PEACE

Peace is more than the absence of war, violence, or conflict. Peace is a presence – the presence of connection.
-Louise Diamond

Only when peace lives in each of us, will it live outside of us.
-Deng Ming Dao

For it isn't enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn't enough to believe in it. One must work at it.
-Eleanor Roosevelt

All works of love are works of peace.
-Mother Teresa


Peace to You and Yours with Love
Jerry

“A human being is part of a whole, called by us the Universe, a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings, as something separated from the rest, a kind of delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circles of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty.”

Albert Einstein

Peace to You and Yours with Love
Jerry

Celebrate!!

Join the celebration of the 6th Anniversary of the Citizens for Peace on Tuesday, November 10th at Unity of Livonia at 6:30 pm. We will have a potluck, a silent auction, games, and music by Kriya! We will be celebrating six years of incredible work to create a culture of peace. Bring your friends & family to celebrate with us.

TEARS

There is sacredness in tears. They are not a mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are the messengers of overwhelming grief, of deep contrition, and unspeakable love.

Washington Irving

Peace to You and Yours with Love
Jerry

If you judge people, you have no time to love them.

Mother Teresa


Peace to You and Yours with Love
Jerry

LOVE

It is easy to love someone you love, but to love your enemy is to know true love

Mahatma Gandhi.


Peace to You and Yours with Love
Jerry

Men and Women

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in the moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.
Dr. Martin Luther King , Jr.

The woman’s mission is not to enhance the masculine spirit, but to express the feminine; hers is not to preserve a man-made world, but to create a human world by the infusion of the feminine element into all its activities.
Margaret Thatcher

Peace to You and Yours with Love
Jerry

The best and most beautiful things in the world can not be seen, nor touched...... but are felt in the heart.
Helen Keller

Peace to You and Yours with Love
Jerry

Citizens for Peace Participate in the Global Oneness Project

The Global Oneness Project is exploring how the radically simple notion of interconnectedness can be lived in our increasingly complex world. Since 2006, they've been traveling the globe gathering stories from creative and courageous people who base their lives and work on the understanding that we bear great responsibility for each other and our shared world. They provide their videos in DVD format for free to organizations that want to deepen their understanding of these vital issues.

On Tuesday, October 13, 2009, at 7:00 pm at Unity of Livonia, come join us as we watch a few short videos and take this opportunity to deepen our experience with the different facets of oneness we are exploring as a community. Vincenza Mueller, Citizens for Peace Vice President, will lead the discussion with questions provided by the Oneness Project in their DVD Conversation Guide.

We hope that by showing the diverse ways oneness is expressed—in the fields of sustainability, conflict resolution, spirituality, art, economics, indigenous culture, and social justice—we will be inspired to create solutions to personal and community challenges from our own lived understanding of oneness.

What is oneness?

Oneness is a fundamental aspect of human experience. When a mother puts the needs of her family before her own, when we recycle because we are concerned about our planet’s resources, or when we instinctively treat others as we would be treated ourselves, we are relating to life with an understanding of our interdependence and the responsibilities that come with it.

Oneness has informed spiritual, artistic, and indigenous traditions for thousands of years. And today we are becoming conscious of oneness through sciences, like ecology and physics, and through technology.

It has been shown again and again through the films’ subjects that when people shift their focus away from personal fulfillment towards the needs of the community – be it local or global – innovative and life-sustaining solutions are born. We see this potential reflected all around us, and we hope to encourage others to recognize and participate in this emerging awareness so we can work together to help create a world that consciously reflects the values of oneness: freedom, compassion, abundance, and respect for all life.

For more information about the Citizens for Peace, contact Colleen Mills, President, at 734-425-0079. For more information about the Global Oneness Project, visit their web site: http://www.globalonenessproject.org.

There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way it treats its children.

Nelson Mandela


Peace toYou and Yours with Love
Jerry

Join us for the Friday Night Film Series at Madonna University's Kresge Hall.
Donation: $5.00. All films start at 7 pm.
"Unnatural Causes: How Inequality Can Make You Sick"
October 9
Increases public awareness of our socioeconomic and racial/ethnic inequities
in health and their human and financial costs.
"American Dream, American Nightmare" October 16
Reveals the poor treatment many legal immigrants suffer at the hands of the
INS, offering first hand accounts from the victims themselves.
"Los Trabajadores - The Workers" October 23
Brings to life the vivid contradictions that haunt America's dependence and
discrimination against immigrant labor.
"Rethink Afghanistan" October 30
Focuses on the key issues surrounding this war. Directed by Robert Greenwald.
This MCHR Film Series will be at different times & places. Go to www.mchr.org.

