Disrupting The Cycle of Genocide: With Bellwether International

This is a FREE event. Register at this link: https://www.irckc.org/what-we-do/irc-events-calendar/#id=10783&cid=1742&wid=2201&type=Cal

About the Program: Join the International Relations Council, as we will be joined by a delegation from Bellwether International, for a powerful conversation on how communities can stand against hate, discrimination, and mass violence.

Genocide Resistance: Practical Solutions for Atrocity Prevention will explore how interfaith dialogue and belief diversity can help prevent religious persecution and strengthen peace efforts at home and abroad. The discussion will highlight the role of interfaith coalitions in resisting genocide, the impact of global violence on communities in the United States, and how we can confront Islamophobia, antisemitism, and homophobia in our own neighborhoods.

Together, we’ll explore how everyday people and communities can make a meaningful difference in preventing atrocities and promoting understanding across faiths and cultures, and how our communities here in Kansas City can actively practice resistance towards conflicts happening all across the globe.

Program Schedule
6:30 - 6:35 - Introductions & Opening Remarks
6:35 - 7:00 - Keynote Address From Rachel Miner
7:00 - 7:20 - Moderated Q&A with Dr. Karenbeth Zacharias
7:20 - 7:40 - Audience Q&A
7:40 - 7:45 - Closing Remarks

About the Speaker: In 2019, after working with the Yazidis in Iraq, Rachel Miner observed the humanitarian gap for religious minority groups that have experienced genocide, particularly in communities where freedom of religion or belief is violated, ignored, or deemed unimportant. Rachel founded Bellwether International in London, UK to respond to pre- and post- genocide communities who have experienced severe violations of growing human rights violations that affect groups such as the Uighurs in China and Rohingya in Myanmar.

About The Moderator: Dr. Karenbeth Zacharias is the Chair of the Division of Humanities and Liberal Arts and Director of the Lawrence D. Starr Center for Peace & Justice at the University of Saint Mary. Her passion for human rights began when she lived in Turkey as an American Field Service student after high-school graduation. Expanding her understanding of international laws around protections of vulnerable populations, Karenbeth teaches courses on the History of Genocide, Women in World History, and Modern Africa. Karenbeth has a J.D. from the University of Kansas School of Law and a Ph.D. in History from KU. She is the President of the United Nations Association of Greater Kansas City.

About Bellwether International: Bellwether International’s mission is to disrupt the cycle of genocide and create genocide-resistant societies. Their vision is to create a world where government can prevent genocide (top-down), and individuals resist genocide (bottom-up) to create peaceful and plural societies. Bellwether International's model is to recruit locally and implement sustainably. As such, they rely on local partners and community project leaders to collaborate on holistic solutions that ensure peace and stability for years to come.

About The Engage America Series: The World Affairs Councils of America National Office partners with think tanks, foundations, NGOs, corporations, and occasionally government entities to arrange timely “national conversations” at several World Affairs Councils across the country on critical international topics.