If we can change ourselves, we can change the world.
We are not the victims of the world we see.
We are the victims of the way we see the world.
Dennis Kucinich
Peace to You and Yours with Love
Jerry
Saturday, June 05, 2010
Citizens for Peace Meeting June 8th
Join us for our monthly meeting as we write postcards to our Congressman requesting support of the Youth Promise Act. If you have not signed the petition yet, please do at http://www.youthpromiseaction.org/. We will also hear a report from the National Student Peace Alliance Conference from Meredith, an officer of the Student Peace Alliance at Schoolcraft. This important bill is ready to pass in the House. We need more Senators to support it. It could pass this year! We need your help to make it happen!
See you at Unity of Livonia (Five Mile between Middlebelt & Inkster) at 7 pm!
Join us for our monthly meeting as we write postcards to our Congressman requesting support of the Youth Promise Act. If you have not signed the petition yet, please do at http://www.youthpromiseaction.org/. We will also hear a report from the National Student Peace Alliance Conference from Meredith, an officer of the Student Peace Alliance at Schoolcraft. This important bill is ready to pass in the House. We need more Senators to support it. It could pass this year! We need your help to make it happen!
See you at Unity of Livonia (Five Mile between Middlebelt & Inkster) at 7 pm!
Saturday, May 29, 2010
“Practice watering seeds of joy and peace and not just seeds of anger and violence, and the elements of war in all of us will be transformed,” says Thich Nhat Hanh. You water seeds of anger and violence by deciding to stay angry and act violently. You water seeds of joy and peace by deciding to be peaceful, no matter what is happening to you. Peace does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart, and then respond in a nonviolent way
Thich Nhat Hanh.
Peace to You and Yours withLove
Jerry
Thich Nhat Hanh.
Peace to You and Yours withLove
Jerry
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Hometownlife Newspapers Reports the 2010 Midwest Peace Conference
Thank you Hometownlife Newspapers for the very informative feature article in today's (May23, 2010) newspapers on the 2010 Midwest Peace Conference. The supporting photos depict the dedicated supporters of a Department of Peace and Nonviolence.
Thank you Hometownlife Newspapers for the very informative feature article in today's (May23, 2010) newspapers on the 2010 Midwest Peace Conference. The supporting photos depict the dedicated supporters of a Department of Peace and Nonviolence.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Midwest Peace Conference Was a Huge Success!
Livonia was the destination of choice as Peace emissaries from five Midwestern states and throughout Michigan attended the Midwest Regional Department of Peace Conference hosted by The Citizens for Peace. The May 14 – 16 weekend event, held at Madonna University, attracted more than 100 advocates of Peace and non-violence from all walks of life.
With the conference theme being “Making Peace a Priority: Vision; Experience; Practice,” conference organizer Colleen Mills created a weekend program that exuded passion and humor with several presentations evoking tears from more than one member of the enthusiastic audience. “We wanted a balanced program with hands on activities and useful ideas that they can return home with” said retired Detroit teacher Colleen Mills, President of the Citizens for Peace.
Highlight of the conference was auxiliary Bishop Thomas Gumbleton’s thought provoking and comprehensive analysis of the consequences of war and the history of peaceful overtures in the U.S.
A surprise guest was Congressman John Conyers, head of the House Judiciary Committee, who came unannounced Sunday, and heard Bishop Gumbleton. Colleen Mills reminded the Congressman of the Citizens for Peace request that he work to get a “Peace and Non-violence” category added to the Library of Congress. He brought the house down when he promised to have Bishop Gumbleton meet with President Obama.
Focus of the opening Friday night activities was the need for legislation to prevent youth violence – The Youth Promise Act. Polly Anna Burnette-Egan, president of the Schoolcraft College Peace Alliance, recognized as the most active group in the nation, reported on the National Student Peace Alliance Conference in Austin, Texas. Hers as well as that of two other club officers’ transportation was funded by Citizens for Peace.
