Friday, June 18, 2010

Reflections on Oklahoma Memorial Museum Peace Education Summit



TUESDAY, JUNE 8: FOOD BY WHAT IS COOKING 843-6530. Excellent menu Nice to see two former HH teachers facilitating this wonderful summit. Great Job Adonna and Lynn!
Introductions: Adonna facilitated with high, low, hello ice breaker. A question was different with every person we met. Nice quick way to do introductions.

First Person Account: Rev. Wendy Lambert. Her father died at the bombing. Powerful speech on peace found through observing the work of volunteers. Great speaker for National Volunteer Week because she focuses on how the person who gave her a cup of coffee made her focus on the humanity of the volunteers which somewhat helped her through the news of her father's death. Wendy feels she was there to be in one with the calmnes among the destruction. Her purpose was to be first hand witness as to the goodness of people. She was impacted by the person who gave her a sandwich, gave blood, gave a child a toy animal. She ended her presentation by stating, Acts of kindness bring the best in us during the worst times or through momentary acts of evil.

Crisis Communication: We learned how the police department and the media interacted. Important words by Chief Bill Citty, Tony Stizza, Director of Video of the OKC Memorial Museum, and Terri Watkins, reporter, RELATIONSHIPS, RESPECT and TRUST.

Ability to communicate was easy because of long standing relationships, boundaries were clear, and accuracy of information was based on trust. Security and protection of crime scene allowed free exchange of accurate information. Local media is part of the fabric of the community. A documentary I must watch is TAPESTRY.

The Investigation: We learned about details of the arrest, research, and trail from Hank Gibbons, Retired FBI Agent, and Leon Gillum, Director of Safety and Security OKC Memorial Museum.
-Unintended consequence of the bombing...Memorial a testament to the common good
-Responsibility for your actions...Life is not like a video game
-Culture of Silence...One phone call from people who knew about the bombing could have spared lives.

Interactive Lesson: Creative Writing with a Purpose. Most applicable part of the day for my practice as a director of service-learning. OKC Memorial Museum Fellow, Andrew Smith, Sheffield Middle School, OH. 8th grade students are given a toy from the Memorial Fence. Then, they write a healing story with that toy as a character. The story book goes to kids in crisis providing a message and gift of hope and comfort. This could be applicable to Life Prep 101 next year. Fence toys are available by simply asking Lynn Roller to send as many as needed. The HOPE Chest is probably something we need to have at the library the first two weeks in September also, if we decide this to be the social action project for the ninth grade. Our homework was to create a story based on the toy we were given. I got a baby seal. My story's first title was D.J.'s Wish

Creating a Memorial: Power Presentation by the museum's CEO, Kari Watkins. 1995 Blow to the heart of the city. People wanted to see good over evil. HOPE was the hardest word to agree from family members. 623 designs, 23 different countries, one winner. The choice: To remember, to reflect, to teach...from anger to hope for peace

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 9, 2010 : Food by Panera. Great Box sandwiches.
Homework discussion: It was amazing to see how the stories about the toys all had a moral to help children heal or have hope. My story, D.J.'s Wish is yet to be finished.

Cultural Memory: Experiencing History Through Creativity and Research: Most powerful presentation of the summit. Haley Thompson, Theatre/UCO Communication Education Coordinator related how she got involved in the Memorial (high school boyfriend's mother was a survivor. She went to the Memorial fence and noticed the poetry. She did performances on that poetry) and how she used a visit to the museum with archives research to empower her students to create a transforming play with personal talents(dance, music composition, song, poetry, photography.) Her students gave us a small vinegette and talked about how this project changed them.

This gave me the idea of having the third YAC Invitational at the museum. I will apply for a museum grant and ask Haley to share her process and experience to re-create her project with YAC students. Then I will like for YAC to have a professional development for the faculty on collaboration. I asked her students to be chapel speakers for September 11, Day of Remembrance and for the OKC Bombing Remembrace Day which YAC will promote. I hope to facilitate kids walking at the Memorial Marathon in 2011.

Process: Two days investigating to do a 45 minute presentation
1. Visit to the museum: What specific images/quotes/items caught your attention?
As students tour the museum they journal their reactions and feelings through their five senses. She asked them to go away from each other, to pay attention to their soul.
2. Visit and investigation at the archives: Explore and touch history. Journal through the senses. Recommendation: Buy gloves and bring copy paper because students will like to copy a lot of documents.
3. The Creative Process: The teacher's concern was offending somebody because the stories might be about someone who lived next door. Her directions: Treat it in a mature way and do justice to the story. She had performace rubrics.
Their performance has the following parts: Who were we before, what happened to us when we touched history and how were we transformed. The students created the show which included fences where audience left their thoughts after the show. The fence idea made me think about the Secrets Project and how to leave secrets without fears.

