Information not ideology

In February of this year I made a decision to run for Congress and represent the 3rd District in Arizona. As the rhetoric of partisan politics grow it is time to bring forward solutions based on information and not ideology. I would like to share with you three stories of committed individuals making a difference in our community in Phoenix Arizona.

Nestled in a neighborhood that has suffered tragic gang violence, StarShine Academy is a mini United Nations providing hope and opportunity for the youth and the community. Founder and President Trish McCarty, a community and business leader in the financial industry, was approached about starting a school for kids that had very few opportunities, five years later StarShine is a model for the future of community schools. StarShine Academy is dedicated to helping every child find their talent and grow into a peaceful, productive, and successful person. I’ve had the honor to watch this community school grow to be a leader in excellent education and not just well tested. I witnessed at their fourth graduation this year, the most exceptional speeches by students I have ever heard. They are a beautiful example of planting the seed and growing amazing leaders. Find out more – www.starshineacademy.org.

Good friend of Trish McCarty in the community is Terri Mansfield, Co-founder of the Arizona Department of Peace, www.azdopcampaign.org. Observing Terri work with people from “both sides of the political fence” it is obvious she is dedicated to “being a department of peace.” Most recently she has called for the creation of a peace park between Mexico and the United States as a way of beginning to heal the current situation between the two neighbors. In 1932 Waterton Lakes National Park (Alberta, Canada) was combined with the Glacier National Park (Montana, United States) to form the world's first International Peace Park. Taking this idea one step further and creating a business enterprise zone on the boarder is a positive community solution that has vast possibilities for creating a fresh perspective and uniting communities with a common vision for sustainability and prosperity.

Working with Terri Mansfield and Trish McCarty is Dr. Eileen Borris, nationally and internationally renowned authority on conflict resolution, and author of “Finding Forgiveness” the contemporary three musketeers are working to create an autonomous Peace Academy in Arizona to educate and train future leaders in the development of cultures of peace and sustainability. Having worked extensively in war torn countries Dr. Borris knows first hand the impact violence has on communities and is working to provide information and training on healing the systemic issues of violence.

These three women are only a small example of all of the individual and collective efforts that rise daily with a commitment to be the change they desire to see in their communities. They are the inspiration that leads individuals, like me, to do more in my community.