DISCUSSION ON TAKING OWNERSHIP OF THE BRIDGE OF PEACE

On April 22, 2017 the Dallas, Texas Chapter of WFWP held an event that had been in the making for some time. The topic was “Come and Discover the Bridge of Peace.” The invitational flier stated that we would “discuss strategies to introduce the Bridge of Peace to our community” so that new friends would come prepared to participate. Sixteen ladies took part in our discussion, five of whom were new to WFWP.

I gave an overview of some areas of the work of WFWP worldwide and nationwide with the focus on the “Bridge of Peace” and its history, and then showed a brief video on the Bridge of Peace. The ladies who had never heard or seen a Bridge of Peace Ceremony were deeply moved. I then I asked the audience, “How do we, as sisters and mothers, introduce this incredible tool to our communities?“

My strategy was to find a way new participants could express their ideas in their own words so that they will take ownership through offering their know-how and suggestions. I hoped that through our conversation these ladies would come back and be excited to work with us, become friends and even become WFWP members. The 5 ladies were all greatly inspired; one of them, a lady from ….was moved to tears by the video. Everyone agreed that networking is the way to spread the word about the Bridge of Peace, and our new friends started mentioning groups of women they are already involved with. As we shared our simple refreshments, the discussion went on in a warm and sisterly atmosphere.

Laura Lea , former chairwoman of the Texas WFWP chapter, gave a short testimony on the National Assembly. I mentioned the coming assembly in Arizona, and one guest was happy to hear that each chapter is encouraged to do their own local anniversary assembly if we have enough local foundation. One of the guests declared that we should start local before getting involved on the national level.

Our “new” ladies even suggested to meet every month, and requested that we meet in May. Looking at our calendars we decided to have the next event in June.

Our meeting accomplished its goal, which was for all newcomers to feel free to participate, and for them to gain a sense of ownership. Hopefully a few of such events will lead us to another meaningful Bridge of Peace ceremony, to be followed by many other important activities.