Martina Anderson is a lifelong Irish republican, former political prisoner, and veteran political leader from Derry’s Bogside. Arrested in the early years of the Troubles, she spent nearly fourteen years in prison, including a decade in England, before her release under the Good Friday Agreement in 1998. Continue reading Martina Anderson
Chris McDonough, a community development worker in Derry, Northern Ireland, focuses on bridging divides between Protestant and Catholic neighborhoods through dialogue and youth engagement. With a commitment to reconciliation and social equity, he believes true peace involves understanding diverse identities and overcoming historical trauma, emphasizing the need for ongoing healing beyond the Troubles. Continue reading Chris McDonagh
Shelley Cowan, a disability advocate from Northern Ireland, founded Justus to promote inclusivity for adults with disabilities. After a decade of health struggles, she regained mobility and earned a master’s degree. Along with caregiver Tracey Farry, they foster connections across cultural divides, transforming personal challenges into community empowerment and empathy. Continue reading Shelley Cowan and Tracey Farry
Martina Byrne, a community builder in Hilltown, Ireland, transformed her personal experiences of isolation into a proactive initiative to connect women. Co-founding a thriving women’s group, she fosters community through diverse activities. Motivated by her desire for connection, Byrne emphasizes peace, trust, and women’s roles in grassroots change, nurturing relationships for lasting impact. Continue reading Martina Byrne
Many of you know that a few years back I had a small cancer scare. As if there is such a thing. I got off easy. We caught the bladder cancer small and early. It was removed with a brief outpatient procedure—like a polyp in a colonoscopy—and I didn’t even need chemo or radiation. We remain vigilant, with screenings every six months at first and … Continue reading Waiting…
Over the past few weeks, I’ve produced a series of remote portraits with Ithaca College and gathered stories around the question, “What does community and belonging look like for you in this time of pandemic and protests?” It’s something I’ve thought of a lot lately, as we all learn new ways of navigating the world. As Karen and I leave our home of 20 years. … Continue reading Ithaca Remote
I live in the city, but my wife and I have a Christmas tree farm. So I’ve seen the divide. I’ve been on both sides of it. I know how my farm neighbors feel when yet another city person buys the field down the road. I know how my city friends joke about life in the country. I’ve seen kindness and patience on both sides, … Continue reading City boy in the country
In Washington DC last week, A Peace of My Mind set up a studio at the Joint Counsel of Extension Professionals’ Public Issues Leadership Development Conference. The theme of the gathering was Cultivating Civil Discourse, and we asked participants, “How have you cultivated civil discourse in the past year?” Given the tone of our national debate, and tuning into media outlets, my mood can be … Continue reading Civil Discourse
She walked right up to me. I think she was in 8th grade. “Can I ask you a question?” she wondered. Of course. “Do they cry? These people you interview?” Often, I told her…and so do I. There is something powerful about an open and honest exchange. When you give someone your full attention and make it clear that what they have to say is … Continue reading Do they cry?
Laura Patey has been with her partner, Leigh, for 30 years. They have been married since 2004. Together, they adopted two adolescent boys out of the foster care system who are now in their 20s. She has always been interested in advocating for the marginalized in society. She recalls her own struggles of not quite fitting in as she was growing up, and she believes … Continue reading Laura Patey
