by admin on August 29, 2011
Euphrates Fellows all start from a common basis – an interest in developing professionalism and skills valued in many different fields and a dedication to seeing improvement with America’s relationship with the Middle East. What that looks like, however, can vary based on a particular Fellows’ interest. Some examples…
Mid-East “On Balance” Country Profile: Euphrates undergraduate Fellows developed this plan as a way to readjust the balance of America’s media intake on the Middle East. Each country is profiled, first, factually in a quick, easily digestible snapshot, and then analyzed through a comprehensive look at the challenges and related trends of change present there.
Event Planning: The Euphrates Fellows typically offer two to three events per term, ranging from informal talks and discussions in our offices open to the public, to film screenings, dinners and gatherings in support of worldwide initiatives.
Public speaking: A Euphrates Fellow has multiple opportunities to speak in front of audiences, both formally and informally. These might include introducing events and speakers or giving presentations on findings and experiences during a term.
Research: Euphrates provides recommendations of and access to key texts and resources regarding the Middle East and its key players and history. Opportunities for exciting, primary-source research are available as Fellows tap into networks created by Euphrates founder from her years of work in the region.
Communication skills: As part of the wider St. Louis region, many of Euphrates’ events and programs include reaching out to universities and community groups in a wide area outside of the college itself. Fellows practice making calls and cultivating contacts as the Euphrates network in St. Louis develops.
Writing: From informal blog posts to well-researched, formal academic writing, there are tons of ways to share, in writing, what Fellows are learning and doing. Publication, both within and outside of the Principia community are available, along with regular features on the Euphrates Website.
Graphic Design: Whether or not Fellows come with experience in this area, there is always a need for visuals as part of presenting to the campus, and as part of promoting Euphrates programming. Fliers, videos, and online advertisements are all ways to pursue creative contributions to the work of the Fellows.
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by admin on August 14, 2011
by Hillary Austin, Euphrates staff
I met a guy this summer who was living in Cairo during the recent revolution. He gave a presentation at a local Rotary club, complete with pictures and stories from his daily experience. He had us all chuckling at the human-interest stories that composed the international phenomena that was Tahrir Square during the month of February. A roomful of southern Oregonians learning about the spirit and pluck of the Egyptians in Cairo, laughing at stories, and, I think, feeling heartened to recognize familiar scenes – moms, dads, kids, friends, all gathered together in photos on the screen – made for a great lunch hour.
I remember going to an Open Mic here in St. Louis the night that Mubarak finally did step down. It’s a community coffee shop, attracting diverse people of all ages and, I would assume, various political opinions. But, when one older man stood up at the microphone and dedicated his next song to the people of Egypt, the ensuing cheers drowned out the opening chords of the Beatles’ Revolution that followed.
And, though with decidedly less of an international flavor, what about the incredible national community that was demonstrated after the sobering weather-related events that swept through O’Fallon, MO, earlier this summer? The collective will to help, build, and heal proved stronger than the destructive events. This same spirit has been demonstrated in Japan, and all over the world in recent months. It’s proof that when faced with a crisis, people naturally coalesce.
So, clearly, people can get behind the idea of gatherings based on freedom, open-mindedness, change, progress, and some good old-fashioned community — whether it’s happening right in our midst or across the globe. The Euphrates Summit will be such a gathering, collecting people who are ready to change the “norm” of fear and conflict regarding the Middle East. It’s time to face the crisis of deteriorating relations with an entire region of the world — to overthrow the oppressive fear that has governed our actions, both individually and collectively, since that September 11th ten years ago.
We’ll come together to speak frankly about where our world stands, where the divisions seem to run deep, and where cooperation seems most possible. The current divisive mentality is unsustainable, and it’s time that a movement of people comes together to show our government, and the world community that we are able to see past the vast cultural differences and see instead a world where our similarities as people outweigh our perceived differences.
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Euphrates is pleased to announce that registration for the Euphrates Summit: Our World Beyond 9/11 opens today, Monday August 15th. Please visit the summit page to find out more.
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