World We Imagine Part 3: The Global Bridges Initiative

Something that is very near and dear to me is the concept of multiculturalism. The principles of inclusion, immersion, and synthesizing of world cultures in pursuit of advocacy and social progress are fundamental to who I am. I have always been passionate about learning about the world around me and its diverse people and cultures. Perhaps this stems from having parents with contrasting upbringings: my mother was raised in the U.S. by a strict Italian Catholic family and my father was born and raised in Iran. Having a multicultural background has given me a uniquely global perspective. Being raised in a multicultural home and making the most of many opportunities, I have built a foundation for advocacy and social progress on campus, in my community, and in the world at large. I believe it is my generation’s responsibility to bridge gaps, unite communities, and embrace diversity.

When I was just 14, I attended a French immersion program in Biarritz, France. We were given a metro card and expected to keep track of time on our own and travel independently, giving me the opportunity to learn about French culture and history first-hand. I learned French, attended classes and visited an incredible array of museums, libraries, and historical sites, employing my growing French language skills and interacting with people from all walks of life. I was one of two Americans in a sea of diversity, soaking up the language, traditions, and holistic education with great enthusiasm. I also learned that growth opportunities often occur in unexpected ways. One night, I got on the wrong Metro and found myself alone after dark in an unfamiliar part of town. Despite my attempts to remain stoic, the tears began to form--I was lost, alone, and afraid. Fortunately, a Frenchwoman approached me with a warm smile and assured me that she would guide me back to the residence. That moment of human kindness and connection inspired me to really begin putting my education, experiences, and values to work advocating for others.

 
Pitch/Mission Statement 
In order to foster cross-cultural understanding and global citizenship, I am pitching an organization called “Global Bridges.” Its mission follows: To celebrate diversity as a unifying force, rather than as a divisive, and recognize the shared humanity that binds us all. Unlike traditional organizations, Global Bridges emphasizes immersive, participatory experiences that build empathy and human connection with people of different cultures. We focus on fostering authentic relationships to bridge gaps between cultures and communities, rather than simply education students in a classroom.

Roll-out Plan:

1. Campus Engagement: Launch local programs at universities to encourage cultural exchange and promote cross-cultural open discussion among students. Global Bridges will partner with other cultural clubs and student organizations on campus to expand the initiative’s reach.
2. Global Mentor Network: Match individuals moving to new environments native mentors who can help them navigate cultural nuances, local’s tips, and day-to-day life. This is designed to ease the transition for individuals moving to new countries, which can be overwhelming—having a native mentor can provide a support system.
3. Workshops for Cultural Appropriation: Host workshops that explore cultural appreciation versus appropriation, highlighting the importance of respecting and celebrating cultural differences. Workshops include unique interactive elements, such as cooking classes of traditional dishes, personal storytelling, etc.
4. Language Buddies: Create a pairing program for individuals who are embarking on learning a new language with a native speaker to promote mutual learning. This will not only encourage language learning, but cross-cultural communication and understanding.
5. Knowledge Hub: Create an online platform where members can share and access relevant content, exchange ideas, and recommend resources. Content can include podcasts, articles, documentaries, and books focused on globalization.

Why should Anima Mundi Development Partners support The Global Bridges Initiative?
The Global Bridges Initiative aligns with AMDP’s commitment to sustainable, socially impactful projects. Global Bridges integrates actionable empathy into its programs, creating lasting change on both individuals and communities. Our programs are designed to celebrate cultural diversity in an engaging way that promotes sustainable engagement and long-term relationships. By fostering cross-cultural communication and empathy, the Global Bridges Initiative empowers individuals to tackle pressing global issues with a unified perspective and purpose.