"Peace is not merely a distant goal that we seek, but a means by which we arrive at that goal." Martin Luther King, Jr.

Holiday Peace Gathering a Resounding Success!!!

We were extremely happy to have representatives from many of our local and state peace groups at our gathering on December 9th. We feel we have made connections with each other that will remain and strengthen our collective voice for peace. Perhaps this could become an annual event! Below are summaries of comments made.

12/9/10 Department of Peace Christmas Party Speakers' Summaries

1. Kevin Szwala , the state DoP coordinator, said peace is transformative in life because it breaks down barriers and gives us inner tranquility even with outer chaos surrounding us. So, peace programs need to be provided to youth in schools.

2. Colleen Mills of Livonia area DoP emphasized organizational networking to link peace workers with each other. One internet source is the Michigan Peace Network which includes over 120 groups. (See below for more information.)

3. Raelyn Joyce spoke on behalf of the Kalamazoo Quaker Church and KNOW. War and its preparations are contrary to the teachings of Christ. So, the Quakers' American Friends Service Committee has demonstrated the number of war deaths in Iraq through its "Eyes Wide Open" program, and the Friends Committee on National Legislation is promoting federal action on two peace initiatives. She also highlighted KNOW's history of staging weekly anti war demonstrations in front of the Kalamazoo federal building.

4. Peg Bozarth from the local DoP campaign spoke about preparations for the third annual Peace Pizzaz children's art fair scheduled for Bronson Park on May 22. She emphasized the substantial increase of participants over the three year period.

5. Tom Small from the Wild Ones group spoke of the need for compassion for all creatures as a basis for establishing peace on earth. He is restoring threatened plant species in Michigan to counteract the tide of global extinction.

6. Kathy Murphy defined the work of Iraqi Health Now, a project rather than an organization, through which containers of medical supplies are sent to Iraqi people along with monetary aid used to purchase supplies right in their country itself.

7. Todd Bannon told us about the Great Lakes Peace Jam program that brings Nobel Peace Prize winners to its gatherings to educate youth for peaceful living by using critical thinking and other techniques. Also, Seeding Change is a peace program Peace Jam offers adults.

8. John Kinch spoke about the local DoP initiative for learning and using nonviolent communication. It is designed to defuse rising conflicts between people by recognizing common feelings and needs. This group has made presentations to AWARE, a support group for abused women, and plans to make additional presentations to youth groups.

9. Karen Tomlonson is a member of Skyridge Church of the Brethren, a historic peace denomination opposed to war. Skyridge hosts local DoP meetings and cosponsors the annual Peace Pizzaz.

10. Sr. Betsy Meagher outlined some activities of Transformations, a spiritual center in Kalamazoo. It sponsors a speakers program and set up a nature preserve through a land conservancy. She also described their annual Sacred Music Festival, held locally to build connections between people by sharing sacred music from different traditions.

11. Karen Chadwick showed how the large scale Peace Mama puppet works which appears in parades and festivals promoting peace Kalamazoo. Peace Mama is currently on display as part of a show, Clown Around, at the South Haven Center for the Arts. (Dec. 17 through February 6)

12. Bob Weir, former chair of the DoP, said peace is magnetic, synchronous, and seed like and followed that with an oral history of the Kalamazoo area DoP campaign.

Respectfully submitted by John Kinch, secretary

We wish you a wonderful, peaceful holiday season full of blessings!

Janice Lakers and Luana VanDam (co-chairs for the 6th District DoP)