GLOBAL CAMPAIGN FOR
PEACE EDUCATION NEWSLETTER
Celebrating the First 10 Years of the Global Campaign for Peace Education
10 years ago this coming May, civil society held the largest international peace conference in history, the 1999 Hague Appeal for Peace Conference in In this 10th anniversary year of the GCPE we have much to reflect upon and many lessons to learn. The GCPE is a non-formal network, comprised of organizations and individuals from around the world, each working in their own respective ways and communities to contribute to the growth and development of peace education. One of the often repeated lessons, cited in many of the news articles featured in this newsletter, is that there is no one particular to approach to peace education and the best approaches are typically those that are culturally and contextually specific in terms of form, methodology and content. Although our needs and approaches may be unique, we find unity in our commitment to reducing and eliminating violence through education and learning. This commitment to education requires that we, ourselves, remain active and engaged learners who are open to learning from each other. As the secretariat of the GCPE we are committing ourselves this anniversary year to several actions that we hope will facilitate increased opportunities for us to share and learn from each other about best strategies, culled from around the world, for promoting and advancing peace education. Sometime in the next few months we will be launching the new GCPE website to consolidate resources and improve communication and networking capacities. On the new website individuals and organizations will be able to post searchable profiles of their work as it relates to peace education. We hope this new feature will allow GCPE members to communicate directly with each other; to aid others in finding local experts in the field; and to increase visibility on a global scale of all the formal and non-formal organizations who are engaged in peace education. With the launching of this new website we will also be conducting an online, global survey to learn from you 1) the strategies you’ve found most effective in promoting peace education locally, regionally and/or globally over the past 10 years; 2) the challenges, obstacles and opportunities you see for peace education for the next ten years; and 3) suggestions you might have for how the volunteer run secretariat might better support local/regional/national organizations and educators in meeting the goals of the campaign. We intend to publish and freely distribute the findings of this survey in late 2009. We always wish to begin the New Year with a spirit of hope and promise for change. With the human crisis in Yours in peace and solidarity, Coordinator, Global Campaign for Peace Education |
Teaching peace to child soldiers (Sierra Leone)
Building a culture of peace begins with the youth, but it can't be achieved without the support of the global community. Thomas Turay talked to students at Woodstock High School about the work his company has done to re-stabilize war-torn Sierra Leone.
Vision for a New Foreign Policy (USA)
Peace activist Cora Weiss delivered this speech at the 28th annual Conference for Peace sponsored by the New Jersey Coalition for Peace Action at Princeton University November 16, 2008. It appears here as part of the ongoing Moral Compass series, focused on the spoken word.
Alternatives to military recruitment (USA)
To overcome roadblocks preventing high school students from learning about alternatives to military enlistment and service, members of Marin County H.O.P.E. (High School and College Outreach Peace Education), and an informal San Rafael committee composed of student activists, veterans, military families, parents and teachers, waged a two-and-a-half-year campaign for a written equal access policy in the San Rafael City Schools.
Dream on- University for Peace (Costa Rica)
The spectacular setting of Costa Rica's University for Peace is not the only thing about it that is idyllic.
Schools and communities for peace (Philippines)
Schools for Peace is a project under the Act for Peace Programme of the United Nations Development Programme Philippines. A School of Peace (SoP) is an elementary or secondary school located in conflicted areas in Mindanao. It is a school that undergoes transformation processes following the four phases of change.
A UAE peace centre: no better time, no better place (UAE)
“Out of balance”: that is the state of our world, according to the American sociologist Elise Boulding. She was referring to the balance between peace and violence in societies worldwide. We will never end all violence, but there should be mechanisms to maintain balance so that our violent tendencies do not surpass our peaceableness.
Building the Peace Process (Jordan)
The success of the second Generations for Peace sports camp has been hailed by Prince Feisal of Jordan. Youth leaders from Africa, Asia and Europe were among participants inspired by the message of the camp which was staged November 25-December 5 at Al Hussein Youth City near Amman.
