Yusef Shakur’s Talk after his film “Detroit’s Native Son”

What a powerful movie & talk from Yusef Shakur!

Click HERE for the link to his talk.

Thanks to Joanna for sending this pledge from Yusef's website!

Pledge to Put the Neighbor Back in the Hood

I pledge allegiance to do my part in restoring the neighbor back to the hood.

I pledge to develop myself, my family & my household to the greatest extent possible by being a shining example of a husband, father, son, brotha, wife, mother, daughter & sister in my neighborhood.

I will learn all that I can in order to give my best to improve the quality of my neighborhood.

I will work diligently to honor my family in my neighborhood with good deeds & treat my neighbors as my extended family.

I will keep myself mentally sound, spiritually grounded & physically fit; building a strong body, mind & spirit that will exemplify positivity & productivity in my neighborhood.

I will unselfishly share my time, knowledge, resources & wisdom with my neighbors (young & old) in order to build & maintain a healthy neighborhood.

I will do my part to keep my neighborhood clean & safe.

I will discipline myself to direct my energies thoughtfully & constructively to maintain peace, harmony & love in my neighborhood.

I will train myself to never hurt or allow anyone to harm someone in my neighborhood for an unjust cause

 or through negative behaviors of stealing, gun violence, verbal abuse, police brutality, selling drugs, rape or any other social ills that work to destroy my neighborhood.

This is my pledge to do my part by being a caring neighbor in my neighborhood by working to keep my neighborhood a peace zone instead of a warzone

From Prisoner …To Peace Activist with Yusef Shakur

Hear the transformational journey of Yusef Shakur as he shares his experience of meeting his father in prison, earning a college degree, and becoming an author and peace activist. Find out about his Urban Network and how he is working to transform his neighborhood from a war zone into a peace zone.

Citizens for Peace Meeting

7 pm., Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Unity of Livonia, 28660 Five Mile Rd.

Get tickets now for the Cosmic Comic Show Sept. 26th!

Swami Beyondanada, the Cosmic Comic since 1985, will bring his unique and uplifting comedy to Michigan on Friday, September 26^th.  The laughter begins at 7 pm. at Unity of Livonia, 28660 Five Mile Rd.  The show is a FUNdraiser for the Citizens for Peace and Unity of Livonia.  Tickets are $20. in advance, or $25. at the door.  For tickets, call 734-425-0079 or 734-421-1760.

Swami Beyondananda is the alter ego of writer, humorist and workshop leader, Steve Bhaerman. The Swami, whose favorite yoga pose is tongue-in-cheek, is the spokesperson for a new non-religion, FUNdamentalism (accent on "fun"). Says the Swami, "We are strictly non-dominational."

Steve was pursuing a career as a teacher and writer, when a funny thing happened. The name "Swami Beyondananda" flew into his head one day in 1979. As Steve tells it, "I got struck by enlightening during a brainstorm."

The following year, when he and a cohort were casting about for a comic mascot for their ground-breaking holistic publication, Pathways in Ann Arbor, Swami's name popped back up.  Pathways was one of the first publications bringing together holistic health, personal growth, spirituality, and politics.

Before long, Swami was the most popular feature in Pathways, as he held forth on topics such as "Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sects" ("... unbridled sects can lead to unwanted misconceptions ...") or Tantrum Yoga ("... the latest rage on the path to ire consciousness").

When Steve decided to pursue comedy as a full-time career in 1985, the Swami was the obvious vehicle.

Audiences have delighted in the Swami’s "comedy disguised as wisdom" and "wisdom disguised as comedy".  Attendees will have the opportunity to ask the Swami answerable questions, and receive his “questionable answers”. 

He can be found online at www.wakeuplaughing.com.

Youth Promise Act Talk

Ann Abdoo's talk about the Youth Promise Act

Thanks to Ann Abdoo's talk at our meeting, we can all understand the importance of passing the Youth PROMISE Act.

Click HERE to watch her talk.

