Little Friends for Peace

Practicing Peace

2011-09-21T06:22:00.000-07:00

This fall at Perry School, the new theme is “Practicing Peace”. So, how do we practice peace in our daily lives? We practice peace every day in the peace room, but one story sticks out. One afternoon, two of the peacemakers in the room got into a fight and it did not seem that either one was going to give in. However, after identifying the problem, hearing both sides perspectives and ultimately apologizing, both sides were back to being friends again. When we are willing to stop and listen to each other, it becomes much easier to forgive.

Garden at Perry in full swing!

2011-04-15T14:35:00.001-07:00

We've started our garden again at Perry! The kids love to get outside and get their hands in the dirt. We've already planted radishes, tomatoes, beans, peas, squash, carrots, spinach, and broccoli! Planting has reminded us where our food comes from, and we'll have fresh and healthy food throughout the summer. It's also nice to have a project that we can return to on a regular basis. Some of the boys have been working with Mr. Jerry to paint new boards for the perimeter of the garden, which will look beautiful once they're done. We've been talking a lot about what it means to keep Mother Earth peaceful and take care of all of her plants!

Capitol Area Association for Peace Studies Conference

2011-03-29T15:43:00.001-07:00

This past Saturday, volunteers Anna, Kendra and Rachel attended and presented at the 24th Annual Capital Area Association for Peace Studies (CAAPS). One of the highlights was seeing Daryn Cambridge, the director of Knowledge and Digital Studies at the International Center on Nonviolent Conflict and professor at American University give his keynote address at the conference. He talked about his experience at various peace organizations and different and unique strategies on how to approach peaceful change. One of the most interesting suggestions Cambridge had for lasting peace was the use of humor to make a point. After this we had the chance to view and discuss DC area student’s projects and ideas on peace. For our presentation, we talked about why LFFP is unique among a sea of other after school programs because of its unique emphasis on peace. We also demonstrated LFFP traditions like the peace pledge and check in while we shared our philosophy on teaching peace at an early age. Overall, the conference was a lot of fun and a great way to get LFFP’s name out to a community of students concerned with peace.

2011 Summer Camps Announced

2011-03-16T06:20:00.000-07:00

LFFP is excited to release the 2011 Summer Peace Camp schedule. This year, thanks to Holy Trinity Catholic Church, MJ and Jerry Park are taking the Peace Train global, with a week long camp to be held in El Salvador. They will continue their long standing partnerships with camps at UUCA, Perry Center, Mount Rainier and for the second year are elated to work with TASSC and hold a peace camp in Cheverly (MD).

If you are interested in having LFFP host a camp or workshop at your location, or provide training materials please contact us at mjpeace@gmail.com. See below for the peace camps already scheduled for the summer including three with open enrollment.

Peace and conflict resolution is on the rise, help us spread the germ of peace!

For registration information please email tf.park@gmail.com

Week of	Location
June 20th	TASSC
June 27th	UUCA(VA) Perry Center (DC) camp begins
July 25th	Cheverly(MD) Peace Camp- Open
August 1st	Peace Leaders in Mt. Rainier(MD)- Open Perry Center(DC) camp concludes
August 8th	Mt. Rainier (MD) Peace Camp- Open
August 15th	Peace Camp in El Salvador

Georgetown's TeachUNICEF visits Perry

2011-02-21T06:50:00.000-08:00

Georgetown's TeachUNICEF Committee recently visited the Peace Room at the Perry School. Five committee members gave a lesson on poverty, including a story about Himal, a boy from Nepal who was living in poverty and who had to give up school in order to work. Here are some of the volunteers' reflections on their time in the Peace Room:

Ally: I was able to make some progress with the little girl I was working with when we talke

d about and drew pictures of the differences between rich and poor.

Charlotte: My experience reminded me how much young children deserve attention...To me, it seemed like our mere presence at their school demonstrated to them how much we care. I think we can help make a big difference in their lives.

Katie: I first had a hard time trying to engage the student to our discussion about Himal and Nepal, but she got excited about the drawing activity, and eventually showed interest in our activity. I hope she understood a little more about poverty, children, and life in Nepal.

Berk: I really liked the idea of a “Peace room” in which children decide on their rules, have material to express themselves, be reminded of the importance of international peace, and welcome guests like us.

Lotus: One of the children was completely fascinated by percentages, what they mean, and how to calculate them. These percentages dealt with the proportion of children in the world who lack certain resources, such as access to clean water and adequate nutrition. I think the girl I was working with was better able to grasp the magnitude of these deprivations through working with actual numbers. It was a joy to teach and interact with the children at the Perry School!

Valentine's Day Party

2011-02-18T13:45:00.000-08:00

On the Sunday before Valentine’s Day, members from all across the Perry Community came together to celebrate peace, love and creativity. Artist Thalia Doukas taught a great seminar to students on how to make woven valentines out of two pieces of paper. With the help of GWU volunteers Diksha, Mignotae and Rachel, the younger kids decorated their Valentines with stickers, and peace themed cutouts. After a healthy meal, the peace kids put on a spontaneous talent show on the Peace Room stage to express their creativity. We then sang songs together with Rachel playing the guitar. The Valentines Day Party was a great way for new members of the Perry Community to meet each other and for everyone to show their creativity in a peaceful way.

