AMERICA.GOV INFOCUS TOPIC FOR MARCH:"ALTERNATIVES

UNCLAS STATE 022024 PLEASE PASS PAO, IRC PLEASE PASS TO AMERICAN CORNERS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KIRC KPAO OEXC OIIP OPRC PREL SUBJECT: AMERICA.GOV INFOCUS TOPIC FOR MARCH:"ALTERNATIVES TO VIOLENCE." REF: E.O. 12958: N/A ¶1. SUMMARY. America.gov's "In Focus" topic for March explores how grassroots organizations around the globe are working to confront violence in their communities. The eJournal USA examines the intellectual and religious roots of the tradition of nonviolence as it has been practiced globally. To assist posts with local programming, a PowerPoint presentation will be posted on INFOCENTRAL highlighting how groups around the world use traditional communication tools and emerging technologies to promote alternatives to violence. END SUMMARY. -------------- ALTERNATIVES TO VIOLENCE -------------- ¶2. Starting March 4, America.gov will highlight innovative ways civil society is rejecting violence, promoting peaceful resolution of conflicts and building social networks to effect change. We will showcase a variety of programs and initiatives around the world that offer models for peaceful reform. ¶3. Resources: A) The March eJournal USA on nonviolent paths to social change will offer insights into how new technology is offering new tools for collective action as well as historical perspectives on nonviolent methods to promote change and reform. Authors include Clay Shirky, Kathy Partridge, David Talbot, Ira Chernus, John Horgan, David ¶P. Barash, Stephen Zunes and Howard Cincotta. B) A PowerPoint presentation highlighting how various groups based in different regions are organizing and mobilizing to counter violence will be available at https://infocentral.state.gov/outreach-tools/ power-points The presentation offers posts a variety of scenarios that could be used to engage local audiences in a dialogue on methods to counter violence in their own communities. C) The America.gov democracy page will feature (http://democracy.america.gov/democracy/globa l/index.html): -- A video excerpt in Spanish and English of an interview with Oscar Morales, who mobilized 12 million people in a global protest against the activities of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) via the social networking tool Facebook.com. -- Profiles of specific programs around the world dedicated to enhancing mutual understanding, promoting peaceful conflict resolution and offering alternatives to violence. -- An interview and podcast featuring Sudanese musician Emmanuel Jal, a former child soldier in the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA),who now is using his musical talent to promote nonviolence. -- A profile and photo gallery of Eastern Mennonite University's Center for Justice and Peacebuilding. ¶4. Elements of the featured topic of "Alternatives to Violence" and eJournal USA will be translated into Spanish, French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, and Persian. ¶5. For forward planning, future America.gov "In Focus" topics are: April - Economics of Energy: America.gov will explore the new energy economy and the potential for investments in alternative energies to transform the economy. The eJournal USA will look at the economics of carbon-based energy. May - The International Financial System: The eJournal USA will explore various proposals for managing the international financial system. America.gov will tell the human story of how people around the world are dealing with the various issues raised in the eJournal in their own lives and businesses. ¶6. Minimize Considered. CLINTON