This year, Women’s Federation for World Peace launched its 23rd National Assembly under the theme “Women Leading the Way to Sustainable Peace” held in Washington, D.C., in the historic ballroom of The Washington Times Building, with approximately 200 participants from across the nation. This assembly was particularly significant for WFWP, because this year marks the 20th Anniversary of the Bridge of Peace, the signature peace ceremony of WFWP around the world.

On Thursday October 22, WFWP had the annual assembly kick-off event, the National Day of Service. This service project is in collaboration with local schools and emphasizes the importance of both education and action, offering a substantial example of what is needed by a new generation of compassionate and conscientious leaders who strive to address community needs. This year, students from New Hope Academy and City Center School cleaned up historic Georgia Avenue, Emory Park, and the Emory Recreation Center in Washington, DC. Vice President of WFWP, Juanita Pierre-Louis said, “When students learn and serve human and community needs, they learn to lead, they build character and self-esteem.”

Aqeel Tate from Pro-Mo Love Home School Academy reads a proclamation from Washington DC council member Brandon Todd of Ward 4

Friday, October 23 was the Assembly Opening Night. It was an opportunity for participants to interact on a more personal level and network with other attendees and speakers from across the country, something that was limited the following day. An array of exhibition tables adorned the lobby. A local Maryland band, “The Keys,” played lively music as attendees from across the nation networked and enjoyed a sushi dinner and a mocktail bar. Deputy Director of WFWPI UN Office, Alexa Ward, presented a comprehensive introduction to WFWP International and its many varied activities. The Chairman of the Washington Times Board of Directors, Thomas McDevitt, gave congratulatory remarks, and shared about the memorable past the Washington Times has had with Women’s Federation.

Mrs. Alexa Ward, WFWP International Vice President and WFWP United Nations Office Deputy Director

On Saturday, October 24th the main event was again hosted in The Washington Times Ballroom. Attendees explored ways to empower women to take an active leadership role to establish both sympathetic and practical solutions that look beyond the boundaries of race, religion, politics, and gender. Mrs. Katarina Connery, WFWP USA Vice President, delivered the Welcoming Remarks on behalf of the WFWP International President Yeon Ah Moon who was not able to attend the Assembly in person.

Georgia State Senator Donzella James warmly greeted the audience and said, “If we (women) believe in something, we stand up, we stand up to injustice.” The President of Family Federation for World Peace and Unification USA, Dr. Michael Balcomb, then took the podium, and shared his thoughts on the Syrian refugee crisis, and reminded the audience that in order to achieve world peace we must see one another as family, issuing this challenge, “I challenge all of you to look beyond safety and comfort and think about our brothers and sisters, we must turn a corner in our hearts and take action. This crisis is not a government, non-profit, UN problem – it is a family problem.”

The energetic mistress of ceremonies, Mrs. Julie Randolph, read congratulatory remarks from District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser, who applauds WFWP for continuing to guide the youth through the National Day of Service. President of WFWP USA Angelika Selle gave an introduction entitled “Why We Are Here.” She reflected on how WFWP achieved NGO status at the UN with the sacrifice and service of many Japanese members. She pointed out that this particular assembly is indeed a historic one, since "we will be honoring the past, celebrating the present, and building the future" together.

The highlight of the morning session was the 4th Annual Global Women's Peace Network (GWPN) Panel. Distinguished women leaders and experts addressed the topic, "Women Leading the Way to Sustainable Peace." Participants heard from leading women experts on such topics as the importance of the family, the government, popular culture, political economy, non-profit work, the environment, and communal reconciliation in creating a more peaceful world.

The first speaker was the young and electric Ms. Victoria Pannell, a 16 -year-old model, actress, and youth activist from Harlem, New York. Her topic was, “Yes, I Can – Ingredients to Become a Peace Leader.” Victoria is passionate about using social media to promote peace. She especially urges young people to use social media to uplift people. She attested that acts of kindness, even on the internet, can be steps to create world peace

The second speaker was Ms. Annie Franklin, who is the Director of International Activities for Family Watch International and the Spokesperson of the UN Family Rights Caucus. Her topic, “Mothers as Guardians of the Hearth,” addressed the vital and unique role that women have in raising and uplifting children into healthy adults who will become “the future leaders.”

Pennsylvania State Representative Margo Davidson, representative for the 164th Legislative District, spoke on “Women and Politics: The Bridge Across the Political Divide,” noting that “women are the people that are going to bridge the political gap.” She continued, expressing that women are more likely than men to make human rights issues their priority; and that is why there needs to be more representation by women in all areas of the government. She implored the audience to support women in politics and to elect people that are not afraid to walk in between left and right.

Lastly, Ms. Jamie Kizer, CEO and Chief Motivator of Powerhouse Principals (Where Life and Business Intersect), and serial entrepreneur with over 10 companies under her belt; spoke on “Women in Business: Doing Great by Doing Good.” Ms. Kizer offered insights and encouragement to women who want to pursue a career as an entrepreneur, saying that we need to promote conscientious capitalism and get away from the cut-throat mentality hitherto exercised.

