Project Report 6
The experience
This was vibrant encounter, at its shimmering best. Sheikh Ibrahim Mogra , Cinde Lee, Kiran Bali, and Shazia Awan brought us all alive to the excitement of knowing how we can change our society through action together.
From Dialogue to Cooperative Action actively engaged over thirty people from eight different faiths, Bektashi, Brahma Kumari, Buddhist, Christian (Orthodox and Protestant), Hindi, Jewish, and Muslim, in a journey, an on-going journey, of exploration, sharing, reflecting, changing, choosing and creating the way that will help them contribute to our changing European society. We shared in the company of human beings from thirteen different countries, bringing together different cultures, abilities, experiences, faiths and perspectives. We explored together, transforming our understanding. We shared experiences; storytelling and listening that enriched us, igniting that vital spark of passion for action that will help create shared security.
We created the way to make it happen, not just in the safety of Rovereto, but also in the reality of life back home. Not just in the blue-sky, early summer days of this hillside Italian ‘Town of Peace
The experience
This was vibrant encounter, at its shimmering best. Sheikh
From Dialogue to Cooperative Action actively engaged over thirty people from eight different faiths, Bektashi, Brahma Kumari, Buddhist, Christian (Orthodox and Protestant), Hindi, Jewish, and Muslim, in a journey, an on-going journey, of exploration, sharing, reflecting, changing, choosing and creating the way that will help them contribute to our changing European society. We shared in the company of human beings from thirteen different countries, bringing together different cultures, abilities, experiences, faiths and perspectives. We explored together, transforming our understanding. We shared experiences; storytelling and listening that enriched us, igniting that vital spark of passion for action that will help create shared security.
We created the way to make it happen, not just in the safety of Rovereto, but also in the reality of life back home. Not just in the blue-sky, early summer days of this hillside Italian ‘Town of
Before we left the warmth of Rovereto, we created our plans together; offered our resources, skills, friendship, partnership, across cultures and across national borders; and we made our commitment of action together for the well-being and security of all. We were not alone. We were together with some 250 people all seeking to realise ‘different faiths, common action’. They also signalled their support. We will journey on together with the worldwide Religions for Peace network, which reaches increasingly across Europe, as well as throughout Africa, the
The concerns
In four groups, we shared experiences, thoughts, ideas and raised some ninety issues and concerns, ranging through: Islamophobia; violence to women; children trafficking; global warming; the situation in Kazakhstan; inequality; injustice; dialogue with the young; drug abuse; exploitation; and much, much more. From these concerns, we selected those where we, in our religious communities, could make most difference. We then regrouped to focus our efforts on what we could do when we returned home.
The action
One group agreed to tackle the issue of prejudice locally, as they felt that going back into their own communities which they are familiar with and know they would be able to act most effectively. The aim is really to challenge people's prejudices by showing how effectively and peacefully people from different backgrounds and faiths can work together and set an example. All group members exchanged emails and agreed to share experiences after six months.
Another group explored the possibilities of a publicity leaflet/booklet with basic and concise information regarding the major religions and a paper-based calendar of religious events throughout the year. After deciding on a knowledge base in the form of a database, a few volunteers were ready to commit some time and information to developing this to serve as a tool for projecting and sharing important initiatives. A list of interested volunteers is held.
Three of the participants used the remaining time to share their diverse concerns with one another.
Finally, the group facilitators combined the main initiatives into the following joint commitment for on-going action.
The commitment
In order to promote multi faith awareness and to combat prejudice by sharing information across
The feedback
The significant majority thought there were opportunities to listen; to share thoughts; to reflect; to decide; to agree; and to start action planning.
Development needs identified included, in order of demand: project managing; capacity building; action planning; fundraising; media recognition; mediation skills; confidence building; resourcing; reconciliation skills; early warning awareness.
Overall, the experience was rated as good, with comments including: ‘It was great’; ‘great time’, ‘well worth it’; ‘fantastic’; ‘an extraordinary encounter!’
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