A Good Week

How a small community in South London is taking on a big idea…

When I decided I wanted to contribute to the development of peace in the world I found myself at a loss. It just seemed too huge a goal. I felt unqualified and had no idea where to begin.

Then about seven years ago I stumbled upon a (then) small website called www.peaceoneday.org – a truly inspirational organisation headed by filmmaker Jeremy Gilley.

Some years later the site was drawn to my attention again and by this time the project had grown significantly. I was astonished. I saw  how much one person can accomplish by simply sewing a seed and enabling others to  nurture it. Jeremy and his team have caused unpredictable events such as a  temporary ceasefire in Afghanistan, which enabled thousands of children to be vaccinated against disease. All this was accomplished through phenomenal commitment and courage.

So I decided it was time to overcome my cynicism and put my thoughts into action. Together with my friend, Anna Godsiff I organised a small screening of  the film, The Day after Peace. The response was so positive that we  decided to organise another event this year. Somehow it has grown very quickly into a three day festival in Streatham, South London: the little big peace event.

This year’s little big peace event takes place this September, 21st–24th. Events will include live music, a conflict mediation workshop with Professional Peacemaker Susan Paul, time-banking sessions, an open-air gathering by candle-light and much more. It’s been both heartening and surprising to see just how many people want to explore peace and actively create it around them. What I’ve discovered is the more you look, the more you  find peace and peace-makers everywhere.

Take a look at some of the truly inspirational stuff being done out there:

– The Forgiveness Project – Read stories about some amazing acts of forgiveness

– Chris Jordan Photographic Arts – Read  the description of the artwork then click on the image and just keep watching

– Wave Trust – Tackling  the root causes of violence

– And of course the Peace One Day site

You’re welcome to join us in Streatham during our September celebrations but better still, why not create your own peace event?

– Mel Larsen
Founder, the little big peace event