Initiatives of Change - Creators of Peace

Two new women’s Creators of Peace Circles that I have been working towards are coming to fruition over the next month.

Recently, municipal councils in Sydney - Sutherland and Randwick, hosted a Muslim/Christian Peace Forum evening. One was in the area where I live and the other where I work. In both areas, there have been nasty scenes of racial tension about 18 months ago.

I asked the organizers, in each case, if I could bring along some material to promote Creators of Peace Circles. At such events, people are often keen to do something constructive, but don’t know what they can do. I think Peace Circles are an excellent “first step”.

In each case the organizers agreed, so I took to the event information flyers about Creators of Peace Circles and an “expression of interest” sheet, so women could write their contact details for me.

There was sufficient interest in Peace Circles at these events to form a Peace Circle in each locality.

Of course, it is always a struggle to find a time that works for everyone who wants to participate. However, those who can’t be accommodated this time can take part at another Peace Circle at a later date.

Yesterday, I met with co-facilitator, Prasanthi, who grew up in India. We had a great preliminary planning session using the new Creators of Peace manual.

Tomorrow, I meet with another co-facilitator, Chichi, a Kenyan woman. We are going to see the host and the venue for another Peace Circle. This venue will be a multi-cultural centre, rather than a home as we usually have. It will need some work to make it cozy and inviting. Chichi is a delight and brings a particular flare to everything she is involved with.

Both these Peace Circles will run weekly for six weeks each, starting up at different times in the month.

I have not been involved with two Peace Circles at the same time before. It might be a bit ambitious. However, I figure most people are involved with many things at the same time; and I believe that these Peace Circles will be as successful as each of the previous ones.

I find every Peace Circle experience is quite different, and, so far, always a joy and a privilege – and often very touching. One past Peace Circle participant said to me recently. “You know I haven’t seen two women I met doing that Peace Circle for a while; but I know I could ring them at any time for help, if I needed it.” That shows the level of trust and bonding that can develop.

A friend of mine is co-facilitating another Peace Circle in another part of Sydney starting around now also. There have been about a dozen in the Sydney area and I look forward to Peace Circles encircling the entire nation – and, indeed, the world.