PH INTERNATIONAL

OPPORTUNITIES

> Build an international educational program for 90 high school students in three countries-Armenia, Azerbaijan, and the United States.

> Teach students how to use new media tools and networks to effect change.

> Foster cross-cultural dialogue between young citizens whose countries are in conflict.

RESPONSES

VISION

> Create the DOTCOM program- Developing Online Tools for Civic Outreach and Mobilization- an18-month collaboration, both online and face-to-face, with support from the U.S. State Department and Project Harmony International.

ENERGY

> Developed a freeware-driven, cross-cultural communications platform using a wide variety of digital tools, including Blogger, YouTube, NetVibes, Facebook, and Twitter.

> Introduced students to these new communication opportunities, developed their understanding of the civic potential of the tools, and empowered them to use the technology as global citizens.

> Organized cross-cultural production groups to produce digital documentaries on contemporary global issues.

MOMENTUM

> Transferred the success of online cross-cultural conversations into extended home-stay visits in all 3 countries.

> Created opportunities for students to share their films and evolving cross-cultural perspectives in public forums.

> Produced a final “Social Media in the Caucasus” conference crowdsourcing project, filmed, edited, and uploaded by students.

RESULTS

> Created a participant-driven network for cross-cultural dialogue on a wide variety of social media platforms

> Reached both regional and global audiences with multi-media messages encouraging understanding and tolerance.

> Promoted teaching and leadership among students who brought new media to their respective schools and communities.