Get Involved…Community Groups

“We can begin by doing small things at the local level, like planting community gardens or looking out for our neighbors. That is how change takes place in living systems, not from above but from within, from many local actions occurring simultaneously.”
– Grace Lee Boggs 

 

In our hectic, fast-paced, consumer-driven society, it’s common to feel overwhelmed, isolated and alone. Many are re-discovering the healing and empowering role that community can bring to our lives. The sense of belonging we feel when we make the time to take an active role in our communities can give us a deeper sense of meaning and purpose. ​
– Robert Alan Silverstein

 

  • During the Art of Peace, organize a neighborhood support or service project centered around community needs

  • Organize a neighborhood clean up

  • Initiate a garden project and include a feature or two that would serve as a daily reminder of peace (for example peace rocks, peace mural, peace flags, a peace pole)

  • Partner with others in your community on a peace effort meaningful to you

  • Hold a unity-building gathering such as a block party which could include fun, peace-themed activities for children and youth and community resource information

  • Organize a “Global Feast For Peace” where people bring and share food with one another.  Make it multi-cultural, a celebration of the diversity in your community

  • Host a training session to develop expertise in skill building for better interpersonal interactions, or enhanced personal peace, at a recreation/community center. Topics could involve conflict resolution,
    nonviolent communication, mediation, mindfulness, etc

  • Hold a candlelight vigil to stand together in observance of those who have lost their lives to many forms of violence – across the city and the world – as well as to embrace our common humanity and that hope that exists in working together

  • Organize a community Day of Service encouraging individuals and groups to seek out ways that they can help their neighbors or others who may be in need of some assistance

  • Plan a Picnic for Peace.  Incorporate games and events that will make this a fun outing and an opportunity for people to meet and get to know their neighbors.

“Average people and the average community can change the world. You can do it just based on common sense, determination, persistence and patience.”  
– Lois Gibbs