By WorldLink journalist Terra Giddens, University City High School

The Teen Gender Equity Conference at the Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice (IPJ) was an unforgettable and perspective-altering experience. Open only to high school students, the conference focused on three important issues: human trafficking, pay equity and sexual assault. It was a collaborative event hosted by the IPJ’s WorldLink program, Girls Give Back of Jewish Family Service of San Diego, Only With Consent and Run Women Run!

More than 60 high school students addressed three pressing issues: pay equity, human trafficking, and sexual assault issues.

When I first arrived at the conference, I didn’t expect such an intense three hours. Although the facts that were shared were heartbreaking, they were realistic and I was truly motivated to make a difference. Guest speakers did not hesitate to provide all of the necessary information in order for us to make positive changes. Their goal was to create a drive within the audience to make an impact, and overall they succeeded.

For the first hour, we had the option to attend an Educational Breakout Session focused on human trafficking or pay equity. I selected the session on human trafficking led by Crystal Anthony, a clinical social worker who specializes in human trafficking. She immediately dove into the wounds and root causes of child labor and sexual exploitation, and shared with us a video called “America’s Daughters” that exposes the pain of trafficking victims. The cruelty of trafficking was illustrated in the video when a victim was described as a “walking corpse stained with the fingerprints of strangers.”

Anthony continued to convey the shocking reality of the situation through interactive activities. For instance, she had us consider real-life scenarios of girls as young as ten years old threatened into prostitution and immigrant children forced into intense labor. It was important to be aware of the fact that trafficking can take place across the border and in crime-ridden neighborhoods, but also in “nice” gated communities throughout San Diego.

Students presented their stance on Assembly Bill 1051 on human trafficking to Katelyn Hailey, from the office of Senator Marty Block.

As we entered the second hour, students proceeded to an Advocacy Breakout Session in either human trafficking or pay equity. I attended the human trafficking advocacy session hosted by Katelyn Hailey, field representative for the office of Senator Marty Block. Hailey shared her views on how an individual can effectively make a difference and took us step-by-step through the process of talking to an elected official.

As a group, we put our purpose into action and worked closely with Hailey in creating a pitch in favor of Assembly Bill 1051, which “proposes to add human trafficking to the list of crimes used to enhance penalties for persons affiliated with a criminal street gang. The bill also creates a ‘safe school zone’ by increasing sentences for convictions related to human trafficking that occur within 1,000 feet of a school.” We derived important points about the assembly bill, and we used our knowledge on how to talk to elected officials to convey our position on the bill. The interactive and instructive atmosphere created during the Advocacy Breakout Sessions encompassed the most positive aspects of the conference. I felt more prepared to face and conquer the issues I am most passionate about.

Representatives from USD’s Women’s Center shared great information and resources at the Teen Gender Equity Conference.

Finally, in the third hour, the entire conference delegation came together for one last interactive session focused on the realities of sexual assault, in particular on college campuses. The speakers, Jasmine Enriquez and Mike Friedman from Only With Consent, shared extremely deep and personal information about how serious these issues are in society. They spoke about real-life situations, therefore sparking awareness within the audience.

Enriquez and Friedman explained the importance of making sure there is consent between both partners before engaging in intimate activities, which helped student delegates possess a new sense of confidence and awareness. The effectiveness of this interactive session was mind-blowing in an incredibly positive way. If everyone in society had the opportunity to participate in similar sessions, we would live in a safer and more trusting world.

The Teen Gender Equity Conference was eye opening and informative, and it made a lasting impact on my life because I was surrounded by teenagers who were serious about the fight for a better future. Debbie Martinez, WorldLink program officer, said that youth participants would have the chance to “develop real plans of action.” These words rung true. I left the conference more passionate about making a difference and determined to create my own plan of action.

“Safe Bags” for Human Trafficking Survivors: Terra Giddens has since initiated a program through which people can donate items for “safe bags,” which are bags that contain items for survivors of human trafficking, such as clothes, blankets, and books. Through coordination with the program STARS (Surviving Together, Achieving and Reaching for Success) at San Diego Youth Services, the “safe bags” will be distributed to human trafficking survivors. For more information or to make a donation, email Terra at bags.safe@gmail.com.

