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PROGRAMS
MUSICAL BRIDGES This program jumpstarted the organization, with several open dialogues
with diverse groups of teens, led by top recording artists. The first event was hosted by Universal Studios, involving hundreds
of young people from churches and synagogues across Los Angeles. The highlight was the showing of a documentary film about a group
of youngsters like themselves, working on a kibbutz. This ignited a concentrated discussion about intergroup relations
with their peers and the celebrities and music-industry executives attending. It was also the beginning of several other ongoing dialogues,
and sparked the emergence of our kibbutz program. KIBBUTZ TRIP Teens from the Los Angeles Unified School District travel to Israel
for a six-week stay, living and working in the cooperative environment of a kibbutz. These 17- and 18-year-old youngsters, who travel with two teachers
as supervisors, receive school credit for their experience. They fully participate in kibbutz life and each has
an adopted family. They also visit historical sites throughout Israel and participate
in a specially-designed seminar at Givat Haviva (the Jewish/Arab Center for Peace), to further their knowledge
of breaking down cultural barriers. Operation Unity targets African-American, Latino, and other ethnic
high school students recommended by their teachers and counselors. They are students who are considered either "at risk,"
wish to hone their leadership skills, or are students who may simply blossom if given a chance. They participate in an intensive orientation process, including
diversity-training seminars. Operation Unity's structured follow-up program allows the students
to further develop their communication skills through our speakers forum. These young participants speak to their
peers and others at schools, churches, synagogues, and other community organizations. We have developed "The Young Ambassadors of Harmony,"
a traveling photo exhibit from the kibbutz program. It gives these young people a valuable tool, to assist them
in dispelling myths and creating understanding among diverse groups of people. They have received awards from the City and the County of Los
Angeles, in recognition of their work in the area of positive intergroup relations. |