What can happen in two weeks

I am happy to write you this blog about the activities we organize in Maastricht for MasterPeace. Every two weeks either Karel van Eechoud or me will write you a blog about the events we organize, and our thoughts about (Master)Peace.

It is extraordinary what can happen in two weeks time. The United Nations did not agree on sanctions against Syria due to the veto of China and Russia and in the mean time, recording the scarce information, the bloodshed in the streets of cities like Homs, Hama and Damascus still continues. This for me shows the importance to continue the dialogue on peace and conflict resolution around the world. 

In comparison with the horror just so few kilometers away, it feels almost hypocritical to write about the developments of MasterPeace in Maastricht. Still I believe that even the smallest contribution to MasterPeace as a peace movement is important. That gives me the energy to continue the lobbying and organization of our projects (www.masterpeace-043.nl).

On the 15th of February we organized the first gathering for MasterPeace043. The goal; to inform those who want to learn more about MasterPeace and to create a platform for networking. We felt it was a great success; enthusiastic people willing to contribute to our projects and a great

expansion of our network. 

This week we also had a meeting with Daniëlle Willemse and Saskia van Laar at the headquarters of MasterPeace in Utrecht. We received a lot of input in our quest to become a MasterPeace Club and had an interesting talk about linking the international (student)network in Maastricht and the Netherlands to  MasterPeace. The meeting resulted in a lot of positivity and a lot of ideas that we took back to Maastricht.

Next on the agenda is the preparation of our first project; “Maastricht celebrates MasterPeace”. On the 5th of May, Dutch Liberation Day, we intend to overwhelm Maastricht with the existence and values of MasterPeace! During the day we will set up several small stages in the inner city on which small dance, music and acting performances will be performed. We ask the performers to let their act be inspired by the passion statement of MasterPeace.

The final act of the day will be a flash mob on the most famous Maastricht square; ‘t Vrijthof. The flash mob will make it crystal clear: MasterPeace, the most heartwarming peace initiative is in Maastricht!

More information about this project and how you can contribute to make this event a success can be found on this website; Project: Maastricht Celebrates MasterPeace.