ROTARY AND PEACE
ROTARY WORKSHOP –
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2005
IN HAMILTON, ONTARIO
WORKSHOP PURPOSE:

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To help Rotarians help Rotary achieve
its Peace Mission.
To identify and fill vital gaps holding
back Rotary Peace achievements.
ROTARY’S 4TH OBJECT:

TO ADVANCE PEACE AND
WORLD UNDERSTANDING
ROTARY’S MISSION

"Rotary is a worldwide organization of
business and professional leaders that:
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provides humanitarian service,
encourages high ethical standards in all
vocations, and
helps build goodwill and peace in the
world."
ref http://www.rotary.org/aboutrotary/index.html
What Rotary Guidelines Are
There To Follow?
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The most definitive Rotary International
publication on 'How to build goodwill and peace
in the world' is the book "Seven Paths to Peace".
You can access an online copy (at
http://www.peace.ca/rotaryssevenpathstopeace.htm in html;
http://www.peace.ca/RotarySevenPathsToPeace.doc for copy in
Microsoft Word).
See Laminated Chart, also available online at
http://www.peace.ca/RotaryPathsToPeaceChart.doc
QUOTE FROM RI PUBLICATION
‘THE SEVEN PATHS TO PEACE’:

“… Rotarians believe that if there is failure in the
avenue of international service, there may be no
need for concern about the other avenues of
service. … and this book (“Seven Paths To
Peace”) is presented in the hope and belief that
there are thousands (now millions) of hands
which up to now have not been lifted – but
which now may be persuaded to row a new and
firm course.”
‘THE SEVEN PATHS TO PEACE’
(cont.):


“Each person is expected to make his or her
individual contribution to the achievement
of peace, good will and international
understanding”
“there follows an analysis of the directions
in which each individual will exert his or her
leadership”
Drafting a protocol to guide
our conversations:
Rotary’s Four Way Test -
"Of the things we think, say or do:
1.
Is it the TRUTH?
2.
Is it FAIR to all concerned?
3.
Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER
FRIENDSHIPS?
4.
Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?"
Drafting a protocol to guide
our conversations (cont.):
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Safety
Consequences
Acceptance
Mutual purpose
Patience
Difference
Empowerment
Action
Responsibility
www.peace.ca/CCOPPprotocol.htm
Rotary – International
Program Options

Interact and Rotaract
Rotary Community Corps
Rotary Fellowships
Rotary Friendship Exchange
Rotary Volunteers
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards
World Community Service (humanitarian)
Youth Exchange
Rotary World Peace Scholars

http://www.rotary.org/training/elearning/programs_files/frame.htm
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Social Intelligence
& Fellowship
Peace Education
& Action
Rotary Peace Programs
United Nations
Culture of Peace
Program
Rotary Club of Okotoks –
Peace Initiatives:
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Bob Stewart/Okotoks peace initiatives:
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10 Years of Research re: Rotary and Peace
Web site and conferencing
Peace education programming
RI’s Seven Paths to Peace dissemination
Rotary Peace Parks
Peace Rotarians Action Group
Rotary University Chairs in Peace Studies
Rotary Peace Plus Program
www.peace.ca/rotary.htm
We have created a Peace Committee.
THE CONTEXT, based on 10
years of research:


Currently, Rotary is under-achieving its
potential to build peace. Rotary would
achieve more by taking more direct
action, promoting peace education.
The bottom line = there is a lot of
opportunity for improvement + there
is a lot of opportunity for us to
make a difference.
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS:

