Box 70 , Okotoks , AB

CANADA          T1S 1A4

Ph: (403) 461-2469

Fax: (403) 938-4117

Email: stewartr [at] peace.ca                                                             

October 13, 2004

Dear Co-Learners, Educators and Students,

Re: November 18, 2004 Open Space Workshop; Theme: "Creating a Culture Of Peace...what youth can do to build A World Fit For Children"

As a result of discussions among many peacebuilders and peace educators in Canada , the Canadian Centres for Teaching Peace will again be hosting, for the second year, an Open Space Conference with a theme: "Creating a Culture Of Peace...what youth can do to build A World Fit For Children".    We will be following the principles of the United Nations' Culture of Peace and Non-violence Program, particularly the background work of A World Fit For Children, and building upon what we learned last year.
  
The Conference will commence at 9:00 am Thursday November 18, 2004 with Guest Speaker Dr. Shall Sinha doing a presentation in Gandhi's likeness on 'Empowering Youth' and continue to 4:00 pm at which time we will have some culturally relevant entertainment until 5:00 pm, at McMaster University (Student Union Centre, 3rd Floor, CIBC Banquet Hall) in Hamilton, Ontario. We have the room until 7:00 pm for those who wish to remain and chat further.  We will be utilizing an Open Space Technology, to encourage the particular participation of the youth (adults will be invited to support as co-learners within this space for youth). We are inviting participation from schools throughout the region.   The simplicity and creativity of Open Space Technology is briefly described at: http://ponoconsultants.com/management/what_is_ost.html  and an Open Space Technology conference is discussed in http://www.ponoconsultants.com/management/what_is_an_ost_conference.html .  The professional facilitator for this event is Leslie Higgins of Solution Consultants.  If they would like to prepare to speak about a topic(s) in advance, students can refer to the background reading at http://www.peace.ca/worldfitforchildrenreferences.htm (without limiting what they might like to speak about).

I would like to take this opportunity to invite you to bring interested students to participate in our Conference. While students under the age of 25 are free, we do ask for a Registration Fee from adults designed to cover our costs, and any surplus will be contributed to the Canadian Peace Education Foundation. The Earlybird Fee prior to October 31 is $50.00 for the day ($100.00 after Oct 31; Registration Information and Form at http://www.peace.ca/registration.htm ).   Coffee and juice will be provided during the morning and afternoon.  Teachers  can complete one Registration Form and indicate the approximate number of students that you will bring (please advise me if it changes significantly).  (P.S. high school students are welcome to participate in any of our workshops that they wish at no cost.  They should Register for sessions the intend on participating in so that we can keep track of numbers.)

You may also be interested to know that we are hosting three other major concurrent events at McMaster University:
(1) Peace and Leadership 3-day workshop November 15 - 17, 2004  http://www.peace.ca/leadershipworkshop.htm
(2) Third Annual Peace Education Conference in Canada November 18 - 21, 2004 http://www.peace.ca/CanadianAgenda2004.htm
(3) National Culture of Peace Program Symposium November 21 - 23, 2004 http://www.peace.ca/nationalcultureofpeace2004.htm    

You may wish to take some or all of these into account in your planning. Our conferences and symposium are a rare chance for Canadians from all across the country to highlight peace education, research and a Culture of Peace in Canada . We hope you can see your way clear to join us and/or advise your colleagues of this interesting and valuable opportunity and event.  The time is ripe to act on a Culture of Peace Program in Canada .  It will have a positive impact on our youth. 

If you would like any further information, please contact the undersigned.

Yours truly,

CANADIAN CENTRES FOR TEACHING PEACE

Robert A. Stewart, C.A. , C.M.C.

Director  (email: stewartr [at] peace.ca )