Greetings to all peace people,
Dear Friends,
Regular monthly meetings normally on the third Sunday, 2-3:30 p.m., in the common house of Oak Creek Commons, 635 Nicklaus St., Paso Robles. For more information, contact Paul Fairchild.
Learn more about the Founders at Journal Entry #297 and Blog: Paso Peace Circle.
Not many people author their first book at 103 years of age, but after his wife died almost nine years ago, Richard Blomquist was determined to finish what his flight crew of the B-17 he piloted in WWII encouraged him to do 40 years earlier. What he discovered as he searched his soul was that the story his crew and he thought he would write was not at all the story he had to tell. Many years, many experiences, many conversations, and moments of meditation and prayer moved this author to not only tell his life story and what it was like to grow up as a farm boy in Iowa, but how the experience of being a bomber pilot in WWII ignited the flame within him to become a peace activist. Growing into the mystery of life is his mantra, and so he sees the writing of this book as discovery-for himself and, he hopes, for others as well.
https://gofund.me/6d49d009
For the time being there are no meetings because of the current health crisis.
Luckily we are able to stay in touch by way of email and phone. Can we be inspired how to find new ways to think and create during this time?
Easter is now very near. It is the celebration of overcoming; overcoming obstacles, hindrances… ultimately overcoming death.
We are not the only peace movement in California. And we like to remember those we have had a connection with, those who have inspired us.
The Euphrates Institute; Paul K Chappell, Peace Literacy Director for the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation; Bianca Neff at Petra Peacekeepers; WomenAde (in our community); Lee van Ham, Earth Activist; Ruth Ann Angus, Yes We Can PeaceBuilders; Frank Joyce, Political Activist.
We wish them all well.
Keep well all of you until we meet again.
In Peace,
Paul, Jerry, Hart and Dick
Release at Will
Sunday, Feb. 16, all are welcome to hear author/Earth activist Lee Van Ham on "Reversing the Climate Crisis," 10:45 a.m. (after worship), Bethel Church sanctuary, 295 Old County Rd. (6th & Crocker), Templeton, hosted by Bethel's Practical Faith Team. Free will offering.
Also, Sunday, Feb. 16, 2-3:30 p.m., St. James Episcopal Church fellowship hall, Oak St. at 14th, Paso Robles, hosted by Paso Peace Community. All welcome. Free will offering.
From San Diego, Van Ham has authored the "Eden for the 21st Century" series and most recently "The Liberating Birth of Jesus: A Birth Story Able to Reverse Our Planet's Perils." Books are available for purchase and signing at both events.
As Executive Director of Jubilee OneEarth Economics, he focuses on Living Within Our One Planet's Capacities. Visit OneEarthJubilee.com.
Bethel is a congregation of the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America), the largest Lutheran denomination in the US. Bethel worships Sundays, 9:30 a.m. at 295 Old County Rd., in "the little brick church in Templeton." All are welcome.
Bethel is the longest-continuously-serving Lutheran church building in Southern Calif., serving North County for 130+ years. Free nursery service is available for infants and toddlers. Call (805) 434-1329 for Bethel's Sunday School schedule. Visit Bethel Lutheran Church on Facebook. "Bethel" means "House of God." The motto of the ELCA is "God's Work. Our Hands."
Jubilee also promotes the Trillion Tree Project, which is becoming increasingly important in the midst of the wildfires in California and Australia and the intentional destruction of the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil.
Offsetting the CO2 We Release in Our Lives by Planting Trees
Here's an Earth-Day-Everyday action OneEarth Jubilee recommends we all take to offset the CO2 we put into the air.
Some of us may be able to arrange life so that we use less energy produced by fossil fuels. Certainly, whatever way we can use less of that energy source is the way to go. But all of us have to travel some, heat or cool our homes, etc. Whatever amount we use, we can off-set the CO2 that fossil fuel puts into the atmosphere by planting trees to take CO2 out of the atmosphere. It's not a perfect equation by any means. Trees take time to grow, and when they die they release CO2. But every day that trees grow they photosynthesize and remove CO2 from the air.
Here's how it works. We use an internet calculator like http://www.carbonify.com/carbon-calculator.htm to calculate our monthly or annual emissions. By the way, that site will calculate our emissions from other sources in our lives, not only travel. It's an Australian site that is dedicated to helping us find best choices in this era of rapid climate change. We know that without massive mobilization, the disasters we're now experiencing only multiply.
The calculator will tell us how much to donate to off-set our fossil fuel use. We invite you to donate that amount to Jubilee OneEarth Economics Tree Fund. Where you donate is important. Truth is, not all entities receiving these off-set donations are trustworthy. Every cent donated to the Jubilee Tree Fund will go to tree planting projects in one of three regions--San Diego (CA), San Mateo (MX), San Cristobal (MX). You see, the Jubilee Circles in these areas are all committed as deeply as possible to OneEarth ways. Each one is connected to at least one tree-planting or reforestation project.
We need lots of actions to reduce CO2 in our atmosphere. In 2019, CO2 levels globally are at 415ppm (parts per million), well above the 350 ppm which is where we need to be to keep our planet stable. The last time CO2 in the air was as high as it is today was 3,000,000 years ago. It was a time when oceans were also 50 to 80 feet higher than today. Hard to imagine the flooding that such levels would bring to the world's coasts today.