Family Night

2011-02-10T14:40:00.000-08:00

This past Thursday, the Perry community gathered for our monthly Family Night. The main focus of the night was to teach families ways to keep their bodies and their minds healthy for the New Year. To show how families could stay healthy at home, everyone participated in a beginners yoga class to learn about ways to calm the mind and increase flexibility in a low impact way. As a community partner at Perry School, Little Friends For Peace is working at peace starting with oneself and yoga is the perfect outlet for this. It is important to have peace in yourself before you can share peace with others. After yoga, we joined together for a balanced meal of pasta, salad, fruit and vegetables. The night was a lot of fun, and families are now equipped with the tools to continue living a healthy and peaceful lifestyle.

Tuesday Peace Club

2011-02-04T11:23:00.000-08:00

Tuesday Peace Club children made a world of wishes and shared what they thought would be a good gift for the world. Their wishes included food for everyone, peace in the world, no guns, joy, love, health for all, no torture, green earth with no pollution and homes for all.

Tuesday Peace Club started the New Year 2011 by talking about how they can let their light shine in dark places and be the change they want to see in the world. Some lights were love, helping others, picking up trash, solving problems by talking, sharing food with others and becoming friends with children in other countries.

Keeping these ideas in mind will help us stay peaceful throughout the year.

Christmas Cooking

2011-02-04T10:53:00.000-08:00

Right before Christmas, a group of Georgetown students came to Perry to bake Christmas cookies and make peace cards. We met at Anne's house, where MJ helped us center ourselves with the Peace Circle. We all recited the Peace Pledge and sang our favorite songs about peace. Then we took a moment to reflect and share what kind of gift we would want to give the world for Christmas.

Once we got to Perry, we made sugar cookies and chocolate chip

cookies with lots and lots of delicious sprinkles. The Georgetown students helped us read some stories, and we made peace cards to bring some holiday harmony into the world. At the very end, we had a surprise visit from SANTA! Santa listened carefully to each one of the visitors and brought each of us a gift. What a holiday blessing!

LFFP celebrates a birthday!

2011-02-03T22:19:00.000-08:00

"It’s amazing that every time I have had the opportunity to sit in a reflective session with LFFP, I am so touched at the depth and courage the children have in sharing what makes their peace and what breaks their peace." - Peacemaker Neha

After two years of living in Nepal and India, our fellow peacemaker Neha decided to share one of her favorite traditions with LFFP: giving on your birthday instead of receiving. For the second year in a row, Neha spent her birthday with LFFP, sharing her love in a time of celebration.

After spending a month collecting healthy food from friends and family, Neha dropped by the

Peace Room to deliver the healthy food. In addition to the typical peace songs and games, our peace team broke off into groups to mime a healthy task to the audience. All the teams were successful in sharing their tips! At the end, we took time to read a story about healthy eating, where all of us took turns reading and making sense of the story's pictures. It was a truly memorable experience for all involved.

Thanks again, Neha, for your time, energy, and thoughtfulness!

Afghan Phone Bridge

2011-02-02T14:34:00.000-08:00

Little Friends For Peace participated in the Advent Series sponsored by Pax Christi called: Whose Children Are These? - talking to Afghan youth on the internet on Sunday afternoons . It was very inspiring and uplifting to hear the youth share how they want to be friends with others and not enemies - they said , why not love instead of hate. LFFP shared that they are teaching the best way to solve problems is to hop on the Peace Train- slow down , cool down, breath deeply and then say the problem, offer solutions and pick one that is fair for all.

Little friends For Peace also participated in the Global Day of Listening on New Year's Day - telephone hook up with Afghan Youth . It was a hopeful and uplifting way to bring in the New Year. LFFP shared that we want to lead a Peace Camp in Afghanistan.

Georgetown Medical Students Enrich Peace Club

2011-01-23T19:44:00.000-08:00

Georgetown Medical Students have a partnership with LFFP and do a service learning unit with the LFFP in the Peace Room at Perry. The five students came 6 times and presented lessons on: Healthy eating, Friendships, Cooperating, Problem Solving, Heroes and Heroines.

They were great mentors as they shared their time, talents and interest in the Perry Kids. Great trust and relationships were built and peace was experienced by all.

Happy Holidays!

2010-12-20T07:46:00.000-08:00

I have had a wonderful time this past semester getting to know everyone here as I have done my internship with LFFP. I have greatly enjoyed the peace classes and kids and have learned so much. But my time here has come to an end. So I wish the LFFP and Perry School family a wonderful Christmas and bright future! I hope to be back to visit!
Thanks for Everything,
Rebecca

Peace Play

2010-12-15T19:20:00.000-08:00

On Monday we had our first rehearsal for a special peace play being put on by the Boys Club in Mount Rainier. In their weekly peace classes with these boys, MJ and Jerry have witnessed the development of this creative three act play, and hope to see it performed during the Christmas break! Take a look at some of the pictures from the rehearsal!

Kentrell explaining the plot.

The Peace Sheriff comes to resolve the conflict!

We can't wait to see the finished play!

