"Anything war can do......PEACE can do better!! "

"As a local catalyst for a Department of Peace, striving to build a culture of peace through our personal and co-operative action, our mission is to be a community resource for conflict resolution and non-violence. We support the passage of peace related legislation." ( Our Mission Statement)

Peace Pizzazz this Sunday, May 22nd from 1:30 to 4:00

The third annual children's peace and art festival will be in Bronson Park in downtown Kalamazoo. (The rain site is Winchell Elementary School, 2316 Winchell Ave.) Children in classrooms around Kalamazoo County have been creating peace art relating to the Golden Rule. The students are learning that The Golden Rule comes forth as a commonality in all religions. The art work will be displayed, we'll have exciting entertainment, lots of children's activities with free bubbles being given away to all children attending.

The afternoon's finale will be a kid's parade around the park led by our beloved Peace Mama larger than life puppet. A chant has been created by one of the performers for the children to repeat during the parade. You can find it on U-Tube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hottzX12M48&feature=email. Canned goods will be accepted for the Loaves and Fishes food bank. We still need volunteers. (Contact Luana VanDam at 370-8602)

Memorial Day Parade

Women in Black, KNOW, Department of Peace Campaign, and members of all local peace organizations are encouraged to participate in the parade on Monday, May 30th in downtown Kalamazoo. Be on Church Street north of Michigan Avenue at 9:00 a.m. This is an effort of our newly formed peace cooperative group called People for Peace and Justice.

Help us show our community how many of us are committed to the peace effort. Wear appropriate peace apparel. We need you!!

Blessed are the Peacemakers with John Dear, S.J.Gospel, Non-violence, and the Road to Peace

Friday, June 10; 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. More info at: www.transformationscenter.orgFrom Transformations Spirituality Center:

"Join us for an inspiring and challenging day with Fr. John Dear, S.J. (author, NCR columnist, activist, non-violent peacemaker and Nobel Prize nominee), as he shares his thoughts and reflections on living a life of peace and Gospel non-violence, in a world torn by division, fear, war and violence. Speaking from the teachings and examples of Jesus on peace;

his own deep convictions and experience; and walking in the footsteps of others who have chosen the path of non-violent peacemaking,

Fr. Dear invites us to reflect on the gospel call to live as peacemakers.

During our time together he will examine how this stance, while not easy or simple, is critical if we are to claim and grow into our core identities as daughters and sons of the God of peace. He will describe the essential place of contemplation in grounding the journey toward becoming activists and prophets welcoming and witnessing to God's reign in our midst."

$50 with paid registration before May 13, $60 after

Registration includes lunch.

Please register by May 30

Peacefully Submitted, Luana VanDam and Chuck Harmon (co-chairs for DoP)