Creating peace within a community is more than just avoiding conflict — it’s about fostering an environment where everyone feels empowered and engaged. One of the most compelling examples of this “positive peace” is the Republic of Super Neighbors in Paris. But how can we translate their success into actionable steps for our own neighborhoods? Here are some specific behaviors and tips to consider.
Start Small but Think Big
Action: Begin with a Local Issue
The Republic of Super Neighbors started by focusing on increasing daily local interactions. By beginning with a specific, tangible goal, they were able to generate early successes that galvanized community involvement.
Tip: Scale with Care
Don’t try to tackle every issue at once. Start with one achievable objective and then scale up.
Use Technology to Facilitate Communication
Action: Create Digital Channels for Engagement
WhatsApp groups served as a central hub for the Republic of Super Neighbors to coordinate activities and share information.
Tip: Use Accessible Platforms
Choose platforms that are user-friendly and accessible to people of all ages and tech-savvy levels.
Promote Inclusivity
Action: Welcome All Ethnic and Social Groups
The Republic of Super Neighbors prides itself on being ethnically and socially inclusive.
Tip: Create Opportunities for Minority Engagement
Promote the inclusion of minorities by offering platforms where their voices can be heard and valued.
Offer Mutual Aid
Action: Establish Support Networks
Whether it’s sharing tools, offering a listening ear, or running errands for each other, acts of mutual aid foster community resilience.
Tip: Make It Easy to Ask for Help
Set up a bulletin board — physical or digital — where neighbors can post offers and requests for assistance.
Leverage Local Skills and Interests
Action: Skill Sharing Sessions
The ‘talking cheese’ events are just one example of how residents share their unique skills and interests to foster community ties.
Tip: Organize Regular Community Events
Whether it’s a gardening club or coding classes for kids, regular events encourage ongoing participation.
Empower Through Collective Decision-Making
Action: Participatory Budgeting
The community pooled their resources and influence to fund local projects, like public square revitalization.
Tip: Host Community Meetings
Regular community meetings provide an opportunity for collective decision-making and keep everyone invested in community affairs.
Prioritize Resilience
Action: Prepare for Crises Together
Pooling resources to help a Malian refugee or preparing for extreme weather events are examples of collective resilience.
Tip: Create a Crisis Response Team
Establish a group of community members who are trained to respond to various types of crises, such as natural disasters or social unrest.
Final Thoughts
Creating positive peace in a community isn’t a one-person job, nor is it a one-time effort. It’s a continuous process that requires involvement from as many people as possible. While the Republic of Super Neighbors provides an excellent blueprint, the key takeaway is that positive peace starts with the small actions of individuals, who can inspire a ripple effect of goodwill and cooperation in their communities.
In our increasingly complex and interconnected world, let’s not underestimate the power of local actions to contribute to broader societal wellbeing. As we’ve seen in the Republic of Super Neighbors, even a single, local initiative can be a lighthouse for positive peace far beyond its immediate surroundings.
