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1998 was a year of many "firsts" for SNV-LA; including our
first SEASON FOR NONVIOLENCE Campaign. In this
issue of our Newsletter we reflect about this first year of
establishing ourselves ourselves and share our vision for
the future of SNV-LA.
In our next issue (Spring of 1999), look for information about
the success of our 1999 64-Day Campaign as well as updates
regarding ongoing and new projects scheduled for the
remainder of 1999.
Whether new friends or old we are grateful for your interest
and continued support. SNV-LA believes we are all cherished
members of the "Beloved Community" that is lovingly
dedicated to a just and compassionate world, a world that honors
the dignity and worth of every human being. Thank you!
THE FIRST SEASONA Reflection By Wendy TaylorOn January 30, 1998, before more than 1800 people, A Season For Nonviolence (SNV) formally launched its first Campaign. This inspiring event assembled together at the United Nations to honor two of the world's greatest visionaries and practitioners of nonviolence, Mahatma K. Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. January 30th recognized the 50th anniversary of the assassination of Gandhi. SNV's Campaign triumphantly ended 64-days later on April 4, 1998, commemorating the 30th anniversary of the assassination of Dr. King. The GoalThe goal of SNV and all of its task forces is to awaken hope and inspire vision by sharing the philosophy, strategies and practical applications of nonviolence. Our intention is to prove that nonviolence not only can work, but, in fact, is now working within our world communities.National FoundersThe original and expanding vision for A Season For Nonviolence is guided by:* Arun Gandhi, who first proposed the vision in early 1997. Grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, he is present-day leader of the M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence. * The Association for Global New Thought (AGNT), which serves as the convening organization, through its National Co-Directors, Rev. Dr. Michael Beckwith and Rev. Mary Manin Morrissey; * Dr. Bernard Lafayette of Lafayette & Associates, who is a highly respected advocate and educator of Kingian Nonviolence; * The Michigan Institute for Nonviolence Education; and, * The Interfaith Center of NewYork. A Triumphant U.N. Kick-OffThe opening event at the United Nations on January 30, 1998 was formally launched to a vast, enthusiastic audience and attracted a notable array of dignitaries. Speakers at this event included: U.S. Congressman Robert Clement of Nashville (on behalf of Vice President Al Gore); Rev. Jesse Jackson; H.E. Kamlesh Sharma (the Ambassador from India); Arun Gandhi; and, Rev. Dr. Michael Beckwith. Gillian Sorensen, the U.N.'s Assistant Secretary of External Affairs, read a personal message from U.N. Secretary General, H.E. Kofi Annan. In his message,Annan mentioned how, A Season For Nonviolence, sums up the continuing legacy of Gandhi and Dr. King:"The torch is ours now to hold high. This is our way of ensuring that their deaths were not in vain. Let us begin. For we have many miles to go and many torches still to light."U.N. officials were so impressed with SNV's Opening Event and the spirited reception it received that the organization was extended an invitation to return for SNV's 1999 Opening Campaign Ceremony. Nationally & Around The WorldThroughout the 64-Day Campaign, 115 Task Forces emerged across the U.S. as well as in 10 additional countries. Over 300 separate projects ensued worldwide joining community volunteers and participants (comprised of adults, youth and children), social activists, politicians, spiritual leaders and celebreities who share the common vision of nonviolence as a way of life. These coordinated Campaign activities included marches, educational workshops, seminars and training programs, media awareness campaigns, television and radio PSA's, focus events and expert panel dialogues, art projects and exhibits as well as award ceremonies for outstanding community leadership. In the U.S., more than half the nation's governors endorsed the 64-Day Campaign.LocallyA Season for Nonviolence - Los Angeles is one of the 115 Task Forces formed in support of this unified vision of nonviolence as a way of life. it was originally brought to Los Angeles by SNV's National Co-Director, Rev Dr. Michael Beckwith, who is also the Founding Minister of The Agape International Center of Truth.Together with SNV-LA's Executive Director, Eisha Mason, and a magnificent voluntgeer staff of dedicated and passionate individuals from all over Los Angeles and Orange Counties, more than 200 organizations endorsed the original 64-Day Campaign. SNV-LA's Opening Ceremony took place at Veteran's Memorial Stadium in Culver City with over 1000 people attending. Throughout the 64-Day Campaign, sponsoring organizations conducted over 160 specialized events that focused on the principles and applied practices of nonviolence. More than 30,000 people participated in these activities which included adults, teens and children from all cultural, spiritual and economic backgrounds. To promote the Campaign, SNV-LA conducted a media awareness campaign, independently developed logo t-shirts and the 64 Ways to Practice Nonviolence poster. A New Decade of PeaceNumerous Nobel Peace Laureates are urging the United Nations to proclaim the first decade of the new Millenium as, "The International Decade of Peace and Nonviolence for the Children of the World." A Season for Nonviolence and SNV-LA (and all other task forces) is committed to supporting the realization of this dream.While the accomplishments of the first A Season for Nonviolence Campaign were significant, we cannot rest on these alone. Our work has just begun! It is through the consistent and continual acts of many that we are demonstrating that every person can move the world in the direction of peace through his or her daily nonviolent choice and action.
