From Rebecca Peterson San Diego Organizer Student Peace Alliance
The 2008 Peace Jam Conference, held at Loyola
Marymount University, gave students from all over the world the
opportunity to come together and find ways to bring about peace. We had
the honor to meet and listen to the inspirational speeches of 7 Nobel
Peace Prize Laureates including Jody Williams, Betty Williams,
Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Shirin Ebadi, Adolfo Pérez
Esquivel and Rigoberta Menchú Tum. Peace Jam's Global Call To Action
Project Challenge hopes to inspire 1 billion acts of peace over the
next 10 years. As The Student Peace Alliance, we had the honor of
presenting our global call to action project (The campaign for a
Department of Peace) to Archbishop Desmond Tutu and a large portion of
other students at the conference. These 3 days were a great way to
share our project and learn how other youth of the world plan on
spreading peace on a global level.
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Call in 10/16/08: Association for Conflict Resolution (ACR)
Wendy
Greene, Managing Director of The Peace Alliance, has been honored to be
invited as a participant in a conference call panel (CALL A, below)
hosted as part of their programming for the annual Conflict Resolution
Day, Thursday, October 16, 2008.
CALL A: Conflict Resolution, Democracy, and Policymaking: Lessons and Challenges
Date: Thursday, October 16 (Conflict Resolution Day 2008)
Time: 2:00 pm - 3:15 pm (Pacific) Call-in Number: 1-518-825-1400 Access
Code: 54568
CALL B: Working for Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding:
How Can I Make a Better World? NOTE: THIS CALL IS INTENDED FOR
UNDERGRADUATE AND GRADUATE STUDENTS
Date: Thursday, October 16
(Conflict Resolution Day 2008) Time: 11:00 am - 12:15 pm (eastern)
Call-in Number: 1-518-825-1400 Access Code: 54568
Students can submit questions during the call using instant messaging at the bottom of the page located at click here
Respectful Confrontation Workshop, November 14-16
Respectful
Confrontation: The Practice of Compassionate Engagement A Weekend
Workshop with Joe Weston Los Angeles - November 14-16, 2008 Friday 7 -
9:30 pm, Saturday and Sunday, 9:30 am - 6 pm
This workshop will
shift and reframe your views on Confrontation, Assertiveness, and True
Power -- leading to more self-confidence and peaceful interactions with
others.
The principles offered will be put into action and
brought to life -- allowing you to embody the teachings -- through
physical exercises, meditation, basic martial arts techniques, breath
work, and interactive role plays.
$295 (financial assistance available) Los Angeles Wllness works 540 West Broadway, Glendale 91204
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Living Peace in Ojai
Ojai
held its second annual "Living Peace in Ojai" weekend of activities,
Sept 19-21, in celebration of the UN International Day of Peace: peace
pole planting, peace talks, music, poetry, waterway cleanup, Jeremy
Gilley's new feature documentary "The Day after Peace", International
Dances of Peace, an InterSpiritual Service, World Peace Flag Ceremony,
and much, much more.
Nadia Rodriguez, our Student Peace Alliance
Santa Barbara area Organizer, came through "Living Peace in Ojai" 2007
(by way of her teacher and SPA Sponsor Scott Wilson)!
Visit www.livingpeaceinojai.comto get a flavor of a whole community standing up for peace!
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Early Holiday Shopping?
You
can shop online at over 700 brand name stores through iGive.com, and
have a portion of each online purchase donated to The Peace Alliance!
On the main page of www.thepeacealliance.org, at the bottom of the
banner on the left-hand side, click on the iGive icon -- or, just click on this | |
September was such a busy month! Peace
Walks, International Day of Peace, Living Peace at Ojai, tabling at
Abbot Kinney (see photo) -- there was peace making and celebration
happening all over the world, and our area participated fully!
There is a lot of important news in the newsletter this month, not the least of which is the announcement of a new Executive Director for The Peace Alliance: Lynn McMullen.
Many of you have had the pleasure of meeting Lynn at the various
conferences and workshops that have featured her unique, passionate and
inspirational approach to grassroots lobbying and unleashing peace in
the world. We're very excited to have her take on this new role!
Before
the November newsletter is sent, the November 4th elections will have
been held. We strongly encourage each one of you to make the effort to
exercise your right and privilege to vote. Take a friend, or a
neighbor, or family member -- help others to have their voice heard.
This is the most powerful action any of us can take as active citizens,
so own it, live it, do it!
in peace and light,
Terry Mason and Tory Haslinger
in photo:
Tabling at Abbot Kinney, Left to Right: Tory Haslinger, Jo Ann Gaines, Justin Bensan, Jerilyn Stapleton; photo by Jen Sincero
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 We're thrilled to welcome Lynn McMullen as the new Executive Director of The Peace Alliance.
Many
of you know Lynn well from her time as National Field Director and
National Campaign Advisor for the Department of Peace Campaign. In
fact, she's been involved with the Campaign since its inception.
