Rotary's Seven Paths to Peace - I can not tell you how happy I was to learn of such a wonderful publication and initiative.  The Rotary International  publication "Seven Paths to Peace" is as relevant today (2004) as it was when it was written in 1959.  In fact, I was amazed at the wisdom contained in this book published 45 years ago.  I have been doing a lot of research into peacebuilding and peace education over the past 9 years (a passion that was ignited in me by Rotary) and I learned a lot from the book, particularly from a Rotary point of view.  It is very important for me to understand the history, current perspective and future path Rotary is following to peace.  I think this is important for all Rotarians to understand – this is a ‘must read’ for anyone genuinely interested in Rotary.  It is also recommended to non-Rotarians interested in building peace.  The book is available online by clicking on the link.   http://www.peace.ca/rotarysevenpathstopeace.htm

You can read more about the potential of Rotary to support the United Nations Culture of Peace and Nonviolence Program at http://www.peace.ca/rotary.htm

Imagine the Possibilities

The Rotary Code of Policies (reprinted at the end Rotary’s "Seven Paths to Peace", available on the Internet in html at http://www.peace.ca/rotarysevenpathstopeace.htm ) Item 8.080.4 indicates that “Each Rotarian is expected to make an individual contribution to the achievement of the ideal inherent in the fourth Avenue of Service (i.e. peace and world understanding).” 

Can you imagine if 1.2 million Rotarians around the world helped to promote and support Peace Education, each in his or her own little way?

Can you imagine if our 1.2 million Rotarians partnered with 1.2 million Lions, and other organizations with a like-mind such as UNESCO, UNICEF, YM and YWCA, Red Cross, etc., etc., etc.?

Can you imagine if our Rotary Clubs supported Rotarians that wanted to help build peace through Peace Education?

Can you imagine if our Rotary Districts supported Rotarians and Clubs that wanted to help build peace through Peace Education?

This seems so simplistic that it is hard to believe that we have not taken a more active role.  This is not “rocket science’ – using the Rotary/WHO PolioPlus Program as an analogy: violence is a disease, we have the antidote = it is Peace Education.  We simply have to make the antidote available.  Future generations will recognize almost intuitively that Peace Education is a fundamental necessity in all our educations.

I urge you to talk to the President of Rotary International and ask for Rotary's assistance to support peace education and the Culture of Peace Program.  There is nothing to lose, and a world of opportunity to gain.