Submitted by Robert Wertz
District 5495 Peacebuilder Chair
Dear Friends of Peace,
Now that we have supported changes in government that we believe will facilitate Peace, consider practicing the:
102nd Ripple of Peace: Encourage children to become pen pals with their peers in other countries
The earlier children learn about people in other countries and cultures, the less likely they are to develop prejudices that contribute to distrust and enmity that thwart Peacemaking efforts. Helping today's children develop understanding, acceptance, and respect for other lifestyles and viewpoints is essential for tomorrow's Peace.
Encourage the children in your family, neighborhood and local schools to correspond with their peers from around the world. To get started, check out the Peace Pals program for children ages five to fifteen, sponsored by the World Peace Prayer Society or look for other legitimate programs on the Internet.
You may choose to read the letters and e-mails of younger children, to make sure the communication remains appropriate and positive.
From Ripples of Peace: 111 Ways You Can Help Create Peace in the World, by Rae Thompson
May you know and be Peace.
Robert
Dear Friends of Peace,
Now that we have encouraged children to become pen pals with their peers in other countries, we can do our part at home by practicing the:
103rd Ripple of Peace: Honor diversity and build unity
Each person's perception of life is formed by his or her ethnicity, race and culture, as well as the sum of his or her beliefs, assumptions and personal experiences. With so much potential variability, we are bound to be different from each other in many ways. At the same time, we inhabit similar physical bodies, feel similar emotions, entertain similar thoughts, and strive to reach similar goals.
Honoring diversity and building unity are essential companions on the path to Peace. Diversity without unity can lead to divisiveness and dissension, while unity without diversity can overlook individual strengths.
When you are in a situation where diversity and unity are issues, begin to create Peace by acknowledging each person's unique contributions to the group. Then focus on what participants share, especially as it relates to their desired outcomes. By jumping ahead in time to what group members choose to have in the future, you are more likely to find common ground on which to build.
If some members get caught up in disagreements, gently return the group's attention to agreed- upon goals. Ask each person to reaffirm his or her commitment to these results.
Consider studying and applying a dialogue process to help you address issues of diversity and unity in your work for Peace.
From Ripples of Peace: 111 Ways You Can Help Create Peace in the World, by Rae Thompson
May you know and be Peace.
Robert
***
Dear Friends of Peace,
Now that we have honored diversity and built unity, the next step is to practice the:
104th Ripple of Peace: Become an advocate for nonviolence.
Two of the most respected Peacemakers in history, Mohandas K. Ghandi and Martin Luther King, Jr., were proponents of nonviolence. It was their view that permanent Peace is only attainable through Peaceful means.
If you agree that the means are the end, and that only Peaceful methods lead to lasting Peace, become an advocate for nonviolence. Join an organization that promotes nonviolence, share your views with others, and remain Peaceful in all your efforts to create Peace in your life, your family, your community, your nation and world.
Be the Peace you wish to see.
From Ripples of Peace: 111 Ways You Can Help Create Peace in the World, by Rae Thompson
May you know and be Peace.
Robert