A Detroit Success Story

Positive News About Detroit!!

Jon Barth, marketing and outreach director of the Urban Neighborhood Initiative, will share his transformational experience that led him to living and working in Detroit.  He has dedicated his career to the city's revitalization and building a healthy and peaceful community in the Springwells Village area of Detroit.

Join us and bring your friends to hear this uplifting presentation at 7 PM on Tuesday, May 13th at Unity of Livonia (28660 Five Mile Road).

The Power of Kindness

If you missed Caleb's talk, click on this link to hear it & then go and practice random acts of kindness!

Click HERE

Sergeant Caleb Magnan of the U.S. Army shares about the Power of Kindness at work in his life at the upcoming “Citizens for Peace” meeting in April.

Returning home from deployment from Iraq, he was a changed man.  The person before his mission was not the same person who came back.  Abroad he had an eye-opening experiencing from day one that impacted his life forever.  He saw both good and bad things, which made him a completely different human being.  Caleb went from negative to positive, almost overnight, and has never looked back since by striving to do at least one act of kindness every day he’s alive.

“Since my time overseas, I am a lot more patient, kind and forgiving.  I would never give others the time of day, but now, after being exposed to a path of humility, I make an attempt daily to brighten at least one person’s day through my actions.”

Sgt. Magnan enlisted in the United Stated Military back in 2007 and is still currently serving in the Army National Guard.  He resides in Chesterfield, Michigan with his fiancé, daughter and son.

Come hear his transformational experience at the April 8^th meeting at 7 pm. It is free and open to the public.

Also giving a brief presentation will be The Peace Alliance’s National Field Director, Dan Kahn.  The Peace Alliance works to promote leading-edge peacebuilding tools, through legislative advocacy, public education, and community mobilization.

Dan and Student Peace Alliance Coordinator Sally Kaplan are traveling to promote the formation of Peace Alliance Action Teams – citizen groups creating political will for peacebuilding breakthroughs through the power of communication. 

Great Article!!

Matthew Albrecht, Executive Vice President of the Peace Alliance, Get's a Great Article in the Huffington Post!!

Here's the link to his article:

The Leading Edge of Peace

The Spirit of Survival Highlighted at the Citizens for Peace Meeting

Hear an Amazing Story from an Inspirational Woman on March 11th! 

Here is the link to Irene's Talk. Thank you Irene!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cI-47HrWz24&feature=youtu.be

Irene Miller

A story of survival through the eyes of a child as she and her family fled from one hell to another in escaping from the Nazis during WWII is recounted by Irene Miller at the Citizens for Peace meeting Tuesday, March 11th at Unity of Livonia (28660 Five Mile).
Irene Miller, a West Bloomfield resident, shares her and her family’s spirit of survival in her book Into No Man’s Land: A Historical Memoir, which will be available for sale at the meeting. 

She describes in vivid detail her family’s harrowing experiences, as part of some 300,000 Polish Jews who escaped to the Soviet Union from 1939 – 1941. Her personal account of the escape, life in a Siberian labor camp, an impoverished village in Uzbekistan, an orphanage, and life in Israel are highlighted.

Irene’s determination and perseverance led her to getting a double Master’s degree, and a career in hospital administration. Her compassion motivated her to work for civil rights, and help women with substance abuse issues.

Irene serves on the board of the American Jewish Committee, volunteers as a court mediator, and speaks at the Holocaust Memorial Center of Farmington Hills.
“In my small way, I work to make the world a better place for all”, says Irene in the epilogue of her book.

Meet this extraordinary woman at the March 11th meeting at 7 pm. It is free and open to the public.

What a Great Start to a Year of Peace!

We have had two outstanding speakers to start us off on another great year of working for peace!

If you missed either meeting, or would like to hear our speakers again, click on the links below.

Thanks Kevin 'Mr. Peace' for recording our meetings!

PEACE!

