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Arizona Embrace a Smash Hit
January 13, 2008
On behalf of the AZDOP Campaign & the AZ Interfaith Movement,
Dr. Paul Eppinger and I..
THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
The ARIZONA EMBRACE: PRAYERS OF PEACE, on Jan. 13, 2008, was successful and enlightening beyond our imaginations!
There were an estimated 500 women, men, children of all ages, races, religions, political parties, professions...who gathered in person and in peace for this historic event, from all over Arizona, from Dallas and Santa Fe and Germany and Japan. And countless numbers of you who joined us in spirit, locally and globally...into the cosmos.
The "chamber of commerce" weather was 69 degrees...blue skies & sunny. ;-)
- The beauty of our numbers, 500, for our ULTIMATE ARIZONA EMBRACE, was that instead of encircling the outer periphery of the State Capitol complex in Phoenix where we would not have seen each other, we encircled the inner Courtyard...the Heart of the Capitol...where we all stood witness to each other and were in full view of each other as we prayed our own Prayer of Peace for the Governor, our Legislature, all elected officials, all Arizonans, all humans, all life.
- Our prayer presenters included: Norbu Lama (Buddhist); Rabbi Robert Kravitz (Jewish); Imran Hafiz (Muslim); Rev. Kyra Baehr (Unity / Christian); Linda King (Mormon); Ken Jeffers (Baha'i); Rev. Dr. Mitzi Lynton (Church of Religious Science); and Uqualla (Spiritual Emissary Havasupai nation).
- Our political and civic presenters included: Janna Scott (Governor's Office); State Sen. John Huppenthal (Senate Majority Whip); State Reps. Mark Anderson & Kyrsten Sinema & Steve Gallardo; John Driggs (former Phoenix Mayor).
- Phoenix City Councilman Michael Johnson was scheduled to speak but was delayed in California with his son Anton who was home on leave from Iraq. Both gentlemen drove to our event straight from the airport, as we had just concluded, to give us their HUG. We told Anton our hearts and prayers were with him as he returns to Iraq.
- Thanks also to AZ State Rep. David Lujan, Phoenix Assistant Police Chief Gerald P. Richard II, Murphy School District Superintendent Dr. and Mrs. Paul Mohr, Phoenix Area Dances of Universal Peace, ONE PLANET Publisher Annie Loyd, Lynne Ericksson...and ALL of you for your support.
- Our music was presented by world famous Renee Morgan Brooks, and by Grammy winner Steve McCarty (who co-wrote "Fly like an Eagle" & who wrote "Wild Mountain Honey").
- Our staging and sound were orchestrated by the talented Romero Family's Finis Productions.
- Our PR was directed by the brilliant Colleen O'Donnell Pierce with wonderful assistance by Corey Farber. Our media coverage was quite extensive and impressive.
Thank you to all of the media who covered our ARIZONA EMBRACE.(See below)
GOVERNOR NAPOLITANO'S PROCLAMATION
Janet Napolitano
Governor
Office of the Governor
WITH SPECIAL RECOGNITION
Be it Known to all that I
Janet Napolitano,
Governor of the State of Arizona,
do hereby offer my sincere congratulations to
Arizona Embrace: Prayers of Peace
for
envisioning the year 2008 as one of peace and prosperity throughout the State of Arizona and urge all organizations and individuals in our state to honor and remember the principles of peace.
On behalf of the citizens of the State of Arizona, I commend this organization for their spirit of cooperation in recognizing our common humanity and coming together as a community.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand,
done at the Capitol in Phoenix on this
eighth day of January in the year
Two Thousand and Eight.
Janet Napolitano
GOVERNOR
MEDIA COVERAGE:
PRINT:
East Valley Tribune website: Go to the link and also scroll down to the left section to see our slide show
MSNBC website: our Arizona Embrace story from Jan. 14 East Valley Tribune on the MSNBC website.
Indybay website features an audio recording of our entire event from Sunday -- 1 hour and 12 minutes worth. The beginning of the recording features someone reading our entire press release. But after that it goes right to the opening speeches of our event.
Mary Jo Pitzl
Lawn Griffiths' Jan. 11, 2008 Blog
RADIO:
Charles Goyette interviewed Terri Mansfield, Jan. 10, 2008
Jeff Farias, Dennis Stout & John Henry, Rev. Walt Weider, and Sean Ryan
interviewed Dr. Paul Eppinger & Terri Mansfield, Jan. 11 & 12, 2008
TV:
Local TV coverage of the ARIZONA EMBRACE was carried by Channels 3 (AZFamily), 5 (CBS), 10 (FOX), 12 (NBC) and 15 (ABC)!
DONATIONS:
Many people have offered to help defray expenses for our ARIZONA EMBRACE.
AZDOP Campaign & AIFM thank you!
You can mail a check in ANY amount to
Arizona Interfaith Movement (501c3: tax-deductible)
2630 South 20th Place
Phoenix, AZ 85034
THE ARIZONA EMBRACE 2008: PRAYERS OF PEACE
Over 1,000 Arizonans to gather, circling state capitol in symbolic hug
Jan 13, 2008
Phoenix, Ariz. – The Arizona Interfaith Movement (AIFM) and the Arizona Department Of Peace Campaign (AZDOP) invite all Arizonans to gather for one hour from 2 to 3 p.m. on Jan. 13, 2008, on the eve of the opening of the second session of the 48th Arizona State Legislature at the Arizona State Capitol in Phoenix – to envision the year 2008 as one of peace, prosperity, bipartisanship, and cooperation for all elected officials, constituents, and all Arizonans. After greetings, prayers, songs, and music are heard, all gathered participants will form a circle around the entire Capitol building – to place our collective embrace around the state capitol as a symbolic group hug for Arizona, its leadership, and all Arizonans. Welcome activities begin at 1:30 p.m., and the event program commences at 2 p.m. on the House Of Representatives Lawn of the state capitol at 1700 W. Washington, Phoenix, AZ 85007.
The energy of this positive and uplifting action is intended to inspire our leaders and all our citizens to allow their highest selves to shine forth in 2008 and beyond, and to work together collaboratively to create the harmonious, prosperous and stable future that we all wish for our state and our communities.
Co-Hosts Terri Mansfield, Executive Director of the Arizona Dept. of Peace (AZDOP) Campaign and Dr. Paul Eppinger, Executive Director of the Arizona Interfaith Movement (AIFM) will lead the program. Guest speakers include Arizona State Representatives Mark Anderson and Kyrsten Sinema, and Jannah Scott from the Governor's Office. Music will be provided by First Institutional Baptist Church Choir, Renee Morgan Brooks, and Steve McCarty. Prayers will be conducted in the Jewish faith by Rabbi Robert Kravitz, in the Muslim faith by Imam Shamsid-Deen, and also in Sikh, Buddhist, Catholic, Baptist and Mormon faiths. Uqualla, a Havasupai spiritual leader, will perform a traditional tribal blessing.
“This event is an ideal representation of what our Arizona Department of Peace movement is all about – recognizing our common humanity and coming together to reach out in a caring spirit of cooperation to find solutions to community challenges, in an inclusive, pro-active way,” explains Terri Mansfield. “With this symbolic act, we are embracing our leadership here in Arizona, and everyone who lives here – and calling upon each person to be that positive change they want to see in the world."
