Writers Team

Comment

Comment by Dan Kahn on April 8, 2016 at 1:32pm

Writers! Here is an exciting development - you might wish to blog about it, or submit an OpEd celebrating it, and hoping for such progress in your home state! https://youthchaplaincycoalition.wordpress.com/2016/04/06/restorati...

Comment by Dan Kahn on March 25, 2016 at 4:02pm

Aaaand I just submitted the following one, in the comments section of "America - the National Catholic Review" - in response to an article "Pope Calls for Unanimous Condemnation of the Terrorist Attacks in Brussels"

(I don't plan to post a comment here for every letter I submit - just wanting to give you a sense of what is possible, reaching around the world with practical hope and activation, from the comfort of your computer)

Thank you for this deep and thoughtful article.  The world does seem to be holding its breath, together, seeking some sense of comfort, safety, and a way forward to build peace, as far distant as that may seem.  The work to "convert the hearts" of our neighbors is something that we can participate in - as well as pray for.   There is room for a much deeper dedication at the national and international level to addressing the roots of inter-ethnic terror with positive, proven  methods.
For many of us, this situation is still too rife with grief to contemplate proactive solutions to address the roots of such horror.  But there are actions that can be taken, when we are ready.
There is currently a bill in the US Congress – S.2551 – the Genocide and Atrocities Prevention Act, that would strengthen the US’ best early-prevention and protection peacebuilding practices.  These are tried and true methods, via the Atrocities Prevention Board and the Complex Crises Fund,  that have reduced mass violence in various countries throughout Africa and Latin America – using highly engaged, culturally sensitive multi-stakeholder dialogues.   We can prevent violence by connecting, learning about each others' needs and feelings, and working out solutions together. I implore all readers, when you are ready, to contact your Members of Congress and urge passage of this fundamental bill - to help us all cooperate in the conversion of hearts which must come about.  Warm wishes to all.

Daniel Kahn

National Field Director, The Peace Alliance

Washington, DC

www.peacealliance.org

Comment by Dan Kahn on March 25, 2016 at 3:25pm

I just submitted the following letter to "The Guardian" (a British paper)  under the subject line:  "More Early Prevention, Please!"

To the Editors,

 

I read Thursday’s article, “The men in the top floor flat who sowed terror in Brussels,” and I felt sadness and chagrin.  One more post-mortem that will leave us more scared and sad and confused about our neighbors at home and around the world.  I, for one, am hungry – nay, ravenous – for a much deeper dedication at the national and international level to addressing the roots of inter-ethnic terror with positive, proven  methods.

There is currently a bill in the US Congress – S.2551 – the Genocide and Atrocities Prevention Act, that would strengthen the US’ best early-prevention and protection peacebuilding practices.  These are tried and true methods, via the Atrocities Prevention Board and the Complex Crises Fund,  that have reduced mass violence in various countries throughout Africa and Latin America – using highly engaged, culturally sensitive multi-stakeholder dialogues.  It is true!  We can prevent violence by using our words!  I urge all US legislators to get behind this key bill, and to keep building on what works – so we don’t have to read about the grotesque last days of suicide bombers ever again.  

 

Dan Kahn

National Field Director, The Peace Alliance

Washington, DC

www.peacealliance.org

Comment by Dan Kahn on March 25, 2016 at 9:45am

So glad to see folks sharing ideas and inspiration on this page!! <3

Comment by Kim Schwarzkopf on March 24, 2016 at 5:12pm

Thinking deeply about "Stories of Migration", my own ancestry and family, and how to increase empathy in our community. My goal this month is to write a story using the EPIC format (Engage, Problem, Inform a solution, Call to Action) about the light at the end of the tunnel, focusing on the light. How do we talk about the heavy stuff without being causing more anxiety and fear (violence). There is a solution. I know there's a way!  ‪#‎IncreasethePeace‬ ‪#‎AcrosstheBridge‬ ‪#‎SeattlePeaceAlliance‬

Comment by Dan Kahn on March 22, 2016 at 2:02pm

Hi Folks!  Last night I submitted a letter to the Washington Post (always rather a longshot with a paper that big) about the Genocide and Atrocities Prevention Act.  You can see my letter on the page "Non-published Pieces..." on the right --->

I used info from the March Action Sheet, which you can see here.

Fun and exciting to write and submit, anyway, and the existence of this group definitely added to my motivation!

Comment by Kim Schwarzkopf on March 22, 2016 at 1:34pm

Peace is possible! Inner peace to global peace. I've always felt it, even as a child, but have been ridiculed. I am ready to help change up the structures and to help empower others to work towards a more peaceful way. #IncreasethePeace #AcrosstheBridge

Comment by Kendra Mon on March 22, 2016 at 12:37pm

I work best as part of a team, so I really appreciate this opportunity.  There is so much more I want to do with my writing and hope this group will help me get it done.  I especially want to write a commentary for public radio.

I think we can reach a lot more people there .

thanks and best wishes to all in this group,

Kendra Mon in Petaluma, CA

National Department of Peacebuilding Committee