October's Community page highlights a number of great resources for dialogue leaders, peace builders, and educators in light of the current crisis. We've broken the many links down into four different sections. Click on an item in the list below to select a specific topic.

Dialogue & Discussion
Educational Resources
Peace & Conflict Transformation
Things You Can Do

Dialogue & Discussion

Study Circles Dialogue Guide for Responding to the Crisis
SCRC has put together a guide to help communities organize dialogues regarding the current crisis. The early edition of the guide, Facing the Future: How Should We Respond to the Attacks on Our Nation? is now available for downloading from their website. Guides are available for one-time 2-hour dialogue sessions, full-day community summits, and multi-session dialogues.

Discussion Guidelines from the Univ. of Michigan
The University of Michigan's Center for Research on Learning and Teaching compiled a very useful set of guidelines to help faculty and graduate student instructors facilitate class discussions on the September 11 tragedy.

Online Discussions Hosted by Search for Common Ground USA
Search for Common Ground USA is hosting a series of focused online discussions about how people in the U.S. and around the world should react to the events of September 11. Engaging in these online discussions can help people reach their own conclusions about what they should do as individuals and what the U.S. should do as a country. People who want to join in the discussions should email Chip Hauss, Director of Policy and Research ().

Online Discussions on the Dialogue Webpage for Conflicts Worldwide
The Japan Center for Preventive Diplomacy's Dialogue Webpage for Conflicts Worldwide is hosting a number of online discussions about the current crisis. The discussions are open to the public and will be running 24 hours a day.

Educational Resources

Resources for Teachers from Workable Peace
The Workable Peace Current Conflicts page focuses on the question, What should the US do now? Their materials help facilitate understanding and effective civic engagement on this question by promoting student learning and discussion about their own and others' perspectives, exploring behaviors that escalate conflict, and promoting practice in ways that help de-escalate conflict and move toward resolutions that consider the needs and concerns of different viewpoints.

Curricular Resources from the Choices Education Project
The Choices Education Project has excellent curricular resources on its website, including informative interviews and a set of alternative policy options designed to promote open dialogue about future policy direction in the aftermath of the attacks.

PBS Program on Islam Re-Broadcasting
PBS is re-broadcasting their excellent three-part series "Islam: Empire Of Faith" on October 5, 12 and 19. Check your local listings for details.

EDC Offers 'Beyond Blame' Curriculum
The Education Development Center has created a mini-curriculum, Beyond Blame: Reacting to the Terrorist Attack. The 3-lesson, 25-page curriculum for middle and high school students focuses on issues of justice, fairness, and mislaid blame. It is available for free on the EDC website.

Help for Arab-American Students
Arab-American students can be referred to the American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) for information, consultation, and support. ADC's website also offers lots of information about Arab Americans, educational resources, and more.

NCBE Offers Resources on Middle East, Tolerance & Coping
The Nat'l Clearinghouse for Bilingual Education has compiled a list of resources to assist educators and others in preventing cross-cultural misunderstanding and persecution and promoting healing and respect for differences. Includes an array of resources on the Middle East, Islam and Arab Americans; helping kids cope with violence and death; and challenging stereotypes, intolerance and racism, including lesson plans on community building and respect for diversity.

Lesson Plans & Other Resources for Teachers
The Education and Behavioral Sciences Section of the Assoc. of College and Research Libraries have put together a very useful list of resources which includes lesson plans, background information, activism/helping out, talking with children, and caring for yourself.

Tolerance.org Features Inspiring Testimonials & Resources for Teachers
In addition to details about the racial backlash of the September 11 events, Tolerance.org offers inspiring Testimonials of Tolerance, in which Americans crossed group lines to promote unity, understanding and tolerance. The site also provides articles on such topics as the cultural geography of Central Asia and the Middle East and talking to kids about terrorism.

Christian Aid Shows Afghan Side of Crisis
Info about the crisis that Afghans are facing. Site includes a September 19 joint call for restraint from 14 British NGOs.

Int'l Crisis Group Shows Potential Effects on Central Asian Nations
ICG's briefing paper examines the potentially dangerous effects of the current crisis on each of the five Central Asian nations (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan), while also giving consideration to Russia's role and strategic stake in the region.

