News & Highlights: Peace Education in the Philippines; Global Warming education in UK, World Social Forum
Peace Education in the Field: Updates from Peru, India, and Israel/Palestine
Action Alerts: Petition for Mayor Akiba, March for Israeli-Palestinian Peace, Iraq Veterans Memorial, Disarmament Efforts

 

Executive Order for Peace Education – Philippines
From Loreta Castro – Miriam College, Philippines
Recently an executive order (EO) was signed by the Philippine President regarding the mainstreaming of peace education. According to my contact in the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), it is his agency that prepared the text of the EO for the Philippine President's approval. It was signed Sept. 26, 2006. According to the EO itself, the EO supports the Medium-term Philippine Development Plan 2004-2010 and the UN Declaration to promote a culture of peace, and is the result of joint peace education efforts by government and nongovernmental organizations. This is truly a landmark executive/government policy and we hope that the mainstreaming of peace education will get a special push because of this. I want to believe that the Peace Education Network here (of which I am the coordinator) and our Center for Peace Education (CPE) had some contribution to the birth of this EO. In the past we have sent at least 2 position papers/letters to the Department of Education urging it to mainstream peace education in schools and to begin this with teacher training. These efforts were in keeping with the goals of the Global Campaign for Peace Education. The OPAPP office in charge of peace education is a member of the Peace Education Network (PEN) and has been active in PEN meetings, activities and the e-group. Again I am pleased to say that we were part of these joint efforts. The CPE has partnered with OPAPP by conducting many teacher-training workshops throughout the country, as well as youth conferences, which OPAPP funded/sponsored. We have also served as constant resource persons/facilitators for the peace education training of the Department of Education.

 

The 25^th Anniversary of the International Institute on Peace Education
The 25^th Anniversary of the International Institute on Peace Education will be celebrated with a special event hosted at the United Nations from August 8-10, 2007.The event will be a three day symposium launching new and more intense initiatives in the development and dissemination of peace education while providing an opportunity for reflection on the evolution of the international peace education movement over the past quarter century. It will offer demonstrations of lessons learned, developed and practiced by IIPE participants and others. Sponsored by the Peace Education Center, Teachers College and the UN Department of Public Information along with several UN & NGO co-sponsors. For more information email: peace-ed@tc.edu

 

Global Warming to the top of Education Priorities – UK
With the publication of a report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, collaborated on by over 2,000 scientists, Education Secretary Alan Johnson placed Global Warming as a top priority in education. Children are to be taught their responsibilities as consumers, and ways in which they can prevent damaging effects to the climate. Curriculum additions will include: climate change and global warming, children's responsibilities, the impact of recent tsunami and hurricanes, sustainable development and recycling. To see the full story, visit: http://news.independent.co.uk/environment/article2208256.ece

 

Rotary World Peace Fellowship
Congratulations to Vikas Gora a member of the Global Campaign on receiving a Rotary World Peace Fellowship for 2006-2008. He will be attending the University of Queensland in Australia.

 

The World Social Forum – Nairobi
This is a report from Cora Wiess upon attending the World Social Forum in Nairobi:
Peter and I are just back from Nairobi and the World Social Forum. There was a World Education Forum as well, but we could never find the workshops. Azril was active in them. Over 43,000 people came together, never really together, there were over a thousand workshops, under beautiful skies, and always lots of music and dancing. Gender seemed to play a big role, a big difference from 1985 when I was last there for the UN conference on women and when the newspapers all made fun of us. But while the networking was wonderful, the dynamics of meeting and speaking and dancing were wonderful, there lingered a question as to whether this goes beyond networking...is anyone else listening? There also didn't seem to be much cohesion....lots of little agenda items, everyone wanting to display their own organization or concern. Human rights played a big role, and Mary Robinson started to discuss linking justice with climate change. The program contained over 140 pages. There were some major meetings, one with Bishop Tutu, another with Jody Williams, Wangari Maathai and Shirin Ebadi (Nobel Peace laureates) from the new Nobel Women's Initiative. I was able to make 5 presentations, three for the Global Women Across the Globe, always including peace education as a necessary ingredient for the world to integrate to avoid violence in this already blood soaked century; and one at the Women Speak for Peace session and a last one at the Italian Tavola de la Pace which addressed the UN and civil society. It was good to re meet so many friends from so many places all doing wonderful work for peace and justice. I don't know if you knew, but from 1959-63 I was part of a small group working with Tom Mboya of Kenya that brought 779 students from Kenya, then Tanganyika, Uganda to the US some for high school and most for college. They almost all returned to become nation builders after liberation from colonialism. It was the cold war, emerging from colonial rule, era. So, on January 19, 2007 we held the first ever reunion of many of the students, many who are now retired, and all who have played leadership roles in their countries. I will be writing more about that experience and will share the articles with you.

