Citation

Hertling V. Peace Change 2007; 32(1): 78-88.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, Peace History Society; Peace and Justice Studies Association, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/j.1468-0130.2007.00410.x

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Taking the United Nations Agenda for Peace and Justice in the 21st Century as a vantage point, this article deals with the attempt to create “peace consciousness” among college students. With the creation of “peace projects,” students face the challenge of translating some of the rather abstract concepts of the Agenda into concrete outcomes and grassroots-level community actions. The “peace projects” should reflect the spirit of the Agenda and at the same time address the importance of working toward consensus and understanding; of avoiding conflicts or resolving conflicts without violence; and of providing an opportunity to make the voices of people heard regarding the issues that affect them. By giving voice to their own concerns against the backdrop of the language of the Agenda, students understand and internalize the intent of the document, and as a result of this creative process, they feel empowered and optimistic.