Thoughts in the Presence of Fear
This insightful collection of thoughts by Wendell Berry exposes the myths that have powered technology and globalization and offers direction for those who are concerned about civil rights, education, the environment and sustainable economies.

Peace & Conflict Transformation

Conflict Resolution Resources on CRInfo Website
The CRInfo page on the terrorism crisis is meant to be a place where people working in the Conflict Resolution field can find and post info relevant info. The page contains both pre-existing and new information on terrorism, key news items, general background information, etc. There is also a WebBoard discussion area for people who would like to discuss the crisis online.

Inspirational Article for Peace-Seekers
"Keep Hope Alive: Believe it or not, you're probably having an effect," by Matt Welch.

Conflict Resolution Email Newsletter
Subscribe to CODEP's email newsletters to get info about conflict resolution (conferences and workshops, recent publications/resources, jobs) sent to your inbox every 2 weeks. CODEP is a UK conflict, development and peace network which was founded in 1993.

Eastern Mennonite U. Explores Peaceful Solutions
The Conflict Transformation Program at EMU is exploring ideas about how the U.S. can respond in ways that lead to a sustainable, just peace rather than a continued escalation of conflict and violence. Their series of analytical papers is intended to promote open and creative dialogue about immediate and long-term options in response to the current crisis.

Conflict Prevention Network's Statement on the Terrorist Attacks
Berlin-based CPN's Sept. 19 statement on the terrorist attacks in the U.S.

Things You Can Do

Here are several great ways to let your representatives know how you feel about the current crisis: Congress.org has phone, fax, email, web, mailing, and other info on your reps (search by zip code, state, or name). 9-11peace.org has phone numbers of world leaders and links to contact info on U.S., Canadian, and European reps. The American Friends Service Committee provides a tool for U.S. Americans to email their reps directly (choose from text urging peaceful solutions or compose your own). And Working for Change offers options for emailing your reps about specific topics (pre-written and editable).

9-11peace.org Offers Many Options
A great resource for those wanting to take non-military (peaceful) action in response to the events of September 11. 9-11peace has already sent out a petition to world leaders which was signed by nearly 700,000 people. Examine info on getting involved in peace activism, contacting your representatives, and joining an email list of thousands to stay updated on events/actions which support peace.

Fight Suppression of News Coverage of the War
The American media does not have nearly enough access to the Afghanistan war zone to adequately inform the public. It is essential to the workings of our democracy that we have access to the most accurate and timely information possible, in order to understand and review what is being done in the name of the American people. Urge Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld to grant journalists wider access to the Afghanistan war zone.

Calendar of Anti-War and Anti-Racism Events
Pax.protest.net features listings of anti-war and anti-racism events that are being organized around the world. The site is an info center for political action worldwide.

Help Create a U.S. Department of Peace
On July 11, Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) introduced H.R. 2459, a bill to create a Cabinet-level Dept of Peace which embodies a broad-based approach to peaceful, non-violent conflict resolution at both domestic and international levels. Ask your Congressperson to support bill H.R. 2459 or check out Kucinich's website for more info.

Help Pass Federal Hate Crimes Act
Should passage of the pending federal hate crimes act be one part of our national response to the September 11 tragedy? It could be a re-dedication and a clear demonstration to the rest of the world of our nation's deep belief in freedom and individual liberty. Click on the link above for more info, or contact your legislators via one of the sites listed at the beginning of this section and urge them to support Act #8211.

If You're Going to Argue for Peace, Argue Well
Suggested well-informed responses to common pro-war arguments, and links to further info.

Fly U.N. Flag as Symbol of Global Unity & Support for International Law
A portion of the purchase price will support the Revolutionary Assoc. of Women in Afghanistan and other organizations.

Great Resources from Manhattan Alliance for Peace and Justice
Follow links to info on confronting stereotypes, critical analysis of media coverage, sites for youth, historical info, and things you can do. (It's Manhattan, Kansas, by the way.)

