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Common
Peace
1223 Wilshire Blvd #472
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Phone: (323) 931-9125
Fax: (818) 936-0573
centernv@sbcglobal.net
Common Peace, The Center for the Advancement of Nonviolence was originally
constituted as A Season for Nonviolence - Los Angeles, and continues as
the committed Los Angeles sponsor of A Season for Nonviolence, a
project of the Association for Global New
Thought inspired by the 50th memorial anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi
(January 30, 1998) and the 30th memorial anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther
King, Jr. (April 4, 1998). At that time, task forces in 111 U.S.
cities and 10 countries formed a network to nurture the spirit of nonviolence
in our communities and to demonstrate that every individual can move the
world in the direction of peace through their nonviolent choice and action.
That network continues to grow. National
Season can be reached at (805) 563-7343.
Our mission in Los Angeles is to heal, empower and revitalize
our lives and our communities through the practice of nonviolence as a
way of life. Through education, inspiration and cooperative action,
we create a society that honors the dignity and worth of every human
being. We believe that each person can move the world in the direction
of peace through their daily nonviolent choice and action.
Our vision for Common Peace is to establish a home for nonviolence
here in Los Angeles, a place where the Center's programs, services and
resources will be housed.
Common Peace is currently established as a non-profit organization
with year-round programs and services in various stages of development
and implementation. We offer on-going support for education
and the practical application of the principles and strategies of nonviolence.
These programs include, but are not limited to the annual 64 day Nonviolence
Campaign.
Program Overview
- Education - Educating, training and inspiring people in the practice
of nonviolence. Building the knowledge, skill, and awareness, and
creating opportunities to practice nonviolence.
- Advocacy and Social Action - Applying the principles and strategies
of nonviolence to resolution of conflicts and specific problems in our
community and society.
- Institutional Change - Developing and implementing nonviolent institutional
models.
- Educational Tools - Developing products that educate and popularize
nonviolence principles and practice, e.g., "64 Ways to Practice Nonviolence"
poster (English and Spanish).
Our Annual Campaign
-
Annual Campaign Calendar - featuring Nonviolence events sponsored
by diverse L.A. organizations during the campaign.
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Interfaith Prayer Vigil - during the 64 days of our SNV annual Campaign, faith based
communities pray for peace and hold a common vision for a nonviolent
world.
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Hero Project - honors individuals in our communities who serve as
role models for nonviolent leadership and who inspire the hero in each
of us.
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Educators Conference - a one day
conference exploring the role of educators in bringing peace to classrooms
and schools through nonviolent discipline and classroom management.
On-Going Projects
-
Nonviolence Trainings - educating volunteers and the public about
the history, principles and strategies of nonviolence, and training them
in its application for developing a personal, social and institutional
nonviolent way of life.
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Community Dialogues - nourishing community and empowering participatory
democracy through dialogues that address issues affecting the well
being of our communities and society.
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Rekindling the Spirit of Vision - bringing the unspoken dreams and
desires of our communities to the surface as we build a vision for our
country through reflection, wisdom circles, creative expression through
the arts and group process.
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Curriculum and Resource Package -
for all grade levels, as well as in-service training for educators regarding
application of tools.
Long Term Plans
-
Nonviolence Zone - supporting a troubled neighborhood within LA
County over a year period in establishing, nurturing and sustaining a nonviolent
zone.
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Nonviolence Youth Leadership Training - two day intensive workshop
for 100 youth leaders in collaboration with local youth organizations.
Followed by ongoing support to these young leaders in identifying and fulfilling
their nonviolence visions, offered by different organizations and coordinated
by the Center.
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Voices of Vision - Nonviolent Speaker/Workshop Series recognizing
the contribution that nonviolence can make to every institution of our
society, this project presents pioneers in various fields who are demonstrating
the effectiveness of nonviolence principles and strategies in those areas.
Includes programs for the general public and workshops for professional
audiences in each field.
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Vision Conference - Creating a Nonviolent Culture - a one day conference
addressing (1) how we can apply the principles and strategies of nonviolence
to create a world honoring the dignity and worth of every human being,
(2) what's possible here and now, in our lives, our communities, our nation,
(3) how we can each contribute to creating a nonviolent future.
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Resource Library - a multimedia resource for the public, to include
books, curriculum, video and audio tapes and internet access for research
on nonviolence, newsletter / website / database of local nonviolence organizations,
programs and resources.
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Nonviolence Assessment Tools - developing a tool that identifies
nonviolent elements of culture (behavior and attitudes), facilitates assessment
of these elements in specific institutions (schools, families, business,
bureaucracy, etc.), and provides referral and consulting services for developing
and implementing plans to improve scores (the goal: to transform cultural
norms in our society).
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