Using a Common Thread Project to Teach About Peacebuilding Jennifer Haydel, Political Science, Montgomery College Email: jennifer.haydel@montgomerycollege.edu Phone: 240-567-7756 5 March 2014

In the Shadow of the Banyan at Montgomery College “I told you stories to give you wings, Raami, so that you would never be trapped by anything – your name, your title, the limits of your body, this world’s suffering. …I could transform myself. I could transcend boundaries.” -- Vaddey Ratner

Course Participation Creating Incorporating International Relations General Psychology Environmental Biology Physical Geology Two-Dimensional Design Sociocultural Anthropology History of Modern Asia Comparative Politics Women’s Studies Speech Developmental Reading Multiple History Courses Multiple Biology Courses

Variety of work done…

Talk about the art/anthro ideas

Science connection – resilience in terms of dealing with soil and climate change

“One seed may bloom, or fallen with the snow “One seed may bloom, or fallen with the snow. With others make a garden rise from clay. Some find a stronger self in which to grow.” --Melissa Williamson Personal stories – my recent student and the cross-stitch; Richard’s picture; this event and the experience of the book opened up personal connections and stories that shape the conversation at the college; share Ingrid’ poem

Alliance for Peacebuilding Source: Alliance for Peacebuilding Peacebuilding Brainstorm Exercise