| Dear Friends of Peace Pilgrim, BIRDS
NESTING, PLEASE GO THRU THE GARAGE OR TO THE BACK DOOR — We had this sign on our
front walk for several months while we raised four families of finch birdies on our front
porch. One nest was in a flower pot of mint, and three families took turns in a year-old
nest in a blooming rose vine. It has been such a rare and miraculous treat for both nests
to be low enough for us to see four pale green eggs that finally hatched.
What a great privilege — watching the whole operation — mother sitting on the
eggs, father sometimes feeding her, mother and father taking turns patiently keeping their
eggs and then their babies warm, finally four pairs of eyes and necks stretching up,
mouths wide open, parents poking in luscious morsels.
One day I saw Mother perched close by, chirping at her babies over and over again, and
they would chirp back. Was she teaching them to chirp or to recognize her voice? Finally,
an outstretched wing, and soon they were gone. We have an old nest high on back of the
house that has been constantly in use, and now four birds are fighting over it.
***** (Back to TOC)
CONGRESSMAN TOM LANTOS AND HIS WIFE ANNETTE
Saundra MacDonald, who has given out many Peace Pilgrim books to libraries, gave one to
Annette. She wrote that Tom and Annette Lantos are an unusual couple with a deep concern
and commitment to world peace. They both had been saved from the Holocaust by Wallenberg
when they were young in Hungary.
Annette called and expressed her great enthusiasm for our book Later she wrote,
“I’m very excited at the prospect of working with you on this project. I hope
personally to distribute these books in Washington at the Capitol, and perhaps establish a
‘Peace Forum’, or Congressional Friends of Peace, whose purpose would be to
study Peace Pilgrim’s writings and above all find ways to apply them in our own
lives. It would be wonderful to have as many stories as possible of ‘life changing
experiences’ that people shared with you as a result of being exposed to her.” Recently
she called from Washington, DC for a box of 48 hardcover books and a stack of STEPS.
*****
CENTER FOR PEACE STUDIES
John Seiberling the director~ Akron University, Ohio writes: “After a
lifetime of focus on the practical approaches to making a better world (soldier, lawyer,
World Federalist, and Congressman), I have a much deeper appreciation of the power of
people-to-people approaches, especially when one of the people is as spiritually uplifted
as Peace Pilgrim. Thanks for carrying on.
***** (Back to TOC)
SWEDISH & DUTCH TRANSLATIONS
Recently we received our first Swedish Peace Pilgrim book and our first Dutch STEPS
booklet!
AMI HEDBERG had translated STEPS into Swedish a couple of years ago and then translated
PEACE PILGRIM She writes, “To send the Swedish Peace Pilgrim book fills me with
thankfulness and happiness! It was so much more work than I ever would have dreamt of. But
many friends helped, and we succeeded in getting it printed at last. The book has met with
great interest. I now and then talk to groups about Peace Pilgrim, and people are really
open to her message.” For a copy of her STEPS or her book write to Ami Hedberg
Skilhinadsgatan 60A, 41273, Goteborg Sweden.
DR. GLAUDEMANS and a friend had translated the PEACE PILGRIM book into Dutch and
now, a year later, he sent us Dutch STEPS! and wrote: “We proudly present to you
the Dutch STEPS....Our ‘Course in Miracles’ group published this booklet as a
tribute to one of our members who died several months ago. It was her wish, before she
died, to send STEPS to all her friends as a Christmas greeting. The translation and
printing were not ready soon enough for her to do this. After her death we decided to
print it anyway and to spread the message in this way.” For a copy of Dutch STEPS
and books write to Dr. W.G.. Glaudemans Treek 22, 3524 TA Utrecht The Netherlands.
*****
UKRAINIAN STEPS — Anatol Brunton, a native of Ukraine, teaches English in a
Claremont, California him school. He has translated STEPS and has distributed 150 copies
among Ukrainians in Los Angeles and the Ukraine. He writes, “When I retire in 7 weeks
I’ll mail more STEPS to friends and publishers throughout the Ukraine. The second
edition includes a great review and introduction by a friend who was a reporter for many,
many years.” For a copy write to him at 2540 N. King Way, Claremont, California
91711.
