Introduction
Currently there are 2355 Peace & Justice Organizations identified
in this information system - these organizations represent 65 countries
/ cultures around the world.
This number is assumed to be a small fraction of the actual number of organizations and individuals involved in some form of Peacemaking. (The assumption is based on: 1) our limited effort to date in identifying organizations; 2) the information system is limited to the English language; 3) the information system was contructed using data readily available from North American and European sources only.)
Although the organizations listed in this information system represent a significant amount of human effort, today's Peace Industry could be considered as:
- ignored and misunderstood,
- feared by many with political, economic and military power,
- disjointed,
- divisive, and
- generally ineffective in developing effective alternatives to military struggle.
Because the Peace Industry has left a lot of room for improvement, there is tremendous potential for it to evolve and become a positive partner with the Military Industry, as well as business, health care, entertainment and government.
The vast majority of the organizations are involved in constructive activities - expending their energy to constructively manage conflict situations, but with little acknowledgement or recognition. Fortunately there are a number of Peace Awards that do acknowledge people and organizations who are trying to solve problems and manage conflict nonviolently. more...
This number is assumed to be a small fraction of the actual number of organizations and individuals involved in some form of Peacemaking. (The assumption is based on: 1) our limited effort to date in identifying organizations; 2) the information system is limited to the English language; 3) the information system was contructed using data readily available from North American and European sources only.)
Although the organizations listed in this information system represent a significant amount of human effort, today's Peace Industry could be considered as:
- ignored and misunderstood,
- feared by many with political, economic and military power,
- disjointed,
- divisive, and
- generally ineffective in developing effective alternatives to military struggle.
The abolition of war does not require anti-war, anti-military lobbies or demonstrations and protests, but the development of effective nonviolent alternatives to military struggle... Gene SharpUntil the Peace Industry develops detailed nonviolent intervention plans (i.e. as detailed as the Military currently develops to deal with a conflict situation), our decision makers will continue to select the plan that appears to be the most effective in dealing with their problem.
Because the Peace Industry has left a lot of room for improvement, there is tremendous potential for it to evolve and become a positive partner with the Military Industry, as well as business, health care, entertainment and government.
Peace Awards / Acknowledgements
There are number of acknowlegdgements / awards given to people and organizations working in the Peace Industry. As indicated by the "Role" of the peace organizations, approximately 10 % of the organizations listed are involved in Obstructive activities (demonstrations, protests, sit-iins, civil disobedience, etc.), but this group receives the most recognition by the media and public at large.The vast majority of the organizations are involved in constructive activities - expending their energy to constructively manage conflict situations, but with little acknowledgement or recognition. Fortunately there are a number of Peace Awards that do acknowledge people and organizations who are trying to solve problems and manage conflict nonviolently. more...
Fear
Fear is a natural motivator for most people. Unfortunately this instinct is often exploited by bullies - people who threaten to do harm, distort the truth, exagerate, lie, create improbable scenarios, ....Best Practices / Model Programs
Many if not most Peace & Justice organization use their own internally developed peacemaking practices and programs. However there has been an increasing emphasis on evidence based methodolgy. Best Practices and Model Programs are being identified based on observations that these practices are effective in reducing levels of violence, managing conflict, and peacemaking. more...Effectiveness / Quality Assurance
The Peace Industry must evolve
and establish meaningful standards of effectiveness and quality
assurance. If you don't measure it you can't expect
to make it better. EFFECTIVE alternatives to military struggle
are desparately needed. more...
Teamwork / Collaboration / Networking
Managing complex conflict situations requires
a Team of specialists. Just as in other sectors of
our society, an intervention program requires a range of specialized
skills. This information system provides some information
about various Peace & Justice organizations that defines there
area of expertise. more (TBD)...
System Integration
Complex conflict scenarios require a "systems" approach. The various organizations / people involved must communicate effectively to be successfully collaborate. Concepts used in "system integration" can be applied to assured that the Team is working together effectively. more (TBD)...Conflict Mapping
Conflict Mapping is a term used to describe the development of an intervention program. It includes conflict analysis, as well as intervention planning. more...
Thoughts - Noted Peacemakers
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