Dottie, Janice, Linda & George preparing lunch for the participants in PEACE, LOVE & YOGA Day

PEACE, LOVE & YOGA Day was a big success!!

The peace and love energy was palpable at the Peace, Love and Yoga Day sponsored by the Yoga Association of Greater Detroit (YAGD) and the Citizens for Peace on Saturday, August 25^th at the Livonia Senior Center. Lynda Herman, president of the YAGD, Sharon Brand, yoga instructor at the Senior Center and other locations, and Colleen Mills, president of the Citizens for Peace planned and hosted the all day celebration.

Lynda Herman put out requests for yoga and meditation teachers to volunteer their talents for the special day. Karen Farkas, Lynda and Sharon’s yoga teacher, was asked to be the keynote speaker. Karen shared her story of how discovering the practice of yoga saved her life. After a very difficult time in her life, she responded to a notice about a yoga class. It was the inspiration she needed to turn her life around. As a yoga teacher for 40 years, Karen has influenced countless others to live mindfully through the practice of yoga and meditation. She encouraged the attendees to take the practice off their mats and into their daily lives by looking at all they see as if for the first time; really hearing as if it’s the first sound; noticing the taste of food before swallowing; appreciating the smells of the earth; being aware of the whole body in space; walking, sitting, moving with awareness; and paying attention to the wonder and beauty of the world.

The day, (8:15 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.), included classes for all levels of yoga practice, from beginners to advanced practitioners. There was Mindful Yoga with Mimi Holland-Moritz; Sun Salutations with June McCarthy; Chair Yoga with Christine Walbridge; The Five Tibetans with Diane Siegel-Divita; and Flow with Peace, Love and Yoga with Sharon Brand.

Kathy Bindu Henning led a session on Present Moment Meditation. A devotee of meditation for 35 years, Kathy teaches classes at various places around the metro area, including the Livonia Senior Center and Schoolcraft College.

Lunch was prepared by George Mills and volunteers from the Citizens for Peace. After lunch, Colleen Mills shared some thoughts on her practice of yoga and meditation.

“Besides the obvious effect of keeping our bodies fit, flexible and balanced, yoga and meditation helps us to focus; reduce stress; block out the world; enrich one’s spirit; turn off the chatter in our brain; go to an experiential peace zone; and open the heart chakra – the seat of peace, harmony, laughter and love.” Colleen congratulated everyone on choosing love. She discussed the four needs of the heart: attention; affection; appreciation and acceptance. “Developing a yoga and meditation practice fulfills these four needs” she said.

After lunch, yoga teacher Jan Chekirda provided mandalas and markers to the participants. The result was a variety of colorful expressions, each as unique as snowflakes. It was a relaxing, artistic meditation. Also, The Happiness Prescription video was shown and viewers received the wisdom of Deepak Chopra on the keys to happiness. He shared the research that the happiest people are those who make others happy. Colleen Mills thanked everyone and encouraged participants to take the love and peace energy generated from Peace, Love and Yoga Day back to their families and communities and share some loving kindness with everyone they meet, starting with the easiest form of peace work: a smile!

For more information on yoga or meditation classes or the activities of the Citizens for Peace visit the websites www.yagd.org, www.livinginthepresentmoment.com

and www.citizensforpeace11.blogspot.com.

TED Mark Bittman "What's Wrong With What We Eat"

Colleen Mills, Citizens For Peace president showed the TED video by Mark Bittman "What's Wrong With What We Eat". Several attendees wanted to see it again so this post is for everyone who would like to see the video again or for the first time. While the presentation was made in 2007 it is still relevant today.

Optimist Creed in Memory of Gerry Trout

Tonight we honored Gerry Trout one of our members who passed away last week by all in attendance at the vegetarian annual meeting reciting The Optimist Creed.

Citizens for Peace Annual Vegetarian Potluck

Our Annual Vegetarian Potluck is Tuesday, August 14th at 6:30 p.m.
Every year we celebrate our summer bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables with
our vegetarian potluck. We consider the impact our food choices have on our
world. After our dinner, we will view a presentation by Mark Bittman on the
American Diet. Bring a dish to share. See you on Tuesday!

Peace,
Colleen Mills

Thank you to the committee for organizing a series of events around the annual Hiroshima/Nagasaki Day! The connection between our expenditures on maintaining and upgrading our nuclear arsenal and our current economic downturn was eloquently made by Rev. Bullock, Dr. Fred Pearson and Kae Halonan.

Here is the link to the Hiroshima press conference article in the Michigan Citizen.

http://michigancitizen.com/from-hiroshima-to-human-rights-p11513-74.htm

PEACE, LOVE & YOGA DAY AUGUST 25th!

Celebrate the Day!

The Yoga Association of Greater Detroit & The Citizens for Peace are presenting a special day of Movement, Mandala coloring, The Happiness Prescription Movie, Meditation, Guest Speakers Karen Farkas & Colleen Mills, Shopping & Lunch!

The day begins at 8:30 am with light refreshments & browsing the tables.
Karen Farkas will give a presentation at 9:00 am.
Session A, from 9:30 - 10:30 is a choice of Sun Salutation Variations or Mindful Yoga.
Session B, from 10:45 - 11:45 is a choice of Chair Yoga or Present Moment Meditation.

Lunch is included with the $35.00 fee. It is from 12:00 - 12:30 pm.
Colleen Mills will give a short talk at 12:30 pm.

Session C, from 12:45 - 1:45 is a choice of Mandela Coloring or Deepak Chopra's film
The Happiness Prescription.
Session D, from 2:00 - 3:00 is a choice of The Five Tibetans or Flow with Peace, Love & Yoga, followed by a 15 minute final relaxation.

To download a registration flyer click HERE.
After this special day, participants will be ready to share Love & Peace!!
For questions, call 734-425-0079.

Dr. Harsha Jayatilake, Mary Albertson, Dr. Ari, Colleen Mills, Rosemary Doyle, Dottie Ochala &
Tada Gunter are all smiles at the Birmingham Unitarian Church after Dr. Ari's great talk!

Wisdom from Gandhi Peace Prize winner Dr. A. T. Ariyaratne.

Citizens for Peace members had a table at Dr. Ari's talks during his visit to Michigan. We first met Dr. Ari five years ago when his former student, Dr. Harsha, brought him to Michigan for the first ONE PEACE celebration for the U.N. International Day of Peace.

It is not often we get to experience a leader for nonviolence who has dedicated his life to putting loving kindness into action for over 50 years!

Dr. Ari encouraged our work with these statements:
"Evil is so well organized in the world, we should organize goodness;" and
"Serve the world in the same way as a mother loves her only child."

What a joy it was to experience Dr. Ari's wisdom and beautiful energy!

Thank you Kevin 'Mr. Peace' Szawala for recording Mary Hanna's terrific talk on the Power of Nonviolence!

Here is the link to Mary's talk from last month:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjp2SFd_c6M

This presentation engaged our brains and our hearts. I think we feel even more committed to our work to promote the practices and principles of nonviolence in our world after hearing Mary Hanna, the Operations Manager of our wonderful Michigan Peace Team!

Nonviolence takes courage but is so much more effective that the use of force!

PEACE!

Link to a great article in the Observer!

Reporter Sharon Dargay highlighted the Citizens for Peace in her article in Sunday's Community Life section. She intends to join us for our fundraiser "Peace, Love & Yoga Day" on Saturday, August 25th! Thanks Sharon!

Heres the link:
http://www.hometownlife.com/article/20120708/LIFE/207080414/Give-peace-chance?odyssey=modnewswelltextLivoniap

PEACE!!

