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Around the Kitchen Table A new project to explore
the creation of peace in the heart, home and community A new product of Creators of Peace is called Around the Kitchen Table. Worked out in Panchgani, India, (January 2001) and presented in Caux, Switzerland, (August 2001) it offers a 'do-it-yourself' workshop in peace-building. Around the Kitchen Table is a process for small group gatherings informally 'around the kitchen table', or anywhere else where people feel at home, to explore together the creation of peace in the heart, home and community. Objectives: This process is designed to draw participants through personal reflection on their own passion for peace and appreciation for their own peacemaking potential into specific awareness of the needs in their own lives and communities and possible steps that can be taken for transformation and resolution. It seeks to highlight the essential truths of "As I am, so is my nation." and "Change, Peace, start with me.". When personal responsibility replaces blame, and the humanity of "the other" is respected and embraced, an enormous empowerment of individuals and groups wanting to be effective in peace creating can result. It is also hoped that during the process the group will be drawn together into a deeper connectedness with each other with the possibilities of futher joint action starting to evolve. Guiding principles: In creating peace full, creative and compassionate communities - Every person has a part to play and something to contribute Every person can start the process of transformation in their own heart and life Every person has a story to tell and a need to be heard Every person can be a compassionate listener to the Truth within, to the truths of others, to the needs of the wider community. Language and activities will need to be culturally appropriate to the particular group. Enough space needs to be given at each stage, but especially around the Seventh Gathering Point which is the main objective of the process. The head and the heart together need to be engaged throughout the process, the imaginative/reflective and the practical application constantly synthesised. Ripple Effects ie: case studies of hope, may be employed throughout to illustrate the transfomation process that is at the heart of the Creators of Peace ethos. Ideally the facilitator will themselves be a practitioner of the processes described. There are no experts or absolute techniques in this peacemaking of the heart, but individual commitment and the integrity of each person's intention is vital. This process does not take the place of professional conflict resolution or mediation skills which may be required. Duration: Most effectively these gatherings should be spread over several sessions over several days. Some gathering points need more time than others. The group may wish to decide as it goes along. Ripple Effects can be incorporated all through as helpful. It will be important to revisit the earlier Gathering Points regularly. Extra Creative Components: If time and group composition allows, it can be very helpful to encourage creativity through singing, art work, poetry, dance, creating and eating a meal together, joint worship,creating a ritual of commitment together, dance, meditation or any other medium which can draw the group together or affirm the new insights being given. Some non-intrusive music can often be useful during some reflective periods if there is a discomfort with silence, especially at the beginning.
Initiatives of Change is a wonderful, truly
grassroots organization.
Reach them at their National Office: Phone: 202-872-9077 |
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