Petition for Peace, Justice & Continued Civil Liberties
Sign the petition A Call for Peace and Justice, which demands "that the President maintain the civil liberties of all U.S. residents, protect the human rights of all people at home and abroad, and guarantee that this attempted attack on the principles and freedoms of the United States will not succeed."

Project Studies How Societies Handle Painful Histories

The Carnegie Council on Ethics and International Affairs has a new project called "History and the Politics of Reconciliation," directed by Elizabeth Cole. The project studies how societies reckon with difficult pasts over generations, and includes the ethical dimensions of how societies select which parts of their history to emphasize, commemorate and teach.

As part of this project, a workshop on the theme of "The Search for a 'Useable Past'" will be held October 25-26, 2001 in New York City. For more information, contact Elizabeth Cole at 212-838-4120 ext. 219 or .

New Book on Intergroup Dialogue Published

David Schoem and Sylvia Hurtado have collaborated to produce a valuable book for the intergroup dialogue field. Intergroup Dialogue: Deliberative Democracy in School, College, Community and Workplace is a comprehensive study of intergroup dialogue which showcases 12 in-depth case studies, offers critical perspectives, and explores the foundation of dialogue in democratic theory.

The case studies are drawn from leading organizations in the dialogue field, including the Study Circles Resource Center, Hope in the Cities, the Anti-Defamation League and the National Conference for Community and Justice, as well as several major universities and consultants to corporate America. Each case study presents the program's rationale, an account of its successes, and evaluation data. Intergroup Dialogue can be ordered from the UM Press or from Amazon.com for $19.95 (paperback) or $59.59 (hardcover).

New Book on Whites Confronting Racism

Eileen O'Brien's new book Whites Confront Racism: Antiracists and Their Paths to Action examines the distinctive place that whites can take in the fight for racial justice, bringing together interviews with white anti-racist activists from across North America. Avoiding the typical white options of being "non-racist" or feeling guilty, these whites demonstrate the multitude of ways whites can be proactive in combating modern racism. Order the book for $21.95 at Amazon.com.

New Communication Book Available Free

Making Waves: Stories of Participatory Communication for Social Change was recently published by the Rockefeller Foundation. Making Waves, by Alfonso Gumucio Dagron, reviews 50 instances of community decision-making and action in Africa, Latin America and Asia. For a free printed copy of Making Waves, email , writing the following in the subject line: Ref: Making Waves, Job #3184. Copies can also be requested at The Communication Initiative website, or a copy can be downloaded at the Rockefeller Foundation website.

Hope for a Just Society

Those whose dialogue efforts are leading to community action may be interested in veteran activist and organizer Ted Glick's recently published 93-page book entitled Future Hope: A Winning Strategy for a Just Society. Glick, who is the National Coordinator of the Independent Progressive Politics Network, shares in the book what he has learned from front-lines involvement in many of the major social struggles of the past three decades. Future Hope is available for $6.95. Go to www.radicalbooks.com or contact Future Hope Publications at .

Listserv for Dialogue Leaders Gaining Momentum

DialogueLeaders, the new listserv (email discussion list) for organizers, facilitators, and researchers of intergroup dialogue, is now over 125 members strong, and growing every day! For info on how to join the list, which was developed by the Dialogue to Action Initiative to provide a forum for people in the dialogue field to network with one another and share important information, click on the DialogueLeaders icon.

See above Highlights section for lots of ideas.

U.S.-Wide Police Brutality Protest this Month

On October 22, 2001, people of all races and many different backgrounds will take to the streets across the country to protest police brutality. The October 22nd Coalition feels that, in light of the recent tragedy and its consequences, it is more important than ever that people participate on the 22nd, the 6th annual National Day of Protest to Stop Police Brutality, Repression and the Criminalization of a Generation.

Northwest Coalition for Human Dignity Conference

For over a decade, the NWCHD has worked to support human rights, expose organized bigotry, challenge hate-related violence and defend democracy. "Beyond Bigotry: The Future of Human Rights" is NWCHD's 15th annual conference designed for community, civil rights, student, law enforcement, labor, business and youth leaders in the northwestern states. The conference, which will be held in Spokane, Washington on October 26-28, aims to bring together some of the nation's leading experts and activists on Human Rights in order to dialogue and better equip community members and leaders with the knowledge and tools needed to counter hate movements and create communities based on respect, dignity and tolerance. Call NWCHD (206-762-5627) or go to www.nwchd.org for more info.

