In the spring of 2010, the New Tactics in Human Rights program launched the Middle East North Africa (MENA) Initiative to strengthen the capacity of human rights defenders in the region. This phase included training local activists in the New Tactics 5-Step Strategic Effectiveness method.
Empowering Youth to Address Tribal Violence
After learning the method, Fotouh Younes from the Arab Network for Civic Education became one of the local trainers. She applied the New Tactics method with youth at a university in Salt, Jordan, where inter-tribal violence had long been an issue. When analyzing the problem, the group realized that the older generation of community leaders held the most influence, while the youth wanted to be part of the conversation to find solutions.
While the violence involved youth, older community leaders handled it in traditional ways, excluding younger voices. Using the New Tactics method, the group aimed to change the image of youth, get their opinions heard, and encourage more responsibility among them.
Success Through Youth-Led Initiatives
To achieve these goals, the group formed a multi-generational community leader council. While the council had a budget for activities, the youth also organized their own initiatives to tackle tribal conflicts. One standout event was a music showcase, which featured local youth talent and kept a full crowd until the official closing time, in contrast to previous events that often ended early.
As a result, the older generation began to recognize the youth’s contributions, and the youth themselves started feeling valued. This joint effort between generations led to a more proactive approach to addressing inter-tribal violence, with both sides considering the initiative a success.
This initiative demonstrates the importance of inclusive community engagement in addressing societal challenges like inter-tribal violence. By empowering youth and creating a multi-generational council, the community bridged generational divides and included voices that were previously excluded. Engaging different generations fostered a sense of mutual respect and cooperation, leading to more proactive solutions. This tactic can be applied in other contexts where certain groups, such as youth or marginalized communities, are often excluded from decision-making. The key takeaway is that inclusivity and dialogue can change perceptions, build stronger communities, and create sustainable solutions for preventing violence and conflict.
