By Andrew Syed
New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day have always been my favorite holidays. I have a tendency to reflect on what has been or what could have been as well as then shift quickly to what could be. Being a dreamer, visionary, someone who can viscerally feel future possibilities before they are realized has been something I’ve carried with me most of my life.
I am grateful to be part of the team here at The Conflict Center. This entry into this new year provides us an opportunity. We have adopted the prefix “Re…” as our theme for 2026. Each month, we will focus on a word that begins with “Re…” and reflect on its meaning looking back on our almost 40 year history and looking forward to what might be to come.
Our families, our communities, our country, indeed the world we live in feels more divided than ever before. As of this writing, citizens exercising their rights are being shot in the streets with what appears to be immunity. Children are being violently separated from their parents. An armed federal force is walking our streets looking for people whose color or accent or lack of appropriate papers on the spot might make them appear anything less than “American.” As we witness these things, we are constantly being told by our elected and appointed officials at the highest levels to not believe what we see. The divisions around us are acute, real, and consequential. Facing these daily realities, we have a choice.
The Conflict Center was founded on the principle that conflict is an opportunity. An opportunity for dialogue. For deeper understanding. For empathy. An opportunity for humanity to win the day when individuals, communities, even countries can see each other for what we all really are. People who everyday are trying to make it in a complicated and difficult world.
We are recommitting ourselves this year at The Conflict Center to RE-IMAGINE conflict. It might be inevitable, but it does not have to be violent. It does not have to end in division or estrangement. It does not even have to end with everyone agreeing on the same things. Difference and diversity can make us stronger. Our work here at The Conflict Center RE-IMAGINES conflict as an opportunity to reconnect us to each other.
Our RE-IMAGINING in 2026 will take form in a strategic planning season that will see The Conflict Center reflect on its story and reinforce its values and work into the current cultural and societal contexts. We will be locally relevant, continuing to work across our home city and state in schools, in the statehouse, in the justice system, and across our communities. We will look to grow to be nationally prominent as communities across the country reach out to organizations and institutions to help them address the conflicts that are dividing them. We will work to be internationally present in conversations around peace, justice, and reconciliation. Our mission is needed. Our work is relevant. Our vision is expanding.
2026 is our year of Re-Imagine. We look forward to the opportunities our current divisions and conflicts represent. We believe we will come through this time, stronger, together, and with a much deeper appreciation of each other. Here at The Conflict Center, we not only believe that, we are working everyday to make that vision reality. If you’ve been with us – thank you. We invite you to RE-IMAGINE alongside us. If you are new to us – welcome. Join the movement. A movement that RE-IMAGINES conflict as opportunity.
Andrew Syed
Executive Director
The Conflict Center
