A Helping Hand

By Marissa Lowman

At 23, Sarah Atwood is the Director of Global Activities for AID (Americans for Informed Democracy) in Berlin. Aware of the need for young people around the world to come together and discuss current political events, Atwood recently organized "Bringing the World Home:

After Study Abroad" conference which focused on how Americans currently studying in other countries can effectively share ideas and different cultures with people in the U.S. in a meaningful way.

Such events are incredibly important to AID, because they foster mutual understanding among students from different cultures and help to eliminate stereotypes about countries and their inhabitants. The conferences help in recruiting new members, who in turn spread the word about AID at their own universities. Moreover, they give members a chance to exchange ideas in person. Because AID members are spread out all over the world, they most often communicate through email and by phone.

The May symposium was open to the public and featured discussions such as American Culture in Germany: Benevolent Force or Evil Empire. Held at Freie Universitat for four days the program featured discussions ranging from the contemporary Berlin art scene to steps that should be taken to facilitate dialogue among people around the world about current political events. Forums like this promote dialogue, understanding and trust throughout the world while emphasizing the need for such simple things as learning a language as a door to understanding a culture.

This particular conference also focused on participants' study abroad experiences. These types of experiences are invaluable for anyone interested in understanding a culture Atwood said. "You can't dehumanize someone you just shook hands with." Atwood intends to continue her work with AID in the fall by coordinating a conference to educate high school students interested in studying international affairs at the university level next summer.