A THANK YOU FROM EISHA MASONDear Friends,When we first came together in response to an idea called, A Season for Nonviolence - Los Angeles, we simply said yes to it. Our yes came from a place deep inside that longed to be heard and fulfilled. As our SNV-LA family grew, we learned that when we come together in a shared vision of nonviolence as a way of life, we do heal, strengthen and inspire one another. We are reminded that we are not alone in our commitment to a world that honors the dignity and worth of every human being. There are far more of us than we ever imagined! We are sincerely grateful to all the people and organizations that welcomed us into their communities and lives. We're heartened by the financial support of so many who, in the beginning, knew very little about us but simply believed in the vision. WSe were touched by the generosity, trust, enthusiasm, integrity and support continuously demonstrated by so many. We're appreciative, too, for their patience with our growing pains, and we thank every Volunteer who made the impossible possible. We are overwhelmingly grateful. Peace & Blessings,
An Interview With Rev. Dr. Michael BeckwithRev. Dr. Michael Beckwith is the National Co-Director of A Season For Nonviolence. He is also the Founding Minister of the Agape International Centger of Truth located in Culver City, California.Q: What is your primary role as the National Co-Director of A Season for Nonviolence? A: My role as National Co-Director is to maintain the vision for A Season For Nonviolence as well as assist in anchoring the organization as a viable instrument for constructive nonviolent change. Q: What is the principle philosophy of the nonviolence movement that you are most passionate about? A: I am most passionate about the practical application of the philosophy of nonviolence that expresses itself as a way of life...a life lived from a position of authentic strength, soulforce. Through the action of love, individuals juxtaposed to that love, to that forgiveness, to that non-resistance, are disarmed and change is born. The activity of nonviolence is not weak. It is strenth revealed in its purest form. Martin Luther King, Jr. expressed his belief in this way, "More than ever before, my friends, men of all races and nations are today, challenged to be neighborly. The call for a worldwide good-neighbor policy is more than ephemeral; it is the call to a way of life which will transform our imminent cosmic elegy into a psalm of creative fulfillment."* Q: What is it about A Season For Nonviolence that inspires you most? A: I am enthusiastic about the fact that through the multi-faceted activities of SNV, we can galvanize the human imagination with the truth that nonviolence is a viable way of life! Humanity often suffers from apathy, fear, a collective expectation of impending doom or cynicism, in general. SNV provides a context for individuals to dust off their sense of hope and quicken the expectation of peace on earth. Without such opportunities for awakening, the march towards peace is thwarted and our potential lies needlessly dormant. SNV stirs up a contagious energy that takes on a life of its own. We saw this demonstrated last year. When the response from both the national and international communities was so prolific, we had to expand our program activities to include all those eager to invest their time and energy to participate. Q: Speaking of last year, were there any surprises with the outcome of the first, A Season for Nonviolence? A: First of all, we knew this undertaking would require a major commitment as well as a tremendous amount of energy to nourish the seeds for the return of a nonviolence movement. it was wonderful to see that as the call went out, thousands of people throughout the nation and in our global community responded in positive and supportive ways. I was pleasantly surprised to see how fast the links occurred, how new firendships and bonds took place, formed in their long held commitment to a nonviolent way of life. Projects and programs began to spring up all around the world, each speaking to our collective desire and belief that a nonviolent society was not only possible, but absolutely inevitable. It was as if thousands had the same dream and suddenly the veil was lifted. The surprise was how big we became in such a short period