ICP Global NewsCast, March, 2025

Letter from the Chair

The humanitarian world is coming to grips.

The reality is that Aid and Funding programs, in both developed and emergent countries, are shifting, declining and becoming less reliable. It is a worldwide problem of extreme importance, but the news from USAID has sent shock waves through humanitarian programs. Food, Medical, Democracy, War Prevention, Climate, Human Rights, Literacy, Deforestation, Child Care: Progress through humanitarian aid is no longer assured. A case in point…

“The Trump administration’s recent moves to freeze foreign aid and shutter the primary agency that distributes it have thrown a spotlight on a relatively small, yet enduringly controversial, piece of federal spending. The actions have created uncertainty among aid groups and governments around the world about what programs can and cannot proceed.”

— Pew Research Center, Feb. 2025.

How Can Cities of Peace Respond?

The true motive of peacemaking: Love of Community. Love of Place™

On March 4th, at the First Tuesday Quarterly Zoom (see link above), we will kickoff a year-long research and implementation strategy to fine-tune Volunteerism as the essence of peacemaking in Cities of Peace across the world.

• WHAT is VOLUNTEERISM: The involvement and utilization of committed volunteers.
• WHY: Volunteers change lives of community members for the better out of feelings of social responsibility and a desire to give back. A strong Volunteerism program is necessary in order to interest funders, if support is needed.
• WHEN: Volunteerism guarantees continuous progress in peacemaking.
• WHERE: Volunteerism is local, regional, national and global.
• HOW: Volunteerism performs better with a Peace Team committed to nonviolence.
• WHO: Developed and emergent economies benefit from Volunteerism, each and every day.

The World Order is NOT actually changing. The essence of peacemaking needs to be remembered and hallowed. Volunteerism is, and always has been, the mode of operation for sustainable progress. All funding and support depends, in the end, on Volunteerism, both for supporters and recipients. The movement of International Cities of Peace is centered in Volunteerism, and we will double our commitment and increase our innovation in order to lead the way.

Can Volunteerism Bring Riches? Absolutely.

Thanks to all involved, Facilitators, Liaisons, Donors, Board Members, Community Peace Teams. Special thanks to new Volunteer Facilitators: Hafiz Uzzaman Tuhin, ICP Communications; Gervin Baila Kitwa and Norbert Byambo, ICP Facilitators for Refugee Settlements.

Want to make a difference? Do you believe in the potential of International Cities of Peace? DONATE, if you can. We need support to keep the momentum. Our volunteers are amazing. I assure you, your hard-earned money will increase on-the-ground IMPACT. Thank you.

Sincerely and with respect,

J. Frederick Arment, Chair and Lead Facilitator

inspire@internationalcitiesofpeace.org