Event: Congressional Briefing - Afghan Civil Society

Afghan Civil Society Perspectives: Congressional Briefing

Wednesday February 29, 2012 2pm - 4 pm
B-338 Rayburn – House Office Building

Rep. James McGovern and Rep. John Garamendi for Afghan Civil Society Perspectives with Afghan-made documentary short films, a live video conference with Afghans and expert testimony and roundtable discussion with Michael Sheridan, Director and Founder of Community Supported Film; Peter Lems, Program Director for Afghanistan, Iraq, and Iran at American Friends Service Committee and Lisa Schirch, Director of 3P Human Security. 

Please join us at today, Wednesday February 29 at 2pm for an open Congressional Briefing about Afghan Civil Society perspectives on future stability and humanitarian concerns in Afghanistan. The event will feature a live video conference with Afghan NGO directors and filmmakers, a screening of a selection of the Afghan–made documentary shorts The Fruit of Our Labor, and a roundtable discussion with CommunitySupported Film, 3P Human Security, and the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC). 

The briefing coincides with the DC opening of AFSC’s Windows and Mirrors Afghan mural exhibit organized with religious members from the Faith Roundtable on Afghanistan.

The Fruit of Our Labor films allow viewers to witness reality through Afghan eyes, offering a deeper understanding of Afghanistan that is crucial for mapping a peaceful and stable path forward and avoiding another humanitarian crisis as US and NATO troops withdraw. The films are a collection of documentary shorts made by Afghans in a training provided by Community Supported Film in Kabul. The films convey the realities and challenges of daily life in Afghanistan and also highlight Afghan-led development initiatives. The Fruit of Our Labor identifies critical areas that need sustained technical and financial support from US and international organizations – such as maternal healthcare, and access to clean water, education, and employment.

Presenter Lisa Schirch will discuss her study:
“Designing a Comprehensive Peace Process for Afghanistan,” which provides evidence of the importance of including Afghan Civil Society in building a stable and peaceful Afghanistan.