Nuclear Waste in Michigan Topic of July 10th Meeting

Keith Gunter and his "Fermi - 3 Wheel of Misfortune" Highlight of our Meeting!

The problem of what to do with the nuclear waste generated by current and

decommissioned nuclear plants in Michigan will be explored at the July 10^th

Citizens for Peace meeting.

Featured speaker will be Keith Gunter, member of Alliance to Halt Fermi – 3,

and founding partner of the nationally recognized group, Beyond Nuclear.

He is currently serving as co-chair of Peace Action of Michigan.  Keith’s informative

and entertaining presentation includes an instructional “Fermi – 3 Wheel of Misfortune”.

(Any Way You Spin, You Lose).  Members of the audience might be invited to try their

 luck spinning the wheel.

Active in educating the public on the danger of nuclear energy for more than 30 years,

Keith was a Metro Times contributing writer on nuclear power and weapons issues,

and a guest commentator on WDET public radio. “The storage and isolation of high

level nuclear waste is but one aspect of a technology that presents us with fundamentally

irresolvable problems” says Keith.

The program begins at 7 p.m. at Unity of Livonia, located at 28660 Five Mile Road.

All are welcome. 

Citizens for Peace have a booth at the Inner Peace Festival in Ann Arbor

What a warm, windy, wonderful day we spent at the Citizens for Peace booth at the 2nd Annual Inner Peace Festival on Sunday, June 24th from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Main Street in downtown Ann Arbor!
We had giant peace frisbees, peace snap bracelets, butterfly & lady bug masks for children. We had fliers for all of our upcoming events: Dr. Ari's talk & workshop on July 6 & 7; Keith Gunter's presentation on nuclear waste in MI at our July 10th meeting; our Peace, Love & Yoga fundraiser on August 25th; and the 5th annual ONE PEACE celebration of the UN International Day of Peace on Saturday, Sept. 22nd at the Livonia Civic Center Library Auditorium with a Gemini Concert! What a great line up of events!

Thanks to Linda, Gloria, Nancy Dottie, Colleen & George for working the booth, talking to people about peace & selling our books, puzzles, DVD's, yoga mats, peace art, peace pillows, heart necklaces, and other items. We were happy that the thunderstorms never materialized! We were especially happy to meet people appreciative of the work we do!

Carole Kersten, Rosemary Doyle, Colleen & George Mills at the Midwest Peacemaking Conference.

What a great time we had at the First Annual Midwest Peacemaking Conference hosted by the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians in Manistee!  A blend of Native Peacemaking, Restorative Practices and Mediation teachings presented in a beautiful setting. Click here for the article I wrote about the conference.  Oh The Stories They Told!

Peace,
Colleen

The Argument for Nonviolence: Speaking to the Heart AND the Head"

 Join us for our June 12, 2012 Citizens for Peace Meeting 7 o'clock at Unity of Livonia

Mary Hanna, Operations Manager for the Michigan Peace Team,  will present the case for nonviolence by offering the strategic and statistical contributions of nonviolent social action, as well as recounting individual, personal stories of successful nonviolent peacemakers. An engaging speaker, Mary is able to connect with people from all walks of life.  Her emphasis is on encouraging others to consider nonviolence as a way of life by appealing to both the heart and the head. Hearing the stories of  Sophie Scholl, Captain Mbaye Diagne, Badshah Khan, Julia Buttefly Hill and Chiune and Yukkiko Sugihara will touch our hearts.

Robert Weir's Talk on India's Religious Diversity

Here's the link to the great talk Robert Weir gave at our May meeting.

A big "thank you" goes out to Kevin 'Mr. Peace' Szawala for recording this !!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZdolEGsQeVU

Arlington Michigan at Larry Nehasil Park on Memorial Day

Arlington Michigan at Larry Nehasil Park on Memorial Day

How will you observe Memorial Day 2012?

Ninety nine percent of American families spend Memorial Day getting together and having a barbeque or picnic.  Thinking of the warm summer days ahead with anticipation of vacations, walks on the beach, bonfires and concerts under the stars, makes Memorial Day the kickoff of good times ahead.

One percent of American families understand the meaning of Memorial Day.  They are the families with members who have volunteered to serve our country in the most unselfish way in our military.  Let’s support them this Memorial Day.

Michigan citizens have the opportunity to join with military families and visit the Arlington Michigan display to observe Memorial Day in a special way.  The Citizens for Peace is sponsoring the Veterans for Peace display comprised of symbolic markers, with the name, rank, age and photo of each fallen Michigan military man or woman who gave the ultimate sacrifice to our country.

Created by the Michigan “Veterans for Peace” several years ago, Arlington Michigan was in Livonia for the first time last year on Memorial Day.  People came by all day and reflected on the cost of war.  One of the visitors was a Lathrup Village police officer and his wife. They stopped by to find the cross of Sergeant First Class, Matthew Lee Hilton, a Livonia resident.  He was killed in action at age 37, in Afghanistan June 26, 2008.  He was an Army National Guard Soldier from Selfridge; and was a Lathrup Village Police Officer.

Last year the Civic Center Park was renamed to honor Livonia police officer Larry Nehasil, who was killed on duty, on January 17, 2011. This year there will be chairs for visitors to sit and reflect on love, service, courage, war and peace.  Everyone is invited to stop by and consider the cost of violence, whether in war, or on the streets in our country.

Volunteers from Veterans for Peace and Citizens for Peace will be at the Larry Nehasil Park from 9 am. to 6 pm. Memorial Day, Monday, May 28^th.  The park is located at 33223 Five Mile Rd. on the South side of Five Mile Rd., East of Farmington Rd.

For further information contact Colleen Mills at 734-425-0079 or Steve Saelzer at 734-674-0688.

(The photo shows the Citizens for Peace and Veterans for Peace members holding the banner at the 2011 Arlington Michigan.)

Link to Rudy Simons' Talk on Iran

Here's the link to the great talk that Rudy Simons gave to the Citizens for Peace on "War on Iran - Views from Israel, Iran & the U.S."  A big "thank you" to Kevin 'Mr. Peace' Szawala for recording the talk and putting it on You Tube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYub5k-rhDQ

Link to Mike Whitty "Dr. Detroit" Talk

Mike Whitty gave a terrific talk to the Citizens for Peace about Making Peace With Detroit. Thanks to Jerome Sawyer for recording it, we can view a part of his uplifting talk at this link. http://vimeo.com/39989063

“India’s Religious Diversity: Stories of Respect, Peace and Harmony”

The religious diversity of India will be examined during a free public presentation by Michigan author, photographer, traveler, and speaker, Robert M. Weir at Unity Church of Livonia at 7 PM Tuesday, May 8.

Hosted by the Citizens for Peace as part of their efforts to increase public awareness of peaceful means, Weir is among a long list of notable, highly regarded speakers invited to speak during the group’s monthly meetings.

One doesn’t have to be religious to appreciate the religious diversity of the world’s second largest nation of over one billion people. Religious freedom is in the constitution of India. There are over 25 million Christians living in India. The Muslim population in India is the third largest in the world. Hinduism is the predominant religion in India and has had a big influence on the west with the influx of yoga and meditation. The other major faiths in India include Buddhism, Sikhism, Judaism, Jainism, and Zoroastrianism.

During 2011 -2012, Weir traveled the Himalayas, lived in a Calcutta Muslim slum, visited families’ homes, participated in festivals and interacted with people of all faiths. A Michigan native, freelance writer, editor, public speaker, authors’ coach, and communications consultant, Weir writes about people, peace, social justice, environment, and outdoor adventures. He has written several books and more than 130 published articles as well as editing the work of other writers. He strives to simplify and create. His motto is “Have Laptop, Will Travel.”

