Continuing throughout the year, several of the 20-plus groups and faith communities in the Network will hold events that elevate compassion in our community. Frontiers International’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast is collaborating with PCN as a Year of Compassion event. Habitat for Humanity will invite volunteers to their Youth Build work days and dedication in February. Through the auspices of Pax Christi Springfield, longtime peace activist Kathy Kelly will return to share her experiences in Kabul with the remarkable young people of Afghan Youth for Peace. Lincoln Library will feature several community-wide events. The Grassroots Interfaith Team will be cosponsoring film/discussion nights with other local faith communities and institutions like St. John’s Hospital and SIU School of Medicine.

So many good people in Springfield. So many opportunities to work together for the common good. An admirable resolution. Care to join in?

Diane Lopez Hughes of Springfield is Pax Christi Springfield representative with the Prairieland Compassion Network, chair of the Coalition to Promote Human Dignity and Diversity, and a traveler on the long journey towards peace and justice through nonviolence.