Johan Galtung, considered the principal founder of the discipline of peace and conflict studies, developed the distinction between positive and negative peace. Negative peace refers to the absence of violence; positive peace is filled with relationship building, creation of systems that serve all and constructive resolution of conflict.Rotary is a positive peace builder!
As Rotarians, our local projects promote positive peace as we build relationships. Global projects offer opportunities for cultural learning and lead to understanding others’ perspectives which broadens our awareness. New awareness results in different choices. As part of a global network of people that share common values, Rotarians are positive peace builders. One very concrete example of creating positive peace is clubs supporting Rotary Peace Fellows which supports efforts toward a positive peace(ful) world where we can disagree and compromise. Reach out to Ellen Kennedy (Minneapolis University) to learn how your club can become a sponsor. (Put your TRF contribution to work; no additional club financial investment is needed.)
Another way that Rotary promotes positive peace is through Rotary Friendship Exchanges. D5950 Rotarians recently returned from an exchange with D4640 in Brazil. Our new Brazilian Rotary friends will visit Minnesota in April. Sam Dalal (Burnsville Breakfast) leads our exchanges and is ready to include you in the next trip.
Right here in our district, Jim Hancock (Minneapolis) arranges monthly brewery tours so that 5950 members can gather socially. “Brewtarians” build relationships and positive peace as they enjoy a new experience and each other.
Positive peace is very appealing to me in the current climate of division and bickering. To generate positive peace I personally commit to taking a daily action toward building (or mending) a relationship, creating a system to serve all, or resolving conflict constructively. Who will join me? Post your commitment on our Rotary 5950 Facebook page.
In peace,
--DG Irene
--DG Irene