Catherine Davis

P5 Howe
5/8/08

Global Justice Panel Research

Betty Williams

QUESTIONS
1. What historical and political events are important to understand in order to research this
person’s life?
○ From the late 1960's to the 1980's, a conflict between Britain and Northern Ireland
and the National Party and the Union Party in N. Ireland was taking place, known
as “The Troubles”.
2. What significant events in this person’s life shaped their social commitment? What
happened in their lives to make them willing to take the risks they took?
○ August 10, 1976, she witnessed three Catholic girls killed by a car that went out
of control when the driver, an Irish Republic Army terrorist, was shot by British
troops.
○ She didn't believe that the driver 'got what he deserved', but his life was one of
another youth that was needlessly lost. She believes that “every death in every
war is needlessly wasted, a mother's labor spurned”. (“Gifts of Speech”)

3. What did the person want to accomplish or change?

○ She is against war and destruction and is for life and creation.

4. What did they accomplish?

○ Co-founded “Women of Peace” which later became “The Community for Peace
People”
○ Organized peace marches, is a lecturer for peace
○ The President of World’s Centers of Compassion for Children International
○ The head of Global Children’s Foundation
○ Was awarded:
i. Nobel Peace Prize
ii. The People's Peace Prize of Norway
iii. The Schweitzer Medallion for Courage
iv. The Martin Luther King Jr Award
v. The Eleanor Roosevelt Award
vi. The Frank Foundation Child Care International Oliver Award

5. What about their life reminds you of something in your life? Is there anything in their life
that you relate to, or that is similar to feelings/experiences you’ve had?
○ Her life doesn’t directly influence me, but I have learned from reading her
biographies that even small acts of kindness can make a difference in anyone's
life, and that I do not see violence as a proper method to reach civility in any
conflict.
6. What meaning does this person’s life have for today?
 • To this day, she continues to inspire people to passively fight against senseless violence,
destruction, and war.

QUOTES
• “There is no use talking about the problem unless you talk about the solution.”
• “The Nobel Peace Prize is not awarded for what one has done but for what one will do.”
• “You don't have to win the Nobel Peace Prize to work for peace. The simple premise of
unconditional love and nonviolence so beautifully brought to life by Gandhi and Martin
Luther King can be practiced by all people. Teach only this to your children. If you'll do
just this one simple thing, together, we can heal the world.”
“Betty Williams”. 2005. Womenspeaceconference.org. Women's Peace Conference. 21 April

2008. <http://www.womenspeaceconference.org/BettyWilliams.htm>

Durden, Beth. “Georgia House of Representatives”. 23 December 1996. Georgia House

of Representatives. April 21 2008.

<http://www.legis.state.ga.us/legis/1995_96/house/gahm63.htm>

“History – The Troubles”. BBC News. 1 February 2007. BBC.co.uk. 21 April 2008.

<http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/recent/troubles/the_troubles_article_01.shtml>

“Heroes for a Better World”. 21 April 2008. <http://www.betterworld.net/heroes/pages-

w/williams-betty-bio.htm>