In many ways, I feel the JoH cohort and the work of Global Immersion provide opportunities to transcend the cycle of polarization, violence, oppression, and marginalization. In describing foundational elements of peacebuilding, John Paul Lederach – in his book “The Moral Imagination” – encourages the centrality of relationships in any transformative peace work. He writes, “Time and again, where in small or large ways the shackles of violence are broken, we find a singular tap root that gives life to the moral imagination: the capacity of individuals and communities to imagine themselves in a web of relationship even with their enemies” (Lederach, 34).

In our last meeting, Michael Gibbs introduced us to a relationship mapping tool. We were literally learning how to draw the “web of relationships.” Such a tool allows us to slow down, to ask deeper questions of connections, and see our context differently. Drawing my “web,” I could see where the both divisions and alliances exist and note my own relationship in or to the conflict. We can see who drives conflict, and who is working to overcome it. We notice power dynamics, and who is positioned to leverage power for peaceful outcomes.

Such an exercise can help us point to which relationships to focus on, and where points of influence or change are most likely to succeed.

I like the idea of placing our maps in front of the eyes of others. We can learn so much from a small group of trusted people in the community who can name our assumptions and potential blind spots.