Beacon House

2010-12-14T09:13:00.000-08:00

Once a week LFFP gets to do a peace class with the after school program at Beacon House.This past Friday we got to work on some festive pictures and talk about the approaching holiday and what our Christmas wishes for the world would be. It was quite inspiring to hear these young kids wishing for the homeless to have homes and food to eat. Have a look at some photos from our class!

Peace Class

2010-12-05T08:27:00.000-08:00

This past week we went to the Hispanic Parish for our weekly class with the little kids. In a typical class we have one or two children that will actively be a part of the class, and they tend to be the oldest of the group. The other children, around two years old, will usually stay on the outskirts of our circle but you can tell that they are listening and absorbing the message. So when we found out that this peace class would consist of only the little ones, we were unsure of what to expect. But it turned out to be amazing! Everyone of those little guys participated and they were excited to do so! It was truly a happy and unexpected surprise for us!

Monday Medical Students!

2010-12-01T08:04:00.000-08:00

This week we had a great class in the peace room when the Medical Students from Georgetown came to do a lesson with the kids.

They got to work one on one with the Georgetown students to think of some tasty but healthy foods that they could eat.

Then they each got on stage to present the foods that they had come up with.

And wow did they look delicious!

We all had a blast sharing in the great lesson that the Medical students had created!

Peace Beading!

2010-12-01T07:50:00.000-08:00

On Monday we got the chance to do some beading in the neighborhood with some great kids and our good friend Ann!

Take a look at what everyone got to make!

We hope to get together again soon!

November Family Night

2010-11-20T10:35:00.000-08:00

This past Thursday we gathered at the Perry School for our monthly Family Night, but this one was extra special! We started off by filling out leaves and feathers with the things we are thankful for and then we put them on our Tree of Thanks and our turkey. Then we finished off the night by sharing a delicious pre-Thanksgiving meal. It was truly a great time for us to spend with the kids and their families as we prepare for the Holiday!

Potter's House Event!

2010-11-17T09:11:00.000-08:00

The Sounds of Hope Event at the Potter's House this past Friday was a great success. It was a joy to see friends and make new ones as we all gathered together for delicious food and great music. And wow was the music impressive! There was singing, the playing of instruments, and even story telling and it all left those of us in the audience feeling amazed. It was truly a great event and successful night! Thanks to everyone who came out and helped to support LFFP!

Tuesday Peace Club!

2010-11-11T15:16:00.000-08:00

This past Tuesday for Peace Club the kids got to build some Gratitude Structures. It was a lot of fun to watch their creative minds as they worked together to build them. Have a look at some of their creations!

Month of Thankfulness

2010-11-10T13:14:00.000-08:00

This month, our theme is thankfulness. In line with that theme, we have the little "Book of Thanks" that the children can work on. The children began working on these books on Monday and had some great answers including one answer by Brianna in which she said she was thankful for Rosa Parks!
We also made a Tree of Thanks for our Peace room at Perry.It started out as a bare tree, but with each class we will be having the students write or draw what they are thankful for on leaves and then put the leaves onto the tree. At the end we hope to have our tree covered in colorful leaves of thanks!

Sounds of Hope!

2010-11-01T10:55:00.000-07:00

Approaching quickly is the Annual "Sounds of Hope" Fundraiser for Little Friends for Peace. So come out and support LFFP and celebrate MJ's birthday with us! Below is the flyer for the event.We hope to see you there!

New Feature
at the Annual 'Sounds of Hope'

Fundraiser for Little Friends for Peace
at
Potter's House 1658 Columbia Road, NW DC 20009

A Talent Show at 7:00

So Bring your Voice, Instrument or Dancing Shoes
Participants are entered into a Raffle
Order Dinner or Dessert
Browse the Bookstore
Enjoy art pieces & Mary Shapiro's Music
Raise funds for LFFP projects:

Peace Times for Central American Toddlers, their Moms & Dads
After-school Program for Perry Center's Peace Room
Beading Circle for Refugees and Ex-prisoners
Whole Family Visits to Peace Oasis

RSVP to MJ & Jerry Park, Co-Directors of Little Friends for Peace

mjpeace@gmail.com (240) 838-4549 www.LFFP.org

Family Peacebuilding Event

2010-10-27T10:37:00.000-07:00

Recently LFFP did a Family Peacebuilding Event at Holy Trinity.

There the families were able to work together on an activity in which they explored what made them a family.

Then the kids got to ride on the Peace Train! It was truly a great time to explore and appreciate what family means!

Before it Gets Too Cold

2010-10-27T10:35:00.000-07:00

The Peace kids at Perry have been taking advantage of this last bit of good weather before the cold sets in. They have had lots of fun getting their hands into the dirt at they learn about gardening with Jerry. In the gardens located behind the Perry School as well as in front of it around the Peace Pole, they have gotten to pull weeds, plant flowers, and water them so that they can grow. This activity has been a great way to teach the kids about plants and to get them outside to enjoy the good weather!

MJ Speaks to New Jesuit Volunteers

2010-10-24T10:28:00.000-07:00

Recently MJ got to speak with some new Jesuit volunteers. During their time together, they touched on such topics as living out the gospel message in their daily lives and also working with the poor and challenged. Meeting together in the Peace room provided them with a great time to share that they will likely all remember!