You
may not know that Lynn brings more than 20 years of nonprofit
management and grassroots organizing experience to The Peace Alliance,
having led and managed the expansion of numerous successful lobbying
and media campaigns to establish and increase funding for a variety of
social service efforts. You can read Lynn's bio along with those of the
rest of the staff in our About Us section.
"Lynn's passion and
experience are exactly what we need as we embark on a powerful time of
growth and change," said Peace Alliance Managing Director Wendy Greene.
"We're thrilled to have her back full time on staff, and in this
pivotal role."
Lynn is just as excited to be back on staff with The
Peace Alliance. "I'm constantly amazed by the vision and commitment of
the staff and grassroots volunteers in this movement," she said. "All
across this country people are yearning for peace. Our work is to take
that yearning and make it a reality."
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 Peace Proclamations
Carson, Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Ojai
Peace
Proclamations are a powerful tool to help spread awareness about the
International Day of Peace and the Global Ceasefire; and, for Dept of
Peace Campaign Volunteers, a great way to work with local officials on
a relatively easy peace initiative.
In past years, Heads of
State, Governors and Mayors have declared Proclamations for the
International Day of Peace, urging their citizens to observe and
celebrate Peace Day. City Councils and State Legislatures have
declared Peace Day Resolutions, also. Past Proclamations in California
have included: Los Angeles (2003), San Francisco (2003), Santa Cruz,
Marin County Board of Supervisors, Sacramento & Sacramento County
(2006), CA Governor & Legislature (2006), and San Rafael (2006).
2007 Proclamations included the City Council of Ojai.
This year,
CA-36 obtained 4 Proclamations from local City Councils Hermosa Beach,
Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach and Carson. The Proclamation Team
included Rick Pruetz (HB) FAICP Planning & Implementation
Strategies; Augustin Garnier (RB) social activist/musician; April
Halprin Wayland (MB) author/peace activist; and Justin Bensan (Carson)
President, Youth for Peace & Justice Club at Torrance High, and the
L.A. area Organizer for the Student Peace Alliance (SPA).
Also,
Ojai's 2007 Proclamation was reissued to specifically note "Living
Peace" as a major Ojai collaborative contribution, thanks to Evan
Austin, Director, Ojai Peace Coalition, and the Living Peace Team.
Next
year, we'll put out an early reminder for those who would like to
pursue a Peace Proclamation from their officials. Individuals,
families, students / classes of students, local organizations; anyone
can ask their officials to join other leaders in issuing a Proclamation.
in photo:
SPA representative Justin Bensan with
council members of the City of Carson, approving a Proclamation in
favor of the International Day of Peace, 9/21/08. Carson (full City
Council in photo) Left to Right: -- Council Member Harold C. Williams,
Council Member Lula Davis-Holmes, Justin Bensan, Mayor Jim Dear,
Council Member Elito M. Santarina, Mayor Pro Tem Mike A. Gipson
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Calendar
Key: 
Events in blue
All Calls in purple
Meetings in Green
Volunteers needed in Red
City Team Meeting location:
Arcana Workshops
3916 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 107
Culver City, CA 90230
Valley Team Meeting location:
Terry Mason's residence
16425 Otsego Street, Encino, CA 91436
OCTOBER
National Crime Prevention Month / Domestic Violence Awareness Month(CA: www.safestate.org)
Held annually on the third Thursday of October, Conflict Resolution Day is an international celebration.
(3rd Sat) Oct 18 (10 am - noon): Combined Team Meeting - City
Arcana Workshops, 3916 Sepulveda Blvd, Suite 107, Culver City, CA 90230; RSVP 24 hours in advance: Tory Haslinger amzonbabe@aol.com, 310.855.1303 or Jo Ann Gaines jogaines1@hotmail.com, c 310.200.3598.
(3rd Sun) Oct 19 (3 pm - 5 pm, 2:30 for newcomers): Combined Team Meeting - Valley
(4th Tues) Oct 28 (6-6:45 pm PT): National CDTL Call; 712.432.1601,access code 470821#
(last Thurs) Oct 30 (6 pm PT): Nonviolent Communication Call;712.432.1601,access code 470821#
Thurs, Oct 30 (6 pm): CA Student Peace Alliance (SPA) Call;616.347.8400, access code 463526#
NOVEMBER
Tues, Nov 4: General Election
Tues, Nov 4 (6 pm PT): National ALL CALL; 712.432.1601, access code 470821#
Tues, Nov 11: Veteran's Day
(3rd Sat) Nov 15 (10 am - noon): Combined Team Meeting - City
(3rd Sun) Nov 16 (3 pm - 5 pm, 2:30 for newcomers): Combined Team Meeting - Valley
(Thurs) Nov 20 (6 pm PT): Nonviolent Communication Call;712.432.1601,access code 470821#
(4th Tues) Nov 25 (6-6:45 pm PT): National CDTL Call; 712.432.1601,access code 470821#
DECEMBER
Tues, Dec 2 (6 pm PT): National ALL CALL; 712.432.1601, access code 470821#
Wed, Dec 10: Human Rights Day. 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
(Thurs) Dec 18 (6 pm PT): Nonviolent Communication Call;712.432.1601,access code 470821#
(4th Tues) Dec 23 (6-6:45 pm PT): National CDTL Call; 712.432.1601,access code 470821#
Check the newsletter next month for the announcement of the annual holiday party!
