What gives you authentic hope for the future?
Eugene and Corvallis members gathered together for a holiday pot luck dinner. Here are paraphrases of their answers. There is no order to their comments, only going around the circle:
I have changed. I now see the connectedness that underlies everything around the world. We all have the same needs.
Change has been happening in the business community—classes in conflict resolution, more collaboration and less competition.
As I meet people and get to know them, there is more good than bad.
After standing on a street corner for 14 years waving a peace flag, comments are more positive.
We filled a theater to watch the film The Power of Forgiveness and shared the mutual respect and forgiveness advocated for in the film.
There are fewer hungry people in the world now.
When I see people take collective action, taking to the streets, feeling one another’s energy, I am energized.
I see people around me showing greater, deeper understanding of what is happening.
I am inspired by David Hartsough’s visit and book describing nonviolent action, Waging Peace, and seeing youth working, nonviolently, to make change.
I find hope over and over again hearing young children speak truth, making heartfelt observation.
I am part of Church Women United and am inspired by seeing all those women, from all different denominations, each working on individual activities for good.
The members of our Nonviolent Communication practice group are constantly growing in our ability to observe without evaluating or judging.
In our book group, I love reading the books about the people who walk the walk.
People are coming together working toward what we love with great positive attitudes.
I see peace, justice and sustainability groups working together instead of separately.
More and more people recognize that war is not inevitable.
The Chinese student living with us this year talks about what is good in the American culture and reflects on his own, increasing cultural understanding for all.
In the classroom, children already know about peace making.
My 23 and 25 year old daughters inspire me with their respect for the importance of individual autonomy and willingness to march in the streets.
Teaching the principles of respecting others to primary school students, and the efforts to make sure everyone in the community has food shown by our Food for Lane County group.
Recovering from a life of personal violence and seeing lots of others doing the same.
I’m working with our Sister Cities and seeing many selfless volunteers.
My son inspires me. Everywhere he looks he sees opportunities for making positive change.