***** (Back to TOC)
A CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE OF PEACE PILGRIM
The following is a letter from Jose Troncoso to Rick Foster who plays traditional hymns
and classical music on his guitar before many churches and gives out Peace Pilgrim STEPS.
We heard him play his inspiring music at the Hemet Baptist Church.
Dear Rick, I held off sending letter #1 because I had failed to include some very
important comments regarding the Peace Pilgrim. First of all, THANK YOU! I needed
to read the message of this little booklet and at precisely the very moment that you sent
it. I was flabbergasted & speechless. HOW did you know that I have been
struggling with some issues addressed in the booklet? I was dumbfounded by the timing, as
if someone knew I needed it. So thank you for being obedient to the spirit of God and
sending the booklet. Rick, I know not how the Peace Pilgrim classifies herself and
I don’t really care how others classify her. Let me give you my perspective:
We can judge people by what they say.
We can judge people by what others say.
Or we can judge people by what they do.
We can speak righteous words & live sinful lives.
We can call ourselves Christians because of our Sunday activities, yet during the week
it’s business as usual in everything we say and do. Like Paul’s epistles, our
very lives are like letters that are written on the tabloids of other people’s
hearts.
I am not as interested in a person’s words or title as I am in his/her life and
deeds. The latter gives a much more accurate testimony.
Back to the Peace Pilgrim. Whether she was aware of it or not (and I would hope that
she was) she was practicing what Christ modeled for us. The Peace Pilgrim’s life was
a living testimony of Christ, of Christianity. I do not know enough about the Peace
Pilgrim, other than what I learned in the booklet. But I do know that no one measures up
to the perfect example of Christ. We are all imperfect. No doubt the Peace Pilgrim
has her share of imperfections, as we all do. Maybe she fails to call herself what she
should. I don’t know. But consider the alternatives. How many people call
themselves but fail to live a Christian life? I’ll take the Peace Pilgrim,
thank you. I love what I see in her. Her message reached me “pronto.” It’s
been about a week since I received the booklet, and I still feel the difference from the
message she brought me. In her, I see a little bit, a “touch” of Christ. And
much more of a “touch” than most people have. The most significant part of her
message was, in my opinion, the part that says that true happiness is reached only when we
give ourselves away to others by serving them without any condition, by loving them
unconditionally. If this message is not Christian, then what is?
Thank you for bringing the Peace Pilgrim to my attention. Because of her I have
actually come a little closer to Christ. Yes, my goals or purpose in life are now a little
clearer. — Your brother in Christ, Jose
If you would like to purchase Rick Foster’s audio tapes and a beautiful video
tape of his family farm with his music and his children or invite him to your church,
write to him at 276 Corn Creek Road, Days Creek, Oregon 97429.
***** (Back to TOC)
TRAINING COMMUNITY LEADERS
The following is from a letter by Jennifer St. John. a long time friend of Peace
Pilgrim, having first seen the Peace Pilgrim book in Henri Nowan’s class at Harvard
Divinity school. She has since given out many boxes of books. She is now Program
Coordinator for LEADERSHIP SEACOAST In the last four years, area residents from all walks
of life have participated in a six-month program of one-day seminars featuring topics such
as criminal justice, education, arts and culture, health and human resources, and economic
development. Leadership Seacoast is one of more than 1,000 such programs nationwide
affiliated with the Nat. Association of Community Organizations. You’re welcome to
contact her at 320 South Street, Portsmouth NH 03801. Jennifer writes:
I have worked hard to teach consensus building and peaceful dialogue with people who
are at the opposite sides of our political and social spectrum. The retired Commander of
the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard talked me into going through the program over four years ago
— even though he knows I get arrested each year in witness to an end to testing at
the Nevada Test Site. We are able to work together to improve the Portsmouth Community -
that is our common bond. And through this bond of service, we are able to unite at a deep
and healing level.
