Query #12 - Peace and Nonviolence

What are we doing to educate ourselves and others about the causes of conflict in our own lives, our families and our meetings? Do we provide refuge and assistance, including advocacy, for spouses, children, or elderly persons who are victims of violence and neglect?

It should be noted that two of the discussion participants are lifelong peace activists who did not detail the degree to which they have educated themselves and advocated for peace, nonviolence and understanding of perpetrators of violence.

Do we recognize that we can be perpetrators as well as victims of violence? How do we deal with this? How can we support one another so that healing may take place?

One way not to be perpetrators is not to buy from violent corporations. An example was Coca Cola, which recently, deprived local people in India of their source of clean drinking water.

What are we doing to understand the causes of war and violence and to work toward peaceful settlement of differences locally, nationally, and internationally? How do we support institutions and organizations that promote peace?

Causes of war were discussed. These included excessive media coverage of murders and domestic violence. One participant felt that overpopulation as a cause of war had been overstated. All agreed that combatants often find positive aspects to war: cohesiveness of the group, pride in a greater cause, heightened self- esteem and deep bonding. As we work for peace, we need to keep these factors in mind.

Do we faithfully maintain our testimony against preparation for and participation in war?

In our meeting, we maintain our ties with AFSC and FCNL. Members of our meeting have demonstrated against the School for the Americas, and many have participated regularly in local anti-war demonstrations. We agreed that we prefer the latter to be positive and to avoid political mud-slinging. As a meeting, we have maintained a firm stand against the draft.

A general observation that all appreciated was that maintaining a sense of humor and the ability to laugh at ourselves is crucial to being politically effective. To keep humor positive, we need to make sure the person being laughed at or with is genuinely amused and that we speak the truth, even in jest.