ACTS - Agency for Community Treatment Services’ Post

What does it mean to be a peacebuilder? I'll share my thoughts, then I'd love to hear yours. A peacebuilder is a compassionate member of the community who cultivates a growth mindset, strives for understanding over condemnation, and takes action to heal divisions and build inclusive communities where everyone feels a sense of belonging. A peacebuilder's core values are: LOVE. Peacebuilders recognize that human beings are valuable beyond their belief systems and identities. Peacebuilders strive to do no harm to fellow human beings, while also working to forgive and reconcile when we make mistakes. To practice public love, we must also get beyond our own narrow interests to think about how we can meet the needs of others and the community as a whole. UNITY IN DIVERSITY. Living with differences is a natural part of belonging to a democratic society. By working to improve the bonds of respect, empathy, and trust among us, including across our divides, we can build social cohesion and strengthen our collective resilience against attempts to divide us. NONVIOLENCE. The great peacebuilders -- from Gandhi to Martin Luther King Jr. to Johan Galtung and beyond -- have understood that, ultimately, the means must be consistent with the ends. If we want to build peaceful communities, then we must prioritize nonviolent approaches to conflict resolution. Healing our historic, collective traumas will decrease our reactivity and increase our collective capacity to engage mindfully in nonviolent conflict resolution. Enforcing the norms of nonviolence and social cohesion is a key aspect of building peaceful societies. When those norms are threatened, nonviolent collective action (in all forms) is a peacebuilder's preferred response. When members of the community engage in harmful behaviors or violate the law, peacebuilders seek out the proper institutions for a just resolution. If force is needed to deter human rights abuses and mass atrocities, peacebuilders seek broad consensus that we have truly exhausted all nonviolent approaches to conflict resolution and only apply force as a last resort and in proportion to the harm caused (in line with the doctrine of the Responsibility to Protect). Finally, we recognize that building peaceful communities takes time and remain committed to learning and growing through the process. What do you think? What would you emphasize or add? Is there anything you disagree with? If you would like to show your commitment to peace (and support a small business), you can buy Peacebuilders t-shirts and sweatshirts at the below link. Peacebuilders unite! 🙏❤️🕊 https://lnkd.in/eqpiSK3P

What drives the work you do? For me, it's proximity. I get tired of "armchair experts," people who take in lots of media and information from a distance and then express their opinions about something from a distance. I get tired of my own tendency to do the same. So, a lot of what I hope to do is get myself and others closer: Closer to places, where the issues we care about are actually happening. Closer to people, who speak from their lives and not just from theories. Closer to the heart, which should have a say in how we form an opinion about something just as much as the head. So much of my work with Kingdom Causes Inc is about that. Feel like sharing? What drives you to do the work you do? (Pictured: A person with lived experience of homelessness describes her experience of Santa Barbara to a group of visiting high school students in a KCI/Westmont collaborative project called "Trailhead")

The Resilience of Me: A Story of Survival and Support Five years ago, the community of Sterling, Kansas, was shaken by an event that would mark a turning point in my life. During the infamous car stop, I was faced with a life-threatening situation when I was shot four times. Despite the severity of the incident, my story doesn't end there it is the beginning of a remarkable journey of resilience and recovery. The news of my shooting sent ripples of concern throughout the community, but it was the overwhelming support from my wife Angela, my family, friends, co-workers, and even strangers that became the beacon of hope during my darkest hours. Their support was not just a testament to my character but also to the strength of the community's spirit. My road to recovery was arduous, filled with challenges that would test my physical and mental fortitude. But with unwavering support, I returned to work just 10 months after the incident, a testament to my determination and the power of community backing. As we reflect on my journey, it's not just about the survival of an officer; it's about the collective strength of a community that comes together in times of adversity. It's a reminder of the human capacity for resilience and the profound impact of solidarity. Today, I continue to serve my community, carrying not only the scars of that fateful day but also the gratitude for the continued thoughts and prayers that have been a constant source of strength. My story is one of courage, perseverance, and the enduring human spirit that prevails in the face of trials. My experience underscores the importance of support systems, be they family, friends, or the community at large. It's a powerful narrative that resonates with anyone who has faced adversity and found strength in unity. As I reflect on my journey, I also want to celebrate the countless others who, like me, have overcome great obstacles through the power of community and the resilience of the human spirit.

Framework to assess your friendships & relationships: Leaves, Branches, & Roots In a heartfelt reflection, actor Tyler Perry, embodying his sage Madea persona, paints a vivid portrait of human connections. He divides people into three archetypes: Leaves: Like delicate foliage dancing on the breeze, these souls flutter in and out of our lives. They offer fleeting solace, casting dappled shadows in the warmth of summer. Yet, when winter's chill descends, they scatter, leaving behind only memories. Branches: More robust than leaves, these companions stand as stalwart sentinels in our journey. They provide steady companionship and occasional refuge. But tread lightly, for their strength may falter under the weight of our burdens. Roots: Deep and enduring, these souls are the bedrock of our existence. They anchor us through life's tumultuous seasons, unwavering in their steadfast support. While leaves may flutter away and branches may bend, roots remain steadfast, a testament to enduring love and unwavering loyalty. While leaves and branches add joy to our lives in good times, it's crucial to recognize that they may not endure tough times. Conversely, roots remain a constant source of strength and support, regardless of the circumstances. Find them. Cherish them. Ref : 1. https://lnkd.in/gFUnJdEH 2. Tyler Perry : Tyler Perry is a world-renowned producer, director, actor, screenwriter, playwright, author, songwriter, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. (https://tylerperry.com/)

