The Price of Peace

One of my areas of human rights work has been in the area of violence/non-violence negotiations. For example, for many years I was comissioned by the Arizona, USA court systems to work with incarcerated violent women. Here are a few things I learned:

1. Like everyone, they each just wanted to be unconditionally loved and listened to;


2. Each one wanted to be validated as a worthwhile individual;


3. Violence is a learned behavior-so is peace;


4. You can't save someone who doesn't want to be saved (there were a few who like to hold on to violence and the unstable sense of power it brought to them.) When given tools for a more peaceful life, most women will practice them. Seems to create more smiles. Guilt sucks.

Lately, in another area I enjoy, I founded and have been working with a small group to start a health clinic for people without health insurance or money. I am pleased to say that after three years of hard work, this clinic will open within the next two or three months fully functional.

I love to hear any comments, suggestions, etc.

K-lee
www.k-leestarland.com