The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“YOUNG PEACEBUILDERS ACT OF 2002” mentioning the U.S. Dept of State was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E278 on March 6, 2002.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
YOUNG PEACEBUILDERS ACT OF 2002
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HON. MARK UDALL
of colorado
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, March 5, 2002
Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, the Young Peacebuilders Act of 2002 recognizes that our young people are our greatest resource and our future. It also recognizes that promoting international cooperation and increased mutual understanding--in effect, building peace--requires an investment in new generations of young people.
This legislation would offer young people from regions of conflict opportunities to develop strong character, integrity, and leadership skills, and would help them to learn about conflict resolution and communication. The bill is intended to instill hope--instead of fear--
in the hearts of the world's young people, as well as in the hearts of Americans who are at a loss as to how to view the months and years ahead.
For 20 years, Representative Udall was director of the Colorado Outward Bound School, where he saw first-hand how young people developed strong character and leadership skills by working in the outdoors. Outward Bound and similar programs in the U.S. could help international youth learn the value of working together to solve problems, as well as to help them avoid the cultural misunderstanding that have plagued their parents' generation.
The Young Peacebuilders Act of 2002 would establish a program in the Department of State for youth from regions of conflict. The program would provide for visits in the United States of 90 days or less for training in conflict resolution and mutual understanding. Training would be provided by non-profit organizations and other organizations as determined by the Secretary of State. The State Department, working in conjunction with the Attorney General, would establish criteria for eligibility for participation. The bill would authorize $2 million for each fiscal year to carry out this Act.
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