Tim Plum, Founder of NTCEP
By Kwaw G. de Graft-Johnson
This interview was conducted with Tim Plum, MS '16, the founder of the organization NTCEP. NTCEP aims to bridge the gap between theory and practice in the field of conflict resolution by providing the space for discussions and connecting like-minded people. I recently met with Tim and I could not pass up the opportunity for an interview to find more about his organization. These are some highlights of our conversation.
What is NTCEP and why did you create this organization?
NTCEP stands for The Network for Transformational Change through Education and Practice. The idea for NTCEP was born out of my own frustration with publishing. We are told as we enter grad school that we can get published. This is not true.
As a Masters student, it is nearly impossible, as a PhD candidate there is a chance albeit slim. The academic publishing field is a niche inside a niche, what I mean by that is publishing is tough, and if you narrow the field to academics and narrow it down to Conflict Resolution or Peace Studies and it is even tougher.
Who can students look to for guidance, professors that are loaded with students, and their own interest, others in the field? It’s tough to see a path. And even if you get published, is it timely?
So, I decided to open NTCEP. At first the idea was to be a portal for publication, but discussions with others and my own research found thousands of small non-profits, NGOs doing work in the field that could use a hand. So, I added practitioners; now students and practitioners can meet, form groups, get to know each other, and collaborate.
Lastly, I realized how much work happens in the performing arts that we know little about, so I added a place for culture, be it dance, theatre, music, whatever. I want to give them a place to talk about their important work.
What kind of impact do you think NTCEP will have?
Our world is becoming more divided and we must work together to bring peace, cohesion, and tolerance. All voices deserve to be heard. We may disagree, we may agree, but we must allow all voices to be given a platform. We must not marginalize. We must learn to bridge the gaps of learning and understanding that permeate so much of our world today.
In our rapidly changing world, we believe a connection between students at all levels to practitioners in the field is not currently adequate and NTCEP can foster those connections. NTCEP's Mission is to bridge the divides of engagement, education, and practice for transformational change. Using the platform of the internet, we give students from around the globe an opportunity to become published authors. Through long-form writing about the issues they feel passionate about, allowing them to express views in a manner that allows for open and respectful dialogue. In tandem, practitioners can bring to light their projects and find like-minded people willing to lend a hand.
Who inspired you to create this organization and who are some of those involved in this organization with you?
Dean Avruch, Jamie Price, Molly Tepper, Charisse Cardenas, and Laura Villanueva are a few inside S-CAR that come to mind. Many others outside S-CAR have been inspirational with ideas and thoughts.
How can individuals or organizations become part of NTCEP?
Individuals can email me at info@ntcep.org and that is probably the fastest way to get to me. Alternatively, if anyone sees me on campus at S-CAR or other places, they can stop me and ask. I am always looking for new partners and especially content writers, and students between the ages of 8 to 80, as I like to say, are the drivers. If we can grab a young person’s attention, we may have a new ally to spread the word.
What are some of the challenges that NTCEP faces?
With the ever-polarizing world I see engagement as the steepest challenge. More and more people from all sides feel alienated and silenced. NTCEP wants to hear the differing points of view and we want engagement and open dialogue. What I envision will be for people who publish to be prepared to be challenged, bring the argument, and sound fact-based arguments that will lead to great breakthroughs.
What are the next steps for NTCEP?
Outreach, outreach, outreach. Getting word out to the students in all levels of education. This is not a college-level-only club. We want students from all grades and abilities. Meeting practitioners and getting their stories to the larger audience.
I think people would be shocked to find out how many small non-profits are operating in their own neighborhood, much less the world that do amazing work and can use help. Students want to help but often don’t know where to go or who to talk to, we hope to bridge that gap. Adding researchers, editors and writers, the website has portals to tell stories, a Call to Action!, and the fact-based article. With the world using the written word less and less, we want to push back and get students talking through the written word.