ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the common ground approach and illustrates how it was applied in two diverse conflict areas: Burundi and the Middle East. The mission of Search for Common Ground is to facilitate social change that transforms a community's approach to conflict from destructive adversarial strategies toward cooperative processes and solutions. Studio Ijambo has proven to be a very effective method of promoting dialogue and peace building, especially given Burundians' reliance on radio as the primary source of information. The Women's Peace Center was established in 1996 to support Burundian women's efforts at becoming key players in the peace-building and reconciliation process, regardless of their ethnic, regional, religious, and generational differences. The Youth Project, established in 1999, works with at-risk populations that often take part in violent conflicts as a result of political manipulation. Since its inception in 1991, Search for Common Ground in the Middle East has approached conflict transformation as grounds for opportunity and education outreach.