2009
TBD: Global Stakeholder Summit (www.nationalpeaceacademy.us./)
A
Global Stakeholder Summit is planned for early 2009 as part of an
inclusive process to design the National Peace Academy. This is
a group effort, a consortium made up of Case Western Reserve
University, Biosophical Institute, and Peace Partnership International.
FEBRUARY 2009
Mon, Feb 9 (7:00 am - 4:30 pm): LAUSD Resource Fair, Sheraton Gateway Hotel
Neighborhood: Westchester / LAX, 6101 W Century Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045, (310) 642-1111. DoPNV Booth, 6:30 am set-up, Volunteers Needed! Contact: Tory Haslinger,amzonbabe@aol.com, 310 855-1303.
Fri, Feb 13: National Action - Send Congress a Valentine!
Send
valentines to our members of Congress either thanking them for their
support or asking them to support legislation to establish a U.S. Dept
of Peace. Collect as many valentines from as many different people as
you can and drop them off at the local office of your Representative
and Senators on February 13.
Fredrico
Hewson of The Valentine Peace Project is in contact with a musician
Jason Brock. He has offered to organize a Valentine Peace concert next
year.
MARCH 2009
Mar 23-27 National Youth Violence Prevention Week
The Peace Alliance is a proud partner for National Youth Violence Prevention Week. Learn more at www.nyvpw.org.
Fri-Sun, Mar 27-29: 5th Annual National Conference, Washington, DC
"PEACE WITHIN REACH: People and Politics Partnering for our Common Security"
Fri:
Leadership Program; Sat/Sun: Conference; Mon: Meetings with our Members
of Congress on Capital Hill; Confirmed Speakers: Riane Eisler (The
Chalice and The Blade), Ocean Robbins (Youth for Environmental Sanity
(YES!)), Rita Marie Johnson (Academy for Peace of Costa Rica; Campaign
for a Ministry of Justice and Peace), Rich & Yvonne St. John-Dutra
(Challenge Day founders), and more in the works; Hotel: Hyatt Crystal
City, Arlington, VA: http://crystalcity.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp;
single or double $165, increase for 3 or 4 / room.
Mon, Mar 30: Meetings with our Members of Congress on Capital Hill
Tues, Mar 31: Hill Briefing
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Economy and Peace?
Wendy
Greene, the Managing Director of the Peace Alliance, recently wrote a
letter to the editor of a newspaper in Denver in response to an article
about the economy and the campaign of congressional candidates in the
State of Colorado. It's a great example! Take a look, and if you're
inspired, write a letter to your local paper, utilizing some of these
great ideas!
Derision and Partisanship Blind Us to Solutions
How
perfect that the initiative to establish a U.S. Department of Peace was
included in an article about our struggling economy and the Senate
candidates' ideas for addressing it ( "Economy Polarizes Politicians"
9/22/08). That's exactly where discussions of nonviolent conflict
resolution belong.
A 2004 World Health Organization report
estimated the U.S. spends $300 billion a year on the after-effects of
violence in our country--not including war-related costs. A Department
of Peace will support us in expanding our capacity to resolve conflict
before it erupts into violence, both internationally AND domestically.
If it were funded at about $10 billion per year, as is requested in
the current legislation, and we succeeded at eliminating just half of
that unnecessary spending, it seems both Democrat Mark Udall and
Republican Bob Schaffer would have a lot more money to put toward those
things we say we want-health care, infrastructure, social security,
green energy and more.
How very sad that so many continue to
discount, ridicule and marginalize the ideas that may actually hold a
key to moving them toward the solutions we all seek.
Wendy Greene
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FAQs from the desk of State co-leads Terry Mason and Tory Haslinger
Q:
This election season is so heated and polarized. I feel completely at
odds with people who support the candidate that I don't. How can I be
peaceful -- be the change I want to see in the world -- when I feel so
differently than others?
A: This is such an
important question. We may find ourselves either wanting to get into a
serious discussion (argument?) with someone who feels differently so we
can convince them that we're right and they're wrong, or we may want to
avoid the confrontation altogether. There are wonderful tools to
connect without trying to convince in Nonviolent Communication. If
you're not practiced in NVC, we have a wonderful monthly call-in with
Miki Kashtan to help work through the process. Try to empathize with
the other person. Work to make a space for every person to have their
own perspective, including yourself. Try to find common ground, and
celebrate that together. Try to relax if someone expresses an opinion
that differs from your own -- own your opinion, express it without
assigning blame or fault. Part of the work that we are doing in this
campaign is to be transpartisan, all-partisan, non-partisan -- whatever
term you choose -- but to embrace all points of view and know that at
the core, every person wants to live in a safe and peaceful world. In
working through these kinds of conversations at a time that seems
polarized, you may find that you connect in ways that you didn't think
possible -- and you will build your ability to be more at peace.
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