of time. Q: How does supporting nonviolence differ from simply supporting peace? A: When peace is defined as a dynamic spiritual quality rather than the mere passive absence of conflict or war, then there is no difference between the two. The nonviolent life invites us not to react to persons or circumstances that are out of sync with our life view, but rather summons us to respond from the knowledge that we are unconditionally connected to the spiritual truth that peace is a natural state of the soul. Therefore, it is the birthright of all beings. The way of life described as nonviolent is absolutely both the way and the fruit of peace itself. Q: How is practicing nonviolence different than practicing tolerance? A: An individual who actively practices nonviolence has transcended tolerance and has arrived at genuine acceptance. This means one has expanded their individual consciousness. That they have cultivated their heart qualities fully enough to encompass understanding and compassion towards individuals and circumstances different from their own. Tolerance, while a more desirable response than hate, still expresses separation. Whereas nonviolence has matured into an acceptance of others inclusive of their individual differences. Q: What aspects of A Season For Nonviolence do you find most unique? A: The beauty that unfolds under the banner of A Season For Nonviolence is how individuals of all races, from all walks of life -- Republicans, Democrats, secular, religoius, black, white, conservatives, liberals, management and labor -- all come together as one voice, as one heart and all are absolutely convinced that nonviolence is a noble as well as practical cause to take a stand for. A Season For Nonviolence is an umbrella large enough...inclusive enough...for all to stand under! I share the conviction of Mahatma Gandhi when he said, "My opinion rests on my belief in the infinite possibilities of the individual to develop nonviolence. The more you develop it in your own being, the more infectious it becomes until it overwhelms your surroundings and, by and by, might oversweep the world."** Q: What is your highest vision for A Season for Nonviolence? A: I have a vision for a paid full-time staff as well as an established volunteer core that is working year-round to educate, inspire and spread the principles of nonviolence to our children, youth and adult population in communities throughout the world. * King, Jr., Martin Luther, Strength to Love, Philadelphia,
Fortress Press, 1963
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORSWith Special Acknowlegment to the Following for their Generous Support:United Church of Religious Science
ARCO
Mr. Fred Segal
With Gratitude we Thank our Donors:
THE PRINCIPLES OF NONVIOLENCEWhen engaging in dialogue regarding the Principles of Nonviolence, questions arise about the differences and similarities between terms that are, too often, used interchangeably nonviolence, tolerance, violence prevention, anti-violence, multiculturalism, peace, etc.Tolerance, violence prevention and anti-violence efforts tend to focus attention on the violence perpetrated by individuals. This tends to neglect violence perpetrated by institutions and the culture of society. All of these terms challenge us to refrain from personal violence but do not clearly define how we are to respond to violence. What will we put in its place? What actions are available to us if we refrain from violence? On what beliefs will we base our actions? Nonviolence clearly describes what we are to fill the once violent spaces inside us with. The principles and strategies of nonviolence provide the fundamental guidelines for governing our lives, our relationships and our institutions. It prescribes a course of action. Nonviolence is a code of ethics based upon the personal choice to honor life. It provides strategies to provoke healing and justice. It is a cultural model that clarifies what peace looks like as (i.e., philosophy and ethics, institutions, economics, politics, community, etc.) Above all, the intention of nonviolent action is to win the heart and conscience of one’s adversary, to heal a hardened heart through the willingness to sacrifice, even to suffer, for the good of all. To fulfill this lofty goal, nonviolence must fundamentally transform the one who practices its precepts.
