Barbara Barnes

• Professor of 'Diversity and Inclusion' course, Brooklyn College
• Program Director to improve racial climate for learning at 10 Westchester County Colleges

In the context of my work, in addition to the existing racism and white supremacy, class distinctions which lead to issues of poverty, result in divisions within the society. My peace education work helps me to be more effective in organizing interactive engagements with others around these issues. I have increased my communication and pedagogical skills and expanded the methodologies I use in facilitating and organizing gatherings.

I started working in the field of peace education due to my commitment to social justice and non-violence. I was also inspired by people, whom I liked and respected, who were actively working in peace education.

The experience of understanding, appreciating and valuing the dialectic of connecting and being alike, on the one hand, and being different on the other hand, which comes to light in relationships with specific individuals at peace education gatherings, have been noteworthy moments in my peace education work.