Friday, July 22, 2011

The purpose of this blog...

Project Common Bond was born out of a simple idea from a few of the children of 9/11 victims.  They wanted to meet other people from around the world who had experienced their similar loss - a loss of a loved one to an act of terrorism.  They wondered how their experiences compare and how they cope. 


Tuesday's Children took on the challenge to create a venue where these young adults could meet.  This one of a kind program became Project COMMON BOND (PCB).  Tuesday's Children made it more than just a social experience and, by integrating curriculum focused on peace building and conflict resolution, created a program that provides life long tools.  This program is based on sharing experiences, building character and most importantly healing.  This has been the goal of Tuesday's Children since its inception in 2001 after the events of September 11th. 


In 2008, the first Project COMMON BOND program was hosted at Bryn Mawr College outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania uniting over 60 particpants from 7 countries.  For one week, these young adults had the time of their lives - bonding over tragedy but ultimately just being young adults that wanted to get to know each other and have fun. 


The result?  After the program was over, the teens constantly communicated on Facebook, wished each other well during the year, exchanged "miss you's," skyped, and counted down the days until the next PCB. A special international community was born.


And now we are in Year 4!  Project COMMON BOND has grown leaps and bounds since then - it has integrated curriculum created by Harvard Law School's Negotiation and Mediation Clinical Program, has added a new focus based on the Dignity Model designed by Donna Hicks at the Weatherhead School at Harvard University, has forged new partnerships with international intermediary organizations to secure participants from new countries and territories like Russia, Sri Lanka, Argentina and Palestine and has even hosted the program overseas in Belfast, Northern Ireland.  This program will continue to grow and continue to expand its reach. 


This year's program is being held outside of Washington DC at Foxcroft School in Middleburg, Virginia.  80 participants from 10 countries and territories will bond and grow over the next week.  This blog will explore day-to-day happenings and showcase pictures and testimonials so parents, supporters and the curious alike can learn more about this life changing program. 


Today's events in Oslo, Norway show us that terrorism is a reality we can't escape.  It shows us that we need to equip the next generation with the tools they need to make a difference and promote peace.  We send our condolences to all those impacted.


Stay tuned...


Alisha
PCB intern 2008
TC staff member 2010-present

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