NEWPORT, R.I. – Carl Hobert, founder and executive director of the Boston-based nonprofit organization Axis of Hope, will give a public lecture, "Preventive Diplomacy: Educating and Living Conflict Resolution," at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 27 as part of the Pell Center for International Relations and Public Policy's "Ideas into Action" lecture series.

In 2002, Hobert founded Axis of Hope, a nonprofit organization specializing in facilitating student and faculty role-plays for important geopolitical issues using case studies authored by Hobert and his former students. The organization provides training and facilitation services to a broad spectrum of regional, national and international student groups.

Axis of Hope is dedicated to improving the practice of international conflict resolution in public and private elementary, middle and high schools worldwide. The organization maintains a strong commitment to helping young people in their formative years of life to understand conflict and to develop conflict resolution skills through hands-on practice.

Prior to founding Axis of Hope, Hobert taught French, Spanish and international relations at Belmont Hill School and other New England independent and public schools. His major interests are international studies and teaching international conflict prevention and the art of negotiation.

Hobert holds bachelor's and master's degrees from Middlebury College and a master's degree from Tufts University's Fletcher School. He is currently completing a book with veteran journalist Teresa Barker titled "Axis of Hope: Teaching Global Responsibility in U.S. Schools."

Seating is limited and reservations are required to attend the lecture. For more information, or to reserve a seat, contact the Pell Center at Ext. 2927 or pellcenter@salve.edu.