Thank you for writing to us with your question and comments. You of course raise an enormously big topic, one in many respects beyond the scope of what we do at the Community Tool Box.
But what might we add that could be helpful? We’ll try this:
We heartily support your goals of justice and peace. And there are surely many paths to that goal, which often are not easy. The work you have been doing represents one path, and we hope it may continue. As with any organizing effort, it will take thoughtfulness and planning to make sure you are reaching the right people in the right way; it will take time and persistence; and it will benefit from joining together with like-minded people. It is a lifetime work. We’re sure you know this from your own organizer training, but sometimes all of the basics need to keep being said, many times over.
Our own path to building peace focuses on strengthening local communities. In short form, we believe that building communities that are cohesive, inclusive, participatory, equitable, sustainable, and just will provide many benefits to people – and if this can be replicated across communities everywhere, the prospects for peaceful coexistence will increase. No guarantees, of course, for few guarantees exist in community life. And we are not saying that this is the only way. But it is one way, open to anyone including yourself, and it is where we place our own time, energy, and personal and professional commitment.
We hope some of these words may be helpful to you. Thank you again for writing, and all best wishes for continued success in your own work.
