The Department of Peace campaign- which got me started on my peace a career- has just had a major success!
Maryland's Congressional District 1 succeed in getting the support of Congressman Wayne Gilchrest, a Republican cosponsor! This is huge for the DOP campaign!
Since beginning in 2003, the DOP has had growing support from congress members in the house as well as supportive voices in the senate, but to date all of them have been democrats.
Having been involved in this campaign since its inception, one argument I've often heard is that unless we have a republican cosponsor this bill HR 808 ain't going no where. So, congrats to all the volunteers and staff of the Peace Alliance for making this happen.
This is the first step to many more republican cosponsors!
To read more click here.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
DOP's first republican co-sponsor
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Los Angeles: A Path for Peace
Much of my early peace activism began with working on the campaign to establish a cabinet level Department of Peace. Since 2003, the campaign has been pushing legislature through congress as well as building a culture of peace.
What is a culture of peace?
According to the UNESCO, a culture of peace is:
a set of values, attitudes, modes of behaviour and ways of life that reject violence and prevent conflicts by tackling their root causes to solve problems through dialogue and negotiation among individuals, groups and nations.
To me, a culture of peace is also creating a sense of appreciation for peace, where people understand the value that peace has to offer and thus want to encourage its presence.
So if you live in LA, here's a way in which you can help build a culture of peace:
On April 18, 2008, the California chapter of the DOP campaign will be organizing "A Path for Peace. " They will be building a meditative labyrinth out of sand on Hermosa Beach Pier in which they will invite you contemplate peace as you walk.
To find out more about the event or if you are interested in volunteering, visit their website.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
1:00 pm
Welcome Ceremony
1:00 – 3:00 pm
Labyrinth Walk and Peace Celebration
Everyone is welcome!
3:15 pm
Children's Labyrinth Walk
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On the beach –
Just north of the Hermosa Beach Pier
Sunday, January 28, 2007
My favorite time of the year
Need I say anything more? this campaign is so dear to me. In fact, it maybe where my heart truly is.
Instead of hearing about the problems that we have when it comes to conflict and violence, the Department of Peace is about creating solutions.
I'm sad that I won't be able to attend this year, but I know that I will be involved passionately soon enough!
If you are even a little curious, this conference in 2003 changed my life, so register!!