“Like the Arizona Interfaith Movement, this event invites everyone to be a participant in helping to shape the world according to the highest values of each individual’s personal faith. At the heart of all of the Holy Scriptures of the world is the dictate to love one another and to practice the Golden Rule,” adds Dr. Eppinger.
The event will culminate in one big "hug" around the State Capitol Building from 1,000 people all at once, acting as one. This moving act of love and hope should make a great visual for media, especially as an aerial shot.
EVERYONE IS INVITED...PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD!
For more information on the hosting organizations, visit www.azdopcampaign.org and www.interfaitharizona.com.
* Message compiled by Colleen O'Donnell Pierce
* Flyer designed by Rad Masinelli
Our AZDOP 2-day Peace of the Pie events were fabulous
thanks for all your support!
May 10/11, 2007
On Thursday May 10, we arranged a unique opportunity, thanks to AZ State Rep. David Lujan, to serve "pieces of Peace Pie" in the Ice Cream Parlor of the historic State Capitol Rotunda in Phoenix.
Thanks to Dr. Mike for donating the Costco apple pies...they rock!
All 90 elected officials and all staff were invited.
Mitzi Lynton, Susanna and Mary Holt (Mary is Susannah's mom, visiting from France), Beverly Janowitz-Price, Lynne Ericksson, JulieAnna Miller, and I were the happy hostesses, and what an amazing morning it was.
The four bipartisan State Representatives David Lujan, Mark Anderson, Kyrsten Sinema and Steve Gallardo who sponsored our HCM2001 "memorial" this year (to send a postcard to Congress urging them to create the US Dept. of Peace) all attended.
AZDOP gratefully presented each of them with a desk top Peace Pole, with personal inscription thanking them for their support.
We talked with Democrat and Republican State Senators and Representatives, with support staff, with security guards, with lobbyists, with janitors. We chatted with people we had heard of but had not yet met.
It was a superb inclusive connecting opportunity to talk with so many state officials in such a historic & convivial environment, about the efficacy of the Department of Peace.
*********************************
On Friday May 11, our AZDOP team delivered an apple pie to each of our 8 Congressional offices. Susanna and Mary Holt delivered to Rep. Renzi in N. Arizona; Mollie Roberts' Tucson team delivered to Reps. Giffords and Grijalva (our only current sponsor).
And here in the Phoenix area, Lyle Skillen, Renee Morgan Brooks, Susan Seats, Lynne Ericksson, Mitzi Lynton, Beverly Janowitz-Price and I delivered pies to the office staff of Senators McCain & Kyl, Reps. Shadegg, Mitchell, Franks, Flake, & Pastor (raincheck).
The content of both sides of our dialogues has improved 1000%, due to many factors.
The office staff were most impressed with a new concept of arriving at the DOP budget which was suggested to us by Rep. Renzi in his Washington office in February: add up the federally funded budgets of 100 existing national programs which focus on de-escalation of violence; the total may well be $12 billion or more, and add 10% for overhead.
Many offices were very concerned about the increase of violent immigration language; we offered to help with mediation.
Rep. Franks' Glendale district hosts the Super Bowl in Feb. 2008: we talked about possible commercials paid for by Boeing & Budweiser & BMW, etc. which can show what peace looks like in Arizona: bringing gangs together to plant vegetable gardens in seniors' backyards;, closing domestic violence shelters due to strong community support and education; computers for every prison inmate so they can get their degree while serving time...and on and on.
The "elephant in the room" is local and international violence; our elected officials and paying closer attention to the straightforward message of the Dept. of Peace legislation.
This Reuters' article was printed May 30: "U.S. Ranks Low, Just Above Iran, on New Peace Index" which is further proof of how a U.S. Dept. of Peace can begin to turn these figures around.
http://www.reuters.com/article/email/idUSN3041722820070530
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Finally, the June 2007 PHOENIX Magazine, has a brilliant article written by Jana Bommersbach, on Arizona's Maricopa County Jail ALPHA inmate drug rehab program.
The national recidivism rate for addicts is nearly 80%. Sheriff Joe Arpaio's Alpha Program sees just 17% come back "dirty".
In 11 years, the ALPHA Program, headed by our friend and former Phoenix Mayor Thelda Williams, has saved taxpayers $90 million. This is finally being copied in other states.
The inmates get intense counseling for 3 months in self-respect, accountability, sobriety, responsibility, and practical lessons on "life". They receive follow-up support from their counselors once they are released from jail.
AZDOP has a strong working relationship with the Maricopa County Jail system: Mitzi and I were invited to attend a female inmate ALPHA graduation last year; it was one of the most powerful and moving events we have ever witnessed.
If ALPHA can be done in Phoenix, it can be done everywhere...proving how peace is profitable, and how we utilize the existing tools that work to build communities of peace.
*******************************
We take many inclusive fabulous photos of our events, thanks mainly to Lynne Ericksson.
Here are a few from our May 10-11 Peace Pie events:
0662.jpg: Beverly Janowitz-Price, AZ State Rep. Kyrsten Sinema, AZ State Rep. Tom Prezelski, Terri Mansfield, Tracey Gardner, Mitzi Lynton, JulieAnna Miller, and Lois Jean Kasza
0673.jpg: JulieAnna Miller, AZ State Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick, AZ State Rep. David Lujan, Terri Mansfield, AZ State Rep. Mark Anderson, Susanna Holt
0744.jpg: Beverly Janowitz Price, Terri Mansfield, Renee Morgan Brooks, seated: Bruce Raden of (Rep. John Shadegg's office), Susan Seats, Lyle Skillen, Susanna Holt, Mitzi Lynton, (seated Mary Holt)
0759.jpg: Beverly Janowitz Price, Terri Mansfield, Susanna Holt, Carlos Sierra of (Sen. John McCain's office), Susan Seats, Mary Holt, Renee Morgan Brooks, Mitzi Lynton
0769.jpg: Renee Morgan Brooks, Terri Mansfield, Mitzi Lynton, Susan Seats, Susanna Holt, Beverly Janowitz-Price, Amanda Daninger of ( Sen. Jon Kyl's office), Mary Holt, Lynne Ericksson
Phoenix Mayor
Declares April 8, 2007
AZDOP Campaign Day
CITY OF PHOENIX
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
A PROCLAMATION
FOURTH ANNUAL ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF PEACE CAMPAIGN DAY
WHEREAS, In 1792 Dr. Benjamin Rush, a Founding Father and signer of the Declaration of Independence, along with his peer Benjamin Banneker, envisioned a Department of Peace to balance the Department of War; and
WHEREAS, Presidents Dwight Eisenhower, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan have focused on various aspects of the Department of Peace, and
WHEREAS, over 100 bills have been introduced into Congress since the end of WWII to create a Department of Peace in the federal government, including the current bill HR808; and
WHEREAS, on July 11, 2001; April 8, 2003; Sept. 14, 2005; and Feb. 5, 2007 a bill to create a cabinet level Department of Peace has been introduced in the House of Representatives in Washington, D.C.; and
WHEREAS, 24 countries are each working to create their own Department of Peace, and as of 4-1-07, 20 U.S. City Councils have endorsed the Dept. of Peace legislation;
WHEREAS, the mission statement of the AZDOP Campaign reflects its goal as a solution-oriented grassroots organization which educates all Arizonans about the DOP legislation, and cultivates problem-solving dialogues for the common good; and
NOW, THEREFORE, I, PHIL GORDON, MAYOR of the City of Phoenix, Arizona do hereby proclaim April 8, 2007, as the FOURTH ANNUAL ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF PEACE CAMPAIGN DAY in Phoenix.
