Process for building peace

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We can all contribute to creating a culture of peace. Building peace requires following through on the principles of good communication: be clear when stating your position; aim to resolve differences by treating others with respect; listen, don’t argue angrily or fight; be open to different viewpoints and alternatives; and finally be optimistic that good will come out of a non-violent approach. Peacebuilding happens at the international level but also at the grassroots level.At an international level, peace-building refers to both nonviolent conflict resolution and the process of creating and sustaining peace after violent conflict, by providing an alternative to violence and conflict through communication, problem-solving and preventative measures. It is the work that must be done before during and after conflict and involves collaborating with knowledgeable organizations to equip people with tools that can help them avoid and leave conflict situations.Peace-building is a specific way of creating peace by managing conflict – it is a more holistic approach that recognizes that treaties and peace agreements may not last. It is an ongoing activity, which must be practiced vigilantly especially in nations that face social and economic instability. InternationalAlert.org warns that peace is not automatic even after a peace agreement is signed and should not be rushed. “Peacebuilding…has to address the root causes of conflict. It involves a wide-ranging and strategic approach that addresses issues of security, the socio-economic foundations of peace, governance and the need for justice and reconciliation to recover from the wounds of war.”Maintaining international peace and security requires respect for fundamental human rights, as expressed in the United Nations Charter signed in June 1945. The UN Development Programme Crisis Prevention and Recovery Program works to prevent armed conflicts and promote early recovery after crises have occurred. When it is time for an international course of action to cease hostilities in a region, the UN Security Council decides when to intervene by sending forces or peacekeepers. (rollover definition: international military personnel who preserve the peace in a hostile region post-conflict)Did you know? The term 'peacebuilding' has only been in use since 1992, when UN Secretary General Boutros Boutros Ghali used it in his report to the Security Council, Agenda for Peace

403 people commited to writing a piece for peace from July to December, 2005!
WHO

Writers, ministers, musicians, moms, and anyone else who feels the need for peace. If you feel scared or angry, frustrated or helpless, don't shut down, speak up! Take one positive action step to promote a greater experience of peace in the world.
WHAT
Write one piece:
a poem
an article
a short story
a song
a one-act play
a meditation
a prayer
a letter to the editor
a letter of concern to political and/or spiritual leaders
a letter of forgiveness
a sign that can go in a window or on a wall

a few words that can be made into a button or a bumper sticker

Write about some aspect of peace or peacemaking that you're passionate about, from inner peace:
love
understanding
compassion
respect
hope
responsibility
forgiveness
to world peace:
nuclear disarmament
understanding the roots of fundamentalism
diffusing terrorism by addressing and healing its causes
finding alternative solutions to war
eliminating poverty
strengthening women's rights
upholding human rights
slowing or reversing pollution
replanting our forests

* share your feelings and concerns* challenge the status quo* ask questions* educate* pose solutions* imagine a peaceful world* suggest action steps to get us there
WHERE

Sharing your writing about peace with others is as important as the writing itself. Some ways to get your writing out into the world:
submit it to a magazine, anthology, or newsletter
post it on your blog, web site, or e-zine
submit it to other people's blogs, web sites, or e-zines
give a poetry reading
perform your play at schools and churches
sing your song at open mike nights
pass copies of your writing out at the local mall
hang a copy on your front door
post it on college campus bulletin boards
print your message on bookmarks
be creative, and get it out there...
WHEN
Write your piece and start circulating it (as best you can) before December 31, 2006.
WHY
to move from apathy to action
to take a stand
to let your voice be heard
to promote peace
to participate in the process

Special thanks: http://www.apassionforpeace.com/

This is my piece for peace.
What's yours?
Come to http://peacemyconcernm.blogspot.com/ and
share your commitment to write for peace in our survey (I'll post the number of responses every month)
leave a comment about the "Write for Peace" challenge on this post
find out about peace organizations and upcoming peace events
be inspired by what others are doing to make this a more peaceful world

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2066

I think peace can save our earth from distruction

A simple creation by Madhav Ojha