Did you know that commerce, prosperity and peace are integrally linked?  In a recent paper, Columbia  University professor Erik Gartzke showed that economic freedom is about fifty times more effective than democracy in diminishing violent conflict*. Countries with high levels of economic freedom are far less likely to be engaged in violent conflict.  But then again, we’ve always knows that entrepreneurship is life and world-changing, right?  Recently, I attended the Peace for Commerce event that was… Well, imagine, a room full of brilliant visionaries from business, non-profits, government and academia creating a community that promotes creativity, entrepreneurship and prosperity consciousness as platforms for peace!  The world-changing entrepreneur in me is still doing cartwheels!  Since the YES!Circle community is full of socially and globally-conscious entrepreneurs, I wanted to share with you some great resources on this topic.

First of all, let me explain the premise behind Peace Through Commerce (PTC).   In their own words, entrepreneurs are the engine of innovation, wealth creation and social change.  Prosperity, stability and interconnectedness generated through ethical trade provide a fertile ground for peace and human growth.  PTC asserts that commerce leads to peace because it:

• Requires at least minimal cross-cultural understanding, communication and collaboration - consider how long you take to research your ideal prospects and customers and then strategize to solve their problems.
• Cultivates interdependence among trading partners, which fosters mutual interest in their survival and well-being, often friendship and deeper exchange.   Do you want your best customers or suppliers to go through hardship and disrupt your business flow?  Me neither.
• Fuels economic growth which leads to increased standard of living and stronger political stability and international relations.   This is also true of every micro-economy.  The more we do business together the better off everyone is, the less likely everyone is cause problems for others, right?

Peace through commerce embraces collaboration, prosperity consciousness, diversity, ethical business and other principles you may also hold sacred in your own business.   It was exciting to interact with people from different walks of life.  What we had in common was shared values, energy, enthusiasm and openness – belief that together we CAN change the world.  It was invigorating and inspiring, to say the least!

If these concepts speak to you as well and you’re interested in connecting with others on the same wavelength, here are some resources to look into:

• YES!Circle. Not that I am biased, but YES!Circle attracts some of the most creative, interesting and entrepreneurial people I’ve ever met.   Some of them were at the Peace of Commerce event.  We’d love for you to join us too!  See calendar for upcoming events.
• Peace Through Commerce   website for more info on upcoming events, forums and links to partners.
• FLOW comprises leaders and rising entrepreneurs from all geographic, social, economic and political spheres who believe in the core FLOW principles. The FLOW community is an open, free space in which its growing member-base can work together to create global peace, prosperity, happiness, and sustainability.
• Zaadz  is a company merging spirituality, capitalism and technology to change the world by inspiring and empowering people to live at their highest potential while using their greatest strengths in the greatest service to the world. Basically, an amazing on-line forum of brilliant people out to change the world through entrepreneurship.  Think LinkedIn meets OpenSpace a socially responsible focus.
• Globond is the next generation of brokers: not of money, but of people’s interests. Globonders receive access to theright people and the right information at the right time on a consistent basis. Globond is a mediator and facilitator, breaking the ice, facilitating vital relationships, and fostering new opportunities.

If you’re energized by learning, connecting and contributing (and if you’re still reading, you probably are!) I recommend you take a look at these resources. You’ll come across other fascinating organizations, communities and concepts you can’t wait to learn more about.  At YES!Circle we are passionate about creating a creative, connective, learning-rich environment for entrepreneurs to share insights and resources we all need to thrive in our entrepreneurial (ad)ventures!  Please join us soon!

Warmly,
Margarita

Margarita Rozenfeld
Chief Visionary / YES!Circle
Success Coach / of Essence
703-989-8016
www.yescircle.org
www.ofessence.com

* Erik Gartzke’s finding is basedon the Fraser Economic Freedom Index.   James Gwartney and Robert Lawson, Economic Freedom of the World 2005, Fraser Institute.