OneEarth Jubilee looks forward to partnering with you to value creation in this way. For more information, contact Lee@Jubilee-Economics.org.
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Pull quote:
GUEST SPEAKER, Sunday, Feb. 16--Hear author/Earth activist Lee Van Ham on "Reversing the Climate Crisis," 10:45 a.m. (after worship), Bethel Church sanctuary, 295 Old County Rd. (6th & Crocker), Templeton, hosted by Bethel's Practical Faith Team. All welcome. Free will offering.
Also, Sunday, Feb. 16, 2-3:30 p.m., St. James Episcopal Church fellowship hall, 1335 Oak St., Paso Robles, hosted by Paso Peace Community. All welcome. Free will offering.
From San Diego, Van Ham has authored several books and serving as Executive Director of Jubilee OneEarth Economics. He focuses on Living Within Our One Planet’s Capacities. Visit OneEarthJubilee.com and TheOneEarthProject.com
This article is covered by Creative Commons. You are welcome to publish it without attribution. It was written by Gerald Iversen, M.A. journalism, a member of Bethel Lutheran, Templeton, and Paso Peace Community
11/23/19, Paso Peace Community had the pleasure of hearing Michelle Blanc's presentation of her work with the North County Womenade group. Two friends accompanied her, a nurse and a social worker, as Michelle is herself.
She first explained the great need of folk in the North County for help and support for many reasons. Professionals meeting those who need help refer them for support and care. Just how the money and care are provided came from the idea of social gatherings, meeting needs through community and having a good time at the same time. The money was provided by someone hosting potlucks in homes or churches, bringing a dish and donating $35 each meal. This is the way the money grows. And it has been successful.
Examples of helping out: to supply oxygen to a person just out of the hospital. Or to provide transportation to the dentist; clothing; cribs; student projects; partial rent support, an endless list.
This beautiful project is another peace effort. We were glad to be informed of this local project. And our thanks to Michelle for her and other’s work. -- Nancy Junge
We met 10/20 at Oak Creek Commons. Jane Granskog, a retired professor of anthropology, spoke on "Transition, Transformation, and New Beginnings," telling us of her research experience in southern Mexico. She lived for a year in Chiapas and went in 1972 to Oaxaca where she got to know the indigenous people and the values that make them a peaceful people. These are trust, humility, and respect. Their opposite is envy. Adult males worked for the community and for their families. The women in the community were strong and involved in leadership.
Much has changed since her early visits, including Indigenous and corporate communities controlling the land together. They were more self-sufficient in the seventies than now. They grew the three sisters: beans, squash, and corn then but use the retail stores now in their midst for other foods.
One town of indigenous people has organized and lowered corruption and crime there in a movement started by women working together.
While we think of teaching them with our advanced technical knowledge, it is they who can teach us with their knowledge of how to live together.
In peace,
Paul Fairchild
1. After a thought-provoking Zoom discussion with Janessa Gans Wilder, we agreed to become a chapter of Euphrates Institute -- Euphrates.org -- and make a one-time contribution of $50 from the "general treasury."
2. Jerry agreed to attend the Tues., 9/17, City Council meeting to urge passage of the Workers Co-op resolution. Paul will continue to urge other members of take their turn doing the same at 1st and 3rd Tues. meetings. I commented that Richard Wolff promoted franchising of worker coopers on his most recent Economic Update.
3. Jerry will nominate several non-profits for Thrivent Financial's Dollar Choice: Euphrates, PasoCares, North County Womenade.
4. Hart announced that Jane Granskog, a retired professor of anthropology, will speak at the 10/20/19 meeting. Recommended future speakers: Leah Booker, new coordinator of Womenade; John Lamb of Indivisible; Lee Van Ham of Jubilee OneEarth Economics in 2020.
5. Pearl Munak reported on the recent grant to build homeless housing in No. Co. and the need to raise $25,000 for staffing.
MORE Notes from the Paso Peace Community Meeting Sunday, 9/15/19 The meeting, held at Oak Creek Commons, featured a discussion via Zoom with Janessa Gans Wilder, Founder and CEO of the Euphrates Institute. Some members were present at OCC and others joined us by computer on the Internet. We used a question and answer format to learn more about the Institute, its values, and accomplishments. Janessa related her experience in Iraq and her profound reaction to a visit upstream from Fallujah where the calmness and beauty of the river affected her deeply. It changed her life, her goals, and her way of working there and upon her return home. She shared with us views about the values of local efforts to create unity and reduce inequality. For example, the coming development of a shelter for homeless people funded by a grant, raises hope for overcoming several problems in Paso Robles, both for the victims of homelessness and for the community. One question dealt with how the headquarters and chapters deal with financing. Each of the chapters does its own fundraising and controls its funds use. The group present decided to make a $50.00 donation to the Institute at its Redding headquarters. That was done after the meeting
She described how it has changed over the years to become more involved in working for peace. She mentioned several of the personal experiences she and her late husband had relating to the latter, particularly in Guatemala where she was part of a Habitat team constructing houses. While there they provided a playground for children.
Rotary is adapting to the times beyond the traditional weekly meal meeting by developing non-geographic action teams what meet on the internet.
The business meeting included options for increasing meeting attendance, encouraging Paso Peace Community associates to speak out at City Council meetings in support of worker cooperatives and the adoption of a council resolution proposed and awaiting action, and the possibility of placing peace poles in the community.
