Scott: Proximity, community and hope are themes during Peace Week Delaware 2023

Peace Week Delaware is one of the First State’s most positive, hopeful efforts to create an inclusive community and take action together, as one, to achieve a more peaceful, loving and unified community.”

Darlene Scott is the Steering Committee chair for Peace Week Delaware 2023.

Delaware’s Bryan Stevenson, founder of the Equal Justice Initiative, urges us to be “proximate” to each other — to close the gap between “you and me” and “they and them.” Stevenson says our proximity, or nearness, to each other is the first step in creating a community that serves the needs of all.

Here’s how Stevenson explained it in a commencement speech a few years ago: “Whether the issue is criminal justice, food security, the environment, income equality or international human rights, you can change the world. The first thing I believe is that you have to commit to getting proximate to the places in our nation, in our world, where there is suffering and abuse and neglect.”

Peace Week Delaware, to be held this year from Oct. 7-15, provides you with the chance to “get proximate” with your fellow Delawareans, to think about our state as one community and to transform that community — and perhaps yourself.

Now in its eighth year, Peace Week’s 2023 theme is “We Are One: One Peace, One Week, One Delaware.” Peace Week’s all-volunteer organizers have spurred churches, libraries, nonprofits and other community groups to organize dozens of events promoting health, peace, progress and justice. You’ll find a complete listing at peaceweekdelaware.org/attend-events.

There, you can browse, register for and save events that interest you. Most events are in person, though some will offer streaming options. All are nonpartisan, free and open to the public. Here’s a listing of some of the nearly 40 events being offered across the state:

• “Depolarizing Within” workshop (Wilmington).
• Restorative justice workshop (Newark).
• “Restoring the Power of Community” talk (Wilmington).
• Peace Concert with Meeta Parker (Hockessin).
• “Sacred Grounds: Creating a Pollinator Garden” (Wilmington).
• “Mi Casa Es Su Casa” concert (Georgetown).
• Candle lighting for victims of gun violence (Wilmington).
• Peace Week story time for children (Greenwood).
• Labyrinth meditation walk (Wilmington).
• “Seeking Asylum: A Mother’s Journey” film (Wilmington and Newark).
• “Night Without a Bed” (Millsboro).
• “Peace of Pizza” gathering and concert (Wilmington).
• Discussion about climate justice in Sussex County (Lewes).
• Rally to end homelessness (Wilmington).

Bryan Stevenson also reminds us, “Justice needs hope. … Hopelessness is the enemy of justice. It is the enemy of progress, and your hope is vital — it’s precious. It’s essential if we are going to change the world.”

Peace Week Delaware is one of the First State’s most positive, hopeful efforts to create an inclusive community and take action together, as one, to achieve a more peaceful, loving and unified community. I hope everyone will take time to explore the menu of events and opportunities it offers.

Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.