Saturday, May 19, 2012



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 !!

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

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 28th.  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

Saturday, April 28, 2012

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

Monday, April 23, 2012

“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.

Tuesday, April 03, 2012

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.

Thursday, March 29, 2012

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

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

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.

Tuesday, February 21, 2012



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!!

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

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.

Sunday, January 15, 2012

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'!!!

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

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

Thursday, November 17, 2011

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)

Tuesday, October 25, 2011


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!

Friday, October 21, 2011


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!!

Saturday, October 15, 2011

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

Monday, September 26, 2011



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!

Sunday, September 25, 2011



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!

Saturday, September 24, 2011

“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