This blog is a part of my body of research that seeks to analyse civil society's and academia's understanding of national security models from an academic perspective with a focus on Canada, Israel and the UK.
As my Christmas gift to you, I thought I would give you the top 5 online resources I have been using this year. Almost exactly a year and half I was diagnosed with a fatal disease called Huntington Disease and had to end my work as a university professor, author, and researcher in peace and conflict studies. To tell you truth, I have enjoyed the last year and half. This list below shows you where I have been putting my attention and my curiosity, but also what has been feeding me. Perhaps these resources will nourish your own spirits as well.
Many of John Paul Lederarch's works and teachings (a Mennonite Peacebuilder) have had a huge influence on my own. John Paul (along with others) started a new website this year called The Art and Soul of Compassion. It brings together an annotated bibliography on creativity, compassion and spirituality and a dozen or so digital stories of people who participated from very different fields, including neuroscienctists, poets, songwriters and artists, therapists, peacebuilders and contemplatives.
3. New Book - Voices of Harmony and Dissent
Half way through this year, a book I help to co-edit was launched: Voices of Harmony and Dissent: How Peacebuilders are Transforming Their Worlds. These stories of those who passionately pursue peace dare us to envision what kind of peace action may be possible for each one of us. Each chapter is by a different peacebuilder, all people I happily call my teachers. Could be a great Christmas gift.
4. New Website CaringBridge
A friend of mine and fellow peacebuilder, Michael Bischoff, learned on Sept 24 that he has a brain tumour. He started a website with his reflections which are so full of courage and honesty. His reflections inspire me. You can find Michael's stories at: CaringBridge.
5. Free e-book- Peacebuilders Toolbox
Early this year I co-authored Peacebuilders' Toolbox: 52 Online Resources For Peace Workwith the current Co-Directors of the Canadian School of Peacebuilding: Wendy Kroeker and Valerie Smith. These are the online tools and guides we wish we had when we started our peace work. Over 1700 copies have been shared this year. You can get a free copy at the link above.
Blessings on your journey ahead. Feel free to share post as you see fit.
Originally written 20 June 2015 and last updated 13 Feb 2017
One of the major challenges for
peace organizations aka Civilian constructed Security modeling is when (if ever) to let the devil in….work with the State constructed Security Models.
Over the years I have spent hundreds
of hours in feminist, cohesive-building, mostly, women-centred environments in
London, England. We strove, and were
pleased that our organisations were places and spaces of mutual respect,
co-operation, equality and trust. Then
sooner or later something happened, and reality set in. We then learned trust,
shared gender or shared and stated belief systems were not an
effective control mechanism to keep us and the organisation safe.
At that point we had to turn to the
Metropolitan Police, the devil. Perhaps
we needed police protection during a march. Or we needed to interact with communities that
were hostile towards our views. Perhaps we had safety concerns in the
community we were based in. Or perhaps
one of our members just didn’t seem……
The reasons can be varied, but
almost always, ALWAYS you will need at some point a need to bring the devil in.
The reasons not to let the devil in
are many and at times well founded.
Security apparatuses operate on the bases that you cannot trust. They also operate on a hierarchical structure,
which can be antithetical to
many women based and peace based organisations that tend to operation within
power sharing modalities.
And then State Security apparatuses
can and have used access to women and peace-building spaces to gather
information for the State to ultimately use against…. We all know the fears and
the concerns.
They are at times legitimate. Still organisations of all kinds need protection,
skill-sets and at time guidance that only State Security actors have.
So here are a few suggestions:
1)If
your organisation is large enough select one person as a contact with the State
actor. In this case the RCMP.
2)If
you don’t have one person available and funds are an issue seek out a volunteer
with the skill-set and interest of being the liaison between the
organisation and the State.
3)Within
the boundaries of the law state your concerns for privacy for you and your
organisation. In other words set your limits.
4)Work
with the RCMP to develop a security model that meets the needs of your
organisation. That’s right; your
organisation must have a security model. Trust is NOT a Security model.
