Spotlight On: The F-You Forgiveness Project

by Gary Seward
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Many youth in today’s generation live in a culture where they’re exposed to conflict. Issues such as gang violence, bullying, racism, sexism, and homophobia are still prevalent in today’s culture. Violence rates, for example, are still growing within the GTA.

According to a study published by the University Of New Hampshire, conflict theorists present a convincing case showing that conflict is an inevitable part of all human association. While most people fear conflict and avoid it at all costs, it’s bound to rear its ugly head at some points. However, being able to turn different forms of conflict into catharsis may be the key ingredient in overcoming different forms of conflict.

This model is exactly what Tara Muldoon has sought out to do with her project “F-You: The Forgiveness Project.” Two years ago Tara and a small group of people decided to get together in order to turn conflict and trauma many youth experience into catharsis.

F-You: The Forgiveness Project was created as a way to band other youth together in order to answer the question “What would it look like if you forgave either yourself or another today?” This project features speakers and stories from those who have crossed the line from victim to survivor and have found forgiveness in the process. To date this project has attracted more than 2,000 attendees, with a return rate of 81%, the majority being youth. The crowds, participants and speakers keep growing.

Violence and Compassion is the first in a series of books, which feature stories and essays from youth on forgiveness. All pieces in this collection are written in the hopes of making a difference and now have a wait-list for more people to tell their stories. The criterion is simple: deliver an honest piece, be fewer than 1,000 words and have the story delivered through peace. Through this project many young people are able to express themselves and move past difficult situations.

“This youth-driven project exudes strength, courage, and the ability to heal.”Many youth in today’s generation live in a culture where they’re exposed to conflict. Issues such as gang violence, bullying, racism, sexism, and homophobia are still prevalent in today’s culture. Violence rates, for example, are still growing within the GTA.

According to a study published by the University Of New Hampshire, conflict theorists present a convincing case showing that conflict is an inevitable part of all human association. While most people fear conflict and avoid it at all costs, it’s bound to rear its ugly head at some points. However, being able to turn different forms of conflict into catharsis may be the key ingredient in overcoming different forms of conflict.

This model is exactly what Tara Muldoon has sought out to do with her project “F-You: The Forgiveness Project.” Two years ago Tara and a small group of people decided to get together in order to turn conflict and trauma many youth experience into catharsis.

F-You: The Forgiveness Project was created as a way to band other youth together in order to answer the question “What would it look like if you forgave either yourself or another today?” This project features speakers and stories from those who have crossed the line from victim to survivor and have found forgiveness in the process. To date this project has attracted more than 2,000 attendees, with a return rate of 81%, the majority being youth. The crowds, participants and speakers keep growing.

Violence and Compassion is the first in a series of books, which feature stories and essays from youth on forgiveness. All pieces in this collection are written in the hopes of making a difference and now have a wait-list for more people to tell their stories. The criterion is simple: deliver an honest piece, be fewer than 1,000 words and have the story delivered through peace. Through this project many young people are able to express themselves and move past difficult situations.

“This youth-driven project exudes strength, courage, and the ability to heal.”

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