MEPCF Peacemaker’s Toolkit

The tools in the MEPCF Peacemaker’s Toolkit allow for the possibility of fresh perspectives and increased awareness about ourselves, each other, and the conflict dynamics, while offering pathways to profound conflict transformation.

Tool #1: Values Polaris

About: Since ancient times, Polaris, the North Star, has guided travelers across land and sea.

In the same way, the peacemaker is guided by enduring values—steady lights that keep us grounded and point us toward a more peaceful world.

These values are always within reach for the peacemaker:

● Kindness: Choose kindness in every action, and invite others to do the same. What we offer the world has a way of returning to us.

● Dignity: Honor the inherent worth of every person by acting with respect and decency.

● Humility: Remember that our understanding is never complete, and that other perspectives can deepen our own.

● Authenticity: Be true to who you are, trusting that your unique experiences and voice have meaning.

● Love: Lead from the heart, restoring connection, care, and belonging wherever you go.

● Mercy: Forgive and soften, allowing space for healing and new beginnings.

● Compassion: Open yourself to the experiences of others, and walk beside them with empathy.

● Integrity: Stand firmly in your values without compromise. Act with courage, and rest knowing you have worked for greater love and kindness in the world.

Application: Stand for these values. Look thoughtfully at conflict situations and see where these values may be missing and can be applied. Live these values as best you can.

Tool #2: The Present Moment

About: Awareness in the present moment reveals something that is not available by looking only at the past or the future. We cannot undo the past—what happened, happened. We can bring our attention to the present moment, and experience the singularity of this very day.

Every moment holds an opportunity to expand peacefulness. When we are collectively being peaceful and respectful towards one another, peace will be a reality, now. Choose peace today, and look to expand peace in the present moment.

Application: Sit quietly and reflect on the experience of peace, and visualize what a world that works for everyone looks like. Encourage others to break free of the bonds of the past and create a new reality, beginning now and anchored in the opportunity of this moment. Feel into this new world, and let your spirits lift. 

Tool #3: A Clean Slate

About: A Clean Slate references the possibility of a relationship reset—the availability of a fresh start after even the most challenging circumstances. This may require releasing blame so that constructive dialogue becomes possible. Sometimes we do have to reckon with painful events that happened in the past, and that live on in our personal and collective memories. We cannot undo the past, but A Clean Slate allows us to focus on the present. What happened, happened—it got us to where we are today.

We are not condemned to repeat the same battles we fought in the past. We have the power to forgive, and to embody new ways of relating. A Clean Slate makes it possible. Be a stand for a fresh and enlightened way forward.

Application: As you approach a conflict situation, be the leader who stands for a fresh start. A clean slate is not about diminishing differences or forgetting about the past, but rather coming from an intention to begin again—from a positive place.

Tool #4: Straight Talk

About: Straight Talk is about speaking up and stating your truth, part of a commitment to straight and honest communication. (This tool is an essential companion to our next tool, Be the Witness, which is all about deep listening.) Sometimes peacemaking efforts go astray when honest expression is diminished or made wrong. Straight, authentic communication is required to work through what are sometimes deep divides and traumatic wounds in a conflict situation.

Honest, heartfelt talk is often shouted down or forcefully suppressed. People with something important to say are often intimidated. To experience a breakthrough, we need to know what doesn’t work in the eyes of the speaker.

Each of us has a valuable perspective, our own unique story to tell. With the ability to speak our minds comes the responsibility to listen to others without resorting to personal attacks (see tool #5) 

Sometimes straight talk includes speaking truth to power, or expressing something unpopular. Sometimes straight talk means striving to interrupt unworkability effectively.

Shining the light of truth on an issue is like seeing a diamond with multiple facets. Recognizing the validity of each of these facets is an important tool in the hands of the peacemaker.

Application: Recognize that each person holds a unique experience. Be willing to speak your truth, while holding the space for others to share theirs. If you observe something that is unworkable, put it on the table for discussion. Do not be afraid to dive into disagreements.

Distinguish between objective and subjective truths. What happened, happened. Do not remain silent in the face of unworkability.

Tool #5: Be the Witness

About: Being the Witness is the practice of deep listening: getting the essential nature and communication of another person fully, accurately, and compassionately. We don’t have to agree with every word to connect with another’s soul.

Sometimes, language and narratives divide us. Our convictions are deeply held. When we ‘Be the Witness,’ we get to show up with our “heart ears” and offer a calm and workable space for authentic communication and progress.

Application: Put on your “heart ears” and listen for the authentic humanity in others. When we connect at the level of the soul, we are empowered to be with any communication. When we are able to Be the Witness, a possibility is born for heart-centered communication. This provides access to resolving real differences.

Put aside your urge to immediately respond, and see what opens up. Listen intentionally, hear what they say, and let them know you have heard. You can even go deeper: Ask questions, be genuinely curious, and listen for what they mean authentically but don’t put into words: their underlying commitments and heartfelt desires. Keep going. Be the one who is willing to listen first. Find something positive in them to acknowledge.

