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October 5, 2005
Dear
Co-Learners, Educators and Students,
Re: Peace Conference for Youth:
November 24, 2005
You
are invited to bring students to attend our second, Youth Conference
entitled: "Building a Culture of Peace,
the issues and opportunities for youth". .As
a result of the work of many peacebuilders and peace educators in Canada, and
following our success last year, the Canadian Centres for Teaching Peace will
again be hosting this forum to support peace education for youth.
Our conferences further the
principles of the United Nations “Culture of Peace and Non-violence
Program”, in creating a World Fit
For Children. They are conducted in
a conferencing format called Open
Space Technology to encourage and
support youth to engage in active peace building. (adults will be invited to
support as co-learners within this space for youth). Our conferences are
empowering and affirm the innate wisdom of the participants.
The simplicity and creativity of Open Space Technology is briefly
described at:
http://www.genuinecontact.net/mtg_open_space.html
. For the second year,
the professional facilitator for this event is Leslie Higgins of Solution
Consultants, Dundas, Ontario.. For
an insight into what wonderful results can occur please read our 2004 report at:
http://www.peace.ca/Youth%20Peace%20Conference%20-%20Nov18-04.pdf
Last year the students that joined us ranged primarily from Grade 6 to 12, and
engaged in the process with great enthusiasm. We also had some University
students and Grade 4 - 5 students participate. The adults who
participated, in addition to teachers, enjoy working with young people and found
great benefit. All
that is required of your students is an interest in Peace.
In preparation, students can refer to the background reading at http://www.peace.ca/worldfitforchildrenreferences.htm . Desired outcomes are listed below.
There is no registration fee
for students under the age of 25. 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 for professionals (teachers) prior to
November 9 is $100.00 for the day ($125.00 after Nov 9th)
For Registration and Information please refer to: http://www.peace.ca/registration2005.htm
. Teachers
can complete one Registration Form and indicate the approximate number of
students that you will bring (please advise me if it changes significantly). Registration
is required in advance as space is limited.
Registration begins at
8:30 am, the Program starts promptly at 9:00 am
and continue to 4:00 pm included is an hour of
peace related entertainment.
Light and healthy snacks and juice will be provided during the morning
and afternoon. Lunch can be purchased on site, or brought.
This year we will have a “Peace Showcase” where schools and individuals are welcome to display their Peace activities, including peace art as a means for us to share our peace experiences with others. We have a number of display tables available so please reserve your table in advance.
We hope you can 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 refer to our website or contact the undersigned.
Yours truly,
CANADIAN CENTRES FOR TEACHING
PEACE
Robert A. Stewart, C.A.
, C.M.C.
Director (email: stewartr[at]peace.ca )
Box
70 , Okotoks , AB
CANADA T1S 1A4
Ph: (403) 461-2469
Fax: (403) 938-4117
Email: stewartr[at]peace.ca
The
desired outcomes for the Peace Conference :
·
Ultimately,
the creation of a Culture of Peace within and by the students
·
Understanding
and promotion of the Culture of Peace Programme by the students
·
Identification
of issues important to the students: i.e.
Bullying/ Racism etc.
·
Raised
awareness about the issues and the impact on those effected
·
Identification
of solutions to the issues raised
·
Dialogue
and enhanced communication between the students
·
Network
development between students interested in Peace
·
Identification of students interested in working toward solutions to the
issues raised
·
Germination of working groups to address issues
·
Commitment of the students to move forward on addressing the issues
·
Ownership and buy-in
Other Peace activities that week at McMaster include:
(1) November 21 - 23: Peace
and Leadership 3-day workshop
http://www.peace.ca/leadershipworkshop2005.htm
(2)
November 24 – 28: Fourth
Annual Peace Education Conference in Canada
http://www.peace.ca/CanadianAgenda2005.htm
High school students are
welcome to participate in any of our Conference workshops November 25 to 27
at no cost. They should Register online.
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.