those who didn’t have an opportunity to say good-bye, to mark their deaths in the ways we normally might, or to grieve with others. I thought about the healthcare workers experiencing all of this and what the long-term effects would be on each of them – and the man who walked by those trucks each day. And while both of these accounts I shared – along with those I haven’t – might have you thinking this was a Circle I may have wanted to avoid – it was completely the opposite. These were scary times and I had been on my own in my house, working remotely, connected with friends and family virtually but feeling cut off from the world in so many ways. I could take in news reports each day but this didn’t compare at all with hearing experiences firsthand from people throughout the world. It gave me a sense of connection – of understanding that this truly was a global pandemic that affected us all in a way that I hadn’t felt as deeply before. It put faces and sometimes names, along with countries, cities and towns in my heart and head, reinforcing how important it was to work together to come out the other side of this global crisis. I know Global Citizens Circle has always been engaged in connection and conversation, no matter how hard or uncertain the times are. I’ve borne witness to this time and time again. But as I think back to that day in April 2020, when I felt quite scared and often alone – GCC came through in a big way offering connection and potential action to help us get through that very uncertain year. And I’m grateful not only for that day but for all of the virtual Circles since that allow us to connect regularly from so many places globally, to connect and communicate no matter what we are facing. Pamme Boutselis is an award-winning writer and content producer, currently serving as a senior director of content marketing and a communication adjunct at Southern New Hampshire University. She loves hearing and sharing stories. As a writer spanning a 25-plus-year career, her work has been featured in print and online via news media, career and education-focused blogs, regional magazines, technology publications and more. A serial volunteer, Boutselis has been a TEDx organizer since 2013 and a speaker coach. She’s been fortunate to work with dozens of nonprofits throughout the years and serves as a communication advisor for Global Citizens Circle. Connect with her 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. As I think back to that day in April 2020, when I felt quite scared and often alone – GCC came through in a big way offering connection and potential action to help us get through that very uncertain year.   On April 2, 2025, GCC's President and Executive Director Theo Spanos Dunfey was awarded The Fitzwater Center Medallion for Leadership in Public Communication at Franklin Pierce University's Marlin Fitzwater Center for Communication. Theo delivered The Medallion Lecture: "I'm No Expert: Confessions of a Generalist." Here's what she had to say. Before I begin with what I prepared several months ago when this event was originally supposed to take place, I want to first acknowledge how much has changed and continues to change every day since then. Changes that I believe are leading our country into unknown, and frankly frightening, territory in terms of our democracy, freedom of speech and civil discourse. I’m not going to address these issues directly – we hear about them everywhere, all the time from historians, political pundits, journalists and other so-called experts. Today, I’d like to speak with you about being a generalist, and I hope it will resonate with you as we all think about how we navigate these troubled waters. How did I end up here – accepting an award for communication? You see, I was this very shy little girl from Claremont, New Hampshire who relied on her sister (who’s sitting here in the audience) to speak for me. If someone asked me what my name was and how old I was, my sister would confidently answer: “Her name is Theo and she’s 5-years-old. I’m Kass and I’m 6!” I probably let this dynamic go on much too long, but that’s a story for another time and, honestly, for a therapist to hear.  Theo and Kass  Phoebe de Larrabeiti and Theo Spanos Dunfey The irony sure isn’t lost on me that I’m receiving the Fitzwater Medallion for Leadership in Public Communication but let me say what an honor it is to have been chosen for this award. I want to thank Sean O’Kane, chair of the board of Global Citizens Circle and former trustee of Franklin Pierce University, for first introducing me to the amazing Kristen Nevious, Director of the Fitzwater Center, who then introduced me to the very generous Christina Cliff, associate professor of political science and security studies. Together, along with Phoebe de Larrabeiti, assistant director for Global Citizens Circle, we worked on a series of critical issue discussion guides to accompany edited videos of Circle programs on topics such as monuments and their power to unite and to divide, the hard realities of police reform, as well as healing divisions and finding our common humanity. Neither Kristen nor Christina ever asked for anything in return but gave us confidence and the skills to begin a project that would allow hard but critical conversations to continue beyond our 90-minute programs, making them available to a wider public audience. For their help and friendship, I am most grateful. Let me also thank Marlin Fitzwater, whose prescience to found the Fitzwater Center “to prepare students for the responsibilities of inspired leadership and service in vibrant public discourse” is a lasting gift to Franklin Pierce University, to its students and scholars, and to the state of New Hampshire. As a native New Hampshirite and someone whose career began just about the same time that Mr. Fitzwater was establishing himself as a leader in political communications, I remember him well and I’d like to think