Are you someone actively engaged in ‘building trust across the world’s divides’? Do you have a relevant and authentic experience of trust-building or transformation to be shared, be it personal or wider – in your community or country? Do you have something to say which points to constructive approaches for people on opposing sides of a conflict or debate? Then our newly launched ‘Global Voices’ is an invitation to you to share your ideas and experiences.

Have you noticed the new ‘Global Voices’ section on the international website?

It is in the centre column, below Newsroom. Take a look. In fact we are inviting your contribution, to write an issue you actively engaged in that contributes to IofC’s theme: ‘Building trust across the world’s divides’.

You will probably think this is the same as what used to be called ‘Commentaries’. And you are right. Well, partly. In August, the regular Commentaries were suspended – because Andrew Stallybrass, who coordinated the team of writers and editors producing them, could not continue in that role. We thank Andrew for his years of service which reflected his own unwavering commitment to building trust and positive relations between groups in conflict. (All the past commentaries are still available, archived under RESOURCES in the top menu).

Now we are relaunching this section under the name Global Voices, bringing topical viewpoints and relevant experience from writers across generations, religions and beliefs, nationalities and cultures.

We would welcome your contributions – opinion pieces, narratives of experience – of 400-800 words in length.

Writers should contribute perspectives on a current issue or challenge in their community, nation or confronting all of us:

1. where they are engaged and have a commitment to make a difference – that is, not just commenting or making judgements about an issue or controversy in which they are not actively involved;

2. where they have a relevant and authentic experience of trust-building or transformation to be shared, be it personal or wider – in community or national;

3. where they can appeal to the moral conscience in people, and point to constructive approach which helps to build respect and trust between people on opposing sides of a conflict or debate.

Once a month, this space will be reserved for an insight/ experience from the young, rising generation.

The editors reserve the right to refuse contributions which do not encourage productive dialogue or which vilify others. Editors will engage, as necessary, with writers to heighten their quality and clarity.

Even if you don’t offer a commentary, we welcome your feedback on the Global Voices columns that are published. Debate is encouraged, through clicking on the ‘add your comment’ at the bottom of each column.

If you would like to contribute a commentary, or have suggests, please email Global Voices here.

Looking forward to hearing from you,

Susan Korah, Mike Lowe, Mike Brown, Barbara Down
The Home Page editorial team for www.iofc.org
For IofC Communications