Jeffrey Weisberg participated in the 2010 NPA Peacebuilding Peacelearning Intensive (PPI) where he refined and articulated his vision for the implementation of the River Phoenix Center for Peacebuilding.
An update from Jeffrey: September 2013
One of the guiding principles that we learned in our work with The Peace Alliance and the Department of Peace campaign was to focus on the solutions and not the problem. This single and simple principle is a significant key to the success of the River Phoenix Center for Peacebuilding as a young organization. I think of it as how Tai Chi masters work with energy, they don’t block it or fight it…they let the resistance move past with ease and grace.
Inspiration…… to breathe life into something, an idea that impels one to action.
When my wife, Heart Phoenix and I had the idea to start a “peace center” we began with the inspiration and life of her son, River Phoenix. River’s creative expression was not only as an actor but his provocative thoughts and vision of a world living in peace.
It was for a long time our desire to build upon his legacy as an activist and contribute to the world through a “solution –based approach” to solving the many challenges we face at this time. With a small team in Gainesville we established our guiding principles and developed the mission and vision of a model that could be translatable in other communities around the world. It was then that I attended PPI to further develop our way forward through their support and guidance.
Jeffrey working with Peer Mediators at PK Yonge School at the University of FloridaLike a child, we never know what they will become as they grow into their fullness. As we are seeing in the early stages of RPCP, this child has a life of it’s own that is inspiring, challenging and yet so far, without the rebellion that most 2 year olds have mastered.
I am a firm believer that violence is preventable, that peace is possible, that we can awaken to our full potential and magnificence to love and serve others and the Earth. Yes, maybe at times I have my rose colored glasses on, but I choose to focus on what works, what’s possible, what we need to bring to bear in our endeavors of Peacebuilding.
“If I have some celebrity, I hope I can use it to make a difference. The true social reward is that I can speak my mind and share my thoughts about the environment and civilization itself.” ~ River PhoenixWe have received nothing but welcome and invitation from the local community to contribute what gifts and skills we have to offer while drawing upon the best practices throughout the world. Our vision is that everyone learns to resolve conflict through healthy communication, thus breaking the cycle of violence and creating a safer community.
We know, that together we can do this, one action at a time.
The mission of RPCP is to enrich the lives of individuals, families and communities by providing and promoting the best practices and principles of peacebuilding and global sustainability.
Jeffrey Weisberg
Director of Programs & Outreach
River Phoenix Center for Peacebuilding