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A major reason for the lack of peace resources,
generally – there has been a lack of
understanding, motivation and action.
To those who proclaim an interest in peace, the
challenge is, “Show me the money.” It is
not there in any significant way.
I had difficulty getting the information that I
needed to do something to contribute to peace.
(eg. no Rotary peace library or resource people)
Rotary Club Peace Committee
Goals:
1.
2.
3.
4.
To help Rotary achieve its Peace Mission;
Ultimately, to help build a better world, a
world with a Culture of Peace;
To help our Rotary Club rise to a higher
level by ‘Acting Locally and Thinking
Globally’;
The promotion of peace education as the
suggested primary ‘path to peace’.
Rotary Club Peace Committee
Proposed Action:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Obtain initial Club direction and support;
Create a Peace Committee;
Conduct a workshop for our Rotarians that are interested
to learn more and have a dialogue about our vision and
plans (i.e. exploring the project) (consisting of this
presentation +
www.peace.ca/EVOLVING%20CANADIAN%20CULTURE%2
0OF%20PEACE%20PROGRAM%202005.ppt );
Engage other Rotary Clubs to see if there can be a coming
together;
Regular reporting to the Club(s), and
evaluation/refinement.
“In the name of God we will not take up arms against each other. We will
work for peace: maintain liberty: strive for freedom: and demand equal
opportunities for all mankind. May the long existing peace between our
two nations stimulate other people to follow this example.” Hands Across
The Border Ceremony, Waterton-Glacier Rotary Int’l. Peace Park Assoc.
The Rotary Peace Committee:

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is comprised of a volunteer working
group of Rotarian peacebuilders.
Anyone interested in helping to advance
Peace Education is welcome to join.
We use an email listserver as our tool
for communication, networking,
dialogue and information dissemination.
“Peace Committees Are A Tangible Way To
Promote Peace And World Understanding”

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Our purpose is to “build harmonious relations,
while providing a model for peace for Clubs,
Districts and nations around the world”.
Our long term vision is to provide support and
disseminate information, to support Rotarians
and social development in our communities and
around the world, with the objective of
promoting peace and cooperation.
Our ultimate goal is to significantly reduce
the human cost of violence, through:
1.
2.
3.
4.
increasing peace awareness and knowledge of
alternatives to violence;
increasing donations of money and
volunteerism for peace education;
increasing information resources for peace
education (eg. Books, articles, videos, etc.);
increasing social educational programming (eg.
Government initiatives, corporate initiatives,
school initiatives, etc.)
TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE:
WE MUST ACT NOW TO BUILD A
BETTER FUTURE FOR OUR
CHILDREN AND FUTURE
GENERATIONS
LEADERSHIP IS ALSO
ESSENTIAL:
Rotary could have a key
leadership role in promoting
peace and world understanding
through Peace Education in our
communities and around the
world.
“Selling the Rotary Peace idea”
– background:
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the world’s first International Peace Service Club/
Organization
Assemblies are celebrations of Fellowship, Friendship,
Goodwill and Peace which has existed between our
countries for 100 years.
a way to build harmonious relations, while providing a
model for peace for Clubs, Districts and nations around the
world.
a powerful symbol for mankind’s capacity for friendship
peace is one of the cornerstones of the future. Peace
Committees are a building block in this process, not only
in our region, but potentially in the entire world
The search for International Peace must be our foremost
goal. We can and we must make a difference.
Objectives of the Rotary Peace Initiative
could include among other things:
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To catalyze, facilitate and collaborate
To empower, through capacity building and filling
gaps
To develop, adopt, test and disseminate Best
Practice Guidelines and encourage high ethical
standards
To facilitate the exchange of data and information
Promote recognition and application of the Rotary
Peace concept
Develop a program of work for the next three to
five years.
WHAT MIGHT THIS MEAN
FOR ROTARY?
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Rotary, like other institutions, are going
through significant change = transformation
management to achieve Rotary’s full potential
Clarify Rotary Mission - “live on purpose”,
“walk the talk” (particularly re Peace)
Address systemic problems
As a truly international organization, Rotary
will have to develop its Social Intelligence
WHAT MIGHT THIS MEAN
FOR ROTARY? (cont.)
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work smarter not harder (use our ‘business’ smarts to start achieving
our potential)
expose current paradigms (their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities,
and threats)
cross pollinate new ideas and collaborations
develop new tools and language
craft a new narrative
infiltrate all institutions, everywhere
find opportunities for change
support communities of fans
recapture the spirit of the citizens and amateurs who are good
citizens rooted in amoré: love and passion.
Lever our power of information and social capital for the common
good – be entrepreneurial; developing sustainable action
Champion peace and all its elements
WHAT MIGHT THIS MEAN FOR
INDIVIDUAL ROTARIANS?
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We good people can help develop
leadership, motivation and education:
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Our own personal leadership – we can do
better
Leaders close to us (in our organizations)
Political and “establishment” leaders
Alternative leaders (eg. Good citizenship civil
society organizations)
Future leaders – our youth
Our personal mission, if we decide to
accept it, is to join in helping others:
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build their Peace and Rotary information
and knowledge,
build social intelligence and contacts
(networks; collaborations),
build purposeful action,
accelerate the transformation to a
Culture of Peace and Non-violence.
What do we want and need?
A read of the background material indicates our collective
Rotary desire to:
 Build on past effort and a powerful symbol of friendship
 Move to a higher plateau to make a more significant
difference
 To build co-operation and relationships
 At home and abroad
 In service to humanity, our planet and Rotary’s Fourth
Object.
In this light, we can:
 Develop an understanding and action plan to advance
community and international co-operation and relationships
 Using a Culture of Dialogue (eg. Conferencing, interaction).
The path:
1.
2.
3.
through information knowledge
(education),
through social intelligence, contacts
and networks,
through purposeful and shared action
Is peace possible?