Yesterday our family attended the One Peace Event, enriching an already magnificent day. We were given this gift ,"The Mender Pledge" which we recited in unison, with all who attended. The energy was spectacular, miraculous. So it is with this energy that I share it with you, to share with others. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did and that through it you will experience the beauty of your wholeness and the connectedness and fullness of our oneness.

Peace to You and Yours with Love
Jerry

THE MENDER PLEDGE

I believe in inclusivity.
I believe that our lives are inextricably linked one to another. We cannot wage war against anyone without waging war against ourselves. Therefore, I will practice inclusivity with myself, my family, my community, the natural world, and all others. I will actively work toward the goal of an inclusive society, a world that works for all.

I know that we are One.
Therefore, I will give to you what I want for me. I know there is enough for all.


I want everyone to win.
Therefore, I will work to resolve all conflicts to every party’s satisfaction.

I want acceptance.
Therefore, I will accept myself for who and what I am, I will accept you for who and what you are, and I will accept all others for who and what they are. Even if I resist your behavior, I will accept you as a Child of God, a part of the Divine.

I want no harm.
Therefore, I will not harm myself or you or any others, by thought, word, or deed.

I want forgiveness.
Therefore, I will forgive myself, I will forgive you, and I will forgive all others.

I want to be free.
Therefore, I will not let others dominate, control, or manipulate me. And I will not dominate, control, or manipulate you or others.

I want peace.
Therefore, I will be peaceful with myself, with you, and with others.

I want love.
Therefore, I will love myself, I will love you, and I will love all others.

In today’s highly interdependent world, individuals and nations can no longer resolve many of their problems by themselves. We need one another; we must therefore develop a sense of universal responsibility. It is our collective and individual responsibility to protect and nurture the global family; to support its weaker members, and to preserve and tend to the environment in which we all live

The Dalai Lama



Peace to You and Yours with Love
Jerry

Day After Peace Documentary

Angelina Jolie and Jude Law are featured in the Afghanistan documentary Day After Peace that will be shown at the monthly Citizens for Peace meeting on Tuesday, September 9^th at Unity of Livonia. The public is invited.

The creator of the 80 minute film, Jeremy Gilley, worked for years to establish and promote September 21^st as the United Nations International Day of Peace. Traveling to Afghanistan to spearhead a massive vaccination against polio on Peace Day is the ambitious effort highlighted in this inspiring film. The Day After Peace is a moving testament to the power of an individual and the perseverance of the human spirit.

Unity of Livonia is located on Five Mile between Middlebelt & Inkster. The movie starts at 7 pm. A $5.00 donation is appreciated. For more information call 734-425-0079.

Specific Directions for Entering the
SEASON FOR NONVIOLENCE ESSAY CONTEST

The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes interpersonal violence in our communities and throughout the world as a major problem with costs in the United States estimated at $300 billion per year. The cost to victims was estimated at more than $500 billion per year. Combined, this is the equivalent to nearly 10% of our country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP)(The Economic Dimensions of Interpersonal Violence, WHO, 2004). It is both a national and international challenge for people to resolve conflicts peacefully. It is this challenge that motivates the Citizens for Peace to sponsor this essay contest. We are happy to have you join us in this effort.

ELIGIBILITY: Michigan high school and college students.

CASH AWARDS: $250, $100, $50 each for First, Second, and Third Place in
both high school and college divisions.

DEADLINE: March 12, 2010

AWARD
RECEPTION: April 13, 2010, 7:00 PM (winners posted by April 1 on blog)

THEME: PEACEFUL RELATIONSHIPS THROUGH ACTIVE NONVIOLENCE

FOCUS: Research violence in families, schools, or neighborhoods and how active
nonviolent action promoted cooperation, understanding, and/or reconciliation.


FORMAT: The essay should be no more than 500 words typed, double
spaced on 8.5” x 11” paper within the structure of the following
four parts:

1. Introduction: Your rationale for your thesis statement.
2. Body: The body of your essay should develop your position and include a)
description of the conflict, b) the nonviolent action, c) the barriers that
existed, and d) the outcome or results.
3. Conclusion: Your conclusion is the result of the analysis of your research
which supports your thesis and convinces the reader of your position.
Include your personal reflection on how this conclusion has impacted your
perspective on nonviolence as a pathway to peaceful relationships.
4. Sources: Include at least two sources from the Peace Bibliography.
The titles can be viewed at the Peace Collection link on Citizensforpeace11.blogspot.com. In addition, all sources must be listed and credited using a standard citation method. “Encyclopedias” are not
acceptable as sources. When using internet sources include author(s), title of work, internet address, and date information was accessed.

