Disagreeing Well, Heather Staff

In our days of tense political discourses, often accompanied by shouting and viciousness, Heather Staff, a young British politician delivers a challenge to the young leaders of mobile generation. Heather asks questions such as: How do we disagree well? How do we talk to each other? How do we respect each other in our political conversations? How do we disagree without assassinating each other characters? How do we live out the calling to be the Ambassadors for a Better World? Heather Staff delivered this message to an international group of young leaders gathered at the 2016 Forum Gathering in Cluj-Napoca, Romania in October 2016.

Economic Diplomacy and Integrity Forum Moves to Albania

Photos: Ona Eri 

The first EDI - Economic Diplomacy and Integrity Forumin Albania was a big success. Inspired by the long history of EDI Forum in Croatia and a more recent history of EDI seminars in Romania, EDI Albania went about creating a true movement of change. 

80 participants from business, economy, politics, education, law, engineering and other areas of Albanian society joined together to speak about principles of Jesus in business and economy, and how one could follow Jesus in the environment of widespread corruption.  The Forum took lasted for two and a half days in the Hotel Doro City, Tirana; from March 27^th through the 29^th.

The 2015 EDI Albania sought to encourage participants to follow Jesus closely in their businesses and professional lives. Erjona Kulla from Tirana directed EDI Albania in partnership with the Christian Young Entrepreneurs & Professionals Partnership for Integrity, ECPM – European Christian Political Movement, the Wilberforce Foundation, Sotmeria, NeJ Foundation, and the SGP Party of the Netherlands, as well as with Forum for Leadership and Reconciliation from USA.

Participants were encouraged by Jack Fallow, former CEO of UK Gas Force; Lars Rise, ex-MP of Norway; Maria van Oost, SGP General Secretary, and local speakers who gave professional advice and taught from the perspective of Jesus. Participants were eager to discuss the presentation in small groups and workshops. They discussed about how to follow Jesus outside the church walls - in their careers, politics and business. A follow-up meeting is planned for May 22, and then other follow-ups, one every three months.

Justin Kagin, EDI Forum Director

Transformational Leadership Seminar in Romania

Photo: Participants attending EDI Transylvania Seminar in Sigishoara, Romania



Economic Diplomacy and Integrity Forum (EDI) is expanding its work and influence under the leadership of Justin Kagin, EDI Director. Mihaela Kovacs, the Forum for Leadership and Reconciliation Representative for Romania is also the Project Director of a new EDI project, EDI Seminar Transylvania that took place last weekend (October 11-13, 2013) in Sigishoara, Romania. EDI Seminar in Romania focused on the themes of transformational leadership in business and politics rooted in the person of Jesus. In this interview Mihaela Kovacs highlights the reasons that made this first EDI seminar in Romania into a very successful project and a blessing to more than 60 participants attending the event. Time: 8.45 min.

Introducing the ROM Team – Minela Pervanovic

Minela Pervanovic is a senior student of International Law and Diplomacy at the American University in Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina. Her desire is to stay in her country, Bosnia-Herzegovina and to be involved in the political and social processes that would improve economic and social life of the citizens of Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Minela attended Renewing Our Minds Gathering (ROM) for the first time when she was 20 years old. She was recommended by Asja Powys-Smith (ROM generation 2001), a young lady from Bosnia-Herzegovina who now lives, studies and works in Oxford, UK.

Experiencing ROM for the first time in the summer of 2009 was a deep and precious experience for Minela. She says: “ROM represented Jesus to me in a new way. God used ROM to reopen my eyes to see that He desires to use me to serve my people in Bosnia. I was reassured that I can be a good example of Jesus’ character to my nation; as well as to be His instrument for reconciliation and peace building between the peoples of Bosnia-Herzegovina.”

It was while at ROM that I had a vision of a conference aimed at the political and business leaders of my country based on the character of Jesus and His values. The conference “Moral Values in Business and Politics”, which took place not long ago at a prestigious venue in Sarajevo, targeted political leaders, businessmen and other people of influence in the Bosnian capital. Our message was that Bosnia-Herzegovina needed the kind of leaders who are foremost the people of integrity and strong values. The two key speakers were Drazen Glavas, Trainer and Consultant with ETIK in Croatia; and Leo van Doesburg, External Affairs Manager with European Christian Movement from The Netherlands. The conference was a great success.