5)Work
with the RCMP to include in the model a method of communicating organisational concerns with the
State.
6)Find
a way which is comfortable for the organisation and the RCMP to develop a
relationship that would include (if needed) at least a monthly meeting. Try meeting over a meal. As food can help nullify the power imbalance
between the State and a small organisation.
7)Your Security model should be agreed on, known and understood by all members of your
organisation.
8)The
fact that you have a Security model (use a different word if that is more fitting with your organisation's culture) should be communicated
to staff, volunteers, and those who use your services.
9)Your Security model must be organic and change with the Security needs and demands of the
organisation.
10)Lastly,
you must, must always be willing to communicate to the RCMP when they will
eventually attempt to encroach/overreach. It is
the nature of the dynamics of the relationship you will seek to develop with
the RCMP.
May you always have productive, fulfilling
and safe activism in your journey toward building peace aka Civilian constructed Security.
-Debra V. Wilson
Please note that in this article I am using the modality of peacebuilders/security being engaged with the larger international community therefore the RCMP. With the RCMP being a State Security apparatus in Canada.
If your peace-building is more locally based use this article and substitute the RCMP with the local Policing service.
Price: $19.48 Cdn (for either print book or ebook).
Co-editors Richard McCutcheon, Jarem Sawatsky and Valerie Smith
Authors include: Ovide Mercredi, Mubarak Awad, Stuart Clark, David Dyck, Martin Entz, Harry Huebner, Ouyporn Khuankaew, George Lakey, Ivo Markovic, Maxine Matilpi, Stan McKay, Piet Meiring, Sophia Murphy , Kay Pranis, and Karen Ridd.
These stories of those who passionately pursue peace dare us to envision the kind of peace action may be possible for each one of us. Voices of Harmony and Dissent: How Peacebuilders Are Transforming Their Worlds is an informative and thought-provoking resource from the world-renowned Canadian School of Peacebuilding (CSOP).
In this book, co-editors Richard McCutcheon, Jarem Sawatsky and Valerie Smith invite you to explore the stories, theory and tools of sixteen peace leaders, trainers and activists from around the world. An intriguing mix of styles and perspectives, these peacebuilders describe how they have used their creativity, compassion and frustrations to learn how to peacefully engage and transform the world around them.
Harmony and Dissent is a resource book and sampling of the Canadian School of Peacebuilding (csop.cmu.ca). Each chapter, authored by different peace leaders, explores three keys to peace work:
stories of inspiring peacework;
case studies into communities embodying these lessons; and
the key resources of have helps shape these peace leaders.
through inspiring stories the book takes you on a journey of interrelated themes including women and peacebuilding, nonviolent action for social change, restorative justice, indigenous approaches to change, spirituality and creative arts, circle process, food security, mediation, inter-cultural peacebuilding, and truth and reconciliation.
"This volume teaches again and again one vital insight: peacebuilding in deeply divided communities requires a special combination of radical thinking, creative imagination and engaged action."
—Mairead Maguire, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate
"This book stands out because it reflects and charts the creativity, energy and relevance of the field for global peacemaking."
—Tom Woodhouse, author, Contemporary
Conflict Resolution
"This is a book of wisdom... Even the experience of reading these essays can prompt a greater peace."
— John Borrows, Canada Research Chair in Indigenous
Law, University of Victoria Law School
"All of us can be much better peacebuilders if we take that journey of the connections with this sumptuous volume."
John Braithwaite , author, Crime, Shame and Reintegration
"Simply wringing your hands over the state of the world is not going to change anything. It's real action that changes the world, and this book gives the reader advice from people who wake up every day and do the hard work of building peace. Bravo!"
— Jody Williams, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate
"These stories and essays intimately and powerfully convey two fundamental truths. The first is that history changes only through the actions of people who decide it has to change. The second truth is that the human spirit is worth struggling for, day after day, year after year, no matter whether we are successful or not. In this work, which joins us at the heart, we will always find joy, even in the harshest of external circumstances."