For the past three years I have given a Peace Pilgrim book to every person who
graduates from my program. Many have told me that it has had profound effects on their
lives. Some keep it right by their beds. This past weekend I attended a Relationship
Workshop in Massachusetts. When I gave the leaders the Peace Pilgrim book at the end of
the retreat, Joyce, one of the leaders, said, “OH! That is my favorite book.” So
I told her to pass it on. Does everyone in the world own a copy by now?
*****
BANGALORE, INDIA — I was at a workshop in the Buddhist
monastery in the South of Thailand and was given your little STEPS booklet which touched
me very much [asks for a book]. I cannot wait to read it.
*****
LITHUANIA — Quite by chance I got acquainted with your STEPS
booklet. The ideas are very important to me and my world outlook. We have rather hard
times here in Lithuania at the moment with all the uncertainty and turmoil around. In my
opinion, the most important thing for human beings now is mutual understanding and love.
Because love is the essential thing and because “love can move mountains” my
impression that you are trying to pave the path towards this understanding with love. That
is why I should like to get your book and some booklets so as to share these beautiful
ideas with my students.”
***** (Back to TOC)
A QUESTION FOR PEACE HEARD AROUND THE WORLD
by Rev. Dick Harding author of” Walking Through Stress” - 290 Berlin #45,
Clinton, MA 01510
Fifteen years ago President Jimmy Carter visited my hometown, Clinton, Massachusetts. He
came to launch America’s first worldwide televised Town Meeting program.
On March 16, 1977, I found myself standing in front of a floor microphone. World TV crews
were there, and I got the opportunity to ask Jimmy Carter what he would do to bring peace
to the Middle East. [Prior to Carter's appearance in Clinton, the Worcester Telegram
called Dick Harding to inquire what question would he like to ask Jimmy Carter on
worldwide television if he should get the opportunity at Tow Hall.] One person with one
question about a search for peace was instrumental in stimulating the format for the first
Israeli-Egyptian Peace Treaty between Jews and Arabs in 4,000 years. The story became
history. At the time of my question, these two nations were still in a stage of war. Yet,
PEACE IN THE DESERT became a deed fulfilled and has been described as one of the 'most
joyous conflict resolutions in all human history."
WHY DID IT CLICK INTO PLACE SO WELL ON MARCH 16, 1977 IN CLINTON, MASSACHUSETTS? I
believe that people with the right principles (The Carter formula — secure borders
for Israel, free trade among all area nations, and a homeland for the Palestinian
refugees)...and the right purpose (Seek Peace and Pursue it!!!) can bring miracles into
reality.
The ultimate outcome from my simple question and President Jimmy Carter’s complex
answer culminated in Washington, D.C. in 1979 with the signing of a Middle East Peace
Treaty. It’s still valid in 1993!
[Clinton Daily News Item - The President's comments came Wednesday night in response to
Dick Harding's question on the Middle East. And according to last night's NBC Nightly News
report, Carter's answer to Rev. Dick Harding COULD EFFECT U.S. POLICY IN THE MIDEAST.]
So, whenever you feel your SOLITARY EFFORTS FOR PEACE are not important or are of little
value, remember my SOLITARY QUESTION ABOUT PEACE to a new president, which stopped the
killing of innocent children and brought bitter enemies to the peace table. Or think of
Peace Pilgrim whose journeys across America changed lives for bountiful good.
I am continually amazed at Peace Pilgrim. Year after year, mile after mile, she shared her
warm, loving countenance and message of hope and happiness with an endless procession of
people. They came from every walk of life. And, today like myself, these countless
individuals can freely testify to the rich fruit and priceless treasures from
Pilgrim’s SOLITARY JOURNEY of one person with a mission of peace. Her spirit is
making dramatic inroads through the printed page, the audio soundtrack, the videotape
film, plus the glowing lifestyles of people who now can reflect love, life and laughter.
Thanks to one person of peace who found she could change the world.
You can never tell what your loving efforts and energies can accomplish, if you only will
T-R-Y.
