Ideas to Action

Start making a difference

A collection of advice on how to get started making a difference. Hear ideas from speakers and artists at the Nobel Peace Prize Forum - Minneapolis. Learn more at augsburg.edu/peace and changemakerpodcast.com

Ulfat Haider - Arab and Jewish Peace

Ulfat Haider was born into conflict - a Palestinian in Israel. It was on a trip to Antarctica, after a weeks long journey, that Ulfat realized the power of going outdoors and facing challenging conditions. Cold, tired, on the top of a mountain they named the Mountain of Israeli-Palestinian Friendship, a team of Arabs and Jews found a shared experience. After this trip, Ulfat decided to lead expeditions with Arab and Jewish youth and women. They hike, camp, climb, and cook together on adventures in the Alps and Himalayas. She's promoting a peaceful coexistence by creating safe spaces for conversations. In addition to these expeditions, she's program manager of Beit Ha’Gefen, an Arab and Jewish cultural center, and a member of the Access Water team. Learn more about Ulfat and the Nobel Peace Prize Forum at peace.augsburg.edu

Yemi Melka - Fighting Energy Poverty

After Yemi Melka graduated from Augsburg College with dual degrees in Chemistry and International Relations, she didn't know where life would lead her. But she knew that somehow she wanted to use her voice for others. During a gap year after graduation, Yemi became passionate about energy poverty. Millions of people around the world don't have access to energy, which means they live without light or heat. She wanted to use her skills and education to help. Yemi became a grad student at Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs where she led a project called SolEnergy. She and a team of students went to her home country of Ethiopia to talk with rural farmers, demonstrate solar irrigation pumps, and better understand problems so they can offer effective solutions. Listen to this episode to learn more about Yemi's idea for change. Learn more about the Nobel Peace Prize Forum | Minneapolis at peace.augsburg.edu

Reginaldo Haslett-Marroquin - Main Street Project

Reginaldo Haslett-Marroquin has an idea decades in the making. An idea to completely transform farming as we know it. This farm would produce healthy and organic food, regenerate the soil, and help farmers earn a good living. But a good idea isn't enough. Reginaldo needed a team and found support with Main Street Project. Working together on this idea they found a solution centered around one powerful animal - the chicken. Listen to this episode to hear more about Reginaldo's theory for change. And go to peace.augsburg.edu to get your tickets and join us at the forum!

Isabel Perez Dobarro - Arts Twenty Thirty

As a concert pianist, Isabel Perez Dobarro has connected audiences with beautiful and emotional pieces of music. But a couple of years ago, her art took on a deeper meaning - connecting people to the world’s most pressing problems and inspiring them to take action… Learn more about Isabel and the Nobel Peace Prize Forum | Minneapolis: peace.augsburg.edu