Given under my hand in these free United States in the City of Phoenix, on the twenty third day of April, two thousand seven, and to which I have caused the Seal of the City of Phoenix to be affixed and have made this proclamation public.
Phil Gordon
Mayor
Attest:
Mario Paniagua
City Clerk
Find Peace in April!
April 9, 2007:
Monthly DOP breakfast MTG
7th Heaven Eatery
7 am-9 am,
2501 E. Camelback Rd
602-954-5119
Phoenix 85016
Validated free parking
April 9, 2007:
Meet Your AZLEG Officials at a fabulous dinner,
The Phoenix Country Club
5:30-8 pm
Monday, April 9, 2007
7th Street & Thomas * Phoenix, AZ
(Registration now closed)
April 20, 2007:
Environmental &
Humanitarian Issues
Phoenix Country Day School
4-7 pm
Contact: Melanie Sainz,
602-955-8200 X2286
www.peaceonearthday.info
April 21, 2007:
Youth Engaged in Service Projects
Volunteer Center of Maricopa County
All Day Event
Contact: Douglas Wilkey,
602-263-9736 x892
www.peaceonearthday.info
April 22, 2007
CELEBRATE AZDOP
CAMPAIGN'S 4TH
ANNIVERSARY!!!!
Peace on Earth Day Festival,
Steele Indian School Park, Phoenix
10am to 4 pm
Contact: Terri Mansfield,
602-885-9058
Contact: Faith Bencomo,
602-237-6872
www.peaceonearthday.info
April 23, 2007: (also April 30, May 7, May 14, May 21)
TAI CHI, HARP & INNER PEACE
Sponsored by Rev. Deanne Hodson (Beatitudes), Joyce Buekers (Harp Foundation) &
Terri Mansfield (AZDOP Campaign)
7-8 pm
The Church of the Beatitudes
555 West Glendale Ave,
Phoenix, 85021
www.beatitudeschurch.org
April 24, 2007
Monthly AZDOP Campaign evening meeting
7-8:30pm
The Casa / Franciscan Renewal Center /
5802 E. Lincoln Dr.
Scottsdale 85253
www.thecasa.org
"Brother Anthony" room, East of the main Chapel, just north of the dining hall.
Drive around and park on the East side of the campus; front doors are locked at 7pm.
February Peace in AZ Events
Feb. 9-10, 2007
Interfaith Educational Retreat
Two-day retreat offering the opportunity to expand understanding of others and their faiths. Featured speaker Terry Goddard , Arizona Attorney General.
This event will be held at the Franciscan Renewal Center , 5802 E. Lincoln Drive , Scottsdale .
Friday, February 9, from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Dinner, speakers, and small group discussion.
Saturday, February 10, from 8 a.m. to a noon luncheon.
Additional speakers will include:
- State Legislator Mark Anderson
- Rev. Dr. Mitzi Lynton and Terri Mansfield from the AZ Department of Peace on Feb. 10
- Eldred and Carolyn Spain presenting a three-generation perspective on peace.
Dinner, breakfast, and lunch are included in a total cost of $45 for both days.
Call 602-277-2484 for additional information or to make reservations.
Feb. 10, 2007
FIDDLERS DREAM: "SINGING SONGS OF PEACE"
$10 fee to benefit AZDOP Campaign
7:30 pm
1702 E. Glendale Ave, PHX
602-997-9795 for more info.
Co-hosted by Chris Dove of The CASA & Nia Maxwell, President of the Board of the Quaker House, part of The Season for Nonviolence
FEB. 11: JAAZ (Jesuit Alumni of Arizona) & Dept. of Peace
4 p.m., @ Xavier College Prep, 4710 N. 5th St./ Phoenix
Terri Mansfield, a co-founder of the Arizona Dept. of Peace Campaign, will be returning from a week in Washington, where she will be meeting with all eight of Arizona's Congressmen and/or their staffs, seeking their votes to establish a U.S. Dept. of Peace -- with offices in every state to connect with citizens who seek nonviolent solutions to domestic and international conflicts. She intends to open the floor and make this event into a kind of Town Hall meeting, where everyone will be given a chance to voice their concerns about peace in Arizona. "We'd all like to live in peace, in more peaceful families, schools, communities," she says. "The question is, 'How can we make peace happen?' Where do we begin?"
Terri will speak at the Virginia Piper Theatre at Xavier College Prep, 4710 N.
Fifth Street. (Go west on Highland off North Seventh Street.) Free admission, but donations to JAAZ will be gratefully accepted. JAAZ850@aol.com , Robert Kaiser
FEB. 12, 2007
"STAND FOR PEACE" 2ND ANNUAL PRAYER FOR PEACE LUNCH & INTERFAITH GATHERING,
ASU East, Mesa, AZ
Keynote speaker:
Terri Mansfield
RSVP: by Friday, Feb. 2 to Lydia Dancel, ldancel@asu.edu; FREE, and everyone invited, especially students
Noon-1:30 pm, ASU at the Polytechnic Campus, Student Union Cooley Ballroom, MESA
More Info: Mike Mader 480-727-1215
FEB. 27, 2007
"WHAT EXACTLY IS THE DEPARTMENT OF PEACE?"
Sponsored by The Season for Nonviolence @ The CASA
Terri Mansfield, Executive Director, AZ Dept. of Peace Campaign
7 pm @ The Casa / 5802 E. Lincoln Dr., Scottsdale, AZ 85253, 480-948-7460, Chris Dove
FEB. 28, 2007:
Department of Peace Talk
Terri Mansfield
Sponsored by Arizona Enlightenment Center
10 am - 12 pm:
Unitarian Universalist Church
114th Ave. & Bell
Sun City, AZ
Contact Heather Clarke for more info @ 623-882-9454
January 25, 2007
AZ Legislature Urges National DOP Legislation
AZ State Rep. David Lujan has introduced the Dept. of Peace "Memorial" into the State House of Representatives for the second year in a row. It urges Congress in Washington, D.C. to enact the Dept. of Peace legislation.
Please read it. This is VERY IMPORTANT.
Read The Bill
World AIDS Day 2006
Reaching out across Arizona
Friday, Dec. 1 @ 5:30PM
This event is held annually to recognize the global crisis that is now affecting over 25 million people worldwide. In Arizona, the highest rate of increase in this deadly disease is among African American women.....
Come and hear the health experts share the data, the advocates share their views and hopefully some signs of hope for the future.
Special guests include:
- Kirk Baxter, founder of Body Positive
- Arizona Department of Health Services, Director Sue Gerard
- Homegrown gospel artist, Ramon Pratt;
- MiAsia’s Fashions
- Our very own jazz sensation, Doc Jones
- Special guest MC, Annie Loyd
- Music from La Campesina and Mega Radio Stations
A collaboration of a caring community living with, fighting for and supporting efforts to eliminate HIV/AIDS in this community and around the world. We celebrate those who were here before us and empower those who will guide the future.