Colleen Mills opened Saturday’s program with the overview of the Department of Peace legislation. Other activities and topics ranged from “Students Empowering Students” by Northville’s Kevin Szawala to “Sharing - Idea Exchange” led by attorney Dennis Mazurek of Redford, who was responsible for initiating the first City Council endorsements for the Department of Peace, now numbering more that 38 nationwide.
A special video from Congressman Dennis Kucinich, author of the Department of Peace Bill, was viewed.
Restorative Practices, a technique of using peer influence in “Conferencing Circles” with adult facilitators, as a means of combating bullying behavior, was graphically demonstrated by Livonia resident Rosemary Doyle and a group of volunteers who played the roles of involved sixth graders and school personnel.
Chicago based journalist and Tribune Media Service Editor Robert Koehler led the group in putting their passion for peace into words. Another Chicagoan, Antony Adolf, author of the book “Peace: A World History”, discussed how we can prepare for a “Department of Peace.” Illinois State Coordinator of the Department of Peace Campaign, Karen Johnson, explained the Peace Alliance’s Strategic Plan.
Popular meditation teacher, Kathy Henning of Livonia, closed the main part of the day with a meditative experience.
The presentation of the Upper Penninsula’s Sue Belanger was by definition a unique “hands on” activity. She supplied all those attending with a 108 piece “Global Peace(s)” Puzzle, a depiction of earth from outer space. Then, working in teams of 6-8 members, the audience completed the puzzle as Sue narrated techniques for peaceful teamwork.
Westland participant Jeanette Scott described the conference as “awesome!” A Missouri PHD who attended with two of her students vowed to put into practice immediately her newly learned peace methods. One student said “This was a transformative experience for me. My life will never be the same!”
Another Livonia resident observed people from Kansas, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri and all over Michigan will be talking about the wonderful hospitality shown here, as well as peace.
Livonia was the destination of choice as Peace emissaries from five Midwestern states and throughout Michigan attended the Midwest Regional Department of Peace Conference hosted by The Citizens for Peace. The May 14 – 16 weekend event, held at Madonna University, attracted more than 100 advocates of Peace and non-violence from all walks of life.
With the conference theme being “Making Peace a Priority: Vision; Experience; Practice,” conference organizer Colleen Mills created a weekend program that exuded passion and humor with several presentations evoking tears from more than one member of the enthusiastic audience. “We wanted a balanced program with hands on activities and useful ideas that they can return home with” said retired Detroit teacher Colleen Mills, President of the Citizens for Peace.
Highlight of the conference was auxiliary Bishop Thomas Gumbleton’s thought provoking and comprehensive analysis of the consequences of war and the history of peaceful overtures in the U.S.
A surprise guest was Congressman John Conyers, head of the House Judiciary Committee, who came unannounced Sunday, and heard Bishop Gumbleton. Colleen Mills reminded the Congressman of the Citizens for Peace request that he work to get a “Peace and Non-violence” category added to the Library of Congress. He brought the house down when he promised to have Bishop Gumbleton meet with President Obama.
Focus of the opening Friday night activities was the need for legislation to prevent youth violence – The Youth Promise Act. Polly Anna Burnette-Egan, president of the Schoolcraft College Peace Alliance, recognized as the most active group in the nation, reported on the National Student Peace Alliance Conference in Austin, Texas. Hers as well as that of two other club officers’ transportation was funded by Citizens for Peace.
Colleen Mills opened Saturday’s program with the overview of the Department of Peace legislation. Other activities and topics ranged from “Students Empowering Students” by Northville’s Kevin Szawala to “Sharing - Idea Exchange” led by attorney Dennis Mazurek of Redford, who was responsible for initiating the first City Council endorsements for the Department of Peace, now numbering more that 38 nationwide.
A special video from Congressman Dennis Kucinich, author of the Department of Peace Bill, was viewed.
