The Transformation and Reconciliation (TRL; named for the late 90s/early 2000s cultural landmark, MTV's Total Request Live) is a student-led research lab that documents and disseminates key finding in reconciliation practice and provides accompaniment research to leading practitioners. Currently, the TRL is led by Carter School graduate student Hannah Adamson.

TRL is producing new knowledge surrounding specific reconciliation methodologies, expert- and program-driven reconciliation processes, and the role of 'insider reconcilers' in transforming conflict. TRL is currently developing models for accompaniment research and other support mechanisms to strengthen collaborative efforts towards reconciliation both within the context of the U.S. and across the globe.

If you're interested in joining our team of researchers and/or participating in one of our studies, please reach out to our Associate Director.

TRL TEAM MEMBERS

  • Hannah Adamson, Lab Manager. Hannah leads a myriad of TRL’s projects, specifically conducting literature reviews, interviewing participants for the Insider Reconciler project, supporting the development of publications, and presenting at research conferences.

  • Nicholas Sherwood, Insider Reconciler Lead. Nick leads the Insider Reconciler research at the Mary Hoch Center for Reconciliation. His work in the Lab centers around supporting Insider Reconcilers and promoting their wellbeing in healing-centered reconciliation processes.

  • Oakley Thomas Hill, Research Officer. Oakley is engaged in every step of the research process, from conception and data collection to analysis and write-up. He completes or delegates lab tasks to the research team and facilitates team mentorship. Oakley is currently working on all TRL projects.

  • Beltina (Belle) Gjeloshi, Research Officer. Belle primarily supports TRL’s Insider Reconciler project by managing communication with study participants, interviewing these insider reconcilers, analyzing and coding data, and disseminating findings through co-writing reports and/or presentations.

  • Merisa Mattix, Development Manager. Merisa is involved with the TRL through the George Mason Undergraduate Research Scholar Program. Her research project will focus on political polarization in the American Christian Church through a case study on congregations in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Her goal is to gain a better understanding of political polarization within congregations and create proposed ways of addressing polarization in churches across the United States.

  • Deborah Sachare, Associate Director. Deborah translates TRL’s research findings into practical, actionable insights that are used by MHCR’s programs and ongoing grant-based projects.

CURRENT PROJECTS

  • Insider Reconcilers: A Qualitative Exploration of Local Practitioners Engaged in Reconciliation Processes

Insider reconcilers (InRec) are individuals currently facilitating reconciliation processes in active conflict and are also deeply connected to or involved in one or more parties to the conflict. According to anecdotal field data, InRec can be key players in peacebuilding processes and are often seen as trustworthy, efficient, and transformative facilitators. This study is interested in understanding InRec’s (1) understanding of reconciliation after violence has occured, (2) their practical involvement in reconciliation processes, and (3) the impact of reconciliation work on practitioners’ wellbeing.

  • The Impact of COVID-19 on Religious Leaders and Their Communities

What have been the sources of strength (i.e., resilience) of religious leaders and their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, once their social religious practices and coping mechanisms were disrupted? And, what lessons can be learned from the innovative responses of religious organizations to the pandemic? This study interviews religious leaders around the world, utilizing a comparative case-study approach to answer these questions.

  • Reconciliation Theories of Change: A Mixed-Methods Exploration & Recommendations for Peacebuilding Institutions

How can the maximum impact of change be realized in peacebuilding through reconciliation processes that are inclusive and transformative? The aim of this study is to consider the theories of change, methods of evaluation, results, and impacts of reconciliatory peacebuilding in order to begin answering this question.

This project’s funder, the United States Institute of Peace, produced a final report drawing on our findings: Support Structures for Sustained Reconciliation.

  • Approximating Expert Knowledge: Reconciliation Experts Delphi Method Study

What are the strengths, weaknesses, and risks of various approaches to reconciliation? And, if there is significant disagreement on this question, what is the content of these disagreements? This study utilizes the Delphi method (i.e., multiple rounds of surveys to a panel of reconciliation experts) to answer these questions.

  • Bridging Divides in Social Movement: A Comparative Analysis of Two LGBTQ-Justice Movements in the US

In partnership with Professor Karina Korostelina and Carter School PhD student and RCID Lab Manager Mike Sweigart, MHCR and RCID researchers have been contracted by GMU’s Institute for a Sustainable Earth and Business for a Better World Center to contribute to the United Nations’ university consortium of sustainable development goals research. This research project will focus on experiences of social divisions, and repairing these divides, within queer and trans activists in Washington, DC, and Athens, GA.

List of Supporters to the TRL

The TRL staff wish to thank the following individuals and organizations for their generous support of our research:

  • United States Institute of Peace

  • The Al Amana Centre

  • Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs

  • Helsinki Deaconess Foundation

  • Center for Well-Being and Resilience

  • Transforming the Mind for Peace Laboratory

  • Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution

  • George Mason University

  • The Hoch Family

  • Unnamed Private Donors

The TRL relies on the generosity of donations to fund our research, if you would like to donate to the TRL cause, you can use the link below: