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A search for a flagship project that could unite the diverse efforts of clubs and individuals in Y’sdom resulted in the adoption by the International Council 1999 of Say NO to Violence. This was seen as appropriate for an international organisation such as ours that already has many programs and projects focusing on understanding and co-operation.

Do we have a solution to end violence? The answer is, we don't know, but with your help, we can discover alternative ways to deal with violence. Browse through our website and gain some ideas on how to begin. We welcome your suggestions and help. Together we can say NO to violence!

We start with the belief that a foundation for peace is laid if people have an opportunity to meet their basic needs and build a healthy future for their children. Support of job training programmes, organising of health clinics, building of day care centres, and support of work with refugees and displaced persons are examples of what we do. We believe that where there is understanding and appreciation of other cultures, other points of view, there is a basis of peace.

In more direct action clubs provide recreation opportunities for victims of domestic abuse and spread the word about programmes designed to prevent violence and promote alternatives to violence. There is much to be done. They are involved when refugee families need support in a new community, when international students need friends or in hosting exchange students or visiting members of other Y service clubs. We provide tools and seeds for farmers rebuilding after armed conflict, and arrange events that allow our neighbours to celebrate each other's cultures.

If we say NO to violence, it must be replaced with something positive: skills in mediation, conflict resolution or conflict management, humour, understanding of other cultures, understanding of current events, a belief system that moves us to just dealings with others.

10 WAYS TO SAY NO TO VIOLENCE

Join in an international identity to examine existing projects and promote an alternative to violence.

You are building peace if your activities enable people to provide for the needs of their children or encourage people of different cultures or faiths to communicate.

Help promote 'Y' programmes that build strong families and communities, or join in 'Y' efforts to provide public information about domestic or media violence, or the needs of immigrants and refugees.

	Plan club meetings to get informed about alternatives to violence being promoted in your community. Schools, churches and Y staff will provide good contacts.
	Provide encouragement or financial support for students on exchange or university students in international studies, the social sciences, or others who are investigating the patterns and causes of violence.

Find out about peace-oriented celebrations that you and your club members can support or promote or in which you can get involved.

Fund travel or registration for delegates attending conferences or training events. A number of websites may include events near you. Purchase or fund the production of videos for public education or healing of victims.

At this stage we are listing individuals and groups that can be used as speakers or mentors for new projects, or might be useful to contact for more information or support in improving existing work. If you know of people in your club or community who would be willing to be part of the SNTV information network let us know. The next phase will be development of promotional material that clubs can use in recruitment and image building. Ultimately, this information and related links will be accessible through the Y's Men website.

Your help is vital. If you have news or pictures of relevant activities in your club, region or area we would like to use them in promotion. Please send them to the International Headquarters under the subject heading: 'Say No to Violence'. If you enjoy surfing the internet, your help in searching for material in languages other then English as well as locating other international sites would be appreciated.

If you have an idea you want to develop but are not sure where to go for support and encouragement, we can help you. We may already have helpful information for you! There are also active websites that promote peace, encourage youth to express their opinions and concerns or provide information about training materials or peace building activities for youth. We already have a list of websites and the number is growing. Some of them have resource material that can readily be downloaded or information about print, audio-visual or electronic resources that can be ordered. Others have useful links to other organisations. You are more than welcome to mail the SNTV working group.