Volunteer Spotlight: Rivera Sun

In each biweekly e-newsletter, we share the stories of World BEYOND War volunteers around the world. Want to volunteer with World BEYOND War? Email greta@worldbeyondwar.org.

Location:

Taos, New Mexico, USA

How did you get involved with World BEYOND War (WBW)?

World BEYOND War caught my attention at the outset. The idea is visionary and compelling. It’s a goal worth working towards. Over the years, I’ve worked with a number of peace groups that collaborate with World BEYOND War. I joined the mailing list and supported the effort through social media. Recently, they asked me to join their Advisory Board and invited me to the #NoWar2019 conference in Ireland with a peace action at Shannon Airport. It was a deeply meaningful experience for me.

What kinds of volunteer activities do you help with?

As a member of the Advisory Board, I offer feedback and reflection on strategy, messaging, organizing tactics, and outreach. It’s an honor to serve in this way. I also volunteered at the #NoWar2019 conference. I worked the registration table, helped with the sound system, tended to the speakers’ table, and assisted with livestreaming.

What’s your top recommendation for someone who wants to get involved with WBW?

Speak up! Greta Zarro, David Swanson, and everyone are very welcoming and supportive. If you’re not already, get on the email list. It’s very informative. Attend one of the annual conferences. Find a friend and become chapter coordinators together. The chapter coordinators are a great group! Passionate, engaged, smart, and creative. Also, check out the webinars page. There is a whole series of excellent, informative webinars free for watching.

What keeps you inspired to advocate for change?

I’m heartened by the countless stories of people like us who have worked for peace throughout history. As a nonviolence trainer, I use these stories in my workshops continuously. Knowing the stories is empowering: Leymah Gbowee and the Women of Liberia Mass Action for Peace stopped a civil war; Mahatma Gandhi ousted the British Empire; Badshah Khan in Afghanistan built an 80,000-person Peace Army; Nonviolent Peaceforce is at work in conflict zones around the globe; Mairead Maguire and the Peace People won the Good Friday Peace Agreement in Ireland. These true examples show that there is a way forward, if only we are courageous enough to take the next step.

Posted October 14, 2019.

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