The San Diego World Affairs Council Presents
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Location of Event:
UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies
8980 Villa La Jolla Drive
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About this Program:
This program is part of Engage San Diego: Tough Topics. Real Conversations - a new collaborative initiative from the San Diego World Affairs Council and our partners at OneSD. The series will create space for thoughtful, constructive dialogue on some of the most complex and pressing issues facing the San Diego region today. The series is designed to build bridges across differences, reduce polarization, and empower participants to engage in more informed, constructive conversations. Join us in co-creating a more connected and solutions-oriented San Diego community.
The first of three topics in the series is: After Extremism: Building Bridges and Strengthening Community
In an era marked by rising polarization, political violence, and deep social divisions, communities across the United States are searching for ways to heal, overcome divisions, and rebuild trust. After Extremism: Building Bridges and Strengthening Community brings together two powerful voices whose lived experiences demonstrate that transformation, dialogue, and reconciliation are possible—even in the face of profound conflict.
This special Engage San Diego program will feature a conversation with former white nationalist turned peace activist, Arno Michaelis, and peace advocate Tasreen Khamisa, whose life’s work has been dedicated to preventing violence and promoting restorative justice following the tragic loss of her son.
Together, they will explore the roots of extremism, the pathways individuals take toward radicalization, and, most importantly, the transformative power of empathy, dialogue, and connection in preventing violence, fostering reconciliation and strengthening our communities.
Through candid storytelling and thoughtful discussion, this program will examine how communities can confront difficult truths, while creating opportunities for healing, accountability, and constructive change.
What We’ll Explore
• The psychological and social dynamics that contribute to radicalization and extremism
• Personal journeys of transformation and the possibility of redemption
• The role of dialogue, empathy, and restorative practices in addressing violence and division
• Strategies communities can use to rebuild trust, prevent violence, and strengthen social cohesion
About the Speakers:
Arno Michaelis
Arno Michaelis is a former white supremacist who spent years involved in extremist movements before leaving thta world and dedicating his life to peacebuilding and coutnering violent extremism. Today, he is an internationally recognized speaker, author, and activist working to prevent radicalization and promote compassion and understanding. Learn more here.
Tasreen Khamisa
Tasreen Khamisa is a peace advocate and co-founder of the Tariq Khamisa Foundation, an organization dedicated to breaking the cycle of youth violence through restorative justice, education, and community engagement. Following the tragic murder of her son Tariq in 1995, Tasreen chose forgiveness and reconciliation, transforming personal tragedy into a powerful movement for peace. Learn more here.
Andrew Blum, Moderator
Andrew Blum is the Senior Program Director at the Burnham Center for Community Advancement, where he leads the OneSD initiative. OneSD is a growing coalition 50+ organizations devoted to creating a San Diego region where all our welcome and all can thrive. Previously he has served as Executive Director of the Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice at the University of San Diego, where he led the growth of the Institute into San Diego’s leading research center on peacebuilding and violence prevention. Learn more about the work Andrew is doing at OneSD here.
***This event is free to the public, but seating is limited
and pre-registration is required. ***
The San Diego World Affairs Council does not endorse any specific political ideology or viewpoint. As a nonpartisan organization, we are committed to presenting a wide range of perspectives to promote informed, respectful dialogue on complex global issues. The opinions expressed by speakers are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Council, its board, or its partners.
