Rotary International is a network of over 46,000 local clubs that designated February 23 as “World Understanding and Peace Day” to focus on conflict resolution and peace building since 1905.

One key way the organization helps communities work together is by planting “Peace Poles,” which are meant to encourage cultures of peace. The monuments display the message “May Peace Prevail On Earth” in the language of the country where it’s placed and includes additional languages meaningful to its citizens. The phrase was authored by Masahisa Goi of Japan after the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. There are now some 250,000 Peace Poles serving as monuments to this cause in every country around the world.

Masahisa Goi (1916-1980) dedicated his life to peace after witnessing the destruction from World War II. Through meditation he came to believe thoughts and words carry energy strong enough to influence the destiny of all living things. “There has never been a time when each person’s thought activity has been as important as it is today. One human being’s thoughts, whether he or she is emitting light waves of love and sincerity or dark waves of egoistic desires, can move humanity either to complete peace or devastation”

(Some content from the “Goi, May Peace Prevail on Earth International” website)

The flexibility of mediation is well illustrated when used to address consumer fraud.

One example is a case in Ohio where the Attorney General filed a lawsuit on behalf of consumers against Burke Décor, LLC., a high-end luxury furniture store in business since 2007 with locations in Ohio and California, as well as online.

The state alleges more than 350 customers reported paying for furniture that never arrived. Estimated loses exceed $380,000. The Ohio AG lawsuit claims that Burke Decore violated the Ohio Consumer Safes Practices Act. The AG is seeking consumer restitution, civil penalties, and a court order to prevent the company from engaging in similar business practices in the future.

The company has denied liability citing a period of unusually high orders and problems with its credit card processing beyond its control.

The State of Ohio representing consumers arranged to meet with counsel from Burke Décor, LLC., at a court-appointed mediation session to negotiate a settlement.

Individual consumers could have opted for mediation on their own, but representation by the state’s AG is more likely to achieve a satisfactory result on their behalf.

The unique dynamic of mediation makes this possible compared to other options.