Elfenworks Foundation Initiative - Bridges of Understanding

"The road of life is rocky and you may stumble too.
So while you point your fingers someone else is judging you. Love your brotherman!"
-Bob Marley

We are interested in fostering — and spreading the word about — bridge-building as part of our anti-violence efforts. We would especially like to learn of groups who are already building bridges of understanding and inclusion. Such bridges can be cross-cultural, inter-religious (e.g., Harvard's Pluralism Project), inter-generational, between the mainstream and any marginalized group, between the police and troubled youth, or otherwise. Consider:

• Does the stigma associated with having had an experience of poverty or homelessness make people hesitate to seriously take this issue up in discussion? Is poverty a taboo subject?

In our book Tracks of Hope, our CEO pointed out that 'the consequences of being a stigmatizing and judgmental society harm all of us' — we believe bridges of understanding are especially important given the rising tide of intolerance that can lead to hate crimes and other societal ills. It is also important to remember that when we relegate any group to society's fringes we lose valuable resources (bottom line: it's just not smart). Working towards a common understanding, and where necessary acting to bring marginalized groups into the mainstream, is good for the nation.

Bridge Builders

Mental Health - Rosalynn Carter of The Carter Center ~ 2007 In Harmony With Hope Award Recipient
Does fear of stigma and discrimination lead people to ignore or self-medicate their mental health issues rather than seeking treatment? In an effort to improve understanding and reduce stigma and discrimination, former First Lady Rosalynn Carter of The Carter Center and her Mental Health Task Force and Advisory Council, has been providing fellowships for journalists for eleven years, and we're a proud provider of matching funds [read more].

Do you know of a group that should be highlighted here? Please use our contact page to share it with us.