In a world often marked by division and conflict, the presence of peacemakers is invaluable. Their tireless efforts to resolve disputes, foster understanding, and promote peace have the power to transform societies and create a more harmonious world. 

The work of peacemakers is rooted in a commitment to social justice and belief in the power of positive change. If you’re driven by compassion, empathy and the desire to create a more peaceful, equitable world, becoming a peacemaker could be the path you’re looking for. 

Read on to learn more about what it means to be a peacemaker, what peacemakers do, and how you can become one. 

What Does it Mean to Be a Peacemaker?

By definition, a peacemaker is someone who brings about peace; they possess a profound understanding of the power of dialogue, empathy and reconciliation. 

In action, being a peacemaker means working to prevent conflicts and mediate disputes, creating environments where mutual understanding and cooperation can thrive. By addressing the root causes of conflicts, peacemakers pave the way for positive change and social transformation — promoting stability, justice, and sustainable peace. 

Through their unwavering dedication, peacemakers help create environments where dialogue flourishes, violence is minimized, and the potential for sustainable development and prosperity is maximized.

What Do Peacemakers Do?

Peacemakers play a vital role in resolving conflict and promoting peace. Regardless of their specific role or career, peacemakers advocate for nonviolence and social justice while raising awareness and support for initiatives for a more peaceful world.

Here are a few roles peacemakers fulfill in their communities and careers:

• Mediator: Peacemakers act as impartial facilitators, bringing conflicting parties together to engage in constructive dialogue. Through active listening and creative problem-solving, they guide these parties toward mutually agreeable solutions, fostering reconciliation and harmony.
  
  
• Negotiator: Peacemakers are skilled negotiators who strive to find common ground among conflicting parties. By exploring shared interests and facilitating compromises, they help reach peaceful resolutions that honor the needs and aspirations of all involved.
  
  
• Diplomat: Peacemakers often engage in diplomatic efforts, working at national and international levels to prevent conflicts and build peaceful relations. Through skilled diplomacy, they foster dialogue, forge alliances, and promote understanding among nations, creating a foundation for lasting peace.
  
  
• Advocate: Peacemakers raise awareness about the importance of conflict prevention and peacebuilding. They advocate for nonviolent approaches to conflict resolution and support initiatives that promote social justice, human rights, and sustainable peace.
  
  
• Peacebuilder: Peacemakers address the underlying causes of conflicts by engaging in initiatives that promote reconciliation, social cohesion, and sustainable development. They work closely with communities, empowering individuals and fostering grassroots movements that promote peace and stability.

Through these multifaceted approaches, peacemakers work toward fostering reconciliation and promoting understanding. Their tireless efforts shape a world where conflicts are resolved, understanding prevails, and lasting peace flourishes.

How to Be a Peacemaker

Becoming a peacemaker is a transformative journey that combines academic knowledge, practical skills and a passion for positive change. In addition to honing empathy, communication and negotiation skills, effective peacemakers must also cultivate a deep understanding of cultural contexts and global issues. 

If you want to be a peacemaker in your community or pursue peacemaking as a career, here’s how you can get started. 

➔ Pursue relevant academic programs, such as the MA in Peace and Justice (MAPJ) from the USD’s Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies. 
➔ Seek out opportunities for specialized training and certifications in mediation or negotiation.

2. Develop Key Peace Building Skills 

➔ Hone your communication, negotiation, empathy, and cultural sensitivity skills. 
➔ Cultivate the ability to see multiple perspectives and understand the underlying dynamics of conflicts.

3. Gain Experience 

➔ Volunteer or intern with organizations focused on peace and conflict resolution. 
➔ Gain practical experience in mediation, advocacy, or community-based peacebuilding initiatives.

4. Network

➔ Connect with professionals in the field of peacebuilding, attend conferences, and join relevant organizations to expand your network. 
➔ Engage in discussions and learn from experienced practitioners.

5. Continuous Learning 

➔ Stay up-to-date on global conflicts, peacebuilding strategies, and best practices. 
➔ Seek out mentorship opportunities and engage in ongoing professional development to deepen your expertise.

Make a Meaningful Impact as a Peace Worker with a MA in Peace and Justice 

The world needs peacemakers now more than ever. At the Kroc School, we offer rigorous academic training, experiential learning opportunities, and mentorship from renowned faculty. We emphasize the development of essential skills such as mediation, negotiation, and intercultural communication. Through our holistic approach, we empower individuals to become peacemakers, equipped to address complex global challenges and create a more peaceful world.

Join us in building a harmonious world, one where peace and justice prevail, and the transformative power of peacemakers shines brightly.

Not sure what program is best for you? Take our fun quiz to learn what kind of peacebuilder you are!