A short question-and-answer period followed the panel presentations, which segued into a roundtable discussion where speakers joined in, and participants quizzed them personally for further insights into their presentations.

After a delicious lunch and coffee prepared by local ladies under the guidance of Mrs. Keiko Patton, the participants gathered in the ballroom to hear the keynote address entitled: “Sustainable Peace for a New Generation,” delivered by Ms. Nia Lyte, President and CEO of Shinca Entertainment; and recently awarded the official title of “Goodwill Ambassador of Marca Pais Colombia,” by Colombia’s Ministry of Tourism, Commerce, & Industry. Her speech focused on what sustainable peace looks like for the new generation. She used her home country Colombia as an example of what sustainable peace is. In the past two decades Columbia has been able to alleviate poverty, educate the youth, and maintain relatively happy public sentiment. She admitted that there is a great need for healing today, and urged the audience to take action using the unique talents that God has given to each person.

The Assembly then gave participants the opportunity to choose and attend two breakout sessions. There were two blocks of four breakout sessions each under the general theme of “Tools to Lead.” The first block of four focused on the aspect of marriage and family, speakers in this session included Rev. Denneze Nelson, a family counselor and WFWP Chairwoman of New Jersey; Dr. Andrew Wilson, professor of Scriptural Studies at the Unification Theological Seminary; Ms. Nandi Bengu an educator and WFWP Chairwoman of Harlem; and Mrs. Karen Ryce, a certified Montessori teacher and the founder of Happy Kids.

Dr. Andrew Wilson's breakout session on how men support women

The second block of breakout sessions focused on leadership of the heart. Speakers in this session were Jaime M. Kizer, CEO of Powerhouse Principals; Ms. Maria Blon, founder of Sparks Alive; Ms. Teresa Ferrete, Program Director of CARP America; and Mrs. Peggy Brewster, a registered nurse, healer, and WFWP Chairwoman of Boston.

Later on in the evening WFWP commemorated the 20th Anniversary of the Bridge of Peace, WFWP's signature project. The Bridge of Peace committee had been gathering every week to focus on the historical, yet prevailing wounds that need to be addressed here in America. Often the subtle disadvantages in societal systems and limited cultural awareness keep us from being able to fully confront these recurring issues.

Mrs. Nora Spurgin, the first president of WFWP USA

This year, Assembly participants had the opportunity to learn about the founding of the Bridge of Peace Ceremony through Mrs. Nora Spurgin's reflections and see that it stands as a starting point for healing through reconciliation, action, and change.

The Japanese Peace Choir set the stage by singing "Hand in Hand." The emcee, Mrs. Kim Dadachanji spoke about each crossing, explaining to those assembled the significance of each situation and what was being healed and reconciled and why. The first crossing commemorated the beginning of the Bridge of Peace when Japanese women came to the US to reach out to American women in peace to heal the scars left by World War II.

Among the pairs crossing the Bridge this year were two representatives, one from North and one from South Korea, representing the desire of the Korean people to unify the divided country. Next, to acknowledge the spirituality of America's First People, two pairs crossed: one representing Native Spirituality and Catholicism, the other representing Native Spirituality and Protestantism. Representing the rapprochement of the political parties, a Democrat and a Republican lady crossed the Bridge to heal and reconcile their differences. To honor and bring healing to the suffering caused by recent racial brutality and unrest, two ladies, one black and one white, crossed the Bridge. Next International & Interracial Marriages were highlighted and honored as people who are living examples of daily crossing the Bridge of Peace as they live their lives together.

Archbishop George Stallings and Rev. Dr. Linda Lucero Nishikawa, representing the reconciliation between the Catholic Church and the Native Americans

The evening concluded on a joyful note with a variety of performers, entertainers, and music from Sandy Kastel, Gregory W. Woods, New Hope Youth Dance Company, and Mia Naja al Sephira and the Raks Divas.

For more than 23 years, WFWP, as an NGO in General Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations has been involved in numerous projects and activities from the local to the global level. All of WFWP's efforts have been motivated by the heart of women who have worked with sacrifice and love to foster peace on every level. In 1992, co-founders Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon and the late Rev. Sun Myung Moon knew that in order to attain sustainable peace, the world needs women to step up and join the local, national, and international conversation, and offer their unique innovative perspective.

Gregory Dawn Wolf Wood's sacred drumming

WFWP firmly believes that each woman is a leader in her own right. Women have something unique and valuable, but unfortunately missing in decision making positions all over the world: a leadership style based on heart, compassion, and deep empathy. The 23rd Assembly focused on how WFWP can encourage women of all demographics to lead as well as commend the women that are already making great strides in their communities and careers.

WOMEN LEADING THE WAY TO SUSTAINABLE PEACE

CONFIDENCE AND COMPASSION: REFLECTIONS ON THE BEGINNING OF WFWP

BE A FOSTER PARENT FOR CHILDREN IN CAMBODIA