Delia McGrath's Page

What motivated you to become involved in peace and conflict resolution?

I believe in peace - always, everywhere, at all times. I am a pacifist in action! I've been studying/practicing peaceful means for 30 + years. Glad to join with others who are doing the same!

Please feel free to provide a short bio about yourself (no more than 3 paragraphs)

I am a retired mental health professional with a passion for peace. I consider myself in my final career as a peaceful warrior [ contradiction in terms, it would seem ] in the sense that I am actively working for peace through education, training and personal practice.

I have 2 adult daughters, both recently married and both nurses. My other "child" is an 18 year old youth from Gaza Palestine who has sought refuge in my home since 2005 while he awaits word of his petition for political asylum. He wishes to return to his homeland after completing his MBA - he would love to work for peace and stability in his beloved home so torn by war and oppression. Life with him has taught me what no other experience could - and maintaining the vision of nonviolence in the circumstances he has described - and updates for me daily after contact with his family - is a huge challenge and also exciting!

I currently volunteer with the Nonviolent Peaceforce as a trainer and liaison with the Buddhist Peace Fellowship - where I am also an active member. I go into local high schools to do counter recruitment and local and federal jail/prison to teach meditation to the female inmates. I'm busy, loving it and want to get to know others who are peace-loving, peace-pursuing activists!

Please list the countries and/or regions in which you have direct and significant expertise

I have gone to India on the Global Exchange Reality Tour titled "In Gandhi's Foortsteps" and have a special place in my heart for the people of India. I have learned more detail about Palestine [and specifically Gaza] since self-educating via alternative sources, joining Jewish Voice for Peace and most especially because of the Gazan youth with whom I share my home. I have been in Bolivia 40+ years ago and learned Spanish.

What is your current country of residence?

US - California

What is your current job (and organization) and/or where and what field are you studying?

Retired Mental Health professional

What is your personal or organizational website?

http://none

What is one of your favorite websites in the field? (please provide one answer per box)

http://jewishvoiceforpeace

What is one of your favorite websites in the field? (please provide one answer per box)

http://buddhistpeacefellowship

Which are your primary sectoral areas of expertise?

Alternative Dispute Resolution, Peacebuilding, Conflict Resolution, Education, Health, Psychosocial

Which are your primary skills areas?

Training, Program Design, Advocacy

What are some of your current areas of research (if any)?

none