Our Story
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While following politics and current events, we observed people from across the country taking uncompromising sides on divisive issues and villainizing those with differing beliefs, whether in the news, on social media, or in everyday conversations with friends and family. Watching this endless cycle of judgment, we noticed that polarizing politicians and partisan media only exacerbated the problem. Especially now, in this time of political tumult and unprecedented events, we realized it is more important than ever to create meaningful dialogue among us teenagers-- the future leaders of the world. We want to break the cycle created by politicians and the media that aim to create an “us vs them” mentality and instead promote bipartisan support to enact lasting change through meaningful civil discourse.
WHo we are
Talia Zafari ​
Talia Zafari is a high school junior from Los Angeles, California. She is the Co-President of Teens Find Middle Ground and the Co-leader along with Lara Samii. Furthermore, she is on the board of Young Women Stand Against Prejudice, an organization that empowers high school students in the fight against bigotry and inequality and creates a space for students to take political action against the systematic oppression and discrimination in America. She is the author of a children’s book, titled, Lost at the Airport: Bella, Ali, and Maya's Discovery of Deliberative Democracy; the book aims to educate students on a topic that is not taught in school, deliberative democracy. At school, Talia is a co-president of MOSAIC, an affinity group for Middle Eastern students, and she is on the tennis team. Talia is also a member of the LA Mayor Youth Council, where she works to create legislation aimed at remedying the growing homelessness crisis in Los Angeles.
Lara Samii
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Lara Samii is a high school junior from New York City. She is the Co-President with Talia Zarfari of Teens Find Middle ground. Lara founded a Civic Engagement Program and teaches the class to under-resourced children in a Public School. The course helps educate youth about local issues and the importance of getting involved in one’s community. It is discussion based and there are hands-on activities planned for every session. Lara is interested in politics and is a Fellow on the Carolyn Maloney Campaign for re-election. She is also the Co-leader of a student-led organization to fight food insecurity called The Helpful Kitchen (THK). It has collected and donated 17,000 pounds of food to date to food pantries. In school, Lara is leader of the Middle East Culture and Appreciation Club as well as an Editor for her School Newspaper the Riverdale Review.