Peacebuilding Starts at Home: A Call to Action in the United States
AfP’s Peacebuilding Starts at Home Initiative seeks to reach a critical mass of new and existing peacebuilders in the U.S. to promote a paradigm shift in the ways Americans resolve community and political conflict, so they can build trust and more resilient and peaceful communities in neighborhoods just down the street and across the country.
U.S. Political violence is increasing, trust is declining, and “violent populism” is becoming mainstream among millions of Americans on both the right and the left. During this time of crisis and instability in the U.S., Peacebuilding Starts at Home draws on lessons that AfP and its members have learned from decades of work around the world and right here at home: that successful peacebuilding has always been a holistic efforts that addresses drivers of conflict.
Collectively, this initiative can change social norms and behaviors to reduce and prevent political violence and instability in the U.S. and demand that all Americans lead by example to support building peace and reducing political violence.
THIS new initiative will BUILD OFF OF AFP’s PREVIOUS WORK BY:
1. Educating the public and policymakers about what is working and not working to reduce and prevent political violence and build sustainable peace in the U.S., and what more is needed.
2. Launching a new, interactive campaign that helps Americans understand what is driving them apart and how to tap into already known tools and skills so they can talk to friends, family, and anyone else with dignity, respect, and empathy.
3. Leveraging the campaign to promote sustained community action volunteer opportunities (not just one-off volunteer activities) through existing and new efforts specifically working on building constructive peace.
Past AfP U.S. Peace, Justice, and Democracy Initiatives
U.S. Peace, Justice, and Democracy Working Group
Up until early 2024, AfP and Urban Rural Action led the U.S. Peace, Justice, and Democracy Working Group, which sought to address conflict dynamics, prevent and reduce violence and extremism, and build sustainable peace in the U.S.