For further information contact Colleen Mills at 734-425-0079 or go to the website www.citizensforpeace11.blogspot.com.

Thanks Colleen

Our president Colleen Mills does an outstanding job in leading Citizens for Peace.

What a Wonderful Westland Library Peace Celebration!

The Gemini brothers gave a moving concert at the Westland Library kickoff of our Peace Collection on Sunday afternoon! "If I Had a Hammer: Songs and Poems for Peace and Justice" was the title of this beautiful concert. Playing several instruments, the Gemini twins led the audience on a sing along of many popular songs such as "Where Have All the Flowers Gone?", "This Land is My Land", "Kumbaya" and "We Shall Overcome". Included in their diverse concert were beautiful poems and songs of many languages.

Our International Peace Pals display of the art from children representing 68 different countries was a perfect visual to highlight the new peace books donated to the library since many of the new books are books for children.

Our thanks to Marilyn Kwik for organizing such a special day! She also has a Citizens for Peace display with our information as people enter the Westland Library.
Thanks to Bob Frank for making the initial contact with his library. Thanks to Rosemary Doyle for all of her work with the Collection of Nonviolent Materials. Our Season for Nonviolence Book Discussion at the Livonia Civic Center Library was a great success! Thanks to everyone who came to the concert and the Book Discussion series!

The photo from left to right shows the smiles of Colleen, Laz, Bob and San.

Songs and Poems of Peace and Social Justice
Westland Public Library: Faust Area
Location: 6123 Central City Parkway
Westland, MI 48185
Sunday, April 1, 2012
2 – 3 p.m.
Everyone is Invited!!

In conjunction with the Citizens for Peace organization, the Westland Library is proud to present "If I had a Hammer - Songs and Poems of Peace and Social Justice," featuring folk songs of the 1960's folk revival. Gemini, twin brothers San and Laz Slomovits, nationally known for their music for children and families, return to the roots of their music - the classic songs of Pete Seeger, Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Peter, Paul, and Mary, Joni Mitchell, Malvina Reynolds, etc. as well as traditional songs associated with the 60's. Come hear songs like "If I had a Hammer," "Blowing in the Wind," "Where Have All the Flowers Gone?" - and sing along with them! The concert will also features poems by ancient as well as contemporary poets on the themes of peace and social justice which San and Laz have set to original music.
This is the kickoff of our Peace Collection donated to the Westland Library.
Call Colleen for more information: 734-425-0079

War on Iran?
Views from Iran, Israel & U.S.

Rudy Simons will be our speaker at our meeting on

Tuesday, April 10, 2012, 7:00 pm
at Unity of Livonia (28660 Five Mile Rd)


How do Iranians, Israelis and Americans feel about the prospect of war with Iran?

Come to the April Citizens for Peace meeting to hear the three perspectives from Rudy Simons, a well-known, long time local peace activist. Rudy has traveled to Iran, Israel and Palestine four times in the last six years with the Fellowship of Reconciliation. He will share his insight into the political mood of Iran and its people. Rudy provides viewpoints unavailable to the majority of Americans since he is one of a few U.S. citizens who has traveled throughout Iran.

A group discussion will follow his talk.

All are welcome to attend.

Citizens for Peace March 13th Meeting at Unity of Livonia at 7 p.m.

We invite you to a unique night with 'Dr. Detroit' lighting the candle of hope.

University of Detroit Mercy Professor Mike Whitty (aka 'Dr. Detroit') presents:

"Making Peace Detroit and Making Peace With Detroit"

Imagine peace in Detroit!
Practical action steps to protect Detroit neighborhoods.
Reflections on media and public perceptions.
But most of all making peace with Detroit - perceptually, psychologically, economically, politically and even spiritually.
Join us!!

JOIN US FOR OUR CITIZENS FOR PEACE FEBRUARY MEETING!!

PANEL TO SPEAK ON RESTORATIVE JUSTICE
Tuesday, February 14, 2012, 7:00 to 8:30 PM

Unity of Livonia
28660 Five Mile Road


The panel will provide an update on the current workings and implementations of Restorative Conferencing and Restorative Practice Peacemaking Circles within
diverse school and community settings. A 7-min. video will highlight MSU student
participation in the process. Panelists will speak from their experiences as to what brought them to this work, describe results and achievements, and what
their vision is for the future. The panelists are:

Susan Butterwick, J.D., Consulting Director of Family Programs for Wayne
Mediation Center, where she directs the youth, juvenile court, and school
Conflict resolution programs and child protection mediation programs.
Currently, she is implementing the Restorative Practice process in Detroit
Public Schools to impact student absenteeism.

Marcia Lee, M.A., (Dispute Resolution), Co-Director for Cap Corps Midwest,
a 12-18 mo. Volunteer program, actively creating Restorative Justice and healing
networks; co-leading Detroit Asian Youth Project; and helping establish a
Detroit Area Restorative Justice Network as well as a Center in Southwest Detroit.

Nancy Schertzing, M.S., (Human Development and Family Studies) Seven years
as Restorative Justice Coordinator, first in a public school initiative and now with Michigan State University’s Department of Campus Living Services and Residence
Life. While working on a current Masters Degree in Community Services at MSU,
She is assisting in a comprehensive study of Restorative Justice long term effects
commissioned by the Michigan Supreme Court’s State Court Administrators Office.

Bill Sower, B.S., (Special Education) Director of The Christopher and Virginia Sower
Center for Successful Schools, former interim principal and Special Education Teacher. He is considered a school transformation specialist solving schools’ most disturbing and complex problems through Restorative Justice, Direct Instruction, and The Nurtured Heart Approach. Bill has spent over 20 years teaching Michigan’s most violent and delinquent youth. He is an IIRP Certified Trainer in Restorative Practice recently contracted by Hamtramck and Roseville School Districts as a consultant and has delivered trainings through Wayne-RESA for their 34 participating school districts.

Our First Meeting of 2012!

What an informative and enjoyable presentation Kevin 'Mr. Peace' Szawala gave to the Citizens for Peace! It was an inspirational start to our peace work for 2012!

Here's a link to Kevin explaining the results of the Penny Poll that was a part of his Budget Priorities Road Show that he took all over Michigan this summer.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7M-vMImj_hY

(Roadshow Summary Video)

What an amazing effort! Thanks 'Mr. Peace'!!!

Winter 2012

PEACE AND CONFLICT DISCUSSION GROUP SERIES
at
THE LIVONIA CIVIC CENTER LIBRARY – ROOM A
32777 Five Mile Road – Livonia, MI 48154
734-466-2490

This discussion group focuses on issues related to multiple perspectives of peace and conflict. Works of nonfiction will be presented through different media types. It is FREE to the public. Suzanne Kaplan, Schoolcraft College Professor Emeritus, who has published in professional journals as well as in Discover Magazine and poetry in The Responsible Arts, will lead the discussions.


SCHEDULE:

Thursday, January 26, 2012, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Waltz with Bashir: This 2008 film is an animated autobiography
of the 1982 war in Lebanon, written and directed by Ari Folman.
Discussion Topic: WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR WAR?

Thursday, February 23, 2012, 7-8:30 p.m.
On Killing: Author Lt. Col. Dave Grossman was nominated for the
Pulitzer Prize. His book is required reading for the FBI academy
and is recommended reading for the U.S. Marine Corps and many
colleges. Grossman is the world’s foremost expert on human aggression.
Discussion Topic: HOW DOES AN INDIVIDUAL LIVE WITH THE
KNOWLEDGE OF KNOWING HOW TO KILL AND HAVING KILLED?

Thursday, March 29, 2012, 7-8:30 p.m.
End of War: Capt. Paul K. Chappell, a West Pointe Graduate who served
seven years in the U.S.Army, gives us a crucial look at war and peace through
his military experience in Iraq.
Discussion Topic: WHY DOES HUMAN AGGRESSION EXIST?



