2003 EVENTS

Imagine living in a world where interconnectedness is fully realized. How would this transform our personal relationships, our communities, our nations, and our planet? Would business and politics-as-usual still be possible? On September 26-27, 2003, we explored the healing potential of relationships—among human beings and between humans and the natural world.

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Over 100 people joined us for an evening of inspiration and empowerment with two pioneers of hope who have written groundbreaking works on peace and social justice.  Michael Nagler’s Is There No Other Way? The Search for a Nonviolent Future and Frances Moore Lappé’s Hope’s Edge: A New Diet for a Small Planet, co-authored with her daughter, Anna, challenge conventional assumptions about violence, war, hunger and poverty. With stunning logic and real-life examples of people and communities who are putting principles of nonviolence and sustainability into practice, these books chart the frontiers of a completely possible, happier future for the world. In their presentations at the BRC, Nagler and Lappé confirmed that personal actions and personal choices are at the heart of the change we want to see.

On April 30, 2003, twenty-five young people from the Boston area met at the BRC to discuss the inter-related issues of peace, security, and environmental sustainability. The dialogue, which was facilitated by Earth Charter Youth Initiative Coordinator Dumisani Nyoni, explored various responses to living in these challenging times. The participants, which included several peer leaders from ROCA, Inc., of Chelsea, Massachusetts, generated a list of “tornadoes” affecting the world: war, drugs, pollution, poverty, disease, and drought. Breaking into small groups, they reflected on how they contribute to each of these “tornadoes” in their daily lives and how young people today can effect positive change in their community and the world.

The Jeannette Rankin Lecture on World Peace
FORGING ALTERNATIVES TO WAR
By Barbara Lee

Is war an effective response to terrorism? What are the alternatives? On January 26, 2003, at the Jewett Art Center of Wellesley College, Congresswoman Lee reflected on these questions. She gained national prominence in the days following September 11, 2001, when she cast the sole vote in Congress against the unlimited use of military force in response to the attacks.

This lecture was named in honor of pacifist and suffragist Jeannette Rankin, well-known for her dissenting votes against U.S. involvement in both world wars. It was part of the Women’s Lecture Series on Human Values cosponsored by the Wellesley Centers for Women and the BRC. This series recognizes American women of courage in history and in contemporary times who have helped shape the country by standing up for fundamental values such as economic justice, nonviolence, human rights, and environmental ethics.

For a Summary of Congresswoman Lee's Lecture Click Here

Please stay tuned for information about future events at the BRC.