LEADD, a program of The Interfaith Alliance Foundation.

Dear Friends,

"I want to talk about my beliefs at school, but I know most people don't believe the same things…"

"I hate it when people think they have all the answers, like with politics or religion…"

"I wish people could just agree to disagree…"

Do these statements sound familiar? They are the thoughts and expressions of high school students who face sensitive issues of religion and politics every day - whether at school, on sports teams, or in the workplace They are the feelings expressed by those who both want to share things they believe in strongly, but also want to respect other people's right to different opinions.

This struggle is not limited to a few. Today we live in the most religiously pluralistic nation in the world, a nation that was founded on the principles of religious freedom and democracy. Yet today we also find ourselves in a nation in which, though we are surrounded by talk of religion and values, basic civil rights are being challenged and religious freedom (is being redefined. In many current political debates, the First Amendment to the Constitution itself has been questioned by those in positions to influence policy changes in the public square and the public schools.

The Interfaith Alliance Foundation believes every generation has the right and responsibility to add its voice to American civic dialogue. If we are to protect religious freedom and democracy, young adults must become informed, engaged citizens. With this goal in mind, TIAF has created a fascinating new leadership camp entitled LEADD, Leadership Education Advancing Democracy and Diversity. LEADD envisions young adults as active citizens, shaping our democracy to reflect America's rich diversity of heritage, culture, religion, and values.

LEADD first launched in August of 2006 at the Mountain Retreat & Learning Centers in Highlands, North Carolina. Thirty youth from throughout the nation joined together for a week-long immersion in American history and contemporary religious diversity. Our inaugural LEADD camp inspired thirty new religious liberty advocates, who are now working in their home communities to make a difference! In 2007 we brought a new group together near Baltimore.

Our hope is that in 2008 and beyond this program will ignite passion within a new generation of “LEADDers”– the young adults who will become the very advocates who will continue to protect the religious freedom and democracy that have shaped our great nation.

We thank you for your interest and we do hope you'll apply and/or help spread the word about LEADD. Help us grow our democracy and ensure religious freedom by engaging and empowering the next generation to become informed First Amendment advocates.

With Hope,

Rev. Dr. C Welton Gaddy
President
The Interfaith Alliance Foundation