During the holiday season, peace is in the air. We hear music, whether in the elevator, the shopping mall or at our local Starbucks, that emphasizes peace. We see commercials or movies of people making up after estrangements, singing together, reconnecting. For the religiously-inclined among us, we hear stories of peace, miracles, children, the earth's bounty, or the sun coming back after its long hiatus.
Yet, what, if anything are we each doing to bring about peace?
Yes, yes, I know, these problems are huge. The Iraq war, the Darfur Genocide and other global conflicts are not going to go away just because I want them too. (If only!). I also know that it's entirely possible to completely burn yourself out chasing the elusive peaceful dove. Ask anyone who knew me what I looked like after we went to war in Iraq - it wasn't a pretty sight. I believe "corpse-like" was among the adjectives used. I couldn't believe that someone would oppose the wishes and wills of 10 million people (all of whom, I still believe, were absolutely right).
However, why not do SOMETHING? Pick one, or two (or more!) things to do to help bring about social justice and peace. And what better time to do this than right before New Year's Eve? In fact, I'm going to create my own personal "Peace Pledge" - a few things I can make part of my daily life to help create peace in the world. These aren't stellar or exciting or dramatic. You won't see me on the Evening News and I won't get a book deal about it. But I'm going to do it anyway - and I'd love to have company, if anyone else is so inclined.
Here are a few things I've considered:
- Make a monthly donation to Heifer.Org, Mercy Corps or another organization who supports economic empowerment in the developing nations.
- Make a hunger donation every time I buy food for myself - even if it's just $1.00.
- Go through my closets and bookshelves four times this year and donate whatever I am not using to Goodwill or another such organization.
- Commit to reducing my gas usage by 20%, either by walking, biking, carpooling, taking public transportation or just staying home.
- Support political candidates who have world views that are likely to promote peace and justice.
- Tip generously.
- Cut down on my consumption and buy locally.
- Write letters to the editor, arguing against positions that are likely to create or intensify wars.
- Refrain from putting down or mocking people that I disagree with politically (this one might be a stretch).
Once I decide which of these I can actually do, I'm going to type them out, print them, and post them on my mirror, refrigerator and hang them in my cube at work.
Anyone want to join me?