COMMUNITY

BE INSPIRED
Gos Tamara Seikaly looked into the work being done by YARA, a local initiative thats using awareness to make changes in our community

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alk less. It might sound simple, but the less you talk, the more you listen. The more you listen the more you are observing. The more you are observing, the clearer it becomes to know what exactly you need to change and how to change it. These are just some of the words that inspire the drive behind the Youth Association for Reality & Awareness (YARA). Founded by Amir Shihadeh in June 2010 after realizing that to change our society for the better, we must first change ourselves, YARA aims to make the world a better place. Inspired to do, rather than just watch, Amir believes that change should be self-initiated and informal. YARAs objective is thus to empower citizens to see their full potential, or simply to make each and every person realize who they really are and exactly how much potential they have. YARA focuses on the youth, who they see as the leaders, decision makers, and parents of tomorrow the generation that represents hope for the future. This generation is made up of two distinct groups: those that need help and those that want to help. YARA strives to be the bridge that brings the two groups together, forming a bond and understanding between them. YARAs vision is to make tangible change in the community through awareness campaigns in areas that are usually untouched and undiscovered. Making the world a better place means affecting all levels, from the personal to the environmental to the social. For instance, earlier this year, YARA hosted COEXIST 2012 in celebration of World Interfaith

NEED TO KNOW
YARAs events set to take place this summer will focus on issues relating to humanity and the environment, social awareness and responsibility, and youth empowerment.

Team YaRa!
YARAs core team is made up of individuals who work full time jobs and volunteer with the initiative But the team doesnt stop there. The Youth Association for Reality & Awareness wants to be the platform that inspires others to implement projects and ideas within their own communities and exchange thoughts, ideas, and opinions. If you think that you have something valuable to bring to this initiative be it event ideas, original concepts, or simply time and effort then get in touch with them today. Email info@yara. org or if you have a Twitter account, tweet them @YARAorg.

Harmony Week. This seminar saw the development of inter-religious and interfaith dialogues in an attempt to help further a culture of peace around the world. Currently, YARA are creating short video productions that will be locally produced reflecting the values and ideas of YARA using Internet and social media to reach as many people as possible. These ideas will allow the viewer to reflect, think, and inspire new behaviors adapted to their community. Additionally, YARA

This generation is made up of two distinct groups: those that need help and those that want to help
implements their projects within various communities around Jordan, with events being organized around different themes including the environment, poverty, youth, education, and humanity. If youd like to get involved with one of YARAs upcoming events, or if youd simply like to offer your services and volunteer, get in touch with them today. Staunch believers in the power of the individual, those behind YARA are always keen to provide our community with social values via memorable occasions and experiences.
(079) 777 9272 www.facebook.com/YARAorgJO www.yara.org

72 | JUL. 2012 | gomagJordan.com