Next meeting Sunday, June 23rd (not 16th to avoid Fathers' Day).
On Sunday, May 19, Jean and Larry Edwards spoke: Jean described her origins and upbringing in a religious family in Pennsylvania. She spoke of meeting and marrying Larry, of their times in Europe and Saudi Arabia, and their extensive travels (35 countries). From this experience they developed a broader view of the world that includes perspectives lacking to most Americans. Through all of this her early love of nature persisted and motivated her increasing involvement with it.
Larry spoke of his early life, rejection of one early family religion, and the influence of his father leading him to study science and math. He obtained a doctoral degree in chemistry. He came to share Jean's love of nature and to desire closer relations to neighbors and the peace that comes from knowing people personally. It was, in part, a consequence of their travels.
Now living in Paso Robles, they continue their commitment on the path of peace. It was an inspiring afternoon to hear from this positive and enthusiastic couple. We are grateful for the opportunity to know more about Jean and Larry.
In Peace,
Paul Fairchild
Support Worker Cooperatives
1. Set dates for future monthly meetings--April 23 (to avoid Easter), May 19 (3rd Sunday as usual), June 23 (to avoid Fathers' Day)
2. Jerry will urge People of Faith for Justice at the 3/21 planning meeting to invite Lee Van Ham of Jubilee OneEarth Economics to speak near the 3rd Sunday in July, Aug., Nov. or Dec., so that he can also speak at PPC on the 3rd Sunday. Be aware of 50th anniversary of anti-VietNam War events in Oct. & Nov.
3. Let's work with others beyond "Peace Groups," such as Paso Cares. Pearl Munak requested everyone at the meeting to write a brief letter of support for funding of a homeless shelter in Paso Robles to the City Council and SLO Co. Board of Supervisors.
4. Other Peace Groups to support: War Resisters' League, Teach Peace Now, SLO Peace Coalition, VFP Golden Rule Project (Veterans for Peace against nuclear weapons), Waging NonViolence; Pace e bene; Center of Concern: Promoting Global Justice and Peace since 1971 (CoC.org); Pax Christi (PaxChristiUSA.org) which works for peace for all humankind
5. Insight about "bunching" itemized deductions in odd-numbered years--include 3 property tax payments (1 in even-numbered years) to rise above new "double" standard deduction and thereby give more to humanitarian causes and less to the military.
6. Let's mention PPC web page and FaceBook pages at meetings so more people can know about meeting times and speakers.
7. Strategy to make Paso Robles a Non-Violent City.
a. Paul will encourage a different PPC member to speak at each City Council meeting in support of his recent Worker Co-ops resolution.
b. After the Council makes a decision on Co-ops, Paul will introduce the resolution to become a Non-Violent City and offer to pay for a Peace Pole to be installed in the City Park. Jerry will write the Thrivent grant for the pole, and possibly future poles on city or private property.
c. a. Paul will encourage a different PPC member to speak at each City Council meeting in support of our Non-Violent City resolution until a decision is made.
8. Coming Events
a. Co-op Steering Committee, Wed., 3/20, 6-7 pm, 2247 Oak St., PR
b. Town Meeting, May 6, PR High School; guest Congressman Carbajal + roundtable
1. Identify and cooperate with other peace groups in SLO Co.
2. Begin the process to have Paso Robles declared a Peace City by the City Council. Ruth Ann Angus of the Yes We Can! PeaceMakers achieved such a declaration in Morro Bay after two years work. She has advice for us.
3. Seek permission form the City Council and offer to pay for a Peace Pole in the city park or near the library/city hall.
To learn more about the International Peace Pole Network, visit The Peace Pole Project.
To view peace poles, visit Shop Peace to Spread Peace.
Report by Nancy Junge:
This is a summary of the meeting of the Paso Peace Community on February 17 at the Oak Creek Commons.
We were 10 gathered for the talk by Frank Joyce.
Frank Joyce, long time peace activist, gave us a glimpse into the story of the Vietnam War with regards to the politics that created the conflict from colonialism to the communist over-take in the North. The US entered the war to stop a communist spread into the South. (a war lasting from 1965 to 1975) Frank opened his talk by mentioning the founding of the United States which permitted slavery, a point to consider when we look at the attitudes, aggression and suppression we continually live with. Frank called the Vietnam War a war of aberration: At no time in US history have the American people reacted so strongly in opposition as in the protest to this war. Protests of thousands upon thousands continued for years, through the administrations of Johnson and Nixon. When the draft finally ended, the US government began an intensive recruitment program. Frank began his talk stating: ''The Inferiority Complex'' of the Peace Movement. Frank asked our group for input. In our later discussion, friends mentioned well-known peace workers. Possibilities for our group to connect with those who have written and made statements on our common intentions to commit to Peace were discussed. It felt urgent to continue in our own efforts. An idea to seek out established speakers in or out of our area was proposed. One inspiring hopeful is Dave Swanson : ''War is a Lie,'' also Martin Luther King's: ''Beyond Vietnam: Breaking Silence.'' Could we join with other groups to invite such a speaker as Swanson, or hear his ideas on video?
Frank's involvement in Viet Nam is in a collaborative book: ''The People Make the Peace: Lessons from the Vietnam Antiwar Movement,'' edited by Frank Joyce and Karin Aguilar-San Jose. We were grateful to have this challenging talk by Frank Joyce. Input by any of you is most welcome.
