Contributed by CARP Bay Area
On September 25, CARP Bay Area, Chabot College, Cal State East Bay, and UC Berkeley, hosted an online peace rally with over 50 participants who gathered to hear two guest panelists speak on the theme “Peace Starts With Me: Empowering Individuals.” The two speakers—Mrs. Stephanie Mann and Mrs. Debby Gullery—shared their experience in their respective fields making strides towards real peace. They also took time to answer questions, providing us with practical tips and guidance on how we can be empowering individuals that practice, embody, and live the mindset of ‘peace starts with me.’
In our current polarized climate, it was important to us to realize that peace is possible, and there are those whose lives are dedicated to proving just that.
Mrs. Stephanie Mann, a crime and violence prevention consultant and founder of the National Safe Kids Network, gave the first keynote address. In it, she shared about how working in the Bay Area’s crime prevention undertaking has helped her understand the importance of self-realized peace. With experience working as a community leader, neighborhood organizer, county coordinator, and even state consultant, she was confident that peace on all levels starts in the family. She also emphasized the importance of youth being able to connect to their inner conscience.
Her keynote address was followed by an active Q&A. Her message brought hope and clarity to many students participating including CARP member Ed Marquises, who described the event as being, “an enlightening discussion about rebuilding relationships, understanding conflicting ideals, and giving support to people in unfortunate circumstances.”
Mrs. Debby Gullery, an author and relationship and marriage counselor of 25 years, gave the second keynote address. Her tips on how to be peacemakers included developing good communication with others, thinking before speaking, and leaving the plus. Her message emphasized the importance of words—they can uplift or create division in any situation. Leaving the plus is actively thinking about what you can contribute in any positive, small way. These small positive contributions have great power.
Following both talks, we organized a panel with the speakers and opened the floor for questions. Various practical points were brought up on how we can be empowering individuals in our lives as we practice ‘peace starts with me.’ In addition, we discussed how it’s vital to learn how to bridge differences with one another in a healthy way. Differences among individuals cannot be changed, but we can control our attitude in relating to one other to be respectful. Developing our empathy and capacity for good communication is key for substantiating peace in our daily lives.
Through our keynote speaker’s addresses, we were able to understand that attaining peace begins with our own actions and mentality. Only by communicating and respecting one another out of our own volition can we spread the message that peace is possible.
Check out more of CARP Bay Area on their Facebook page. Share your story to jennifer@carplife.org!