COVER PAGE: Complete the following Cover Page making sure that you and your parent/guardian sign (if age of student is under 18). Copy and attach the cover page to your essay before mailing.

QUESTIONS: Call 734-525-4326 or email arabdoo@earthlink.net

COVER PAGE

SEASON FOR NONVIOLENCE ESSAY CONTEST

THEME: “PEACEFUL RELATIONSHIPS THROUGH ACTIVE NONVIOLENCE”


1. Please Print and attach a copy of this form to the front of your essay.
2. Signature of student required.
3. Signature of parent/guardian required. (If student is under 18)

NAME _______________________________________________________________________

ADDRESS____________________________________________________________________

CITY/STATE/ZIP_____________________________________________________________

PHONE: __________________________________EMAIL_____________________________

HIGH SCHOOL NAME__________________________________________GRADE_______

COLLEGE NAME_________________________________________LEVEL_____________

CITY WHERE SCHOOL IS LOCATED__________________________________________

TEACHER/INSTRUCTOR NAME_______________________________________________


Please read the following and sign.

I am submitting an original essay to the Citizens for Peace essay contest, (title) __________________
______________________________________,_as they honor the Season for Nonviolence. I
certify that this essay is my own work and that I have abided by all the guidelines and requirements of the contest. I understand that my essay will not be returned to me and will become the property of the Citizens for Peace to use at its discretion in activities related to the contest. I further understand that the judges’ decisions are final and that if I am selected as a winner of the contest, I will be available for a photo for a press release.

Signed_______________________________________________________Date__________________

Parent/Guardian signature______________________________________Date__________________
(if student is under 18 years of age)



Mail to: Citizens for Peace SNV Essay Contest
31648 Pembroke, Livonia, MI 48152

September 2009 Special Events

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12^th

^{WALK FOR PEACE Fundraiser}

^{Join this fun & fitness activity to raise funds to support the Peace Alliance and their work for a Department of Peace!}

^{Meet at St. John’s Episcopal Church at 10:30 am}

^{26998 Woodward Avenue (Woodward & Eleven Mile)}

^{The walk is 3 miles through Royal Oak}

^{Call Dennis Mazurek at 313-433-4466 or Mike Mc Evoy at 313-756-6270}

^{Sponsored by the MI Department of Peace Campaign}

^{www.thepeacealliance.org.}

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17th

ONE PEACE Concert Fundraiser. Please join us for an evening of entertainment

and fun as local musicians showcase their talent and share their music. Proceeds go

toward the Sept. 19th ONE PEACE event, celebrating United Nations International

Day of Peace. Concert begins at 7:30pm @ Unity of Livonia. Come early and

browse the tables starting at 7 pm. Admission $10.00 at the door. For more info

visit: www.OnePeace.us

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19

ONE PEACE celebrating United Nations International Day of Peace 1-4 pm.

"Creating a World that Works for All" with special guest speaker and author

Dr. Sharif Abdullah. Also, "insightful meditations", local poet Willowbei Eversole,

metro Detroit musicians, and more. All are welcome. Suggested attire logo-free whites.

Donations appreciated. Schoolcraft College VisTaTech Center, Livonia.

For more info and to reserve your seat on-line visit: www.OnePeace.us.

DoPeace- You Are Welcome to Join

What is DoPeace? It's a social networking site. In internet jargon web 2.0. It's a place to meet people who support and promote the Department of Peace legislation and other peace and nonviolent activities.

At DoPeace you can interact with others by posting photos and videos. And of course you can post your ideas and activities as well as comment on other posts. But if you prefer to read all the exciting activities that is happening across our great land and in other parts of the world that too is lots of fun.

Click here to see a overview of DoPeace. Remember all are welcome to join and it's free.

Forgiveness teaches us that it is possible to choose love over fear and peace over conflict regardless of the circumstances affecting our lives. We can choose to forgive rather than to hold on to our embitterment’s, grudges, and judgments. Foregiveness 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 all are.

Gerald Jampolsky

Peace to You and Yours with Love
Jerry

Our August Meeting is a Veggie Potluck

Bring your friends and a vegetarian dish to share to our Party on Tuesday, August 11th. at 6:30 pm. We will enjoy a vegetarian dinner and talk about the connection between our food choices and world peace.
The film Food Inc. is playing at the Novi Town Center Theater. It is a terrific documentary that makes you think about the fact that we vote 3 times a day with our food choices.