 

Leban Serto – India
Peace Initiatives North East India was conceived on the 30 January 2007 at Guwahati , during the one day consultation on the theme of "Agenda for the consultation of Peace Studies in Universities”. Some of the objectives identified in the new initiative are; get people together to work for peace, sharing, conducting consultation in different states in NE during the coming months; compile literature and also publish case studies, a resource directory and publish peace education materials for the region. An e-group will be coordinated by Leban Serto, the group is planning to add names, organizations and groups from different parts of India step by step. They are planning a NE consultation on Peace Education at Shillong for 30 people from 8 States of NE and after that move to Delhi sometime in May-June and have a national consultation. One of the problems faced is trying to organize within the region first, Serto decided to begin here because of his familiarity with the region, as he stated, “Though I had an opportunity to be at Delhi University for ten years I like to work in my needed NE region. Again there are many Stalwarts who are in different parts of India, but the ideas of Peace Education as peace building initiatives is still looked upon with skepticism. It is indeed a big country with diverse cultural settings. A challenge indeed for Peace Education. We are also restructuring the HAP DU groups which will have new members and Plan of Action. All these should be in place by Aug-Sept 2007”.

 

Betty Evans - Instituto EDUCA –Peru
Many thousands of Peruvians throughout the country have commemorated the third Anniversary of the Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and we are working towards reparation for the victims. We are getting ahead with new laws that recognize the victims and the need to make reparation. Some money from the National Budget has been destined for this, although it is not enough yet. We inaugurated a Memory Lane with the Monument of the "Crying Eye", as well as constructed a Teacher’s Guide so teachers can take their students to the site and get some sense of what happened some decades ago. EDUCA is starting a Culture and Education Center in San Juan de Lurigancho where we will provide the people in the area with a multi-purpose building, especially for gender education, for promoting the different cultures in our country and having the young and old own a place where they can share, dialogue and build democratic values. We are very excited about this because, together with the Educenters, we will fostering a sense of identity, self affirmation and love for their cultures and traditions. We understand that in order to have a sustainable development we have to consider and revalue the cultural background of the people.

 

Ghassan Abdullah – Middle East Children’s Association (MECA) – Israel/Palestine
MECA is still going on with its bi-national meetings. Despite all the challenges we are facing, meetings are taking place between Palestinian and Israeli teachers coming from different areas and sectors of education. Before the end of 2006, we managed to produce, print in Hebrew and Arabic, and distribute the work of three groups the Oral History group, called “Functioning Memory,” the Math group, called “Making Peace by using numbers,” and the Journal group called “Other Voices.” The Konrad Adnewar Foundation made a special donation to reprint my educational manual “The Turtles strategy to conflict resolution in the classroom.” 5,000 copies will be reprinted and distributed free of change to schools.

 

Changes in the Department of Disarmament Affairs, United Nations
A network of civil society organizations including Lawyers’ Committee on Nuclear Policy, Reaching Critical Will/Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, Hague Appeal for Peace, Global Action to Prevent War, Peace Boat US, and many more recently petitioned United Nations Representatives to keep an independent Department of Disarmament Affairs. This was a response to the recent proposal of the Secretary-General to have direct oversight of the department. The above organizations assert this change would be a demotion of the department and would likely decrease and limit the critical work in the DDA. To view the letter you can visit the website: http://www.lcnp.org/

 

Petition for Mayor Akiba – Hiroshima
On February 9 a symposium will take place in Hiroshima featuring Chairman Mjos of the Nobel Peace Prize Committee. What we are trying to do is help Chairman Mjos present to Mayor Akiba a petition from the global disarmament community recognizing his past efforts and encouraging him to run. If this petition is presented by Chairman Mjos at this event, it will be impossible for the local newspaper to ignore it. This is our best chance to express our support for Mayor Akiba to the residents of Hiroshima, and Chairman Mjos will be happy to help.

