Over the years, Hope in the Cities has built personal relationships of trust, often resulting in unexpected partnerships. In 2003, Don Cowles, a former business executive, met Lillie Estes, a community activist and resident of Gilpin Court public housing project, at a Hope in the Cities training session. Despite their dramatically different backgrounds, honest conversation took place and a friendship grew. Don served a term as chair of Hope in the Cities and Lillie currently serves as Secretary.

‘The most-needed reforms in our communities and nations require levels of political courage and trust-based collaboration that can only be achieved by individuals who have the vision, integrity, and persistence to call out the best in others and sustain deep and long-term efforts,’ said Rob Corcoran. He was speaking on Saturday afternoon at the Caux conference centre in Switzerland, launching his new book on Trustbuilding.

It is not too late to seek a better world, and all of us have a responsibility to commit ourselves to the task during our lifetime. This was the central message in the keynote address of Otis Moss at the plenary session of 12 July on just governance, one of the themes of the Caux Forum on Human Security.