Rotary member David Newman is focusing on peace and human rights in Winnipeg.
When the Canadian Museum for Human Rights opened in Winnipeg this past September, it marked the fulfillment of a dream first announced by Canadian philanthropist Israel Asper in April 2003. It also held special meaning for Rotarians in District 5550 (Manitoba; parts of Ontario and Saskatchewan), who launched an ambitious initiative called World Peace Partners in the fall of that year, shortly after Asper’s death at age 71. Longtime Winnipeg Rotarian David Newman, co-founder and co-chair of World Peace Partners, spoke about the museum and his district’s peace efforts.
THE ROTARIAN: Tell us about the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.
NEWMAN: It is not a traditional museum; it’s an interactive learning center designed to encourage asking questions, testing out views, and seeking understanding. Above all, it is a place that will inspire you to make a commitment to contribute, as an individual, to a more peaceful world, where people understand one another better and get along better.
If we can’t contribute to a better world here in Canada – a country that has been privileged with prosperity and freedom and constitutional democracy with a charter of rights – what hope do we have in countries with oppression and poverty and no rule of law? Countries that are in dire situations are simply parts of a whole human family that happen to be hurting – and we’ve all had our turn. We Rotarians have hope that, in the right kind of environment, work can be done.
TR: What programs has World Peace Partners developed in partnership with the museum?
NEWMAN: Adventures in Global Citizenship, which just completed its fourth year, is an 11-day academic program for post-secondary students, with scholarships funded by Rotarians. Another program, Adventures in Human Rights, is a seven-day course for high school students focusing on indigenous rights, women’s rights, and democratic rights. The curriculum is designed by the museum and former Rotary Peace Fellows Noëlle DePape and Abdi Ahmed.
TR: World Peace Partners started Peace Days five years ago as a small outdoor gathering and concert that attracted 50 people. It has evolved into a 10-day festival. How did that happen?
NEWMAN: In Manitoba, in our district, Rotary is the go-to organization to unify diverse religious and cultural groups. Rotary can bring together organizations that subscribe to our broad purpose: promoting understanding, goodwill, peace, and compassionate action. What Rotarians and World Peace Partners do best is to facilitate, inspire, and connect. We do not want to control or own anything. We bring in those who can deliver education, music, etc. If they subscribe to our purpose and The Four-Way Test, that’s all they need to be part of our Peace Days events. – Paul Engleman