Core Principles
Each year, we shape a theme that declares who we are and what we have become. For year one in Guatemala, we engaged in “Imagining and Becoming a Family” that was global, inclusive, caring and responsible. Year two in Minneapolis, our theme was “The Time is Now” to raise our voices, define leadership, sharpen skills in peacemaking, ending violence and inspiring others. In Bethlehem in 2005, our this is “Together on Our Way” in which we learned from the past to move into the future, meet the challenges of being a peacemaker, being a community builder, making our enemies our friends, and turning walls into bridges.
The theme of ARV IV was “In Our Hands”, as seven countries came together to partner as they shared concerns, stories, songs, dances, solutions, hopes and visions for the world. The core principles of ARK were their guide as they bonded as a global family.
Our core principles include:
Cooperation
Connectedness, helping one another, working toward a common goal, collectively solving problems.
Caring Communication
Clarity in speaking, active in listening, observing with our senses, exploring ways to communicate effectively, language immersion, learning one another’s language is showing respect.
Appropriate Expression of Feelings
Healthy expression of feelings, constructive ways to deal with anger, we are “message machines”.
Appreciation of Diversity
Similarities and differences, recognizing prejudice and discrimination, speaking out against prejudice and discrimination, sharing of language, religion, cultural mores, history, music, arts/crafts, and difference approaches to problem solving in an environment of respect and mutual esteem is foundational, celebrating the beauty of diversity through active sharing.
Responsible Decision Making
Working together in making decisions, stating the problem, finding as many solutions as possible, deciding which solutions are good, choosing one solution, and acting on it.
Conflict Resolution
“I” messages versus “we” messages, win-win solutions, active listening.
The following statement captures the heart and experience of ARK:
“ARK V created the framework for youth gathering for the purpose of creating and nurturing peace. Relationships across countries, religions, race and beliefs were encouraged and realized. The knowledge for participants to arm themselves with loving hearts and open minds was deepened. They committed themselves to long term peace efforts and pledged their lives to involvement.”
- Karen Sorensen, Yoga Instructor for ARK, Minneapolis, MN