Where We Go From Here...SNV-LA’S 1999 VisionBy Eisha MasonOver the past thirty years, we have suffered from an ever-deepening sense of disillusionment, cyni-cism and apathy in our culture. The nobler visions that once inspired us have faltered. Nevertheless, every individual in every generation needs a vision that is greater than themselves to give meaning and purpose to their lives. Today, we need a vision that rekindles our faith in the human spirit as well as a vision of hope. We need principles and values that do not diminish anyone, but instead, transcend one race, gender ethnic group and class. We need principles that unify all people in a higher ideal for humankind... a vision that calls forward the highest and best from all of us. A Season For Nonviolence - Los Angeles believes that the Principles and Strategies of Nonviolence are the way to realize this vision... to create a world that honors the dignity and worth of every human being. To honor this vision, SNV - LA has established itself as a full time, nonprofit organization. We are committed to carrying the vision of nonviolence 365 days a year (not just 64). As part of a growing national and international network, our vision for SNV-LA is to establish a physical home that will house The Los Angeles Center for Nonviolence. The Center will be the organizational structure for all our programs and services committed to excellence in the following areas: Education & Educational ToolsThrough the development and implementa-tion of various educational tools and methodologies, SNV - LA will successfully educate, train and mentor individuals in the practice of the Principles and Strategies of Nonviolence.Advocacy & Social ActionThrough active involvement and participation, SNV - LA will demonstrate the applications of the Principles and Strategies of Nonviolence to successfully achieve humane solutions to specific issues challenging our communities and society.Institutional ChangeThrough Education,Advocacy and Social Action, SNV - LA will develop and implement nonviolent institutional models utilizing the Principles and Strategies of Nonviolence to successfully effect institutional change throughout our local and world communities.PROGRAM FOCUSSNV - LA’s l 999 Vision is to offer programs and services that are diverse and inclusive. Our l 999 Programs have been specifically designed to be introduced in three phases that will span the entire calendar year. We are excited and privileged to offer the follow-ing programs for your participation:PHASE I: JANUARY 1, l999 through APRIL 4, 1999"Fostering the Beloved Community"This will be SNV - LA’s first training session for the New Year! We are honored to have the brilliant expertise of Alicia Renee Ferris and Rev. James Lawson to facilitate this work-shop. It will provide individuals with the his-tory, Principles and Strategies of Nonviolence as well as train participants in its practical applications for developing a personal, social and institutional nonviolent way of life. Please contact Dutchess Hunter Roberts at (310) 815-0222 for reservations and further information.64-Day Campaign Events CalendarThis inclusive Events Calendar provides indi-viduals and organizations an opportunity to announce and advertise their specific nonvio-lent workshops, seminars and/or programs that will take place during the course of the 64-Day Campaign ( 1/30/99 – 4/4/99). The Events Calendar will not only be made avail-able to the Los Angeles Community in print, but this year we will also be making this information available on our website at http://www.nonviolenceworks.com. If your organization would like to participate, please contact Shari Klein at (3l0) 815-0222 to obtain an Event Registration Form.Interfaith Prayer VigilWe invite faithbased communities to partici-pate in a 64-Day Prayer Vigil to anchor the spirit of justice and compassion and to hold a common vision for a nonviolent world. If your community would be interested in par-ticipating in this Prayer Vigil, please contact Brenda Woods at (310) 815-0222.Hero’s ProjectThis program invites organizations to honor those individuals in our local neighborhoods who serve as role models for nonviolent leadership and who inspire the Hero in each of us. Please contact Candace Carnicelli at (310) 815-0222 to receive further information.Vision Conference/Creating A Nonviolent CultureThis one-day conference will address: (I) What is nonviolence; (2) How we can apply the Principles and Strategies of Nonviolence to create a world honoring the dignity and worth of every human being; (3) Sharing its vision, power and