SUSTAINABLE PEACE? WHAT’S THAT?
The following is taken from an interview between Logic of Love reporter, Ms. Emily Cornier with Ms. Kiyomi Schmidt, Administrator and Assistant to WFWP USA President, Mrs. Angelika Selle.
Kiyomi Schmidt
Q: Why the theme Leadership of Sustainable Peace? What does sustainable peace mean to WFWP? What does it look like?
A: When our team began brainstorming to come up with the theme for this year’s National Assembly, “Women Leading the Way to Sustainable Peace,” we kept going back to the idea that 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. In today’s world, too often decisions are made by powerful self-interested parties, only to further strengthen feelings of animosity. But in order to sustain peace, we must dive to the root of the issue and be able to reconcile deep wounds. This is why we aim to empower women to take an active leadership role, in collaboration with men, to establish both sympathetic and practical solutions that look beyond the boundaries of race, religion, politics, and gender.
Q: What variety of topics is the assembly going to explore?
A: This year we are hosting a “Global Women Peace Network” (GWPN) Panel, a powerful keynote speaker, and interactive breakout sessions to encompass various angles on women’s role in building sustainable peace. We will hear from women leaders and experts who represent the importance of the family, government, popular culture, political economy, non-profit work, environment, and communal reconciliation in creating a more peaceful world. With this, we look to provoke holistic discussions and new insights on what each of us can do to contribute in our own communities.
Q: Can you give any insight on what WFWP plans on doing to highlight the Bridge of Peace Ceremony?
The Bridge of Peace Ceremony
A: Yes, we are all in anticipation of this year's Bridge of Peace Ceremony, as we will be commemorating the 20th Anniversary of the Interracial Sisterhood Ceremonies. Our beloved first President of WFWP USA, Mrs. Nora Spurgin, will be sharing a few words on the impact these ceremonies planted in the hearts of thousands of women, especially Japanese and American women at the end of WWII. In preparation for the bridge crossing, a Bridge of Peace committee has been gathering every week to focus on the historical, yet prevailing wounds that need to be addressed here in America. One prevalent example which the committee is hoping to highlight this year is racially charged police brutality. Other plans include modern pairings reflecting the Native American and Japanese experience in America. Often the subtle disadvantages in societal systems and limited cultural awareness keep us from being able to fully confront these recurring issues. This year as we reflect on the Bridge of Peace Ceremony, we see that it stands as a starting point of reconciliation, action, and change.
Q: Are there any new additions to this year's National Assembly?
A: Yes, there are a couple of additional sessions that we are really excited about. By popular demand, we are happy to bring back our breakout sessions in the afternoon of our main event. This enables each attendee to cater their attendance to their own particular interests and passions. It also adds an interactive component, and provides a smaller setting for intimate discussion and Q&A.
The second component that is new this year is our Opening Night that will occur on Friday October 23rd, the night before the full-day event. This evening session provides time to personally interact and network with attendees and speakers from across the country, which is limited the following day. There will be live music, refreshments, a photo booth, and vendor tables; followed by an introduction to Women's Federation for World Peace. We hope this will be an exciting addition to our National Assembly, especially for those who will be traveling to Washington, DC from afar.