A Few Words From Joe

Joe Bins, August 2004

The Peacebuilders Initiative Program has greatly impacted my concern for social justice in our world. Peacebuilders was an "eye opener", for me, and brought my attention to many social justice issues. I am no longer able to stand on the sidelines and let someone else do the hard work. Peacebuilders has also equipped me with the tools, and means to effectively make a difference in someone's life.

Peacebuilders has taught me that you cannot change the world all by yourself; you need the help of others. I learned that the most effective way to get people involved is through dialogue. Peacebuilders has helped me develop my communication skills through workshops on listening, and our famous "round table discussion". In our "round table discussion", we shared our feelings and questions with our peers and a discussion panel. Our fellow Peacebuilders gave their opinions while the discussion panel gave us the Catholic Church's teaching on certain social justice issues. This was a great exercise in which we learned the importance of communication, trust, and faith. All of these are qualities that are essential to creating awareness about a particular social issue.

However, the most important thing I learned during this entire program is that I can make a difference in someone else's life. Peacebuilders taught this by taking us to different ministry sites and having us engage with a variety of different marginalized people. For example I was assigned to St. Vincent De Paul Center, where I worked with young underprivileged children, and to Laboret House where I worked with the elderly. When I saw how much I impacted both types of people my heart was filled with resolve and joy. I was awakened from my ignorant slumber and could hear God's call to serve the outcasts of society. Words cannot describe how grateful I am for the experiences I have had in the Peacebuilders Initiative Program, especially for my newfound concern for the marginalized people. Thank you Peacebuilders for making me aware of the social justice issues in our world!