Season for Nonviolence

Season for Noviolence 2008 comes to a close

2008-04-09T11:29:00.002-04:00

CLOSING Apr. 4: Every day, I join others in this prayer for World Peace -

With each kind thought,

each choice for nonviolence,

we plant a seed that shall bloom

to bring forth rich fruit in its Season.

Together, friend, we till the soil and

plant the seeds that all creation may

sing for joy and dance in the

Garden of Peace.

May our prayers and practices

during this Season be but the beginning

of a new culture of peace, security and

joy that shall endure unto our

children’s children's children.

Peace from all of us at Michigan Peace Team, and from our ally in this project - the Peace and Justice Center in Arlington, Texas.

A Thought for the Day...

2008-02-26T19:03:00.003-05:00

The Center for Spiritual Living in Dallas, Texas is offering daily short video "thoughts for the day", specifically geared toward the Season for Nonviolence message. With their permission, we offer them here to you, as we could never replicate what they've done so well. Please take a moment to explore these links.

WEEK 4 (22-28)“The nonviolent approach does not immediately change the heart of the oppressor. It first does something to the hearts and souls of those committed to it. It gives them new self-respect; it calls up resources of strength and courage they did not know they had.” -- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Day 22 – MISSION (Feb. 20)
Day 23 – PRAYER (Feb. 21)
Day 24 – HARMONY (Feb. 22)
Day 25 – FRIENDLINESS (Feb. 23)
Day 26 – RESPECT (Feb. 24)
Day 27 – GENEROSITY (Feb. 25)
Day 28 – LISTENING (Feb. 26)

WEEK 5 (29-35)In order to create a peaceful world, we must learn to practice nonviolence with one another in our day-to-day interactions.
Day 29 – FORGIVENESS (Feb. 27)
Day 30 – AMENDS (Feb. 28 and Feb.29)
Day 31 – PRAISING (March 1)
Day 32 – PATIENCE (March 2)
Day 33 – ACKNOWLEDGEMENT (March 3)
Day 34 – LOVE (March 4)
Day 35 – UNDERSTANDING (March 5)

WEEK 6 (36-42)To require others to change for us to be more peaceful does violence to us both. By choosing to be peaceful in relationship, we invite others to nonviolence in return.
Day 36 – MINDFULNESS (March 6)
Day 37 – GRACIOUSNESS (March 7)
Day 38 – KINDNESS (March 8)
Day 39 – DIALOGUE (March 9)
Day 40 – UNITY (March 10)
Day 41 – OPENNESS (March 11)
Day 42 – ACCOUNTABILITY (March 12)

WEEK 7 (43-49)Relationships based on nonviolence are built on the ability to see and understand another human being, whether or not we agree. Seeing people from our common ground gives us practice for bringing nonviolent actions, choices and behaviors into our communal life.
Day 43 – UNIQUENESS (March 13)
Day 44 – COOPERATION (March 14)
Day 45 – MASTERY (March 15)
Day 46 – COMPASSION (March 16)
Day 47 – DISARMAMENT (March 17)
Day 48 – ECOLOGY (March 18)
Day 49 – HONOR (March 19)

WEEK 8 (50-56)Nonviolence challenges us to stand for Truth by taking action that honors the dignity and worth of every human being.
Day 50 – CHOICE (March 20)
Day 51 – ADVOCACY (March 21)
Day 52 – EQUALITY (March 22)
Day 53 – ACTION (March 23)
Day 54 – GIVING (March 24)
Day 55 – RESPONSIBILITY (March 25)
Day 56 – SELF-SUFFICIENCY (March 26)

WEEK 9 (57-63)By practicing being peaceful, we become better citizens of the world.
Day 57 – SERVICE (March 27)
Day 58 – CITIZENSHIIP (March 28)
Day 59 – INTERVENTION (March 29)
Day 60 – WITNESSING (March 30)
Day 61 – PEACE (March 31)
Day 62 – COMMITMENT (April 1)
Day 63 – RELEASE (April 2)

WEEK 10 “Nonviolence should mean a complete freedom from ill-will, anger and hate and an overflowing love for all …. The nonviolence I teach is active nonviolence of the strongest. But the weakest can partake in it without becoming weaker.” – Mohandas K. Ghandi
Day 64 – CELEBRATION (April 3)

Day 10 - Seasons for Nonviolence

2008-02-08T13:38:00.001-05:00

Day 10 - FAITH - Feb. 8, 2008

Adult:
When Cesar Chavez was organizing farm workers, he challenged them to say, "Si, se puede" (yes, it is possible) when they didn't know how they would overcome obstacles. Today say, "yes, it is possible," even if you don't know how your goal will be realized. Have faith, and say "it is possible” until you find, or are shown, a way.