Looking forward to our next meeting in March.
A note: Dick Blomquist is visiting in Paso Robles the beginning of March. He will be at the opening of the Veterans' Voices at The Studios on the Park, March 2, 6-9PM.
The next meeting is Sun., 1/20/19. No meeting in Dec.
This will be the last meeting Dick Blomquist will attend before his move to the state of Washington. I hope a full attendance will honor him for his dedication in building this community.
July speaker: Gerald Iversen on Voluntary Simplicity and Peace
Our next meeting will be Sunday, May 20th, 2-3:30PM, at 838 Saint Andrews Circle, Paso Robles, the home of Dick Blomquist.
We will be discussing the future vision for the Paso Peace Community: Where we have been?, Where we are now? and Where we are going?.
Dick Blomquist and Hart Junge are the founders of PPC. They will share their story of how PPC came about for those of you who do not know.
The PPC started with a broad spectrum of speakers. It seems that there is a need for communication between the many groups that are already working for a peaceful World. During the last 6 months we have had a very positive response to PPC and our numbers are growing. We now need to know how to proceed. Please join us for the discussion.
After the meeting we invite you to stay for a chat and refreshments.
Dear Friends,
Our next meeting will be Sunday, April 15th, 2-3:30, at 838 Saint Andrews Circle, Paso Robles.
We will have a speaker for this meeting. Geshe Lopsang Tseten has for over 40 years been a student of His Holiness The Dalai Lama. Geshe has dedicated himself to service to the world by helping to spread peace, compassion and tolerance through cultural exchange, interfaith dialogue and Buddhist teachings. Specific emphasis will be about regional conflicts near his home state of Zanskar and Tibet and the Role of Women in teaching and maintaining loving-kindness tradition inherent to their culture.
After the meeting we invite you to stay for awhile and chat, have a cup of coffee/tea and treats.
Peacefully, Dick and Hart
Rosa Lee Sonney, Secretary, 805 226-9504
A Heads Up: Paul Chappell with be the keynote speaks at the upcoming Rotary Club of Paso Robles Sunrise event, A Focus on Peace, to be held 9/14/18 in Paso Robles, 8-4. Details are still being worked out, we will keep you posted.
March Meeting Report
Sue Torrey gave a very interesting and informative presentation about the AVP--Alternatives to Violence Project. Developed by the Quakers, it is being used world wide and has become a nondenominational program used in prisons. The program uses detailed steps in which the inmates participate to create respect for themselves and for others. Aspects of this program can only be explained with illustrations and Sue did that very well.
Jerry Iversen presented information about a peace event to be held in Sept. sponsored by the Paso Sunrise Rotary Club.
For our April meeting, no final details, we are considering a review of what we have done and how does Paso Peace Community proceed from here.
# # #
COMING--Sunday, March 18, 2-3:30--Paso Peace Community: Quaker Sue Torrey will speak on AVP: Alternatives to Violence Project,
Greetings to all peace people,
Dear Friends,
A quote from Einstein. "We cannot solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them."
Ruth Ann Angus brought a message that resonated very well with the ~25 people attending our meeting Sunday, February 18. She emphasized very plainly that peace starts with each individual dealing with the anger that we have within ourselves. This anger is very subtle, and Ruth Ann referred to Martin Luther King Jr, and also to Mahatma Gandhi, to their teaching concerning this inner condition and how it relates to nonviolent response.
The 20 + people who attended the meeting by Ruth Ann Angus were from various individual peace groups as well as the Paso Peace Community. The talk titled "Who Are the Heroes? Non Violence in Action" was answered when Ruth Ann referred to all of us as the peace heroes. She began by saying that there has not been a surge for peace since Dr. King's appearance over 50 years ago.
Ruth Ann marched during the Freedom marches in the 60ies. She personally supported King, and at that time became acquainted with John Dear, a Catholic priest, author, and activist for peace.
What are we witnessing today? The two Koreas competing in the Olympics together, the students' loud voice and activism against guns, plus many more active peace keepers, more that we can imagine. We need to hold together and be encouraged to move forward.
Our warmest thanks to Ruth Ann for her talk and inspiration.
Greetings from Hart and Dick
# # #
Hi and thanks very much for this report. I too appreciated the meeting and Ruth Ann's message. But something about the meeting has also been bothering me ever since. I leave it to you as to whether to initiate some dialogue by sharing this with whoever is on this email list.
I was struck by the fact that of those who spoke after Ruth Ann's talk not one asked a question about non-violence. Each and every one said something promoting an organization and/or an event with which they were involved. To be clear, all were advocating a worthy cause in its own right. Several, including the featured speaker, said that coalitions and getting all the groups to the same table or same conference would be good.
But here's what's been bothering me. To use just one point of reference. The National Rifle Association is not a coalition. Yes, its vast influence owes a lot to gun industry money and the 400 year old gun driven bloodthirsty culture of the United States. That said, the NRA is not made up of 5 or 10 pro-gun groups in every town. It is ONE organization. It has 5 million dues paying members.
Is it possible that having gazillions of tiny peace groups is not what we need?
Is there a U.S “peace” organization with 5 million members? One million members? What would it take to create such an organization? Just asking. Peace, Frank Joyce
NOTE: Thanks for your comment, Frank. Each monthly meeting includes time for 'business,' which includes sharing of other activities.
