The Need for Courage: Experiments with Peace

Tom Durkin, director of safety education for the James W. Foley Legacy Foundation, discusses how targeted attacks, kidnapping, and even digital threats are reshaping the landscape of safety preparation for journalists both abroad and at home. He shares about the work of the Foley Foundation, including their online curriculum and risk assessment tools that are transforming journalism education for students and seasoned journalists alike. Durkin also touches on his work with Marquette students through the Center for Peacemaking.The Foley Foundation’s journalism safety curriculum is available online (https://jamesfoleyfoundation.org/journalist-safety/).

Helen Prejean, C.S.J. joined us to share stories and wisdom from her lifelong journey advocating for the abolition of the death penalty. She discussed how she was pulled into this work, ways the death penalty negatively impacts society at large, and how Catholic teaching on the death penalty has evolved in recent years. To close the episode, Prejean reveals how experiences with empathy, forgiveness, and faith can reshape our understanding of justice and give direction to how we are called to act today.Prejean is the author of Dead Man Walking (https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/133674/) which was adapted into an Academy Award winning film, and most recently, a graphic novel (https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/635448/). Her current project aims to bring attention to the case of Manuel Ortiz, an innocent man from El Salvador who is on death row in Louisiana for crimes he did not commit. For more information, visit sisterhelen.org (https://www.sisterhelen.org/).

Dr. Louise Cainkar, professor of Social and Cultural Sciences and director of Peace Studies at Marquette University, discussed how she became interested in researching human rights and her scholarship on the impact of 9/11 on Arab and Muslim communities. She also shared about the value of Marquette’s Peace Studies program, including opportunities to participate in programs such as the recent Engaging Muslims, Countering Islamophobia immersion. To close the episode, Cainkar discusses the need for human dignity in addressing immigration and the role hope plays in sustaining her research, teaching, and advocacy. Cainkar is the author of Homeland Insecurity: The Arab American and Muslim American Experience After 9/11 (https://www.russellsage.org/publications/book/homeland-insecurity-0). Resources mentioned include Council on American-Islamic Relations (https://www.cair.com/), Institute for Social Policy & Understanding (https://ispu.org/), and The Bridge Initiative at Georgetown University (https://bridge.georgetown.edu/).

In this episode we delve into the world of financial regulations with an expert panel on the critical need for collaboration between financial institutions, regulators, and nonprofits to ensure that humanitarian efforts are not stifled by regulatory hurdles. Brian Kimari, coordinator of Kenya NPO Working Group on the Financial Action Task Force, discusses how the Financial Action Task Force has produced unintended impacts on peacebuilding and human rights organizations in Kenya with Recommendation 8. Michael Beer, co-director at Nonviolence International, discusses how derisking has impacted Nonviolence International. And Poorvika Mehra, Howard S. Brembeck Fellow at the Charity & Security Network, discusses the challenges posed by de-risking and de-banking practices that often hinder nonprofit organizations from accessing essential financial services. Their combined analysis uncovers the need for a truly risk-based approach that balances compliance with the operational realities of civil society groups. Suggested resources include Charity & Security Network's Civil Society Rights & Resiliency Project (https://charityandsecurity.org/know-your-rights/civilsocietyrightsresliency/), Global NPO Coalition on FATF (https://fatfplatform.org/), and Nonviolence International (https://www.nonviolenceinternational.net/).

T. Michael McNulty, S.J. joins to discuss ethics in real estate, immigration policy, and educating leaders who recognize that small steps can have big impacts. The conversation touches on the important role of zoning boards, the case for open immigration, and the value of good trouble to effect change.His article "The 7 political works of mercy Catholics should practice in a democracy" is available at America Magazine (https://www.americamagazine.org/politics-society/2023/12/22/political-works-mercy-democracy-246688/).

Dr. Grant Silva, associate professor at Marquette University, discussed how his philosophy course on global justice challenges students to expand their understandings of power, justice, globalization, and nationalism. The course was in part inspired by field research he conducted along the U.S.-Mexico border, including a ride along with a Customs and Border Patrol unit. Dr. Silva also shares his unique approach to understanding racism as a form of self-love, which he argues allows for better understanding of the motivations individuals act on, even when their beliefs are said to lack bias, prejudice, or “hatred”.His forthcoming monograph will expand upon the article “Racism as Self-Love” available at https://epublications.marquette.edu/phil_fac/774/.

In December we interviewed Dr. Gabe Velez for a “crossover episode” of AML Conversations with the Center for Peacemaking’s “The Need for Courage.” Dr. Gabriel Velez, associate professor at Marquette University and author of the recent Making Meaning of Justice and Peace: A Developmental Lens, discussed how peace education and restorative practices shape young people’s understanding of justice, belonging, and community—both in Colombia and Milwaukee. Dr. Velez also shares insights on conceptualizing peace, the challenges of fostering optimism in turbulent times, and practical steps for encouraging youth engagement.

In the inaugural episode, host John Byrne speaks with Pat Kennelly, director of the Marquette University Center for Peacemaking. They discuss the Center's goals, highlighting the impacts on student formation and community engagement. The discussion also explores peacemaking in different professions and geographies.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Center for Peacemaking's Podcast06:10 The Role of Students in Peacemaking12:22 International Peacemaking Efforts