effectiveness to address challenges in our lives/our communities/our nation; and, (4) How we can contribute to creating a nonviolent future. Please Contact Laurie Schur at (3 I 0) 815-0222 for reservations for further information.Educator’s ConferenceThis will be a one-day conference in which we will explore the role of educators in bringing peace to classrooms and schools through nonviolent discipline, strategies and classroom management. Please Contact Deborah Gayle or Elle Perrault at (310)815-0222 for reservations R further information.PHASE 2: ONGOING PROGRAMSCommunity DialoguesThe goal of these ongoing sessions will be to nourish our local communities and empower participatory democracy through dialogues that address issues affecting the well-being of our neighborhoods and society.Rekindling the Spirit of VisionThese community gatherings will nurture and bring into focus the unspoken dreams and desires of our communities. In creating a space for the unfoldment of these common visions, we can build a stronger nonviolent foundation not only for our local communities but also for our country. Groups participate in reflective processes, wisdom circles, arts and group process to empower the "Dream" in individuals and communities.SNV - LA Resource LibraryThis will be a centralized multimedia library that is educationally and informationally inclusive on the subject of nonviolence.PHASE 3: LONG TERM PLANSEducational Curriculum & Resource PackageThis program will provide in-service training for educators of all grade school levels regarding the history, Principles & Strategies of Nonviolence, and provide curriculum and resource information.Nonviolence ZoneThis project will support a challenged neigh-borhood within the Los Angeles Community to establish, nurture and sustain a nonviolent way of life over a one year period .Nonviolence Youth Leadership Training This will be a two-day intensive, workshop for youth leaders within Los Angeles County. It will be conducted in collaboration with local youth organizations. Ongoing support will be provided to these youth leaders in identifying and fulfilling their visions for a nonviolent community. Voices of Vision/Nonviolent Guest Speaker Workshop Series This project will present various pioneers in divergent fields who are demonstrating the effectiveness of the Principles 8 Strategies of Nonviolence in their respective fields of expertise. These programs will focus on exploring and developing nonviolent institu-tional models. Programs will be designed to serve both the general public and conduct specialized workshops for professionals in designated fields. Nonviolence Assessment System & Implementation Plan This project will undertake the development of a scoring assessment system and implementation plan that identifies and offers reso-lution options for existing nonviolent ele-ments (i.e., attitudes, behavior, etc.) within different organizational cultures (i.e., business, government, education, etc.). An Implementation Plan will be specifically developed based on the assessment scores. The goal will be to transform cultural norms in our society by identifying the norms of nonviolent cultures. 1999 PROGRAM RESULTSWe believe that every person can move the world in the direction of peace through their nonviolent choices and actions. It is SNV - LA’s goal to provide every individual with nonviolence programs and projects that will result in proactive choices and opportunities.Making them available is one step, taking advantage of them is another... We believe that together, the natural outcome will, indeed, be a just and peaceful world that honors the dignity and worth of every human being!
Volunteer FeedbackI see a more peaceful world unfolding this very moment. I perpetuate peace and nonviolence as a cherished gift for my grandchild's unborn generation. -- Ernestine Smith, VolunteerThe committee called Students Against Violence are still glowing knowing that they created a meaningful experience for others. Peace Day at Hamilton High School was just like going on a magic carpet ride for 3000 students and staff who wore peace stickers, chanted "Ohm Shante" and smiled knowing that peace can prevail. -- Karen Sterling, Teacher The violence I experienced in my life directed me to be and feel as a justice seeker. Season For Nonviolence revealed me the violence within myself, hidden behind the great dramas of global justice. And gave me courage to face my fears, surrender and see God as justice. SNV helped me - after I gave up a lot of hidden pain - to recover my faith in humankind and my confidence in this spiritual