Richard Harding’s story is confirmed by Jimmy Carter’s Statement as he was
being interviewed on a national telecast by Jack Nelson of the Los Angeles Time:
“One of the major goals I had in mind when I was inaugurated, even long before I was
inaugurated president.. .was to bring peace to Israel and her major neighbors. About two
months after I was elected president...! went to Massachusetts for one of my overnight
stays in a town meeting there (Clinton, March 16, 1977)...and in response to Rev. Dick
Harding’s question on the Middle East, I called for a Palestinian homeland, implying
self-determination was justified for the Palestinians. And there was an uproar in the
country among the supporters of Israel, because I would dare to mention a Palestinian
Homeland.
“But....! think by taking only that sort of position, which I still maintain by the
way, was I able to bring the Egyptian leader (Sadat) and the Israeli leader (Begin)
together...at Camp David...to conclude the accords — and then, six months later, to
finally negotiate the Peace Treaty (Middle East Egyptian-Israeli Treaty).”
*****
SUNNINGDALE, BERKS, ENGLAND — I have just finished reading the
Peace Pilgrim book and am so impressed and inspired that I feel I must write to you. I
have read many books on the lives of great people but found this one excelled them all.
Once I started to read it I could not put it down and felt almost riveted to it —
such an inspiration and spiritual uplift. I would like to send a copy to the BBC and ask
Woman’s Hour if they would make a serial of it. A daily reading of it would reach so
many thousands of women in England who listen to this program. I feel sure very many women
would be thrilled and inspired by it. — Dorothy Walters
*****
BOULDER, CO — One of my clients has had agoraphobia for 23
years. I have been treating her for a year and a half. She has been making good progress
the past few months. She recently identified her three greatest fears, and one of them is
to drive alone far from home. About the same time I received some books from you with the
suggestion of giving them to libraries. As I was driving across Colorado it occurred to me
that she could deliver books to small-town libraries, going progressively farther from
home. She shares my affection for Peace Pilgrim. She agreed and today took the book you
sent me for her to distribute. She will begin to journey out from Boulder giving Peace
Pilgrim books to libraries around the state.
*****
MADRAS, INDIA — I was fortunate enough to go through the Peace
Pilgrim book for 15 minutes at random, some pages only from a co-passenger during my bus
travel (Bangalore to Puttaparthi). It thrilled me to read word by word in pages.
***** (Back to TOC)
LETTERS FROM THE DOCUMENTARY CREW
CLAIRE TOWNSEND — During my tenure as a studio executive in Hollywood, I
noticed that no matter how noble a film’s intentions, no matter how well manipulated
afterwards in the editing room, the finished product was inevitably infused with the
consciousness with which it had been made. A film made with fear and anger vibrated with
fear and anger, subtly affecting all who viewed it. I vowed to make a film one day in as
close to a state of grace as I was able to muster in myself and inspire in others. This
documentary about Peace Pilgrim is that film. Each time the three of us are faced with a
decision, we turn to Peace Pilgrim’s own principles to guide us. Answers and
resources have come in the most simple and beautiful and startling of ways. We’re
learning how limitations are good, how needs differ from desires, and how good people are.
We look forward to meeting with as many of you as possible — and then sharing the
finished film with you.
DAVID MUELLER — Here we are just months after we began discussing the
possibility of making a documentary about Peace Pilgrim. We are now on the road. Our
journey will take us across this country. Our mission is to gather stories...stories of
inspiration, stories of beauty, truth, goodness, humor and peace. Through these stories
and through the visual beauty of this land, we will try to make Peace Pilgrim’s
message available to an even greater number of people. We hope to inspire people to think
ab6ut peace on all levels. Like the ripples of a pebble dropped into still water, the
spirit of Peace has spread around the world. Like seeds, it has been well planted. We now
go forth to find and make apparent this harvest.
GIG! ORLOWSKI — From the moment I first read the book PEACE PILGRIM, I knew it
had to be a film — but I also knew that it could not be made in the manner most films
are made. Somehow, it only seemed appropriate that the making of this film be approached
in the same manner that Peace Pilgrim set out on her pilgrimage — with pure motives,
a lot of faith, and great love.