— Margaret J. Wheatley, author, Leadership and the New Science
All the best,
Jarem Sawatsky Founding Director of the Canadian School of Peacebuilding (retired), csop.cmu.ca Associate Professor of Peace and Conflict Transformation Studies (retired), Canadian Mennonite University
If you are in the Winnipeg area, please join us for the launch of our new book, Voices of Harmony and Dissent: How Peacebuilders are Transforming Their Worlds
Tuesday, June 16, 2015 7:00 p.m.
Great Hall, Canadian Mennonite University 500 Shaftesbury Blvd Winnipeg
In this book, co-editors Richard McCutcheon, Jarem Sawatsky and Valerie Smith invite you to explore the stories, theory and tools of sixteen peace leaders, trainers and activists from around the world. An intriguing mix of styles and perspectives, these peacebuilders describe how they have used their creativity, compassion and frustrations to learn how to peacefully engage and transform the world around them.
Authors include: Ovide Mercredi, Mubarak Awad, Stuart Clark, David Dyck, Martin Entz, Harry Huebner, Ouyporn Khuankaew, George Lakey, Ivo Markovic, Maxine Matilpi, Stan McKay, Piet Meiring, Sophia Murphy, Kay Pranis, and Karen Ridd.
Voices of Harmony and Dissent:How Peacebuilders are Transforming Their Worlds. These stories of those who passionately pursue peace dare us to envision what kind of peace action may be possible for each one of us.
We are currently giving away for free a 4-Part Peacebuilder's Beyond Borders Video Training with Jarem Sawatsky teaching. Please consider joining us. http://csop.cmu.ca/peace-resources-invite. This will only be available over the next two weeks.
Media captionPrince Charles met Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams at a meeting at the University of Galway
Prince Charles has met Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams at the start of his four-day visit to Ireland.
Mr Adams was among a number of politicians to greet the prince at a reception at National University of Ireland Galway.
It was the first meeting in the Republic of Ireland between Sinn Féin's leadership and a Royal Family member.
Mr Adams and his colleague Martin McGuinness also had a private meeting with Prince Charles.
'Common mind''
That meeting took place after the handshake and was in a private room. It lasted between 15 and 20 minutes.
Afterwards, Mr Adams said: "We did discuss the need for the entire process to move forward, particularly in regard to those who have suffered, those who have been bereaved."
He added: "Both he and we expressed our regret for what happened from 1968 onwards.
"We were of a common mind and the fact that the meeting took place, it obviously was a big thing for him to do and a big thing for us to do."
The Royal couple watched Irish dancers after arriving at the university
However, not everyone welcomed the meeting and the prince's visit.
As Mr Adams was meeting Prince Charles, one of his party's MP's, Paul Maskey, was attending a protest over Parachute Regiment shootings in the Ballymurphy area of west Belfast in the early 1970s.
"Sinn Féin have long supported the Ballymurphy families and will continue to do so," Mr Maskey said.
"Gerry Adams, Martin McGuinness and other Sinn Féin representatives met today with Prince Charles. This is part of a larger process of peace and reconciliation and moving society forward."
Sinn Féin West Belfast MP Paul Maskey (second right) attended a protest over Ballymurphy shootingsA protest against the meeting was staged in Londonderry
A protest involving about 40 people was held in Londonderry opposing the visit. It included some relatives of those who were killed by paratroops on Bloody Sunday.
John Teggart's father, Danny, was one of 10 people killed by soldiers in Ballymurphy, west Belfast, in 1971.
"Prince Charles represents the Parachute Regiment who, for many years, murdered innocent civilians in Belfast, including my father," he said.
"I am totally opposed to him coming to Belfast and to the north in general."
Victims campaigner Alan McBride, whose wife Sharon was killed in the IRA Shankill Road bombing in 1993, said the families of some of the victims would find the handshake difficult to watch.
"At the end of the day, it is just a handshake and I long for the day when these things don't have the sort of significance that they have at present, because of our history and the conflict and all of that," he said.
