Published in Better-Angels.org

Better Angels is a national citizens' movement to reduce political polarization in the United States by bringing liberals and conservatives together to facilitate understanding of each other beyond stereotypes by forming Red/Blue community alliances, by teaching practical skills for communicating across political differences, and by making a strong public argument for depolarization. We've designed several workshops that successfully help “Red” and “Blue” Americans rebuild trust, and to better understand each others' perspectives.

Published in Postive Peace 2018

Positive Peace provides a new way of conceptualizing development by placing the emphasis on what creates a thriving society, reframing our focus towards what works. There are tremendous benefits - economic, political, social and beyond - to making sound investments in building peace rather than merely preventing and mitigating conflict.

By Erika Emerick, October 5, 2018, Published in Rotary International

Every October, Rotary celebrates Economic and Community Development month. To combat unemployment, underemployment, and lack of training, Rotaractors around the world work to empower entrepreneurs and community leaders in local communities.

Published in rotaryundaynairobi.org

Join Rotary leaders, members, and guests in Kenya, as we recognise our longstanding special relationship with the United Nations and young leaders who are changing our world. 1000 delegates are expected to attend this year’s Rotary Day at the United Nations, Youth Innovation: Crafting Solutions to Emerging Challenges. UN officials and humanitarian experts will inspire participants to find innovative strategies for addressing humanitarian challenges both locally and globally.

September 29, 2018, Published in PeaceNews.com

'Peacebuilding’ was coined in the 1970’s by Norwegian scholar Johan Galtung, who defines it as projects that involve “concrete action” towards peace. The word gets 7 million hits on Google, but isn't in most dictionaries. Now a campaign has started to get ‘peacebuilding’ included. Mike Jobbins from Search for Common Ground says it’s been a real frustration in the peacebuilding field to constantly get the Microsoft Word red squiggle from the spellchecker.

By Rotary Service and Engagement, October 2, 2018, Published in Rotary International

The United Nations reports 470 million jobs are needed globally for new entrants to the labor market between 2016 and 2030. Unemployment, underemployment, lack of economic opportunity, lack of appropriate training, and the absence of social safety nets lie at the core of poverty. For the poor, labor is often the only option to improve well-being. Creating productive employment opportunities is essential for reducing poverty and achieving sustainable economic and social development, and for providing income security and empowerment especially for women, people with disabilities, youth, and the extremely poor.

Published in PeaceNews.com

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Declaration of Human Rights. How has it changed the world as we know it? In 1948 the Declaration was signed to prevent the horrors of WWII from re-occurring. It set up human rights standards for all and is the world's most translated document, in over 500 languages. Many countries contributed, including  Australia, China, Lebanon, the Soviet Union, the UK & the USA, and the UN Commission on Human Rights was formed with Eleanor Roosevelt as the first chair.

Published in Rotary International

The Rotary Foundation and Rotary clubs are helping communities battered by severe weather and earthquakes. Two powerful earthquakes hit Mexico, destroying buildings and highways, and killing hundreds of people. Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria have caused billions of dollars in damage. The Rotary Foundation has established four special funds to collect donations to help victims rebuild.

September 14, 2018

The Rotary Clubs of Newberg and Sherwood are working jointly this year for activities surround the UN International Day of Peace with the Newberg Clubs planning a workshop on Friday afternoon, September 21^st, from 2:00pm to 5:00pm, to be held at the Newberg First United Methodist Church, located at: 1205 Deborah Rd., Newberg, Oregon. The Rotary Club of Sherwood invites the community to join in the 3rd annual celebration of the International Day of Peace on Saturday, Sept. 22 from 10 am - 2 pm in downtown Sherwood.  The event supports Rotary's mission of promoting world peace and understanding and conflict resolution.