Teen:
We all have obstacles in our lives, however big or small. No one’s life is better or worse than any other’s. What always gets us through is faith: the faith that with every closed door is an open window. Today have faith.

Child:
Draw something you want to happen to you.

www.michiganpeaceteam.org

DAY 9 - Seasons for Nonviolence

2008-02-07T14:48:00.000-05:00

DAY 9 - Dreaming - February 7, 2008

Adult:
The thought for today is dreaming. Martin Luther King Jr. had a great dream. What is your dream for peace in your life? What one thing can you do today to honor that dream?

Teen:
Dreaming is the first step to doing. Today, don't only dream of peace. Live it.

Child:
Remember a time when your feelings were hurt. Talk to a sibling or parent about your experience.

Check out www.michiganpeaceteam.org to learn more about Michigan Peace Team!

Day 8 - Seasons for Nonviolence

2008-02-07T14:44:00.000-05:00

DAY 8 - HEALING - February 6th, 2008

Adult:
The thought for today is healing. Poet and activist, Maya Angelou turned a traumatic childhood experience into a catalyst for creativity and achievement. Today, reflect on a painful incident in your life to find the "gift" it has brought you. Consciously, share this gift with others now.

Teen:
Everything happens for a reason. Think of ways you have grown and matured from challenging experiences in your life.

Child:
Remember a time when your feelings were hurt. Share this experience with a parent or sibling.

www.michiganpeaceteam.org

DAY 7 - Seasons for Nonviolence

2008-02-07T14:15:00.000-05:00

DAY 7 - EDUCATION - (February 5th, 2008)

Adult:
The thought for today is EDUCATION. Knowledge strengthens your conviction and deepens your understanding and acceptance. What can you read, see or do today to expand your knowledge about human rights, diversity, ecology, history, politics, or spirituality?

Teen:
War is born from ignorance. Today, try and learn something new.

Child:
Read a new book today.

For more information on the Seasons for Nonviolence - go to www.michiganpeaceteam.org

DAY 6 - Seasons for Nonviolence

2008-02-04T10:56:00.000-05:00

Day 6 - SIMPLICITY - (February 4th, 2008)

Adult:
The thought for today is Simplicity. To simplify is to invite peacefulness into your life. Think of three ways you can simplify your life and put at least one of them into practice today.

Teen:
Drama makes our lives more complicated. Think of ways to free yourself from drama. Practice one today.

Child:
Clean up the clutter in your bedroom today.

Go to www.michiganpeaceteam.org for more information about the Seasons for Nonviolence campaign.

DAY 5 - Seasons for Nonviolence

2008-02-04T10:53:00.000-05:00

Day 5 - BELIEVING - (February 3rd, 2008)

Adult:
The thought for today is believing. Author, Wayne Dyer, writes about the impact that our beliefs have on our daily lives. Today, believe that you have all the resources you need to move your life in the direction of peace and happiness.

Teen:
Peace is a possibility. Believing in that possibility can make it happen.

Child:
Finish this sentence with something good about yourself (I am__________________)

To get involved in Michigan Peace Team's Season for Nonviolence campaign, go to:

www.michiganpeaceteam.org

DAY 4 - Seasons for Nonviolence

2008-02-04T10:48:00.000-05:00

Day 4 - Caring - (February 2, 2008)

Adult:
The thought for today is caring. According to Peter McWilliams, "Nonviolence toward the self is caring for oneself. Self love is a crowning sense of self worth...It is what the Greeks call reverence for the self." Real caring is not just what we say, but what we do. What can you do to take better care of yourself today?