Minela Pervanovic currently serves as the ROM Core Team Member for Southeast Europe, and ROM Coordinator for Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Welcome to Economic Diplomacy and Integrity Forum

Photo: Boriana Staykova from Sofia, Bulgaria speaks at EDI 2012 in Fuzine, Croatia.

Justin Kagin, EDI Forum Director, writes about successfully completed Economic Diplomacy and Integrity Forum seminar this August held in Fuzine, Croatia

Welcome to EDI! This is what I felt God wanted me to say not only at the beginning but to the participants at the final banquet, the last night of the Economic Diplomacy and Integrity Forum. Welcome to the EDI/EDS/ROM Jesus loving community!  At that moment, I did not feel that it was just the end of an incredible 12 days but rather the beginning of a network of deep friendships and followers of Jesus. 

Already participants of EDI can reconnect at the end of September in Ohrid, Macedonia at the ROM Regathering which will include not only Renewing our Mind (ROM) alumni but Economic Diplomacy Seminar (EDS – a predecessor to EDI), past participants as well.   Additionally, one of our speakers, Leo van Doesburg, Eastern European Representative for the European Christian Political Movement (ECPM), has invited participants to join in ECPM events as well.  Not to mention student groups in Serbia (Evanđeosko Udruženje Studenata -  EUS), prayer and relational gatherings around the region, and invitations by the many speakers and leadership that are passionate to be mentors and resources to the participants throughout their lives. So, I am excited and happy to say that the care and passion for Jesus and his principles will not stop when EDI finished but only just began.

Overall, I am extremely impressed and thankful for the quality of the leadership team and speakers, and their dedication to each other and the participants. Truly there was an atmosphere of love and respect that permeated the gathering, touched the participants and made EDI successful. I am equally impressed by the attentive and engaging participants that did not sit passively by but actively engaged in lectures, small groups, workshops and individual discussions to get the most out of their experience. 

The Economic Diplomacy and Integrity Forum

During EDI around 30 people gathered to engage in an intense, but also enjoyable, series of lectures, small groups, workshops and activities where the speakers and leadership poured not just their wisdom and knowledge but their entire lives into their time at EDI.  EDI was truly a relational gathering where not one of the speakers or leaders came without leaving their imprint on the participants. 

Leo van Doesburg helped start EDI by explaining the history behind Economic Diplomacy in Europe and some key features that would provide a foundation for the days ahead.  Justin Kagin complemented this by introducing Jesus as the best economist in his lecture “the Love Economy.”  He explained how Jesus taught key principles, like paying taxes even to corrupt governments, not charging interest to the poor, giving freely, and loving one another, that when applied can actually benefit the economies of our nations.  After a series of group games to get to know each other better and a relaxing boat ride in the cool beauty of Fuzine lake, EDI launched into the Trinity Forum with moderator and speaker Jack Fallow, Founder and Director of the Center for Organizational Effectiveness. Readings from Ayn Rand, Tolstoy, Greek and Hebrew literature among others, explored different approaches to life and challenged participants to lead meaningful lives and lives of integrity.  Normally reserved for top-level CEOs and politicians, EDI had the honor and benefit of having this curriculum for our young leaders.

This first part of the forum also included insightful principles for leaders to follow by Samuilo Petrovski, Director of EUS.  He explained how good character and humility are central to leadership and that Jesus exemplified leadership. Samuilo later led a workshop on applying these principles to your life while Jack led a parallel workshop on business complexity.  Jack also gave insights into examples of people choosing an abundant life where Religion, Science, and Art interact in their lives to produce amazing outcomes.  Boriana Staikova, working on anti-corruption in the Bulgarian Government, talked to the participants about the complexities surrounding corruption; its definition and examples of how it happens in practice.  She challenged us to think about the ways in which we personally might be tempted to be corrupt and how we might fight it.