Role of SAARC in combating terrorism, ensuring regional peace (Sri Lanka)
President Mahinda Rajapaksa, in opening the 15th Session of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation in Colombo on August 2, 2008 called upon member States to redouble efforts for collective action to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, remembering that it is the element of interdependence which is crucial for a durable peace and the protection of democratic values in the region.
Recurrent Plateau crises: The way forward (Nigeria)
The article provides a perspective on ways to remedy the situation and bring about lasting and durable peace on the Plateau and in other places in Nigeria where the issue of ‘indigenes’ and ‘settlers’ are still well pronounced, there is the urgent need to think of workable therapies or solutions to tame the divisive tendencies that have been threatening the fundamental existence of the state, nay Nigeria.
Mathetics and the relationship between peace and learning (Malaysia)
The following is a speech, on the theme of Mathetics: a challenge for peace education, was presented by Dr Suman Shukla at the 18th IAEWP WORLD PEACE CONGRESS, held in Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.
Peace Education: Medicine and Tonic for Non Violence (Malaysia)
A speech on the theme of PEACE EDUCATION: MEDICINE AND TONIC FOR NONVIOLENCE by Prof. Surya Nath Prasad, Ph.D. at the 18th IAEWP WORLD PEACE CONGRESS, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia, 2008.
Pursuing Peace: World Vision announces first annual Peace Prize
Consistent with World Vision's values as a Christian, community-based and child focused organization, the Peace Prize gives particular consideration to nominees who mobilize children, youth and women in peacebuilding. You'll find more information and the nomination forms at the link above. Deadline for nominations is February 15; 2009.
Call for Student Papers on Social Justice
The International Center for Cooperation and Conflict Resolution (ICCCR) at Teachers College, Columbia University, is sponsoring the fifth annual Morton Deutsch Award for an Outstanding Graduate Student Paper on Social Justice. The founding of the Morton Deutsch Award is meant to stimulate and recognize innovation in scholarship and practice in the area of social justice. The award, plus $500.00, will be given to a graduate student within the Columbia University system for an outstanding paper on social justice.
Educate and Inspire Millions with "Create Peace"
The Peace Support Network is sponsoring a peace video collection and contest on YouTube. For information click on the link above. Deadline for submission of videos is February 28, 2009
Help Create a Charter for Compassion
By recognizing that the Golden Rule is fundamental to all world religions, the Charter for Compassion can inspire people to think differently about religion. This Charter is being created in a collaborative project by people from all over the world. It will be completed in 2009.
Global Zero: High Level Campaign to Eliminate Nuclear Weapons
A slew of the nation's best-known foreign policy figures from both parties are joining a new group called Global Zero that has enlisted 100 world leaders - including billionaire businessman Richard Branson and Jordan's Queen Noor - for a campaign to eliminate nuclear weapons over the next 25 years. The group - which includes political, military, business, faith and civic leaders from across political lines - plans a World Summit of 500 leaders in January 2010. www.globalzero.org
National Index of Violence and Harm Project
The National Index of Violence and Harm (NIVAH) is constructed to measure levels of violence and harm to individuals in the United States in a given year compared to levels observed in 1995. The Index indicates changes from year to year and overall trends observed from 1995 to 2005; it does not attempt to determine an absolute level of violence in any given year. For a few reasons, there is a need to get a new institution or organization to take over reigns of the National Index of Violence and Harm project http://www.manchester.edu/links/violenceindex/. The project findings have been utilized by academics and media, and likely activists, as well. If you might have an interest in taking over the project please contact Neil Wollman at NWollman@Bentley.edu
Please note that only newly submitted events will contain a full description. All events & conferences that have been previously published in the newsletter will be listed by date with a link to follow for more information.
The International Institute on Peace Education (IIPE) 2009 will take place in Budapest, Hungary, exploring the theme of “Human Rights Learning as Peace Education: Pursuing Democracy in a Time of Crisis.” The institute is being co-organized by the EJBO Foundation in partnership with Global Education Associates with the support and sponsorship of UNESCO. Applications will be accepted in mid-January. For more information visit: www.i-i-p-e.org.