For 100 years, Rotary has been optimistic that we can
make a significant, positive difference in “The
advancement of international understanding,
goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of
business and professional persons united in the
ideal of service.”
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There is a high degree of correlation of education, social
intelligence skills and shared action with improving
relationships, co-operation and violence prevention.
As R.I. President Herb Brown said at the Rotary
International Conference in Calgary in June 1996, “Peace is
possible, it is the most worthwhile cause and investment of
our time, effort and money, and we should do something
about it.”
What can we do?
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We are all guides towards a better
world for future generations.
Gather to seek inspiration and clear
thought on peace problems and issues.
Develop an understanding and action
plan to advance community and
international co-operation and
relationships.
Peace Education Target Tasks:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Peace Education
material on the
Internet for self-study
(fastest)
Distance Learning
Programs on Internet
Provide educational
material (eg. Books,
videos, etc.)
Rotary University
Chairs in Peace
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Carl Rogers, "The only
learning which
significantly influences
behavior is selfdirected, selfappropriated learning.“
Give teachers the tools
and they will get it in
the classroom.
Make peace information
available everywhere.
FOR EXAMPLE:

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A list of the type of peace education
programs that Rotary could support is
available at
www.peace.ca/rotarypeaceeducation.htm
A sample proposal for a Rotary University
Chair in Peace is available at
www.peace.ca/rotaryuniversitychair.htm
A VISION OF
BUILDING A BETTER WORLD
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In the process, we will learn by doing: That is the
essence of peace education, servant leadership
and service above self.
A conceptual map, broadly defined, presents the
relationships among a set of connected concepts
and ideas. It is a tangible way to display how your
mind "sees" a particular topic. By constructing a
concept map, you reflect on what you know and
what you don't know. The following map is
explained in more detail in a subsequent
presentation at
www.peace.ca/BUILDING%20A%20BETTER%20WORLD.ppt
“BE THE CHANGE YOU WISH
TO SEE IN OTHERS” Gandhi
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Note 1 - Peace Practitioners are “thwarted”
when they do not act on their values (eg. By
being perceived to act violently, damaging
relationships, ambiguity, etc.).
The burden is on Peace Practitioners (in this
case Rotarians) to dispel confusion and
communicate clearly.
We do this through our behaviour. We are
more successful when we ‘walk the talk’, ‘be
peace’ = Peace starts with me.
Our motivation:
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a desire to become better people – to become what we are capable of
becoming (“we can do better”)
to build personal peace, family peace, community peace, regional
peace and world peace
a conscience that no longer allows us to sit idly by while others suffer
needlessly
wanting to do something:
 to not be a victim of direct or indirect violence for ourselves, our
family, our community, our country,
 building our own social intelligence and contacts (networks),
 to live on purpose (as in ‘meaning of life’; “I can do better”)
 exercising our own power (self-empowerment; self-reflection)
 desire to be part of something bigger than just oneself, and
succeed in the process
‘Branding’ the Rotary Peace Initiative:
A Highly Strategic Initiative
SOCIAL INTELLIGENCE:
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These two words succinctly and clearly capture the essence of the
purpose of peace education and the Culture of Peace Program
Social Intelligence by its nature works to change behaviours, forge
values and incite institutional transformations from the current culture of
war and violence to a Culture of Peace and Non-violence.
Social Intelligence Development is readily understandable, acceptable
and supportable by most Rotarians and Canadians.
the key word in this context is 'develop'. “Development implies effort
and time.” Seven Paths to Peace