We feel, as Peace Pilgrim felt, that spiritual truth must never be sold. So we intend to
make the film available for free to all who ask. But this presented us with what seemed to
be a “problem” (otherwise known as an “opportunity in disguise”). How
were we going to finance an undertaking as expensive as a film?
Yet, no sooner had we announced our intentions to make this documentary, than the money
started rolling in. It almost took me by surprise at first. And as generous donors gave of
their time, money, and services, we learned to simplify our filmmaking desires down to
need level, so that by our departure date we were ready to set out on our filmmaking
pilgrimage.
I feel very privileged and thankful to contribute my small part to the making of this
documentary. But this film is truly a collaboration of many thoughtful, generous, and
hard-working people from around the world, who I regretfully don’t have the space to
name. However, each has helped to confirm the belief that the desire for peace is
universal and an idea whose time has come.
AMIRAH YATES — I came to the center originally to fill the role as computer
person, i.e., typeset our newsletters, maintain the database, etc. I spoke with David
Mueller the day he called to express his interest in producing a film on Peace Pilgrim.
Reading letters Peace Pilgrim had written, and letters friends wrote her during her
pilgrimage was my initiation into the process of compiling reference material for her
documentary. I have typed over half of her original “Peace Pilgrim’s
Progress” newsletters into the computer so that I may typeset them. Soon I will
typeset the audio cassette transcriptions. This serves two purposes. One is to add them to
our ever growing display of literature that reflect her work. The second is to make it
easier to search for her sayings and comments on specific subjects.
The film crew has scaled down to just three people after our retreat in Santa Cruz. In
that weekend we realized how difficult it would be for a large crew to travel light and in
an unhurried manner. Small as we are you will not find a more sincere and dedicated group.
Although I stay behind as production coordinator I am with them in spirit. So if you
happen to see a 1977 Volkswagen bus, all white with blue lettering “filming coast to
coast for peace” be sure to visit with them.
On July 7th, They were feeling very optimistic about locating the Texas lawyers who apply
Peace Pilgrims principles in their mediation work. You can refer to newsletters 11, 12 and
15 for more information about these very special lawyers. There were many people we tried
to contact but we were unable. At this point we have faith that what we have is exactly
what we need for the best and broadest perspective of Peace Pilgrims life and work. It is
an honor to be a part of this project. I feel I’m playing a part in history!
***** (Back to TOC)
"SPIRIT OF PEACE” DOCUMENTARY ITINERARY
The “Spirit of Peace” Production Team will try to keep as close to this schedule
as possible. Please understand we need a little flexibility to account for weather, etc.
We regret that we are not able to interview all the people we feel could make an important
contribution to this film. If you would like to contact the filmmakers, call Amirah Yates
at the Center. Amirah is our Production Coordinator and will be able to contact us at any
time.
6/29/93 Leave Los Angeles
6/29 - 7/2 Friends of Peace Pilgrim
*Film arrival of the shipment containing one
millionth “Steps Toward Inner Peace”
7/3 - 7/6 Travel East to Dallas, Texas
7/6—7/11 Dallas, TX
7/12—7/15 Cedar, KS
7/16—7/18 Burlington, KS
7/20 - 7/25 Chicago, IL
7/26—7/31 Carol & Paul Burkett (219) 244-7200 Area Coordinator — Indiana
8/1 Elyria, OH
8/2 - 8/3 Pittsburgh, PA
8/4—8/9 Marceline Murphy (301) 421-9562 Area Coordinator — Wash. DC / Maryland
8/10—8/14 Egg Harbor, NJ (Peace Pilgrim’s Sister)
8/15—9/6 New York/New England Area
8/15—8/16 Lil & Gene Orlowski (203) 426-6280 Area Coordinator — New England
8/16—8/17 Lyme, CF
8/17 - 8/20 Mattapoisett, MA
8/20—8/21 Lincoln, MA
8/22—8/24 Richmond, NH
8/24—8/25 New Ashford, MA