Exhibition - ‘In-Security: The Nuclear Dilemma’ – GERNIKA PEACE MUSEUM, SPAIN –19 September 2008 - 25 January 2009
“A unique visual-communication project about the history of nuclear technology; providing valuable tools for people to form clear perspectives on its past and present uses and enabling dialogue and research for a safer future.“ For more information please visit www.peacemuseumguernica.org or www.nucleardilemma.org
Exhibition: Cities of Peace, Cathedral of St. John the Diving January 7 – Feb 16.
CITIES OF PEACE is a commemorative body of work conceived by American artist Ellen Frank. Honoring cities either in the midst of crisis or in different stages of cultural restoration, the suite features Baghdad, Beijing, Hiroshima, Jerusalem, Kabul, Lhasa, Monrovia, New York and Sarajevo. For more information: http://www.efiaf.org/
Global Stakeholder Summit to design a National Peace Academy - Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio- March 2 to 4, 2009
The process of Appreciative Inquiry will guide the summit and ensure an organic path where each stakeholder has a voice. This 2009 summit stems from an idea forged at a Vision Meeting in April 2008 at Case Western Reserve University. If you are interested in attending the Summit, e-mail Kristin Famula, at kfamula@yahoo.com, as the event is by invitation only.
Call for Abstracts: Fourth Annual Conference of the International Education Program – New York University, NY – March 5-6, 2009
The NYU International Education program invites graduate students and faculty from all disciplines to submit abstracts for individual papers or panels related to education in transnational, national or local contexts. Papers that address the conference theme of developing peace and education for mutual understanding are strongly encouraged. Deadline for submission of Abstracts is January 15, 2009
Peace Within Reach: People and Politics Partnering for our Common Security – The 2009 Department of Peace Campaign National Conference in Washington, D.C. - March 20-23
A new Congress, a new President, a powerful air of possibility. This is the time, at the beginning of the 111th Congress, when we have the maximum potential to influence the legislative agenda. It's up to you to turn out in historic numbers to inspire Congress to establish a new priority -- making peace a strategic policy and funding objective.
Call for Proposals: Inter-Agency Network for Education in Emergencies: Global Consultation, Bridging the Gaps: Preparedness, Relief, Development – Istanbul, Turkey – 23 -26 March, 2009
“Men and Masculinities, Moving On! Embodiments, Virtualities, Transnationalisations" - Linköping University, Sweden – April 27-29, 2009
GEXcel’s current Theme “Deconstructing the Hegemony of Men and Masculinities” invites junior and senior scholars to apply for a workshop conference in April 2009. See full description of the Theme: http://www.genderexcel.org/node/101 . Details of this call are also available from: http://www.genderexcel.org/node/179
World Creative Youth Forum (WCYF) 2009. on Education for Sustainable Development – Manilla, Philippines – May 5 -10, 2009
The official theme of the event is "ONE LIFE, ONE EARTH". Topics include: peace and human rights, climate change, sustainable life-style, entrepreneurship, education and technology, and advocacy for sustainable development.
2nd National Conference on Restortative Justice: “Mainstreaming Restorative Justice: Empowering Communities, Restoring Responsibility” – San Antonio – May 13-15, 2009
More information about the conference, including a call for papers, is at www.restorativejusticenow.org/
First International Conference for Young Leaders of Peace – Castellon, Spain – May 14-15, 2009
The aim of the conference is to promote, inform and educate youth on the present situation of constant child rights violations everywhere in this world, and on possible ways to change this situation. The deadline for proposals is January 31, 2009. For more information please contact Elena Martin Gil de Tejada at cumbre@stopaltrafico.org
"Dialogue In/As Action": A Conference for Community Groups, Researchers, Teachers, Students and Others – New York City – June 12-13, 2009
The 2009 Network for Peace through Dialogue conference, "Dialogue In/As Action," will focus on the rich intersections of the methods, processes, and actions of dialogue that lead to change. The 2009 conference will explore the ground rules for practicing good dialogue, as well as the parameters for putting constructive dialogue into action. For more information please visit: www.networkforpeace.com
Fire & Ice – Greenland – July 17-19,2009
For more information about the event please visit: http://www.fireandice2009.com/
FREE MINDS FREE PEOPLE: A National Conference on Education for Liberation – Houston, Texas – June 25-28, 2009
Free Minds, Free People is a national conference that brings together teachers, high school and college students, researchers, parents and community-based activists/educators from across the country to build a movement to develop and promote Education for Liberation.