TO REGISTER: www.citizensforpeace11.blogspot.com (under current events),
email: rdoyle@cheerful.com, or by phone: 248-476-0791. SPACE IS LIMITED.

Ø Please check out book titles at least one-month prior to the discussion
and bring your own snacks, as no food will be provided.

Further readings about peace and conflict can be obtained from the Peace Collection on the 2nd floor of the Livonia Civic Center Library.


Sponsored by the Citizens for Peace
www.citizensforpeace11.blogspot.com

Peace Pilgrim: An American Sage Who Walked Her Talk

Citizens for Peace present the documentary on the life of Peace Pilgrim at their December 13th meeting at Unity of Livonia at 7 p.m. It is a story of a woman on a mission to raise awareness of the necessity of peace.

From 1953 to 1981 a silver haired woman calling herself only "Peace Pilgrim" walked more than 25,000 miles on a personal pilgrimage for peace. She vowed to "remain a wanderer until mankind has learned the way of peace, walking until given shelter and fasting until given food." In the course of her 28 year pilgrimage she touched the hearts, minds, and lives of thousands of individuals all across North America. Her message was both simple and profound. It continues to inspire people all over the world.

Everyone will receive the booklet “Steps Toward Inner Peace".
(full of Peace Pilgrim’s wisdom)

11/11/11 Generations Concert!

Celebrate the 8th Anniversary of the Citizens for Peace with a fun concert!

Join us at Unity of Livonia at 7 p.m. for the Generations Concert. Only $10.00 for a very fun evening with Dean Rutledge, Steve Kowalski, & Harry Miller. They say they love harmony so much they'll sing almost anything! They are singing to help us raise funds for our Citizens for Peace Education Fund, which supports our Nonviolent Peace Collection we are donating to the libraries.

Dean Rutledge is a former member of the New Christie Minstrels and the Kingston Trio. (The picture of Dean was taken at our Moveable Peace Fundraiser in May).
Steve Kowalski and Harry Miller have played music since they were children. The combination of great harmony, skilled musicianship, fun songs, and joyful personalities make Generations a group that raises the peace and happiness level of all those who get to listen!

See you at Unity (28660 Five Mile Rd.) at 7 p.m. on 11/11/11!

What a special evening Wednesday was!

Paul Chappell's message that Peace Is Possible and We Can Achieve It was wonderful! The Citizens for Peace members were there to work the tables, sell items, set up refreshments, and help out as usual! Here's George, going back & forth to set up the refreshments. Peace work is sure fun!!!
Thank you everyone!!

Saturday night will be another celebration of peace! We are celebrating United Nations Day. We have David Levine's mellow cello; Paul's peace message; refreshments; the Peace Pals International Art Display; and Muruga and the Ceremonial Peace Band!

As Paul says, it only takes 1% to make a big change in society. We are that 1% creating a culture of peace. How exciting!!

Hi everyone,
I have sad news about Paul Chappell. Yesterday afternoon he emailed me saying that he would die if he didn't get hospitalized. He is suffering from Post Traumatic Stress and is not able to come to Michigan at this time. I know you all wish him well.

He is sending two different DVD's of his talks. We will be showing one on Wednesday evening at Unity. Julie Beutel will start the evening off with her beautiful voice! We will have "peace cupcakes" made by our Citizens for Peace members! Please come!

Saturday evening is the Celebration of United Nations Day. We have the amazing cello of David Levine to greet us. We will show Paul's talk, have refreshments, and then be treated to the sounds of the joyful music from Muruga and the Ceremonial Peace Band!
Both events are at Unity of Livonia and begin at 7 p.m. All are welcome!

The Nonviolence Training will continue on Saturday, October 22nd. from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Scott Memorial United Methodist Church. Father Peter Dougherty will have the Michigan Peace Team fill in for Paul Chappell! This training is so important for all peace activists. I hope you can come.
Thank you to all of the peace groups that have supported Paul Chappell's visit. I hope we all can write a short note to Paul thanking him for all of his work for peace and wishing him well. I will send them to him from all of the peace people in Michigan. He needs encouragement to continue his important work!
I hope to see all of us come together to continue our work to create a nonviolent world of peace!
Thanks for your understanding!
Peace,
Colleen

Paul Chappell Visits Michigan

The Citizens for Peace is bringing an outstanding peace leader to Michigan from October 19th to October 22nd!

Paul K. Chappell is the Peace Leadership Director of the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation.
He is a graduate of West Point and served in Iraq as an Army Captain.
While on active duty, Paul wrote two books:
Will War Ever End? A Soldier's Vision for Peace in the 21st Century, and
The End of War: How Waging Peace Can Save Humanity, Our Planet, and Our Future.
His books will be available for purchase at all of his speaking engagements.

His first talk, Why Peace Is Possible and How We Can Achieve It, will be Wednesday, October 19th at Unity of Livonia, at 7 p.m.
We are encouraging everyone who seeks a peaceful world to attend this free event.
Donations are appreciated.

Paul will be speaking to the students of Kim Redigan, at U of D High School on Thursday morning.

He will be sharing his unique perspective with the students in Mike Whitty's business class at the University of Detroit, on Thursday evening at 6:30 p.m.

On Friday, October 21st Paul will visit the students at Marygrove College at noon thanks to Barb Beesley.

The Wayne State University Peace & Justice Learning Community will host Paul on Friday at 5 p.m. at the WSU Student Center Hillberry Room. This will be a question-based discussion open to all students and the public. Thanks to Melissa Ciaravino for organizing this event.

Paul will be offering Nonviolence Leadership Training on Saturday, October 22nd at Scott Memorial United Methodist (15361 Plymouth Rd. in Detroit) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This dynamic training is for youth (13 - 19) and adults (19 - 99+).
The youth will learn the 4G's from Peace Center Trained Reconciler Coach, Rod Toneye, and will join the all day adult session with Paul Chappell in the afternoon. The students are free. We are asking a $20.00 donation from adults. Lunch will be provided. This training is sponsored by the Detroit Renaissance Peace Center and the Citizens for Peace. To reserve your place, call Colleen Mills at 734-425-0079, or Barbara Talley at 248-356-0819.

On Saturday evening at 7 p.m., Paul will conclude his visit to Michgian as we celebrate the United Nations Day at Unity of Liovnia. We will be entertained by David Levine's String Quartet and Muruga and the Ceremonial Peace Band. Paul will have an interactive discussion of waging peace.

This is a wonderful opportunity for people seeking to understand peace and how to create it. We will learn from a young man who, despite experiencing a violent childhood, bullying, and war, is a peace leader who not only believes there can be world peace; but is devoted to teaching others how to achieve it!

Nancy Lightbody and Colleen Mills at the ONE PEACE Celebration of the UN International Day of Peace!

Celebrating Peace!

What a beautiful evening September 21st was!
The Citizens for Peace had the display of Peace Pals International children's art at the ONE PEACE event. Nancy Lightbody had the peace art from children of 63 different countries displayed so beautifully! This collection will be traveling to various libraries, schools and peace events as the Citizens for Peace reach out to more people with our message that peace is not only possible but is a right of the children of the world!

Thanks to all of our members who volunteered to make this event run smoothly.
Kathy Henning did a beautiful meditation on peace in the world. We had tables representing the United Nation Association, WILPF (Women's International League for Peace & Freedom), Michigan Peaceworks, Citizens for Peace, Moveable Peace (with George's Penny Poll), and the Michigan Peace Team.

