We don’t always see ourselves this way. We don’t talk much about being “peacemakers” even in times when people most desire peace. People want peace in their home, community, state, nation, or world. We long for it, but don’t usually see ourselves as the “peacemakers.” But it is true. That is who we are.
 
And being true goes way back to the deep understanding we have of our mission: The Mission of The Rotary Foundation is to enable Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty.  
We “advance” peace by what we do in making changes in lives and communities!  That is the underlying intention of all our work that we do through the power of the Rotary Foundation. And of course, we do it now through the six areas of focus, and in particular, “Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution.” Action in each area can resource people and institutions to make changes that reduce conflict and bring hope. 
 
So, yes, our mission and work are the actions of Rotarians as “peacemakers” even though we are often not intentional about being such a person, or of our club being a “peacemaking” organization.” But what would happen to how we do our work and understand our individual and community role if we became intentional about our “peacemaking.”
 
What if we became aware of our own skills and power to both prevent and alleviate conflict when we lived out our Rotary values or engaged in a Rotary project? What if we became aware of our own power and influence to make peace, reduce conflict, when speaking to others or groups?
 
“Because that’s what Rotarians do”—they advance peace, not stir conflict, or uphold a troublesome status quo.
 
We invest our time, energy and resource in the community in ways to bring folks together, unite factions, relieve stress, promote “understanding, goodwill and peace.” 
You see, it isn’t just being nice to people.  It is making a different world when we speak and act as Rotarians. We are advance, make peace when we are Rotarians.
 
To explore all the depth and meaning of this perspective, contact Kent Miller (NW Austin RC; kent.kcm@gmail.com) who is the Peace and Conflict Resolution chair for our District 5870. He is available to speak with your club and work with you to develop the strength of Rotary members and clubs to be intentional about our role as peacemakers.