Theo Sitther Email & Phone Number

United States

As a key member of BDI’s senior leadership team, I spearheaded the creation of cross-sector collaboration within the political violence mitigation ecosystem. I supervised and directed a team of five state-based research specialists in Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania, enhancing support for state-based violence mitigation, election protection, and civic engagement networks. My efforts in building and managing relationships with election protection networks and organizations were pivotal in addressing their unique de-escalation and community safety challenges. I managed and directed all aspects of BDI’s de-escalation and community safety project, ensuring a comprehensive approach. Additionally, I facilitated networking and connections between de-escalation trainers and critical election and voter protection networks and coalitions, significantly contributing to a robust violence prevention and mitigation infrastructure.

At BDI, I was responsible for designing and leading a de-escalation project that resulted in the creation of a unique directory of de-escalation, bystander, and community safety trainings tailored to each state. My role included developing a project plan and an outreach strategy that successfully engaged organizations across the nation. I also created essential technical resources, such as de-escalation guidance for poll workers. In addition, I trained, supervised, and managed a senior research specialist, contributing to the project’s overall success.

In my role at AfP, I spearheaded the development and management of a comprehensive domestic peacebuilding policy and advocacy strategy, tackling issues such as violent extremism, toxic polarization, systemic racism, and democratic erosion. My advocacy efforts were instrumental in securing $30 million in new funding for peacebuilding programs, which was approved through the appropriations process in the U.S. House of Representatives. I also took the initiative to organize a weekly webinar series titled “Preventing and Reducing Conflict and Instability in the United States: Shaping What Comes Next,” where I secured a lineup of prominent speakers and experts to discuss a range of topics from preventing violent extremism to addressing toxic polarization in the US.Additionally, I played a supportive role in managing the U.S. Peace, Justice, and Democracy Working Group. My contributions to thought leadership in the field were highlighted through co-authoring op-eds published in The Hill and Dallas Morning News. Moreover, I was involved in drafting policy recommendations that were submitted to President Biden, aimed at addressing the pressing issues of democratic decline, toxic polarization, and political violence in the United States.

Washington D.C. Metro Area

Consulting with FCNL to support its Advocacy Teams program. Advocacy Teams are 90+ citizen-led groups around the United States building relationships with their members of Congress. My role as the consultant is to work closely with the teams to ensure that they are meeting their advocacy goals and objectives. My experience as a lobbyist enables me to ensure that teams are able to build close and lasting relationships with their members of Congress.

Washington D.C.

I was the director of the Peacebuilding Policy Program at the Friends Committee, where I led the organization's lobbying efforts to prevent violent conflict and build peace globally. In this role I designed and implemented a lobbying strategy that led to the enactment of the Elie Wiesel Genocide and Atrocities Prevention Act while building deep relationships with both Democrat and Republican offices on Capitol Hill. Other core functions of my role at FCNL included staff management, fundraising, coalition building/grassroots mobilization, training and public speaking, and research/writing.

Co-authored a discussion paper with Rachel Locke on preventing identity-based mass violence in cities.

Consultant for the U.S. Violence Prevention Project of the Stanley Center for Peace and Security and Impact:Peace (University of San Diego). Authored a discussion paper on preventing election-related violence in the United States. Created an action matrix for preventing and responding to potential election-related violence. Conducted outreach to congressional staff, faith leaders, and experts.

Washington, Dc

• Led MCC’s International Issues Advocacy Team, directing MCC’s advocacy initiatives on U.S. foreign policy related to Latin America, Asia, and trade policies. Specific areas of focus: Colombia, Haiti, Afghanistan, North Korea, and free trade agreements • Designed and implemented MCC’s advocacy strategies while working closely with MCC’s HQ and field staff • Advocacy successes include changing legislative language to include food aid to North Korea; increasing USAID accountability and transparency in Haiti; and highlighting the importance of ongoing peacebuilding work by churches in Colombia to US policymakers • Built strong relationships with a broad range of actors in Washington, DC; both policy/decision makers and NGO coalitions/working groups in order to effect policy change • Provided leadership within NGO coalitions and working groups including the Haiti Advocacy Working Group, the Interfaith Working Group on Trade and Investment, and the Ecumenical Working Group on Colombia. • Networked with and supported Mennonite and Brethren in Christ churches in the U.S. to advocate on U.S. foreign policy issues as part of the organizations’ grassroots advocacy efforts for social justice • Published multiple articles, educational resources, policy analyses, and opinion pieces on militarization of aid in Afghanistan, U.S. trade policy, US aid policy in Colombia etc., for media outlets including MCC publications, Mennonite Media, and Sojourners Magazine • Conducted advocacy workshops on human rights and economic justice issues in Latin America and Asia, on topics including U.S. policy toward Colombia, Afghanistan, and Haiti • Developed MCC’s first planning, monitoring, and evaluation framework for advocacy programs • Served on special working groups within the organization including MCC’s Dismantling Oppression Team and co-chaired the MCC Young Adult Network

The Center on Conscience & War (CCW), formerly the National Interreligious Service Board for Conscientious Objectors (NISBCO), was formed in 1940 by an association of religious bodies. CCW works to defend and extend the rights of conscientious objectors. The Center is committed to supporting all those who question participation in war, whether they are U.S. citizens, permanent residents, documented or undocumented immigrants--or citizens in other countries.The Center is a non-profit organization recognized under 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. As such, donations to the Center are tax deductible to the extent of the law.

M.A., Peacbuilding And Conflict Transformation

- Academic concentration in international development - Two month practicum experience of research in strategic peacebuilding and advocacy.

B.A., Biblical Studies

Activities and Societies: Speak and International Club

A.A., Advanced Computer Technology