By WorldLink Intern Alexis Parkhurst, La Jolla Country Day School

Alexis Parkhurst heard about the “Three Rs” of restorative justice – Respect, Responsibility and Relationships – from Howard Zehr, known as the grandfather of restorative justice for his pioneering work in the field

Walking into the Diocese of San Diego Pastoral Center for a Restorative Justice Conference in October, I was overwhelmed by the number of people I passed who were genuinely interested in the topic.

I spent this past summer as a WorldLink intern researching restorative justice for the 2015 WorldLink Reader on the theme of “Healing the Wounds of Violence.” But I can honestly say I was not aware of the intricate process prior to my research. Restorative justice is best explained through example, as I quickly learned.

In a simple example, let’s say Tommy steals a cell phone from Billy. Rather than simply punishing Tommy for stealing the phone, a restorative approach means that Tommy and Billy, along with a third party — whether a teacher, friend or trained mediator (depending on the intensity of the crime) — sit down and talk. Billy may ask questions, Tommy may apologize. The goal is that in the end, both walk away with a better understanding of each other and why this happened, resulting in a lower chance of Tommy repeating the crime.

During the conference, I was interested in the composition of the audience. It included those involved with criminal justice and victim/offender reconciliation, families of the incarcerated, and victims of crime.

I had the great pleasure of listening to the “grandfather” of restorative justice, Howard Zehr, who explained the “Three Rs” that are key to restorative dialogues: respect, responsibility and relationships. Through these key principles, restorative justice focuses on the harm that the crime caused, the resulting needs of the victim and the obligations of both parties to “put things right.” Professor Zehr, who wrote the foundational book Changing Lenses: A New Focus for Crime and Justice and is distinguished professor of restorative justice at Eastern Mennonite University, stressed both victim empowerment and that violence is rooted in shame. Although “shame is dangerous, it happens. Shame happens.”

In an extensive lineup of knowledgeable speakers, we also heard from Jack Hamlin, who provided information about Peace It Together, an organization that builds relationships between Israeli and Palestinian youth through filmmaking, dialogue and community engagement. John Stevenson spoke about Beloved Community, a group based on Martin Luther King, Jr.’s ideas on nonviolence and peacebuilding. As a WorldLink program participant, I had met Mr. Stevenson prior to this event through his work for the Alternatives to Violence project, which he spoke about at the WorldLink Workshop “Annual YTM: Next Steps” (See page 12 of the 2014 WorldLink Newspaper).

The speakers at the conference were remarkable in their perspectives and actions toward a restorative future. Experiencing a multitude of brilliant minds in one location was something I will never forget, and hope to incorporate in my own work.

A report by Alexis Parkhurst, La Jolla Country Day School

On April 15, I found myself walking along the busiest street in City Heights — University Avenue — at one of the busiest times of the day. As cars rushed past, I couldn’t imagine that a garden could exist in the middle of this concrete world. I, however, knew the New Roots Garden of the International Rescue Committee (IRC) was immersed in this culturally diverse community, but prior to walking there I didn’t realize how significant this was. The moment the garden came into view, it was a surreal jungle in the midst of a bustling cityscape.

Photo by Christian Iniguez Figueroa, Instituto Mexico Americano Noroeste

Our guide, Keegan Oneal of the IRC, led us to the garden. As we passed a lot that was only home to weeds, he pointed out that this was what the New Roots Garden had looked like at one point. The IRC helped turn the unused land into a place for local refugees with no place to grow their own food. People who had been farmers prior to coming to the United States desired a place to resume their cultivation, and the 2.2 acres rapidly filled up. There are currently 83 individual plots in the garden, and a long waiting list for a spot.

Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of the garden was the variety of growing methods. With a mix of farmers from Asia, Africa and Latin America, there truly is a wonderful blend of culture within the garden, reinforced by the proximity of the plots. One moment we walked around heads of lettuce, and the next we went under trees with bananas growing. Then I heard a rooster’s call and faced a chicken coop — with not only chickens, but also two peacocks. The farmers share the animals, and by doing so promote a self-sustaining environment that provides inexpensive resources and helps the land. The area is a USDA certified organic farm, run by the community. Oneal described it as a “community farm.” While in the beginning the IRC helped get the paperwork in order, the farmers have formed a leadership council and now have a more active role in all aspects of its maintenance.