The highlight of the evening was the Michigan premier of the film Globalized Soul!
Filmed at the Parliament of World Religions in Australia, the film focused on the hope for a peaceful future when participants of all religions recognize the value and similarity of everyone.

Let's hope that the one day of peace will keep increasing to 365 days of peace!

“Power without love is reckless and abusive, and love without power is sentimental and anemic. Power at its best is love implementing the demands of justice, and justice at its best is power correcting everything that stands against love.”
― Martin Luther King Jr.

Peace to You and Yours with Love
Jerry

Before you speak imagine there are three gates in front of your mouth
The first gate IS IT TRUE If it is true proceed to the second gate
The second gate IS IT NECESSARY If it is true and necessary then proceed to the third gate
The third gate IS IT KIND If it is true, necessary, and kind
Then go ahead and speak

A Sufi Metaphor

Peace to You and Yours with Love
Jerry

MICHIGAN PREMIER OF “GLOBALIZED SOUL” AT ONE PEACE EVENT

The Michigan premier of the film, “Globalized Soul” will be featured at the fourth annual ONE PEACE event celebrating the United Nations International Day of Peace
in the Livonia Civic Center Library auditorium, Wednesday, September 21st from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Filmed world-wide, “Globalized Soul” explores the oneness at the center of the colorful diversity among the world's religions. It shows spiritual leaders and activists coming together in search of unity in addressing the crises facing humanity and the earth.
Onscreen commentaries include the Dalai Lama, Rabbi Michael Lerner, Rev. James Trapp, Sister Joan Chittister, and other notable religious leaders.

The cornerstone of the film is its coverage of one of the largest interfaith gatherings in history, "The Parliament of the World's Religions" held in Melbourne, Australia in December, 2009. The film follows two participants back to their homeland. Asha Mehta returns to India where she and her husband provide free prosthesis and therapy for people who can’t walk. Sheikh Abdul Aziz Bukhari, cofounder of The Jerusalem Peacemakers, returns to Israel. His beautiful spirit is at the heart of the film.

In addition, an exhibition of children’s peace art from sixty three different countries will be displayed in the library atrium. The art is provided by Peace Pals International. There will also be tables from peace organizations: Citizens for Peace, the United Nations Association of Detroit, Michigan Peace Network, the Michigan Peace Team, Moveable Peace, and the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom. The Citizens for Peace is a sponsor of the ONE PEACE event. www.OnePeace.us. (734) 425-0079. Livonia Civic Center Library, 32777 Five Mile Rd.

“People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.”

Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

Peace to You and Yours with Love
Jerry

Mark Your Calendar for these September Peace Activities!



Sept 8th: 7 pm.: Colleen gives the talk at World Prayer Day at Unity of Livonia



Sept 13th 7 pm.: Citizens for Peace Meeting at Unity of Livonia. Members will share their book reports of selections of the Peace Collection. (www.citizensforpeace11.blogspot.com.)



Sept 15th 10 am – 2 pm.: Citizens for Peace table at Schoolcraft School DAZE. Volunteers needed.



Sept. 16th 7:00 and 9:30 p.m., Sept.17th 7:00 and 9:30 pm, Sept.18th 2:00 p.m.:

The Interrupters is an epic documentary exploring violence in our cities at the DIA.



Sept. 17th 3: 30 pm.: Colleen will talk on the Body Mind Spirit Radio about the ONE PEACE event ant the Michigan premier of the film Globalized Soul.

(Go to www.bodymindspiritradio.com and listen online. Sign up as a fan!)


Sept. 18th 1 pm. – 4 pm.: 6th Annual PEACE (Promoting Ethnic And Cultural Equality) DAY, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm. on the University of Michigan Diag .(920 N UNIVERSITY AVE). Kevin Szawala plans a very exciting peace event!! (www.michiganpeacenetwork)


Sept 21st 6:30 pm. – 9 pm:. ONE PEACE event at the Livonia Civic Center Library auditorium & atrium. Come see the Michigan premier of Globalized Soul and celebrate the UN International Day of Peace! (www.onepeace.us.) Volunteers needed.

Forgiveness allows us to experience our wholeness our oneness with all of life. It opens our eyes to experience the light and the essence of love that we are.

Gerald Jampolsky M. D.


Peace to You and Yours with Love
Jerry

Citizens for Peace September 13th Meeting

The Reports on the Nonviolent Peace Collection will be the theme of our September meeting. This is the second year we will be sharing some of the wonderful books we have donated to the Library System. It is fun hearing the variety of books that are available to the public thanks to our gift of peace!

You can never live in the present and create a new and exciting future for yourself and your love partner, if you always stay stuck in the past
Unknown Author

Peace to You and Yours with Love
Jerry

“Limitations live only in our minds. But if we use our imaginations, our possibilities become limitless.”
Jamie Paolinetti

Peace to You and Yours with Love
Jerry

You can be right or happy but you cannot be both
Gerald Jampolsky

Peace to You and Yours with Love
Jerry

Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend
Martin Luther King Jr.


Peace to You and Yours with Love
Jerry

Peace advocates ‘walk the walk’

By SUE SUCHYTA
Sunday Times Newspapers
HEIGHTS – While most activists “talk the talk,” few can claim they also “walk the walk.”

Kim Redigan of Dearborn Heights, however, is not one to sit on the sidelines when she strongly believes in a cause.

That’s why, as the 2011 Moveable Peace Walk chairperson for Catholic peace movement Pax Christi of Michigan, she hopes to raise awareness about peace initiatives and inspire others to speak and act by putting their souls and soles into their cause.

From July 30 to Aug. 9, three Peace Walks will begin toward Lansing.

The peace walks are part of Moveable Peace 2011, which came together after the U.S. Social Forum, a self-described “movement-building process” last year in mid-June 2010 in Detroit.

“People from Michigan came together committed to peace,” Redigan said. “We came together and the deal was, what (can) we do to make Michigan a more peaceful place, how do we move toward an economy… that’s more sustainable, that’s more just, ‘how do we shift our spending so that human needs are met?’”

Redigan said the Catholic Saint Francis inspired her to suggest that they “take to the road” and listen to people’s suggestions for peace.

“My inspiration for the walk was that people need to be listened to,” Redigan said. “People are really angry, people are polarized, but people are not being listened to. So that was kind of the embryonic idea. From there it morphed into this big thing called Moveable Peace.”

The group has been meeting for almost a year and are now asking Michigan’s governor and the legislature to be the first state to set up a commission for peace and justice.

“Michigan has about 200 state commissions,” Redigan said. “There’s a commission on beets I think, but there’s nothing on peace and justice.”

She said that their group has been gathering signatures on petitions across the state to support the request.

Moveable Peace Walk groups plan to leave from Detroit, Grand Rapids and Saginaw on Saturday on the way to Lansing.

Along the Moveable Peace walk routes they also plan to temporarily create a “moveable commons” showcasing programs and ideas that support peace, justice and sustainability.

A blessing and send-off is scheduled for 9 a.m. Saturday at Central Methodist Church, 23 E. Adams in Detroit.

She said the walk also is designed to help break down political barriers between conservatives and liberals.

“We need to change people’s consciousness,” Redigan said. “This is not about politics; we are so beyond that right now. We’re not going to go anywhere if we don’t break through this left-right paradigm.”

Walkers hope to follow Grand River to Lansing, traveling about 10 miles per day. Along the way she said they plan to stop overnight on the west side of Detroit, in Farmington, New Hudson, Brighton and Howell. After Howell , they will stop in Hartland, Fowlerville, Williamsburg, and East Lansing before converging with the other Moveable Peace walkers in Lansing.

“We want to hear where people are at,” Redigan said. “We want to hear from workers who are unemployed, employed, (or) under-employed. What solutions do people have? There is always better wisdom in a group.”

