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Goal: Build understanding of and support for peacebuilding policies and programs among leaders in government, business, media, philanthropy, religion, and other sectors of civil society. In historical terms, the concept of peacebuilding is relatively new, and it is not well-known or understood. Through most of history the common assumption has been that war is natural and inevitable. The premise of peacebuilding is the antithesis of that notion. Alternatives to the use of destructive force are available. Our job is to convey a clear message to people who make policy decisions and have the capacity to support peacebuilding initiatives that the use of violence to settle disputes is neither inevitable nor acceptable. We use traditional communications tools such as public speaking, newsletters, press releases, etc., as well as new technology including our web site, targeted email, and interactive blogs to carry out this function. AfP’s new name, mission and goals are a first step towards better communication. They are an expression of our identity, purpose and functions. The new web site is another initiative to communicate more effectively. It should become a vital resource for anyone anywhere in the world who is looking for information about and resources for effective peacebuilding. In addition to the information about AfP and our members, the web site provides links to other important resources. It opens the door to the conflict prevention and resolution community. AfP provides a one-stop shop for connections with nearly 50 member organizations. The web site includes a searchable database to enable anyone to find the organizations that meet their needs based on geography as well as fields of expertise. AfP has also instituted the Problem Solving Initiative (PSI) as a referral mechanism between the field of interactive conflict resolution and the growing number of public and private organizations concerned with conflict prevention and peacebuilding. The PSI creates relationships between smaller NGOs and contractors, and it creates a network of possible opportunities for work and services in the field of interactive conflict resolution. In February 2006 AfP sponsored a Consultation on Communicating About Conflict Prevention that attracted over 50 participants. Journalists, public relations experts, and other media-savvy professionals advised the group about ways to present our work to the media. Key opinion leaders in government, religious organizations, think tanks and other movements also examined how they and their constituencies resonate with our work and our messages. This session helped shape the development of new communications strategies for AfP and our members. We are in the process of producing a book of success stories. The book illustrates the impact of peacebuilding work by several AfP member organizations and indicates lessons learned in the field of international conflict prevention and resolution. The subject matter spans both theory and practice, with an emphasis on activities and events that had a measurable, verifiable impact on the international conflict prevention and resolution world. In addition, AfP is an active participant in the Global Partnership for the Prevention of Armed Conflict (GPPAC). GPPAC’s primary function is to promote implementation of agendas and activities set by regional networks and the global action agenda and principles derived through a global interactive process. GPPAC represents important regional concerns on the international level, enhances the functioning of international systems for conflict prevention and uses its capacities to assist the implementation of key regional activities.
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