Uniqueness of the Communities of Peace program:
· Based on value of innocence; wishes of children everywhere for peace. This theme and energy pervade the programs.
· Children’s Cloth of Many Colors is a powerful, growing visual. Program has evolved naturally into simple steps.
· These steps are designed to evoke the positive, creative contributions of participants, both children and adult, in a community setting.
· Good story; Pentagon peace ceremony; child-inspired, war-peace-children background, without being contentious or partisan. Why do we want peace, and how?
· Emphasizes the fact that “making peace” is everyone’s responsibility, and that “peace” first starts from within.
· Avoids criticism of others, waiting for others to “do something.” Jumps out of contention and into solution orientation.
· Simple rules – inclusion, positivity, interfaith approach, contribution.
· Emphasizes “what can I give” rather than “what can I get.”
· Evocative rather than prescriptive.