07/11/2025
So delighted to have been able to contribute, facilitate and participate in the Rural Community Network Beyond Belfast Conference , 'From the Ground Up' yesterday in the Seamus Heaney HomePlace in Bellaghy.
Thanks to Rural Community Network for making this collaborative, inspiring event possible. Thanks to Liza from Tides Training for leading us throughout the day in a warm and welcoming way, with gentle reminders of how important relationships and connection is so vital in our peacebuilding efforts.
Special thanks to Carole Kane for holding and sharing an interview with the one and only John Paul Lederach, encouraging us as community practitioners to go to the places no one else will go, respect the gift of conversation and creating space and movement for turning points.
Our CEO facilitated the panel discussion joined by 5 practitioners; The Junction who have been deeply embedded in the everyday work of peacebuilding, navigating challenge and creating connection, not just in theory, but in lived, local realities. The idea of trust being built over time, slowly and consistently, a reminder that peacebuilding is deeply relational work. There were 2 powerful moments of reflection and conversation about the role of creativity and flexibility and the ability to adapt to emerging needs and meeting people where they are. A conversation on inclusion, not just about inviting people in, but changing the structures so we can all belong.
And a warm and rural thanks to Maura Johnston for her wisdom with words, field names, place names, poetry and stories of old.
