Welcome to the
Tucson Ulster
Peace through Reconciliation and Understanding
The
Ulster Project is dedicated to promoting a peaceful parity of esteem
between Roman Catholics and Protestants in
Project Plan and Activities
The Ulster Project expanded to Tucson, Az. in 1993. Under the sponsorship of the Ulster Project, teenagers from Omagh, Co. Tyrone, Northern Ireland (half Protestants and half Catholic, half girls and half boys), come to Tucson for the month of July to live in private homes. They are paired with American teens of the same sex and approximate age and live with Host Families, who are on the same side of the Catholic/Protestant “Faith line” and are “matched” by a committee, selected by the participating American churches.
Accompanied by two adult
Counselors, the Northern Irish participants range in age from fourteen to
sixteen years, having been evaluated and selected by their teachers and clergy
for their leadership potential. At this age, the young people have not
committed themselves to any underground militant group and are old enough to
profit from this experience.
While the project has it's fun side to build team spirit and bond the teens, there are "Time of Discovery" (TOD) sessions as well. These TOD's serve as a time for the American and Irish teens, under professionally trained leaders, to foster a spirit of cooperation and commitment to peace making and reconciliation, issues relevant to both Irish and American teens.
Because the Project works so well, developing mutual trust and friendship
among the Northern Irish youth and their families, participating Northern Irish
leaders plan reunions and meetings after the youth return to
Our Purpose
The Ulster Project is one of a few ecumenical international peace programs where the youth are the primary drivers for its success.
The Ulster Project is committed:
- To promote reconciliation between Northern Irish Catholics and Protestants by fostering tolerance, understanding, and friendship among teenage future leaders;
- To present a program that brings Northern Irish teens of differing Christian faiths together in a strife-free atmosphere that emphasizes acceptance of all people, regardless of creed;
- To educate and encourage persons, particularly supporters, committee members, and American Host Families, to appreciate their roles as peacemakers and mediators and to understand the purposes of Ulster Project;
- To encourage Northern Irish leaders and clergy involved in the program to continue to foster the spirit' of Ulster Project among the Northern Irish participants following each program;
- To promote a spirit of community and commitment among American Ulster Project participants.
Last Modified: January 24, 2005