THE PROGRAM
The concept of leadership is no longer bound by traditional notions of authority and, increasingly, the world is witnessing the impact of those who — with an entrepreneurial mindset — are using business, technology and media to engender peaceful societal transformation that is propelled from the bottom up. These individuals, showing a creativity and determination that is often lacking in the established echelons of power, are challenging perceptions of what can be achieved by ordinary citizens and making their mark as genuine leaders who do not simply talk of change, but take active steps to instigate it.
GATHER, a new practical action initiative from Seeds of Peace, aims to provide such trailblazers — and the growing number of those who are following their example — with a much needed forum for discourse, learning and, significantly, connection to those who have the knowledge and resources necessary to bring viable, transformative ideas to fruition.
WHY?
Evidence shows that the success of social improvement programs stimulate positive shifts within communities in conflict and establish foundations through which peace can take root. Consequently, GATHER aims to furnish emerging leaders with the focused support that will empower them to realize social, political and economic development initiatives, the by-product of which will be the spontaneous and organic unfolding of conciliation.
THE INAUGURAL EVENT
GATHER+962 is scheduled to take place at the Mövenpick Resort at the Dead Sea in Jordan, from 26th February to 1st March, 2015.
Over three productive days, we will bring together emerging leaders with established figures from the world of philanthropy, diplomacy, finance, education, technology and media. Crucially, during our ‘Social Networking’ hours, GATHER staff will facilitate introductions between participants and the delegates who may be the source of help or guidance to drive their prospective initiatives forward.
The event will also be the platform for the launch of our Seed Fellows Program. This fellowship program is open to those who have exemplified extraordinary achievement, or who demonstrate such potential, as activists in the entrepreneurial social change arena. Successful candidates will be recipients of a grant and be eligible to participate in our 2015 Leadership Incubator.
GATHER +962 has the support of the Royal Court of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and is hosted by Seeds of Peace.
For more information on the event, eligibility for attendance and application to the Seed Fellows Program, please contact gather@seedsofpeace.org.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 23 JANUARY 2015
GATHER+962 will take place on the
pristine shores of the Dead Sea, one of the most beautiful
locations in the Middle East. The exceptional convergence of nature and culture at
the Mövenpick provides a one-of-a-kind, intimate setting for networking, inspiration and ideation. Learn more ››
TEAM AT SEEDS OF PEACE
Mohamed Rahmy
Director of Graduate Programs
I am GATHER-ing because I strongly believe in the power that our shared commitment to advancing positive change in and across our communities holds.
Eva Armour
Director of Programs & Strategy
GATHER represents the next stage for Seeds of Peace—an opportunity to invest in and accelerate the work of our alumni, and to harness the resources of our greater network to develop collective strategies that challenge the status quo and bring about change. It’s time to come together; it’s time to act.
Jason P. Drucker, Ph.D.
Director of Development and External Relations
I am looking forward to convening with friends, colleagues, and fellow travelers at GATHER to share inspiration, incubate new ideas, and foster relationships for the future.
Leslie Lewin
Executive Director
I am continually inspired by the work I see our Seeds and their peers doing across the globe. GATHER gives us the opportunity to celebrate this work, amplify its impact and bring outstanding people together. Great things happen when great minds come together.
Manu Sharma
Senior Development Manager
I want to GATHER to be inspired by young professionals and innovators from around the globe—those who are possessed with a vision and committed through their actions to create change in their communities.
Kelsey Wise
Graduate Programs Coordinator
I want to GATHER because I believe that all people—across the scope of professions, ages, nationalities, and backgrounds—have the capacity to pursue and enact meaningful change and fuel inspiration within one another.
Alina Yavorovskaya
EVP of Administration and Finance
I am taking part in GATHER to contribute to building a platform for spreading ideas, inspiring young professionals and pioneers to be more hopeful, more joyful, and more thoughtful and , and a result, to positively affect their communities.
Eric Tanner
YLC Board Member, Seed and Former Counselor
GATHER gives me the chance to reconnect with old friends, meet inspiring leaders, and hone my own sense of purpose. I am looking forward to learning from such an accomplished and talented group of people.
Sarah Erwin
Volunteer, Seed and Former Counselor and Facilitator
I joined the GATHER team because I know how powerful the Seeds of Peace network is for individual growth and development within the most volatile and uncertain contexts.