IS PEACE REALLY POSSIBLE?In speaking to several Rotary clubs, I hear first-hand that most claim to want peace, though few believe it is possible. That creates a dilemma for us. I want it to be true, and I recognize the challenge of this belief system. At this point, of course, those who don’t believe peace is possible, they are right. Consider Henry Ford’s quote: “If you think you can do a thing or think you can’t do a thing, you’re right.” It appears that so many individuals limit what is possible by their belief system.
For example, there was a time we knew the earth to be flat. There was a time we knew the sun rotated the Earth. There was a time we believed telephones needed to be attached to the wall. There was a time we believed dial-up internet was a great thing.
We believe something is true when we see no other alternative, have no idea of how to make the change, and have seen a consistency in our past, as in the examples above.
Indeed, peace may be difficult to grasp, like a moving cloud. Some believe peace is the absence of immediate violence while others define it as a feeling of security. If someone has no water, perhaps Rotarians can get together, drill a well, add a pump and some piping, and deliver water. Peace, on the other hand, is more vague.
Our District Peace Committee is often asked “what can we do?” Our committee is fortunate to consist of Rotarians with a great deal of knowledge and extensive backgrounds in peace making. Recently we completed some future planning around programs that we can offer Rotarians, their friends, families, and communities. Our plan consists of ongoing discussion groups, speakers, and classes.
The first program will be an all-day free ZOOM event on Saturday, September 26, and, will be experiential by design. Randall Butler, an accomplished mediator who has taught conflict transformation in America and internationally, will share critical communication skills. In this time of polarization, the focus will be on building the capacity of participants to engage in effective dialogue to develop mutual understanding despite our differences. More information will be coming soon with details including how to sign-up. It will be limited to 100 maximum so you will want to stay tuned.