Initiatives of Change is a diverse network committed to building relationships of trust across the world's divides.
Initiatives of Change International is an NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.
'Nothing lasting can be built without a desire by people to live differently and exemplify the changes they want to see in society.'
Omnia Marzouk, President, IofC International
Frank Buchman was the founder of the movement which became Initiatives of Change. Each week we will present here a short quote illustrating his thinking.
Just as individuals are delivered from their prison cells of [psychological and spiritual] defeat, so it is possible for nations to be delivered from their prison cells of fear, resentment, jealousy and depression. … The miracle of God’s living Spirit can break the power of pride and selfishness, of lust and fear and hatred; for spiritual power is the greatest force in the world.
quoted in Dynamic out of Silence by Theophil Spoerri, p128,130
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Part conference, part training course, Tools for Change is an annual event hosted by Initiatives of Change which aims to equip changemakers with the skills, motivation and attitudes they need to be effective. The latest (and fourth in Malaysia) ‘Tools for Change KL 2012’ took place in Petaling Yaya, 22-25 March, drawing participants from Cambodia, Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Canada, Iran as well as the host country. The three days were packed with activities and energized by the enthusiasm of about 60 participants. Read more>>
Sources of Inspiration: anyone can take an initiative...
This reflection was given by Fiona Daukes at a public meeting at the UK Initiatives of Change Centre in London on 21 April. Fiona shared that 'Though I don’t feel that I am much of an initiator as I would rather follow and support initiatives taken by others! I do feel however, there need to be cellos as well as the conductors, and making visions into reality requires inspiration. Where does that inspiration come from?
Highlights 2010/2011>> This features the Highlights, the President's message, and the information about IofC International.
'Global Update'>> The latest edition of GLOBAL UPDATE newsletter, published every two months by Initiatives of Change-International, reports on the visit to Chad by Pastor James Wuye, Imam Muhammad Ashafa and Dr Alan Channer, invited by the United Nations as part of a bid by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to build skills in mediation and peace-building amongst a newly-forged network of Chadian mediators. There is also news of a visit by the Africa Coordination Group to Tanzania and Burundi, plus news from Switzerland, Creators of Peace, and an award for one of the Harambee Leadership Training Programme's alumni. In People Building Trust Suresh Matthew meets some of the Egyptians who are working to build trust amid the fires of revolutionary change.
Caux Report >> The Caux Report for the 2011 conferences is available for download and in printed form from IofC centres. The 20 page full-colour report covers the fourth Caux Forum for Human Security; a dialogue on Learning to Live in a Multicultural World; IofC training programmes and a conference on Leading Change for a Sustainable World; Business ethics; and much more.
Caux Forum for Human Security Report>> 'Change the language of security, which is often the language of power and polarization, to a language of ethics and human values.' The 16-page full colour report of the 2011 Caux Forum for Human Security 2011 aims to do just that.
An African Answer>> More than one thousand people were killed and hundreds of thousands displaced from their homes, following disputed elections in Kenya at the end of 2007. Imam Muhammad Ashafa and Pastor James Wuye – former militia leaders turned peace-makers from Nigeria – were invited to mediate in the worst-affected district. An African Answer depicts their dramatic bid to bring healing and reconciliation after death and destruction. The film depicts the dynamics of an effective, African approach to conflict resolution between rival ethnic groups and gives hope that grassroots communities can reject violence and rebuild peace and prosperity.
Trustbuilding: An Honest Conversation on Race, Reconciliation, and Responsibility>> This book is part historical narrative and part handbook for a model of dialogue and community change that has been adopted both nationally and internationally. At its center is the story of how Richmond, Virginia, a former slave market and capital of the Confederacy, has become a seedbed for interracial dialogue and trustbuilding with national and international implications.
1 to 6 July:
Learning to live in a multicultural world
8 to 15 July:
Caux forum for human security
17 to 23 July:
Trust and integrity in the global economy
25 to 31 July:
Exploring the vital link between personal and global change
2 to 8 August:
The dynamics of being a change-maker
Burma 'on the verge' of democracy - Aung San Suu Kyi
A video message from Aung San Suu Kyi, who opened a five-day dialogue on 'Making Democracy Real' held at the IofC centre in India in January 2012.
Caux, a Jihad for peace
'Learning to be a Peacemaker', run by British Imam Ajmal in July, aimed to inspire young European Muslims to become ambassadors of peace and trustbuilders in their European communities.
Do you want a sustainable future?
Creating a sustainable future is the leadership challenge of our time, for Göran Carstedt, the Chairman of the Natural Step International.
Kenyan woman campaigns for peace
Click here to see a video interview on YouTube of Ann Njeri Ndiangui from Kenya, an International Coordinator of Creators of Peace.
How to find Inspiration in an Age of Information
‘For many around the world, the daily time of silent reflection has become an anchor, and a springboard to action, over the years’ -- Michael Smith, writing in The Sound of Silence