Teen:
To truly care for others, first you must truly care for yourself. Today, think of better ways to care for yourself. Practice at least one today.

Child:
Caring: Make a list or tell your parent three ways that you care for yourself.

For more information on how to get involved in Michigan Peace Team's Season for Nonviolence campaign:

www.michiganpeaceteam.org

Day 3: Seasons for Nonviolence

2008-02-01T11:24:00.000-05:00

Day 3 - Appreciation - February 1st.

Adult:
Louise Hay says, "Praise yourself as much as you can...the love in our lives begins with us...loving yourself will help heal the planet." Write down 10 things that you appreciate about yourself. Read aloud what you have read.

Teen:
Today, focus on appreciating the good qualities in yourself and others.

Child:
Tell each family member one thing you like about them.

For more information on how to participate in Michigan Peace Team's Seasons for Nonviolence campaign:

www.michiganpeaceteam.org

DAY 2 of Seasons for Nonviolence

2008-01-31T10:24:00.000-05:00

Day 2 - Smiling (Jan. 31)

ADULT:
Buddhist teacher, Thich Nhat Hanh said, "If in our daily life, we can smile...not only we, but everyone will profit from it. This is most basic kind of peace work." Today, share a smile with someone knowing that your smile contributes to peace.

TEEN:
Smiling is a way to establish a heart to heart connection and to create a peaceful outlook. Smile from the heart. Today, smile and make eye contact with at least 5 people. Notice how people respond to you.

CHILD:
Smile at three people who look different than you.

Please go to www.michiganpeaceteam.org to find other ways to contribute to the Seasons for Nonviolence campaign.

Day One of the Seasons for Nonviolence!

2008-01-30T12:51:00.000-05:00

Day One - Courage (January 30)

Adult:

Eleanor Roosevelt has urged, "You must do the things you think you cannot do." Practicing these 64 ways will challenge you to do the things you think you cannot do. Today, light a candle and accept the courage to practice 64 ways of living nonviolently.

Teen:

Courage is the ability to do what is in your heart. It takes courage to be nonviolent.

Child:

Have a parent light a candle for you. Make a wish for peace and release it by blowing out the candle.

For WEEK ONE (Days 1 - 7):

Nonviolence begins with learning how to be less violent and more compassionate towards ourselves. We learn by building the courage to speak and act with respect, honor, and reverence for our being.

Links for further exploration:

www.64-days.org

www.michiganpeaceteam.org

Please post a comment about any reflections you may have.

Peace,

Michigan Peace Team

Another "Beloved Community" Sponsor...

2008-01-15T15:39:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Pastor Matthew Long and the Peace Unity Church of Clarkston (www.peaceunitychurch.org) for becoming our 2nd "Beloved Community" Sponsor!

With a little over two weeks before we get to the first day of the Seasons for Nonviolence, maybe it would be a good idea to start thinking about how nonviolence can become a way of life for you...

We have our first sponsor!

2008-01-14T10:42:00.000-05:00

The Peace Education Center became our first "Beloved Community" sponsor!

You or your organization can become involved in the Seasons for Nonviolence as well.

$200 - Beloved Community Sponsorship
(Receive: 2 Seasons for Nonviolence Posters, listing as a sponsor in the program book and blog, mention in all press releases and event promotions, 2 t-shirts, plus the ability to sponsor and host 3 events during the campaign)

$100 - Patron of Nonviolence Sponsorship
(Receive: Seasons for Nonviolence poster, listing as a sponsor in the program book and blog, 1 t-shirt, plus the ability to sponsor and host 2 events during the campaign)

$50 - Peace Partner Sponsorship
(Receive: Seasons for Nonviolence poster, listing as a sponsor in the program book and blog, plus the ability to sponsor and host an event during the Seasons for Nonviolence campaign)

For more information:
Contact Michigan Peace Team at (517) 484-3178
www.michiganpeaceteam.org

Welcome

2007-11-20T00:47:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Michigan Peace Team's Seasons of Nonviolence Blog!

Our Seasons of Nonviolence campaign begins on January 30, 2008...

Peace,

Chris Singer, Development & Public Relations Facilitator
Michigan Peace Team