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THE DECADE
FOR A CULTURE OF NONVIOLENCE
Constructive
Nonviolence - Starting Small
Empowering, educating,
nurturing, cultivating, creating, reconciling, investing, skill-building,
relating, listening - these are the words of Constructive Nonviolence.
They are what Gandhi said should consume even more of our time than
Resistive Nonviolence! And construction generally begins with small
groups. The creative projects described below were initiated by
small groups intent on constructing a Culture of Peace and Nonviolence
for the Children of the World:
ART,
with both artists and community youth -
The Art of Compassion, an
FOR affiliate, brings together artists, peacemakers and community
members to explore how images can help transcend conflict and evoke
feelings of interconnectedness. A meditation teacher helped members
understand the Buddhist concept of compassion, and special exercises
helped them formulate guidelines for a compassionate critique of
artwork. In addition to their own artistic explorations, committed
themselves to working in supportive childcare services for low-income
families in a multi-racial housing project. Artists also meet regularly
with youth ages 14-16 to discuss their concerns and involve them
in the planning process for a collaborative art piece.
The Art of Compassion, 51 Rutland Square, Boston, MA 02118 / 617-536-4820
/ www.theartofcompassion.com
YOUTH
CONTESTS for posters, poetry and essays -
The Cape Cod FOR chapter collaborates
with area school teachers to engage youth in thinking about building
a culture of peace and nonviolence. They conduct annual poster,
essay and poetry contests and hold award ceremonies. Information
about the contests and about the Decade is distributed throughout
the community and at multicultural events. The contest theme for
2001 is "Changing the World."
Juliet Bernstein, Cape Cod FOR, 78 Chippingstone Rd, Chatham, MA
02633-1201. MORE INFO:
LONG
DISTANCE WALKS with vigils and petitions -
Fifty walkers joined a five-day,
60-mile walk across Berkshire County. It was sponsored by GIRO,
The Global Issues Resource Organization of Berkshire Community College.
The walkers carried signs to inform passing motorists, vigiled every
day in towns along the way and collected signatures in support of
the Decade principles. As they walked, a Buddhist nun in the group
beat drums and chanted a peace-mantra. Due to the glorious countryside
and the meaningful conversations, the walk was a genuine celebration
of life.
Don Lathrop, 10 Dean Hill Rd., Canaan, NY 12029 MEMBER OF FOR
MULTIPLE
EVENTS: vigils, workshops, theater, and a children's day -
For 25 years, the Olympia
FOR has held an annual rally at a busy downtown street corner. The
vigil goes forward, rain or shine, and the creative peace slogans
on homemade signs evoke a variety of responses from passing motorists.
The Local Group pursues a variety of other creative approaches to
promoting the Decade, including workshops in Nonviolent Communication,
a "Hands Are Not for Hurting" program on Children's Day,
and the Heartsparkle Players' Playback theater performances.
Olympia FOR, 5015 15th Avenue SE, Lacey, Washington 98503-2723 /
360-491-9093
A PUBLIC
MEETING TO VISION -
Partners for Peace promoted
the Decade throughout their county. Working with Brevard College,
they brought in Dr. Luther Smith, Jr., Professor of Church and Community
at Candler School of Theology, Emory University, and the National
Coordinator of the Pan-Methodist Campaign for Children in Poverty.
Dr. Smith addressed a public meeting on "Becoming a Community
of Hope." He led participants through exercises to discern
the community's strengths and weaknesses, hopes and concerns. A
panel of local representatives responded. Everyone committed to
building an inclusive community that affirms children and creates
safe places and healing places for them. And they committed themselves
to learning how to lead nonviolent lives and to be more caring toward
each another.
Anna Lee Schiefeling, Secretary, Partners for Peace, 5 Dogwood Lane,
Brevard, NC 28712
"Never doubt
that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the
world; indeed it's the only thing that ever has." Margaret
Mead
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