that his passion for presidential politics was in the crisp NH air when I returned to Claremont after college for my first “real” job in a presidential primary campaign in 1983. It was just prior to this that my story of being a generalist really starts. I went to college and studied international affairs, which was a mix of courses in political science, economics, history, and anthropology. These weren’t the kinds of courses (except for history) that I had learned about at Stevens High School. I needed to know something about all of them before I could decide what I would really want delve into. Four years later, when I graduated, I realized I wasn’t an expert in any one discipline, though I felt I’d had a well-rounded education and that I’d enjoyed learning a little about a lot of topics. So, what else could I do but go home and work on a presidential campaign and use my broad knowledge to help organize and persuade people to support my candidate. Of course, that was a challenge too, because I still had those shyness tendencies and making cold calls to potential voters was something I really had to get used to. Though my candidate, astronaut and senator John Glenn, lost in the NH primary, I had found my voice, if not any particular expertise. Continuing a bit longer in NH politics, I worked on a gubernatorial campaign, before I decided to go back to studying international affairs. This time I thought, I’ll come out with a master’s degree that would convey on me a certain sense of expertise. I got a master’s in law and diplomacy from the Fletcher School at Tufts University. Sounds pretty expert, don’t you think? Guess what? I’m neither a lawyer nor a diplomat, nor have I ever been. Why that’s the name of the degree, I don’t know because Fletcher is a school that distinguishes itself for turning out generalists. I had to pick three fields of study, not one concentration – I chose international development, US diplomatic history, and international communications. Again, just as I had as an undergraduate, I learned a little about a lot. And no, I’m not diminishing that – I’m getting to my point really. And that is that being a generalist offers unique strengths in communication by fostering adaptability, empathy, and the ability to connect ideas across disciplines, with storytelling as a key tool. So why did I feel, and, to be honest, still sometimes feel, that I should be an expert in something? I believe there’s societal pressure to specialize. Society often equates expertise with authority. We live in a world that celebrates specialists. Think about it—doctors, scientists, engineers—they’re revered for their deep expertise. But with specialization comes a challenge: communication. Specialists often fall into "expert blind spots," using jargon or focusing so narrowly on their field that they struggle to connect with others outside their domain. I’ve felt this firsthand. In conversations with specialists, I’ve sometimes been overlooked because I didn’t have a single label—like “data analyst” or “Middle East expert.” Yet, what I’ve learned is that this lack of a defined niche allows me to see things from multiple perspectives. And here’s the problem with hyper-specialization: when we don’t communicate effectively, we limit innovation, collaboration, and progress. That’s where generalists step in. Being a generalist means being adaptable, empathetic, and able to see the bigger picture. First, adaptability. Generalists excel at translating complex ideas for diverse audiences. For instance, I once explained what it means to be a global citizen to a group of emerging leaders by comparing it to a conversation at a Global Citizens Circle program. I explained how open and honest discussions, even when they are about hard topics (which is really what Global Citizens Circle is all about), help everyone to understand our shared humanity. It isn’t just about simplifying; it’s about making the information relatable. Second, empathy. When you’ve dabbled in multiple fields, you start to understand the challenges and perspectives of different groups. This makes you a bridge-builder. I’ve worked to bring people of differing backgrounds, races, religions, and opinions together for respectful dialogue that advances solutions to problems that sometimes seem intractable. By reframing their disagreements as dialogue rather than debate, I’ve helped people find common ground. Finally, big-picture thinking. Specialists dive deep, but generalists connect the dots. We see patterns, relationships, and opportunities that others might miss. This broader perspective makes conversations richer and more dynamic. It also helps us form relationships and identify partnerships that provide give and take and benefit all. Here’s where storytelling comes in. Stories are universal. They break down barriers and make abstract concepts relatable. As generalists, we’re uniquely positioned to craft multidimensional stories because we draw on diverse experiences. For example, I’ve had the privilege through Global Citizens Circle to meet and converse with world leaders, local activists and emerging leaders from all over and from different sectors, and when I tell others about these interactions, I’m able to speak about them on a human level because I’ve listened to their stories even more than to their expertise, and this allows others to understand the shared humanity that doesn’t put one person above another. Stories don’t just explain; they inspire. And for generalists, they’re a way to translate the value of our diverse knowledge into something that resonates with everyone. This is why when we begin a Global Citizens Circle program, we always ask our discussion leaders to start with a personal story that relates to the topic at hand. It may be, “why did you get involved in this issue? And what has kept you going even when you thought you wanted to quit?” It’s through these kinds of questions that we hear answers that are relatable and have the power to inspire others. Of course, being a generalist isn’t always easy. Sometimes, I’ve felt like an outsider in conversations dominated by specialists. I’ve struggled with imposter syndrome, questioning whether I’m “enough” without a defined expertise. But here’s what I’ve learned: being a generalist is not about knowing everything. It’s about being curious, adaptable, and willing to learn. It’s about asking the right questions, connecting people, and telling and listening to stories that bridge gaps. The reward? Seeing people collaborate in ways they couldn’t before. Watching ideas flourish because you helped connect the dots. That’s the magic of being a generalist.  