Volunteers Energize LFFP

2010-10-24T10:12:00.000-07:00

We here at LFFP have been so thankful for the partnerships we have with local universities including Georgetown University, American University, George Washington University, and the University of Maryland. Through these partnerships, we now have lots of volunteers that come each week to do service in areas such as grant writing, development, direct service, and accounting. At Little Friends for Peace there is always something to do and we are so grateful to have wonderful volunteers who are always willing to help out!

October Family Night!

2010-10-23T09:25:00.000-07:00

October's Family Night was a great success. LFFP, the Perry School staff, and our students' families all joined together for an evening where we truly felt like one big family!

We made paper bag pumpkin masks and enjoyed some win-win games!
We were so thankful for the delicious meal that Ms. Naomi made for our Peace Cafe!

We are already looking forward to our next Family Night in November!

International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

2010-10-20T10:07:00.000-07:00

On October 17th, MJ and Jerry joined many others for the Tapori event in recognition of the Fourth World Movement of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.

It was a great time for them to spend together in their stand against poverty!

UNICEF Activity

2010-10-18T09:11:00.000-07:00

Recently a group of students from Georgetown planned and did a lesson with our kids at the Perry School. They came on behalf of their campus student organization for the United Nations Chilrden's Fund. This student organization seeks to help youth in the DC area become more globally aware by teaching them about topics such as child labor, water and sanitation, and gender equality. The children really seemed to enjoy the activity that they did and we look forward to having them back for another one!

Encouraging our College Students

2010-10-16T08:48:00.000-07:00

The after school programs at the Perry School are set up as a way to encourage our students as they move throughout their school careers, and this encouragement does not end after they finish high school. We wish to also show that we are thinking about them even after they have graduated. For this reason, we at LFFP recently got together to make some care packages for them. It was a real team effort as the volunteers joined together to decorate bags, fill them, and write notes of encouragement. We hope they will serve as a little boost for the students as they move throughout their semester!

Peace Class at St. Bernard's Church

2010-10-13T13:41:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday we had our first Peace class at St. Bernard's Church. Twice a week many women meet there to take an English as a Second Language class, and while they are there, we have the pleasure of teaching their children about peace. Although the majority of these children are very young and have not started school yet, they were incredibly attentive and really seemed to enjoy the activities. We look forward to seeing their smiling faces as we meet with them again this week!

New Beading Group

2010-10-13T11:10:00.000-07:00

On Monday we began our first Peace Beading group with LFFP. It was a time for us to share together in conversation about ways that we each found peace and also the things that may be disturbing that peace. As we each spoke, we were also able to make bracelets for people we care about as a symbol of how we felt, whether it be for orphans, friends or loved ones. This first gathering was a great success and we look forward to meeting again!

Georgetown Medical Students Return!

2010-10-08T11:00:00.000-07:00

This past Monday a new group of medical students began their service learning with us at LFFP. The presence of new volunteers allowed for each child in our peace class to partner up with a medical student and get to know them. It was a great time for the kids to meet some new people and also to talk about what they hoped to be when they grow up. As the children took turns sharing these things up on the stage, it made us all excited for the peace classes and new friendships to come!

Annual Golf Tournament!

2010-10-05T10:37:00.000-07:00

On Friday October 1st, many people gathered for the annual "Mary V. Stermer Golf Outing" in memory of MJ's mother. The tournament was a great success and blessed with beautiful weather for the many people who came out to enjoy this great game! We here at Little Friends for Peace are continually grateful for the support and the chance to share such events with you all!

Chalk for Peace

2010-09-27T12:20:00.000-07:00

The start of a new school year brought the Tuesday Peace Club in Mount Rainier, to 30th and Arundel Road to gather around the Peace Pole. There, the children used chalk to write messages of peace and also to draw pictures of peace such as the one of a peaceful town with green buildings, affordable housing, and community gardens. They also got to check out the vegetable garden around the Peace Pole where they found tomatoes and squash!-Rebecca

Biking in Mount Rainier

2010-09-27T12:14:00.000-07:00

Recently we got the chance to visit the bike co op with the kids. There the kids took turns riding the bikes around and enjoying the warm sunny weather. They were also able to learn about how riding bikes can help the environment and how to take care of a bike. Overall we had a great time! And with the infectious smiles on the kids faces as they rode around with each other, I was reminded of just how important it is for them to get outside and be active!-Rebecca

Make the Peace

2010-09-27T11:52:00.000-07:00

This year in the Peace Room, our theme is to "Make the Peace". In the same way that a delicious pie may need flour, apples, and cinnamon, there are different ingredients that one can use to make peace. So in the Peace Room, students will be learning the tools, methods, and strategies to solve problems and live peacefully with one another. But most of all, they will be learning how to find the peace that lies within, and that love is far better than violence!-Rebecca

International Day of Peace

2010-09-27T10:28:00.000-07:00

September 21st marked the United Nations' International Day of Peace as well as an opportunity to share time together that LFFP could not resist. So the following day on Wednesday, we all gathered around the peace pole to celebrate peace with some live drumming by our special friend Kweku and all of the kids. The lively beats were accompanied by lots of smiles and dancing people as they walked by. It was truly a great time to share our hopes and dreams for peace!