Restorative Justice and Peacemaking Circle Training for Schools, Community, and Justice Organizations – Cleveland, Ohio, February 25th – 28th, 2009
Used in schools, corrections, and the community, restorative justice is a theory of justice that emphasizes repairing the harm caused or revealed by criminal behavior. Restorative programs create opportunities for victims, offenders and community members to meet to discuss the crime and its aftermath, expect offenders to take steps to repair the harm they have caused, seek to restore victims and offenders, and provide opportunities for parties with a stake in a specific crime to participate in its resolution. Peacemaking circles are one form of restorative process. For more information, please call Global Issues Resource Center at 216-987-2231 or Jennifer.Batton@tri-c.edu
Online Course: The Human Right to Adequate Food – March 9-May 29, 2009
An online course on the human right to adequate food will be offered by Professor George Kent of the University of Hawaii. Its premise is that solving the problem of widespread malnutrition is not simply a matter of correcting deficiencies among those who are hungry. Ending hunger requires respect for human rights, and it may require reconfiguration of the social order, locally, nationally, and globally. The course will be conducted entirely online through Transcend Peace University. Applications will be accepted until February 25, 2009.
Spring Peace Academy – Romania – May 2009
International Peace and Development Training Center (IPDTC) is launching its 2009 Spring Peace Academy with a range of programmes addressing the core skills, knowledge and experience of all practitioners working in the field of peace building, conflict transformation, development work, humanitarian aid, gender, governance and other related areas. For more information on course content, fees and application procedure, please visit the IPDTC web-site or write to training@patrir.ro
Human Rights Delegations for Young Leaders – Bosnia and Rwanda - Summer 2009
Brief information on each program can be found below and more detailed application information is available on our website at: www.globalyouthconnect.org/participate. The deadline to receive applications is January 30, 2009.
Women's Human Rights in an era of Globalization Institute – Toronto - 4 May to 5 June 2009
The Institute provides participants an opportunity to reflect on their work, learn theories and international women's human rights tools, and gain inspiration from other participants. It will also be a rejuvenating opportunity provided with a full access to the rich resources that the University of Toronto and the world's most diverse city, Toronto, can offer.
2009 Summer Peacebuilding Program – SIT Graduate Institute in Brattleboro, Vermont, USA - June 1-19
The Summer Peacebuilding Program is a three credit graduate training course that can be applied toward the Graduate Certificate in Conflict Transformation or integrated with one's own program of study. Although the application deadline for the program is April 15, 2009, we welcome and encourage early applications, especially for international applicants. For more information visit the website or write to contactprogram@sit.edu
United States Institute of Peace (USIP) Conflict Management Education and Training Program
For more information please visit: www.usip.org
Free 5 day on-line course: Managing and Resolving Conflicts Effectively in Schools and Classrooms
For more information please visit : http://www.ed.gov/admins/lead/safety/training/index.html
Peace Education Program - University of Peace – Costa Rica
For more information, please visit http://www.upeace.org/academic/masters/PE_brochure_0809.pdf
Postgraduate Certificate Program in Peace, Conflict Resolution, and Environmental Studies – University of New York in Prague
For more information please visit http://www.unyp.cz
Middle East/North Africa Social Innovators Program
To learn more and apply, please visit: http://www.synergos.org/socialinnovators/
A special issue of “In Factis Pax” featuring the proceedings of 2008 International Institute on Peace Education (IIPE 2008)
The theme of IIPE 2008 was “Critical Pedagogy: Educating for Justice and Peace.” The focus of the discourse centered on the nature and practice of dialogical education for social change and the interrelationship between peace education and critical pedagogy. The core inquiry examined education for a culture of peace interconnected with the dynamics and imperatives of social transformation. The articles published in this issue instantiate and develop this inquiry. “In Factis Pax” is available online for free at http://www.infactispax.org/
An Online Primer on Peace Education
There’s now a ready reference online for all things peace education that even Wikipedia can’t match—the Encyclopedia of Peace Education. The encyclopedia, which is posted on the TC Web site, is the brainchild of Monisha Bajaj, a faculty member in the Department of International and Transcultural Studies.