Tool #6: Pause, and Envision

About: Without Vision, the people perish. We have become so action-oriented, trying to figure out the “right” way, but seldom do we pause and give ourselves permission to imagine. Stop, enter a space of quiet, and envision what real peace can look like. Not the arrogant calm of domination over others, but a vision of a genuine peace that transcends petty differences.

A compelling vision of ‘what can be’ is a powerful tool. The seed of creation is the willingness to imagine, and taking small steps toward that end. This is not about the details of how to get there—that will come. When we Pause, and Envision, we give ourselves the freedom and permission to see with our mind’s eye a world that works for everyone.

Application: Stop, and pause. Envision a future that appeals to your most authentic self. Ask, “What would a world that works for all people actually look like?” Imagine the kids playing together; people with different backgrounds talking and working for the win-win outcome; families breaking bread together, aligning on a new and common path that honors all of us; whatever it looks like for you. Invite others to pause and reflect along with you. Use your intelligence to find words of healing and reconciliation. See an enlightened result, and identify even a single, small positive action you can take.

Tool #7: Be the One

About: Know and believe that every action we take irrevocably shapes destiny. The world is at a threshold, and events wait for no one. With a single kind word, a sympathetic ear, or a thoughtful deed we have the capacity to create a more peaceful world.

When unsure what to do, start small. Build a connection to another. Stand for greater understanding as an access to peace, even when you are unsure of how a conversation will go.

Be willing to take a risk while standing in love and affinity. We get to be mindful of our ability to play our part in healing relationships. We are empowered to extend an olive branch.

Application: If ever you feel powerless, or find yourself in a conversation where a sense of agency is lacking, adopt a mindset of possibility. Cultivate a belief in your own capability, and identify even a modest action that you can take. Summon the courage and take enlightened action—even when uncertain of the outcome.

Tool #8: The Power of the Pen

About: The Power of the Pen recognizes that, “words create worlds.” The language we use isn’t just about mending relationships—it’s also about structuring a vision of a new reality and sharing it with others. Holding this vision, we get to take action to alter the landscape and cause a real shift. The Power of the Pen is the access to opportunity, creating an opening in the minds of others for decisive action. Calling for positive transformation and inviting others to participate is powerful and necessary action for peace.

Through the pen all things begin, and all things are possible. Let us use our own pens, real and metaphorical, to build bridges, elevate relationships, and shape destiny.

Application: Use the Power of the Pen and understand that language is a tool to create a world that works. Imagine what peace can look like. Out of letters, we create words, and out of words we create concepts and ideas. Sharing a vision with others through the Power of the Pen is the starting point of real transformation in the material world. We are here to elevate humanity, and integrate the material and the spiritual. Let’s elevate our human experience and create a magnificent world.

Tool #9: Live in Integrity

About: Integrity is wholeness and truth. The presence of integrity is the experience of peace, when all is as it should be. If there is a lack of peace, look thoughtfully and see where there is a lack of integrity. Do not lie, nor engage in libels, embellishments, and half truths. To not bear false witness, nor oppress the downtrodden.

A truth has a purpose, sometimes we have to look for it. Stand for truth and integrity in all situations; be not afraid to do the right thing. Truth is destiny, so work to strip away all lies.

Objective truth is singular and unitary, and is unchanged by opinions, stories, and narratives.

The complete truth is often complex. Only a small fraction of history is recorded in language.

The balance of “what actually happened” is stored within the complete fabric of our world. What happened in the past shaped the present moment. Restoring integrity requires that we start from a place of truth.

Application: Live in Integrity and do not stray from your commitment to truth. Acknowledge the totality of the past, and stand in restoring wholeness and peace. Trust your personal experience and honor your commitments, while minding the authentic lived experience of others. Taking action in service of integrity is our pathway to healing and repairing our world.

Tool #10: The Power of Declaration

About: Stating what is and shall be through the Power of Declaration allows us to unlock the full potential of language as a creative tool. We get to state our intentions and purpose, our moral stand, and drive a stake into the ground with the power of our voice. When we make declarations that honor the common good and restore the health of our relationships, we are building peace, one stone at a time. One manageable step at a time is all it takes, overcoming challenges and along the way.

In Biblical tradition, the Almighty declares that Abraham is the father of many nations. We are now living the impact of that ancient declaration. Our traditions also describe the lion and the lamb laying together one day. It is up to us to declare that now is the time for peace.

Application: Choose your declarations powerfully, and demonstrate your commitment to seeing them through. Align with a higher purpose that benefits all people, and take notice of how the universe responds. We don’t have a crystal ball, but the peacemaker gets to stand in a reality of peace and integrity.

Tool #11: Make it Work

It is up to us to create workability in all we undertake. Make it Work is a tool that represents our stand for working it out, drama notwithstanding. Make it Work provides everything we need to stand for fair and effective outcomes. It has to work for all people.

Application: When we come from this commitment and do what it takes to Make it Work, you have stepped into your power. Circumstances, drama, and justifications will intrude. Be the signal, not the noise, and find a way to Make it Work.