The Peace Practice Alliance (PPA) believes in a holistic and integrated approach to peace practice, starting with the individual and radiating outward to impact one's relationships, communities, and the world at large. This month, the focus on personal peace practice has been a deep dive into this principle, guiding participants through introspection and the cultivation of inner peace as a foundation for broader societal change.
Read MoreMellissa has seen the darkest of humanity, looking it squarely in the eye, not hiding from the truth, and through it lifting others up in the process. We are honored she could be with us today for our Global Connections Calls that honors Women’s History Month.
Read MoreOn the 14th and 15th of February, Euphrates hosted an online practicing peace together workshop attended by fifty-eight (58) peace-loving people across the world. The 2-day workshop was centered around what it means to practice peace and the integration of practice in our personal, interpersonal, and community relations.
Read MoreMy prayers went to our community members around the world who are experiencing darkness in different forms. Many in Ukraine, Afghanistan, Gaza, Sudan are in dire situations, and darkness seems to blanket so many regions right now. How does one hold onto hope when you don’t know when the light will come, you can’t provide warmth or food for your child, or you can not be with loved ones?
Read MoreOn our final Global Connections call of 2023, Euphrates invited all of our past Visionaries of the Year to join us to share their updates and renewed vision for the world. Founder Janessa Gans Wilder facilitated an incredible conversation with Sami Awad, TH Culhane, Ronny Edry, Nousha Kabawat, Ahmad Shah Karimi, James Offuh, and Libby Traubman.
Read MoreJanessa Gans Wilder is the founder of Euphrates Institute. In response to the escalation of war in Israel and Gaza, Janessa is sharing her voice, her reflections and response.
Read MoreDaniel Epstein has been long involved in community service focused on reconciliation and dialogue across racial, religious, and ethnic communities. His work is propelled by his primary passions - helping others heal, bringing people of different faiths and cultures together, global travel, and photography. During his tenure at Procter & Gamble that he conducted most of the Portraits In Faith interviews.
Read MoreCompassion is the foundation of Sister Marilyn Lacey’s work. In a world witnessing great loneliness, overwhelmed by despair, suffering, divisiveness, and violence, Marilyn has felt the call to become engaged in spreading healing and hope. “I’ve always tried to live with compassion, believing we are all connected.”
Read MoreJenny Canau and Zelda Ann Hintsa, joined our July Global Connections call to share their personal stories and provide us with a window into the healing work they are doing in their communities in South Africa. Jenny and Zelda are currently working to establish Peace and Healing Circles, an organization that focuses on the support of women (and eventually men) in their region in finding healing in various forms of self-care and personal and interpersonal peace practices
Read MoreEstablished in 2021, Culturing Peace grew from peacebuilder (and Peace Practice Alliance graduate) Rebecca Hoskyn’s inspiration to connect youth to peace leaders from around the world. Her vision was to facilitate regular discussions about relevant topics like racism, human rights, nonviolent communication, and both personal and global peace practices that would empower the next generation.
Read MoreJames Okina is a social entrepreneur. He founded Street Priests Incorporated, a youth-led movement that aims to transform the lives of street children. After experiencing life on the streets as a child himself a complete turnaround inspired James to dedicate himself to helping young people in similar situations. James joined us this month to share his story and wisdom.
Read MoreWe all have an Everest to climb. Our days, seasons, years bring us new challenges and opportunities - new Everests! These spaces are ripe for discovery as we explore new ways to practice peace amidst the challenges. Dr. Sara Safari is an author, speaker, mountain climber, college professor, electrical engineer, and advocate for women’s empowerment. She is the founder and president of a nonprofit called Climb Your Everest that focuses on empowering marginalized young women through educational programs. Sara is the first Iranian in history to climb the Seven Summits, the seven highest peaks in each continent.
Read Morehe month of April is marked in the United States as National Poetry Month. Creative arts has been a part of human expression for millenia. While poetry may simply be viewed as a form of creative writing or even entertainment, it can also play an important role in peacebuilding efforts. Poetry has the power to bring people of different cultural, religious or even political backgrounds together, to share stories and experiences that transcend cultural and linguistic barriers. Poetry can also be an opportunity for marginalized voices to be heard and for difficult issues to be addressed in a creative and non-violent manner.
Read MoreThe Peace Practice Alliance holds space for individuals to deeply connect, learn, and reflect with fellow visionary leaders around the world to further their peace leadership practices. In this program, there are six modules that explore the practice of peace. This year’s cohort has moved through personal and interpersonal practices and are now into the community practice learning space. One of our participants, Salome, shared a deeply moving reflection on how we can collectively embody the practice of peace.
Read MoreConflicts and violence are prevalent in many regions of the world with devastating impacts on women and girls. Women often bear the brunt of the suffering caused by conflict and must be included in peacebuilding efforts to ensure that their voices and needs are heard and addressed. Without the active participation of women, peace agreements and post-conflict reconstruction efforts are less likely to be successful and sustainable.
Read MoreTahil Sharma is the Regional Coordinator for North America at the United Religions Initiative (URI), the world's largest interfaith network of grassroots communities, dedicated to establishing cultures of peace, justice, and healing in the world. Tahil's Hindu and Sikh background inspires his work for education, pluralism, and justice, working in local, regional, and international spaces for over a decade.
Read MorePracticing an interconnected, holistic approach to transforming conflict, Muna Luqman sees possibility, emergence, and generative solutions for communities where others see despair. The ability to see the possibilities and her efforts to achieve them is what makes Muna Luqman our 2022 Visionary of the Year.
Read MoreOur October Community Call was a sacred space of reflection and insight. We were all moved by the stories and wisdom offered by our guests Ahmad Karimi, Ahmad Samizada, Ehsan Attiq, Hanifa, Zahra Reza, members of the Afghanistan Youth Empowerment and Peace-Building Organization currently living as refugees in Germany.
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