"PRACTICING PEACE" - iDEA OF THE MONTH
"Peace on Earth" is a message we see regularly during our December holidays. But "wishing" doesn't make it so. Even our prayers work best when our feet are involved. So, we've decided to get moving to make the world a more peaceful place. Check this page each month for ideas you can use, and join us in "practicing peace".
December: Send a holiday greeting to someone you consider an "enemy"- offer to meet and go beyond your differences. Find something you have in common and take a common action.
July: Summer is a great time to read! Check out your local library for a peace related book. Or visit The Peace Company website () for a wonderful book called "Celebrate Peace" at a very reasonable price.
June: School's out and this is a good time to set new family guidelines to get through the summer vacation. Do you have children that bicker regularly? Family harmony can be increased by developing rituals and norms for peaceful resolution of conflicts.
May: In honor of Mother's Day, remind your family and friends that the day was first set aside to promote peace throughout the world. What mother wants to lose a child to war? There are things that YOU can do to reduce the likelihood of the next generation dying on a battlefield. Think about it and plan an action. Then tell your mother!
March: Time for spring cleaning! Take an inventory of your home and your habits. Is is a haven for loving relationships? Action ideas: Spend less time watching violent TV programs and movies, remove "toys" designed to imitate weapons, send a mental thought of peace to an "enemy." Invest in relaxing music. February: One of my favorite quotes is, "If you want peace, work for justice." So during "random acts of kindness" month, volunteer for a group that helps the poor, or donate to a food bank, or visit a nursing home. Small acts done by many have a huge impact!
January: Contact an elected official on a peace related issue of your choice. For example; since approximately 80% of the calls to police in Detroit (and most cities) are due to domestic violence problems, and police officers are not trained adequately in diffusing anger among people who know each other; you could write or call appropriate leaders and encourage them to provide funding and training. Or, ask your elected officials to support the establishment of a "department of peace". (See our links page for the department of peace web address.) Also, send us your ideas for creating a more peaceful world
PEACEMAKER SEMINARS
Join us as we explore ways to become better peacemakers! Using the book by Jean Houston, Manual for the Peacemaker as our guide, we are offering a four hour, condensed version of this excellent program that uses an Iroquois legend about Deganawidah and Hiawatha to guide participants through the process of building peaceful relationships that help heal self and society. Cost is just $20 per person in addition to lodging, which covers materials and snacks. Overnight guests participating in the seminar must check in by 2:00 PM. Seminar hours are from 3:00 to 5:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 PM and may be scheduled on most days, but we must have advance notice to prepare. This program is excellent for small groups, so invite some friends to join you! Please mention your interest in participating in a Peacemaker Seminar at the time of your reservation.
