The Braver Angels Pledge and Being Called a Peacemaker

If you are confused by this title, I don’t blame you. I am talking about two different things!

First off, I attended the Braver Angels convention in Philadelphia, PA at the end of June. Beth Malow and I gave a workshop on “Creative Writing and Conversations on Courageous Citizenship.” This builds on the work we have done on our book Beyond the Politics of Contempt (https://beyondthepoliticsofcontempt.com/) and our free “Together Across Differences” newsletter (https://togethernow.substack.com/). 

The convention highlighted our nation’s history and what we can do to ensure its future success. Participants agreed to sign the following:  "I pledge to be a Courageous Citizen: to choose curious listening over contempt; to build alongside those with different politics; and to embrace our shared duty to renew America's civic culture.” You, too, can sign the pledge if you wish. Check it out at https://pledge.braverangels.org/. 

Second, I was honored to be called a peacebuilder in the National Peace Corps Association’s WorldView magazine (see “Meet the Peacebuilders” https://heyzine.com/flip-book/41b2bd20aa.html#page/45.) I was a Peace Corps volunteer in Morocco in 1971-73 and later came back to Peace Corps as a country director in Burkina Faso (2008-10), Ukraine (2010-14), and Guinea (2014-16). Like many others who served, I found Peace Corps service to be a defining aspect of who I am today, having shaped many important life experiences.  

“Meet the Peacebuilders” author James Rupert advocates for former Peace Corps volunteers to use their talents to help rebuild civic trust at home. Of course, people do not have to be former Peace Corps volunteers to do this. We can each apply our skills and experiences to the service of our special country as we celebrate 250 years -- and hopefully many more.                                   

We each have an extraordinary opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives, including our own. Don’t underestimate your impact