Restorative Practices, a technique of using peer influence in “Conferencing Circles” with adult facilitators, as a means of combating bullying behavior, was graphically demonstrated by Livonia resident Rosemary Doyle and a group of volunteers who played the roles of involved sixth graders and school personnel.
Chicago based journalist and Tribune Media Service Editor Robert Koehler led the group in putting their passion for peace into words. Another Chicagoan, Antony Adolf, author of the book “Peace: A World History”, discussed how we can prepare for a “Department of Peace.” Illinois State Coordinator of the Department of Peace Campaign, Karen Johnson, explained the Peace Alliance’s Strategic Plan.
Popular meditation teacher, Kathy Henning of Livonia, closed the main part of the day with a meditative experience.
The presentation of the Upper Penninsula’s Sue Belanger was by definition a unique “hands on” activity. She supplied all those attending with a 108 piece “Global Peace(s)” Puzzle, a depiction of earth from outer space. Then, working in teams of 6-8 members, the audience completed the puzzle as Sue narrated techniques for peaceful teamwork.
Westland participant Jeanette Scott described the conference as “awesome!” A Missouri PHD who attended with two of her students vowed to put into practice immediately her newly learned peace methods. One student said “This was a transformative experience for me. My life will never be the same!”
Another Livonia resident observed people from Kansas, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri and all over Michigan will be talking about the wonderful hospitality shown here, as well as peace.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Mourning and suffering -- with both experiences there is a loss or absence of something valued or precious. In suffering there is the absence and a rejection of the absence. Such rejection always involves a story or thought about the loss. In mourning, there is the absence held with the preciousness of that which is held dear. There is deep sadness, but it is held with an awareness of the presence of fullness of what is precious.
Robert Gonzales
Peace to You and Yours with Love
Jerry
Robert Gonzales
Peace to You and Yours with Love
Jerry
Saturday, May 08, 2010
Congratulations 2010 Essay Contest Winners !
High School Division
First Place Winner: Amany Killawi
Second Place Winner: Zeinab Bazzi
Third Place Winner: Doaa Al-Howaishy
All three winners attend Star International Academy
College Division
First Place Winner: Polly Anna Burnette-Egan, Schoolcraft College
Second Place Winner: Christa Mann, Davenport University
Third Place Winner: Rebekah Terry, Davenport University
Cash Awards
First Place Winners: $250
Second Place Winners: $100
Third Place Winners: $ 50
Sunday, May 02, 2010
Citizens for Peace Meeting Highlights the Work of Riane Eisler
The keynote presentation Riane Eisler gave at the National Department of Peace Conference last year will be viewed at the Tuesday, May 11th Citizens for Peace meeting at Unity of Livonia at 7 pm. The theme was “From Domination to Partnership: Building Foundations for Peace”.
As a young girl, Riane and her family narrowly escaped Nazi Germany. Her exposure to extreme violence led her on a quest to change the violence motivated by domination. Dr. Eisler is a social scientist, attorney, and author whose work on cultural transformation has inspired both scholars and social activists. She has been a leader in the movement for peace, sustainability, and economic equity, and her pioneering work in human rights has expanded the focus of international organizations to include the rights of women and children.
Dr. Eisler is internationally known for her bestseller The Chalice and The Blade: Our History, Our Future and her newest book, The Real Wealth of Nations: Creating a Caring Economics – hailed by Archbishop Desmond Tutu as “a template for the better world we have been so urgently seeking.”
In her talk, Dr. Eisler says “we must shift from the focus on family values to valuing families.” She believes the real wealth of a nation is caring for its people and nature. The emphasis on creating “caring economics” will be clarified in her talk.
The meeting is open to the public. It is an opportunity to learn from a brilliant woman who has dedicated her life to research and promotion of a better world. For more information call Colleen Mills at 734-425-0079.
The keynote presentation Riane Eisler gave at the National Department of Peace Conference last year will be viewed at the Tuesday, May 11th Citizens for Peace meeting at Unity of Livonia at 7 pm. The theme was “From Domination to Partnership: Building Foundations for Peace”.