5:30 PM to 8:30 PM at Steele Indian School Park
3rd Street and Indian School
September 21, 2007
Arizona Celebrates Peace
On Thursday, Sept. 21, 2006, millions of global citizens came together in towns, villages, cities, on oceans, lakes, rivers, in the air, and underground to affirm one truth: internal and external peace...it is a choice, and it begins within each one of us.
The healing energy of peace is spreading all over this beautiful planet Earth that we call HOME. Here in Arizona, the AZDOP Campaign co-hosted three events on Sept. 21 which brought hundreds of citizens from all walks of life together in peace.
At Sunrise, we gathered at the Franciscan Renewal Center (the Casa) in Paradise Valley, for Peace Prayers, Meditation and Labyrinth walk. Participants were welcomed by Chris Dove and Pat Julian of the Casa, as well as by Terri Mansfield, Co-founder of the AZDOP Campaign.
The following guests shared their faith prayers for peace:
- Pat Julian: Roman Catholic;
- Rev. Paul Eppinger: Christian;Imam Abdur-Rahim Shamsid Deen: Muslim;
- N.V. Shamasundar: Hindu;
- Johndennis Govert: Buddhist;
- Dr. Lynne Kitei: Jewish plus song "Somewhere Over the Rainbow".
All guests then walked in silent meditation to the Casa's Peace Pole. There Havasupai spiritual emmisary Uqualla, led us in prayer and blessing of the Peace Pole: "May Peace Prevail on Earth". Then Uqualla led us to the magnificent desert Labyrinth (designed by our friend Taffy Lanser) , where we all slowly walked our silent prayers for peace.
Mitzi Lynton's smile welcomed all of us. The neighbor's dog happily ran over and joined us! We closed by holding hands and forming a circle around the Labyrinth, as Lance played his exquisite flute and Uqualla's burning sage wafted a blessing over all of us, spreading peace and harmony to the 4 directions.
At Noon, Starshine Academy K-12 Charter School hosted a community peace event.
- Trish McCarty, CEO & founder and principal Jan Shoop, welcomed us to this amazing K-12 "UN recognized peace school".
- Steve McCarty sang his popular songs;
- Johndennis Govert shared a Buddhist blessing;
- Scott Lerman dedicated "The Sower" for Starshine;
- Bill, Sherry and Brad Lund dedicated "Victoria's Peace Path";
- Terri Mansfield re-dedicated the school's "Peace Pole";
- "Heather's Bench" was dedicated;
- Dr. Lynne Kitei again sang "Somewhere Over the Rainbow";
- Rev. Joyce Buekers announced that the Harp Foundation's newest CD is to be a fundraiser for the AZDOP Campaign & Starshine Academy & The FUSION.
We formed another huge circle, as 192 flags of all the member nations in the U.N. were waved by all the students, teachers and guests...we all said "may peace prevail on Earth" for each country...this was very moving and colorful, and exhilerating as we felt the peace and joy in our hearts connecting with all global citizens.
At Sunset, Trish McCarty and Terri Mansfield hosted the North American segment of the 9th Annual Peace Pals International Art Competition. The global Peace Pals event occurred this same day in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Judy Butzine, Deb Reynolds, Ann Nichols and Lesley McKinley did a fantastic job coordinating this evening's events.
We gathered at The Icehouse near downtown Phoenix. The final 15 entries of over 1000 from children ages 5-15 years old, from Canada, USA, and Mexico were on display for our distinguished judges to consider:
Thanks to Robert and Louise McCall, Steve McCarty, Robert Miley, Jim Gardner, Susanna Holt, Greg Ross, MaryLou Harrington who were there in person as well as Ed & Frank Mell, Beth Ames Swartz, Mark Switlik, Clarke Reidy, Rae Love, Lisa Law, Michel Sarda, Ken Ross, Joy Bancroft, & Ambassador Yehoram Ben-Shalom who were there in spirit.
Annie Loyd was our outstanding MC. Delicious Ethiopian food was provided by Cafe Lalibela, drumming and entertainment by Keith Johnson. The children's art work is fantastic, and will soon be added to Starshine Academy's website for you to see. Each piece of art says "May Peace Prevail on Earth".
Thank you to all who supported and participated in these three events on Sept. 21. Everyday we have a choice: to smile at a stranger, to let a driver merge into our lane, to give a compliment, to connect through dialogue, to practice listening, to speak truthfully, to embrace integrity, to see each other as fellow humans, to understand that peace on Earth spreads from our hearts...one heart at a time.
April 8, 2006
City of Phoenix DOP Day
CITY OF PHOENIX
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
A PROCLAMATION
THIRD ANNUAL ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF PEACE CAMPAIGN DAY
WHEREAS, on April 8, 2003 and Sept. 14, 2005, a bill to create a cabinet level Department of Peace was reintroduced for the second and third times in the House of Representatives in Washington, D.C.; and
WHEREAS, the DOP legislation holds peace as an organizing principle in society, domestically and internationally. Dr. Benjamin Rush, a Founding Father and signer of the Declaration of Independence, along with George Washington's peer, Benjamin Banneker, envisioned a Department of Peace to balance the Department of War; and
WHEREAS, President Dwight Eisenhower named Harold Stassen to be his Cabinet Level Advisor for Peace & Disarmament in March, 1953. Over 100 bills have been introduced into Congress since the end of WWII to create a Department of Peace in the federal government; and
WHEREAS, the mission statement of the AZDOP Campaign reflects its goal to educate all citizens, inclusively, about the efficacy and practicality of the DOP legislation, and to cultivate problem-solving dialogues for the common good, both domestically and internationally; and
WHEREAS, the AZDOP Campaign explains the Dept. of Peace legislation as the following:
It will provide much needed assistance for the efforts of city, county, and state governments in coordinating existing programs in their own communities, as well as programs newly developed and provided by the Department of Peace;
- It will teach violence prevention and mediation to America's school children;
- It will support our military with complementary approaches to ending violence;
- It will rehabilitate the prison population;
- It will effectively treat and eliminate gang psychology;
- It will build peace-making efforts among conflicting cultures both here and abroad;
- It will research, articulate, and facilitate nonviolent solutions to domestic and international conflict; and
WHEREAS, grassroots AZDOP Campaign volunteers serve as a "bridge" between community citizens and our elected officials as exemplified by a Feb. 22, 2006, experience with bipartisan Arizona State Representatives ( Reps. Anderson, Lujan, Konopknicki, Sinema) who introduced a "memorial" HCM 2013 / HCM 2020, to urge Congress to enact a U.S. Dept. of Peace & Nonviolence.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, PHIL GORDON, MAYOR of the City of Phoenix, Arizona do hereby proclaim April 8, 2006, as the THIRD ANNUAL ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF PEACE CAMPAIGN DAY in Phoenix.
Given under my hand in these free United States in the City of Phoenix, on the fourth day of April, two thousand six, and to which I have caused the Seal of the City of Phoenix to be affixed and have made this proclamation public.
Phil Gordon
Mayor
Feb 26, 2006
Tie Vote on AZ DOP Legislation
Our efforts at having the Arizona State Legislature pass a memorial urging our congressional delegates to create a Department of Peace and Nonviolence have been quite an adventure and education into the legislative process.
The vote Wednesday, February 22nd, was 4 to 4 on our HCM 2020 (formerly HCM 2013) bill in the K-12 Education committee. Since the vote was a tie, the bill did not pass.
