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October 2007 Conference

On Saturday October 20 and Sunday October 21, 2007, Zaman International held its second conference. In this two-day gathering, the eyes and minds of participants were opened to the realities of war and conflict around the world. In doing so, participants broadened their world-view and understood current humanitarian crises, national and international policy on conflict issues, and the reality of humanitarian crises around the world. After assessing the state of our world and the scope of humanitarian assistance, participants built upon their skills to take action to help those in need in our community and contribute to those most in need in humanitarian crises around the world.

Saturday’s sessions explored the ravages of war on communities around the world. Participants learned about the current state of wars, violent conflict and natural disasters in our world today and the humanitarian emergencies created by wars. Presenters discussed how best to respond to and understand conflict through our various faith perspectives. Participants also learned basic facts about national and international policy on various conflict and humanitarian issues, as well as the scope of humanitarian response in the aftermath of war or in the midst of a crisis.

On Sunday, participants rolled up their sleeves and got busy envisioning and cultivating the promise of peace, starting in our own communities in the Detroit area and reaching out throughout our country and world. Najah Bazzy introduced participants to several of Zaman’s local projects, including Bayt al-Zahraa, Plots for Tots, BOOST, and Zaman’s international humanitarian work. Sunday’s sessions were dedicated to a presentation on conflict transformation and breakout project planning sessions designed to begin work on Zaman International’s projects and local work. Participants broke into three groups to discuss and begin planning three projects. After two hours of project planning, a participant from each breakout group presented what was discussed and the plan for beginning the project. The closing sessions consisted of closing remarks from Najah Bazzy and a participant reflections session.

Conference Presentation Sessions:
·  Current State of the World & the Humanitarian Response- Ben Hemingway, International Medical Corps
·  Interfaith Perspectives on War- Sayed Mohammed Baqer Qazwini & Reverend Dan Applyeard
·  Acting On Our Convictions, Current Policy & Advocacy- Sarnata Reynolds, Amnesty International
·  Implementing Hope- Cluade Jacobs
·  Inside Gleaners- Augustine Hernandez
·  Inside World Medical Relief- Josephine Jabara & Mohammed Beydoun
·  Cultivating Progress through Conflict Transformation- Nadia Bazzy, Eastern Mennonite University

Breakout Project Planning Sessions:
·  A Community Food Pantry,
·  B.O.O.S.T, [Building Ongoing Opportunities through Skilled Training] Women Empowerment
·  International Relief Work

Working together for peace and justice in our world begins in our own homes and in our communities. This symposium was one of many beginning steps in Zaman’s work of bringing global issues into focus through our work in our local community as we draw upon our resources of interfaith cooperation and coordination to bring ‘Hope for Humanity.’

>>View Conference 2007 Photo Gallery