These are strange times: locked down and in our limited bubbles.
Perhaps it is the opportunity to define what is really important in our own lives, to define a world we want to live in or to find contentment with who we aspire to be. Perhaps that aspiration is to help create a more peaceful world. If that is the case, read on.
I’ve been encouraged to write an article to publish the many opportunities to get involved with Rotary International and its peace and conflict resolution education programs. The idea is to find individuals whose passion it is to help move the world towards a more peaceful way to resolve conflict and to have you help to identify and encourage those individuals to pursue a fully funded course of education (see rotary.org/en/our-programs/peace-fellowships).
The preamble to the constitution of UNESCO declares that “since wars begin in the minds of [people], it is in the minds of [people] that the defenses of peace must be constructed.” In 1945, UNESCO was created in order to respond to the firm belief of nations, forged by two world wars in less than a generation that political and economic agreements are not enough to build a lasting peace. Peace must be established on the basis of humanity’s moral and intellectual solidarity.”
Rotary is a global network of 1.2 million neighbours, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.
With the vision of creating sustainable peace through addressing the root causes of conflict, Rotary Peace Fellows participate in a rigorous program of academic study and practical training. Each year, Rotary provides 130 fellows the opportunity to earn a master’s degree or post-graduate diploma in peace and development studies at one of eight Rotary Peace Centers, located at leading universities around the world.
Launched in 2002, Rotary Peace Centers have trained more than 1,400 individuals for careers in peacebuilding in more than 115 countries and program alumni serve as leaders in both governmental and nongovernmental agencies, international organizations and more.
Personally, I have met or listen to many of the graduates from these programs. It is what persuaded me to become a member of Rotary.
The Rotary Club of Bowen Island invites those interested in learning more about the Rotary Peace Fellowship program to check out the Bowen Rotary website at bowenrotary.com/rotary-peace-fellowships/ to find further information and links or to contact: Bawn@bowencampbell.com with the subject line Peace Fellowships.
