What can we do?

Theory is fine. So is dialogue.

Times for action come when things fit together coherently as physics, chemistry, geology and biology do that gave rise to the human genome. Produced via biological evolution, our genome is the basis for the sociological and psychological patterns evident today--as they have been over human history. In short, do we not now know enough to get started in a broad but coherent way?


There are many sites devoted to peace. Each does good work, a few do great work. Each is needed. The problem is city hall, to use a metaphor for the stubborn psyches we all harbor. Until our psyches open up enough to allow facts to replace fiction, to permit growth instead of stasis, to replace stagnation with energy, we will forever remain in the boat of individualism with sharks of violence, terror, war and genocide ever circling.

Meanwhile, for those of us who cannot wait to get started, we present five web sights devoted to action—physical action here and now. There is opportunity for everyone. Some are international in scope, all are trying to create a better world. We can all play a part. Who knows, we might even find a career as Sarah Chayes did after her early service in Morocco as part of the Peace Corps. She became a distinguished journalist and author because she was ready when opportunity arose.

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Promotes cultural understanding between Americans and other cultures of the world as well as providing special skills to developing countries.

The Peace Corps' mission has three simple goals:

• Helping the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women.
• Helping promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served.
• Helping promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans.

International is founded on the conviction that every man, woman and child should have a decent, safe and affordable place to live. Through volunteer labor and donations of money and materials, Habitat and its homeowner families have built or rehabilitated more than 400,000 houses. A nonprofit, nondenominational Christian housing ministry, Habitat invites people of all backgrounds, races and religions to build together in partnership.

Basic requirements

• Anyone

Commitment Period

• Varies by Region

City Year unites young people of all backgrounds for a year of full-time service, giving them skills and opportunities to change the world.

Basic requirements

• US citizens or Residents
• Aged 17-24

Commitment Period

• 10 months

Core Values

Teach For America's core values reflect how we as an organization want our staff to operate, individually and collectively. Our core values are central to our culture and represent the style of operating that we believe to be critical for moving us most quickly and purposefully toward our goals.

• Relentless pursuit of results: We assume personal responsibility for achieving ambitious, measurable results in pursuit of our vision. We persevere in the face of challenges, seek resources to ensure the best outcomes, and work toward our goals with a sense of purpose and urgency.
• Sense of possibility: We approach our work with optimism, think boldly, and greet new ideas openly.
• Disciplined thought: We think critically and strategically in search of the best answers and approaches, reflect on past experiences and data to draw lessons for the future, and make choices that are deeply rooted in our mission.
• Respect and humility: We value all who are engaged in this challenging work. We keep in mind the limitations of our own experiences and actively seek out diverse perspectives.
• Integrity: We ensure alignment between our actions and our beliefs, engage in honest self-scrutiny, and do what is right for the broader good

Basic requirements

• US citizen or resident
• Bachelor’s degree with at least a 2.5 GPA

National Community Service. Builds civic engagement in needy American communities.

• Motivation and commitment are universal requirements
• Some assignments require special skill or bachelor’s degree

Commitment Period

• 10-12 months

For more of the same, see: Activism