Positive Peace Conversations
DGE Becky Mason reports out what their table learned from their Peace Conversation
Positive Peace Conversation is a key initiative designed for Rotarians to engage in positive peace within their own clubs and communities through facilitated conversations and dialogue. It was built from the Peace Conversations Facilitation (PCF) Program.
In the 3-month program, Rotarians with varying levels of experience are trained to become PPC Facilitators and Coaches. These teams assist clubs in holding ‘Peace Conversations’ which are small groups, facilitated discussions typically on a difficult subject. Eg. Interfaith Conflict, LGTBQ Rights, Human Trafficking or discussing Club Vision. Some clubs have even invited the larger community to engage in these Peace Conversations.
Vision
Rotary Clubs as Hubs for Peace Locally, Globally.
Mission
Utilize existing networks, resources, and partnerships to build conflict literacy and dialogue skills of Rotarians at all levels to become more effective peacebuilders within their own Clubs, Districts and Communities.
Theory of Change
Peace Fellow, Scott Martin, facilitates a discussion at the RI Convention in Atlanta
Technology and global migration are bringing people together at an ever-increasing rate -- equally increasing the opportunity for destructive conflict. The role of local communities in promoting positive peace has become paramount. There are Rotary Clubs within communities currently experiencing such conflict, but last several years have shown that all communities are susceptible (e.g. Ferguson, Paris, Charlottesville…)
Peace starts from within. Rotarians with the skills to engage more meaningfully in difficult conversations within their own clubs can engage in dialogue within the larger communities they serve. Connected communities able to engage in consistent, meaningful dialogue are more resilient to division, social crisis, and violence. Conversation facilitation is a skill that can be taught and practiced by individuals from all levels of experience and backgrounds.
Also: read the District 5020 February 2020 Newsletter. Make sure to read pages 20-25!
"The program was inspiring, as it gave our Rotarians all an opportunity to have input into our club functioning and the engagement of members. In doing so, we have implemented some positive change. We will continue to implement more and hope to host another MBBI/Rotary Interactive Program in the future."
"Our club was able to discuss topics that we never would have addressed without the help of the PCF Facilitators and MBBI Coaches."
"The support of the Rotarian and MBBI Peace Conversation Facilitators greatly enhanced our Social Awareness Forum: Erase Hate, Foster Acceptance. Rotarians were able to engage in meaningful discussions on the topics of hate and discrimination as they processed the presentations of the keynote speakers."
"The PCF Program helped accomplish our goal of having an open and honest interfaith dialogue; the participants were abole to think, self-reflect on their own biases and be cognizant of them after they left the room."
"Mediators Beyond Borders International provides a much needed ally in promoting peace in our clubs throughout the Rotary family."
PPC Program Overview
Mediators Beyond Borders International (MBBI) has been working globally to expand the capacity of community-based partners through mediation and dialogue for over a decade and has a network of trainers and practitioners throughout the world.
For more information, contact S. Martin at smartin@mbbconsulting.org.