# # #
Paso Peace Community welcomes Ruth Ann Angus speaking on 'Who are the Heroes? Nonviolence in Action,' Sunday, Feb. 18, 2-3:30 P.M., Plymouth Congregational Church, 1301 Oak St., Paso Robles, CA. The event is open to the public free of charge.
Ruth Ann is the Director of Yes We Can Peacebuilders an organization dedicated to promote and teach nonviolence, inspire and engage people to create a nonviolent community, nation, and world. Yes We Can Peacebuilders is part of Pace e Bene/Campaign Nonviolence/ Nonviolent Cities Project.
In her talk, Ruth Ann will speak to our need to look for heroes to guide us and how in these times it is necessary for us all to become heroes. She will relate her journey of discovery that led her to form a peace action group and will elaborate on the Nonviolent Cities project as well as several educational offerings on nonviolence available to the community.
Ruth Ann is a 15-year member of Rotary International, incoming President of Morro Bay Rotary Sunset, a member of the United Nations Association, an affiliate with Youth for Human Rights International, a board member of the Commission on Voluntary Service & Action, a non-governmental organization acting as consultant to the Untied Nations, and a 23-year member of the Education and Public Outreach Committee of the Morro Bay National Estuary Program.
Our quote: one from Albert Schweitzer. "Every patient carries her or his own doctor inside". Perhaps there can be some deep thought here.
Last Sunday Jay and Klaus gave us very interesting information about how thousands of donated eye glasses, they were first cleaned and repaired by students from Paso Robles H S and Cal Poly. Then the technical part started. Each pair were checked by knowledgeable volunteers and the pertinent data put on an envelope for each pair of glasses. Then they were packaged for delivery in more or less poor countries.
Jay and Klaus told of their personal experience with the technicians, the procedure in serving the underprivileged in Central America.There It was rewarding to see the faces light up on those who had had pour eye sight all there life. For them, it was seeing the world for the first time.
Is this not a ripple on the sea of WORLD PEACE?
We will have Ruth Ann Angus speaking in February. Much more on that soon.
Peace to all,
Hart and Dick
We are starting out the New year with two peace meetings in Jan. The first one is yet this week and another on Jan. 21st. Rosa Lee Sonney is coordinating this meeting. Below is a message that she sent out to the people that had indicated a desire to attend, and if you are not on her list and want to attend the workshop on Sat., get in touch with Rosa Lee.
Paul K. Chappell Workshop, Sat., Jan. 6, 10-noon at Studios on the Park, 1130 Pine St., Paso Robles.
We look forward to seeing you. If you cannot attend please advise.
Rosa Lee Sonney
805 226-9504
Jan. 21st, Jay and Klaus will talk about their experiences, answer all your questions and encourage a discussion of whether NGOs like ICARE contribute to world peace.
COMING Feb. 18--Ruth Angus of Yes We Can! Peace Builders.
May 2018 be a peaceful year for all, including the world.
As planned we had the visit of Gay Howard on November 18, at Dick's place. We very much appreciated and enjoyed Gay's talk.
Quakers out of their substance of belief, and consequently goodwill, work out of inner peace. Gay talked about the Sunday Meeting in which the Society of Friends gathers to listen to God in silence.
Quaker history goes back to George Fox (1624-1691) who founded the Society of Friends in England in a time of political turmoil. Gay followed the history to America and the outreach of the American Friends Service Committee who work all over the world in spots of tension, with the oppressed, the prisoners and the focus on non-violence. We were given handouts of the activities of the many peace endeavors, in particular one map showing the multitude of peace workers throughout the world. We felt encouraged to hear this.
This report does not do justice to all the inspiring words that Gay shared with us. It was a privilege to have her among us. The thirteen people who came to hear her were impressed. Her goodwill cannot be forgotten and her advanced age does not affect her spirited person. We thank her warmly.
Announcements were made by Pearl Munak asking for awareness of the homeless needs of food, and for volunteers for night keepers at the shelters. Contact Pearl to help--(238-7056)
Rosa Lee Sonney reminds us of the upcoming visit of Paul K. Chappell at the Studios in the Park, Jan 6, 2018. Sign up!
Jerry Iversen shared three things peacemakers must do simultaneously, according to John Dear at his presentations in Morro Bay and San Luis Obispo, 11/16-17:
1. Deal with our inner selves non-violently--deal with our anger and negative thoughts--through prayer, meditation and other disciplines
2. Deal with out interpersonal relationships non-violently--with all people, other species and with the Earth--by joining a support group, such as Paso Peace Community.
3. ACT non-violently by being part of the global movement, actually being "on the street," getting out of our "comfort zones," in addition to lobbying, writing letters to govt. officials, etc.
We are witnessing and experiencing a broad Peace Movement: is there light shining through and eventual, a peaceful World community?
Looking ahead: There will be no December meeting. In January we have invited Ruth Ann Angus to share with us. Ruth Ann actually introduced John Dear when he made his presentation in Morro Bay on November 16.
One more thing: Gay Howard did not accept any donations, but she encouraged that gifts be made to the AFSC. 1501 Cherry Street; Philadelphia, PA 19102
May you all be blessed by a peaceful holiday season.
Hart and Dick
The last two months we have had speakers with a world wide reach of their peace work, and this month, Sun., 11/19, we will have Gay Howard of the Quaker Faith. The Quakers are a world organization and she will speak about her social justice work.
