#2 Report on Maryborough Rotary Peace Forum: (07/03/2013)

Fay and Terry White elaborated on the theme through song to begin the Forum.  DGN Geoff James introduced the topic of Peace saying that often Peace is seen as the absence of war, but it means much more than that.  Geoff went on to explain the meaning of the Ancient Hebrew word ‘Shalom’, indicating the 4 level explanation of this word.  Simply, in a personal sense, Shalom means having a sense of purpose, while in relationships it requires openness and honesty. In community terms Shalom would be an end to injustice and in the deepest sense would mean harmony in the whole created universe. The answer is in the word itself, we know what to do we just have to want it enough.
Cathy Roth, from the Geelong Central Rotary club examined how Rotary has responded to the need for Peace. Cathy quoted the Rotary International President (2012-2013) Sakuji Tanaka in saying that song, humour and communication are tools that we all have and we can choose to use them. Sakuji had personally been on a journey to create and be a part of ‘bigger and better’ until he worked with those who were recovering from disaster and that this experience taught him how to give of his heart – give of himself.  Cathy issued the challenge to create a positive destiny for someone.  She said that in becoming peacemakers we create peacemakers.  She was encouraging saying that each one of us has something to give and something to teach someone else.
Students participating in the Forum included Chris Melton (Maryborough Education Centre) with Majella Sutton an apology and Brooke Carron and Teagan Liddicoat (Highview College).
Chris began his speech by defining Peace.  He spoke confidently saying that social and community peace could break down the barriers of race, class and religion and people could be seen as they are.  He talked about peace in the way we act, advising us to slow down, taking time to spread peace.  He encouraged us to open our mind and recognised that it was up to every individual to make the needed changes.  It was up to human beings to take action that would bring about Peace.
Brooke spoke about action against discrimination and the creation of an environment that would counteract hatred, prejudice and fear.  She saw freedom to express oneself without recrimination as a step in the right direction.  She called us to action saying that talking was not enough, that one must believe in Peace and we all must work at it.  Brooke linked Peace to compassion and included the availability to all, regardless of their race or wealth, of resources, including medicine, clean water, good sanitation, food and spiritual resources.
Loloma Puls shared her experiences of both the Birmingham and Bangkok Peace Symposiums.  She spoke at length about the plight of refugees and was able to quote many peace scholars that she had heard speak at the Symposiums.  She said that 1/6 of the world’s people are surviving on less than $2 per day.  She believed that journalists had a positive role in reporting and should show a positive approach to Peace as they report on many projects and happenings around the world.
The evening finished with an opportunity to ask questions of the panel or offer comments on Peace.