As a young girl, Riane and her family narrowly escaped Nazi Germany. Her exposure to extreme violence led her on a quest to change the violence motivated by domination. Dr. Eisler is a social scientist, attorney, and author whose work on cultural transformation has inspired both scholars and social activists. She has been a leader in the movement for peace, sustainability, and economic equity, and her pioneering work in human rights has expanded the focus of international organizations to include the rights of women and children.
Dr. Eisler is internationally known for her bestseller The Chalice and The Blade: Our History, Our Future and her newest book, The Real Wealth of Nations: Creating a Caring Economics – hailed by Archbishop Desmond Tutu as “a template for the better world we have been so urgently seeking.”
In her talk, Dr. Eisler says “we must shift from the focus on family values to valuing families.” She believes the real wealth of a nation is caring for its people and nature. The emphasis on creating “caring economics” will be clarified in her talk.
The meeting is open to the public. It is an opportunity to learn from a brilliant woman who has dedicated her life to research and promotion of a better world. For more information call Colleen Mills at 734-425-0079.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Midwest Regional Department of Peace Conference Agenda
Our conference begins Friday night at 7 pm.
We hope everyone can come early to register and enjoy our continental breakfast on Saturday & Sunday so we can begin our conference on time. Also, note that there will be an Open Mike all three days so we can share our favorite quotes, inspirational thoughts and creative ideas!
Friday, May 14
6:00 pm Registration
7:00 Welcome – Description of Conference - Colleen Mills
7:10 Getting to Know You – Meet & Greet
7:35 Film – “Garden of Life”, Message from Azim Khamisa
8:00 Report from the Student Peace Alliance Conference - Polly Anna Burnette Egan
8:20 Change.org. - Author Antony Adolf
8:40 Open Mike
Saturday, May 15
8:00 am Registration & Continental Breakfast
9:00 Welcome & Poem (Common Sense)- Colleen Mills
9:15 The Power of Peace- Colleen Mills
10:00 Peace: A World History - Antony Adolf
10:30 Break
10:45 Restorative Practice Circle - Rosemary Doyle
11:45 Sharing - Ideas Exchange – Dennis Mazurek
12:00 Lunch – Working on Sharing Ideas
12:45 Sharing of Ideas - Reporter from each table.
1:15 Students Empowering Students - Kevin Szawala
2:00 Writing your heart's desire for peace - Robert Koehler
2:45 Break
3:00 How to use the Peace Puzzles - Susan Belanger
3:10 Peace Alliance Strategic Plan - Karen Johnson
4:20 Present Moment Meditation - Kathy Henning
4:45 Closing Remarks
5:00 Dinner on your own
7:00 “The Gift of Peace” Play
8:00 Open Mike
Sunday, May 16
8:00 am Registration & Breakfast
9:00 Welcome – Colleen Mills
9:15 Bishop Gumbleton’s Words of Peace
10:15 Taking it Home - Practicing Peace
11:15 Global Peace(s)– Sue Belanger
12:15 Open Mike
12:30 Final Thoughts
Our conference begins Friday night at 7 pm.
We hope everyone can come early to register and enjoy our continental breakfast on Saturday & Sunday so we can begin our conference on time. Also, note that there will be an Open Mike all three days so we can share our favorite quotes, inspirational thoughts and creative ideas!
Friday, May 14
6:00 pm Registration
7:00 Welcome – Description of Conference - Colleen Mills
7:10 Getting to Know You – Meet & Greet
7:35 Film – “Garden of Life”, Message from Azim Khamisa
8:00 Report from the Student Peace Alliance Conference - Polly Anna Burnette Egan
8:20 Change.org. - Author Antony Adolf
8:40 Open Mike
Saturday, May 15
8:00 am Registration & Continental Breakfast
9:00 Welcome & Poem (Common Sense)- Colleen Mills
9:15 The Power of Peace- Colleen Mills
10:00 Peace: A World History - Antony Adolf
10:30 Break
10:45 Restorative Practice Circle - Rosemary Doyle
11:45 Sharing - Ideas Exchange – Dennis Mazurek
12:00 Lunch – Working on Sharing Ideas
12:45 Sharing of Ideas - Reporter from each table.
