If a Happy New Year is going to be more than empty words or an idle wish, it will take some work, like most things that matter in life. Our New Year suggestions are inspired by and adapted from a blog by Dr. Craig Zelizer, creator of the Peace and Collaborative Development Network.
1) Consider how to create more peace in your personal life – e.g., through meditation, yoga, exercise, and writing.
2) Learn something new/ Get additional training/Investigate opportunities for further education related to peace and social justice. For example, check out the online courses available from the United States Institute of Peace or other opportunities for online education.
3) Connect with like-minded and inspiring peers. Join an existing network devoted to conflict related issues, nonviolence, peace, etc. Find other individuals concerned with issues of peace and social justice. Talk with them. Plan with them. Mobilize.
4) Advocate for a change in global priorities– for example, by writing to a Congressperson, talking with policymakers, or involving yourself in other forms of nonviolent direct action. As Zelizer points out, “While it is clear the threat of terrorism is real….Americans are 19,000 times more likely to die in a car accident than a terrorist attack (see http://www.washingtonsblog.com/2013/04/statistics-you-are-not-going…). This is not to say spending on preventing terrorism is not important, but if more funding were put into public health, humanitarian assistance, education and infrastructure, millions more lives would be saved and improved each year.”
5) Share your experiences and hopes for peace, as well as frustrations concerning violence on sites such as the Peace and Collaborative Development Network and engagingpeace.com.
6) Build community in your own life/Volunteer.
7) Support organizations working to effect positive change in the world.
8) Become morally engaged.
** To read Dr. Zelizer’s entire post, click here.