Meet Jill Wharton

Supporter Since:

December 2007

Why Jill Supports SFCG:

"I was moved and inspired about SFCG's mission, approach - and most importantly - their impact around the world (including the U.S.) towards peaceful conflict resolution"

How Jill Heard about SFCG:

a luncheon where she met SFCG founder/president John Marks and Susan Collin Marks

Read about Jill's Investor's Trip to Nepal

I was drawn to the Search For Common Ground (SFCG) organization at a luncheon that a friend had invited me to attend in Dec 2007. Meeting the highly respected founders of this over 25 year old organization, staff and other volunteers, I was moved and inspired about SFCG's mission, approach - and most importantly - their impact around the world (including the U.S.) towards peaceful conflict resolution. I enthusiastically became an investor, and subsequently signed up on a trip with SFCG to Nepal in March in 2008.

This was a monumental time in Nepal with elections early April 2008 to soon oust the long run monarchy and establish democracy. Given such, the tensions between ethnic and political factions were heated. Promoting collaboration and peace in this country at that time was critical. During my 10 day trip throughout rural Nepal, I met with SFCG's staff and partner groups, with government officials, media groups, and the youth who are among SFCG's primary focus. I had discussions with these groups supporting SFCG's goal of partnering and moving away from adversarial approaches towards identifying common ground interests to resolve conflict peacefully.

As an advocate of peace, I personally witnessed individual stories of previous child soldiers and rebel leaders who were on the cusp of change. I interacted with Nepalese youth leaders and adult leaders supporting their peace programs. I'll never forget sitting among a group of 50 youth in a remote village having translated-dialogue around issues they're facing including inter-generational, gender standings in society, ethnic class tensions, and challenges of child soldiers reintegrating into their communities and families. When I was finished speaking a SFCG staff turned to me and said, "They will remember that you were here and what you said for as long as they live." I interacted with and supported individuals who had made changes in their own lives which in turn impacts their families and their communities, which ultimately can impact a nation.

I have since become an advocate for SFCG's work by speaking at their main annual fundraising event in San Francisco, hosting and speaking at educational meetings throughout 2008, and volunteering time to brainstorm ideas and garner support for their annual fundraiser event in Dec 2008 (and again in 2009). I feel their work is so incredibly important in the world. Their influence has helped me as an individual to be mindful in viewing conflict as an opportunity, and in learning the importance of seeking to understand interests verses taking positions in resolving conflict. I am impassioned to continue to be an advocate of their work, enthusiastically volunteering my time and financial support.

SFCG is a member of the Combined Federal Campaign (#11493) SFCG is a member of United Way (#1416)

SFCG | 1601 Connecticut Avenue, NW | Suite 200 | Washington, DC 20009 | Tel: (+1 202) 265-4300