http://www.cultureofpeace.ca/CCOPPmarketingstrategy.htm
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Book: www.peace.ca/socialintelligence.htm - must reading
PARETO’S LAW:
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The 80:20 Rule – 80% of the output (results
or ends) is achieved by 20% of the input
(means). Key to success of the high
achievers.
As it applies to the Image of a Highly
Desirable Future State, peace practitioners
(Rotarians) can significantly improve their
success by increasing their leadership,
educator, social and psychological skills,
attitudes and behaviours
DIVISIVENESS FEARS:
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Rotarians are rightly concerned that
discussions and activities related to
peace may be perceived divisive, risking
loss of community support and
members.
We address this by dispelling confusion
and communicating clearly, through our
behaviour.
POLITICS AND RELIGION:
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In terms of politics and religion, Rotary
International specifically remains neutral. For the
specific statement on Rotary and politics, refer to
page 19 of the Manual of Procedure. [BS: ref.
www.rotary.org/newsroom/downloadcenter/pdfs/035en_full.
pdf ];

the specific excerpt: "Rotary and Politics - RI and its
member clubs must refrain from issuing partisan
political statements. Rotarians are prohibited from
adopting statements with a view to exerting any
corporate pressure on governments or political
authorities.” …
POLITICS AND RELIGION
(cont.):
“However, it is the duty of Rotarians:
1. in their clubs, to keep under review political developments in their own
communities and throughout the world insofar as they affect service to
their vocations and communities as well as the pursuit of the Rotary
objective of world understanding and peace. They are expected to seek
reliable information through balanced programs and discussions so that
members can reach their own conclusions after the fair collective
examination of the issues;
2. outside their clubs, to be active as individuals in as many legally
constituted groups and organizations as possible to promote, not only in
words but through exemplary dedication, the awareness of the dignity of
all people and the respect of the consequent human rights of the
individual. (89-134; RCP 2.120.)"
[BS: further, it seems the MOP is silent on religion (unless someone
knows otherwise).]
POLITICS AND RELIGION
(cont.):
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“to help advance peace in the world”, Rotarians have to talk
about politics and religion and its influence on Peace.
It makes sense that Rotarians (and any peacebuilders)
should be sensitive as to how this dialogue takes place. We
should not be trying to force our "truths" on others, we
should be respectful of others' beliefs, and we should not
allow our dialogue to deteriorate into violence (among other
things). We can do all of this (it does take discipline).
The "taboo" is a barrier thrown up by people who do not
understand and/or do not wish to seriously talk about what
is required to achieve Rotary's mission. We can not let that
stand in the way of building a Culture of Peace and
Nonviolence for the Children of the World. “The 1st trick of a
self leader is to Challenge Assumed Constraints … discover
the magic of no excuses.” Ken Blanchard
How RI’s ‘Seven Paths to
Peace’ responds:
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“the controversial nature of many problems -- especially
international problems -- presents difficulties and dangers,
but is it not one of the goals of the peacebuilder to replace
political passion with a desire for understanding? We
cannot escape controversial issues. How we face them is
one measure of our mettle.”
“there must be an atmosphere -- friendly, familiar fellowship
-- which bears us under strong difference of opinion”
“divergence of view is the very pith of peacebuilding ...
because in peacebuilding we disagree without being
disagreeable, many differences are resolved”
“freedom is action for -- not against; it is positive, vibrant,
meaningful ... without fear”
“the danger to freedom comes from lethargy and conformity
... “the deadly commonplace that fetters us all””
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We have an opportunity to expand Rotary
Peace Programs, their potential and beneficial
nature.
Embracing Peace in the context of Social
Intelligence Development (and as our Rotary
Peace brand) will help us be mindful to walk
the talk, and gain recruits, resources and
results in the process.
‘Seven Paths to Peace’:

“a patient gardener, conscious of his or her
limitations, can produce results. So it is with
peacebuilding. The crop we envisage is world
peace and stability. The seed to be sown -fellowship and friendship, understanding,
good will, and good faith. The soil -- the
minds and thinking process of individuals
throughout the world; and first in importance
comes the preparation of the soil.”
‘Seven Paths to Peace’ (cont.):
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“In short, the Rotary club can exercise its function as an
agency of public enlightenment.”
“The Rotarian must ask himself what personal sacrifices are
required of him and his fellow men if mankind is to survive
and move to higher levels.”
“the central problem remains the same. We are still trying
to devise ways and means of capturing the imagination of
the individual Rotarian … we still have to persuade the
individual that his effort, however small, will and does affect
the total.”
“The board urges all Rotary clubs and Rotarians to intensify
their efforts to encourage and foster the advancement of
understanding and good will among the peoples of the
world”
PAUL HARRIS:

"In the promotion of international understanding and good will,” wrote
Paul Harris, “one must remember that it is important to reach large
numbers, non-Rotarians as well as Rotarians, and one cannot reach
large numbers privately.”
Seven Paths to Peace:
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“Rotarians, accordingly, are challenged to open a window to the world
for the people of their communities. Here, indeed, is an answer to
those who question the practical effects of international service.
International understanding will not be created in the stratosphere of
world politics – but in the minds of neighbors, among business
associates, and through local media of communication and education.
Public opinion is the sum of individual opinions, and public opinion is
the mightiest force on earth.”
“the greatest challenge, of course, is to those Rotary clubs in the
neighborhood of universities”
“… lead a spirited discussion”
A CONCEPTUAL MAP
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What is a Conceptual Map? This is a question I'm
going to answer in more detail with specific peace
examples – to add to our big picture perspective.
A conceptual map, broadly defined, presents the
relationships among a set of connected concepts and
ideas. It is a tangible way to display how your
mind "sees" a particular topic. By constructing a
concept map, you reflect on what you know and
what you don't know.
“BE THE CHANGE YOU WISH TO
SEE IN OTHERS” Gandhi



Note 1 – Peace Practitioners are “thwarted”
when they do not act on their values (eg. By
being perceived to act violently, damaging
relationships, etc.).
The burden is on Peace Practitioners to dispel
confusion and communicate clearly.
We do this through our behaviour. We are
more successful when we ‘walk the talk’, ‘be
peace’ = Peace starts with me.
THE LEADERSHIP CRISIS:
DANGER AND OPPORTUNITY
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Note 2 – We need a new leadership ideal:
 Corrupt, unjust, exploitative, lying, violent,
cowardly leaders are to be shunned;
 Replaced by honest, just, truthful, transparent,
non-violent, brave, competent, committed, servant
leaders = truly ‘public servants’ with a social
purpose.
 No more hypocrisy = ‘walk the talk’
Our responsibility for shared leadership.
THE ‘AHA’ MOMENT:

EDUCATION = EMPOWERMENT

LEADERSHIP = EMPOWERMENT
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EDUCATION = LEADERSHIP
This is why it is so important to study
leadership and peace psychology.
Social Intelligence
Peace Education
Canadian Culture
of Peace Program
United Nations
Culture of Peace
Program
SOCIAL INTELLIGENCE:



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These two words succinctly and clearly
capture the essence of the purpose of peace
education and the Culture of Peace Program
Social Intelligence by its nature works to
change behaviours, forge values and incite
institutional transformations from the current
culture of war and violence to a Culture of
Peace and Non-violence.
Social Intelligence is readily understandable,
acceptable and supportable by most
Canadians.
http://www.cultureofpeace.ca/CCOPPmarketingstrategy.htm
IMAGE: PICTURE OF A
HIGHLY DESIRABLE FUTURE
CULTURE OF WAR AND VIOLENCE
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Belief in power that is based
on force
Having an enemy
CULTURE OF PEACE AND NON-VIOLENCE
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Authoritarian governance
Secrecy and propaganda
Armament
Exploitation of people
Exploitation of nature
Male domination
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Education for a culture of
peace
Tolerance, solidarity and
international understanding
Democratic participation
Free flow of information
Disarmament
Human rights
Sustainable development
Equality of women and men
IMAGE: PICTURE OF A HIGHLY
DESIRABLE FUTURE (cont.)
CULTURE OF WAR AND VIOLENCE CULTURE OF PEACE AND NON-VIOLENCE
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Dysfunctional
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Unjust
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Illogical, irresponsible 
Cognitive dissonance 
No integration
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Unethical
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Inequity
Uncompassionate/mean
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Disrespect

Functional
Just
Logical, responsible
Inner congruence
Integration of self with
others
Ethical
Equity
Compassionate
Respect
IMAGE: PICTURE OF A HIGHLY
DESIRABLE FUTURE (cont.)
CULTURE OF WAR AND VIOLENCE CULTURE OF PEACE AND NON-VIOLENCE
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Harm
Selfish, individualistic
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Greedy
Untrustworthy/paranoid 
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Culture of Fear
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Culture of silence
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W.M.D. and WAR

Etc.

Etc.
Good
Empathy, cooperative &
service to others
Generous
Trust
Safety and security
Culture of dialogue
No W.M.D. and NO WAR
Etc.
Etc.
IMAGE: PICTURE OF A HIGHLY
DESIRABLE FUTURE (cont.)
CULTURE OF WAR AND VIOLENCE
CULTURE OF PEACE AND NON-VIOLENCE
SOURCE OF GROWTH
(Social Development):

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"Leaders only change because they
either see the light or feel the heat."
Martin Luther King Jr.
Emphasize the positive, asset building –
not the negative, criticism, divisive
(needs based)
Balance personal growth, growth in
others, organizational growth, worldly
growth (“Put your mask on first before
helping others.”)
Dialogue:

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Set the context: in our case, “How we can
help Rotary achieve its Peace Mission”,
Create hospitable space,
Explore questions that matter (following),
Search for common ground,
Connect diverse perspectives,
Listen together for insights & understanding,
Share creative discoveries & suggestions,
Actions (plan, implement, evaluate, adjust)
Possible Discussion Groups:
Seven Paths to Peace and helping Rotary
achieve its peace goals
2.
Significantly reducing the human costs of
direct and indirect violence
3.
Writing the future of Rotary Peace
Programs (road map)
4.
Selling the Rotary Peace idea (i.e. the
marketing strategy)
5.
Other
Report back to the whole group & consolidate.
1.
ANY QUESTIONS?
THANK YOU 
Bob Stewart, RC Okotoks, Alberta, Canada (D5360);
stewartr@peace.ca ; www.peace.ca
Note: this workshop presentation is a work-in-process.
Your feedback is appreciated.