Area walkers also include Annette Thomas of Clarkston, Jusif Barakat of Pinckney, Gretchen Smith of Lansing, Sharon O’Hare Bruce of Lake Orion and Rudy Wood of Ferndale. Rita Carey of Westland will serve as a driver and will manage logistics.

“The young people – this appeals to them because it’s out there, it’s active, (and) it’s moving. It’s not sitting around a table at a meeting like old people do,” Redigan said.

Colleen Mills, president of Livonia-based nonprofit Citizens for Peace, said in addition to engaging with people along the route of the Moveable Peace walk and listening to their concerns, they hope to collect petition signatures calling for a Michigan commission for peace and justice.

“We have to engage the young people,” Mills said, “and get them to feel that they’re part of creating their future, which is what this is all about.”

Mills said when she heard the concept of having a Michigan Commission for Peace and Justice it “spoke to (her) spirit.”

“I said ‘we have to do this,’” Mills said. “My belief is we have to have, in the structure of government, places for people to have input– the grassroots groups, the non-profit groups, which are huge employers in state, and make this group in this state feel they are part of the decision making.”

Mills added that Citizens for Peace realizes the need to appeal to and include everyone in their message of peace.

“Regardless of what they may think on certain issues, we are all humans and we’ve got to focus on the human beings in this state,” Mills said. “That’s why the idea of having a Michigan commission for peace and justice really appealed to me.”

The group is also planning a presence at the Mackinac Bridge Walk held during Labor Day weekend.

For more information about Moveable Peace, go to www.MoveablePeace.org, its Facebook page, or www.MichiganPeaceNetwork.org.

Never let yesterday use up today.

R.H. Nelson
Peace to You and Yours with Love
Jerry

Citizens for Peace Third Annual Veggie Potluck

The Citizens for Peace will hold their third annual Veggie Potluck at their August 9th meeting at 6:30pm at Unity of Livonia. The meeting is open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring a vegetarian dish to share or a donation of $5.00. After sharing dinner, the short film, “A Life Connected”, by Nonviolence United, will be shown and discussed. One of the messages in the film is that we have the ability to “feed ourselves and every hungry person on the planet” by using one powerful tool: our fork. Find out how our food choices affect everyone around the world, including the 40,000 people who starve to death daily. Join the discussion on how to expand our circle of compassion, live our values, and change the world. For more information call Colleen at 734-425-0079.

The Budget Priorities Road Show at the Ann Arbor Art Fair

Kevin "Mr Peace" Szawala took his Budget Priorities Road Show to the Ann Arbor Art Fair. Despite the heat,he kept a smile & continued to engage people in conversations about how we should spend our tax dollars.

George & Colleen volunteered at the table and encouraged people to sign the petition calling for a Michigan Commission for Peace & Justice. They picked the day when the record temperature was 100 degrees!

(A Passage from the book A HIDDEN WHOLENESS)
The soul is generous: it takes in the needs of the world. The soul is wise: it suffers without shutting down. The soul is hopeful: it engages the world in ways that keep opening our hearts. The soul is creative: it finds a path between realities that might defeat us and fantasies that are mere escapes. All we need to do is to bring down the wall that separates us from our own souls and deprives the world of the soul’s regenerative powers.

Parker Palmer

Peace to You and Yours with Love
Jerry

The mediocre teacher tells.
The good teacher explains.
The superior teacher demonstrates.
The great teacher inspires.

~William Arthur Ward

Peace to You and Yours with Love
Jerry

We are all special, and none of us are special
A Course of Miracles

Peace to You and Yours with Love
Jerry

SOLITUDE AND COMMUNITY
(A Passage from the book A HIDDEN WHOLENESS)

We have much to learn from within, but it is easy to get lost in the labyrinth of the inner life. We have much to learn from others, but it is easy to get lost in the confusion of the crowd. So we need solitude and community simultaneously: what we learn in one mode can check and balance what we learn in the other. Together, they make us whole, like breathing in and breathing out.

But exactly how solitude and community go together turns out to be trickier than breathing. When we say we are in solitude, we often bring other people with us: think of how often our solitude is interrupted by an interior conversation with someone who is not there! When we say we are in community, we often lose track of true self: think of how easily we can forget who we are when we get entangled in group dynamics.

If we are to hold solitude and community together as a true paradox, we need to deepen our understanding of both poles. Solitude does not necessarily mean living apart from others; rather, it means never living apart from one’s self. It is not about the absence of other people; it is about being fully present to ourselves, whether or not we are with others. Community does not necessarily mean living face–to–face with others: rather, it means never losing the awareness that we are connected to each other. It is not about the presence of other people; it is about being fully open to the reality of relationship, whether or not we are alone. When we understand solitude and community in these ways, we also understand what it means to create a circle of trust; a space between us that is hospitable to the soul, a community of solitude where we can be alone together.

Parker Palmer


Peace to You and Yours with Love
Jerry

It is with our capacity of smiling, breathing, and being peace that we can make peace.
-Thich Nhat Hanh

Peace to You and Yours with Love
Jerry

PLAY FOR PEACE GAMES NIGHT FUNDRAISER FOR MOVEABLE PEACE WILL BE TUESDAY, JULY 12th AT UNITY OF LIVONIA!

Come to a fun evening of peace games and support Moveable Peace! The Citizens for Peace is sponsoring a games night with easy to learn games, refreshments and prizes.
Admission is $10. to help with the Budget Priorities Road Show that will be traveling around Michigan with a Penny Poll, video camera to tape residents sharing their ideas, and the petition calling for a Michigan Commission for Peace & Justice.
This is your opportunity to contribute to this peace effort while having a lot of fun!
For more information, call Colleen at 734-425-0079.
PEACE!!

See Me Beautiful
Look for the best in me.
That’s what I really am
And all I want to be.
It may take some time,
It may be hard to find,
But see me beautiful.

See me beautiful
Each and every day:
Could you find a way
To see me shinning through
In everything I do
And see me beautiful?

Kathy and Red Grammer

Peace to You and Yours with Love
Jerry

“If you look deep within, you will find a brilliant light. To many, far too many, squint and turn away from the shine. Let your eyes adjust, and bathe in the radiance.”


Peace to You and Yours with Love
Jerry

The Earth Charter is the Topic of the June 14th Citizens for Peace Meeting

The Tuesday, June 14th meeting of the Citizens for Peace will have a presentation by Nancy Seubert, on the Democracy, Nonviolence and Peace Section of the Earth Charter. Nancy is the coordinator of the IHM (Immaculate Heart of Mary) Justice, Peace and Sustainability Office.

The Earth Charter is a declaration of fundamental ethical principles for building a just, sustainable, and peaceful global society in the 21st century. It seeks to inspire in all people a new sense of global interdependence and shared responsibility for the well-
being of the whole human family, the greater community of life, and future generations. It is a product of decade-long, worldwide, cross cultural dialogue on common goals and shared values.

The public is invited to the meeting at Unity of Livonia (Five Mile between Middlebelt & Inkster). The meeting begins at 7 pm.

For more information, call Tada Gunter at 734-425-0120.

ARLINGTON MICHIGAN

What an honor to be part of Arlington Michigan in Livonia this year!
The display was a powerful reminder of the true cost of war.
Thank you to the Veterans for Peace for making the display.
A special thank you to Steve Saelzler for devoting his entire Memorial Day to
this event. He said "Some people curse the darkness. We bring light to the world."
Thank you to all of the Citizens for Peace for volunteering to be at the exhibit
for the nine hours the display was up.
Many people drove or walked by and were reminded of the meaning of Memorial Day.
The people who came to spend time reflecting, praying, remembering loved ones, or thinking of all of our soldiers, were grateful for the opportunity.
Here's a link to some photos of the day. Peace, Colleen


http://www.flickr.com/photos/peacegal2010/sets/72157626850152182/.

Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Peace to You and Yours with Love
Jerry

The story of a love is not important—what is important is that one is capable of love. It is perhaps the only glimpse we are permitted of eternity.

—Helen Hayes

Peace to You and Yours with Love
Jerry

Citizens For Peace Blog Page Views
May 2009 to May 2011

Don't you find this amazing? People from many countries have viewed our blog! Peace is  certainly a topic of interest not just to us but to many others.

These numbers came from Blogger our blog publisher.

Playing for Peace Concert: A Great Kickoff for Moveable Peace!

A good time was had by all of the attendees at the Playing for Peace Concert! So many talented musical artists donated their time & talent to support the kickoff of Moveable Peace: an effort to "move peace" all over Michigan! Thanks to all of the artists, the Citizens for Peace volunteers, the Moveable Peace Committee, and especially to Kevin "Mr. Peace" Szawala for contributing to the success of a beautiful evening!
The big surprise was having "Generations" joining us at the last minute! Dean Rutledge (center of photo playing the banjo) played with the Kingston Trio, the New Christi Minstrals, and was the opening act for Peter, Paul & Mary! It brought back such lovely memories!
I felt the "peace energy" & good vibrations all night!
Thanks to our performers:
John Wilson, Bill Meyer, Ryan Castelli, Joe Kidd & the Sedition World Orchestra, Diane Western, David Nefesh, John Smolinski, Michael Krieger, Rev. Matthew Long, Ruby Woods, Generations: Harry Miller, Steve Kowalski, Dean Rutledge, Judy Insley, Floyd Raeon, Xavier Moore, Darrin Breil and Kevin 'Mr Peace' Szawala!
WOW!!!

The Friday Night concert was great. I enjoyed the variety of music and
their language of peace.

Everyone has a purpose in life – a unique gift or special talent to give to others.
Deepak Chopra

Peace to You and Yours With Love
Jerry

Kevin Szawala Shares Information about Moveable Peace, The Playing for Peace Concert, and His Poetry & new CD at Citizens for Peace Meeting!

Kevin "Mr. Peace" Szawala, the state coordinator of the Department of Peace Campaign, gave a thoughtful talk at our May meeting. He shared the information about the Budget Priorities Road Show he will be taking all over Michigan. He will be performing at the Playing for Peace Concert Friday, May 13th at Unity. He will join an eclectic group of artists to support Moveable Peace. Join us!

Here's one of his poems he shared with us.
Thanks Kevin! Peace, Colleen

"Jobs N' Human Needs Under Attack" by 'Mr. Peace'

I was asked 2 speak 2day 2 send people off on an upbeat note
So I wanted 2 share with u all a little something that I wrote
Social n' political unrest, economic turbulence
N' all these tax cuts 4 the rich that just don't make sense!
See, we're gathered here 2day because our jobs, education, quality of life n' human needs, r all under attack,
But we're optimistic becuz' 'People Power' is startin' 2 make a comeback
U look 2 examples like Egypt, Tunisia, Libya n' Madison, Wisconsin
The epicenter of the Midwest 2 reverse a wave of unprecedented revisions with legislation
Fightin' 2 defend worker's rights n' doin' whatever it takes
N' we'll do the same thing, even if that means weeks of non-stop protests, here in the Great Lakes State!
Cuz' it ain't fair when the working families n' middle class r forced 2 suffer n' live on smaller budgets
No, we need Systematic Change 2 put a stop 2 the Big Corporation tax cuts
We gotta band 2gether, it's time 4 all of us 2 unite!
It's our Collective Responsibility; staying 'Collective' 4 Collective Bargaining in this fight!
N' people often ask me if all of this stuff makes me lose sleep at nite
I simply reply, "Yeah, u better believe it! N' I won't rest 'til I see the Light,
Begin 2 shine thru the Dark Room of Injustice, where People, finally come b4 Profits!
N' the terms, "Common Good" n' "Just Society", become a top priority, not just the next looked over topic
I even heard it said here 2day in this room, where we treat these democratic wordz just like Oxygen
Where u can't breathe w/o them, similar 2 not bein' able 2 live w/o bein' surrounded by water here in Michigan
So let's take action, collaboratively address these issues head on by calling on our Congress,
N' by signin' a Petition az a Coalition 2 form a Commission 4 Peace n' Justice
We will prevail n' do what's necessary 2 alter the course of history
There's Power in Numbers, n' our Numbers r Growin', az we reach more n' more communities
Yeah, my hope 4 a brighter, a more just 2morrow, comes from all the energy that each one of you brings
N' the powerful phrase that made sure the country we live in would never be the same: "Let Freedom Ring!"

Peace In.
Kevin 'Mr. Peace'Szawala
856-MR_PEACE
(856-677-3223)

Colleen Mills Invited to Talk on The Tony Show Friday Morning At 7a.m.!

The Tony Trupiano show is back on am 1310!
His show is called First Shift and airs Monday through Friday from 6 am - 9 am. He invited me to talk about the Playing for Peace Concert kickoff event for Moveable Peace at 7 am this Friday! Call in and support Tony's show. The call in number is 888-552-3595. You can also listen live online at www.thetonyshow.org.

"First Shift with Tony Trupiano is devoted to the higher idea of what community is and toward that end our goal on a daily basis is to shed light where there is darkness, expose wrong and to establish right, create opportunity and provide a platform for extended debate but also to provide, expect, and demand solutions to problems."
...from thetonyshow.org website.
Peace, Colleen

Arlington Michigan

Join the Veterans for Peace and the Citizens for Peace as we observe Memorial Day on Monday, May 30, 2011. Stop by and reflect on the meaning of Memorial Day at Arlington Michigan, a display of crosses with the photo and name of each Michigan soldier killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. The display will be at the Livonia Civic Center Park (South side of Five Mile, East of Farmington Rd.) from 9 am - 6 pm. PEACE! Colleen

What a Busy Week for the Citizens for Peace!

In one week we visited our Senator, our Congressman and Congressman Conyers to talk about peace! Colleen is giving Congressman Conyers a folder with the US Peace Index, information about Moveable Peace, the flyers for the Playing for Peace Concert and Arlington Michigan, and the MI Department of Peace Political Action Guide. He invited her to come to his office and discuss all of the information. He hadn't heard about the US Peace Index or Moveable Peace. He suggested a forum with Congressman McCotter in the 11th District and in his District. He is supportive of HR 808 and the People's Budget! I look forward to working with Congressman Conyers this summer!
Peace, Colleen

Rosemary Doyle Delivers a Book Instead of a Pie

Rosemary Doyle delivered the book "A History of War" and the Press Release on the US Peace Index to Congressman McCotter's office for the Mother's Day "Peace Wants a Piece of the Pie" Campaign. She also provided a letter from Colleen Mills, President of the Citizens for Peace, requesting that the Congressman support HR 808 and share the information of the US Peace Index with his colleagues. We will share his response.

The fundamental difference between creating and problem solving is simple. In problem solving, we seek to make something we do not like go away. In creating we, we seek to make what we truly care about exist. Few distinctions are that basic.

Peter Senge

Peace to You and Yours with Love
Jerry

Peace Wants A Piece of the Pie Mother's Day Visit.

We visited Senator Stabenow's office for the annual Mother's Day "Peace Wants a Piece of the Pie" campaign. Gloria arranged the meeting with Barbara McCallahan, senator Stabenow's assistant. We had a great discussion of the new US Peace Index that focuses on using funds for social uplift to save billions of dollars and create millions of jobs. We requested Senator Stabenow to introduce the Department of Peace legislation in the Senate and to share the US Peace Index findings with her colleagues. Tada, Colleen, Sally and Gloria are shown with Barbara McCallahan.
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!

