Culture of Peace
Photo Credit: Hemendra Abuja
“If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.”
~ Mother Theresa
September 21 marks the 25th anniversary of the United Nations International Day of Peace. This year’s theme is Cultivating a Culture of Peace and education is being promoted as a principal means to which this end can be achieved. Yet I wonder, like Mother Theresa, if the foundation is to remember that we are all connected as one global community?
In the U.N. declaration, it is recognized that, “peace is not only the absence of conflict, but also requires a positive, dynamic participatory process where dialogue is encouraged, and conflicts are solved in a spirit of mutual understanding and cooperation.” In an age characterized by chaos, division, and separation, how does this goal manifest from a dream to a reality?
Values like respect, rights, and fundamental freedoms for all humanity need to be protected for this spirit of non-violence to take hold. Yet everywhere I turn I see these values being undermined. Never before have I witnessed so many backwards trends in rights. Ongoing wars, the new abortion laws in the USA, and censorship initiatives on literature in many countries across the globe. People are afraid to speak up for fear of retribution.
It can feel overwhelming, and shut us down, but we mustn’t let the people in power keep us from speaking up. Now more than ever, it is our duty as members of a suffering global community to do our part and take action. There is strength in numbers and power in peaceful protesting. You don’t have to raise a picket. As grandma used to say, “there’s more than one way to skin a fish.”
“With Poems for Peace, UNICEF gives children a platform to explain in their own words the impact of conflict and war on their lives – and their hopes and dreams for the future. By amplifying the voices of children, UNICEF is highlighting the extraordinary strength and courage of young people longing for a more stable future.” ~ taken from the U.N. website
The Rotary Club of Winnipeg sponsors Peace Days to promote and inspire understanding, goodwill, and compassion. On Saturday, September 21, the University of Winnipeg hosts the Pain and Peace documentary screening and Q&A with the producer at Eckhardt Gramatté Hall.
The Canadian Museum of Human Rights offers free admission every Sunday. And on Saturday, September 28, W4W: Women's Unity for Peace offers a free talk from 2:00-3:30 at the Women’s’ Resource Centre located at 376 Notre Dame Avenue.
As for me, I’m going to exercise my right to freedom of expression in my weekly blogs and social media platforms. I’m determined to do my part to spread peace and love. To remember, always, that we belong to one another. To cultivate a culture of peace by example.
COMING UP…
Books & Projects:
· All four of my books are available online at Amazon, Chapters-Indigo, and Barnes & Noble. You can also find them at select Chapters-Indigo and El Hombre de la Mancha bookstores.
· I am pursuing representation from a traditional publisher for my fifth literary fiction, a psychological drama that explores the complexities of mental illness and trauma. Stay in touch by signing up for my blog or following me on social media to find out when it will be published.
Reviews & Interviews:
· You can read, listen, or watch a large selection of reviews and interviews on my website.
Events:
· There are no events currently scheduled in my calendar.
YouTube Channel:
· Watch The Rogue Scorpion trailer.
· Watch The Holding trailer.
· Watch The Healing trailer.