Reverend Rich Peacock Talk

How to Turn MLK’s Dream into a Reality

Citizens for Peace Meeting January14, 2014

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxuqSziK4xs&feature=youtu.be

Robert Weir Talk

Love in Our Hearts: Peace in Our World

Citizens for Peace Meeting on February 11, 2014

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pj_6THkn3eQ

February 11th Meeting with Robert Weir

Love in our Hearts: Peace in our World

                            World traveler and writer

 Robert Weir

Will lead the discussion:
“What do we look like when we have love in our hearts?”
“What does peace look like in real life?”

For as much as we might wish for others to have peace and for as much as we might attempt to force peace on others, ultimately, we are responsible only for our inner peace. Peace in our hearts. Love in our hearts.

When we have peace within, our hearts become like a radiator of love. We radiate the peace of love, our love for peace.

We detach from outcomes, expectations, and frustrations. We accept others whether they have love in their hearts or not. We love our neighbors. We love our perceived enemies. We do unto others as we would have them do unto us. We become peace, an instrument of peace.

We know this conceptually. Many have written about this in songs, poems, and literature. But what does peace within look like in real life? What do we look like and how do we look when we have love in our hearts?

Join an insightful discussion of these questions at the monthly Citizens for Peace meeting on Tuesday, February 11, 2014.

Robert Weir, a renowned world traveler, writer, and book editor, will lead the discussion. He will share stories of relationship challenges within himself and with his family. He will ask you to share your stories—if you want to. Or listen, observe, comment. Or simply be present. In whatever way you choose, be an instrument of peace.

Then leave with a greater peace within, a greater peace in your heart, a greater love to radiate to the world.  

The meeting begins at 7 pm at Unity of Livonia located at 28660 Five Mile Rd.

For more information call Colleen at 734-425-0079.

Season for Nonviolence Series

“LET’S TALK”…

about ways to leave a nonviolent and peaceful world for our children.

The Citizens for Peace is commemorating the Season for Nonviolence* with a three-part series on understanding the power of nonviolence as described in Dr. Michael Nagler’s  book, “The Search for a Nonviolent Future: A Promise of Peace for Ourselves, Our Families, and Our World”.  Each session will be interactive with discussion, and viewing short videos or You Tube segments on Nagler’s book**.  The benefits of attending will be a deeper understanding of the principles of nonviolence, learning strategies that have worked, and applying these in your personal life.

WHEN:     Feb. 13, Mar. 13, April 10, 2014 (Second Thursdays)

                   7:00 to 8:30 PM – This Series is free to the public.

WHERE:    Livonia Civic Center Library (Michigan Room)

                    32777 Five Mile Road

                    Livonia, MI  48154

WHO:        Sponsored by the Citizens for Peace.  For information contact                                                  248-476-0791 or rdoyle@cheerful.com.

Thursday, February 13 – Nonviolence:  Understanding the Basics – a video overview of the basics and principles of nonviolence by Michael Nagler.  Question to be explored:  Which is human nature, violence or nonviolence?  Facilitated by Rosemary Doyle and Sally Peck.

Thursday, March 13 – The Myths and Power of Nonviolence – watch Nagler videos describing the myths of nonviolence, the three faces of power (Kenneth Boulding), and events from history when nonviolence worked. Question to be explored: What are the barriers to living a nonviolent life, inside and out?  Facilitated by Nancy Lightbody and Rosemary Doyle.

Thursday, April 10 – A Clear Picture of Peace and Compassion – two short videos of Michael Nagler describing peace in our thoughts and language as the way to creating a peaceful world and saving our planet. Question to be explored: Do we individually have the potential of creating a peaceful, compassionate world?  Facilitated by Carole Kersten and Colleen Mills.

* To honor the 2014 Season for Nonviolence, co-founded by the M.K. Gandhi Institute for

Nonviolence and The Association for Global New Thought, which focuses attention on the philosophy of attaining peace through nonviolent action as demonstrated by Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr.  It was launched in 1998.

** To view chapter summaries of Nagler’s book, go to www.youtube.com; then type in the space

      bar “The Search for a Nonviolent Future”.

