Featured Student Organizer of the Month: Philippe Nassif

Featured Student Organizer of the Month: Philippe Nassif

by Lennese Semple
02/13/2007

Philippe Nassif currently serves as Americans for Informed Democracy’s regional director for chapters in Texas, Okalahoma, Louisiana and Arkansas. Phillipe became involved with AID after his professor recommended that he go to an AID conference, which was being held in New Mexico. He was immediately attracted to AID’s non-partisan, progressive, non-abrasive method of development, regarding global issues.

Phillipe is a senior at St. Thomas University in Houston, Texas. Although he has faced some challenges in striking a balance between AID’s highly publicized cause and the University’s conservative nature, he enjoys his job. In 2006, Philippe was given the award for outstanding student leader. Although the news came as a surprise to Philippe, it brought him contentment and assurance that people were pleased with the work he was doing for AID.

The award was recognition of the exemplary work Phillipe has done on behalf on AID. In the summer of 2006, he organized a conference on U.S.-Muslim world relations. There were over 200 attendees. The conference focused on educating the American public about the animosity between the U.S. and the Arab world as a result of the war on terror. Panelists from the Stanley Foundation, Environmental Defense Counsel and One Voice were present as well as academics from Rice and Houston.

In the spring of 2006, Philippe screened the documentary, Invisible Children, on the St. Thomas University campus. The film focused on children in Uganda who are forced into the military by the Christian militia in Southern Sudan. The screening was a success with 20 -30 students in attendance each time.

Philippe’s goal is to organize thought provoking events that will make the American public more aware of global issues. He believes that the U.S. has the responsibility to model a democratic, secular and just society. According to Phillpe, the U.S. needs to reassert itself as a world leader and example in a non- abrasive and progressive manner.

Phillipe believes that getting Americans more engaged in global issues will require a Multi-pond society - A society in which global issues are infused in pop culture so that youths, in particular, are affected. Philippe knows first hand how important it is to educate our youths. He is currently a member of World Affairs Council, Houston chapter. He serves as a Global Ambassador, traveling to different elementary and junior high schools, encouraging students to explore their options for schooling.

When Phillipe isn’t blazing the trail for reforms in American foreign policy and global interaction he enjoys a variety of hobbies including teaching martial arts and reading. He is currently enjoying Daniel Quinn’s Ishmael. He also likes to travel and has studied abroad in both Lebanon and London.

Congratulations! Philippe, we hope that your hard work with AID will inspire others to follow in your footsteps as a pioneer in global reformation.