On Thur., 11/9, we spoke at Vineyard Elementary school. Mr Condell a fifth grade teacher had put together a power point with pictures we had given him, this helped with the presentations. There were over 200 students there.
For our Oct. meeting at the Bethel Lutheran Church we had Bianca Neff, the founder of Petra Peace Builders with us. Lindy, a Rotarian friend of hers introduced her to us, and Bianca explained the purpose of her foundation and invited us to ask questions.
We learned that she is half American and half Basque. She founded the Petra Peace Builders Organization only three years ago. They are, so to say, an on-call group and supporters of people doing peace work out in the field. They could even do that in Palestine and in North Korea! They do not want just to talk but also to act. We could continue talking with her during refreshments. This was an enjoyable meeting.
For Nov. 19, Gay Howard of Los Osos from the Society of Friends, the Quakers, will speak about QUAKER NON VIOLENCE ACTION CAMPAIGNS.
Peace to all - Dick and Hart
On Sept. 17th, We had a very good and interesting meeting, we discussed pertinent points from Paul's talk. We also talked about upcoming meetings, this month,on 15th we will have Bianca Neff, who is working in Spain from her Foundation "Petra peacebuilders", then on Nov. 19th Gay Haller, from Quaker Action, will be the speaker. We will have more on these later.
Now we have a very interesting ripple affect, Rosa Lee is taking on a big task. Paul, with The Nuclear Age Peace Foundation, are developing curriculum and teacher training workshops, some of this is already in use with verifiable results. This is a very important field for for PEACE LITERACY and this is what Rosa Lee will be doing. For more information on this go to Nuclear Age peace Foundation, then click on Peace Leadership.
Rosa Lee is the first to volunteer from our group to work on spreading this Peace Literacy, which is so badly needed, so if anyone fells interested in working for peace literacy we would like to work with them. Paul has lots of help available.
The Oct. meeting will be at the fellowship hall of Bethel Lutheran Church in Templeton. So put Oct. 15th and Nov. 19th on your calendar.
Peace to all,
Hart and Dick
We will be gathering together this Sunday, Sept. 17, to talk about what we learned at our Aug. 20th event, and more at 838 St, Andrews Circle, Paso, from 2-3:30 PM.
Peace, Hart and Dick
For those who want to hear more of Paul K. Chappell (or didn't hear him in Paso), here is my recent podcast interview with him:
Episode 101: Paul K. Chappell of Nuclear Age Peace Foundation explains the necessity of universal Peace Literacy.
We do have speakers for our October and November meetings. For the Oct., Bianca Neff, the founder of Peta Peace builders, she works with front line peace builders that suffer from burnout, at her retreat center in Spain.
Last month eighty people heard Paul K. Chappell speak on our human need for a peace that starts with each one of us, and a process to use. As he talked he listed each point on two charts, so for the Sept. meeting we want to challenge ourselves by remembering what we heard in Paul's presentation. The points he listed we would like to look at and see what it meant to each one of us. We hope you like the challenge and that we can see each other this coming Sun., the 17th.
At the Aug. meeting a questionnaire was passed out, one section asked, what were topics of interest, Peace and Climate Change was circled the most, this was on the agenda for Nov., details are yet to be worked out. The response to the questionnaire verifies the interest.
Warm greetings - Dick and Hart
Paul Chappell, Sun., Aug. 20
MEDIA RELEASE
"Why World Peace Is Possible" public presentation by author Paul Chappell in Paso Robles, Aug. 20
The public is welcome to "Why World Peace Is Possible," a presentation by author Paul Chappell, Sunday, Aug. 20, 2-3:30 p.m., St. James Episcopal Church, 514-14th St., Paso Robles, CA.
Paul K. Chappell is the Peace Leadership Director of the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation, an Iraq War veteran, West Point graduate, international speaker, and author of five books. Read more about him at www.paulkchappell.com, www.wagingpeace.org , and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_K._Chappell
"Paul K. Chappell has given us a crucial look at war and peace from the unique perspective of a soldier, and his new ideas show us why world peace is both necessary and possible in the 21st century. The End of War can help people everywhere understand why war must end, and how together we can end it." --Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Nobel Peace Prize laureate
The event is free of charge. A free-will offering will be received. The church hall is air conditioned. Light refreshments will be served.
The event is being co-sponsored by Paso Peace Community, Members of the North County Clergy Group, Rotary International PeaceBuilders, and Nuclear Age Peace Foundation.
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EDITORS: For more information, contact Gerald 'Jerry' Iversen, event coordinator, 805-400-0182.
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Paul Chappell NOTES
See BLOG about event at http://www.casajubileo.org/single-post/2017/08/23/Why-World-Peace-Is-Possible
Basic Human needs:
(Contrary to Maslow)
1. Purpose & Meaning
2. Belonging
3. Self-Worth
4. Explication/World view (why is the world thus way, people who would rather die than change world view)
If people don't find healthy/true reasons for these, they will find unhealthy ways.
Materialism is not the answer: osama bin lauden, mass-shooters, serial killers, 911 bombers were not poor
Two kinds of poverty: material poverty & spiritual poverty.
