Kyle Dietrich's Page

What motivated you (or your organization) to become involved in peace and conflict resolution?

Simply, I see conflict as motor of change, and enjoy working with communities in transition from conflict to create institutionalized escape valves and reflective processes to tap into the creative energy before it turns destructive.

I believe the arts and young people represent two important but often missing ingredients to an inclusive and sustainable peace process.

Please feel free to provide a short bio about yourself or the work of your organization (no more than 3 paragraphs)

Kyle Dietrich recently completed a dual graduate degree from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University and Harvard Divinity School, focusing on international conflict resolution, foreign policy, and comparative theology, with a concentration in ethnic and religious-based conflict. In 2007 I co-founded a non-profit organization, Peace in Focus, which aims to elevate the understanding and contribution of youth in non-violence movements and peace processes by providing training in photography, conflict transformation, social media, and community leadership. As Executive Director, I have had the opportunity to lead our organization’s efforts in the United States and the Central African nation of Burundi, encouraging youth to think critically as well as creatively while preparing them to become leaders in their communities and advocates for social change. Peace in Focus is currently planning to expand its overseas programs to Liberia and Sri Lanka.

Prior to launching Peace in Focus, I worked from 2005-2006 as a Human Rights Officer and Training Officer with the UN Peacekeeping Mission in Burundi. During my tenure, I investigated human rights violations and conducted dozens of security and human rights training workshops for UN peacekeepers, the Burundian military, local police, government officials, as well as youth and civil society organizations.

From 2002-2004, I served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in rural Turkmenistan. As a teacher and community organizer, I trained dozens of English teachers and taught English, geography, and leadership to hundreds of students. In this position I also advocated at the national level for education reform and increased resources to village schools.

I have held short-term positions at the White House, the Carter Center, the Organization of American States, the World Bank, as well as the US Agency for International Development, and have worked as a cross-cultural facilitator with the Clinton Global Initiative and Soliya.

Originally from northern Arkansas, I have spent much of the past 15 years traveling in over 45 countries and living in six of them. I am fluent in Portuguese, French, Spanish, and Turkmen, and speak basic Arabic and Russian. I have been a Fellow at the Harvard Law School’s Program on Negotiation and the Harvard Kennedy School’s Cultural Bridge Program. I am a trained mediator, photographer, percussionist, and have practiced the Brazilian martial art and dance form of Capoeira for over ten years.

Please list the countries and/or regions in which you (or your organization) have direct and significant expertise

Brazil
Burundi
Guyana
Morocco
Turkmenistan

What is your current country of residence (or location of your organization)?

USA

What is your current job (and organization) and/or where and what field are you studying?

Executive Director, Peace in Focus

What is your personal or organizational website?

http://www.peaceinfocus.org

What is one of your favorite websites in the field? (please provide one answer per box)

http://www.legacyproject.org

What is one of your favorite websites in the field? (please provide one answer per box)

http://www.oercommons.org/

Which are your primary sectoral areas of expertise (or the primary sectoral areas of your organization) ?

Alternative Dispute Resolution, Civil Society, Conflict Resolution, Culture, Dialogue, Education, Facilitation, Human Rights, Media, Peacekeeping

Which are your primary skills areas(or the primary skill areas of your organization)?

Capacity Building, Communication, Program Design, Program Implemenation, Training

What are some of your current areas of research (if any)?

Examining the role of the arts (photography and new media specifically) in reconciliation and peacebuilding work in Burundi.