Universe alsways tending to perfection, love, justice, freedom and beauty. I am becoming a toubadour of God and warrior for Life. Estoy sienda. -- Ana Fumarto, Volunteer A Season for Nonviolence opened our eyes, our hearts and our hands in ways we never expected, and we are no longer such "a secret" in Pasadena! We found ourselves actually meeting and merging with people who were working in the trenches with gangs, guns and violence. We have seen ourselves as the head and heart of God. Now we are the hands. --Rev. Kathy Meyers, Church of Truth SNV has been one of the most significant transformational events of my life. It has provided focus to my life-long desire to use my energies in creating peace on earth. --Jennifer Jones, Volunteer As I became involved with Outreach for SNV and my son Joshua began organizing a SNV assembly at his school, we both deepened in our understanding of the practice of the principles of nonviolence. Through SNV Joshua and I healed our relationship as father and son. -- David Silverstein, Volunteer I experienced more clarity about how to invest my life. I felt
encouraged and empowered to take new action that is congruent with my deepest
values. -- Shari Klein, Volunteer
Carry the Vision - With Your Support A Season for Nonviolence - Los Angeles has expanded its vision to be a year-round, nonprofit organization. Our goal is to provide the people of Los Angeles and surrounding communities with quality educational, advocacy and community action programs, conferences and workshops. It is through these activities that, together, we will explore, teach and learn to apply the Principles & Strategies of Nonviolence in all areas of our lives. To achieve this, SNV-LA has developed an Annual Support Program. The support groups within this program provide a path for individuals to assist us in funding the various activities we so passionately know are needed. Your financial support will enable us to Carry the Vision forward to meet this goal! Please give generously and share this information with your friends and family. We are grateful for your interest and support. Thank You!
Nonviolence Workshops with Reverend James M. Lawson by Jennifer T.M. Jones During the first SNV-LA Campaign, Rev. James Lawson, Pastor of Holman United Methodist Church, began facilitating a monthly workshop on nonviolence. As SNV-LA now begins its second campaign, Rev. Lawson's workshop also begins its second year. Deemed by the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., as "the leading nonviolence theorist in the world," Rev. Lawson has dedicated his life to mentoring nonviolent leadership within the labor, antiwar and human rights movements. Featured in "THE CHILDREN" by David Halberstam, Rev. Lawson was a key figure in the Civil Rights Movement, teaching nonviolence to young people who were destined to shape American history. He is the former Director of Nonviolent Education for the SCLC and current National Chair of the Fellowship of Reconciliation. With 50 years as a nonviolent activist, he brings a vast resource of practical knowledge and experience of nonviolence as effective action. These monthly workshops address historical and contemporary issues...the spiritual, moral and historical roots of nonviolence as well as the practical and effective strategies of nonviolence through passionate class dialogue and inspirational interaction with Rev. Lawson. Some of the important questions explored in the workshops are: How do we address violent circumstances in ways that create positive change and encourage reconciliation? How do those without arms, without vast maaterial resources, effectively stand up for justice? How do we transform a potentially violent situation into an opportunity for healing? We learn that the art of nonviolence allows the truth student to defend human rights in a way that enlightens the oppressor, transforms the situation and serves the highest good of all concerned. Rev. Lawson's workshops encourage each individual to develop their skills and apply strategies to counteract the prevailing violence in our society. The active practice of nonviolence is essential to our efforts of creating a society that does, indeed, honor the dignity and worth of every human being. In his ongoing partnership with A Season For Nonviolence - Los Angeles, Rev. James M. Lawson offers his valuable expertise in the Principles and Strategies of Nonviolence on the last Saturday of every month (9:00 am - 12noon). Classes are free. Holman United Methodist Church is located at 3320 Adams Blvd, in Los Angeles. For more information call (213) 731-7285.