 

March for Israeli-Palestinian Peace – Global Event
June 5 2007 will mark 40 years since the June 1967 war.  On June 5 the “march for Israeli-Palestinian peace” will take place in cities and towns throughout the world in solidarity with the people of Israel and Palestine who will march, demonstrate and organize for Israeli-Palestinian peace throughout Israel and Palestine. Several main events will be held in key cities such as Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Ramallah, Nablus, Gaza, Washington, New York, Chicago, Athens, Paris, Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, London, Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver, Moscow, Rome, Amman, Cairo, Tokyo, and others. If interested in participating or volunteering in this event information can be found at the following website: 2007initiative-for-israeli-palestinian-peace@googlegroups.com

 

Iraq Veterans Memorial – Online
Jim Miller at the Brave New Foundation in partnership with Gold Star Families Speak Out, Military Families Speak Out, Iraq Veterans Against the War, North Texas Vets, Veterans for Peace, Soldiers of Today and Yesterday, GI Special, and United for Peace and Justice are organizing a virtual memorial “The Iraq Veterans Memorial” that will be unveiled March 19^th across the internet. This memorial will bear witness with the 60-second video testimonies of family, friends, co-workers, and military colleagues of those killed. This effort could use volunteer support through donating 60 second video testimonials, and/or hosting the memorial on your blog, website, or Myspace on March 19^th. For more information visit: http://iraqmemorial.org/

 

International Institute on Peace Education 2007 - Arantzazu, Spain
The International Institute on Peace Education will take place July 14-22, 2007. This year’s theme is “Identity, Interdependence & Nonviolent Transformations: Practical Priorities of Education in Transitions to Peace.” The International Institute on Peace Education (IIPE) 2007 will be hosted by Baketik, the Peace Centre in Arantzazu in the Basque Country (Spanish Estate).  The event is being co-organized by Baketik and the Peace Education Center at Teachers College, Columbia University. The application deadline is March 15. For more information about the IIPE and to obtain an application please visit the IIPE website at: www.tc.edu/PeaceEd/IIPE

 

Celebrating Ordinary Extraordinary Women – Washington D.C.
Peace x Peace is hosting a dinner with the theme “Celebrating Ordinary Extraordinary Women the World Around” March 8, 2007 at the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, D.C. The program will be designed to spotlight the many as well as the few and to honor every woman and girl present on International Women's Day. For more information on this event contact: Lily@peacexpeace.org.

 

International Conference on Global Conflicts and Terrorism – Pune, India
International Conference on Global Conflicts and Terrorism 2007 in Pune, India. The World Foundations On Reverence for all Life Pune is organizing the conference on the 22nd January 2007 at Le Meridian Pune India. Objective of the conference is to sow seeds of love and reverence and bring peace and harmony to all religions, castes and creed of different communities by establishing awareness, to help curb human unrest, criminality and terrorism which is causing a tremendous loss to mankind and death of innocent people. Registration is free and by invitation. For more information email: reverenceworldfoundation@gmail.com

 

Teaching Peace Conference
The 3rd Annual Teaching Peace Conference entitled “Weaving Peace through Curriculum and Community” will be held April 14, 2007. They are currently accepting proposals. This year’s conference will focus on the ways educators and community leaders can weave peace education concepts, principles and values into their existing curriculum and how community can further peacemaking goals. If you are interested in learning more about how you can participate in the Teaching Peace Conferences, visit the website: www.teachingpeaceconference.org

 

