EVANSTON, Ill. (Aug. 17, 2018) — Preventing conflicts from escalating into violent crises is 60 times more cost effective than intervening after violence erupts, according to the Carnegie Corporation of New York. A recent partnership between the membership service organization Rotary and Mediators Beyond Borders International (MBBI) aims to bring community-based solutions to prevent conflict in more communities......
Rotary has worked with MBBI – an impact organization founded on the principle of people-centered peacebuilding – since 2013 to advance our common goals for peace. This new, partnership will enable Rotary members to train with MBBI to sharpen their mediation, dialogue and other conflict transformation skills. Rotary’s 1.2 million members, located in over 200 countries and regions, will help MBBI expand its network of trained mediators – potentially transforming conflict in communities not previously reached.
“We are excited to continue our collaboration with MBBI to build local capacity for lasting peace in more communities,” said John Hewko, general secretary of Rotary International. “As trusted leaders attuned to the needs of their communities, Rotary members are well positioned to help find grassroots solutions to local conflicts.”
“We are honored to partner with Rotary and thereby enhance our ability to build a 'peace able' world through 'service above self,’” said Prabha Sankaranarayan, CEO of MBBI. “At this critical moment in time, we tackle three major factors contributing to violent conflict in the world: the largest migration of populations in the history of mankind, climate change, and economic inequality. Together with Rotary International's extraordinary global network of committed volunteers, we hope to have the dangerous dialogues and courageous conversations that can make a difference, that can not only prevent violent conflict but also build thriving communities.”
MBBI’s members are at the center of a movement for global peacebuilding through advocacy, capacity building and consultations.
Rotary members take action to address underlying causes of conflict by providing access to clean water and sanitation, supporting education, preventing and treating disease, saving mothers and children and growing local economies. More than $221 million has been awarded over the past several years through The Rotary Foundation to support these programs.
MBBI joins a list of Rotary service partners including, Ashoka, Habitat for Humanity, the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness, and Peace Corps.