For some, July is the month to celebrate independence.
At Peace X Peace, it’s a time  to focus on interdependent justice, good governance, and peace.

Peace X Peace is a global community. Some of us live in democracies and some of us don’t. Some of us live in democracies that are constituted differently than others. Wherever we live, whatever political parties we support, we all want our voices to be heard, and we all want peace and justice. But that leaves so many more questions than answers!

We’re counting on you, our readers, to offer your own experience and take the conversation in new directions!

What Do Women Want? Power, Please

by Mary Liepold

On July 2, after years of debate and pressure by women and women’s advocates, the UN General Assembly created a new agency to represent the women of the world: the UN Entity for Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women, or UN Women. Read what women are saying about this news and learn what you can do to ensure that women are meaningfully represented at the UN, and  in other institutions of power.

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The Geography of Bliss

by Molly Mayfield Barbee

Do democracies promote happiness or are happy places are more likely to be democratic? Molly explores this and more in her review of Eric Weiner’s 2008 account of his travels and research on subjective well-being, or “SWB,” the scientific term for the field of happiness studies. The Geography of Bliss is an expansive, humorous, and slightly dark account of the influence government policies and mechanisms can have on happiness.

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Bring Your Drop of Water to the Fire

by Dalila Paulo

“Poverty and lack of educational opportunity sadden me and I can only do so much, but when I feel this ache I tell myself the story of the hummingbird. There is a fire in the forest and all the animals are running away to save their lives. Only the hummingbird is darting back and forth, getting little drops of water from the lake in its beak and dropping them on the fire. Another bird flies past and says, ‘You are silly! You can’t put out this huge fire.’ The hummingbird says, ‘Yes, I know. But I am doing my part.’”

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“SquarePeaceA6″ by Huong

And be sure to check out the latest Be the Change: Person X Person. Are you, or can you be a Ferocious Forgiver? Join Peace X Peace Founder, Patricia Smith Melton, as she explores what it means to forgive, yet not ignore damage. To pick our causes, work actively for restoration, and do it together—”spotting each other, using humor and creativity, always non-violent, and keeping personal awareness and authenticity.”

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