How to turn MLK's Dream into a Reality

First Citizens for Peace Meeting of 2014

Rev. Rich Peacock

  (Martin Luther King, Jr. "Drum Major for Justice” Award Winner)

     will recommend ways to overcome MLK’s giant triplets of

racism, materialism, and militarism.

Join us at Unity of Livonia at 7 pm. for this presentation. 

"A nation that continues year after year to spend more money on military defense than on programs of social uplift is approaching spiritual death."  -Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., April 4, 1967

Citizens for Peace in the Observer

Here's the article in the Sunday, Dec. 29th Observer!
I hope you can join us for all of these great events!

Group offers series on power of nonviolence

The Rev. Rich Peacock will be the guest speaker at the next meeting of Citizens for Peace, 7 p.m.Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014, at Unity of Livonia, 28660 Five Mile, Livonia.

He’ll recommend ways to overcome racism, materialism, and militarism.

The organization offers a workshop in building peaceful relationships, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11, 2014, at a private home in Livonia.  Cost is $45 and includes a vegetarian lunch. Call Rosemary Doyle at 248-476-0791 for more information.

The Citizens for Peace also will commemorate the “Season for Nonviolence” with a three-part series on understanding the power of nonviolence as described in Michael Nagler's book, The Search for a Nonviolent Future: A Promise of Peace for Ourselves, Our Families, and Our World. Each session will include discussion, and viewing short videos or YouTube segments about Nagler's book. The first part, “Understanding the Basics” will be held Feb. 13, 2014. “The Myth and Power of Nonviolence is set for March 13, 2014 and “A Clear Picture of Peace and Compassion” rounds out the series on April 10, 2014. Sessions will run 7:30-8:30 p.m. at the Livonia Civic Center Library, 32777 Five Mile, Livonia.

The Season for Nonviolence was co-founded by the M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence and The Association for Global New Thought, which focuses attention on the philosophy of attaining peace through nonviolent action as demonstrated by Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr. It was launched in 1998.

To view chapter summaries of Nagler's book, visit www.youtube.com; then type in the space bar "The Search for a Nonviolent Future

SAVE LIVES

Sally Peck got her letter to the editor published in the Observer!

Thanks Sally!

Between 23 – 36% of teenagers admit they have committed a serious violent offense by age 17. Homicide remains a leading cause of death among youth age 10-24. We need to deal with at-risk teenagers differently, and we have an opportunity to do so with the passage of the Youth PROMISE Act (S1307 & HR1308).

PROMISE is an acronym for Prison Reduction through Opportunities, Mentoring, Intervention, Support and Education.  It would fund proven, locally controlled, evidence-based violence prevention programs. A Pennsylvania program investing in at-risk youth saves $5 for each $1 spent. 

This bi-partisan bill has the support of local law enforcement, the US Conference of Mayors and state and local governments.  

Years ago, my elderly mother was murdered in her home by a neighbor youth. The programs that the Youth PROMISE Act would provide may have prevented this tragedy.  Please urge your Congressmen to co-sponsor this bill. 

Spiritual Activism

Thanks for a great evening exploring spiritual activism Tada!
Let's all move toward being spiritual activists in 2014!

What Is A Spiritual Activist?

*  One who enriches the spirit

*  One who encourages people to open their hearts to God and to each other

*  One who acts out of a sense of eternal self

*  One who encourages action based on noble principles

Qualities Of A Spiritual Activist

*  Authenticity, vision, kindness, compassion, and truth-telling

*  A good listener, interactive, aware

*  Loving, forgiving, not judging, an awareness of oneness 

*  Leading by example, hopeful

*  Altruism, gratitude, patience, and persistence

*  Foresight 

When Tada asked how to transform our negative emotions, Rev. Selena gave this response:

"I find that if I pray for 3 other people/situations, that energy is

diffused and changed into compassion. I also strive to take 100%
responsibility for whatever energy is going on in the world. So if
there is a war due to desire for power or control- where in my life do
I do that? Change of my energy will help change the energy of the planet,
too."

Join us for our December 10th Meeting!

What Is Spiritual Activism?

