Amy Severson, Jennifer Jasper & Kent Highnam
The Peace Hub 2024 is a collaborative, exploratory event aimed at assessing the feasibility of establishing a “Peace Hub” in BC. The day brings together post-secondary institutions, non-profit organizations, and community groups to connect, share, and envision pathways toward peaceful engagement and restorative justice initiatives in the face of local and global unrest.
The workshop centers around visioning, identifying opportunities and challenges, exploring research potential, and laying the groundwork for future steps. Attendees will connect deeply, listening to diverse experiences and perspectives on peace, and collaboratively exploring what might be possible through collective action.
Key elements of the day include:
- Connection – Sharing stories to understand our collective experiences of peace.
- Emergence – Gathering themes, values, and possibilities from these stories.
- Collaboration – Identifying the regional and local challenges we can address through joint efforts.
- Impact – Exploring the research, policy, and practice implications of collaborative peace efforts.
- Action – Identifying where the collective energy lies for future initiatives.
Given the importance of preparing for such a monumental task, we have created a shared online space for participants to connect and reflect prior to the event. This space will serve as a repository of stories, resources, and ideas, laying the foundation for the Peace Hub.
AUTHORING TOOL(S) USED
We used a SPLOT (Simple, Powerful, Open, and Low Threshold) platform hosted on WordPress to facilitate pre-event connection. SPLOT is an open resource provided by the Educational Technology Collective, designed for ease of use without the need for licenses or complex setups.
WHY WAS THIS PROJECT NEEDED?
To create a platform for connection and a lasting record of shared stories and collaborative initiatives. Our hope is that this continues to be a place for the Peace Hub to expand and endure.
HOW DOES THIS DEMONSTRATE INNOVATION?
This initiative is groundbreaking in its approach to building partnerships between academic institutions, non-profit organizations, and community groups. By fostering collaboration across sectors, we aim to develop research opportunities and peace education programs that address regional and global challenges. The use of an open-source SPLOT platform aligns with the philosophy of OpenETC, which empowers institutions with sustainable, flexible, and risk-reducing technological solutions.
PROBLEMS OR CHALLENGES FACED?
LESSONS LEARNED
Implementation was quick and supported by members of CTLI.
PROJECT URL