Everything begins with love. Love for thyself. Love for thy neighbor. Love for community. For once we humans believe that we are worthy of love, we give and allow ourselves to receive it. We then allow ourselves to seek and receive connection and in doing so we allow our true selves to emerge and then an interesting thing happens. The world reciprocates. This is very difficult for us when we are children of trauma, pain and abuse. Trauma from housing instability. Pain from hunger. Abuse from those that we require love from because they too were once children of pain, suffering and abuse. As a society, As a community, As leaders, It is our obligation to ensure that each of us has our basic needs met. Housing is our foundational need and so that is where I serve. I believe that housing is a human right. So that trauma, pain and abuse does not steal our belief in our society, in our selves and so most importantly it does not steal our belief that we are indeed worthy of love and opportunity. A strong foundation. A home. A loving family and friends. An education. A vibrant and diverse community. These are the solutions that give each of us agency, influence and yes -happiness. #love #leadership #agency #community #housing #happiness #family #friends #trauma #pain #opportunity #affordablehousing #connection #selflove #selfcare KUSA-TV, 9NEWS Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce

Building blocks 🤔 I am now in the UK supporting my daughter Layal Liverpool with the promotion of her book, 𝙎𝙮𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙢𝙞𝙘, and with looking after my grandson. A building is literally being erected next door to where we are staying. I observe on a daily basis how the workers arrive methodically, early in the morning, and are busy throughout the day with breaks in between. They work 𝘴𝘢𝘧𝘦𝘭𝘺, 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘭𝘺, 𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘭𝘺, no matter the weather (it has been rainy and stormy on some occasions). It’s the first time I experience seeing this step-by-step process of creating a building. I am not bothered by the noise and find this real time live documentary fascinating 😃. It makes me think of the 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦, 𝘦𝘧𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘵, 𝘥𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘶𝘱 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘭𝘺, in order to create something new. Not to mention the importance of laying a good, 𝘴𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 that will stand the test of time. Those are the kind of building blocks that my clients and I put in, to create the change they want in their lives. It might involve a new story, a new way of thinking and perceiving the world, and ultimately a new way of being and doing. I support them in taking care of their mental health, so it can form a secure foundation that will carry them through turmoil, and will help them stand firm no matter what life storms rage around them. Just like in the case of creating this new building, it takes time, effort and a commitment to consistently show up to the sessions, from both my clients and myself, to create the new way of being in the world that they desire. Day by day, week by week, month by month, this new building grows tall and strong, the same way I observe my clients do as we co-creatively work together. Similarly I observe that my daughter, Layal, through her debut book, 𝘚𝘺𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘤, is adding an important building block to strengthen the foundation towards a better future where, hopefully, her son can grow and thrive in a world devoid of racism and discrimination. #buildingblocks #foundation #systemic #commitment #progress #mentalhealth #betterfuture #equality #coach #counsellor #thehague

Do you know if any of your coworkers are struggling with housing or food security? Any drowning in debt? What about your neighbors? What about your community? This isn’t an EMS-centric post. What needs are right in your literal back yard? What doesn’t need a complex government solution but instead needs a compassionate heart and a willing hand? We are called to love our neighbors, regardless of political affiliation, race, culture, etc. (If you’ve not read the story of the Good Samaritan, read it and understand the bigger message that was being made). We can be different. We can make a difference. As individuals. As organizations. As communities. Make things easier for people. And make thing better.

Churches are often deeply focused on their spiritual mission, which is their primary and most important purpose. However, running a church also involves managing a range of practical, business-related tasks that are essential for maintaining a healthy, thriving community. Here are the top five business practices that churches often overlook but shouldn't.

As a religious organization, you’re about so much more than your business operations. You spend each day focusing on your congregation and your community, which is why making sure your organization has the proper coverage should be the last thing you worry about. Let us customize a policy that fits your specific needs. https://buff.ly/3zdKKd5

Family businesses navigate a complex landscape where loyalty and conflict intertwine. On the one hand, the deep-rooted loyalty among family members can foster a strong sense of unity and harmony, driving the business forward with shared values and a long-term vision. This loyalty can lead to exceptional dedication and a willingness to make personal sacrifices for the success of the institution. On the flip side, family businesses may also face fierce conflicts that can arise due to the complexities of intergenerational dynamics or divergent visions for the company's future, which must be handled with great care as they have the potential to impede decision-making. To register in our program #lifetimejourneyacrossgeneration: https://lnkd.in/dtQEH82J #Planning #Succession #Inheritance #Transition #FamilyBusiness #Family #Generations #Future #Academy #IslamicChamber #Training #challenges #councel #boardofdirectors #BOD #ICTA #loyalty #conflict #decisiomaking