Three Democrats and one Republican voted for the bill.
Four Republicans voted against the bill. Two Republicans were not present.
We believe one of those not present to be firmly opposed to the bill and one to have the strong potential to be a swing voter.
Interestingly, three of the Republicans who voted against the bill specifically requested permission from the Committee chairman to explain their votes. They were all respectful and their comments were in earnest and not derisive. While the next bill was being heard, Representative Farnsworth, who has a very conservative reputation, left his seat and came into the audience room to explain his position further to us. We were ecstatic that we received that level of feedback. I was reminded of the saying, First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win. If that saying is true, then we definitively reached stage three, at least in that committee. It was very hopeful and empowering.
Both primary sponsors, Rep. David Lujan (D) and Rep. Mark Anderson (R) of the bill were pleased with the reception of the bill in the committee and are looking forward to sponsoring the bill again next year.
Synopsis of process:
Representative David Lujan (D) met Terri and offers to sponsor the Department of Peace Legislation. He advocated bi-partisan sponsorship and approached Representative Mark Anderson (R), who declined. We met with Rep. Mark Anderson several more times and he explained that it is a volatile election year and while he supports the idea, it is a politically difficult bill for him to sponsor this year. We decided to proceed without the bi-partisan sponsorship and, unexpectedly, Rep. Anderson decided not only to become a primary sponsor, but provided great leadership in the process. Representatives Bill Konopinicki (R), and Krysten Sinema (D) signed on as co-sponsors.
Rep David Lujan submitted the bill and it was assigned to the Federal Mandate and Property Rights Committee. The Committee chairman refused to allow a hearing or bring the bill to vote. Rep Anderson had his staff do the research for a Strike Everything Amendment that allowed the bill to be heard in the K-12 Education Committee. The Strike Everything Amendment allowed our bills contents to replace the bill content of a bill that was assigned to the Education Committee. That bills content moved to another committee.
The evening before the hearing on the bill we were informed that Rep. Allen, one of the K-12 Education Committee members, added two amendments to the bill, which read as follows:
Whereas, the proposed federal legislation must be amended to require all employees of the new Department of Peace and Nonviolence to have at least ten years of United States military service experience.
Whereas, the proposed federal legislation must be amended to require the Department of Peace and Nonviolence to send at least three representatives of the Department into any potential military engagement with an enemy force to see if the enemy truly has peaceful intentions before any commitment of United States military personnel.
On the day of the hearing Trish Adams, Terri Mansfield, Steve McCarty, and Ann Marie Tate provided testimony. Representative Allen, the representative who wrote the amendments, did not attend the hearing and thus the amendments were not mentioned. The vote resulted in a 4-4 tie, which was one vote short of passing.
Lessons learned:
Know all the deadlines involved. At the front desk of the Capitol we were able to get some paperwork that told us all the deadlines relevant to the legislative process. Be careful to note that deadlines will show the end of the work week. However if your committee meets on Mondays, the real deadline for you will be 4 days earlier than the end of the work week.
Shell Bills / Strike Everything Amendments. The committee chairman of the committee our bill was originally assigned to refused to allow the bill a hearing. However, we were still able to get a hearing. A Strike Everything Amendment is a maneuver where the content of one bill replaces another bill. Apparently, every year there are a number of shell bills floating around the legislature for this purpose. While the bill we replaced, I do not believe was a shell bill, it seems likely that that bills contents moved to a shell bill. Ramifications being- It is beneficial to have a well-respected, well-connected sponsor. It may be worthwhile to lobby more broadly outside of your bills committee. Also, it may be useful to look at what committees might more favorably hear the bill, even if that is not where your bill is assigned.
Coordinate testimonies. I felt our individual testimonies were good, especially given that we had little notice that the bill would actually go to hearing. However, in hind-sight, we could have used a little tighter coordination to ensure strong coverage of all of our core points.
Prep work. It can be hard to get appointments with Representatives during the committee seasons. The further ahead of time you can make appointments and develop relationships, the better.
Dealing with amendments. We were taken by surprise when one of the committee members added two amendments to our bill the night before the hearing. Be aware that this is a possibility. While that Representative left the room during our bills hearing and the amendment did not come up, it seems this a good time to practice Non-Violent Communication skills. Try to discern what the underlying concern of the amendment is, connect to it if possible, and then offer solution or acknowledgement of the issue. If you dont want the amendment added to your bill, it still seems like a good strategy to connect with the underlying issue while not accepting the amendment as a solution to the underlying issue.
Register support-other legislatures/citizens. The K-12 Education Committee chairman told us that he would allow 4 speakers. To register to speak we had to sign up at a kiosk at the Capitol. At that point we realized that people can register their support/non-support of a bill without requesting to give testimony. Those peoples names and positions were read aloud for the committee members at the time of the bill hearing.
Negative responses. Representative Farnsworth and Nichols both talked about agreeing with the concept but having issue with some of the language. Particularly of interest was the issue of states rights. Representative Stump felt more appropriate structures for peace building should come from affinity groups such as religion, etc. These responses encourage us to attempt further dialogue. Also it highlights our weakness in communicating one of our core messages: the Department of Peace and Nonviolence is intended to be capacity building and resource-generating to non-profit organizations, faith-based organizations, community groups, and various levels of government in order to promote effective local initiatives.
Lawn events. We found out that it is free to hold events on either the Senate or House lawn. We just have to get into the reservation system. Normally, holding an event on the lawn requires having liability insurance. However, if sponsored by a Senator or Representative, the insurance requirement is waived. What a wonderful way to celebrate and also to publicize your organization and bill.
Other. We did not do any work with the press or press releases. If anyone has any recommendations in that arena or any other suggestions, wed love to hear them. Please send them to AnnMarie.Tate@AZDOPCampaign.org
Follow-up message of encouragement from Rep. David Lujan:
From: David Lujan
Sent: Thursday, February 23, 2006 8:33 AM
Terri,
(All of ) you did a great job yesterday! I am sorry the vote didn't turn out the way we hoped. What Mark said is very true - it often takes a couple of years to get some ideas through our legislature. I would not look at yesterday's vote as an end to our efforts on the postcard, but rather just the beginning. It was only the beginning of the discussion. In that regard, I think yesterday was very successful. You were able to have a 30 minute public discussion in the Arizona Legislature on the benefits of the Department of Peace. A lot more people, who previously were unaware of the Department of Peace, are now aware of it. In case you didn't know, it was not just the people in the hearing room who listen to those proceedings. The press room in the Senate with several reporters viewed that hearing as well as other legislators who can watch the hearing from their offices plus those in the public all across the state who watch our hearings on the Internet. So you did a great job of getting your message out.... That is pretty impressive that you got Rep. Farnsworth to actually come over and talk to you about it.
I plan on introducing the bill again next year and I am very optimistic that we will get it through. We only needed one more vote this time. I have to think that if Rep. O'Halleran had been in the room he would have voted for it.
I really appreciate all of your efforts and time you spent meeting with legislators and discussing the bill with them before the committee hearing. It was time well spent and it will pay dividends down the road. Thank you!