Teaching about the bombing: Program and Resources:
Called2Change Program: A result of Edmond students who lost parents. What happens when you choose violence.
Grants to take students to museum with transportation funding allocation. Archives for research. Reflective journals for every level.
Simple Truths Workshop coming up on September 29, date and time: TBA, but possibly Sunday afternoon.
Amanda Wrede from Cheyenne Middle School, 639-4596, amanda-wrede@yahoo.com is a great resource for Life Prep 101. She has worked with the museum and teaches ethics and leadership at the 8th grade level. She uses 7 Habits of High Effective Teens. Amanda also recommended Flip Flipping: Touching Kids Hearts, a book about compassion and loving versus discipline. Adonna Meyer is also willing to do a Colors Test for YAC. We need funding for her. I also met Robin Finnegan's mother who recommended me to to buy HOPE HAS THE LAST WORD.
The museum provides one complementary entrance to educators for every 7 students. Plan
1. Visit the museum
2. Visit the memorial
3. Have a first person presentation. Make an appointment for this presentation
Must see the TAPESTRY documentary

First Person Account of the Bombing by Amy Petty, Survivor (Chief Operations Officer and Senior Vice President of Lending Allegiance Credit Union). Powerful speaker. Stop often and evaluate your life. What do you wish you had done if you were to die tomorrow? Live your life with purpose. Be the person who does something. Life is short, experience as much as you can. Where in the World is Amy Petty? She will be bicycling around Oklahoma.

Legislation and New Standards: Kelly Curtright, Director of Social Studies Edcuation State Department of Education. Studying the bombing and the memorial is a state mandate. It is our story. The memorial helps us learned what happened and how to cope. The only area that has not been documented is the educators' response to the bombing. I asked Kelly about financial literacy and he gave me http://www.econisok.org/ and to contact the Oklahoma Council on Economic Education.

Hope Trunk: The Hope Trunk available just by asking for a period of 2 weeks. Contact Lynne Porter, Education Coordinator to place your week on her calendar. 13 trunks available

Responding to Children in Crisis: Dr. Robin Gurwitch via SKYPE. We can see fears and worries. Concerns with safety and security. Worries with state, community, world. Geometry is not as important as father in Iraq or fear of natural disaster and death. Stress signs are similar to children with ADHD: Problems with concentration, grades drop, small attention span, mood swings, hyperactivity, hupervigilant-jumpy at police sirens. Headaches, fatigue, stomach ache, flu like symptoms. Take the first step to start conversations. Open yourself to them. You cannot fix the situation, but you can be avaialble to talk. Google National Center for School Crisis and Bereatment. They have a manual. LISTEN, PROTECT, CONNECT. Psychological first aide is for every one. Avoid comparing. A good book to read is LEAVE ALONE, BUT FIRST TAKE ME and _______to the mall.

Archives and Research tour: I found a picture of Spivey's collage. Pam Bell, archivist
It was interesting to see how the museum has preserved the accounts and gifts from people all over the world. When I return with my students, I want to investigate Susan Ferrell because she spent time at 37 on two things I wish I had done with my life: Be an attorney and dance from ballet to belly dancer.

Friday, May 28, 2010

Opening the Golden Flower


July 9-11: Mindfulness Retreat, Saint Francis of the Woods, Hw 33, east of Guthrie
Cost $250. Starts Friday at 7:00 pm. to Sunday noon. (25 participants) Contact: Pat Webb, 405-286-0091, 209-7111

Gather as a community in an environment of Noble Silence,
Look deeply at the teachings of the Budha,
Enjoy mindful walking, eating, relaxing, singing and sharing,
Refresh bodies, hearts, and minds.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Emily Silverstein's Father Path to Peace

My June Path to Peace


From end of the year pictures


From end of the year pictures




When? Sunday, 6 June, 2010,2:00-4:00 p.m.
24-time zones walking in a 24-hour period

Where?: Join the United Nations of Greater Oklahoma City at the South Plaza of the State Capitol and Perimeter.
On Site “Zumba Conmigo” to pump up walkers, Kimberly and Diego Munoz
Rainy Day Option: Your treadmill, your neighborhood, or join the virtual walk on Facebook

What? $10 per mile. Find sponsors. Set your own goal
Hydrate. Use reusable water bottles. Sierra Club bottles for sale at walk
Decorate a T-shirt with your motivation to walk
http://www.facebook.com/WalkTheWorld
http://walktheworld.wfp.org/
http://www.regionalfoodbank.org/Programs/Childhood-Hunger

Why? Hungry Children Cannot Learn

How? Checks, Online Donations
United Nations World Food Programme, School Meals, Walk the World
https://walktheworld.wfp.org/donate/donate

Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, Food-4-Kids
http://www.regionalfoodbank.org/Programs/Childhood-Hunger/Food4Kids

For more information contact clayc@casady.org; 405- 520-1325

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Count Down to the International Day of Peace

The UN has chosen the theme Youth, Peace and Development for this year's observance of the International Day of Peace.

