We have had some requests to post the Mission and Guidelines. Here they are:
The Building Peace Initiative Mission Statement
We will raise awareness about the concept of peace and support the study, practice, and education about the discipline of peace as the preferred option for co-existing peacefully and sustainably. We will provide forums, including formal education, so people can have a free and considerate exchange of ideas as we seek a more peaceful world. We will support equal human rights and equal opportunity for all people, assisting them in realizing their full potential.
Goals
- To raise awareness about the practice of peace by providing forums where the topic can be discussed.
- To promote peace through education about the theory and practice of peace.
- To promote peaceful/nonviolent methods of resolving conflicts and effective appropriate assertive skills and techniques.
- To promote peace by respecting the dignity, diversity, and human rights of all people.
- To collaborate with other groups and organizations that are interested in supporting peace and human rights.
What is Peace?
In their book, “An Introduction to Peace and Conflict Studies” David Barash and Charles Webel do an excellent job of defining peace. They delineate two perspectives. The first is the most common definition called negative peace. This is defined as an absence of war. The second, positive peace, is defined as “a social condition in which exploitation is minimized or eliminated and in which there is neither overt violence nor the more subtle phenomenon of underlying structural violence. It includes an equitable and just social order, as well as ecological harmony. Structural violence is built into our social, cultural and economic institutions. It usually has the effect of denying people important rights such as economic well-being: social, political, and sexual equality; a sense of personal fulfillment and self-worth; food, clean water, medical care and environmental rights.” This focus on human rights is an important shift as it provides us with specific components of peace.
The Building Peace Initiative: Guidelines for
Compassionate Communication.
- Do No Harm – We are committed to preserving all life through practicing nonviolence, understanding, and compassion while promoting peaceful methods of resolving conflicts.
- Compassion as the Basis for Our Actions – We will seek to reduce the suffering of others whenever possible.
- Listen Deeply – Listen with the express intent of understanding other’s perspectives.
- Listen Without Judgment – There are many diverse perspectives in this world. We will be open to other’s perspectives and seek to understand rather than argue.
- Speak Kindly and Respectfully in a Manner That Fosters Respectful Dialogue – Being aware of the power of words we will communicate honestly in a manner that fosters understanding and compromise.
- Be Inclusive – Excluding people based on race, gender, socioeconomic status or ideology causes a great deal of misunderstanding and suffering. We will seek to engage others whenever possible.
- Appreciate Others – Focus on the positive and let people know you appreciate their efforts even if your perceptions differ.
- Dialogue Instead of Gossip – Make a genuine attempt to communicate and resolve conflicts directly with each other.
- Apologize Sincerely – Set an example, repair injured feelings, and get the conversation moving forward again.
- Practice Appropriate Assertion – Develop a well-informed voice and understand your right to be heard.
- Be Proactive Instead of Reactive – Set the tone for our interactions with others.
- Support Each Other in Reaching Our Full Potential
“Do your best to practice compassionate listening. Do not listen for the sole purpose of judging, criticizing, or analyzing. Listen only to help the other person express himself and find some relief from his suffering.” – Thich Nhat Hanh
Creating a more peaceful self and world is not a destination but a journey. Self-compassion is an important component of this journey. Be gentle and patient with yourself. If we continue to learn, practice, and support each other changes will come individually, in the people close to you, your community, and the world. Some days will be better than others, but remember to work for progress, not perfection.
Visit us on Facebook at: “The Building Peace Initiative”
Website – Blog and Podcasts: youwantapeaceofmeonline.com
Contact: buildingpeaceinitiative@gmail.com or john.vanbladel@fmcc.edu
Twitter: @buildingpeacei1
Our effort was developed with help from the Oshkosh Civility Project (Wisconsin) and a network of affiliated campus-and community-based efforts. Our principles were derived from the “Speak Your Peace” model originally developed in the community of Duluth-Superior based on Choosing Civility by Dr. P.M. Forni, “The Fourteen Mindfulness Trainings” from Blue Cliff Monastery, and discussion with the Fulton-Montgomery Community College Think Peace Club.