Expert Advice
Page 2
Peace-Culture Consciousness
Page 3
Role of Trainers
Page 4
The Actors
Page 5
Education and Information Campaigns
Pages 6
The Difficulties
Page 7
PEACE-CULTURE CONSCIOUSNESS
Peace culture is not something outside and external to people, but rather something that has been internalized into a person's value system, knowledge and practical aptitudes according to MacGregor. The interiorization of the spirit of peace may be compared to the process of religious faith, according to~ who says that it must be a way of life and not just a matter of external appearances.
Peace culture, as described by Reardon, can only develop in the working relationships among people. These relationships must be structured on the basis of mutuality, complementarity, and respect for multiple ways of knowing, thinking and deriving truths. Change and conflict must be accepted and conducted constructively. Power must be exercised in terms of the capacity to achieve common goals not by coercion and imposition.
The development of peace culture consciousness in task- oriented cross-conflict participation is a long-term process; involving a series of steps:
1. Direct relationship with the other in a setting of equality and in a climate conducive to peace.
2. Recognition of both common values and differences among all team members.
3. Development of a vision among team members of their potential to gain mutual benefits through cooperation.
4. Cooperative action and achievement of success in the task.
5. Development of skills of cooperation and teamwork.
6. Integration of preceding perspectives and skills into all social relations, including family, work, and political participation.
7. Development of a global perspective of peace culture and participation in its global extension.
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