Peace 101

Peacemakers

• The Nobel Peace Prize is a measure of the people of peace. Not all peace activists are recognized and sometimes agencies or government leaders are given the prize, but it is a good idea to learn the names and faces of the people identified as people of peace. Each struggle has their heroes.

  Nobel Peace Prize Winners

  

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  • Mahatma Karamchand Gandhi is the central figure of peace in the twentieth century. His nonviolence philosophy and his exercise of that philosophy is a modern reminder that one humble man of peace can bring an empire to its knees.

  • Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is the modern American image of a peacemaker. His "I have a dream" speech is the superb oratory of a modern media call for peace.

  • ArchBishop Desmond Tutu has called for international economic sanctions to pressure South Africa's white authorities to end Apartheid. In post Apartheid South Africa, he chaired the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

  • Nelson Mandela lead the struggle against racist oppression in Apartheid South Africa.

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• Activism is a label for making real a personal commitment. Believing in peace is good, but acting for peace is better. Activism is the conversion of belief into action.

  Some actions are simple, such as fasting, praying, lighting a candle.

  Some actions are easy such as attending a memorial service, a vigil, or a public educational forum.

  Some actions are more courageous such as marching in an adversarial society, protesting under adverse conditions, or taking stands that could be alienating.

  All who feel and think, and act out on those feelings, thoughts and beliefs are activists, though those who suffer are the ones who are recognized.

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• Community Service is a safe form of activism. There are community organizations to deal with almost every malady of society. Any individual who takes an inventory can find a match with personal experience, personal interest, or personal commitments and a social service agency. There are school systems that are trying to have every high school graduate experiences a community service credit.

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• Volunteerism is free labor or service. community service may provide internships employment, or volunteer opportunities. Every religious denomination leans heavily on volunteerism. There are many agencies that cannot exist without volunteerism. Many government agencies are trying to tap the volunteerism source of free labor. Volunteerism provides many benefits to agencies and individuals. Individuals should volunteer to get real world experience, to find satisfaction outside of high-paid, high-stress careers, and many companies value volunteerism as a character trait worthy of inclusion on resumes and at annual reviews or appraisals.

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