Groundwork for Peace

(a presentation by Bob Stewart, March 14, 2002)

Violence is a disease (just like polio, etc.)

it occurs in individuals, families, organizations, communities, countries and the world
in fact, we live in a culture of violence (see it all around)
it begins in the minds of men (primarily), and women and children
and so it is in the minds of men, women and children that the defences of peace must be constructed

The Good News - we have an Antidote (Peace Education)

to educate children and adults in the dynamics of violence and conflict = Violence Literate
to promote peacebuilding skills in homes, schools, communities, countries - throughout the world
by providing material, training and innovative programming

All we have to do is help Innoculate all the children, and in the process the adults

Peace Psychology (the science of peace behaviour)

read the book
American Psychological Association (APA) Division 48 has sponsored development of the first college textbook on peace psychology (all proceeds are donated to the division). "Peace, Conflict, and Violence: Peace Psychology for the 21st Century" edited by D. Christie, R. Wagner, and D. Winter (2001) is now available from Prentice Hall. The book is a 426 page paperback, very attractively packaged. If you teach at the college level, this may be the perfect text for your peace psychology or conflict and violence course. Knowing that an excellent text is available, some of you may now want to develop the first peace psychology course for your college. 5 Star Must Reading Click on the link to Peace Psychology to read an excellent summary and ordering information. http://www.peace.ca/peacepsychology.htm

Systemic Change (to a Culture of Peace and Non-violence)

feel there is something wrong with the current 'system'? - there is, you are right
social justice vs. class conflict (power and wealth)
change is resisted (the powers that be have a vested interest; others have been indoctrinated)
unscrupulous leaders exploit racism, poverty, etc. to obtain/retain power and wealth, causing wars and violence in the process

This is a permanent thing, not a quick fix, not a fad

What you can Do, What your University/School can Do

read the book (above)
start helping to educate everyone you can, whenever you can (your school, organization, family, friends, circle of influence, etc.)
promote peacebuilding
provide material, training, etc.

The Questions

why doesn't your school(s) have Peace Education? (i.e. peace programs and integrated into the curricula)
should your school(s) have Peace Education?
what are you going to do about it?

As President Bush would say, "Make no mistake" ... you have the power to make a difference, just as each of us have chosen to do.

Related link http://www.peace.ca/rotarypeaceplus.doc - a proposal to Rotary International to action this model