8/26—8/27 Buskirk, NY
8/28—8/30 Albany, NY
8131—9/6 Lil & Gene Orlowski (rest stop)
9/8—9/13 Pennsylvania
9/8 Swarthmore Library—Peace Collection
9/9—9/10 Lancaster, PA
9/10—9/11 Spring Grove, PA
9/13 Washington, DC
9/15 Huntington, PA
9/15—9/20 Niles, MI; Larwill, IN; Fort Wayne, IN
Peace Studies Inst—Manchester College, IN
9/20 - 9/23 1st Congregational Church, Sycamore, IL
9/23—9/25 Route 80 West through Des Moines & Omaha
9/25 - 9/26 Cedar, KS
9/27 - 9/28 Rte 36 W. to Denver; Rte 87 N. to Cheyenne
9/28 - 10/1 Laramie, WY
10/2—10/4 Dubois and Crowheart, WY
10/5—10/7 Salt Lake City, UT
10/8—10/11 Ivins, UT (Near St. George)
10/12 Return to Los Angeles
“Spirit of Peace” (213) 650-7347
c/o Claire Townsend
2348 Hermits Glen, Los Angeles, CA 90046
Oct—Nov To be announced: Arizona, New Mexico, Washington, Oregon, California
***** (Back to TOC)
THE POSITIVE PLANET, PEOPLE WHO WORK TO
BUILD A BETTER WORLD
This book published in England and sent to us by the author, shows how to use our talents
in our daily lives. It offers practical tools which we can use to encourage future
generations and puts forward practical suggestions for transforming anger and hurt into
healing and self-confidence.
Three pages of the chapter called “They Build A Positive Planet” is devoted to
Peace Pilgrim. She is given as an example of a dedicated person who had an impact on
people. It shows how Peace Pilgrim started by doing good and eventually found her
vocation.
You can order this book through Enhance Ltd., The Hall, Radford Hall, Southam Road,
Radford Semete, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire CV31 1FH.
*****
COSTA RICA — On my first visit to Costa Rica, in 1991,! took
several Peace Pilgrim books and many Spanish STEPS. The books were thankfully received by
the Friends Peace Center in San Jose and the school library at Monteverde. The latter is a
wonderful, large cloud forest reserve, started by a group of Quakers from Fairhope,
Alabama in the 1950s.
I handed out the 25 Pasos to various Ticos (native Costa Ricans) whom I met. When I was
staying in a remote rural area on the southern Atlantic Coast, I gave a STEPS booklet to a
friendly woman who had served me meals. Upon departure she asked me if I had anymore of
those “Peace booklets,” because the young chef saw hers and really wanted one. I
found one more, which I took to the kitchen. His face lit up as I handed it to him, and he
graciously thanked me. What a wonderful ending to my first visit to the only substantial
country in the world
without a military. — Shoshana Suellio
*****
SALT LAKE CITY — I would like three books sent to me, one for
the Mill Creek Library, one for the Rape Crisis Center and one for the Family Mental
Health Center. These three public organizations have helped me greatly through some bad
times when I was in search of self. I would like to share the help, love and this
alternative way of thinking and living that Peace has given me. Thank you! This book has
changed my life.
***** (Back to TOC)
CHRIST BY THE RIVER HERMITAGE — AUSTRALIA
The following are excerpts from a letter from Father Douglas Conlan at the hermitage:
I have greatly appreciated having Peace Pilgrim books as adjuncts to my work in retreat
direction and school camps and staff development seminars. They also make wonderful and
inspiring enclosures to all my mail, which amounts to several thousand each year. Your
work is now reaching out to people everywhere.
I wonder if I might be able to explore the possibility of utilizing the excellent and
deeply practical framework contained in Peace Pilgrim’s little book — the 12
points as a basic framework for a daily readings book that I am working on — building
in quotes from Father Bede Griffiths, non-Christian Scriptures and readings from poets,
writers and other contemporary religious scriptures and wise sayings. It does seem to me
that the Peace Pilgrim 12point plan is so down to earth and without sectarianism that it
is able to speak to all manner of people.
I would not change Peace Pilgrim’s words in any way or change her intentions in what
she has said.