                Attend the December 10^th Citizens for Peace Meeting to find out.               

Tada Gunter will present an interactive, experiential workshop on the topic of 

Spiritual Activism.  Included will be an overview of the wisdom from the leaders in this field, 

a guided meditation, and small group sharing.

Join us at Unity of Livonia 

28660 Five Mile Rd.

 at 7 pm

We will be drawing the winners of our Education Fund Raffle.

You can call 734-425-0079 for raffle tickets.

Winners need not be present to win.

Prizes include dinner & movie passes, Peace Books, Peace Puzzles, PEACE signs, and a basket from Trader Joe's

Thanks to our donors:

The Phoenix Theatre, The Maple Theater,and United Artists Commerce Township,

George Murphy's at the Creek, George's Senate Coney Island, Livonia Big Boy,

Archie's Restaurant, Deadwood Bar & Grill, Red Robin, Rocky's of Northville, Los Amigos

Restaurant, Rusty Bucket Restaurant, and Trader Joe's!

Video of the Peace Concert

You Can Hear the Peace Concert with Brother Al & Steve Klaper Again!!

Thanks to Kevin 'Mr. Peace' Szawala for recording our Concert for Peace
with Brother Al & Steve Klaper, we can listen to their inspiring concert again.

Here is the link to the Concert for Peace that celebrated our 10th Anniversary!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9v4LLqimibk

What a Wonderful Celebration!

Thank You Brother Al & Steve Klaper!

Brother Al & Steve Klaper performed a beautiful Peace Concert for our 10th Anniversary.

Brother Al was presented with the 2013 Compassionate 
Citizen Award from the Citizens for Peace for all of his 
work with the homeless, families in need, seniors, children, 
and the disabled.
Brother Al, Steve Klaper and Mary Gihuly founded the Song & Spirit Institute of Peace in Berkley.

We wish them much success with their work for peace!

Citizens for Peace 10th Anniversary Celebration!

Brother Al and Steve Klaper Perform A Concert for Peace.

A singing monk and a Jewish troubadour team up to provide a musically uplifting evening of song and story for all ages at 7 pm, Tuesday, November 12^th at Unity of Livonia.

Brother Al Mascia is a minstrel who performs old melodies as well as his original story songs that touch people’s hearts. He is a well-known figure in the Metro Detroit area because of his Bicycle Cart that served the hungry and homeless in downtown Detroit for many years.

Steve Klaper has been a professional musician for over thirty years.  He shares teachings from a variety of traditions as he performs inspirational and melodic songs.

Together they perform concerts that entertain as well as give hope that we can all get along and create a peaceful, inclusive and loving community.

This message of peace and hope motivated Brother Al and Steve Klaper, along with artist Mary Gilhuly, to form the Song and Spirit Institute in Berkley. The Song and Spirit Institute promotes peace at a grassroots level through the arts, music, study, organic gardening and compassionate acts of community service.

Now Brother Al has expanded his work to the entire tri-county area. He traded his Bicycle Cart for a Care’avan that delivers over 800 SnackPax meals to children in need every day. The Care’avan is used as a bookmobile, distributing books to students of all ages, and ice cream to urban summer day camps, head-start programs and various community centers.  Along with many volunteers, Brother Al helps those in need, including seniors, and adults with developmental disabilities.

Brother Al will receive the 2013 Compassionate Citizen Award from the Citizens for Peace. The public is invited to enjoy A Concert for Peace, a piece of anniversary cake, and donate to the great work of the Song and Spirit Institute. Unity of Livonia is located at 28660 Five Mile Road. 

Come celebrate our 10 years of working for a more peaceful world.
Bring your friends!


For more information, call Colleen at 734-425-0079.

Award Winning Documentary Gandhi’s Children Featured

The film Gandhi’s Children will be shown at the Citizens for Peace meeting at 7 pm. on Tuesday, October 8^th at Unity of Livonia.  This film focuses on the lives of several groups of modern day untouchables in India.  “The untouchables are forced to lead a heartrending life.  They are not allowed to drink from the same wells, attend the same temples, and wear shoes in the presence of the upper caste, or fall in love with a member of another caste”, said Vishnu Vasu, the film’s director.  “After realizing the untouchables are socially and physically excluded, I decided it was high time that someone spoke about it at an international level”.  The film has played at over thirty film festivals and has won eight awards for Best Documentary Cinematography.

