Building peace – one of Rotary International’s core goals – was the topic of a community discussion Wednesday night at the Longmont Museum, presented by three Longmont-area Rotary clubs.

Even with snowy weather, more than 100 guests came out for the discussion held in the auditorium of the museum, 400 Quail Road. The assembly highlighted local advocates for peace and brought together members from the Longmont, Niwot and Twin Peaks Rotary clubs.

“We gather together to connect, network with one another and present what we believe to be a very important topic,” said Debbie Setlock, assistant governor for Rotary District 5450 Area 11, which encompasses the three clubs.

The panel was moderated by Wick Rowland, president-elect of Niwot Rotary. Rowland explained that February is Rotary’s “Peace and Conflict Resolution Month” and emphasized peacemaking as one’s of the group’s founding ideals.

“Conflict, war and violence seem to be endemic to the human condition,” he said. “And while during the past half-century there certainly has been much mitigation of the worst of their threats, they persist.”

Halderman encouraged the audience to think about what they can do to create a more peaceful world, such as considering alternatives to war. He also applauded several efforts of the Boulder Rotary Club, including its implementation of an annual Peace Award.

“Start with knowing peace is possible,” he said. “Reality follows belief. It’s critical to our planet, and to all of us, that we find a way to deal with the challenges of our search for personal security in a more positive manner.”