People suffering from spiritual poverty are way more dangerous
More basic human needs: Nurturing relationships (empathy, love, trust)
Trauma has ways to corrupt these needs: (Fear as) meaninglessness, nihilism, mistrust, disillusionment, a ruthless world view, rage/violent way to communicate, numbness, cynicism, alienation, shame, self-loathing, addiction
1. Inspiration
2. Transcending time
Nurturing Relationships: stronger community is important
Needs for community:
1. Shared trust
1. Shared empathy
2. Shared participation (teamwork)
3. Shared purpose, ideals, vision
4. Shared experiences
5. Shared history (2 in marines, never met before, but have shared background)
6. Shared struggle
98% of people are afraid of human aggression directed
Compared fatalities from driving (30k people/year vs 15 people/year from terrorists)
When there's malicious human intent, it affects how we respond. Break leg on bike vs jumped by gang who breaks your leg.
Most affective fear mongering is when they make us afraid of other people.
Why is literacy important? Knowledge is power (why Taliban keeps girls from education). Literacy gives you history, science
Why is there violence in the US? We need peace literacy. Peace literacy as a practical skill set. People aren't taught empathy, how to calm myself down, how to calm others.
Story about Waffle House -- Everybody had food, forks
Martial arts: respect everybody, even your enemy
Most human conflict is caused because someone feels disrespected
Moral authority: treating others with respect
Every culture: listening is respectful. Key to listening, empathy. The circle of who to be listened to, is affected by culture.
Rage to peace: teacher told him, "I really like your essay, you should think about being a writer." That teacher's comment saved his life.
Notes courtesy of Elysha Iversen
Sun., July 16
Chris Knudson, PhD., former Marine turned conscientious objector, former therapist turned protestor for Veterans for Peace, arrested many times. Hear his story. Engage in his activism!
On Sunday June 25th, nine were present, two were here for the first time, after getting acquainted we viewed the last half of Tom Shadyac's film 'I Am.' We saw how the heart responds to emotions, and how we are related to all creation, this led into a very good discussion. We closed the meeting as always by singing LET THERE BE PEACE ON EARTH AND LET IT BEGIN WITH ME, we had refreshments and fellowship. A very good meeting.
Chris Knudson with Veterans for Peace is active in the protests at military bases and has been arrested numerous times. He will speak at our July 16th meeting.
The June meeting will be 25th, the fourth Sunday, due to father's day. We plan to show and discuss a film.
REPORT: We discussed Paul K. CHAPPELL'S books and his work on peaceful nonviolent protest. Loretta Butts spoke at our May meeting, she knows Paul and mentioned an all day work shop that he and a co-worker held in Atascadero. Paul is nationally known for his work, so if we were to invite him, it would have to be on a much broader scale, a larger meeting place, and publicity. This is in the talking stage, we would like to do something that would be effective locally. If any one has a light bulb turn on in their head about something, let us know, we are open to comments and suggestions.
"Any intelligent fool can mack things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius -- and a lot of courage -- to move in the opposite direction." Albert Einstein
We have been meeting for nearly three years now, we did some art work, one meeting on music, we heard about Japanese culture, a report on toxic industrial waste that contaminated much of a community, we learned about the homeless of Paso Robles, and how a start up group was working on the problem, and now with all the political and the world wide programs we have large groups protesting for good causes, along with that there is a lot of world wide peace movements; so just how do we fit into all of that?
We have books by Paul K. Chappell, he has had military experience and now is well known for his peace initiative, his speeches and workshops for peace movements. With his military experience he has rather unique approach. We will look at some of that and use that for discussion. Go on line, type in Paul K. Chappell and you can see how he is involved in the peace movement.
April 23 (4th Sunday), Loretta Butts will be with us to tell about the Petra Peacebuilders. Loretta is a close friend and works with Bianca Neff, founder of Peta Peacebuilders.
The Rotary is an international organization. Each club works locally as well as having international interests.
Are we not all interested in the same thing, "World Peace"?
Loretta Butts, Rotary International District 5240
Peacebuilder Club Coordinator, 2017
Zone 25/26 Institute Pathways to Peace Coordinator, 2017
The following is the report for our meeting, Sunday April 23rd.
It was a very interesting and informative meeting.
Rotary's 30 year mission of wiping out Polio is nearly complete with only three countries still endemic, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Nigeria. Rotary was founded in 1905 in Evanston, Ill. by Paul Harris with the objective of creating fellowship through service and building a more peaceful world. Since 1984 women can also become members. However, in Mexico, women attend their own Rotary clubs. Work for peace is one of their basic impulses. Peace is " in the DNA of the Rotary". Rotary has a sub fellowship called Rotarian Action Group for Peace or RAG for Peace. Rotary was instrumental in the establishment of the United Nations by participating in the first organizational meetings in San Francisco, CA.
One of Loretta's sons served in the Marine Corps and Army Special Forces and was in the initial deployment preparations to Kuwait in the first Gulf War.
Cap. Paul Chappell, a warrior for peace, who has written several books on the idea that peace is possible will be co-presenting at a one day training on Non-violence skills. Please see information below from Loretta about the Pace e Bene program:
...we have decided to offer a Nonviolence Training from the Pace e Bene http://www.paceebene.org/ group to conduct an all-day session on Sunday, April 30th, 2017 at Children's House Montessori School, 3025 Monterey Rd, Atascadero, CA.
Our own group will be trained, and we would like to offer this opportunity to anyone who may be interested. The more people trained in these skills, the better off our community will be, and hopefully some of us would be comfortable to pass on these skills by training others in the future.
