Campus Peace Centers
Building a Culture of Peace, One Campus at a Time
Campus Peace Centers The United Nations CSVGC (NY)
The Peace Pole Project
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A campus Peace Center is a gathering place for students to share information, inspiration, ideas, and projects for creating a culture of peace.
Each center is unique, developed by the students according to the character of their own college or university. Taking a holistic approach, the Peace Center welcomes students involved in many different aspects of peace-making, from environmentally oriented activities, to political affairs, to the arts, sports and culture.
All Peace Centers may choose to be part of an on-line network of campus Peace Centers worldwide, and to join with the Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Community at the United Nations.
Where is the Peace Center?
A Peace Center can be any congenial location, ranging from a simple classroom to a multi-media complex. Universities that already have an established conflict resolution center, international studies program or interfaith chapel may wish to offer space to students interested in establishing a Peace Center. At other schools, an existing student group or club, such as an Aikido dojo, may be willing to offer space.
It is important that the Peace Center be centrally located on campus, so that everyone feels invited to participate. Many Peace Centers will have a Peace Pole with the message ″May Peace Prevail on Earth″ identifying it and linking it with the network of Peace Centers and 200,000 other locations dedicated to peace around the world.
What Programs Take Place at the Peace Center?
Students of many different disciplines and recreational activities related to a culture of peace create their own programs at the Peace Center. These may include:
- Meetings and Discussions – on topics affecting student life and/or world affairs
- Lectures or Conferences – on inner peace, local peace or world peace
- Activist Campaigns – rallying student support for issues such as getting out the vote or creating Departments/Ministries of Peace;
- Concerts, Plays, Poetry Readings, Gallery Displays
- Martial Arts Demonstrations
- Interfaith Events – or religious activities
- Club Meetings
- Environmental Teach-Ins – for ″greening″ the campus
- Conflict Resolution – for issues on campus and beyond
- Postings of Volunteer Opportunities – including community service projects
- Celebrations – such as the International Day of Peace
What Other Uses May the Peace Center Have?
- Coffee House
- Internet Café
- Performance Space
- Chapel
- Yoga/Meditation Studio
- Dance Hall
All campus Peace Centers around the world are welcome to join together on the Internet at www.campuspeacecenters.net. This web site offers networking opportunities, resources, a place to post projects and a spirit of international community.
The web site also offers areas where the students are welcome to partner with programs of the United Nations and other institutions, as well as openings for internships, graduate programs, scholarships and employment.
In addition, students may wish to create an on-line social network through their own campus Peace Center.
Creating a Culture of Peace
Campus Peace Centers empower students to become the voices of peace on campus, in their own country, and throughout the world. These are the students who will graduate with more than just a degree: they will have the skills and creativity to lead the world to a brighter future, a true culture of peace.
″You must be the change you wish to see in the world.″ — Mohandas Gandhi
″Never doubt that a few committed individuals can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has.″ — Margaret Mead