Charlotte on Internship and Peace Activism

A Brush with Peace,    (click on thumbnails for bigger picture)
For a few of Charlotte's poems of peace, go HERE.

I first was introduced to the Traprock Peace Center when I attended an event on July 4th, 2000, regarding social justice work that is being done in Central America.  The event was advertised as an alternative to standard American patriotic celebrations; a chance to instead gather, share and learn about various traditions and peaceful, revolutionary work that is being done in other countries.  I was drawn to this event, not only because of my interest in other traditions and political actions, but also because of an upcoming trip I am planning to Central America in February, 2001 (see following section for more information).                             

It was during this experience that I was first introduced to the idea of being an intern at the peace center.   In a sense, Traprock came into my life at the perfect time. I had recently graduated from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and I was looking for fulfilling work to be a part of until my trip abroad. In early August after much consideration, I decided to apply for the internship which would begin in September.  It was with much support and enthusiasm that I was offered the position that month and began working with Traprock.

The experience has been highly rewarding thus far, as I have learned so much, been involved with several great peace programs and had a chance to get to know many wise & inspiring activists.  Through Traprock I have also been able to design my own peace project.  I choose to fulfill an artistic dream (and challenge!) of mine, and began working on a short video documentary on the roots of violence and alternatives to violence with children, teenagers and veteran peacemakers in the valley.  This experience has taught me so much, and on such a wide spectrum- everything from what kids' thoughts and experiences are on violence/nonviolence, to understanding various video techniques, to uncovering vital research and theories that have been documented on violence and peace issues.  Although the video will not be completed by the end of my internship, I will continue to work on the editing and final polishes upon my return to the area this summer.   

It is with excitement and anticipation that I look to my future political, artistic and healing work in the field of peace.  I feel that my experience at Traprock has unearthed many opportunities and experiences that may lie ahead for me in the peace movement.    [Picture here soon from my video, or with other Traprock friends.]

On Doing Peacework

It was during the filming of the documentary that veteran peacemaker and activist, Frances Crowe, asked me the questions of how and why I originally started doing social justice and peace work.  It seems like such a simple question, one I must have pondered before, yet somehow I found myself exploring this as if I had never even contemplated the notion.  And the core of what I came up with, was that as I was exposed to various political issues; mainly through discussions with my father, political music and alternative literature; the more I realized I had the capacity to do something to better my life and others and that I needed to seek creative ways of fostering this positive change.  And what I found was that although this work was difficult, emotionally and physically at times, it also allowed me the greatest amount of empowerment, wisdom and fulfillment.  As Sinead O'Connor once stated, ". . .I will live by my own policies, I will live with a clear conscience, I will sleep in peace."  I find that in doing this work I am striving to help us all live better, while uncovering truth and a sense of personal accountability. 

And it is a process. There is so much work that I have not touched, consciously ignored and have difficulty accepting. Peace work surely does not come easily to me, I have been raised in a culture that makes it anything but socially natural.  Yet, I feel confident that my path is laid.

 I have discovered over the past few years that there is an interconnectedness in all that we do.  I am a student of herbalism, and thus I try to use nature and empower my own self healing; raising my awareness & knowledge while lessening my need for a corrupt medical system.  I use art and writing, to inspire, reach others and hear other's voices.  And I listen. . . there is so much to be heard.  I find peace in the existence of these things and I continuously look for other sources of strength and encouragement.  This is how and why I do peace work.

Journeying to Central America & Mexico 

I have known for years that I wanted to study in another country.  There seems to be so much to learn by observing different ways of living and removing ourselves from the comfort of our day-to-day lives.  I feel that it is so necessary to witness, firsthand, America's effect on other countries, (especially as a white American) as I study issues such as globalization and militarism.   

I was drawn to Central America and Mexico, in particular, because of my love for the passionate music, art and grassroots political organizing that has taken place there.  There seems to be a real sense of personal and familial integrity in these things; themes of unity, strength and positive revolution are frequent and touching.  I became interested in the strives of the Zapatista movement in Chiapas as well, and wanted to learn more of the struggle and courage of these people.  I hope to meet and talk with many different people during my travels and work with them throughout the trip.

I will be traveling with a friend throughout the journey, and we plan to work with sustainable agriculture farms (which specialize in permaculture farming of organic herbs, veggies and coffee) in Costa Rica and Chiapas, Mexico. We hope to work with various branches of Feminist Aid to Central America in Nicaragua, Honduras and Guatemala as well, but are still looking to set up additional contacts in these areas (emails are welcome if you have any suggestions).  In addition, we'd like to study with a Spanish language institute during our journey. 

I think this experience will be a fascinating chance to learn and explore while being surrounded by new and captivating people and landscapes.  I look forward to sharing what I have learned upon my return!

    - Charlotte Capogna, (charlotte13@bungo.com)  - Intern, Traprock Peace Center,  September, 1999 - January, 2001

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