Inter-American Summit on Conflict Resolution Education – Ohio, USA
Global Issues Resource Center, Office of Community Continuing Education at Cuyahoga Community College and The Organization of American States will host a four-day Inter-American Summit on Conflict Resolution Education in Cleveland, Ohio on March 14th - 17th, 2007. This event will bring together government representatives from among the 50 states and 34 countries of the Americas and their non-governmental organization partners who have legislation or policies in place to deliver conflict resolution education at the K-12 level and in colleges of teacher education. For more information including a registration form, please visit Global Issues Resource Center’s Web site at:

www.tri-c.edu/community/gircsummit.htm

 

Educación para a Paz
Achego, en arquivo adxunto, copia do Cartel e do Programa dos XXII ENCONTROS DE EDUCACION PARA A PAZ que sobre "Educación para a cidadanía e os dereitos humanos" terán lugar os vindeiros días 1, 2 e 3 de Marzo na Facultade de Ciencias da Comunicación de Santiago de Compostela e para os que a matrícula está xa aberta e pode realizarse por mail en paz@sgep.org ou na web: www.sgep.org.

 

Notre Dame Student Peace Conference – Kroc Institute
The University of Notre Dame's Annual Student Peace Conference will take place on March 30-31, 2007. The conference is sponsored by the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies, and is planned and directed by undergraduate peace studies students of the University. This year, the conference is entitled: "Unmask the Unknown: Understanding the Other, Discovering Ourselves". This year's conference will focus on the exploration of the "other" in the world around us, whether that unknown is distanced from us by national, cultural, or more local and personal boundaries. Deadline for proposals: February 16, 2007. For more information visit:http://kroc.nd.edu/events/KrocInstituteStudentPeaceConference2007.shtml

 

15^th Annual International Conference on Conflict Resolution – St. Petersburg, Russia
This conference will take place May 5- 13, 2007. Participation is open to all. Call for proposals due by March 10, 2007. Submissions are currently being accepted. For more information visit: www.cbiworld.org.

International Education for Peace Conference
This conference is being held November 15-18, 2007 and is entitled “Strategies for Building a Civilization of Peace”. For more information visit their website at: www.efpinternational.org/conference2007

 

European University Center for Peace Studies
We wish to invite you to join a select group of 44 students from around the world in an intensive course in peace and conflict studies at the European University Center for Peace Studies (EPU) in Stadtschlaining, Austria. All the courses are taught in English, by leading specialists in their field from around the world, including Johan Galtung, one of the founders of the academic discipline of peace research and frequent mediator in international conflicts. EPU offers students a well-rounded program covering Peace with Security, Development, Freedom, Nature and Culture. Website: www.epu.ac.at

 

University for Peace – Gender & Peacebuilding
University for Peace with great pleasure announces its forthcoming Master of Arts in Gender and Peacebuilding. This program is comprised of eleven intertwining courses and a thesis project that offers a combination of theoretical and practical knowledge, incorporating historic and current events from around the world. For more details and the application procedure can be found on our website: http://www.upeace.org/academic/masters/GPB.cfm

 

The Caux Scholars Program
The Caux Scholars Program (CSP) in Conflict Transformation is a month-long course held in Caux, Switzerland at the international conference center for Initiatives of Change.  The program brings together students from around the world to learn about the moral and spiritual dimension of peacemaking and the relationship between individual transformation and change in the world. CSP combines academics, networking, and practical experience. Website: www.cauxscholars.org, Email: cauxsp@us.iofc.org

 

The United States Institute of Peace – Summer seminar for Community College faculty
The United States Institute of Peace is now accepting applications for its summer seminar for community college faculty and administrators - Global Peace and Security in Community Colleges and the Communities They Serve  - to be held May 29-June 3, 2007 in Washington, DC. The deadline for applications is March 16, 2007. For an application go to: www.usip.org/ed/seminars/ccfs.html.

