Click here to read this newsletter on our website.
AUGUST 26, 2014 NEWSLETTER
Dear Reader,
To some, the idea of world peace seems cliche', an idealistic fantasy. In the mainstream media we encounter a world awash in violence, division and the threat of mutual oblivion. We see the unrest and terrible suffering.
Most of the world's 'peace work' is unreported however – in the countless NGOs working to address the underlying causes of conflict, in communities working at every scale to create more resilient peaceful lives; and in each of us who rejects violence, commits to a path of inner peace, or simply 'touches peace' regularly in the beauty of nature, the play of children, the wonder of a star-filled sky. Then there is the peace work of the earth itself, quietly transforming from one season to the next, growing, giving, regenerating. Peace is not a destination or a goal, it is the road we travel, or as the Zen Master and peace activist Thich Nhat Hanh says, 'peace is every step'.
The International Day of Peace (IDP) on September 21 is our moment to honor all these efforts and shed light on some of them for others to see. Kosmos Journal Editor, Nancy Roof participated in the initial meetings at the United Nations to establish the International Day of Peace more than 30 years ago. Along with Kosmos author, Avon Mattison, founder of Pathways to Peace, they were inspired with the global possibility of developing non-violent means to end conflicts and establish the foundations for building a culture of peace. The IDP has grown and now there are many events happening worldwide. We have listed a number of them in this newsletter.
It is sure to be an historic day with the People's Climate March coinciding in New York City. The connection between peace and sustainability are well documented. Peace has a lot to do with making sure communities everywhere have reliable sources of food, water and energy and can live free from fear.
Last September, Nancy Roof was invited to address the UN's High-Level Forum on the Culture of Peace. This year the honor belongs to our Project Director, Dot Maver. Dot's address will be featured in the Fall/Winter edition of Kosmos Journal. You can read Nancy's address here in the newsletter. We have also included an essay on the need for interfaith cooperation by Dena Merriam, essential in this climate of religious conflict.
All are invited to participate some way in this year's International Day of Peace. Just to sit in peace, light a candle – it's enough. And if you feel compelled to join an event, gather in a peaceful vigil, or roll up your sleeves and commit to peace work, we encourage you. It may not be reported on the evening news, but you are making history, or more importantly, building our future.
Deepest peace,
Kosmos
Subscribe to Kosmos Journal
Become a subscriber to Kosmos Journal today.
As a subscriber you will have access to the latest issue of Kosmos Journal.
Click here for more information.
Donate to Kosmos
We depend greatly on the generosity of donations from our readers to continue publishing this unique and timely Journal, website and bi-weekly newsletter.
Click here for more information.
We have gathered a resource list of numerous International Day of Peace events from around the world. Check the websites cited frequently for updates and changes as IDP nears.
This is an edited version of the talk Nancy Roof gave at the High-Level Forum on September 6, 2013 at the UN.
'Thank you for inviting me to speak on the topic of a culture of peace—the number one concern of all humanity. We are here because we care. We care that people around the globe are in fear, are in pain and suffering. We are motivated by our deep love of humanity and all life.'
Dena Merriam is founder of the Global Peace Initiative for Women, a former member of the board of Harvard University Center for the Study of World Religions and the International Center for Religion and Diplomacy. She is co-chair of the Millennium World Peace Summit, the first summit held at the United Nations General Assembly for more than 1,500 of the world's religious leaders.
"There is no greater need now than cultivating a global understanding of human unity. Faith communities should lead this effort as our spiritual values, such as compassion, love, and peace, are universal and can bring us together as a human community. Why then is this so problematic for many religious leaders today? Why is religious identity more important than human identity at a time when the problems we face, such as climate change and growing economic inequity, are global and can only be solved through collective efforts? "
by Eddie Bautista, for Earth Island Journal
People's Climate March in New York City aims to mobilize mass action on the climate crisis
Social justice doesn't often result from spontaneous demonstrations or an impulsive rush to the streets. It comes from long-term investments in organizing, community building, and grassroots campaigns. Activism requires a lot more meetings than marches.
But now and then, it's the right time for a march. And on the issue of climate justice, we've come to such a time. The New York City Environmental Justice Alliance (NYC-EJA), a network of community-based organizations in low-income communities of color throughout NYC, has joined together with organizations around the world to call for a People's Climate March this September 20-21 right here in NYC. So start lacing up your marching shoes and I'll explain why now is the time for action.
PO Box 2102
Lenox, MA 01240
Copyright © 2014 Kosmos Associates Inc. All Rights Reserved.
This email was sent to msaloff@mac.com
why did I get this? unsubscribe from this list update subscription preferences
Kosmos Associates · PO Box 2102 · Lenox, MA 01240 · USA
vendredi 29 août 2014
Fwd: Be a Peace Builder: International Day of Peace
Inscription à :
Publier les commentaires (Atom)
Aucun commentaire:
Enregistrer un commentaire