Common Ground Film Festival To Be Held This Month

Leading off with the hit film "Remember the Titans," Search for Common Ground is sponsoring the first-ever film festival on the theme of cinema and video as media for reconciliation and conflict transformation. The festival will take place in Washington, DC, October 18-21.

Following the festival in Washington, SFCG will send the films as a traveling series on a one-year tour of U.S. colleges, where they will be viewed by thousands of students. For more details, go to www.sfcg.org or contact Gil Kulick, Communications Director of Search for Common Ground (202-265 4300, ).

UN Global Community Day to be Held this Month

On October 27, the United Nations Assoc. of the National Capital Area (UNA-NCA) will be hosting UN Global Community Day in celebration of the UN's 56th birthday. The morning event will include speakers on 3 UN Global Challenges: global warming, global AIDS, and global democracy. Ken Rutherford, founder of the Landmine Survivors Network, will also be presenting. The evening event will be a cocktail reception hosted by UN young professionals. Email Elizabeth Latham at or click here for more info.

Philly Events for Whites Working Against Racism

Training for Change is holding another of its excellent White People Working on Racism trainings from Friday, Oct. 26, at 6:00 p.m. through Saturday, Oct. 27, at 9:30 pm in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. At this workshop, participants will talk about how racism works and what their role is, and develop personal action plans and consider concrete steps they can take to confront racism in their lives. Go to www.trainingforchange.org or email for more info. Some of TFC's other training opportunities are: Class Matters: Learning to See the Hidden Dynamics of Class in U.S. Society, How to Facilitate Transformational Work, and Training for Social Action Trainers.

Reparations Mobilization Conference Next Month

The first Reparations Education and Mobilization Conference will be held November 2-4 during Black Solidarity Day Weekend at City College in Harlem, New York. The conference will incorporate the spirit, energy and enthusiasm of the spreading reparations firestorm.

The conference has as its primary agenda to organize, build a united front and a worldwide strategic alliance of peoples of African descent, oppressed people as well as all progressive forces united to make the world a place where all humanity can live with dignity, respect and in genuine peace. For more info, email or click here. The website is a rich resource for learning more about reparations. It includes links to dozens of articles and websites covering such topics as Jews and holocaust reparations, both positive and negative opinions about reparations, and surveys of public opinion.

National Day of Action for Racial Justice in Schools

Tuesday, October 30 is a day for organizations around the U.S. to focus public attention on racial inequality in our public education system and to call for equitable school reforms. Coordinated public actions in communities across the country will amplify the demand that public policies and spending on schools reflect and promote racial equity.

The Day of Action will bring particular attention to racial profiling and punishment in our schools - the hazards of learning while Black or Brown. The event is being coordinated by the Applied Research Center in collaboration with the ERASE Partners, a national network of community organizations working to address racial justice in schools. Information and action kits are available from the ERASE Initiative. Contact Tammy Johnson or Jennifer Emiko Boyden (Phone: 510-653-3415, email: ).

PBI Conference in Switzerland This Month

Peace Brigades International's 20th anniversary conference will focus on "Promoting Non-Violence and Protecting Human Rights: The Role of Civilian Third Party Initiatives in Conflict Areas." The October 26-27 event will bring together representatives and individuals from a wide range of backgrounds in peace and human rights movements, the organizations and communities they support, and intergovernmental and state bodies. For further information, email or go to www.peacebrigades.org.

NAME Conference to be Held Next Month

The 11th Annual National Association for Multicultural Education (NAME) Conference will take place on November 7-11 in Las Vegas, Nevada. This year's theme is High Stakes: Achievement, Assessment and Advocacy Through Multicultural Education. There will be over 150 concurrent sessions, keynote addresses from some of the leading experts in the field, exhibits, entertainment, film festival, cultural tours, chances to network and discuss your work, NAME chapter meetings and much more. Click here for more information about the conference.