Our Organization Vision
Become a network of individuals and organizations dedicated to
communal healing and self-reliance among peoples of the Western Balkans.
Mission Statement
RACCOON works within a framework of basic human needs to address
a culture of violence experienced in the Western Balkans. We focus on
communal healing, sharing the tools and resources necessary to have a
positive influence on the shaping of our communities. We share stories
and utilize dialogue, advocacy, arts and sports to reach out to, and
bring together, people committed to conflict transformation across and
within ethnic and state borders, who are working toward a more peaceful
society.
Our Purpose
In the wake of the recent breakup of Yugoslavia and the brutal
war in Bosnia, the post-yugoslav societies are at a crossroads. Though
reconstruction from the recent Balkan Wars is already underway, conflict
and tension remain. The primary victims of the various war propaganda
emanating from the various post-yugoslav societies involved, are the
children who have come of age during this 8-year-old conflict. For a
lasting, and meaningful peace, reconciliation is necessary.
Considering the extent of the atrocities committed,
reconciliation requires much cooperation and communication between
people that now belong to different or new nations. These different
nations are being led by politicians that espouse "warhawk" philosophy,
as well as fervent nationalism, to get elected and re-elected. Through
their bully pulpits and strong influence on the media, they are stirring
further resentment, harnessing history for their own short-sighted
goals, and doing very little rapproachment and reconciliation.
It is in this context that RACCOON wants to find ways of
fostering reconciliation, with the ultimate goal of building a civil
society.
RACCOON's values:
- tolerance
- respect
- desire to help others
- critical thinking
- committment to conflict transformation and reconciliation
|