How to Be a Peacemaker | eHow.com

This article appeared in today's (July 13) edition of Beyond Child's Play: Peace Now! -- available at the Peace Now tab above. It's less about advocating peace between nations and more about encouraging peace between individuals. An excellent idea!

But, its 10 instructions on how to be a peacemaker and its tip and warning for that process certainly should be part of interactions and negotiations among the individuals involved in international peacemaking. 

Here's a summary of the instructions:

1. Resolve to be a peacemaker. ...
2. Practice positive thinking. ...
3. Show respect as you approach the other party ...
4. Set ground rules like avoiding name-calling, yelling or blaming. ...
5. Aim to achieve mutual benefit. ...
6. Listen attentively ....
7. Show empathy ....
8. Focus on solving the present problem ....
9. Brainstorm to come up with a plan that works for everyone. ...
10. Confirm what needs to be done ....

And its tip and warning:

• Be an active learner. ...
• Learn to be thick skinned as you will take a lot of flack. ...