[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 23 (Wednesday, March 6, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E278]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    YOUNG PEACEBUILDERS ACT OF 2002

                                 ______
                                 

                            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.

                          ____________________