The Road to Peace - A Teaching Guide on Local and Global Transitional Justice
The Discover Human Rights Institute at The Advocates for Human Rights has recently published a teaching guide suitable for 9th graders through to adult learners entitled “The Road to Peace: A Teaching Guide on Local and Global Transitional Justice.” This teaching guide contains ten lesson plans on conflict resolution and restoration of justice in the aftermath of war.
"Educando para la paz en y desde la universidad: Antología conmemorativa de una década"
The UNESCO Chair for Peace Education at the University of Puerto Rico has recently published an anthology "Educando para la paz en y desde la universidad: Antología conmemorativa de una década". In includes over 40 articles, by 24 authors who have collaborated with this initiative from its inception in 1996. The articles are organized around three central themes: CUlture of violence and war, Culture of Peace and Non Violence, and Education for Human Rights and Peace.
Universal Human Rights Index Website
This is a useful database for finding information and documents produced by the various components of the UN human rights system. It can easily do searches, by keywords and other methods on inquiry.
MINDANAO 2008: Peace Education Publications from the Philippines
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/02 January) – An initial listing of the harvest for 2008 of books and journals on Mindanao or written by Mindanawons shows at least five more than the 30 titles in 2007, many of them still on peace and history – the dominant themes since 2000.
Senior Training Officer – International Alert
The Senior Training Officer will lead the work on training civilian personnel working in international peacebuilding missions, and Alerts strategic advocacy work in the UK. For job details and an application pack, visit http://www.international-alert.org. Closing date is January 28, 2009
Training and Learning Administrator – International Alert
International Alert is looking for an administrator experienced in financial monitoring and with excellent communication skills to join their dynamic Peacebuilding Issues Programme. A keen eye for detail is essential in this role. For job details and an application pack, visit http://www.international-alert.org. Closing date is January 28, 2009
Internship: International Peace Institute
IPI is seeking an intern to support the work of its Middle East program on a Middle East Peace Process Compendium to be published by Oxford University Press, a project that will bring together all documents relevant to the present-day Middle East Peace process and provide a commentary on these documents. If interested Please send to laiq@ipinst.org (“MEPP Compendium Internship” as the email subject) the following: Current resume; Contact information of two referees.
Sesame Workshop: EDUCATION AND RESEARCH INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
Internships are offered to undergraduate Juniors or Seniors and graduate students three times during the year: fall, spring, and summer semesters. Résumés should be received by Sesame Workshop no later than September 5th for the Fall, January 15th for the Spring, and March 10th for the Summer. To apply, send a résumé and cover letter indicating the semester during which you’d like to participate and which group you would prefer: Sesame Workshop, Attn: David Cohen, Education & Research Internship Program, One Lincoln Plaza, New York, NY 10023 FAX:212-875-7388 email: david.cohen@Sesameworkshop.org
HOPE Chair in Peace and Health – McMaster University – Ontario, Canada
McMaster University's Faculty of Humanities invites applications for a tenure-track/tenure appointment from scholars of international reputation for the position of the endowed HOPE Chair in Peace and Health. The major focus will be on developing expertise at McMaster on the relationship between war/peace and health, including: the health impacts of war; the role of political, economic and cultural factors in war-health interactions; and the impacts of health initiatives on conflict and peace building. All application materials should be received on or before February 15, 2009.
