About ARK
Architects Relationships Knowledge
ARK MISSION STATEMENT 2010
ARK is a global, intergenerational, multi-faith FAMILY,
committed to responsible World Citizenship
as active Architects of a Culture of Peace
energized through Relationships and Knowledge.
The knowledge that comes from learning the values of another people can reshape our lives. Differences broaden us making us bigger than we ever have been had we stayed in our own comfort zones of home. This kind of “bigger than myself” experience has been central in ARK. The new sense of self that has come from respecting the worldview of other peoples and what is important to them has been both humbling and freeing. Freeing to ask questions and to forge new understanding. ARK has been influenced by the understanding of the family from their Guatemalan, Middle East, Lithuanian and African brothers and sisters. Together with them they have experienced a Family that goes beyond culture, language, religion, political and structures of society. They have learned that different ways of solving conflict adds a wholeness to healing the broken pieces of our world. During ARK VI, to be held July 31-August 13, 2011 in Minneapolis, knowledge will be expanded as their Family will engage in the following topics:
IDENTITY CREATED CONFLICTS
Ethnic, Religion, Gender, Economics, Education, Age
NATURAL RESOURCES AND PEACE BUILDING
Land, Water, Air, Oceans, Oil/Minerals, Food
BREAKING CYCLES OF VIOLENCE
Children, Women, Elderly, Youth, Religions, Immigrants
CONFLICT
Prevention, Management, Resolution, Reconciliation, Rebuilding Media Influence
PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS
Self Identity, Self Esteem, Knowledge Empowerment, Servant Leadership, Active Listening, Mentoring Community
HUMAN RIGHTS
Women, Disabled, Poverty, Refugees/Homeless, Aged, HIV/Aids
BEHIND THE SCENES VIOLENCE
Gun Trade, Drug Trade, Sex Trade, Money Trade, Sweat Shops, The Media
PEACE BUILDING OPPORTUNITIES
Hands on Volunteer, Creating a Universal Language of Peace, Protesting Options, Community Development, Education, Journalism, Visuals