The following email I received helped me understand my mixed feelings over the death of Osama. I have feelings of sadness and relief. Killing another human being does not seem to be the right thing to do to bring justice. However, knowing that he no longer exists really means
that there may be a new beginning, hopefully, for the better. This article was an examination of
conscience for me. What do you think? Rosemary Doyle, Citizens for Peace


Dear Mr. Bin Laden,
Just so you know. I won?t be having cocktails at the White House or
marching in the streets to celebrate your passing. When I heard you
were gone, I only felt sadness. It is not a sadness that comes from
any sort of love or solidarity or even pity. Do not misunderstand me.
It is a deep sadness that comes when we glorify and justify violence
as a means to destroy what we deem evil. It is something you were
especially good at.
So why am I sad? I have sadness that your hatred has poisoned and
murdered so many; sadness that fear and revenge is called justice;
sadness that we Americans have justified tens of thousands of deaths
in Afghanistan, nearly 1 million in the Iraq war, and many other
targeted killings in Pakistan that weren?t you. I imagine we will see
your death as a ?successful campaign? with no American lives lost. The
irony will escape us. I wonder if it does you.
We talk about ?the enemy? and ?evil? when we speak of you. Since that
bitter September day in 2001, we have used the word evil as if a human
can be evil to their core. You join the ranks of evil-doers like
Hitler and Mussolini. My guess is that in some way, you have enjoyed
that, although you knew we were wrong. You embraced that sort of
extreme ideology that labeled Americans and others who disagreed with
you as evil. For you, and for us, the way we try to remove evil is to
hunt it down and kill it, saying ?praise god? all the way down. We?re
not so very different, you and we Americans.
?We think evil acts (and people) should be taken care of through war
and violence
?We call upon God to justify our violence
?We use our financial resources to support wars that agree with us
across the world
?We recruit our children to be our front line warriors while we give
orders from board room
Mr. Bin Laden, I think that what you stood for and how you worked was
evil, but I never thought you were. Even you were not outside the
possibility of grace and change. I think of you as wounded and broken,
mislead, oppressed and wrong, but not evil.
I suppose that makes me an extremist also. But, if I am going to be an
extremist, it will be to say that no human being is evil, not even
you. You will be accountable for your actions and although I do not
fancy standing beside you ?when the roll is called up yonder,? I do
not hold those things in my hands. And I believe that love survives
and that grace can change and heal us AND those we offend ? and that
it is not my job to decide what happens to you.
I won?t be the life of anyone?s death party.
So now, partly because I know your body will not receive any burial
prayer, I offer a prayer for your death. And it is to our mutual
creator.
God of love, Creator of all good and precious human beings. We offer
to you our brother, Osama Bin Laden. He came into this world just like
we did, born into imperfection and a broken and unjust world, human
with potential for so much good. He made choices that took him on a
horrible path. He hurt so many of your beautiful children. We know he
is accountable to his actions and attitudes. Will you help those
innocent ones whose lives he has destroyed to forgive him so that they
can move forward into love? Will you open up the eyes of those who
have loved and admired him to the possibility of grace and kindness
toward even those they fear? Will you please take all of our feelings
and after we have had a season to acknowledge them, create something
hopeful out of them? Please break through the bitterness of fear and
revenge and bring healing. We want to give him into your hands, though
we do not know if our hearts will let us. We trust that your broken
heart can somehow heal us and even him. A-men.

What: Playing for Peace Concert
Where: Unity of Livonia, on Five Mile Road between Middlebelt & Inkster
When: Friday, May 13, 2011, 7-9:30pm – doors open at 6:30pm
Who: Musicians performing to raise funds for Moveable Peace – all welcome

Livonia, MI – A dozen talented local musical performers will be Playing For Peace during a 2 ½ hour concert at Unity of Livonia, Friday, May 13. The eclectic peace players will render performances, ranging from pop, blues, and jazz, to country and folk, to hip hop suitable for all ages.

The concert features 30-year veteran entertainer Bill Meyer, country folk artist Joe Kidd, pop/rock/folk songs of David Nefesh, soulful, a cappella vocals of Ruby Woods, and uplifting songs of Michael Krieger. The contemporary acoustic guitar, mandolin and banjo sounds of Judy Insley and Floyd Raeon will include a touch of bluegrass. Kevin Mr. Peace” Szawala will perform consciousness-raising hip-hop aimed at today’s youth. Many of these local favorites will have CDs and performance schedules available.

The Peace Players will perform to raise funds for a statewide effort this summer by a coalition of Michigan Peace groups to increase awareness of the need for a viable culture of peace. Termed “Moveable Peace” the summer activities include coordinated community events, a traveling mobile exhibit featuring a nine foot tall “Peace Mama” puppet, and Peace emissary Kevin Szawala.

A ten-day peace walk from all over the state to Lansing, a convergence of peace representatives statewide at the Mackinaw Bridge on Labor Day, and participation in the Detroit Labor Day Parade are planned.

Highlight of the summer’s activities will be the submission of a petition to the state legislature and governor requesting the establishment of a Michigan Commission for Peace & Justice.

A donation of $10 per person is requested at the concert. Unity of Livonia is located on Five Mile Road between Middlebelt & Inkster. Doors open at 6:30 pm.

For more information contact Colleen Mills, Citizens for Peace, at 734-425-0079 or cmills0079@yahoo.com

Join us for our May 10th Citizens for Peace Meeting!

Kevin "Mr. Peace" Szawala will be talking about the Moveable Peace Budget Priorities Road Show he will be conducting all over Michigan this summer. He will share the information about Peace Pizzazz, an annual event in Western Michigan sponsored by the 6th District Department of Peace group. Kevin is the State Coordinator of the Michigan Department of Peace Campaign. He is a motivational speaker who at a young age has devoted his life to creating more peace on our planet starting right here in Michigan. It will be a fun and informative presentation. See you at Unity of Livonia on Tuesday, May 10th at 7 pm. Bring your friends!

What lies behind us, and what lies before us, are tiny matters compared to what lies within us. ~Oliver W. Holmes

Peace to You and Yours with Love
Jerry

“Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited to all we now know and understand, while imagination embraces the entire world, and all there ever will be to know and understand.” Albert Einstein Peace to You and Yours with Love Jerry

CITIZENS FOR PEACE APRIL MEETING

What: Unmasking Youth Violence
When: April 12, 7:00 PM
Where: Unity of Livonia, 28660 Five Mile Road between Middlebelt & Inkster roads

Unmasking Youth Violence is the topic of the Citizens for Peace monthly meeting Tuesday, April 12th at Unity of Livonia. The public is invited.

Guest speaker David J. Harding, PhD, University of Michigan, will highlight the social organization of violence in poor communities. He will examine consequences of growing up in a violent environment and how violence affects adolescent decision making as well as how it affects other aspects of their lives.

A Harvard graduate, Dr. Harding is Associate Professor, Department of Sociology & Ford School of Public Policy Research. He has studied urban poverty and inequality, incarceration & prison reentry for the past ten years.

The Citizens for Peace is a non sectarian, non profit community based organization working to create a culture of Peace.

Meetings begin promptly at 7 p.m. at Unity of Livonia, 28660 Five Mile Road between Middlebelt & Inkster roads. For further information contact Colleen Mills at 734-425-0079/ cmills0079@yahoo.com.

"To be a star, you must shine your own light, follow your own path, and don't worry about the darkness, for that is when the stars shine brightest” Unknown author Peace to You and Yours with Love Jerry