Social cohesion programming typically focuses on the positive—building trust and connection between groups—and less on addressing the problematic norms, mind states, and behaviors that create and reinforce marginalization. Trauma mind states can drive exclusion within communities, and institutional and peacebuilding community practices, such as reliance on community gatekeepers and tokenism, can further buttress local discriminatory norms and behaviors. This session will explore new and innovative social behavior change and trauma response approaches that break down longstanding barriers to social cohesion work and opportunities to apply and scale the lessons gleaned.
Speakers:
Dr. Lauren Van Metre, Director, Peace, Climate and Democratic Resilience, National Democratic Institute
Karen Bernstein, Senior Program Director, Beyond Conflict
Elisheva Milikowsky, Director, Peace and Reconciliation, aChord Center
Karla Siu, Executive VP, Strategy and Programs, Greenleaf Integrative
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