War and Peace

War and Peace. It’s the name of a famous literary classic by Leo Tolstoy. The two words and their respective actions also connect humanity throughout its existence. It’s fair to say our presence on this Earth has been shaped by both.

Today we continue to experience war and peace throughout the world, and more than ever our connections through telecommunications bring the events to our very living rooms. Most recently, we experienced the relatively peaceful change of leadership in Egypt, a historic event fueled and supported by Internet and other connections. It proved to be a vital and dramatic marker of the power of yet another living system of our times – telecommunications.

Peace has always been the goal in civilized societies, and this month we mark the anniversary of America’s own Peace Corps. 50 years ago, President John F. Kennedy gave his famous "ask not" inaugural address. The country and the world were in a time of turmoil and the Cold War was in full swing, even as Kennedy preached unity and service. This message of service led to the founding of the Peace Corps on March 1, 1961.

Since then, more than 200,000 Americans have volunteered abroad through the program in 139 countries. Students at the University of Michigan were the first to serve their country in the cause of peace by living and working in developing countries. From that inspiration grew an agency of the federal government devoted to world peace and friendship.

The Peace Corps' mission has three simple goals:

1. Helping the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women.
2. Helping promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served.
3. Helping promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans.

Today's Peace Corps is more vital than ever, working in emerging and essential areas such as information technology and business development, and contributing to the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. Peace Corps volunteers continue to help countless individuals who want to build a better life for themselves, their children, and their communities.

We congratulate the Peace Corps for its decades of service to so many worthy countries and encourage each of you to consider donating to them to further their goals. Please visit their website to learn about their history and services and to give to the 50th Anniversary Fund.

Perhaps you have a Peace Corps experience during your college days or know someone who participated as part of their experiential education. Share with us your memories and how it shaped the person you are today. We look forward to reading your comments.

Don't forget it's not too early to instill a global consciousness, especially as related to peace and understanding, in your little ones. What Does It Mean To Be Global?, written by Rana DiOrio and illustrated by Chris Hill, is just the book to start your children off right. Click here to view the video about it and to buy a copy.