 

The United States Institute of Peace – Summer seminar for College and University faculty
The United States Institute of Peace announces a summer seminar designed for college and university faculty to be held in Washington, DC from July 10-15, 2007.  The seminar – Global Peace and Security from Multiple Perspectives – will examine the major issues surrounding conflict and peacemaking as well as specific cases illustrative of broad themes.  Faculty from a variety of disciplines are urged to apply.  The deadline for applications is April 16, 2007. For an application go to http://www.usip.org/cufs.html 

 

Washington & Lee University and the Council on Foreign Relations
Washington & Lee University and the Council on Foreign Relations will sponsor an interdisciplinary workshop for educators on the role of nuclear power in meeting future U.S. energy requirements.  The workshop will be held June 20-24, 2007, on the campus of Washington & Lee in Lexington, VA. For more information contact Carah Ong via email: cong@armscontrolcenter.org

 

Peacebuilding and Development - Cluj-Napoca , Romania
Peacebuilding and Development: From Lessons Learned to Program Design and Field Implementation (PaD) is a five-day advanced international training programme for development workers, policy makers, and staff of national and international organizations, UN agencies, and governmental and non-governmental organizations working in development and peacebuilding in communities and areas affected by conflict, war, or in post-war recovery. This training program is taking place in Cluj-Napoca , Romania between March 5th & 9th 2007. For more details and the application procedure can be found on the website: www.transcend.org/training

 

The Summer Peacebuilding Institute
The Summer Peacebuilding Institute is hosting their annual Summer Institute - The Conflict Transformation Across Cultures Summer Institute, offered each June, is a three-week, three-credit professional development and graduate training program in conflict transformation. It is specifically designed for field workers and managers of development and community-based organizations who serve communities in often-volatile environments. Application deadline date: April 16, 2007. For more information email: contact@sit.edu

 

The United States Institute of Peace – Workshop on designing Peace Studies programs
The United States Institute of Peace (USIP) is conducting a workshop on “Designing Peace and Conflict Studies Courses and Programs for Four Year Colleges and Universities”, Friday, Febrauary 23, 2007. Sponsored by Global Issues Resource Center, Office of Community Continuing Education, Cuyahoga Community College, this workshop will provide an opportunity for college faculty and staff to learn how to design courses, programs and activities that focus on international peace, conflict and security for college students.  In addition, approaches and strategies for teaching college students about issues related to global peace and conflict will be covered. Registration due by February 14, 2007. For more information email: Jennifer.Batton@tri-c.edu

 

Rotary World Peace Fellowships-Worldwide
The Rotary Foundation is now accepting applications for the Rotary World Peace Fellowship. Successful candidates would pursue a master’s degree in international studies, sustainable development, peace, and conflict resolution at one of the seven Rotary Center university partners: University of California, Berkeley; Duke University; University of North Carolina; International Christian University; University of Queensland; Universidad Del Salvador. Applicants must be committed to peace and have proven experience in their field. Please look at our website for fellowship program and application information: http://www.rotary.org/foundation/educational/amb_scho/centers/scholars/index.html

Global Directory of Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution programs
The 7th edition of the Global Directory of Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution programs is now available in print and as a constantly updated online resource. This comprehensive guide to peace studies and conflict resolution programs profiles over 450 undergraduate, Masters and Doctoral programs, centers and institutes worldwide. You can order just the book or the database, or both. Available at: http://www.peacejusticestudies.org/globaldirectory/purchase.php

 

The International Journal of Conflict and Violence
The International Journal of Conflict and Violence (IJCV) is a periodical for scientific exchange and public dissemination of the latest academic research on conflict and violence. Consequently, our journal encompasses contributions from a wide range of disciplines including sociology, political science, education, social psychology, criminology, ethnology, history, political philosophy, urban studies, and the study of religions. The IJCV is open-access. All the articles are available to anyone on the internet, free of charge and without restriction. www.ijcv.org

 

In Factis Pax: New online journal for peace education
In Factis Pax is an online journal of peace education and social justice dedicated to the examination of the epistemological relationship between knowledge, peace, and social justice. The peer reviewed journal seeks articles which examine issues central to the formation of a peaceful society- the prevention of violence, political challenges to peace and democratic societies. For more information visit the website: http://www.infactispax.org/

 

The ABA Human Rights Committee
The ABA Human Rights Committee has a weekly newsletter that is available for free for human rights attorneys, activists and educators by visiting. You can join the listserve by sending and email russell@kerrlawfirm.com or by going to the website: http://w3.abanet.org/abanet/common/email/listserv/listcommands.cfm?parm=subscribe&listgroup=inthumrights 