David,
(Arizona State Representative David Lujan-D)
Jan 25, 2006
DOP Bill Introduced to AZ State Legislature
It is with great joy and gratitude that we inform you of the following proactive and inclusive action by 4 of our Arizona State legislators. On Jan. 25, 2006, a concurrent memorial was introduced in a bipartisan manner by State Representatives David Lujan (D), Mark Anderson (R), Bill Konopknicki (R), and Krysten Sinema (D).
This bill is number HCM 2013, to "urge the Congress of the United States to enact a United States Department of Peace & Nonviolence".
There is much work to do here with the other AZ State legislators, and we will keep you posted. We welcome your ideas, suggestions, and positive input.
Please thank Reps. Anderson, Lujan, Konopknicki & Sinema for this empowering action:
August 9, 2005
Peace Walk Concludes at Trinity Test Site
...and so the literal walking journey to "Full Circle": The Epic Return to Trinity... is now complete.
The documentary will debut globally in the next several months. The negotiations, the top Pentagon security clearances, the arrangements, the logistics, the documentation, the civic connections...were all perfect.
The Monks, Matt Taylor, Cindy McLure, the support crew, the directors and organizers, the family of citizens, the military...have all returned to their daily lives. And yet the miracle, the grace of the August 9 event will be in our hearts forever.
On August 8, the President signed the Energy Bill in Albuquerque, New Mexico. On August 9, the 60 year old Atomic Flame was extinguished at Trinity, New Mexico.
As we prepared for our 2 hour bus ride from Albuquerque to Trinity Test Site, we noticed the storm clouds building all over the area. The military had warned Matt Taylor and the other organizers that if lightning were active at Trinity, we would not be allowed to get off the buses for our own safety.
A small group of us friends held an impromptu prayer/song service in the hotel before we departed.
Trish, Ann Marie, Maren, Beverly and I each offered our simple prayer for the highest good of the Trinity ceremony in a few hours. Steve McCarty prayed, and then played his guitar for us and we all sang "Fly Like An Eagle" which he co-wrote years ago with Steve Miller.
As the buses made their way south to Trinity, we were blessed to have wonderful people on our bus, including Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul, and Mary. Peter played his guitar for us and we all sang many songs with him, including "Where Have All the Flowers Gone?"
Shortly before arriving at Trinity, the dark skies opened up and rain and lightning were everywhere. As our buses literally pulled up to the gate to Trinity, the rain and lightning stopped, the clouds lifted up into one protective dome overhead, a herd of antelope appeared, and we all disembarked from the buses...in silence.
The Monks led the slow and solemn walk, followed by visiting Roshi, dignitaries, and all of us who had been invited to this life-changing event. A few of the military were there, as were several national and international news media.
We all walked up to our designated spots, and the Monks began their ceremony in front of the obelisk-shaped Trinity stone marker. Each dignitary held the Atomic Flame one last time.
They represented the "down winders" who had been adversely affected by I-131 radiation from the Nevada atomic bomb testing in the 1950s and 60s; the World Peace Music Awards; the 1985 Nobel Peace Prize winners: International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War.
The Monks placed a parchment on the ground; on the parchment they had written a prayer for peace. Over that they placed origami paper cranes which had been folded by children from Arizona and New Mexico. They rolled up the papers, tied them, and placed them over a short metal stake which was anchored in the earth.
The Monks each lit their torches to the Atomic Flame, and together they transferred the Flame to the papers. As the fire burned down, the prayers went up...to bless all Life, to release fear, and to embrace peace.
Rev. Oto gathered the ashes and the earth, and placed this into 4 boxes. One box will go to nearby Alamagordo, one box will go to Hiroshima, one box will go to Nagasaki, and the 4th one will be divided up into 8 smaller boxes: one for each of the leaders of the 8 countries who now are in possession of nuclear weapons.
At this same time, Steven Seagal and his colleagues were in Russia negotiating the purchase of the first surplus nuclear weapon to be melted down into bracelets to be sold to raise more money to eventually buy all the surplus nuclear weapons on Earth.
Only 25 million dollars will buy the entire global inventory. Already, 1.3 million dollars have been pledged.
All of us who participated in and witnessed this ceremony, lined up for a group photo, and silently walked back to our buses.
As the buses made their way back to Albuquerque, we all reflected on the miracle of what had just occurred. A 60 year cycle of the "old" had just ended, and a 60 year cycle of the "new" was just beginning. My niece Lindsay and her boyfriend, Nick, both college students in Albuquerque, represented our youth working for peace on Earth.
Thank you from all of our hearts to all of your hearts for holding the clarity, strength, courage, joy and peace for this "Full Circle: The Epic Return to Trinity" to become a reality.
Please visit www.GNDfund.org to read more, and to view photos of this historic event.
We gave all the Monks, Matt, Cindy, and support crew, Department of Peace pins and baby Peace Poles!
July 29, 2005
Monks on Peace Walk Joined by AZDOP
The sweltering heat blazed down on a group of monks and their suporters during their long jouney through Arizona. On July 29, three Zen Monks from Japan stopped in the Town of Paradise Valley while on an important mission for world peace. Their goal was to raise money to disarm nuclear missiles across the globe.
Terri Mansfield and other Department of Peace members joined the monks for parts of their walk in Arizona and joined them again at the Trinity nuclear test site in New Mexico for the extinguishing of the flame.
Read the full story as it was reported in the Paradise Valley Independent newspaper.
April 10, 2005
AZDOP Celebrates 2 Years of its Mission to Spread Peace
 
New River Peace Pole Terri Mansfield, Trish Adams, Bernie Molaskey, Kit Carson
On April 10, 2005, the Arizona Department of Peace Campaign (AZDOP) celebrated 2 years of its mission to represent the national grassroots DOP Campaign by networking with and educating inclusively with all citizens and organizations to create peace and harmony within our communities. Since July 2001 there has been a bill in Congress to create a cabinet level Department of Peace in the federal government. Www.azdopcampaign.org www.thepeacealliance.org
This April 10 celebration was enhanced by the dedication of a magnificent 14 foot peace pole designed by New River artist Kit Carson and built and erected by land owner Bernie Molaskey and friends. A peace pole acts as a silent global prayer for peace. The prayer "May Peace Prevail on Earth" comes in over 300 different languages. Www.peacepoles.com Www.worldpeace.org
The languages for the prayer on this peace pole are English, Spanish, phonetic Navajo, and a combination of animal tracks and petroglyphs. (Representing the current inhabitants and ancient culture of the desert foothills that surround the pole.)
This peace pole is constructed of recycled material. The pole has a "mail slot" so that visitors can deposit prayers, dreams, and wishes inside the pole. Bernie invites all those who wish to visit the peace pole to arrange an appointment through the website www.peacetoearth.org The New River location of the Peace Pole is on Bernie's Song Dog Ranch near a historic marker from 1917 at the intersection of his private land, Arizona State Trust Land, and the Tonto National Forest.
Guest speakers included:
- Terri Mansfield, State Director and Co-founder of the Arizona Dept. Of Peace Campaign,
- Bernie Molaskey, host of the celebration, and
- Kit Carson, Peace Pole designer.
A collaborative proclamation from the City of Phoenix and Mayor Phil Gordon was read.
The proclamation states that "April 8, 2005, is Arizona Department of Peace Campaign Day in Phoenix".
After the 60 guests enjoyed cake and ice cream, a perfect celebration ended with the viewing of the perfect desert sunset.