Peace from Within

2010-09-22T13:37:00.001-07:00

Recently I was able to attend a gathering for the Welcome Home Program. This program is a place where people who were previously incarcerated are able to meet up and support each other as they return to their lives outside of prison.
The meeting began with a "check in", in which we went around the table introducing ourselves and sharing what our personal ideas of peace were and what things tended to break our peace. As we went around the room it was interesting to hear how many people spoke of having a peace that was within, one that was harder to disrupt because it was of their own choosing. Next we moved on to an activity using the Wellness Wheel, which gave each person the opportunity to share how they were doing in the six sections of the wheel that lead to personal peace.
As we went around the table that night, each person seemed to be on their own journey of adjusting to life after prison. There were many hardships and wonderful triumphs shared, but what was most encouraging to me, were the many people who were already on a path towards inner peace!-Rebecca

New Intern!

2010-09-22T12:22:00.000-07:00

Hi fellow peacemakers!

My name is Rebecca and I recently joined the Little Friends for Peace family a few weeks ago. I am currently in my final year of college at Eastern Mennonite University, and thought that this would be a good time to participate in the Washington Community Scholars program. Through this program, I will be spending my semester here in D.C. working within a service oriented organization, and with Justice, Peace, and Conflict Studies as my major and a love for children, LFFP seemed to be a perfect fit!
Already within these short weeks that I have been working with LFFP, I am learning about the great work being done here and the many opportunities there are for each of us to build peace right here within our communities. I am very excited to see what this new year will bring at Little Friends for Peace!

-Rebecca

Peace Leaders Camp!

2010-08-22T18:25:00.000-07:00

Check out some scenes from our Peace Leaders Camp in Mt. Rainier and stay tuned for more postings to come of our many peacemakers, camps, and actities from throughout the summer!

More From Peace Leaders Camp...

2010-08-22T18:24:00.000-07:00

Highlights from Peace Leaders Camp Con't...

2010-08-22T18:22:00.000-07:00

A Small ReCap of our BIG Summer!

2010-08-22T18:19:00.000-07:00

LFFP is teaming up with United Way as United Way of the National Capitol Area Campaign participant. Use #9650 to direct your United Way donations to Peace!

Click here to see our LFFP Students Talking Peace!

Ollie’s LFFP Experience
Working with lffp this summer, even just for three weeks, has been a great and memorable experience. I grew up in DC, attended peace camp for a year or two as a kid. When I was around 9 or 10 my family and I moved to Malawi and lived there for 4 years. After that my family moved to Atlanta and we have lived there since. Throughout my travels i have kept in touch with my freinds in DC and came to visit every once in a while. I really valued my time with lffp because it gave me a chance to spend some time back in my old neighborhood and see my old freinds, and I was also glad to help out with such a great organization. The work I see being done by lffp is amazing, and i am very glad to be able help in this effort for peace. My hope is that i can return again next summer and maybe be able to help with the peace camps themselves.
Thanks for all your impactful peace work, Ollie!

Planting Seeds of Peace: Summer Camps!
It's been a busy summer with Little Friends for Peace, with summer camps to peace workshops to weddings -- and sometimes all of them at once!

As we close our summer camp season, a BIG THANK YOU to our faithful volunteer corps! The summer began in Arlington with a camp at UUCA, continued with a camp at Cheverly, Good Shepherd and wrapped up with two camps in Mt Rainier. Through it all, we were a "special" at Perry School Community Center. We held weekly workshops at Beacon House, with the HIPPY Program at Perry School, and at Virginia Gardens. On someday we were even in three places at once! It was all possible thanks to your support and involvement!
This summer, Little Friends for Peace has also been planting seeds of Peace Internationally, inviting children of torture survivors from Cameroon, Uganda, and Ethiopia to attend our Peace Camps in Mt. Rainier, while many Hispanics joined us in our Cheverly camp. All campers learned basic skills of Peace Building, met Peace Makers (from Martin Luther King and Dorothy Day to our volunteers Elizabeth who spent her spring break in New Orleans and Christy who is moving to volunteer in El Salvador this September).

It was so rewarding to see the benefits of Peace Camp grow and flourish throughout the summer. One camper at Perry School in particular grew astoundingly in skills of Peace. This camper had never been to Peace Camp and on his first day had a very difficult time working a group or even listening to a point of view besides his own. When we went to the Peace Table to try to resolve the conflict, he would interrupt or turn away. By the end of camp, he was initiating problem solving by asking to go to the Peace Table. He was able to express his point of view, listen to the other side without interrupting and maintaining eye contact, and make a deal! What an enormous growth in communication skills, self-confidence, and nonviolent conflict resolution skills!

As always, we treasure your support and hope you’ll be in touch. We greatly appreciate your gifts and input.

Smooth Sailing
LFFP’s boat cruise fundraiser was a wonderful success! This second annual event was a beautiful evening full of fun aboard the Miss Christin! All enjoyed the snacks provided by Taylor’s Deli and eagerly participated in the raffle, including prizes like D.C. United field level seats, 930 Club, Capitols, Freedom, Nationals, and Wizards tickets; Buffalo Wild Wings, Blue Hill Tavern, Results Gym, and Northwest Mutual gift certificates; and special collectables like a Ryan Zimmerman signed baseball, Wizards signed basketball, and 09/10 Caps signed jersey! A big thanks to our generous sponsors and congratulations to the winners! After a few delightful hours sailing the Potomac, the peace supporters headed to the Fish Market for some more socializing. Thanks to all the peace sailors for making the evening! We look forward to seeing you again next year!

