Article from Gabe Hau, e-Club MelbourneWhy are we talking about peace? Are you are a peacebuilder? What does it mean to be a peacebuilder? Every time we watch the news these days, we can't help but wonder where the world is heading. Peacebuilders look not at where things are, but where things should be. We lay the foundations for a better future for all.
Why Peace?
The fourth Object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the “advancement of International understanding, goodwill and peace”. Since 2017, Rotary International has partnered with the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) to promote peace.
IEP’s research identified the building blocks of peace: the eight Pillars of Positive Peace, which are: (1) well functioning government, (2) equitable distribution of resources, (3) free flow of information, (4) good relations with neighbours, (5) high levels of human capital, (6) acceptance of the rights of others, (7) low levels of corruption and (8) sound business environment.
The eight Pillars of Positive Peace compliments Rotary’s seven Areas of Focus – (1) Promoting peace, (2) Fighting disease, (3) Providing clean water, sanitation and hygiene, (4) Improving maternal and child health, (5) Supporting education, (6) Growing local economies, and, (7) Protecting the environment.
What this really means is that every project Rotary has ever done has either directly or indirectly helped build peace in the communities in which Rotary operates. What’s more, every Rotarian is a peacebuilder, whether we realise it or not. You may not be a soldier, a negotiator, a diplomat or a mediator; but if you are a Rotarian, then you are also a peacebuilder, because you are helping bring peace to your community through Rotary projects.
Rotary-IEP Positive Peace Activators (Oceania)
In 2024, the first cohort of Oceania Rotary-IEP Positive Peace Activators (Activators) completed their training. Activators are here to support Rotary clubs and Rotarians with peace projects. If your club would like to know more about peace projects, invite an Activator to speak to your club. Activators are spread across Victoria so you will find one who is best suited to assist your club. Of the more than 40 Activators, about 8 are based in Victoria. Find out how you can help build Peace.
More about Activators: https://www.positivepeace.academy/activators
Rotarian Kerrie Hicks
Rtn Kerrie Hicks - Positive Peace Activators (Oceania)
Kerrie Hicks is a member of Rotary Central Melbourne and a Peace Activator. A former Victoria Police officer, Kerrie has help senior roles within Victoria Police in areas such as community engagement, investigation, emergency management and counter terrorism. Kerrie is a Victoria Police Legacy Ambassador and is on the boards of a number of organisations. She is also the recipient of a number of National and Victoria Police medals.
Kerrie was seconded to UNITAD to lead an international criminal investigation into atrocity crimes committed by ISIL/Daesh against the Iraqi Christian community. She is now an organisational and leadership coach with a vision to “building peace in the world, one coaching dialogue at a time”. She shares stories from her path to peace that have developed her personal resilience model and inspiration for her audiences to create their own.
If you would like to contact Kerrie about her work or to ask her to be a speaker, you can email her at: Kerrie.Hicks@gritential.com.au Please email Gabe Hau with questions or suggestions at: ghau@optus.net.au