The concept behind this is to connect the Millennium Development Goals and the UN International Year of Youth with the International Day of Peace. The Millennium Development Goals (MDG's) are based upon the premise that development must be for peace. A summit on the Millennium Development Goals will be held at UN headquarters Sept. 20 - 22; www.un.org/millenniumgoals. As part of this, the Stand Up Campaign has shifted its three day worldwide mobilization to Sept. 17-19; last year over 100 million people participated in this event. www.standagainstpoverty.org

Due to the MDG summit, the UN ceremonies for the International Day of Peace will take place on Friday, Sept. 17th. These will include the annual ringing of the Peace Bell by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, the student observance, and possibly student participation in the Stand Up Campaign.

100-Day Countdown
The UN's 100-Day Countdown to the IDP begins on June 13th.
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will deliver a message about the International Day of Peace, during which he will ask all nations and people to prepare for this year's observance. Some of the UN Messengers of Peace - celebrities and world leaders - will also be involved.

Will you join us in the 100 Day Countdown?
We are asking member organizations of the Culture of Peace Initiative to conduct their own 100-Day Countdowns in order to engage your networks to also make plans for this occasion. Among us, all segments of civil society will be involved in this process, including: religious and volunteer groups; NGO's representating many aspects of Peacebuilding - from care of the environment to promoting human rights; educational institutions; local and grassroots organizations; families and private citizens; businesses and professionals; and the media.

This year marks the close of the International Decade for a Culture of Peace. Let us use this occasion to set the stage for a more widespread and universal observance of the International Day of Peace in future years - observances that showcase sustainable solutions and create practical acts of Peacebuilding.

2010: Africa's Year of Peace and Security
The African Union has asked it's 53 nation members to observe the International Day of Peace this year - among all nations, cultures and families. The African Union expects that a day of ceasefire in conflict zones will allow for humanitarian relief, such as vital food, water, mosquito nets and other emergency supplies to be provided to people in those areas. 2010 is Africa's "Year of Peace and Security" which will culminate on the International Day of Peace, and enable Africans to continue making Peace through education, awareness-raising and empowerment.

Presenting... the CPI Report on Peace Day 2009!
Michael Johnson of Pathways To Peace presented the 2009 annual report of the Culture of Peace Initiative on the International Day of Peace to the UN in April. This report is available at www.internationaldayofpeace.org and www.cultureofpeace.org. View the report by regions around the world! http://bit.ly/cpi_reports

CPI Online Community
In the run up to the 100 day countdown, we encourage you to make connections through the CPI online community: http://bit.ly/cpi_group. The group includes an ever-growing list of more than 500 organization profiles and peacebuilding resources and solutions. The group map can show you Peacebuilders and organizations from around the world, who are part of the CPI network! Our community is hosted on WiserEarth.org, now available in French, Spanish and Portuguese!

Please join and make your presence known on - the International Day of Peace Facebook page. Can you help us reach 20,000 people this week!

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Count Down to International Day of Peace

We are at the 6 month countdown to Peace Day 2010!

On the weekend of May 1-2, let's begin by simply connecting with local neighbors and residents, to prepare for Peace Day on the week of September 21. Start meeting new people who are interested in Peace issues, by organizing a group meeting or event. Ask friends or fellow co-workers to help. Here are 9 ways to get the ball rolling:

1. Have coffee... or tea.
2. Host a film screening.
3. Invite a guest speaker.
4. Setup a volunteer event.
5. At events, crowds or classrooms, pass around a contact sheet for those interested in Peace Day.
6. Invite local nonprofits who work on "Peace" issues in your community.
7. Meet at a home, school, office, church, bookstore, bar, yoga studio or cafe!
8. Call the event/meet-up "Peace in (your city/town)".
9. Organize a monthly "Peace" themed event.

Suggestion: Create a new Facebook page to promote meeting(s) and the build-up to Peace Day 2010. For example: "Peace Day in (city/town)". Share with us your page if you do! We'll link to your page, to help others find you!

CPI will continue to share ideas, updates and highlights of the build-up to Peace Day online and through our newsletters. By the way, our Facebook page has nearly 19,000 participants! www.facebook.com/peaceday.