The public is invited to view and discuss this powerful film about the powerless in India.

ONE PEACE Celebration of the UN International Day of Peace

Join the Citizens for Peace as we observer the Day of Peace!

The annual ONE PEACE celebration of the UN International Day of Peace will be September 21st at the Livonia Civic Center Library located at 32777 Five Mile Road, from 1 – 4 P.M. The film With One Voice will be shown at 2 P.M. This film shares the wisdom and personal experiences of inspirational leaders from fourteen spiritual traditions. Their voices highlight the unity of humanity, and share the beauty of our essential oneness

Father Thomas Keating, Rabbi David A. Cooper, Dr. Mohammad Faghfoory, Gangaji, Joan Halifax, Swami Karunananda, Joseph Goldstein, Dr. Malidoma Patrice Some’, Brother David Steindl-Rast and Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev are several of the mystics interviewed in With One Voice.

The Peace Pals International Art Display will be available for viewing. The art of children from sixty four countries with the message May Peace Prevail On Earth is a colorful and hopeful reminder of their desire for peace. Come and browse the tables of peace groups working to create a more peaceful world. 

Meet the Producers and View Film "Globalized Soul"

"Globalized Soul" Film and Discussion With Producers 
Kell Kearns and Cynthia Lucas

The film “Globalized Soul” will be featured at the September 10^th Citizens for Peace meeting at Unity of Livonia 28660 Five Mile Rd.) at 7 pm. The film focuses on the need for love and nonviolence for our survival. It is beautifully filmed in Israel, India, Turkey, Morocco, Australia, Mexico, and the United States. 

There are interviews with global spiritual leaders including Rabbi Michael Learner, Sister Joan Chittister, Reverand James Trapp, and Sheikh Abdul Aziz Bukhari.

The stories of the peace-builders in India and Israel are the highlights of this inspiring film. In India, the poorest and most physically challenged are provided with medical help while the Dalai Lama holds interreligious dialogues with Jain scholars.  In Israel, courageous Muslim, Jewish and Christian peacemakers come together to affirm their oneness at a dinner celebrating the end of Ramadan.

“Globalized Soul is a sensitively made film on peace.  It leaves you with a positive feeling that peace is possible if we know how to build it” said Gandhi's grandson, Arun Gandhi after seeing the film.

Producers, Kell Kearns and Cynthia Lewis will be discussing the making of this film and will be available for questions after the viewing  of “Globalized Soul”.

All are welcome.

Vegetarian Potluck August 13th at Unity of Livonia

Our Annual Vegetarian Potluck is August 13th!
Bring your favorite vegetarian dish to share as we celebrate our work to create a culture of peace. We start at 6:30 pm.
As we enjoy a delicious dinner together, we will discuss the
connection between our food choices and climate change, world hunger, our health, compassion to animals and how "Meatless Mondays" can help us contribute to a more equitable, kind, healthy and safer world. Come and bring a friend. 

PEACE, LOVE & YOGA DAY

Register for the 2nd Annual Peace, Love & Yoga Day!

The Citizens for Peace and the Yoga Association of Greater Detroit are offering a special day for you to relax, rejuvenate and have fun at our second annual summer Peace, Love & Yoga Day!

It will be held on Saturday, August 24th at the Livonia Senior Center from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm.  The day includes lunch (prepared by our own George T. Mills.)

The schedule provides a variety of yoga sessions for beginners and advanced students, including Sun Salutations; Yoga for All; Chair Yoga; Laughing Yoga and Flowing Yoga.

There will be meditation with Kathy Henning; Mandala Coloring; words from Diana Kinascuk and the 10 Keys to Happiness practices - a film by Deepak Chopra.

Click HERE to download your registration form.