Reconciliation and Culture Cooperative Network
 |
 |
 |
 |
| |
 |
 |
|
Mission
Statement
RACCOON is a non-profit organization interested in providing space for like-minded people dedicated to conflict transformation among ethnic groups, particularly in post-yugoslav societies, by means of contemporary culture exchange programs.
While acknowledging our inability to eradicate all scars of "ethnic cleansing,"
RACCOON aims to strike back at the politically manipulated cultural patterns
which helped support "ethnic cleansing" programs. In particular, we are
interested in reaching out to people in post-yugoslav societies who never
had a chance to experience each other except through the hate generated in
a society during wartime.
Our Purpose
In the wake of the recent breakup of Yugoslavia and the brutal war in Bosnia,
the post-yugoslav societies are at a crossroads. Though reconstruction from
the recent Balkan Wars is already underway, conflict and tension remain.
The primary victims of the various war propaganda emanating from the various
post-yugoslav societies involved, are the children who have come of age during
this 8-year-old conflict. For a lasting, and meaningful peace, reconciliation
is necessary.
Considering the extent of the atrocities committed, reconciliation requires much cooperation and communication between people that now belong to different or new nations. These different nations are being led by politicians that espouse "warhawk" philosophy, as well as fervent nationalism, to get elected and re-elected. Through their bully pulpits and strong influence on the media, they are stirring further resentment, harnessing history for their own short-sighted goals, and doing very little rapproachment and reconciliation.
It is in this context that RACCOON wants to find ways of fostering reconciliation, with the ultimate goal of building a civil society.
RACCOON's values:
subway to 23rd Street, Ely Avenue