Family resources

The Institute for Peace and Justice and the Parenting for Peace and Justice Network (PPJN) (Organization)
This organization, begun by James and Kathleen McGinnis, produces some of the best resources for parents and teachers. It is full of good common sense approaches and exercises. The McGinnis' have a deep personal commitment as well as professional expertise. See especially: A Call to Peace: 52 Meditations on the Family Pledge of Nonviolence and Creating Circles of Peace: Alternatives to Violence Kits (in English or Spanish, with activities for home and church).

See also:  Educators for Social Responsibility: www.esrnational.org
See also:  Save The Children: www.savethechildren.org
See also:  United Nations Children's Fund: www.unicef.org

Congregational and community resources

Common, widely popular, or well-respected resources are often the best place to begin. You might have a book study of Bruce Feiler's Abraham, A Journey to the Heart of Three Faiths (William Morrow, 2002) or Writing in the Dust (Eerdmans, 2002) by Rowan Williams, the Anglican archbishop who was present at "ground zero" on September 11, 2001.

For more on fostering conversations and story-telling, see Turning to One Another: Simple Conversations to Restore Hope to the Future, by Margaret J. Wheatley (Berrett-Koehler, 2002) or Difficult Conversations: Taking Risks, Acting with Integrity, by Katie Day (Alban, 2001).

Most denominations now have their own resources on "Inclusion" or "Anti-Racism," but four excellent and practical books on the subject of "inclusion" by Eric H. F. Law are available from Chalice Press, P.O. Box 179, Saint Louis, MO 63166 or www.chalicepress.com.

World Peacemakers (Organization)
A world peacemaker group is a small gathering of people. Conscious of the action of the Holy Spirit in their lives, they offer the gift of their corporate life for the world's healing and unity through peacemaking. The Group has both an "inward" and "outward" journey. This is a useful resource for anyone wanting to build Christian community.

The Peace Book: 108 Simple Ways To Create A More Peaceful World (Book)
Louise Diamond, Author. Available from:

In addition, many denominations have their own materials. Using materials from your own denomination will be most effective. Here are some places to begin to check for online resources from denominational, interdenominational, and interfaith sources. Many of these, including Jewish and Muslim Peace Fellowships, are listed at www.nonviolence.org.

See also:  Resources for Use in Times of Terror at www.textweek.com
See also:  United Religions Initiative: www.uri.org
See also:  National Council of Churches: www.ncccusa.org
See also:  Psychologists for Social Responsibility: www.psysr.org

and two peacemaking denominations with great print and video resources:
Mennonite Central Committee www.mcc.mcc.org
American Friends Service Committee (Quaker) www.afsc.org

Discover Your Conflict Management Style and many other resources for dealing with conflict in congregations are available from The Alban Institute at www.alban.com.

Resources on transforming our thinking about "enemies" and conflict are available from Diane Perlman, through www.consciouspolitics.com and www.humanchainreaction.com.