Peace is more than just the absence of violence. Peace is ensuring there is justice for all. One of Rotary’s great strengths is our ability to pull together the right people to work toward a common goal and create projects in our local communities........
Rotary has partnered with the Institute for Economics and Peace, an independent think tank and leader in the study of peace and conflict, to help address the root causes of conflict and create conditions that foster peace.
The Institute has identified the Eight Pillars of Positive Peace. They are:
Low levels of corruption
Acceptance of rights of others
Free flow of information
Strong business environment
High levels of human capital
Equitable distribution of resources
Good relations with neighbours
Well-functioning government
To help create and sustain action and investment in Positive Peace, Rotary partnered with the Institute to develop:
The Rotary Positive Peace Academy: A free online learning platform that includes modules and interactive tools to teach users how to apply new peacebuilding methods and mobilize communities to address the underlying causes of conflict. Visit the academy.
Positive Peace presentation guides: Downloadable resources to help Rotarians conduct in-person training and facilitate dialogue to help foster community-based engagement in peace.
For Clubs: Facilitator guide and Club presentation
For district conferences: Facilitator guide and Presentation
Positive Peace workshops: Rotary and the Institute are creating a global curriculum that Rotary clubs and districts can use to train emerging leaders in the Pillars of Positive Peace. As part of the curriculum development, two pilot workshops are taking place in Mexico and Colombia during the 2018-19 Rotary year:
Mexico 2019: Despite high crime rates in recent years, Mexico’s potential for peace is one of the highest in the world. During the 2019 pilot workshop in Mexico, Rotary and Rotaract members will work with emerging leaders and experts in the country to build regional coalitions that support Positive Peace and Rotary’s efforts for peacebuilding in the country.
Colombia 2019: Signing the Colombian peace agreement put an end to one of the world’s longest armed conflicts, and marked the beginning of a process to build lasting and sustainable peace. Through the workshop, Rotary and Rotaract members will help shape this process by leveraging its networks and engaging key stakeholders to identify ways to build Positive Peace at the local level.
See how Canada and other countries rank on the Global Peace Index.
Along with Rotary’s partnership with IEP, don’t forget our signature relationship with the Rotary Peace Centers.
Please take some time and think about someone in your community who may be a candidate for a Peace Fellowship at one of Rotary’s Peace Centers. It is a competitive worldwide process where 50 Fellowships are selected for the Master’s Programs and 50 for the Professional Development Certificate.
More information is available here.
May peace be with you, your family and friends this holiday season.
Ian
Ian E. Lancaster, Chair, District Peace and Conflict Resolution Committee