April 8, 2005
Mayor Declares Phoenix AZDOP Campaign Day
The AZDOP Campaign formally asked the City of Phoenix and Mayor Phil Gordon's Office, to issue a collaborative proclamation on April 8, 2005, recognizing the 2nd anniversary of the creation of the AZDOP Campaign. The Mayor's Office gave us the official proclamation yesterday. (April 8, 2005) We have the wording on the proclamation below for you to read.
Thank you for all of your efforts these past 2 years to network with and to educate citizens about the efficacy of a cabinet level Department of Peace in the federal government. The DOP will empower men, women and children to unite in our communities to create the peaceful solutions to disruptive challenges in all aspects of society.
View Scanned Copy of the Proclamation
CITY OF PHOENIX
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
A PROCLAMATION
ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF PEACE CAMPAIGN DAY
WHEREAS on April 8, 2003, a bill to create a cabinet level Department of Peace (DOP) at the federal level, was reintroduced in the House of Representatives in Washington, D.C.; and
WHEREAS, the DOP legislation holds peace as an organizing principle in society, domestically and internationally. Dr. Benjamin Rush, a Founding Father and signer of the Declaration of Independence, along with George Washington's peer, Benjamin Banneker, envisioned a Department of Peace to balance the Department of War. President Eisenhower named Harold Stassen to be his Cabinet Level Advisor for Peace & Disarmament in March, 1953. Over 100 bills have been introduced into Congress since the end of WW II to create a Department of Peace in the federal government; and
WHEREAS, the mission statement of the AZDOP Campaign reflects the goal to network with and to educate all citizens, inclusively, about the efficacy and practicality of the DOP legislation, and to empower citizens to unite in the common goal of creating the peaceful solutions to the violent challenges that impede our realization of a harmonious society.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, PHIL GORDON, MAYOR of the City of Phoenix, Arizona, do hereby proclaim April 8, 2005, as Arizona Department of Peace Campaign Day in Phoenix.
Given under my hand in these free United States in the City of Phoenix, on the eighth day of April two thousand five, and to which I have caused the Seal of the City of Phoenix to be affixed and have made this proclamation public.
Phil Gordon, Mayor
March 7, 2005
Monarchid Studio AZDOP Meeting
Our March 7 AZDOP meeting was held at Monorchid Studio / 214 E. Roosevelt, Phoenix Our gracious hostess, Lara Taubman, is the curator for the extraordinary international art exhibit called "A Warlike People" which asks the question "...are we ready as a human species to leave war behind and to evolve into peace ?" Joan Baron is one of the featured artists, and she explained the premise behind several artists' work. Joan has a wonderful art display of her own, creative and touching American flag of words and handprints: the center hand print is holding a mini peace pole, a gift to Joan from Terri. 2 of our guests were a mediator and his collegiate daughter from Chicago who were impressed to know that a DOP Campaign is a growing grass movement in the US.
Februay 5, 2005
Peace Pole Dedication Update
On Feb. 5, 2005, the City of Phoenix and the City of Baghdad / US Embassy were united through the dedication of 2 Peace Poles. At 8:30am in Phoenix, citizens from all over Arizona and many from out of state, joined us as we formed a huge circle outside the Blue Planet Village / Integrated Health & Fitness EXPO at PHX Civic Plaza.
- Terri Mansfield and Shirley Catanzaro, as Arizona Coordinators, represented the DOP Campaign as we welcomed all friends near and far to this extraordinary event of peace. *Renee Morgan Brooks sang her beautiful songs of peace.
- Joyce Buekers played her soothing and heavenly harp. *Peace prayers were offered by Rev. Paul Eppinger (Christian), Imam Abdur-Rahim Shamsid-Deen (Muslim), Guru Roop Kaur Khalsa (Sikh), & Shirley Catanzaro (Madonna Ministry).
- Ed Wolf placed burning sage in an abalone shell at the base of the Peace Pole.
- Colleen O'Donnell explained the collaboration between her Hard Rock Cafe Ambassador Club & Kate and David at their Peace Pole Makers company in donating the Peace Pole to the US Embassy in Baghdad.
- Trish Adams explained how our Phoenix friend Lyle agreed to take the Peace Pole with him on Jan. 20 when he returned to Baghdad where he works in the US Embassy.
- Rommy Banaszczyk emphasized the role of the children for peace through her UN Childrens' Association.
- Paula Christine explained how her World Peace Prayer Society (NY) and its sister organization the Goi Peace Foundation (Japan) donated the Peace Pole to the AZ Dept. of Peace Campaign to give to the City of Phoenix. Paula shared with us the significance of over 250,000 Peace Poles all over the Earth. We all prayed 3 times: "May Peace Prevail on Earth".
- Everyone wrote their messages of peace which will be placed inside the hollow aluminum Phoenix Peace Pole when it is officially given to Mayor Phil Gordon.
Meanwhile, we received a call from Lyle in Baghdad (10 hours ahead of Phoenix) later that morning, thathe and his friends and peers had successfully and peacefully completed their dedication ceremony of the Baghdad Peace Pole to the US Embassy, the City of Baghdad, and all of Iraq. Many Phoenix children and adults wrote peace prayers which Lyle took with him to Baghdad. They will be placed inside that Peace Pole as well.
It is significant that the Phoenix event received much press coverage: Local channels 3 (independent, CNN afiliate), 5 (CBS), 10 (FOX), & 15 (ABC) ran Peace Pole stories on both Feb. 4 & 5 evening news broadcasts.
THANK YOU to everyone who participated in person and in spirit, including Department of Peace advocates everywhere, World Peace Prayer Society, Goi Peace Foundation, Peace Pole Makers USA, Hard Rock Cafe Ambassador Clubs,
Blue Planet Village~Integrated Health & Fitness EXPO, StarShine Academy, City of Phoenix, US Embassy~Baghdad, AZ Interfaith Movement, Harp Consortium, UN Childrens' Assn.
February 5, 2005
PEACE POLE Dedication Ceremony
sponsored by
Arizona Department of Peace Campaign:
Feb. 5, 8:30-9:15 am, Phoenix Civic Plaza
You are invited to Phoenix, AZ, for a profound Peace Pole Dedication Ceremony, that will be simulcast from Baghdad, Iraq, and the Phoenix Civic Plaza in Phoenix, AZ on February 5, 2005. This dedication with the Arizona Department of Peace Campaign is part of the 3 day Expo Experience held in Phoenix, February 4-6, presented by Blue Planet Village and the Integrated Health & Fitness Expo.
The Peace Pole Dedication Ceremony will explain the history of the Peace Poles on Earth, their significance in global healing, and the peaceful yet empowering impact they have on every community. Spiritual leaders will offer peace prayers, children will sing peace songs, and all present will state "May Peace Prevail on Earth" three times, as we connect with Lyle Skillen (retired Navy SEAL) and the Peace Pole ceremony in the US Embassy in Baghdad at the same time. (11 hour time difference.)
This ceremony will create a Bridge of Peace from Arizona to Iraq and beyond. We hope to have CNN, local Channel 3-KTVK News, and other media coverage.
The Phoenix Peace Pole was donated by the World Peace Prayer Society to the AZ Dept. of Peace Campaign, who in turn will dedicate it to the city of Phoenix.The Baghdad / US Embassy Peace Pole was donated by the Peace Pole Makers (Michigan) and the Phoenix Hard Rock Cafe Ambassadors' Club.