Stay tuned for more pictures and updates from our busy summer full of peacemaking!

In Pictures

2010-06-15T20:54:00.000-07:00

Lizzy and Alexa Gardening in Sibely Plaza

LFFP Works It with Adults with Challenges on Fitness Day

Mount Rainier Peace Clubbers

Riverdale Peace Kid with Earth Ball

In Pictures

2010-06-15T20:49:00.000-07:00

Peace Train

Family Night in Riverdale, MD

Perry School Youth Development Staff Retreat

Summer Kick-Off for Volunteers

Therese's Gap Year Presentation to Peace Clubbers

Spring Into A Peaceful Summer

2010-06-15T20:43:00.000-07:00

Little Friends for Peace cherishes our new friends and expanded peace community as we close our school year programs and herald in our summer camps with trainings and gatherings. We are thrilled to have started building relationships with new volunteers and folks from the Sibley Plaza (DC) and Riverdale, MD communities. We continue to be heartened by our ongoing partnership activities, like our recent Peace Train visit to Pax Christi’s Memorial Day Vigil, praying that war can end so we will not have to remember lives lost to war. We’ve been honored to offer staff retreats for our partners at Perry School Youth Development and Maryland United for Peace and Justice. We always enjoy engaging our Peace Camp Leaders from UUCA and other sites across the metro area in preparation for the upcoming summer programming. So, as the warmer days approach, we are reflecting on our spring sproutings of peace seeds, even as we prepare for our busy summer season.

Join us in looking back and contact us to get involved as we move forward!

LFFP hearts Volunteers
LFFP recently held a Summer Kick-Off at the Peace Oasis. A garden delight potluck was enjoyed on the porch as volunteers mixed and mingled. It was a beautiful evening in which the sun set slowly enough for all to enjoy games and hikes after dinner. It was great getting to know new volunteers and reconnecting with others, even as we missed the folks who couldn’t make it. Still, we look forward to making the circle bigger with ongoing volunteer appreciation events throughout the summer!

Career Day
Mt. Rainier Elementary recently invited MJ to speak about her experiences as a Peace Teacher. MJ visited three classrooms spanning first, second, and fifth grades. The children really responded to hearing about all of the ways that MJ teaches children to solve problems through play and activities. It was a fun morning with lots of positive responses.

Peace Kids Visit the Youth Garden at the Arboretum in DC
The Perry Peace Kids enjoyed visiting DC’s Youth Garden where they were introduced to various fruits, vegetables and plants. Not only was it enriching to be surrounded by the flora, but it was also educational to learn about the care required for each variation. The children all participated in a game to pick out the colors in the garden by identifying plants and explaining something it does. For example, a child for whom orange caught his or her or eye might have pointed out a carrot which helps with vision. It was a fun day reinforcing the benefits of nature and discovering the sources of healthy nourishment, particularly when the children got to sample some garden treats including unfamiliar foods like the kavas!

LFFP’s First Family Peace-Building Event at the Hispanic Center in Riverdale
Over the spring MJ has been weekly visiting with children in Riverdale, Md. It has been a rich semester full of peace classes, getting to know our newest Peace Kids and introducing them to fun experiences learning and practicing peace skills. In early June, MJ invited the children’s parents for their first Peace Workshop. It was very special to hear what brings the families peace and what takes away their peace. Then, the group of families enjoyed talking, walking, and biking together as community was built through activity. The day ended with everyone sharing their dreams for a peaceful summer and looking forward to continuing to develop the new relationships sprouted that day.

Special Thanks to Helen for Spreading Peace Camp Opportunities
From a desire to send Torture and Survivor’s Support Coalition (TASSC) members' children to LFFP’s Summer Peace Camp, Helen took the initiative to ask. It all started when she found funding from among her friends for one survivor's children—he's been here for several years, but his wife and 3 children just arrived 3 weeks ago and they need to meet other children. So, she thought of MJ and Jerry and their organization that offers memorable experiences of practicing conflict resolution and cooperation amongst peers. Then, it occurred to her that there are many more kids who would benefit from Peace Camp, so she approached TASSC with a positive response that the coalition will be able to sponsor two more children. Wanting more children to learn how to cooperate with each other and solve problems peacefully, she then reached out to her wider networks and faith communities to raise money. We are so excited to welcome the TASSC children into our camper community and grateful to Helen for sparking this wonderful idea. To learn more about Peace Camps, see http://www.lffp.org/. To contribute, mail camper fees directly to LFFP at 4405 29th St., Mt. Rainier MD, 20712 or donate online. Either way, be sure to designate your contribution for TASSC Campers.

Intergenerational Sharing, Caring and Love in the Peace Room
Seniors from the Christian Community Group Home visited the Peace Room at Perry School to enjoy Peace Café with the Peace Kids. The Peace Kids kicked off the evening by reciting the Peace Pledge and singing their Peace Songs for the seniors. Then, the entire group shared in the process of preparing the Peace Meal by cutting up pineapple, making tuna salad, and churning homemade ice cream together. Amidst music, chatter, and laughter, everyone then enjoyed the healthy treats together. Afterwards, the entire group performed in a talent show. Ms. L wowed us with her dance, Mr. Guy sang a beautiful song, and the peace kids entertained the crowd with cheers and dancing. It was a great intergenerational activity and so good to see the children sharing their skills with each other and their special guests.

