Initiatives of Change

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What people are saying about ACTION (for a change):

“ACTION helped to increase my understanding of myself and to discover others with mutual respect. ACTION cut the ties of fear, prejudice and hatred to build a new space for freedom, love and wisdom.” Natalia Ghilascu, Participant, Moldova

“What I have discovered on this trip is the power of honesty and humility. When walls are taken down, relationships and trust become possible which creates a safe space for lasting changes. A truly great leader helps build community.” Dave Ruffin, Participant, USA

“I was filled with joy, awe and a sense of fulfillment! I was so impressed with the integrity of the ACTION Team; their willingness and ability to take on such a massive project. Every place I went with them, I also saw that part of the community positively responding. They served as connecting points and bridge builders!” Hasani Perry, Local Coordinator, Los Angeles

“ACTION has helped me look at my life and become aware of the stereotypes I have of the “other”. I came in the country with so much prejudice about America and her people. What I have experienced here came as a pleasant surprise and I’ve learned not to judge the other, but to be open.” Wambui Nguyo, Participant, Kenya

“The ACTION program impacted me in a very positive way as it gave me the vehicle by which to reach out and contact our governmental leaders on the U. S. Congressional level, state leaders in the Arizona Governor’s and Attorney General’s offices, and staff and elected legislators at the Arizona legislature.” Nancy Splain, Local Coordinator, Phoenix

“The ACTION Leadership Team showed me a very effective leadership skill: Servant Leadership. As a participant, I felt comfortable with their way of leading the Team. I believe that servant leadership accounts for an important part of ACTION’s success. That is a gift for me and my community when I return.” Hoang Le Danh, Participant, Vietnam

“ACTION let me understand how important it is to look inside of myself. It opened my heart to be able to give and receive trust and care from others.” Florencia Ruiz, Participant, Argentina

“Personally, the ACTION experience proved to be an amazing opportunity to expand my horizons and stretch my thinking. It's easy to be culturally myopic and to avoid considering issues from global perspectives. This experience reminded me (and presumably, others in the community) of that.” Hannibal Johnson, Local Coordinator, Tulsa

“The trip was an ongoing process of stretching myself. It was a unique opportunity to discover where you really stand in your life—what are your values, strengths, etc. It helps you understand how much you are willing to give and how much you can really give.” Zoryana Borbulevych, Participant, Ukraine

“Thank you so much for including Southwest Florida on this initial ACTION team tour of the United States. It was a powerful 4-day visit that has started transformation in this community. For the first time since I started my race reconciliation journey, I feel like there is a possibility for honest conversation among racially diverse people right here at home. There is groundswell of support here…several people said to me, ‘We need to continue this, and I want to help.’" Linda Moore, Local Coordinator, Ft. Myers

“I would have never guessed that in ten weeks I could accumulate so many tools for being a transformational leader and dependable follower. We must assume our roles and begin the journey where it is most difficult, in ourselves.” Ashley Sider, Participant, USA

"It can be frustrating at times to feel like you are the only one hoping for a better world... In the team members I saw real people from different nations and even different continents breaking down the barriers of prejudice and misunderstanding to share true dialogue. In these interactions, the seeds for true change and peace can be planted." Sara Walter, Phoenix, AZ

"You young people are doing something that most of us would do after the end of our professional careers. Your commitment of time at this young stage of your life shows your remarkable passion to be the change you want to see in the world." Ramesh Doshi, President of Jain Center of Southern California

"All these years we celebrated breaking of the Ramadan fast with our other Muslim friends. This is first time that we are breaking fast with this multi-religious, multi-cultural and multi-national group." Dr. Eba Hathout, Los Angeles, CA

"Thank you for a great presentation. What a great opportunity for our students. It has been a while since I personally enjoyed and learned so much from a large group." Nancy Knapp, Omaha, NE

"I was very impressed with these individuals. They are a group that has a grasp on the global picture. They have core beliefs that would only enhance the world without regard to stereotypes. I'm confident that most of these young people will be in critical leadership positions as the years go by." Louis A. Aragona II, Clarksburg, WV

"It was fantastic meeting you, and I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation...I especially appreciated the part when you said that civil disobedience 'means absorbing the violence that is thrown at you rather than giving vent to your human reactions.' Again, I truly hope you continue to enrich the lives of those around you." Brandi Meeks, Bridgeton, NJ

"I thought the interview segment was very interesting and informative. It provides great perspective for my listeners. I'm big on perspective, and I think Ashley and Zoryana provide a fresh one for those of us living in [Clarksburg]."
Tim Brady, Morning Host, WAJR-FM, West Virginia

"Wow!! This diverse group from around the world is an inspiration--opening your hearts to the super power that stretches across the globe. The US has much to offer and is in real need of grass roots friendship that is not reliant on trade agreements or special deals. It is giving to each other at a human level of the things that matter to us all, community, being listened to and hearing the stories of the other side. Thank you for being willing to risk on this great adventure!" Nigel Heywood

"It is wonderful to see the flower blossom after much preparation and continous watering the seed...Before one decides to take action, one must learn more about the roots and history of that place they wish to see a change in. For change to be effective one must be prepared to listen to the other, building trust which can then remove the divisions that seperate and make us strangers to each other and our selves." Amira Elmissiry

"Witnessing your honesty, commitment, and your generous openness to share with and support each other, we are confident that you are embarking on a rich, life-transforming journey." Melinda Lackey and Carlos Monteagudo, New York

"It was important for those of us who saw that beautiful intercultural community, to be reminded that such an image of a 'perfect' inclusive world doesn't come without commitment and personal sacrifice. But also, it was important to be reminded that commitment and personal sacrifices do bring positive result. The teambuilding is evident in the ACTION group." Marinetta Cannito, American University, Washington, DC

"You are inspiring me because of [your] willingness to do what our communities; societies and nations need to do - to listen and learn from others, to be open to how the world looks from their side. This so important in our day and age and even more so in the US - the world's superpower." Christina Deangelis

"I believe that this type of program is essential for the future of world and individual peace. ACTION will help ensure that people have a better understanding of each other and their societies. Often I think the major source of conflict is a lack of understanding. I wish you well in your quest." Dale Hankins, Iowa

"It inspires me because it has a holistic approach, Healing, Listening, Initiating......Individuals and Countries have to go through this process, and that is what you are about......so keep it coming!" Bhav Patel

You can email us your thoughts, too!