Theo Spanos Dunfey, Ukrainian Nobel Peace Laureate Oleksandra Matviichuk, and Phoebe de Larrabeiti Let me leave you with one final story. I never imagined as that shy little girl from a mill town in New Hampshire that I would travel the world and in so doing have opportunities to impact positive change. I never thought I would be able to help a young Afghan woman to leave Afghanistan to come to the US where she could get the education she wasn’t allowed in her country. I couldn’t imagine I’d meet a young Syrian peacebuilder who travelled with me to the west coast of Africa this past October for a peace conference and was so inspired to learn more about Africa that he is hoping to do a master’s program in African studies so that he can use lessons from that continent to help him make change in his own country. And I wouldn’t have imagined I would ever feel confident enough to share lunch and conversation with a human rights lawyer and Nobel Peace Laureate from Ukraine. But those are all things that I’ve experienced in just the past few years. How did it happen? Well, I’ve used my knowledge and curiosity as a generalist. So, my message to you is this: Don’t underestimate the power of being a generalist. Embrace your unique ability to connect ideas, people, and disciplines. Use storytelling to bridge divides and inspire action. We may not be experts in one thing, but we are experts in weaving the threads of our experiences into stories that inspire, connect, and transform. And in a world that is clearly struggling to communicate in ways that bring out the best of humanity, that might just be the most valuable expertise of all. Thank you. When we don’t communicate effectively, we limit innovation, collaboration, and progress. We recently became aware of "Black and white," a poem written by 10-year-old Olivia Harris, and asked if we might republish it on GCC Voices. According to her mom, Carrie Huggins Harris, Olivia wrote this poem because she wanted to share a piece of herself at her school’s open mic night--and she was excited to be chosen to perform. Through this poem, she explores her identity in a way that invites others to listen, learn, and reflect. Her words speak not just to being biracial, but to anyone who’s ever felt like they don’t fully fit into one box or another. Olivia’s message is powerful: you don’t have to choose just one part of who you are—you can proudly be all of you. Her poem reminds everyone, no matter their age, that their identity is something to be celebrated!  Black and white We are sunshine and moonlight Different like night and day Not stuck between two worlds We make our own way. We are Black and we are white Like zebra stripes Like piano keys Like day and night. Everything in life is different Although it may not seem We all have a purpose We all have a dream. Our hair may be different From braids to curls to waves to swirls Our hair is unique And oh sooo chic. The world will have its rules A box we have to check But there is no box That determines what's next. I am Black I am white I am mom’s sunshine And dad’s moonlight. I am Jamaican I am Bahamian I am British And Romanian. People ask “What are you?” And I say I am me I hope that I am someone Everyone can see. All of us are different But in a way the same Strong and proud and free Our parents' legacy. - Olivia Harris   Olivia Harris is a bright, creative, and confident ten-year-old who lives in Queens, New York. She’s passionate about dance, acting, traveling, and finding new ways to express herself through various forms of art. Whether she’s on stage performing or dreaming up her next project, Olivia shines with imagination and energy. She’s known for dancing and twirling her way through life—literally—spreading joy wherever she goes with her infectious spirit. One of the things she’s most proud of is being biracial. Olivia speaks openly and proudly about her identity and enjoys helping others understand what it means to live in both worlds at once—something she does with wisdom well beyond her years. 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. I am Black By Theo Spanos Dunfey GCC Assistant Director Phoebe de Larrabeiti and I recently attended CSW69, which marks the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women, held at the United Nation Headquarters in New York. We are grateful to Marlyn Tadros, CEO and Executive Director of Digital Democracy Now for hosting GCC at UNCSW. A highlight was meeting one of GCC's Emerging Leaders, Nilab Ahmadi from Afghanistan, and celebrating her selection for the UN youth cohort. We enjoyed GCC Board member Priscilla Lee’s presentation on Afghan girls’ education and were deeply moved by a panel of survivors of sexual abuse and prostitution. Inspiring sessions featured young leaders and storytellers, while cultural moments included learning a Maori proverb and enjoying their singing. A final interactive session felt like a fitting celebration of our experiences and gave us hope for what’s to come. I hope you enjoy this video compilation of our time at CSW69. 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. I walk backwards into the future with my eyes fixed on my past. |
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