The intent of this exploratory day is to connect with each other, deeply listen to how we understand and experience “peace” and to explore what could be possible if we were to act collectively?  What leverage and power might we have that we do not have alone?

Here are some of the elements of our day together:

  • Connection —we’ll share our stories about a time where something happened in our work that made us realize this is why we do the work we do, that made us think this is what the work of peace and conflict resolution and justice really mean.  This is why it matters.
  • Emergence — based on what we hear in these stories, we’ll gather themes, values, possibilities, connections. We’ll begin to create an eco system of possibility.
  • Collaboration — we’ll assess the regional and local needs that our work addresses.  What are the critical challenges we face?  What opportunities do we see in connection, collective thinking/seeing/acting and collaboration?   
  • Impact — what are the research implications of collective action? What implications for policy, for practice and for real change? 
  • Action —what do we want to do after this day of exploration? Where is the collective will and energy for what happens next?

The intent of this day is not to reach conclusions or focus on specific decisions.  The intent is to create a wide-open space for exploration. We want to open ourselves up to something new, something that only we can create together. This day is a response to a possible future that needs each of us/all of us to bring into being.

At the end of the day we’ll have a sense of where our energy is taking us, and together we can decide on further action.