Photo by Afarin Dadkhah, IPJ Intern

Recently, the IRC established gardens similar to that in City Heights in other big cities across the United States, including in the Bronx in New York. Although the space in City Heights is limited, the garden is a reminder that land is more than just space. As Oneal noted near the end of our tour, “Each food item that we have has multiple impacts behind it: social, environmental and economic. By growing a garden, whether to feed yourself or to sell at a Farmer’s Market, you can make an impact on those around you, and ultimately the planet.”

Again, I was amazed that such a place could exist in the middle of a city. When I walked under branches and past vegetation, it felt like I was in a remote location, but then the sounds of passing cars brought me back to reality. The idea that an environment such as this could exist peacefully between neighbors prompted me to pay more attention to my surroundings, specifically the different cultures that exist in San Diego. When we walked away from the triangle-shaped jungle, I saw a papaya tree sprouting fruit through the fence. To me, it symbolized the expansion of shared culture throughout the neighborhood — beginning at the New Roots Garden.

There is a flurry of activity every few months when high school students arrive at the IPJ to start the first day of their internships in the WorldLink Program, which connects youth to global affairs. Oftentimes, the students are early, anxious and excited. “I found WorldLink and saw that it was exactly what I was looking for, without even knowing it,” says Nicole Lobo, a junior at Cathedral Catholic High School. “I am extremely passionate about international relations, politics, law and foreign policy, and this internship seemed to be perfect for me!”

WorldLink offers internships for high school students year-round. Interns conduct in-depth research on global topics, strengthen their public speaking and presentation skills, produce publications and designs for the annual Youth Town Meeting, and hear from prominent leaders in global affairs.

This year’s fall interns report that of the leaders they’ve met so far, the 2013 Women PeaceMakers, who met with the interns at a workshop in October, have had the greatest impact on them. Rutuparna Mohanty of India, a lawyer who provides legal protection to survivors of domestic and sexual violence, inspired Nicole in particular. “Domestic violence is a huge problem in our world that is so overlooked in the society we live in… Rutuparna’s talk made me realize that no matter how young I am, I can really make a difference if I am passionate enough about something.”

Freida Aguilar, a junior at the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts, was moved by the strength shown by Sabiha Husic, a psychotherapist in Bosnia-Herzegovina. “I feel very strongly about the medical and psychological aid women and children need during and after there has been conflict in their area,” says Freida. “I really appreciate and admire what Sabiha is contributing to those affected by war.”
WorldLink is managed by IPJ Program Officer Debbie Martinez. She says, “My favorite part of the high school internship is two-fold: witnessing the growth each student experiences from beginning to end, and the moment each intern realizes that their efforts are not only valued by staff members, but also that they are crucial to the WorldLink Program and the Institute.”

Describing the moment further, she says, “WorldLink high school interns dedicate an entire semester to projects that are pivotal in promoting international awareness, critical thinking and problem-solving among youth worldwide. Each WorldLink intern will reach that moment in their internship when they realize that their efforts and their voice are truly valued in this world, and it is that moment that I cherish.”

Kellie Allen, a sophomore at High Tech High School, is using her graphic design skills to help spread the word on global issues. She is creating the 2014 Youth Town Meeting design that will be used in publications, tote bags and posters throughout the conference. “What we are doing has the potential to make a difference in the world. I enjoy it because as a teenager, it can be hard to find a way to make a difference.”

Another reason why the WorldLink internships are so beneficial is because of its location on a university campus. Nicole notes that “WorldLink’s collegiate environment and extensive resources (the Women PeaceMakers Program, campus events, etc.) help connect you and give you a glimpse of what life in the real world is like.” Freida agrees and says that WorldLink’s is “most likely the best youth internship program offered in San Diego for global affairs.”

To learn about current USD students sophomore Rayne Ibarra and freshman Catherine Zuñiga-Mata and the WorldLink internship experience that brought them to USD, read this article.

Learn more about the internship program | Youth Town Meeting 2014