"But we're not there yet, and particularly for families that lost people, these can be very emotional and traumatic days."
Mr McBride said he had heard interviews with some of the Ballymurphy families that he felt illustrated "a lot of hurt there, just underneath the surface".
Media captionSinn Féin leader Gerry Adams: "It was a good meeting"
'Extraordinary kindness'
In a speech at the university, Prince Charles paid tribute to the "magic about Ireland that is totally unique".
"Having first had the great joy of coming to Ireland 20 years ago now, for the first time in 1995, then again in 2002, each time I have been so overwhelmed and so deeply touched by the extraordinary kindness, the welcome, the enthusiasm and indeed the fun of being in Ireland," the prince said.
He said of the Irish people: "You raise our spirits in so many ways."
He also joked that he was "a little too old to be able to learn some of the steps from the Irish dancing routine" performed for the Royal couple after their arrival.
Media captionSpeaking in Galway, the Prince of Wales has said that he is greatly looking forward to his "all-too-short visit"
Following the visit to the university, Prince Charles visited Galway's Marine Institute and the Burren area of County Clare, while Camilla attended a number of events in Galway city centre.
The couple are to attend a private dinner with Irish President Michael D Higgins and his wife Sabina at Lough Cutra in County Galway on Tuesday night.
Prince Charles, who is a pioneer in organic and sustainable farming, visited the farm of Patrick Nagle near Corofin in the Burren. He also met Brendan Dunford of the Burren Life project, which has helped farmers to work successfully in the unique landscape.
He met members of the Burren Beo Trust, which has been spearheading an educational project about the Burren in schools for the past decade.
The Duchess of Cornwall visited the Druid Theatre in Galway, watching a short performance of the opening scene of "Richard II".
Historic handshake
In 2012, Sinn Féin's deputy leader Martin McGuinness met the Queen in Belfast in his role as Northern Ireland's deputy first minister.
The handshake between the Queen and the former IRA commander, at the Lyric Theatre in Belfast, was considered historic.
However, he was not the first party member to meet British royalty.
In May 2011, Michael Browne, the Sinn Féin mayor of Cashel shook hands with the Queen in County Tipperary.
Media captionThe Queen shook hands with former IRA commander Martin McGuinness.
The meeting had not been approved by the Sinn Féin leadership.
During his own trip Charles, joined by the Duchess of Cornwall, will visit the village of Mullaghmore in County Sligo - where his great-uncle, Earl Mountbatten, was killed by an IRA bomb in 1979.
Analysis: Peter Hunt, royal correspondent
A handshake - an everyday action for so many of us - is invested with so much more when it's in the context of the evolving and improving relationship between Britain and Ireland.
This one was once unthinkable. It lasted some 12 seconds.
The heir to the throne was carrying that most English of things - a cup of tea. Gerry Adams was furnished with a firm and lingering grasp.
After the show of togetherness for public consumption, there followed an equally significant, but unrecorded, private meeting.
After his political contribution, Prince Charles will make a personal journey to Mullaghmore where his godfather and confidant Lord Mountbatten was murdered by the IRA.
That will be on Wednesday. Today, Prince Charles has, in the words of a speech on Ireland he once delivered, become a subject of the two countries' shared history and not its prisoner.
The prince and duchess were treated to displays of traditional music and weavingPrince Charles with Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny in the Burren area of County Clare
1. My Most Popular Blog Post of the Year, So Far
6 Keys To Enjoying Losing Your Mind. I have been having lots of fun developing my blog, Dancing with Elephants: A Beginners Guide to Losing Your Mind. If you have time for just one post, you might like this one. It has had over 1500 views and 275 shares on Facebook (just in November).Half way through this year, a book I help to co-edit was launched: Voices of Harmony and Dissent: How Peacebuilders are Transforming Their Worlds. These stories of those who passionately pursue peace dare us to envision what kind of peace action may be possible for each one of us. Each chapter is by a different peacebuilder, all people I happily call my teachers. Could be a great Christmas gift.