1:15 Students Empowering Students - Kevin Szawala
2:00 Writing your heart's desire for peace - Robert Koehler
2:45 Break
3:00 How to use the Peace Puzzles - Susan Belanger
3:10 Peace Alliance Strategic Plan - Karen Johnson
4:20 Present Moment Meditation - Kathy Henning
4:45 Closing Remarks
5:00 Dinner on your own
7:00 “The Gift of Peace” Play
8:00 Open Mike
Sunday, May 16
8:00 am Registration & Breakfast
9:00 Welcome – Colleen Mills
9:15 Bishop Gumbleton’s Words of Peace
10:15 Taking it Home - Practicing Peace
11:15 Global Peace(s)– Sue Belanger
12:15 Open Mike
12:30 Final Thoughts
Sunday, April 11, 2010
The People Speak
This is a link to the information I sent to The People Speak website. You can listen to the sixteen minutes that I got to talk with the host Basima. It was fun being on the radio! Click Here
Peace,
Colleen
This is a link to the information I sent to The People Speak website. You can listen to the sixteen minutes that I got to talk with the host Basima. It was fun being on the radio! Click Here
Peace,
Colleen
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Tuesday, April 06, 2010
The People Speak!
I have been invited to talk on the radio show The People Speak Tuesday, April 6th. This show will be archived. Go to the website: www.thepeoplespeakradio.net/.
to listen. It is very exciting to hear about public media with a focus on the issues that are important for us. I contacted the radio host, Basima Farhat, after reading the wonderful article Linda Chomin wrote about her in the Observer. The title of the article was "Livonia woman extends hand in peace"! She sure did! She invited me to talk on her show. Thank you Basima!
Peace, Colleen
I have been invited to talk on the radio show The People Speak Tuesday, April 6th. This show will be archived. Go to the website: www.thepeoplespeakradio.net/.
to listen. It is very exciting to hear about public media with a focus on the issues that are important for us. I contacted the radio host, Basima Farhat, after reading the wonderful article Linda Chomin wrote about her in the Observer. The title of the article was "Livonia woman extends hand in peace"! She sure did! She invited me to talk on her show. Thank you Basima!
Peace, Colleen
Saturday, April 03, 2010
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
CITIZENS FOR PEACE ESSAY CONTEST AWARDS CEREMONY!
Everyone is invited to the Peace Essay Contest Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, April 13th at Unity of Livonia, 28660 Five Mile Road, Livonia, 48154. Our winners are Polly Anna Burnette-Egan from Schoolcraft College, and Christa Mann and Rebekah Terry from Davenport University in Livonia; and Amany Killawi, Zeinab Bazzi, and Doaa Al-Howaishy from Star International Academy in Dearborn Heights.
We will all enjoy hearing the winning essays read by the authors. Kevin "Mr. Peace" Szawala will be our guest speaker. John Wilson will sing his song "Bridges". We will have a reception with our favorite cookies. Let's celebrate "The Season for Nonviolence" together!
Everyone is invited to the Peace Essay Contest Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, April 13th at Unity of Livonia, 28660 Five Mile Road, Livonia, 48154. Our winners are Polly Anna Burnette-Egan from Schoolcraft College, and Christa Mann and Rebekah Terry from Davenport University in Livonia; and Amany Killawi, Zeinab Bazzi, and Doaa Al-Howaishy from Star International Academy in Dearborn Heights.
We will all enjoy hearing the winning essays read by the authors. Kevin "Mr. Peace" Szawala will be our guest speaker. John Wilson will sing his song "Bridges". We will have a reception with our favorite cookies. Let's celebrate "The Season for Nonviolence" together!
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Saturday, March 20, 2010
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