As a continuation to yesterday's post “What does peacebuilding look like in an interconnected world?”, I wanted to point to an interesting document titled Systems Theory and Peacebuilding compiled by Lisa Schirch from the Center for Justice & Peacebuilding at Eastern Mennonite University. In the brief Schirch highlights seven aspects of a 'system' and the implications each has for peacebuilding. We've outlined them below and are interested in hearing about people or organizations putting these ideas into action.

1. Each part of a system can only be understood in relationship with every other part.

Implication for Peacebuilding: Conflict assessment processes should map the system of conflict, all of its stakeholders, its history and how a conflict at the local level is “nested” within larger conflicts.

2. In systems, there are multiple causes that contribute to effects.

AshokaPeace (AP) and Ashoka Fellow Ken Wafula (KW) speak about personal turning points, innovations and challenges in peace work.

AP: What was your personal turning point in deciding to do the work you are now doing?

KW: It all started when Kenya descended into its darkest levels after the 2007 general elections. Political and ethnic violence rocked the country. But more so my region was the most affected. My family and I stayed out all night fearing attack. There was bloodshed and arson everywhere. It was ugly. A church with children and women who had sought refuge was razed down. After the mayhem and its aftermath, I reflected the loss, the despair among the affected populations and general situation in my region. I had never dealt with violence. But being a social entrepreneur and an Ashoka Fellow, I felt a responsibility and an urge to help. I circulated a letter to the entire Ashoka family asking for support. It was through this simple initiative and the response it attracted from the Ashoka office that marked my turning pointy in starting what I am doing today: conflict resolution, management, mediation and mitigation.

AP: What are you doing that nobody else is doing? In other words, what is the innovation in your work?