Some of the speakers enriched EDI by bringing their families with them.  Robert Maricak, Business Investor and Executives' Consultant, brought his wife, Karmela, and two kids.  In the second week of EDI, Robert and Karmela spoke on the difficulties and joys of managing a career and a family.  How together they complemented each other and contributed to a successful enterprise without succumbing to corruption or tax evasion.  Robert elaborated on these experiences speaking of the different forms of corruption in Croatia and how through listening to God he was able to overcome them.  Dražen Glavaš, founder of ET!K-Education, Training and Kommunication, brought Jodi and his three sons and he contributed by speaking to participants on their goals and aspirations. He challenged them to think about things that make their heart hurt, their passions and dreams.  His “Love Revolution” lectures were some of the many seeds that he helped plant during EDI. Finally, Tihomir Kukolja, director of ROM, came with his wife Christine and their son.  He taught on the importance of following Jesus and not religion as an idol.

EDI was further enriched by Mihaela Kovacs, Founder and Director of Fundatia Baraca Sighisoara, who introduced problems in the region in gender and ethnic discrimination.  In the evening, through drama, she led a practical demonstration of the effects and negative feelings generated by prejudice.  It caused many of us to think on what we might be doing to propagate this and how we might fight against it.  As a complement to these lectures, Eunice Dugalescu, General Project Assistant for ECPM, spoke about the human dignity movement in Europe and around the world and which applied many of the principles of Jesus to politics.  She talked about the advocacy of the movement and the promotion of the concept of human dignity in protecting life from inception to natural death.  Finally, Justin spoke this second week on Jesus and banking and Leo spoke on the vision for the future of the EU (which complemented an earlier parliament game he simulated with participants) and the role model of Nehemiah in carrying out one’s vision.  Having these lectures toward the end provided a sufficient platform for the participants to think and plan their own visions.

After participating throughout EDI, listening to lectures, expressing their stories through interviews, engaging in small groups, and giving us their music, drama and even martial arts talents, participants were asked to give presentations of their own visions to fight corruption in society using Jesus’s principles.  They were excellent and we are confident that many of these visions will be born out.  We are also especially grateful for the participants that volunteered to aid in many aspects of the forum; from putting up decorations, to music, to engaging with speakers during their time at EDI.  Hristina Runceva, a teaching assistant at the Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje and a participant, particularly contributed in that she taught a well-received workshop on economics and conflict resolution.

Overall a successful and fulfilled EDI, to which everyone contributed and hopefully enjoyed.  The seeds for better nations are planted and watered and growing, and I say again at the end here to everyone involved, Welcome to EDI!

Justin Kagin, Director, Economic Diplomacy and Integrity Forum 2012

                                      

EDI – ECONOMIC DIPLOMACY AND INTEGRITY FORUM THIS SUMMER

Building an Economic, Business and Political Community On the Principles of Jesus

Economic Diplomacy and Integrity (EDI) is a new initiative designed to support the development of young professionals and students in the areas of economics, business and politics which are based in the life and teachings of Jesus. We believe that the best way to fight against unhealthy rivalry among and within nations is to establish an economic and political community based on the principles of Jesus. 

EDI was established on the foundations of the 13-year peace building initiative Renewing our Minds (ROM) and later the 5 years of the Economic Diplomacy Seminar (EDS).  ROM evolved out of the need to heal relationships among ethnic groups after the wars in Southeast Europe applying Jesus’ principles as a platform for establishing friendship, forgiveness, reconciliation and lasting peace in the region.  From 2006-2011, the Economic Diplomacy Seminar (EDS) hosted over 200 participants, continuing where ROM left off, by adding economic and diplomatic principles.

This summer EDI is planning to invite 25 participants, and 15 staff and instructors for series of lectures, seminars, workshops and mentoring events.  Participants will be selected based on recognized leadership in their communities and recommendations of those involved with the program.

The program will be led by Justin Kagin, Director of Economic Diplomacy and Integrity, Leo van Doesburg, East European Representative of the European Christian Political Movement (ECPM), Tihomir Kukolja, Executive Director of the Forum for Leadership and Reconciliation (FLR) and ROM, Mihaela Kovac, Director of Baraca, and the executive team from FLR.

RDI objectives are: a) To engage young professionals and students (ages 18-35) primarily from the Balkan region; b) To facilitate the formation of new business plans and projects and assist in their implementation by developing a plan, working on logistics, and creating a network of support; c) To support professional networks by connecting current participants with former participants, and leaders in EDI and ROM; d) To practically apply the principles of Jesus through regional and community outreach of various kinds; and e) To highlight successful leaders in the region and create a space for them to share and invest themselves in a new generation of leaders.

