Making Peace the Way We Live
"Let it be said by our children's children
that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end,
that we did not turn back nor did we falter;
and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us,
we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it
safely to future generations."
President Barack Obama - Inaugural Address
A message from the Peace Company
January 23, 2009
Dear Friends of Peace,
This unprecedented week marks the advent of a brave new era in American history. No doubt all of us will remember this time with pride and reverence, recalling years from now where we were on "that day" when the dreams of Martin Luther King Jr., and all who love peace and justice, took a giant leap forward into living reality.
Millions across the nation and around the world are weeping and rejoicing, even those who do not agree on politics or ideology; not because a Party advanced its mission, but because the People did. This Inauguration was less about a transition of power and more about a translation of Hope. And the whole world is watching to see what we'll make of it.
Pundits are already asking "Will this momentum last?" And the answer is soberingly simple: It depends on us.
Throughout his inaugural speech, our President forewarned the road ahead will not be easy. He challenged us to rise above partisanship, set aside childish things and choose our better history. He implored us to "reaffirm our enduring spirit and choose unity of purpose over conflict and discord." While the tone was inspiring, the edict was clear: We must take responsibility. The time to Be the Change has come.
That the task may not be easy does not mean the journey cannot be glorious. Gandhi said "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." And anyone who has ever helped a friend in need, or volunteered for even a single day, can attest this principle is true.
The question before us is: How May I Serve? For some it is organizing a community project. For others it is nurturing and mentoring a child. For one it is building a school. For another it is re-building a relationship. Some are called to meditation and prayer. Others are called to the mission field or the military. The Call is uniquely different for each individual, but one thing is certain: All have been Called.
As we renew our commitment to rebuild America and restore our world, let us remember that everything thing we do -- so long as we do it with a heart of compassion and an attitude of joy -- will be returned to us a hundred-fold in ways we can neither image or measure. There is no small act when the force behind it is Love.
However we choose to serve this day, may we do it with Gratitude.May we do it with Love.
Peace and Blessings,
Kimberly King, Co-President
Brent Bisson, Co-President
and The Peace Company Team
Following are links to projects and opportunities in your region or area of interest. We will be sharing more ideas and success stories in the weeks to come.
- Volunteer Match: North America's Largest Volunteer Matching Service with 60,000+ participating non-profits and community projects. Write to us at The Peace Company about listing YOUR project or organization. Find Your Volunteer Opportunity here..
- Renew America Together: Created by the new US Administration to help provide info on volunteer opportunities in your area and region. (Similar to Volunteer Match. Still growing in size and reach. Click here
- USA Freedom Corps: President Bush created USA Freedom Corps (USAFC) to build on the countless acts of service, sacrifice and generosity that followed September 11th. www.usafreedomcorps.gov
- Volunteers for Peace: non-profit membership organization working in over 100 countries. www.vfp.org
- Volunteer Africa: A listing of quality volunteer, work, and research programs available in various locations in Africa. http://www.isp.msu.edu/NCSA/volteer.htm
- Peace Corps: Established by President John F. Kennedy to assist underdeveloped countries in meeting their needs for trained manpower. (Long Term project commitments.) www.peacecorps.gov
- Sophia Action Circles: A growing Education and Action Network for projects and issues pertaining to Women and Girls worldwide. Currently seeking program leaders, members, and volunteers. (A Member of the Volunteer Match network). www.sophiacircles.org
- The Peace Company & Peace Leadership Institute: Currently seeking interns, Advisors, Teachers, and Collaborators Please email us if you are interested in exploring: info@thepeacecompany.com.
* * *
How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world. ~ Anne Frank
We must not, in trying to think about how we can make a big difference, ignore the small daily differences we can make which, over time, add up to big differences that we often cannot foresee. ~ Marian Wright Edelman
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