Executive director, Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice – San Diego
The Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies at the University of San Diego seeks an Executive Director (ED) for the Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice (IPJ). The ED will advance the programs of the IPJ in conflict resolution, promotion of human rights and democratization for human security and will be a recognized international advocate working for peace with justice.
Juanita Global Fellows
The Baker Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies at Juniata College seeks nominations or recommendations for three Global Fellows for the spring semester term (January-May 2009). The focus is: Global/Local Action: Women and Children. Each appointment will be for a single month in-residence. The Global Fellow will participate in faculty and student seminars as well as grant preparation for relevant PACS programs such as the Human Rights Media Training Workshop. Housing and meals provided along with a stipend of $5,000. Please send suggestions/cv's/ to The Baker Institute below or to the woman running the program, Celia Cook Huffman Cookhu@juniata.edu
Visiting Faculty Position -- Academic Years 2009/10 and 2010/11
The program in Peace and Justice Studies at Wellesley College is seeking outstanding candidates for a two-year position in conflict resolution/conflict transformation.
College & University Internships available to teach Peace Games – New York, USA
Peace Games is looking for enthusiastic volunteers and interns to join them in delivering their school-based peace and social justice program & curriculum in New York City public schools. Peace Games volunteers teach collaborative games, conflict resolution, anti-bias education and communication skills in classrooms, on the playground and in the lunchroom. Volunteering/Interning with Peace Games is a semester long commitment of at least 3 hours a week and up to 15 hours per week. For more info please call at (212) 337-8882 or e-mail: volunteerny@peacegames.org
Undergraduate Program Manager - Kroc Institute, University of Notre Dame – Indiana, USA
The Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies at the University of Notre Dame seeks an Undergraduate Program Manager to advise undergraduates and administer the Kroc Institute's undergraduate programs.
Executive Director – Peace Games – LA
Major areas of responsibility will initially include fundraising, advocacy and outreach, relationship building to form a board and strengthen community partnerships, and operational management. The ideal candidate will have significant experience launching or growing a social service/change program, excellent fundraising skills, deep cultural competencies, and strong operational skills.
Tenure-Line Faculty Position – International Peace and Conflict Resolution- American University
For more information please visit: www.american.edu/sis
DONOR: New Field Foundation (Focus on Africa)
For more information please visit http://www.newfieldfound.org/about.how.html
Merhshon Center Seeks Applications in Peace Studies
For more information, please see the center’s web site at http://mershoncenter.osu.edu.
Founded in 1999, the Global Campaign for Peace Education (GCPE) is an international organized network that promotes peace education among schools, families and communities to transform the culture of violence into a culture of peace. The Global Campaign for Peace Education is presently being coordinated by Global Education Associates in partnership with the Peace Education Center at Teachers College, Columbia University. (www.tc.edu/PeaceEd/newsletter).
Peace education is a holistic, participatory process that includes teaching for and about human rights, nonviolent responses to conflict, social and economic justice, gender equity, environmental sustainability, international law, disarmament, traditional peace practices and human security. The methodology of peace education encourages reflection, critical thinking, cooperation, and responsible action. It promotes multiculturalism, and is based on values of dignity, equality and respect.Peace education is intended to prepare students for democratic participation in schools and society.
The Global Campaign for Peace Education has two goals:
1. To see peace education integrated into all curricula, community and family education worldwide to become a part of life;
2. To promote the education of all teachers to teach for peace.
CONTRIBUTE TO THE NEWSLETTER
Do you have news or an event to share with the GCPE community? If so please contribute to the newsletter by emailing the editor at news@peace-ed-campaign.org. In the subject line of the email please indicate the category from our current table of contents you feel best describes your information. Send 3 to 5 sentences (longer for news and peace education in the field) describing your activity or news story as you would like to see it printed. Be sure to include contact information such as a website or email address for readers wanting more information. Some emails may be edited for length. Thank you for your contributions!