Joseph Touma
Civic Engagement
A West Virginia native and Duke University student, Joseph is founder of Bridge the Divide, an international political organization that works to bring youth together across party lines. He believes respect and understanding are the way forward.
Follow Joseph:
“We’re looking for a trickle-up effect, where if young people start doing it, maybe our leaders can begin coming to the table and just listen to one another.”
Young people engaging in political conversations beyond party lines.
Faves
TV: Survivor
Movie: We Are Marshall
Music: James Bond themes
Recognition
“We are more alike than we are different. We must embrace diversity while remembering our similarities and common identity as Americans.”
In the News
Huffington Post
It’s Up To Young People To Bridge The Political Divide
The Robertson Scholars Leadership Program
Scholar Profile
Politics and Independence: 2019 Research Project
Independent comparative study of two European political movements.
“We all have so much to learn from and give to each other.”
Accomplishments
U.S. Senate Youth Program
National Merit Scholar
Eagle Scout
Executive Leadership Council of the America’s Promise Alliance “State of Young People” Summit
Youth Leader Planning Committee for U.S. Conference of Mayors National Youth Summit
Economic Development in Rural North Carolina: 2018 Service Project
Joseph updated a housing needs assessment for the county government after the recent devastation of Hurricane Matthew and developed two geo-tracking walking tours of Tarboro, NC to encourage local tourism.
