Ending the Cycle of Violence

11/01/2022

Do birds see beauty in their plumage, hear it in their songs? Why does so much that is not intended for us seem beautiful to us?
Carl Safina, Becoming Wild

In late August, when we shared a message about the public health aspects of gun violence, John Surr wrote to remind us, "PEACE, which has worked closely with the Exchange over the years, is devoted primarily to Betsy Evan's message about helping young children grow in peace. We share your message about minimizing the impact of firearms on the minds of young children and their parents."

Surr’s reply reminded me of this powerful remark by Evans which was shared in ExchangeEveryDay back in 2010, and which Evans shares on her own website today: "If we are going to have real peace, and win the war against violence, we must start with children. By settling disputes with their peers, children gain an understanding of how to respect the needs of others while meeting their own needs. They learn that there is often more than one 'right' side to a dispute, that feelings are important, and that there are many possible 'win-win' solutions."

Surr also reminded us of the power of building and sustaining community over time. We are grateful to all our Exchange magazine and ExchangeEveryDay readers who inspire, reflect and respond to what we share with our early childhood family.

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