Peace Poles are handcrafted global symbols for peace, reminding us to BE PEACE. They spread the message, "May Peace Prevail on Earth." Each Peace Pole is eight feet tall, made of British Columbia red cedar, and is either 4, 6, or 8 sided. A new design is made of hollow aluminum so peace prayers may be inserted before the dedication ceremony. There are over 300 languages from which to choose the prayer, "May Peace Prevail on Earth" and those prayers are then placed on the surface of each side of the Peace Pole. There are over 250,000 Peace Poles in over 180 countries on Earth.
Some notable locations of a Peace Pole include: The Pentagon, the OPEC, World Trade Organization (WTO), and International Monetary Fund (IMF) world headquarters, the North Pole, the Giza pyramids in Egypt, Findhorn in Scotland, the Jordan River in Israel, The Hague in the Netherlands, Confucious' burial site in Taiwan, Gorky Park in Moscow, Russia, Robben Island in South Africa, and the Atomic Bomb Dome in Hiroshima.
The Dalai Lama, Mother Teresa, President Jimmy Carter, John Denver, and Pope John Paul II have all dedicated Peace Poles. One Peace Pole for each participating country, was donated to Salt Lake City by The World Peace Prayer Society in honor of the 2002 Winter Olympics. Peace Poles are in churches, schools, parks, public buildings, and private homes.
The Peace Pole Project is a part of a non-profit, nonsectarian, organization based in New York City called The World Peace Prayer Society (WPPS). WPPS was founded by Masahisa Goi in 1955 in Japan. Mr. Goi, a poet, writer and singer who dedicated his life to humanity, said, "We are facing the age where the politics of the world must be carried out by each individual.
Every individual who repeats the words 'May Peace Prevail on Earth' thus becomes a great force for realizing peace in the world." Mr Goi wrote more than 50 books on spiritual development, and is respected in Japan as a great master in his field. In 1990, the WPPS was accepted as an NGO (non-government organization) in affiliation with the Department of Public Information of the United Nations. Their sister organization, Goi Peace Foundation, is in Japan.
The Arizona Department of Peace Campaign (AZDOP) is a nonprofit affiliate of the national nonprofit DOP Campaign, based in Michigan. "We the People" have an opportunity to help create a new cabinet level Department of Peace in Washington, D.C. The Secretary of Peace will oversee mediation and conflict resolution , domestically and internationally, working with community experts in the US, and with State Department and the Pentagon representatives internationally.
Ohio Congressional Representative Dennis Kucinich has introduced legislation twice, July 11, 2001 and April 8, 2003 to create the Department of Peace. The bill, currently HR 1673, will be reintroduced for the third time in April 2005.
Peace is more than the absence of war. It is the harmony created by living together in hope, respect, prosperity, and happiness as a global community. The Department of Peace is the Cabinet level "champion" for peace and nonviolence in our society, domestically, internationally and in space. International author, speaker, and minister Marianne Williamson hosted three national conferences in 2003-2004 to launch the grassroots Department of Peace Campaign.
Walter Cronkite stated Aug. 12, 2004, in an article for the Denver Post titled, "Why Not a Department of Peace?", "... There is an urgency to its (DOP legislation) adoption. In this dangerous world, where the strength of the United States is needed to keep the peace, we need a visible manifestation of our intention to play that role, without the arrogance that cost us friends and allies among the nations and peoples of the world."
We can all be the peace that we seek on Earth, one person at a time.
*For additional Department of Peace information, send an email to information@azdopcampaign.org Arizona Department of Peace Campaign, www.azdopcampaign.org Terri Mansfield and Shirley Catanazaro (602)-885-9058 / (480)-203-8303 *Integrated Health & Fitness Expo February 4-6, 2005 Phoenix Civic Plaza www.azexpo.com 480.946.6002
Sandy Rogers Cell 480.232.5650 sandy@azexpo.com
*Blue Planet Village www.blueplanetvillage.com
*Department of Peace Campaign, www.dopcampaign.org (586)-754-8105
*Peace Pole Makers USA www.peacepoles.com (231)334-4567
*World Peace Prayer Society (WPPS) www.worldpeace.org
(845)-877-6093 www.goipeace.or.jp/english/
January 3, 2005
January DOP Party
Our January AZDOP Campaign "party" was super last night at StarShine Academy in Phoenix. Thanks to Trish Adams, Jan Shoop and Ann Nichols for their generous use of the school cafeteria.Despite the rain, we had 30 or so wonderful men and women present to share their experiences of "being the Department of Peace" in action. We handed out postcards for people to sign and send to their congressional reps, urging them to sponsor the DOP legislation (HR1673). We invited everyone to keep up the great work of sharing the DOP background with their friends, familiy, neighbors....strangers!
Our guest speakers included:
- Robert Miley, who talked about his mission and classes on helping children and adults to release their fears through art; he also explained his powerful 24 foot sculpture which is taking shape in Phoenix near Central & Roosevelt www.releasethefear.org
- Daniel Hirtz led is in a relaxing yet invigorating breathing technique which he utilizes in his CD project, www.breatherforpeace.org* John English stopped by for a few minutes to explain the concept behind his blockbuster book, "The Shift" about a new American political party created by "we the people", www.dtpublications.com
We saw a brief but sweet video on Fr. Jorge's Christmas peace-filled "nacamiento" or nativity, in his Tempe church, the Shrine of Holy Wisdom.
Rick, Angie, RV and Cris Romero gave an excellent intro to their award winning documentary "A Critical Mass" for those who have not yet seen it, and we all enjoyed watching it while munching on pretzels and popcorn.
We talked about participating in several upcoming events:
- Jan. 17 MLK Jr. march and festival near downtown Phoenix;
- Feb. 4-6 Integrative Health & Fitness Expo at the Phoenix Civic Center, www.azexpo.com including our double Peace Pole dedications in Phoenix and Baghdad US Embassy hosted by the AZDOP Campaign.
- Feb. 7 AZDOP Campaign monthly meeting; guest speaker: Sheriff Joe Arpaio (rescheduled); learn more about the jails' 65 social programs; find out why Sheriff Joe supports the proposed DOP. This is a perfect example of "inclusion".
- April 2005: reintroduction of the DOP legislation for the third time in Congress.Think about joining us as we return to Washington, D.C. to be a part of this historical legislative process...it is empowering...and fun!
Thanks to all of you who came last night including: Stu Starky, Colleen, Lynne, Dr. Ruth, Fr. Jorge, Ingrid, Daniel's brother Peter from Austria (!), Mary, Victorya, Sherry V, Briana (from Lake Havasu!), Joanne, Marge, Crystal...I apologize for not remembering everyone's names...but I see your smiling faces!
Hugs of peace...Terri & Shirley
November 29, 2004
Did you Miss the Party?
There were 40 people at our Nov. 29 AZDOP meeting last...including many new DOP advocates.
In addition to our holiday cookies, Angie Romero made popcorn so it was a festive evening at StarShine Academy Charter School in Phoenix. I was the MC. Trish Adams welcomed everyone to her amazing charter school...the Dept. of Peace in action. Shirley Catanzaro opened with a meditation for peace. Joyce Buekers played her harp. Susan Seats reminded the group of how the DOP Campaign began for us Arizonans, last y |