 

Call for Syllabi
Call for Syllabi for the 7th edition of Peace, Justice, and Security Studies: A Curriculum Guide. Editors of the seventh edition of Peace, Justice, and Security Studies are calling for syllabi that fall under the following 15 categories: Introduction to peace and justice studies; Religious sources of conflict and approaches to peace; International organization and the rule of law; Nonviolence; Globalization; Cultures of peace in the post-modern era; Violence, terrorism, and war; Empire, hegemony, unilateralism; Conflict Transformation; Skills in conflict resolution; Peace theory and the interdisciplinary nature of peace and justice studies; Cultural dynamics affecting conflict, justice, and peace; Environment; History; Peace and justice education. Send submissions electronically to: jlgarber@manchester.edu

 

Gernika Gogoratuz Peace Research Centre
Gernika Gogoratuz Peace Research Centre would highly appreciate contributions to their current research project which compiles analyses and systematizes documented experiences in the pedagogical treatment given to the victims of terrorism, in both formal and informal systems of education. This project is collecting the following information/materials: Education experiences and their results, Didactic units, Books, Audiovisual material, Workshops, Seminars, Available resources, Etc. The aim is to unite curricular experiences with others which deal with topics related to terrorism, as well as their relationship to the pedagogy of peace, memory, reconciliation and historical memory. To contribute please contact Karmele Soliño, Researcher for Gernika Gogoratuz Peace Research Centre at:karmelesolino@gernikagogoratuz.org

 

Report from The Peace Foundation
The Peace Foundation recently released a report on eleven of the foundation’s programs, including: Schools Peace Week, Cool Schools Peer Mediation, Schools as Human Rights Communities, Schools Outreach Programme, Media Peace Awards, Roots of Empathy, Peace Cities, The Cloak of Peace, Parihaka Peace Festival, Threats to Peace and Disarmament, Protecting children from violence. For a copy of the report and more information on these programs see http://www.peace.net.nz

 

Human Rights Education Associates – Resource List
Human Rights Education Associates recently added a list of resources and professional development opportunities to their database. Courses offered include but are not limited to the topics of Health and Human Rights; Forced Migration; Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights; Children’s Rights; International Law; Refugee Rights. To explore their recent additions see www.hrea.org/erc/Calendar.

 

Peacemaker 101: Careers Confronting Conflict
I am pleased to announce the publication of Peacemaker 101: Careers Confronting Conflict, a collection of brief personal essays from 39 participants in the Asch Center's past summer institutes. The personal essays in this book offer a broad range of examples from which to draw inspiration and direction. Peacemaker 101 is available only through the Asch Center (at no charge). If you would like a copy, please contact Jena Laske (lajena@sas.upenn.edu). In order to facilitate wider distribution, we have also made a PDF version available on the Asch Center's website: http://www.psych.upenn.edu/sacsec/eidelson/Peacemaker101.pdf

 

Quinnipiac University – Visiting Professorship
Quinnipiac University, in Hamden, Connecticut, is establishing an Albert Schweitzer Visiting Professorship in Applied Ethics and Social Responsibility. This is a one year position, renewable for another, involving teaching one undergraduate course per semester, faculty development work, a public lecture, and, where possible involvement of faculty and/or students in the holder's own research or other work. Applicants and nominees must have a PhD in Philosophy and a record of related experience or published scholarship. For more information email: ben.page@quinnipiac.edu; nominations and applications should be addressed to Lois.DeAngelis@Quinnipiac.edu; with "Schweitzer Professorship" in the subject box.   

 

Saint Louis University – Department of Educational Studies
Position Available as Chair of the Department of Educational Studies. For more information contact Annie Hammond via email at: hammonda@slu.edu; to apply visit the website: http://jobs.slu.edu

 

The International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ), Liberia Program – Internship
The International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ), Liberia Program is seeking interns both from within the Africa region and other parts of the world to assist in the implementation of its Program activities. The period of the internship will be a minimum of six months. For application information, please visit the website: http://ictj.org/en/about/jobs/index.html#internships