Conflict Resolution 2009
Working to promote security, stability and peace, this award is for campaigners who tackle the root causes of conflict and strive to bring people together.
This award is sponsored by the Allan and Nesta Ferguson Charitable Trust.
Winner
Lea Misan
'Educating Youth in Social Action', Act for Change
Lea is campaigning to educate young people in social action. Act for Change provides the tools to educate and interrupt hate-related crime through schools-based workshops. Lea aims to increase awareness amongst 11-19 year olds about their rights and responsibilities, in order to resolve potential conflicts creatively. To date, over 5,000 students have been through this programme. Lea is currently developing the online aspect of the campaign, such as making much better use of social media.
Finalists
Holly Elsdon-Smithers
White Ribbon Campaign UK
Holly wants to engage men and boys in ending male violence against women, using a preventative approach. One way they aim to do this is by providing positive male role models in sports and music. Holly has been successful in securing a Halifax Rugby League player as an ambassador for the campaign. She also runs education and awareness raising programmes on violence against women in West Yorkshire. This year the White Ribbon Campaign are launching their Youth Ambassadors Scheme.
Becki Morphus
‘Young One’s Prevention Project’, Olive Tree
Becki wants to roll out domestic abuse education programmes across Norfolk schools for children and young people. The campaign aims to raise awareness about domestic violence and the issues linked to it, in the hope that it will reduce the likelihood of pupils becoming future victims or perpetrators of domestic abuse or anti-social behaviour. Becki made a significant contribution to the ‘Domestic Abuse General Guidelines and Minimum Standards for Educational Programmes for Norfolk Schools’.
Award judges
Carolyn Hayman OBE
Since 2004, Carolyn has been Chief Executive of Peace Direct which supports and promotes the work of people seeking to use non-violent methods to resolve conflict. Carolyn has degrees in Classics and Philosophy (Cambridge) and Development Economics (SOAS.) She has worked in the civil service (DfID and the Cabinet Office) and the private sector, as a consultant and Joint Managing Director of the Korda Seed Capital Fund. In 1996 Carolyn became Chief Executive of the Foyer Federation, of which Sheila McKechnie was then a Trustee. The Federation, which provides accommodation, training and employment to some 10,000 disadvantaged young people a year, saw a near tenfold increase in its turnover during her tenure.
Carolyn has sat on numerous education related committees, most recently the Tomlinson Committee. She has two daughters and is a keen singer and swimmer, and member of the Religious Society of Friends.
Helen Drewery
Helen Drewery, General Secretary of Quaker Peace & Social Witness (QPSW), has worked in the central offices of British Quakers for nearly 25 years. During that time she has managed programmes on many subjects, including criminal justice, HIV/AIDS and the Alternatives to Violence Project. Most recently, she helped to set up and launch Circles of Support and Accountability in the UK, an award-winning project which uses trained volunteers to reduce the chances of released sex offenders re-offending. QPSW's current work includes Ecumenical Accompaniment in Palestine/Israel, peace education, conciliation work in Nagaland and Turning the Tide (training in nonviolence). Helen has served as a trustee of several charities, and as chair of two.
Terry Waite CBE
Terry has extensive internatinal experience in development and conflict resolution projects, including humanitarian programmes throughout Africa. He has also negotiated the release of hostages held in the Middle East. His work resulted in his own captivity for four years in Lebanon. He has authored several books, one of which was an international best seller and lectures publicly on his experiences.
