Community Radio, Democracy and Peace: A Collaboration with the Palestinian House of Friendship
Project Overview
The conditions for peace can be fostered through the creation or enhancement of non-violent, democratic, expressive platforms where diverse issues and opinions can be openly debated and different forms of knowledge explored. In an increasingly interconnected world, marginalized groups can suffer not only from the power dynamics of their region but the impotency of not having the resources to effectively project their voices on the global stage. Often with relatively modest resource, new communications technologies can, if used in creative and culturally sensitive ways, give a powerful voice to those who are disadvantaged, often with relatively modest resources.
This project will explore ways in which a community radio station could be used to augment dialogue, expression and democratic values in Nablus, Palestine, and offer a platform to the less-heard voices within the society. The results of the research will create guidelines for the radio station that allow young people to express themselves in an honest, peaceful and productive manner. The research will provide the time and energy to create an infrastructure dedicated to protecting the true democratic and community-oriented nature of the radio station. The research will explore democratic principles and peaceful practices particular to Palestine and Arab culture.
In contemporary Muslim societies, it is too often the case that the notions of democracy are eclipsed or tainted by their association with the impositions of Western powers and occupying cultures. Governments and factions are quick to employ strategies and language that cause injustice or subjugation in the name of 'democracy and freedom.' It is, then, all the more important to build platforms and venues where the concepts of freedom and equality mean that one person's freedom is inseparable from another's. The interconnectedness of freedoms can be expressed through programs where collaborative work achieves mutual goals. Democracy is not only discussed, it is enacted.
A radio station that is built and operated with the help of many hands and voices has the possibility through action to create a new meaning of democracy. Interviews and cultural research proposed in this project can reveal indigenous forms of knowledge and dimensions of democracy that will allow the radio station's programming to be more broadly embraced.
The political and economic situation in Palestine fosters violence in the form of martyrdom and revenge. This project will specifically target young men and women and ask them to reflect on the vulnerability and disempowerment of Palestinian youth as well as their strengths and resources. The process will actively enlist youth to think about and act on their and their peers' position in a way that is safe and productive. It will provide opportunities for immediate and ongoing outlets for expression, and engage their imagination and creativity.
In addition to the strategic plan, extensive field notes will be taken by the researchers to document the events, dynamics, obstacles and successes of the project. These notes can be compiled as a resource for future initiatives as well as producing a paper on the process and outcomes of the study.
Making peace requires that injustices at all levels are addressed in ways that transcend superficial apologies or promise better conditions. It also requires participatory opportunities for people to rebuild healthy lives and relationships. The road to peace is neither easy nor comfortable. This project can bring important voices into the cultural airwaves and build trust through collaboration across differences of power, opinion and nationality.