September 9th Meeting at 7 pm.

Finding Peace Within … Even in Troubling Times

                                                                 Robert Weir 

“Let there be peace on Earth, and let it begin with me.” —Jill Jackson Miller and Sy Miller

If you want peace on earth, begin in your own country.
If you want peace in your country, begin in your community.
If you want peace in your community, begin in your family.
If you want peace in your family, begin with yourself.
If you want to be peaceful, begin with your own heart.
—Confucius

In February of this year (2014), Robert Weir led us in a discussion of ways to have “love in our hearts and peace in our world.” Through interactive discussion, we listed numerous ways: patience, forgiveness, gratitude, detachment, compassion, humor, respect, trust, and others.

Now, Robert will return with a follow-up presentation with a related theme: “Finding Peace Within … Even in Troubling Times.”

Robert will explore experiences that are both personal and universal. He will lead us in discoveries for physical and spiritual renewal through the wisdom of ancient Oriental traditions, Biblical scripture, and Divine Guidance.

Bring your friends to another uplifting experience with Robert Weir!

Partnerships & Prevention: A Path to Peace

Click HERE for Ron Scott's talk.



Ron Scott, an activist and media personality for over forty years, will discuss his successes at the Citizens for Peace meeting on Tuesday, August 12, 2014 at 7 pm at Unity of Livonia, 26880 Five Mile Rd. Livonia. (East of Middlebelt).

Ron Scott is the spokesperson for Peace Zones for Life, an organization which provides support to Detroit neighborhoods to create safe and viable communities.  They take a holistic approach including residents of all ages, especially the youth, as well as local businesses, religious and government institutions.   Through the practice of Peace Circles, residents are taught methods of conflict resolution, and intervention is taken with youth who have or are at risk of engaging in violent behavior. 

Citizens for Peace member Ann Abdoo will also talk about the Youth PROMISE Act, that when passed by Congress will greatly help organizations like Peace Zones for Life.

Scott is a well-known co-host on CW50 public affairs show, “For My People.” He also was the producer/co-host on WDTW-1310 AM radio program “Fighting for Justice,” and one of the first producers of the public television program “Detroit Black Journal.” Currently he serves on the Board of Directors for the Boggs Center to Nurture Community Leadership, founded by Grace Lee and James Boggs.  

“Weaving Life: the Life and Death of Peacemaker Dan Terry

Join us for the film Weaving Life: the Life and Death of Peacemaker Dan Terry.

Dan Terry spent almost 40 years devoted to the people of Afghanistan and was among 10 humanitarian aid workers assassinated in Afghanistan in August 2010. Students at Eastern Mennonite University (EMU) made this documentary that includes interviews with Terry’s wife and daughter and breathtaking scenes of Afghanistan. After 13 years of war in Afghanistan, deepen your understanding of this country by viewing it through the eyes of a peacemaker.

Kim Bergier knew Dan Terry as a student at Woodstock boarding school in northern India and will share her experiences in our discussion after the film.                                                           

 All are welcome to this free program.

7 PM. Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Unity of Livonia - 28660 Five Mile Road

Human Trafficking Solutions

Alternatives for Girls

Deena Policicchio will share her 19 years of experience working with exploited young girls and women. She will speak at the Citizens for Peace meeting on Tuesday, June 10^th.  The meeting is at 7 pm. at Unity of Livonia (28660 Five Mile Rd). Ms. Policicchio is the Director of the Outreach & Education Services Department at Alternatives For Girls (AFG).

AFG is a Detroit-based nonprofit organization providing services to girls who need respite and resources from predators. These efforts help participants to heal and move forward with their lives. When talking about the girls traumatized by exploitation, Ms Policicchio has stated: “the damage on their psyche is worse than being at war.”

In the last several months, Citizens for Peace have been collecting travel- sized 

toiletries to donate to the Alternatives for Girls. If you would like to contribute, please

bring your donations to the meeting. Bring a friend.

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!