When It's Your Turn to Tell Your Story...

Everyone's story is unique, so we can't tell you exactly what to say. If you already know what you will speak about, fine. But if you don't, here are some ideas to get your started.

			Topic Ideas

• Your ancestors, who they were, where they were from, what they believed in and how they felt about the "others."

• Where you were born and/or grew up.

• What was like growing up.

• When you first became aware of the "others."

• What you were taught about the "others."

• Some of your interactions with the "others."

• A special experience or moment that changed your feelings about the "others," for better or worse.

• If you grew up in the U.S., what it was like growing up in two cultures.

• If you emigrated to the U.S., why you did so and how it has changed or not changed your experiences with attitudes toward the "other."

• How you feel about the "others" now.

You don't have to cover all of these topics, and you can add topics of your own.
 

			Topics to Avoid

And here are a few subjects to be avoided:

• Discussions of who is to blame for the problems between Muslims and Jews.

• Politics in general, plans for settling the Middle East conflict, ideas on where the border(s) should be drawn, and similar items that encourage arguments.

• Why the "other's" religion, beliefs, society, politics or actions are incorrect or harmful.

• Calls to participate in protests, boycotts and other types of political or economic action.

When preparing your talk, remember these goals:
to inform and enlighten,
to open your listeners' hearts and minds,
to build bridges
to encourage communication.
If you do that, you've "won."