Quick Facts For New Members

What is Peace X Peace?

Peace X Peace is an international women's organization, headquartered in Washington, DC, that connects women across cultures to create a more balanced world where women's lives, stories, and voices are valued and honored. In the safe environment of its online Global Network, women and Women's Circles communicate directly via the internet, to form supportive friendships, educate and mentor one another, empower one another through shared expertise, and deepen their passions and commitments. All our supporting programs honor women's wisdom. It's what the world needs now!

In addition to participating in a Circle through the Global Network, members are encouraged to read, listen, and contribute to inspiring interviews, e-media, and conference calls that showcase the wisdom and experience of women in Afghanistan, Brazil, South Africa, India, and dozens of other countries. 

Who can become a member of Peace X Peace?

Anyone can join as a member by providing their email address and name. It's free. As a member you will immediately begin receiving our twice monthly newsletter, Peace Times, and our weekly blog. You may also enjoy our live or recorded interviews, write your own memoirs, or read about women's issues around the world  by getting acquainted with our site. Best of all, you can participate in a sister match - connecting directly with a woman or women in another culture by completing a profile and selecting from the profiles you see. 

You must be 18 years of age to join Peace X Peace. Men are welcome to join as members and take part in Circles, and are welcome to join women in the practice of using Circle principles.

How are women connecting and communicating through the Peace X Peace Global Network?

They complete a profile that will guide their connection with a woman or Circle of women in another country or their own. Once the match is completed, communications flow through a secure space at the Peace X Peace website. Each member decides how to shape the friendship and the purpose and frequency of the communication. Once Circles are communicating, they decide if messages will be sent by one member or all members. In either case, all communications can be seen and read by all members of the Circle to ensure transparency and shared leadership. The key is consensus within the Circle.  

What are some of the reasons why women connect globally?

As you can imagine, it varies. But here are some of the reason we have heard from our members: 

• Wanting to know about the day to day lives of women in other parts of the world
• Wanting to know what is really happening beyond what we hear in the news
• Supporting each other in tackling tough issues like violence against women, poverty, and discrimination 
• Casual friendship and curiosity about traditions, crafts, religion, and childrearing
• Sharing of resources and projects

 What is a women's Circle?

A women's Circle is a feminine way of gathering that women have used for centuries. The Circle is a sacred and safe space where women can share their stories and be honored, affirmed, renewed, and refreshed. There are formal and informal Circles, but the space created in either should be one of trust, confidentiality, and inclusion. Some Circles are quiet and meditative while others are lively and creative. They meet as often as the members decide. It is a powerful model that is growing throughout the world to empower women's wisdom.

How will Peace X Peace help me if I decide to get connected?

We have written materials, recorded information, live member support, translation services, and staff members based in our Washington DC office, plus staff members and Global Liaisons in various regions of the world. We are here to answer questions and provide support. Our Virtual Classroom (under the Learn tab) offers comprehensive resources to guide you from thinking about getting started to being matched, sharing your lives, and possibly sharing visists and joint projects.

What do women talk about in their Circles?

They often begin slowly and politely as they get to know each other. They talk about the work they do, their families, and the places where they live. After a number of exchanges, most find that the spark of what they hold in common begins to light up the new friendship. You are free to shape the conversation and the friendship as you wish.

Some Circles have a common interest or mission. We have educators bringing their students to learn new nursing and health care practices. We have business mentors helping women to lift their small businesses off the ground. Recently, a group of grandmothers connected with other grandmothers to talk about indigenous wisdom, the environment, and childrearing. Still others are sharing models for opening abuse shelters for girls and networks to halt trafficking.   

I am so busy! How much time is this going to take, anyway?

When you fill out your match profile you will indicate the frequency of communication that suits your schedule. Most matches communicate between once a week and once a month.

Am I going to be overwhelmed with pitiful stories about how hard women's lives are?

You and your connection will set the tone together. If your sister connection shares tough topics, remind yourself of the power of compassionate listening. It is often more powerful than any action we might take to relieve ourselves of the anxiety of emotion. We hear so often that women simply need an ear! Set boundaries, and if you need to, shift the tone of the conversation. You will know when the time comes, if it comes, to take action together.

I am not interested in a sister match at this time. Can I still participate?

You can enjoy most Peace X Peace programs as a member without being in a direct sister match. Members often return to The Women's Global Roundtable, Voice X Voice, Story X Story, Page X Page, our PeaceTimes newsletter, and other programs before they commit to a match.  

How do I find Peace X Peace members in my country or region?

Our Global Liaisons are our voices and hearts around the world. In 2008 we expect to have seven Liaisons in various regions. We also have many Field Leaders around the world who are bring the Global Network to women in their region. Please check the link above to see if there is a liaison in your area.

How do you reach women without internet connectivity? And women in rural areas?

Women demonstrate great ingenuity, particularly in poverty-stricken and rural areas. Usually one person in a Circle has internet or knows where to find it. Our matching profile has been downloaded, printed off hundreds of times, and distributed hand to hand throughout the villages of Africa. One hearty soul took a pile of applications and registered all of the women in her village into our Global Network to be connected.

How was Peace X Peace started?

Peace X Peace began in 2002 when Patricia Smith Melton, a poet, playwright, film maker, and photographer, gathered six experts in peace and women's rights from around the world to discern a women's response to the violence of 9/11/2001. The organization was incorporated as a 501(c) (3) nonprofit and hired its first staff person at the end of that year. It launched a website and an online news service and began connecting U.S. women with women outside the U.S., across geographic and cultural divides, via the internet.

How is Peace X Peace funded?

Our founder Patricia Smith Melton and her husband Bill graciously funded most Peace X Peace activities in our early years. In the next several years their funds must be replaced by other contributions. Peace X Peace has a funding strategy and a full-time Director of Development. To date, we have not accepted government funding, in order to maintain a neutral platform where women can communicate freely. Membership subscriptions allow Peace X Peace to bring its programs to women worldwide.