Community Hero Spotlight: Innercity Struggle by Robert Werth During our '98 Campaign, SNV - LA, formally recognized Innercity Struggle as one of its Community Heroes. Innercity Struggle is an organization that has been active in the East Lost Angeles Area for over five years. They are dedicated to positive, nonviolent change and community mobilization. The group consists of youth and community residents from the area's housing developments and the Boyle Heights Area of East Los Angeles who organize themselves in order to help their community. Three of the four full-time staff members of the organization are of this community, all with direct experience in the housing projects. Perhaps George Sarabia (one of the very active youth participants in the organization) describes it best ... "I had been taught that everyone around me was my enemy. I was taught to hate. But when I was a victim of a drive by shooting, I realized that something was wrong with my thinking. The guy who shot me looked just like me, lived in my neighborhood. And I didn't hate him. I realized that I had been living a false life. A year later, my brother was killed. Then I really understood the pain that violence causes your family. So at that point, I decided to change my life. I decided that if I am willing to die for war, then why can't I choose to live or die for peace?" "I started as a volunteer in Ramona Gardens. There I met Maria Tiexiera, the Director of Inner City Struggle. When Maria came into the neighborhood, she wanted to start a new program, but she wanted to make it an authentic community program. So Inner City Struggle was born. I was hired to work with the gang that killed my brother." Innercity Struggle has four programs at this time dedicated to empowering community members, many of them targeting young people. The Youth Leadership Course, a twelve week leadership course for at-risk and gang youths, is held in the housing projects and provides and promotes nonviolent alternatives for participating youths. The Innercity Struggle Youth Talk Show, "Tell it Like It Is", provides a forum and an opportunity for young people to address their community and personal concerns. The Peace Club at Roosevelt High was created to promote pece and nonviolent principles through education and community change. Women United/Mujers Unidas is made of women, most of them mothers, who want to influence their community in a positive, support way. George Explains, "We help them understand the subculture of gangs and support the youth by showing them that they are loved through weekly vigils and prayers for the youth." Maria Teixeria hopes that in the near future the organization can expand its outreach to at-risk youth by offering training in conflict resolution, anger management and communication at the school level. They also would like to begin working with youth correctional facilities, helping people transition from these facilities back into the community. Innercity Struggle is definitely a "Nonviolent Hero" in the Los Angeles Community.
The Watts Peace Garden - A Small Sanctuary - photos by Robert Werth The Watts Peace Garden is located on the grounds of the 99th Street Elementary School. This inspiring program was started in January of 1998. A number of the students involved in the Peace Garden have come from the classroom of Bete Agonofer, who teaches fourth and fifth grades at the school and spends every Saturday in the garden with the children. The project, which is lovingly embraced by A Season for Nonviolence - Los Angeles, was co-created by Jim Helliwell, founder of the Home Agricultural Foundation, Inc., and Zaid Gayle, the Yourth Outreach Director of the Vision Essence Teen Ministry from The Agape International Center of Truth. In a community that is all too familiar with shootings, drug-related activity, and gang violence, this program is dedicated to empowering the lives of the students by teaching them the principles of nonviolence as well as promoting peace in their lives and in the community at large. This program is both a gardening project and a community outreach endeavor that creates a sense of family for everyone involved. Every Saturday the group meets to work in the garden, participate in a cultural exchange or ventures out on a field trip. Consisting of volunteers from both inside and outside the community, the program also advocates mentoring and cooperative effort. Each session begins with a meeting of the entire group (children, youth and adults) talking about supporting one another, resolving issues in a nonviolent manner, and contributing love to those around them. The students also help prepare all their meals thus learning about nutrition and cooking. To anyone visiting the garden, it quickly becomes apparent that this wonderful, co-creative endeavor offers all involved a broad mix of educational tools and social advocacy. While this originates in the garden, it radiates out to touch the lives of other students as well as the community itself. These children are learning and expanding their experience in the social realm of actively learning and practicing nonviolent principles, as well as learning the world of gardening and natural science. Dedicated to promoting nonviolence and raising awareness, the program is creating a safe, loving haven and botanical refuge for all that wish to participate. There is an obvious sense of fun, joy and belonging between the children and volunteers. Kyle, one of the students, had this to say about his experiences with the Peace Garden: "We work together and everyone is different; Black, Asian, White, Hispanic, and we learn how to respect each other's cultures. We learn how not to fight, and how to be a team player." As the Peace Garden continues to evolve, its goal is to serve as a model and training ground for similar programs all over the Los Angeles area. Currently, interest exists to open four more peace gardens in the near future. One of the most pressing needs of the organization is funding. In a much-needed area, this diverse group is unified in creating an area of peace, a small sanctuary bringing everyone together in a spirit of nonviolence and love. Story Note:
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