UN Observances and theme: Representatives from organizations within CPI are working with the United Nations Deptartment of Public Information on this year's theme for the International Day of Peace. Human rights, environmental sustainability and the Millennium Development Goals are all being considered. We will keep everyone informed when a theme is announced.

Peace Day Global Broadcast: The Unity Foundation is seeking submissions for the 2nd annual Peace Day Global Broadcast, subtitled: Building Peace Through Sustainability. This year's focus will be on the Millennium Development Goals. To learn more go to www.peaceday.tv. For video submission forms, sponsorship applications, affiliations, and other information please contact Bill McCarthy at unityfoundation1@aol.com.

The Music4Peace Initiative and Tour aims to educate, empower, and improve the world, by striving to eradicate hunger and violence while providing clean water. The first events announced for the 2010 tour include: a Hip Hop Summit in South Africa during the World Soccer Cup in June, and the Gandhi Tour in Brazil on the International Day of Peace, Sept. 21st. Music4Peace has also announced the launch of a Film 4 Peace Contest. Visit www.music4peacetour.com for more details.

You are a pathway to Peace,
Your dedicated Team at CPI

"Be the change you want to see in the world." - Gandhi
________________
This newsletter is presented by Pathways To Peace, the International Secretariat of the Culture of Peace Initiative, a UN designated Peace Messenger program, that includes thousands of organizations across the globe. Pathways has been involved with the International Day of Peace since it's inception in 1981 and has nurtured this occasion into an annual global observance, that is intercultural and inter-generational in nature, and reaches hundreds of millions of people worldwide. Governments, religions, educational institutions, businesses & professionals, non-profits, the media, grassroots organizations and people from all walks of life are involved. To learn more about our programs, networks, campaigns and support materials see our websites below.

Acting in concert, we do make a difference in the quality of our lives, our institutions, our environment and our planetary future.

Through cooperation, we manifest the essential spirit that unites us amidst our diverse ways.

Pathways To Peace
PO Box 1057
Larkspur, CA 94977
http://www.cultureofpeace.org/
http://www.pathwaystopeace.org/
www.internationaldayofpeace.org

Thursday, April 15, 2010

When does an act of service become an act of peace?





I attended a free webinar sponsored by edutopia.org. about Three Cups of Tea. It was a great experience to share my computer with 5,000 teachers and students around the USA. I hope the webinar will be made available to teachers because it had great pictures and a powerfull Q/A with Greg.

Greg focused on placing importance of learning from elders. This is alive and well in Pakistan and Afganistan, he said, but seems to be a lost treasure in the USA.

Another image he left in my heart was "some of the balls kids play with in America are made with "Afganishtan slave child labor."

I wish I was able to recall all his words, but the ones left in my memore are about some of the lessons the military learned from Three Cups of Tea:
Listen more
Respect
Build Relationships

Greg also stated that if you educate a boy, you educate the individual; if you educate a girl, you educate the community.

Another statement he made that I want to remember was: "When your heart speaks, Take GOOD NOTES.". This was his answer to a kid who wanted to know where he found his inspiration.

He talked about Pennies for Peace and service-learning projects generated from Pennies for Piece for local causes like the Little Red Wagon Foundation, an 8-year old kid who will walk for one million dollars to help homeless children.

He also mentioned that American pennies have the power to erradicate illiteracy.

Greg stated that the Taliban is afraid to destroy some of his schools because they were build by free labor from the communities where they stand.

He ended his presentation with a few suggestions

1. Empower elders in Afganistan
2. Do not shelter our kids from the realities of the world

He ended with a quote from MLK "Even if the world ends tomorrow, I will plant my see today."

I look forward to his presentation at Lloyd Noble, APRIL 21, 4:00 P.M. FREE ADMISSION.


The Pinwheels for peace and the Pennies for Peace Project will be the Casady YAC projects-all school project- for next year in the month of September. The project will start in August and culminate on September 21, International Day of Peace.




Circle the World
By Dana Lyons

What if we could circle the world
Flying peace doves beneath the sun
Giant twenty foot wings of fabric
That are hand made by everyone
Pmce a uear we circle the world
Saying ain't it time to burry the guns
Our time has come and we have begun
To Circle the World

Its a dream and its a vision
Its a prayer that we may see
When every person, every creature
Will be treated with dignity
When every war will be a memory
We never shall repeat
Our time has come and we have begun
To Circle the World

Its a parade and its a party
Giant puppets with many drums
Its a song with many rhythms
That is sung in many tongues
Its a giant snake dance
In every country beneath the sun
Our time has come and we have begun
To Circle the World


www.cowswithguns.com



About Me

cbc: clayc@casady.org; 405-749-3103