Alliterations for Peace

I have always enjoyed alliterations. Artistically speaking, a sentence or phrase which contains a repeated consonant sound has a poetic or even musical quality to its message. On the practical side, alliterations offer a clever way to call attention to, and more readily remember, a particular piece of information.

In my research for effective ways to promote a dialogue of peace in and among our own communities, I have come across some wonderful ideas, organizations and events which I have dubbed “Alliterations for Peace". The existing efforts inspired me to do a bit of brainstorming of my own ... and the product of my research, coupled with a few ideas garnered from my brainstorming, produced this list below.

Parents for Peace
Peace through Pie
Pennies for Peace
Peace of Pizza
Picnics for Peace
Planning for Peace
Planting for Peace
Postcards for Peace
Potlucks for Peace

In our Mothers Institute Anti-War, Pro-Peace Moms group, we're discussing how these Alliterations for Peace can help unite those already working for peace with others who are newer to the movement as well as introducing basic concepts and efforts to those not yet unfamiliar with peace-promoting endeavors  -- hopefully with great results. There is something very doable and pleasant about these types of community efforts and events (i.e. pie socials, pizza parties, postcard writing campaigns, community potlucks, etc..) as they provide opportunities for discussing/promoting peace in a very peaceful manner.

And of course there's nothing wrong with having plenty of anti-war, pro-peace literature sitting right next to the pies and pizzas.   :-)      ~ Jan

The Four E's: Enlightenment, Education, Empowerment, Entrepreneurship

My online research often takes me to interesting websites chock-full of valuable information on a variety of subjects -- and of course good information can, more often that not, be applied to many areas of one's life.  For example, I was reading about self-reliant living when I came across a list I've personally dubbed "The Four E's". 

The list was presented on the Self-Reliance Works website in response to answers they'd received from a questionnaire they had put together for their readers. The questionnaire summarily asked: "What is the hardest thing for you in regards to putting together and implementing a preparedness plan". 

The gist of the combined answers was interesting (and in many ways pertinent to what we anti-war, pro-peace advocates might experience in some circles) -- people's biggest frustration was the lack of support, and downright “you’re crazy” attitude of their immediate and extended families. 

The author of the list contemplated how best to address such a universal concern as “What can I do to convince others…?” and came up with what I now call The 'Four E's".  I think it's worth a look for anyone involved in any kind of activism or movement when working to educate, persuade, and bring a unique perspective on a particular subject to the table.   
                                 
Jan

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The Four E's

1. Enlightenment: The prominent meaning of enlightenment is awareness, understanding. To me this suggests that we should be continuously aware of what is going on in the world, prepare as we see fit, and yet, be understanding of those who don’t agree with us.
2. Education: Synonyms – Learning, improvement, guidance, preparation. This applies to everyone at all times — continuous learning and preparation. Seeking guidance and self-improvement. Ultimately we are responsible only for our own education in life.
3. Empowerment: Synonyms – consent, permission, acceptance, acknowledgment. Definition – to give power or authority to. This works two ways. Give power to others to act as they choose, but most importantly, give yourself permission to make your own decisions, with or without the support of others. Accept that they may never “get on board” with your preparedness plans, but choose to prepare for yourself and family regardless.
4. Entrepreneurship: Definition - person who organizes and manages any enterprise usually with considerable initiative and risk. These synonyms are appropriate: organizer, producer, promoter. And if YOU are the organizer, the manager, promoter and producer, so be it. YOU will be prepared. YOU will sleep at night without worry. ~ by Joan Crain

List source: http://www.self-reliance-works.com/2011/05/self-reliance-with-or-without-support/#more-20114