Here’s a sobering thought:
2 million Afghan victims of war were killed over the past four decades.
Here’s a healing thought:
An organization called “Two Million Friends” wishes to remember them by
finding 2 million friends.
It is time regular people made an effort to join forces and make a better world, It begins with more open communication. It begins with a willingness to say hello to a new person and then finding out that most of us are really the same with the same needs and fears, and a fondness for laughter and sharing and believing in our dreams.
“Two Million Friends” calls on the people of the world to help find 2 Million Friends for peace in Afghanistan, friends who will ask for an end to the war.
There is a wonderful new spirit in the world today…..it is the spirit of Friendship. There is a new approach to friendship in Afghanistan at http://www.2millionfriends.org/apps/blog…. An anonymous person said of this organization: “They live together and promote peaceful coexistence, simple living and self-reliance. They receive no salary, and they don’t promote any particular religious or political party. They are truly independent. In the fractured, war torn country of Afghanistan, this alone is a remarkable achievement.”
If you personally feel the urgency of the need for peaceful alternatives in the world today here are a few ways to help:
1. Be one of “Two Million Friends”.
(a) Commit to Be a Friend now.
(b) Listen : Global Days of Listening conversations with Afghans etc.
(c) Upload your photos and video clips of friendship.
2. Campaign with us: Email, Facebook and Tweet our wish to find 2 Million Friends far and wide to your friends!
3. Support the call for a ceasefire : Sign a letter to the U.N. for a ceasefire
4. Host or join concurrent, solidarity events on December 10th, 2012.
5. Consider participating in ‘Dec 2012 visit to Afghanistan’ or in a fast in New York
6. Join the Blue Scarf movement
The Global Day of Listening gathers new & old friends on the phone once a month in a huge conference call and people all over the world can listen and respond to the voices of Afghanis…and thereby create some more understanding and motivation for peace.
Write the [email protected] to request a time to talk. The conference call-in number will then be activated to talk with you: 661-673-8600 (access code 295191#) for you to speak. Skype may be used if you are far away.
The next Global Day of Listening is September 21, 2012, concurrent with the International Day of Peace.
Three sessions beginning at 9 am, 6:30 pm (9/21) and 7:30 am (9/22) Afghanistan time You can listen & type into the conversation on the live stream page.
You can email [email protected] to request a time to talk. The conference call-in number will then be activated to talk with you: 661-673-8600 (access code 295191#) for you to speak. Skype may be used if you are far away.
Sign up for a time:
Listen to, and talk about, what it is like to live in war-torn countries & about the wish to live without wars. Talk with ordinary people from Afghanistan, Iraq, Palestine, Israel, Egypt, Libya, and other countries.
Review the September 21 Public Schedule ((http://globaldaysoflistening.org)for the calls. Send your request for a time to [email protected]. They will confirm your time via email.
“Global Days of Listening” was inspired by the Afghan Youth Peace Volunteers, Afghans For Peace, and the Iraqi & American Reconciliation Project.
International Human Rights Day (Dec. 10, 2012) recognizes the work of human rights defenders worldwide who act to end discrimination.
On this day in 1948, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which has become a universal standard for defending and promoting human rights. Every year on 10 December, Human Rights Day marks the adoption of the Universal Declaration. It is celebrated around the globe that “All human beings are born with equal and inalienable rights and fundamental freedoms”.
Acting alone or in groups within their communities, every day human rights defenders work to end discrimination by campaigning for equitable and effective laws, reporting and investigating human rights violations and supporting victims.
While some human rights defenders are internationally renowned, many remain anonymous and undertake their work often at great personal risk to themselves and their families.
(http://www.hrea.org/index.php?doc_id=937)
The “Afghan Peace Volunteers” is a unique organization in Afghanistan . Its members are young volunteers from all the major ethnic groups. When asked why they focus on the youth, Ali a young man from Bamyan Province replied, “We need everyone’s help, but we focus on the youth because they are the future of Afghanistan !” Shaima, a young woman from Parwan added, “When the youth have information about non-violence and peace they will not be so willing to continue to fight.” The Afghan Peace Volunteers are growing, even in the face of enormous challenges, and they invite everyone who desires peace through non-violence to be their friend!
“Afghans for Peace” disseminates information to help encourage a peaceful world…they have a great Facebook page and a you tube channel at afghansforpeace.org/afp-tv.
“The Iraqi and American Reconciliation Project” (IARP) creates bridges of communication, understanding and support between Americans and Iraqis. They work toward a mutual mission of reconciliation from war and occupation through the arts, education, cultural and professional exchange, support for peacemakers in Iraq, and water and sanitation projects.
(http://www.razoo.com/story/Iarproject)
“The Blue Scarf” represents the expansive blue sky we all share and has become a global symbol for togetherness. It was set in motion by a very brave group of women in Afghanistan ready to be heard and is now being worn around the world as a way for people to express their solidarity as global citizens for a better world.
The Blue Scarf and Blue Bracelet help remind us and others that we are all in this together and that our only sensible choice in life is to care for one another and to protect and share our world and her resources.
And if you go on their webpage you’ll find a chance to have your use of the Blue Scarf featured in their next video.
(http://youtu.be/QgbFTBJb3)
Names are also being gathered on a huge international Petition to the UN for a Ceasefire in Afghanistan….at the below site. Two million names would look good on it.
(https://www.change.org/petitions/2-million-friends-call-on-the-u-n-for-a-ceasefire-in-afghanistan)
So no matter who you are or how you found this article, please consider getting involved with the healing work described here or in any other way. There is a perfect way to help for every person on earth….A great way to start is to place a call on the Global Day of Listening on Sept. 21 and connect up with friends far and near in the service of a more peaceful world.
By Marrow 9/7/2012
Writer is based in USA and can be reached on [email protected]
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