The 2012 program content will include international speakers and seminars; small groups and mentors; workshops; field trips, and social events.

Economic Diplomacy and Integrity Forum 2012 will take place in Fuzine, Croatia, July 31 – August 11, 2012.

ROM and EDI Go To a New Level in 2012

ROM and EDI Go to a New Level in 2012

Dear Friend of Renewing Our Minds (ROM),

Can a genuine, transforming and long lasting reconciliation take place around the person of Jesus between young leaders from diverse, even opposing ethnic, racial and religious groups? After thirteen years, the Renewing Our Minds ministry has proved that it definitely can.

It All Started in the Balkans in 1999

It all started in 1999 in the picturesque township of Fuzine, in the mountains of Gorski Kotar, at a time when the wounds inflicted by a decade of conflict in the region of former Yugoslavia were still fresh and hurting. A group of young adults involved in the humanitarian and healing ministry of Life Center International (LCI), a faith-based non-governmental organization in Croatia started the international Renewing Our Minds (ROM) initiative.

Over the years the transformative impact of ROM has gone beyond Southeast Europe, and has reached the Middle East, the African continent, the former Soviet Union, the EU, the USA and beyond. Through ROM hundreds of young lives, from over fifty countries, have been directly impacted.  Many ROM alumni have emerged as leaders and are today making a difference in the political, social, humanitarian and religious arenas of their countries.

A number of projects have resulted from ROM, as attendees who have been inspired by its vision, have given it a fresh meaning and application through their own initiatives. One such project is the Economic Diplomacy Seminar (EDS), an annual conference that applies the principles of Jesus to the fields of business, economics and politics. EDS is in its sixth year and has impacted the world of business in the Balkan region and beyond.

ROM and EDS Go To a New Level in 2012

ROM and EDS together formed a new umbrella organization, the Forum for Leadership and Reconciliation (FLR). Formed in November 2011 in the US, FRL is now poised to take the Renewing Our Minds (ROM) and Economic Diplomacy Seminar EDS, now called Economic Diplomacy and Integrity (EDI) to a new level.

FLR builds on the vision of ROM and EDI, to advance the Kingdom of God by nurturing international leaders of noble, forgiving, reconciled and serving hearts, in tune with the person of Jesus. FLR will pursue this mission through holistic, transformative and relational education, training and mentorship; as well as the advancement of caring and serving communities. We believe that God, who has embraced the entire human family in Jesus Christ on the cross, is likewise commissioning his followers to embrace their fellow men and women, friends and enemies across ethnic, national, racial, geographical, cultural, religious and political divides.

This year, the FLR Board of Directors and Executive Team are focused on establishing a firm and sustainable foundation for future growth, and on three key international events that would bring together up to 200 young leaders from 20 countries in the Balkans and around the world. These events are Renewing Our Minds Gathering 2012 in Fuzine, Croatia, July 13 – 29; Economic Diplomacy and Integrity Forum 2012 in Fuzine, Croatia, August 5 – 19; and the ROM/EDI 2012 Reunion in Macedonia, September 27 – October 1, 2012.

Would You Consider Making a Financial Investment

We have everything in place to succeed in 2012.  The Forum for Leadership and Development revitalized the ministry of ROM and EDI, through a committed and engaged Board of Directors and Executive Team, an experienced regional task team, discerning advisors and the prayers of many friends. Equally important is the financial support of friends who believe in this work. Remember that most of the young leaders attending and serving in the FLR programs are from countries and regions with little or no financial means to cover the cost of their participation.

Would you consider making a financial investment to help raise needed funds to support these programs?

Thank you for your consideration and partnering with us in this important international initiative of leadership and reconciliation.

Love and Blessings.

Tihomir Kukolja

Forum for Leadership and Reconciliation, Executive Director

Renewing Our Minds, Director

PO Box 423

Bothell, WA 98041, USA

+1-281-515-3707, leadershipforum@learecforum.org

All donations for ROM and EDI should be sent to  –

The Antioch Partners,

7132 Portland Ave, Suite 136,

Richfield, MN 55423.

Phones 713-490-9571

www.theantiochpartners.org