T.I.D.E. 2009 Conference - An Amazing Day of Youth Leadership
On Sunday, March 15, 2009 over 85 students and 20 adults, from as close as Sharon High School and as far as New York City, attended the 3rd annual Teenage Interfaith Diversity Conference (T.I.D.E.) this year held at Wheaton College in Norton, Massachusetts. Interfaith Action, Inc. wishes to thank everyone for participating and especially this year’s sponsoring organizations, Comcast and Wheaton College! Wheaton College’s Office of Service, Spirituality and Social Responsibility provided a great locale and logistical support from the early planning stages to the day of the event. T.I.D.E. 2009 was funded in large part with a grant from Comcast.
The day long conference was planned by 20 IFA-Youth Leadership Program teens. IFA-YLP teens not only coordinated the logistics (publicity, recruitment, registration), but also they developed the curriculum, received training, and facilitated the sessions, including the session for 20 adult participants.
The conference exceeded expectations! The teens did an absolutely incredible job, with thanks to co-chairs Aanchal Narang and Katie Porter. Two teams met weekly for several months to prepare and their efforts were well rewarded. After opening keynotes and an hour of fun ice breakers, the teens split into groups led by two YLP facilitators. The break-out session activities focused on the art of active listening, how to ask clarifying questions that can lead to mutual understanding, and the difference between dialogue and debate. They concluded with several different dialogues on topics which are usually quite polarized.
Many participants noted after the sessions that they were excited to find new ways to respectfully address controversial subjects. It is very empowering to know how to ask questions without fear of offending or having to be “pc”, and to understand an opposing point of view. Their positive experience at T.I.D.E. 2009, gaining listening and dialogue skills, will extend back to their work in a classroom, at home and the world at large.
Several students, from IFA-YLP as well as other SHS students, have said they would like to have additional dialogue sessions and are working towards that goal. Stay tuned here for more on the new dialogue opportunities as they develop by our teens for all teens.