May 4, 2006
Dear Fellow Members,
It is a privilege to serve as your 2006 JCI President and a great honor for me to commend the excellent initiative of the New York Crossroads 2006 International Short Film Contest and Film Festival.
We have each been entrusted with an enormous responsibility this year. The world cries out for leaders who have eyes to see and hearts to understand and who have the courage to change the status quo. We need leaders who can and will be the change needed.
It was clear to me when I visited Turkey earlier this year and listened to you explain this project that each of you are facing the challenges you have witnessed in your communities head on. By partnering with New NY Crossroads to explore the issue of global immigration through this contest and festival, you are creating an environment for not only the film makers but everyone involved in this project in even the smallest way to honestly confront predjudices which may exist in their own lives and begin to look at diversity in a whole new way.
I am extremely proud of the leadership and vision you are demonstrating through this project and wish you the greatest success in its execution. The solutions for the future lies in the hands of young leaders like you. Thank you for showing the way and making your voices heard.
Yours sincerely,
Lars Hajslund
2006 JCI President