"The best way to destroy an enemy is to make him a friend." Abraham Lincoln

Department of Peace Campaign Meeting Minutes for October 7, 2010

Present: Peg Bozarth, Carolyn DeChants (guest), Carolyn Dixon, Marilyn Eccles, Bobbi Jo Gamache, Chuck Holman, John Kinch, Janice Lakers, Shannon Sykes (guest speaker).

The meeting was called to order at 6:38 pm.

Peace Testimonials: Janice called attention to Lowey Dickason's letter to the newspaper opposing intolerance of Islam.

Shannon Sykes spoke on the nature and history of Peace Jam. Students are taught about Nobel Peace Laureates and how each individual can be a force for peace. A global call for action was published listing the ten greatest conflict issues affecting the world. Students were surveyed about what they considered to be the root causes of these conflicts and to suggest solutions. Peace Jam works to establish chapters in as many schools as possible. November 6 is the date for this year's kick off event for the regional Peace Jam movement on the WMU campus. Its emphasis will be on ending racism. Nobel Peace Laureates are featured speakers at Peace Jam gatherings. Donations are used to fund student travel to Peace Jam events and to start up new school chapters. Our Non- violent Communication Group has been offered the opportunity to give a workshop at the local Peace Jam spring conference on April 3, 2011.

Peg Bozarth reported on Peace Pizzazz plans for 2011. Grant applications have been submitted to secure funding. Dr. Seuss' The Sneetches is the focal text for next year's event.

Marilyn Eccles gave the treasurer's report. Balance on hand as of 9-30-10 is $3,498.00.

Janice Lakers spoke about a possible non violent communications presentation to the Kalamazoo Non Violent Opponents of War (KNOW).

People gave their personal presentations for promoting the Youth Promise Act to others we encounter in the community.

Funding is needed to sponsor the presentation of Col. Ann Wright at the WMU Peace Center on October 27. Peg Bozarth moved we donate $200.00 to the Wright presentation and $150.00 to Peace Jam general fund after we make a budget adjustment. John Kinch seconded the motion, and it carried.

Our group will march in the Kalamazoo Holiday Parade this year on November 13. Details will be announced at the November 11 DoP meeting

Individuals will contact Shannon Sykes to volunteer to work for the November 6 Peace Jam event.

People are encouraged to attend the ISAAC Public Meeting on Thursday, October 14.

Bobbi Jo Gamache gave the Peace Pizzazz Yard Sale fundraiser report. Our experiences at this year's yard sale will shape our strategies for planning next year's yard sale.

Our next meeting will be November 11. Current adjournment occurred at 8:14 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

John Kinch, recording secretary