Photo by Patrick Fore on Unsplash
The Charter for Compassion is working on an idea to take David Gershon's Peace by 2030 Project and to create a pilot project of building a Highway of Peace and Compassion, Camino de Paz y Compasion, from San Antonio, Texas to Monterrey, Mexico. We envision needing a coordinator in Texas and one in Mexico to work with local towns, villages and cities and finances to help hire facilitators to work for several weeks in each locale to introduce team building exercises and create local grass roots team to carry the project forward. This would include forming at least three teams of three individuals to play the game, Peace by 2030. We need to create a strategy plan for this project to include Mission, Vision, Objectives, role descriptions for the two coordinators, including a model for raising funds for the projects locally.
1. Executive Summary
This section briefly introduces the project and its overarching vision.
Project Title: Camino de Paz y Compasión: A Compassionate Path from San Antonio to Monterrey
Sponsoring Organizations: Charter for Compassion, Alamo College and the Peace Center, University of the Incarnate Word, CompassionateUSA
Objective: To create a cross-border peace corridor promoting compassionate communities, peacebuilding, education, and cultural exchange from San Antonio, Texas, to Monterrey, Mexico.
Key Partners: Rotary International, local trusts, companies and other organizations.
2. Vision and Mission
The long-term vision for the Camino de Paz y Compasión.
Vision: To create a network of compassionate communities along a geographical corridor from San Antonio to Monterrey, fostering peace, cooperation, and cultural understanding through shared initiatives.
Mission: Through partnerships with local and international organizations, the project will establish Compassionate Cities along the route, provide peace-focused education and cultural programs, and encourage local and regional collaboration to promote peaceful coexistence.
3. Goals and Objectives
The specific goals of the project.
- Establish Compassionate Cities: Facilitate the process for each city, town, and community along the corridor to become an officially recognized Compassionate City using the Charter’s Community Toolbox.
- Promote Peacebuilding Programs: Partner with local organizations, including the Peace Center and CompassionateUSA, to develop and deliver peace-focused education and training programs for youth, leaders, and community members.
- Encourage Cultural and Educational Exchanges: Use local programming to promote cultural understanding and cooperation between communities in Texas and Mexico, fostering cross-border solidarity.
- Empower Local Leaders: Train and empower local leaders with the tools and resources to sustain compassionate programs in their communities through the Charter for Compassion’s Community Toolbox.
- Support from CompassionateUSA: Engage CompassionateUSA to help implement the U.S.-based aspects of the project, leveraging its nationwide network and experience in building compassionate communities.
4. Key Components and Activities
An overview of how the project will be implemented.
A. Compassionate Cities Development
- Objective: Work with Rotary International, local trusts, and community organizations to help cities along the corridor become Compassionate Cities.
- Process: Utilize the Charter for Compassion’s Community Toolbox to guide local leaders in launching Compassionate City initiatives, identifying needs, and engaging with their communities.
B. Peacebuilding and Education Programs
- Objective: Offer peace education, conflict resolution workshops, and cultural programs in each community.
- Collaboration: Partner with Bob Schlehuber and his peacebuilding initiatives to incorporate creative, community-driven approaches to conflict resolution.
- Support from CompassionateUSA: CompassionateUSA will bring its experience in designing and scaling peace programs across multiple communities.
C. Sponsorship for Local and Regional Events
- Objective: Secure sponsorship for peace and cultural events, including festivals, youth conferences, and educational exchanges, to promote peace and compassion.
- Potential Partners: Engage Rotary Clubs, local businesses, foundations, and companies to financially support and participate in regional peace initiatives.
5. Partnership and Financial Support Strategy
Steps to secure financial and organizational support.
- Rotary International and Local Rotary Clubs: Rotary has a long-standing commitment to peace and service. Approach local and international Rotary Clubs to secure sponsorship and involvement in peace projects along the corridor.
- Local Trusts and Foundations: Identify regional and national philanthropic organizations that align with the goals of fostering peace, education, and community building.
- Corporate Sponsorships: Engage local and multinational companies with ties to the region to invest in the Camino de Paz y Compasión through sponsorships and in-kind contributions.
- Role of Alamo College and the Peace Center: As sponsoring organizations, Alamo College and the Peace Center will provide institutional support, serve as hubs for peace programming, and coordinate outreach to partners.
6. Role of CompassionateUSA and the Charter’s Community Toolbox
Use of resources to support the project.
- CompassionateUSA: This national network will provide expertise and resources to help establish Compassionate Cities in U.S. communities along the corridor. They will also play a key role in building bridges between U.S. and Mexican cities, helping to coordinate peacebuilding programs and sharing best practices.
- Charter for Compassion’s Community Toolbox: This resource will be vital in guiding local leaders through the process of becoming Compassionate Cities, offering practical tools for community engagement, event planning, and leadership training.
7. Expected Outcomes
Impact of the project.
- 10+ Compassionate Cities after 12-18 months: Establish a series of Compassionate Cities along the corridor from San Antonio to Monterrey.
- Sustainable Peace Programs: Implement sustainable peace education and cultural exchange programs that foster understanding and cooperation.
- Cross-Border Collaboration: Strengthen U.S.-Mexico relations through compassionate leadership and shared peacebuilding efforts.
8. Next Steps
Roadmap for immediate actions.
- Reach Out to Potential Partners: Begin discussions with Rotary, local businesses, and trusts.
- Launch Initial Peacebuilding Programs: Start by implementing pilot peace programs in key cities along the corridor.
- Engage CompassionateUSA: Utilize their expertise to guide U.S. cities in adopting Compassionate City programs.