Mt. Rainier Youth Shares Gap Year Experience with Mt. Rainier Peace Clubbers
Personally, Therese seeks peace by becoming aware of other species around us, learning to care for them, living in harmony together, and refusing to kill animals for consumption and profit. She recently made peace by volunteering at a New Zealand zoo to benefit animals with a friendly and helpful spirit. She shared this experience with the Mt. Rainier Peace Clubbers through a slide show of pictures, showing the children where she was, some chores she worked on, and the many animals for whom she was caring. Throughout the presentation, she offered facts about the exotic animals as well as stories from her first-hand experience with them. She also talked about how she met new people in a foreign country and talked with them at length about cultural differences and similarities. Through her experience, she broadened her perspective by learning new and compelling points of view. Furthermore, she described how the zoo was very supportive of sustainability and conservation. They donate to several animal rescue programs and each day they publicized various stewardship topics—like reduce, reuse, recycle—to the zoo’s visitors.

2010-05-24T19:59:00.000-07:00

Peace Meal Volunteers

Skits in Sursum Corda

Peace Train at the White House

2010-05-24T19:57:00.000-07:00

Peace Circle around the Peace Pole at Perry

Peace Meal

Peace Music

New Friends in the Peace Room

2010-05-24T19:53:00.000-07:00

Our little stars for peace

Gardening at Perry School

Family Night Peace Meal

Peace Kids at DC United

A Check-In with the Earth Ball in the Peace Room

LFFP Shares the Instruments of Peace

2010-05-24T19:51:00.000-07:00

ALL ABOARD! The Peace Train has been busy chugging at several recent events, spreading a message encouraging the use of the Peace Train Problem Solving Technique by having participants embody each step. It visited the Mt. Rainier Day Parade, where adults and Peace Campers “rode” together wearing hats and t-shirts with peaceful messages. It also made an appearance at Cheverly’s Community Day of Peace, sponsored by The Cheverly Women’s Club in honor of Peace Month.

LFFP also took the Peace Train to join Peace Activist celebrating Mother’s Day with music, poetry, dancing and talks from women from war-torn countries, as well as updates from women working for peace to improve conditions here at home. The day included a moving theatrical reading of Juliet Ward Howe's actual historical 1870, "Mother's Day Proclamation.” A special addition was the wonderful actress, comedienne, writer and director Roseanne Barr, who performed her, "One Taxpaying Mother's Manifesto."

Recently, MJ brought the Earth Ball, Peace Pole and Peace Blanket to a meeting of 20 Brownies and Girl Scouts, engaging them in a Circle of Peace. The group stated the Peace Pledge and sang peaceful songs. It was a fun day of sharing, focusing on the Peacemakers in each girls life.

Mt. Rainier Christian Church hosted LFFP and 10 folks of the Building the Beloved Community group. This May, Month of Peace, event explored non-violence through sharing and a lively discussion that left participants with a new vision of what peace is and hope for fostering a wider culture of peace.

What a great school year it has been in the Peace Room at Perry School and in the Sursum Corda neighborhood . LFFP is so grateful for our school-year partnerships with all of the students from Georgetown, University of Maryland, George Washington, Seton, and Archbishop Carroll. They brought new energy, spirit and made a lot of very positive benchmarks in our curriculum. Their time, talents, energy, and commitment made a huge difference in the Peace Children’s lives, helping them to believe in themselves, to change some of their negative behavior around, and to take on the germ of peace. Together we put Peace on the rise at Perry School. THANK YOU - WE COULDN'T HAVE DONE IT WITHOUT YOU. Our sweet is working with all of you, getting to know you and experiencing what it means to build a culture of peace. Our Sour is that our partnership has ended for now.

Mark your calendars for the second annual LFFP Boat Cruise Fundraiser on August 7th and a Golf Tournament Fundraiser on October 1st. We need sponsors, golfers, and sailors to make these events successful! Email Tf.Park@gmail.com for details.

2010-05-09T18:58:00.000-07:00

Peace Garden at Perry

Sursum Corda Community Peace Visit with Nantucket Students

Spring Peace in Pictures

2010-05-09T18:51:00.001-07:00

UMD Fundraiser

May Day in Mount Rainier

Nantucket Students in the Peace Room

LFFP Partnerships are Blooming Alongside Spring

2010-05-09T18:40:00.000-07:00

Proving that peace is far from passive, LFFP has been busy planting, nurturing, and cultivating seeds of peace with many different folks. Some of our more recent activity includes:

A second successful Family Night at Perry
The kick off of the Month of Peace in Mount Rainier with a May Day rededication of the Peace Pole
The planting of more Peace Gardens at Perry and in Sursum Corda
Heartening successes with the Peace Table solving conflict between peace clubbers
Peace Theatre by the Perry Peace Kids in the Peace Room, and
A new program at St. Bernard’s Parish with Sr. Pilar and several children ages 5 and under.

In addition, following are some more in-depth highlights of our most recent happenings.

