Message from
Michael G. Hayes
Chair, Rotary Action Group For Peace
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This month, Rotary reminds us to be intentional about Basic Education and Literacy. Education and literacy are fundamental pieces of peacebuilding and are essential for any and all individuals to become a part of the discussion. Rotary International points out that more that 775 million people over the age of 15 are illiterate, representing 17% of the world population. Illiteracy is a barrier to equity and inclusion.
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Negative effects of illiteracy include reducing the capacity of communities, reducing the ability for engagement across the community, and reducing the ability for those affected to fully access the community capacity. No community is immune to illiteracy. Projects your peacebuilder Club can do to help to contribute to Literacy include projects to support teachers, to assure every student is fed, create Early Act, Interact, and Rotaract Clubs to support peace and learning in schools, and to support or provide training opportunities or scholarships for teachers. Other projects could include assuring middle and high schools have adequate feminine supplies for students, so they can stay in school all month. In the community assess the need for literacy learning projects that Rotarians can teach or partner. On an International project level, clubs can participate in clean drinking water in schools projects, school sanitation and hygiene projects, provide new ways of teaching, and lifelong learning programs.
For some really good Peace learning opportunities, read on!!!
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Micro Finance in Primary/Elementary Schools |
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Directions for any Club or District to not only support micro finance which aids individuals all over the world, but to do this through primary/elementary schools. This is achieved by gifting monies to the school (through the micro finance organisation) and for the class of 8 year olds to research, decide and present to the class their choice of recipient for their 25$ loan. 125$US would enable a class of 30 children to make 5 loans and, upon repayment, make additional loans.
For more information contact Alison Sutherland, RAGFP Technical Advisor: ypalison@yahoo.co.uk
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Peace Language Eases Difficult Conversations |
A ninety minute virtual programme at no cost which will help give peace ways to be with others. It too will show how the peace language and lead to authentic harmonious rapport in our interactions with others and will ultimately enhance all of our dialogues.
For more information contact Alison Sutherland, RAGFP Technical Advisor: ypalison@yahoo.co.uk
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Ending War 101
Ending War 101 is a self-directed, online course that you can pursue at your own pace. The essential materials will take only 6 hours to complete, and there are additional Zoom discussions you can join and lots of reference materials you can review at your own pleasure.
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Empowering Peacebuilders
“Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and righting, there is a field. I’ll meet you there.” - Rumi
“Let’s shine the light of consciousness on places where we can hope to find what we are seeking.”
Are you interested in meeting in a “field” where people gather to enhance their Peace skills - with Respect and Empathy?
Would you like to engage with fellow Rotarians, Rotaractors, and Rotary Peace Fellows - worldwide - to explore more Compassionate Ways of Connecting ... and resolving conflicts?
If so, let’s “shine the light” together, by participating in the "Empowering Peacebuilders” (EP) Fall 2023 online series,
which features the alignment of Nonviolent Communication (NVC) and the Rotary 4-Way Test.
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Peace Education and Action for Impact |
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Peace Education and Action for Impact is a new initiative developed by World BEYOND War in collaboration with the Rotary Action Group for Peace. This project is aimed at preparing young peacebuilders to advance positive change in themselves, their communities, and beyond.
The project will start in September 2021 and span 3 and a half months. It is built around six-weeks of online peace education followed by eight-weeks of peace project mentoring and will involve intergenerational collaboration and cross-cultural learning across the Global North and South.
To apply or to learn more, contact World BEYOND War Education Director Phill Gittins.
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PeaceJam Juniors is a literacy-based curriculum that explores the childhood stories of 13 Nobel Peace Prize winners and the strategies they used to overcome problems in their communities. Students then engage in service-learning activities that address local needs and are inspired by the Nobel Peace Prize winners. |
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Stopping the Cycle of Domestic Abuse
A one hour virtual programme at no cost outlining the extent and breadth of domestic abuse, together with the actual cost to a country in addressing the abuse. The Deluth Organisation (responsible for training many professionals in this field) have kindly provided some of their video material. It too aims to show that domestic abuse is not confined to a particular grouping.
For more information contact Alison Sutherland, RAGFP Technical Advisor: ypalison@yahoo.co.uk
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Rotary Positive Peace Academy |
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Through this academy, you will strengthen your knowledge and identify concrete ways to enhance and engage in Rotary’s work in peace and conflict resolution and the Areas of Focus – all via a Positive Peace lens.
- Learn the definition of peace and how it is measured
- Understand the 8 Pillars of Positive Peace
- Find out how it builds long term societal resilience
- Learn from Positive Peace projects all over the world
- 12 lessons of on-demand video and interactive content
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Empathy Circle is a structured active listening and communication method where 2 to 6 participants form a circle (virtual) take turns talking and listening to each other. Everyone takes turns speaking, expressing their thoughts or feelings, while others around them are “Silent Listeners.” One person volunteers to be the first “Speaker” and chooses a person from the circle as an “Active Listener”. Active Listener who is responsible for reflecting back the speaker's feelings and ideas, provides a non-judgmental, empathetic response for a predetermined period of 3 or 5 minutes.
Benefits:
- Enhanced Communications
- Emotional Intelligence
- Better Relationships
- Conflict Resolution
- Personal Growth
For more information contact Arzu Alpagut, RAGFP Board Member: arzu.alpagut@gmail.com
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Diversity Equity and Inclusion |
A ninety minute virtual DEI (Diversity Equity and Inclusion) programme has been designed by Dr. Vicki Radel along the lines of the directives coming from Rotary International. The programme unpacks the various aspects of DEI and has a section with breakout rooms and discussion. To date the programme has been delivered in at least three continents and multiple countries.
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Global Meeting of Peacebuilders |
The next Global Meeting of Peacebuilders will be conducted on
Tuesday, October 10th.
Learn about Youth Opportunities and connect with fellow Peacebuilders from around the world!
If you are interested in pairing up with another Rotary Club, please fill out the form bellow.
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Concert for Peace:
From Harm to Harmony
Feel the music on Sunday, 17 September 2023 at 11 am PT.
Check your time zone!
For more information, email: concertforpeace2023@gmail.com
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Make sure to follow us on social media for daily updates! |
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