News from Peace Begins With Me

When my daughter Lani was young her most prized possession was a Cabbage Patch doll. So, of course, she needed a Cabbage Patch stroller to proudly display her doll. And so on her next birthday I purchased the focus of her desire.

The stroller came in a box much too small to contain a stroller. I read the fine print on the side - "Some assembly required". I struggled for hours to assemble the numerous pieces in a manner that resembled a stroller. Eventually I had something that moved on four wheels but with enough parts left over to build something else!

I reflect upon my stroller assembly experience when looking for how we can come together as human beings to share land, resources, space, and time. The words - "some assembly required" rings in my ears. Building a healthy community does not happen by accident. It requires intention, thoughtful actions, patience, consideration, and acceptance of values and perspectives different than our own. And yet, when we venture boldly into this endeavour, we can create a world of comfort, safety, and companionship.

Many years ago I participated in the creation of a cooperative housing development in Port Moody, B.C.. In the beginning, a housing community based on cooperation and inclusion was just an idea, and the land was part of an untouched forest. I remember tramping through the woods, stepping over logs and moving branches to get a glimpse of where my new home might be. What I remember most however, was the experience of coming together with a group of people and imagining, designing, and considering the dreams and wishes of the many families who would share this space and call it home.

The result was a beautiful interplay of trees and earth, bricks and mortar to create a place where people could live. The goal was to create a community where people would come together and share life. The design included a common building for community gatherings, a number of playground areas for children of all ages, level walkways for mothers and fathers with strollers (and my daughter), special design considerations for individuals with mobility challenges, and the preservation of some of the most majestic trees on the site.

The design component that made the most impact however, was the decision to locate the parking adjacent to the street rather than attached to homes. This allowed for as much green space as possible, and more importantly, invited people out of their cars. The result was the opportunity to interact with one's neighbours. I remember many an evening where the 3 minute walk from my car to my front door took 30 minutes as I engaged in rich conversation with my friends and neighbours.

A healthy and peaceful community doesn't happen on its own. It requires the thoughtful actions and intentions of committed citizens who behave in ways to ensure that we live in a safe and healthy community. A healthy and peaceful world too doesn't happen on its own. It requires the thoughtful actions and intentions of committed citizens who behave in ways to ensure that everyone lives in safe and healthy communities regardless of race, religion, nationality, or resources. In both cases "some assembly is required".