The trainers are leaders in the Non Violence world and we are very grateful to have such talent working with us. They are Paul Chappell www.peacefulrevolution.com and Ann Mbacke www.iamannmbacke.me also here is a link to the Non Violence Training Hub at http://nonviolencetraininghub.org/1000-trainings-project/
Hart quotes the following from the local paper: In Washington, DC is a Defense DPT - which sounds good, but going to war is a continuous pursuit : Afghanistan since 2001, in Iraq since2003, in Syria since 2014 and in Yemen since who-knows-when, etc. And N O W ? There is no Peace DPT in the DC Government.
We warmly thank Loretta for her visit and talk.
Dick and Hart
The following is Pearl's report on what is on going for the homeless in Paso. It is something in our local community in need of our moral and financial support.
Address of Transitional Food and Shelter is P.O. Box 4471, Paso Robles, CA 93447, website is www.NoWhereToGo.com (should have been .org, but founders in 1998 did not know that). If you click on "Donate", you will find a button there to click on for donation, or mail a check to the PO Box. TFS has to stop taking new clients when all apts. are full and funds budgeted for the month for motels is used up. They have 6 apts. and will acquire 2 more soon, all at same location in Atascadero, where they found some cheap apts. and zoning is correct (used to be a motel), across from Police Station.
Website of Paso Cares is www.pasocares.org. If you go to that site and click on "Donate", there is a button to donate by PayPal. To send a check, mail to Paso Cares, P.O. Box 2834, Paso Robles, CA 93447. Paso Cares is young and has very tiny donation base and no grants. Needs funds to pay RideOn, as warming shelter has had to be open most nights because of rain, and for supplies. Needs volunteers to serve as chaperones at night. Will train volunteers. Go to website to volunteer or call Cherie Michaelson at (805) 712-7067, or email her at acleangetaway@hotmail.com.
Thanks very much for $115 in individual donations made at the meeting. Donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law for charitable donations.
Thank you very much for the opportunity to tell you about these organizations.
Pearl Munak
Maggie Fertcheider spoke about "People of Faith for Justice." Their statement: "We are an interfaith alliance in San Luis Obispo county, CA, promoting peace and justice for all. We believe that God's inclusive love is the basis for promoting compassion, generosity, non-violence, and respect for diversity." Go to their web site for more information. -- www.PeopleOfFaithForJustice.org
Gerald Iversen spoke on Simple Living Works, and how it intersects and is related to Peace. Interesting discussion followed, and Pearl Munak, a first time attendee spoke about the Paso Robles water situation, the upcoming Propositions and a Water Board. The meeting ended with singing "Let There be Peace On Earth."
Gerald had a supply of T shirts with various messages, like Simple Living Works, and Peace and Justice, which he offered to anyone that would wear them. There was some socializing with refreshments afterwards.
The following is the new name, motto and purpose for the group. It is
not set in stone, so it is open for comments.
Name: A Peace Alliance 'Paso Robles'
Motto: Working together for a common cause.
Purpose: To promote peace in our hearts through spirituality and to
work for local, national and global peace by individuals and by groups
through direct action and public policy.
The alliance is a group of friends or participants, not a
membership organization, it has no pledges, nor by-laws. Free will
offerings may be taken to pay for specific projects.
No meeting in March.
In June, Dalene Eimon, having spent 40 years in Japan, talked to us about the Japanese people and their culture. Think about these people that are relatively a small nation but have considerable world influence.
Sun., July 17, 2-3:30 p.m. The public is welcome to this regular monthly meeting featuring Clint Kempster on Websites for Peace.
"A man is but the product of his thoughts. What he thinks, he becomes". -Mahatma Gandhi
'We are spiritual beings, having a human experience.' --Medgar Evers
Some people say they are not religious, but they are spiritual, others kind of turn that around, saying, only religion is spiritual. Now, just what would this have to do with world peace?
This will be for discussion at our meeting, and if you are unable to attend the meeting, a response on the subject would be appreciated.
'A man is the product of his thoughts, what he thinks, he becomes.' --Mahatma Gandhi
Everyone is welcome to this regular third-Sunday meeting of the Peace Coalition in Paso Robles, 838 St. Andrews Circle, which will include time for questions and comments. Light refreshments will be served.
The group will not meet in December.
Report on November 20th meeting
Meeting of the Paso Robles Peace Alliance, attended by 10 people. Jerry and Rita Iversen were our speakers. They brought 3 points.
1) Reported on standing with Standing Rock in North Dakota and the DAPL. They attended a demonstration in SLO outside the Mission where drumming and singing and speeches took place. Talked about how land is being destroyed and water contaminated in N Dakota and the logistics of piping oil across half of the U.S.
2) Can there be a non-materialistic Christmas? Whose birthday are we celebrating??? A poor child -- therefore why not have a more simple and meaningful Christmas? Playing games, music, singing as alternatives to spending. Create new lyrics (parodies) for existing melodies and songs.
3) Black Friday could become another 'Buy Nothing Day.' Jerry and Rita want to draw attention to Guatemala and share a dream for honoring and helping the people there (especially native Mayans). There are many widowed women there due to civil strife. The elderly and children as well are in need of vitamins and affordable health insurance. Jerry and Rita bring handcrafted items such as clothing, bags, toys and jewelry to sell here and proceeds are sent back to Guatemala. Hartmut and his son Michael had been in Guatemala and played some music on their handmade Guatemalan recorders.
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