On Wednesday, April 1, NYU Wagner’s Research Center for Leadership in Action (RCLA) will present a discussion entitled, “Healing the Trauma of Humanity’s Failure: A Way Forward for Survivors of the Rwandan Genocide.”
The thought-provoking, interactive discussion will be led by Mary Blewitt from 9 a.m. - 11 am. in the Rudin Family Forum at the Robert F. Wagner Graduate School for Public Service at New York University, 295 Lafayette Street (at Houston), 2nd Floor, New York, NY.
Fifteen years ago this April, the world witnessed on of the most devastating atrocities in history - a campaign of violence so ruthless that an estimated 800,000 Rwandans were killed in the span of three months. More than a decade later, survivors are haunted by memories and traumatized by the daily realities of living in a society where justice has not been served.
RCLA is gathering an interdisciplinary council of experts for a unique workshop with Mary Blewitt, founder of the nonprofit Survivors Fund, which assists and advocates for Rwandan genocide survivors. The event will be a chance for experts in trauma, genocide and psychological care to serve as a sounding board on new ways to reduce the emotional and mental toll the genocide continues to take on survivors’ lives, and for event attendees concerned with these issues to gain new insights.
Since the genocide in 1994, Mary Blewitt has dedicated her life to helping the survivors through the Survivors Fund. In 2009, she has stepped down as director of SURF to serve as a visiting fellow at the Research Center for Leadership in Action. It is an opportunity to reflect on and document her experience and to find new answers to survivors’ needs.
To RSVP, please visit http://wagner.nyu.edu/events
About the RCLA Leadership Design Studio
RCLA serves as a strategic solutions partner for organizations grappling with tough leadership challenges, particularly at key moments of transition or when the way forward is unclear and uncharted. This event is part of the RCLA Leadership Design Studio series, which brings together dynamic and accomplished leaders from different disciplines to serve as a brain trust that provides trailblazers in public service with fresh thinking and expert advice. The membership of each advisory group is tailored to the topic, and the process is grounded in an understanding that leadership at its best relies on the wisdom and contributions of people working together rather than in isolation.