I shall be attending the Parliament of World Religions in Chicago in August and thence on
to the Trust meeting in New Hampshire. It may be possible for me to come and visit with
you if I were nearby — or at least I hope so.
INTERNATIONAL PEACE BRIGADES
Gandhi called for peace armies, made up of courageous; idealistic people who would
respond constructively to diverse emergencies in all parts of the world. In our last
newsletter we quoted Peace Pilgrim, “I look for a peace force of unarmed people
(maintained by the United Nations) which would go to places where trouble is brewing and
find out what is the cause, help supply the needs and nip the trouble in the bud.”
Here are two recent articles about peace armies:
***** (Back to TOC)
PEACEMAKING TEAMS
The following is excerpted from an article by Len Capozzi, printed in “Gardenia, a
Journal for Peace Through Nonviolence,” P.O. Box 183, Tomalese, CA 94971.
What is the United Nation’s proper role in responding to global conflicts? UN
Secretary General Boutros-Ghali has called on the UN to find ways to promote
“peacemaking” as well as peacekeeping. The UN’s traditional role of
peacekeeper too often resembles that of armed combatant. So what is peacemaking and what
form should it take in the UN?
Michael Nagler, the president of our board, generated enthusiasm for his proposal that the
UN establish nonviolent peacemaking teams. “Nonviolent peacemaking is an idea whose
time has come, but it is no longer just an idea. It is an idea with a track record.”
He outlined a way by which the UN could shift over to nonviolent “rapid response
teams.” First would be to consult with people who know how “peace armies”
work. Next would come recruitment and training. “As a professor with twenty
years’ experience teaching nonviolence at a major research university I give you my
absolute personal assurance that idealistic volunteers are available.” Finally,
interventions would be selected. The first operations would be small scale, but with
experience the international teams could go into situations like Somalia and the former
Yugoslavia.
The advantages of nonviolent peacemaking are striking. “You get much more non-bang
for the buck.” The idea of a standing peace army is much less problematic than a
standing UN military force.” By voluntarily using nonviolent means as private groups
around the world have done, the reluctance of the UN to use force — at present its
greatest weakness — could be turned into its greatest strength.
People will argue that such peacemaking is dangerous. So is war. Nonviolent peacemaking
offers no magical guarantee against injury, or even death. Significantly though, the
experiences of such groups as Peace Brigades International, Witness for Peace in Central
America, and a recent expedition into Sarajevo, indicate that nonviolent peacemaking may
be less dangerous than armed peacekeeping. After a decade of nonviolent action by these
groups there have been very few injuries and no deaths. These nonviolent actions have
certainly saved many lives.
***** (Back to TOC)
A CALL TO PARTICIPATE IN A NONVIOLENT ACTION
PEACE PROJECT IN THE VICINITY OF SARAJEVO
In December, 1992, an Italian Peacemakers group sponsored a trip of
approximately 500 people to Sarajevo in Yugoslavia. The purpose was to express solidarity
with the people of Sarajevo and call upon all to cease from military action and seek a
solution to their disagreements. They met with ordinary citizens and peace groups. There
was considerable physical risk but all returned without injury.
Now this peace group is sponsoring a second peace project from at least June 25, 1993
until September 13, 1993. It involves establishing three camps in and near Sarajevo, each
camp involving 60-80 people. Each participant will work, according to his or her capacity,
in projects with women, children, ill people, elderly people, and refugees and commissions
set up for political/diplomatic work. Efforts will be made to bring large numbers of
people to the Sarajevo area for August 7-15, which will include an ecumenical celebration,
and a meeting on “Peace from the point of view of citizens.”
It is hoped that participants will have had prior experience in nonviolent action
projects. All encampment participants will be required to take a training course in
nonviolence.
The United States’ WE SHARE ONE PEACE WORKING COMMITTEE is asking that every person
from the U.S. who wishes to participate submit two letters of recommendation from people
with whom he or she has worked in peace and justice movements. Participants will be
expected to pay their own way, plus a surcharge of approximately $350 for other costs. For
further information write to: We Share One Peace Working Comm., 1460 W Carmen Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60640. Tel: 312-784-8065.
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