However, upon further introspection, Al has tweaked his promise into one that specifically focuses on the positive.

“I will be a peace builder in my personal life as well as the numerous community organizations to which I belong by encouraging everyone to focus on the positive things we do as a family and as community groups,” Al states in an email interview.

The Peace Builder Campaign, which coincides with the YWCA’s Month Without Violence, calls on residents to make a promise of action to reduce violence and build a better community.

Al, a member of the Peaceful Communities steering committee, is already committed to promoting peace in the Peterborough area. As the steering committee’s representative from the City of Peterborough’s Recreation Division, Al combines his knowledge of leisure and recreation with the vision of developing a peaceful community. In turn, he focuses on the value of recreation as a peace-building pursuit.

However, he is still eager and interested in pursuing his Peace Builder Promise.

“I chose this promise to help ensure an happier, more positive home environment,” he says.

Specifically, Al plans to concentrate more on his family: his wife, Louise; children, Andrea and Chad; and his dog, Jamieson.

“I plan to spend more time with my family, become more involved with home chores and show more interest in what everyone is doing. I will also plan more short family get-aways,” states Al.

Regarding his volunteer activities, he says, “because of my busy community volunteer schedule, it is important to approach (it) in a positive manner, saving everyone time out of their busy schedules… I will apply more positive reinforcement to other committee members and offer to assist where I can.”

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