The large peace event you helped organize has come and gone. Besides enjoying some quiet time, here are some ways to be productive between peace rallies.

Relax

Since burnout is a serious problem for peace activists, sometimes taking time for yourself is the smartest thing you can do. Rest, relax, and enjoy some quiet time. Peace activists also have a reputation for being far too serious, so make sure that whatever you do, that it is fun.

Organize

The times in between major events are excellent times to organize. Solicit new members for the organization through posters and public service announcements in community media. Perhaps it is time to try to find a new venue for your meetings. Now is the time, since there is nothing major going on.

Debrief

If you just had a major peace event, then get together with your comrades and talk about it. What worked? What could have been better? This kind of feedback will help out a lot when planning your next major event.

Houseclean

If your organization has an office, it is likely piled sky high with loose paperwork, junk, and other things that need to be filed or cleaned up. It is amazing just how much stuff can pile up when you are busy. Get it out of the way. Does your organization's website need to be updated? Do you need to update your phone/e-mail contact list? Do it now.

Network

This falls into the category of organizing in that it involves seeking new faces for your group. But networking can also involve checking in with other peace groups and coalitions to see what they are doing, exchange ideas, and build relationships. Finding out what works for one group can help you in planning for future events. If you can afford it, attend some related conferences or travel to visit other groups and events in other areas.

Plan

The way things work in the peace movement is like this: one event comes and goes, and the next one is on the horizon. So, likely, you know of another event coming up even if it is a few weeks or months down the road. It is never too early to start planning, to at least take care of some of the items that often end up becoming loose ends at the last minute (for example, booking an indoor location or scheduling regular meetings leading up to the date).

Explore

Many people who are interested in peace are also interested in other matters of social justice. If you feel energized enough, go to some meetings or attend events of other organizations or causes. This can also be a great way to network, as the same applies to these people -- they may be as interested in peace as they are in the environment, women's issues, or whatever else it is with which they are involved.

Here's the follow-up discussion on this article:

View all related messages

For a complete listing of article comments, questions, and other discussions related to Paula Kirman's Peace Making topic, please visit the Discussions page.