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‘I
like the idea of making peace something we do’ Peterborough woman promises to exercise patience in public A Peterborough woman wants to make peace ‘something we do’ not just dream about. That has been part of her motivation for making a pledge to better the community she calls home. As part of the Peterborough Peace Builder Campaign, Barbara Earle has made a promise “to try to be more patient when I'm kept waiting, especially in check-out lines. Getting irritated just makes matters worse for everyone. The way we act and react in these encounters often affects the next encounters we have, too.” The Peterborough Peace Builder Campaign, launched during October’s Month Without Violence, calls on residents to make a promise of action to reduce violence and build a stronger community. The Peaceful Communities steering group intends to build social capital through the exercise and create an inventory of the positive things happening in the Peterborough area. Barbara is a member of the steering committee
for the Week Without Violence, representing the City Culture & Heritage
Division - the library, the art “I like the idea of making peace ‘something we do’ not wishing for someone else to bring about world peace,” Barbara says in an email interview. “We can contribute to making our communities more peaceful places, by helping others, not tolerating violence or aggression or, I believe, by being a little nicer to each other.” Barbara promises to exercise more patience when in public, particularly while waiting in long lines. She chose this action because at times, she does become annoyed during the process. “I've seen others do it,” says Barbara. “What we end up with is a few people radiating impatience and anger and some poor person getting the brunt of it.” She notes price checks added to a long line can push her buttons. “I've been focusing on just making it a quiet moment and an acceptance that people are doing the best they can.” “This could help lead to more peaceful communities because I believe that how we treat people has a ripple effect.” |
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