New School Comes to the Perry Peace Room and the Sursum Corda Neighborhood

LFFP recently partnered with a group of Nantucket students on their 8th grade trip to our Peace Room at Perry School. The Peace Room was filled to overflowing as the Peace Kids recited their pledge and sang a peace song, introducing their new friends to the Peace Room. Not long after, creative peaceful energy was seen across Perry School, with one group of kids and volunteers in the kitchen cooking, another gardening around the Peace Pole out front, and yet another inventing Peace games and drawing in the Peace Room. By the end of the afternoon, everyone was happy and hungry and ready to come together to share tacos in the Peace Cafe.

Reflecting with the volunteers later, over and over again they said that this time in the Peace Room with LFFP and the Peace kids, getting to know children who had very different childhoods and backgrounds, was the highlight of their week. Their main Peace-breaker was sadness at having to go and not knowing if they would be able to return to the Peace Room or see the Peace Kids again. Matt, the group leader, promised upon their return to Nantucket, MA to work to maintain a relationship and connection with LFFP!

We are very touched by Matt's thoughtful reflection on the event:
Thank you-thank you-thank you.
At least four of my girls said that our stay at LFFP was not only the best part of the DC trip, but the best part of their last year with us!
I am overwhelmed with gratitude and filled with hope. As long as this world has people like you, Jerry and your children-there will be hope (and peace).
Until we meet again, my new friend, Peace be with you and in your neighborhood.

Holy Trinity Youth Partner with LFFP to do Community Service

Holy Trinity, a Catholic Parish in Georgetown, has also begun a partnership with LFFP. Conversations between LFFP and the Social Justice Ministry began during lent and have been bearing much fruit, as Holy Trinity has said that they would like to partner with us for the long term! Volunteers have joined LFFP for Family Night at Perry School, presenting on healthy food to children and their families, as well as for gardening and playing in the Sursum Corda with the neighborhood kids. LFFP has given several workshops on Peace to Holy Trinity. This looks like the beginning of a beautiful friendship!

Kicks for Kids: Perry Kids go to Soccer game at RFK

We recently took our Perry Peace Kids on an outing to DC United Game. It was a beautiful night and all had a good time. The kids got t-shirts, pom-poms and lunch bags . They cheered and danced in their seats, laughed and just let go. We are thankful for Sarah, Josh, Mr. Patrick and Terrell coming along to supervise the group and join in on the fun.

Peace TV at Eastern High Middle

Jerry and MJ were the feature speakers at Eastern High Middle School in Silver Spring’s media class that presents on a cable TV show. Invited by a former peace camper, MJ and Jerry put peace in the spotlight. Stay tuned for the segment as soon as we receive the media class’ final product.

Peace Leaders Set the Stage for a Continued Partnership

University of Maryland volunteers Lauren, Pam, and Mary Claire recently delivered their final presentation for the Leadership and Community Based Learning Class through which they got involved with LFFP. The presentation was excellent. Afterwards, their professors and Dean of the Department invited LFFP to continue partnering. We all look forward to welcoming more community leaders from UMD next year. In the meantime, Lauren, Pam, and Mary Claire held a t-shirt painting fundraiser for LFFP at their school, continuing to impress us with their leadership and impact!

International Peace Partnership

On May 6th, two women who each run a Peace and Conflict Resolution program in Korea came to visit LFFP and the Peace Room at Perry. We excitedly prepared for this impromptu peace experience with Lauren, a young adult contact who put them in touch with us. It was a wonderful cross-cultural exchange. Both women are currently here in US to take a 40 day course in Peace Studies at Eastern Mennonite College. The same evening we also we met with a delegation of Hiroshima survivors from Japan. We cherish our time learning from each other and our varied experiences of peace and unpeace.

For more about the women’s peacework, following are their bios and a bit about their organizations:

Sun-Hye Kim is working for the conflict resolution center of Women Making Peace in Korea as a trainer for conflict resolution and peace education and a mediator with a focus on restorative justice. She is taking this opportunity to learn more about the peace field and also to learn practical exercises to take back to Korea.

The Women Making Peace in Korea conflict resolution center provides peace education, including communication, decision making, theory and practice of conflict resolution, and is more recently including peer mediation and restorative justice including victim-offender dialogue.

Young Sil works for Citizens’ Coalition for Economic Justice (CCEJ) and Center for Conflict Resolution (CCR). She has conducted various negotiation & mediation training program for government officers, local assembly members, and corporate and NGO activists. She also has experience in conflict assessment & mediation in the public sector. Young Sil would like to connect with vegetarian groups or community garden/farm groups, because some young people in South Korea are trying to introduce a new life style including community life in city.

The Center for Conflict Resolution (CCR) is a division of the Citizens’ Coalition for Economic Justice (CCEJ), a non-profit organization founded in 1989 that is dedicated to addressing the structural problems in the Korean economy while engaging citizens in a movement for economic reform. CCR was created in 2005 to prevent, manage and resolve diverse conflicts occurring in the public sector. Drawing on CCEJ's experience in mediating sensitive social conflicts, CCR has engaged in various projects to help generate efficient negotiation, consensus building and conflict resolution. See their website at: http://www.ccej.or.kr/

A Week at LFFP

2010-04-12T11:23:00.000-07:00

Little Friends for Peace is constantly building relatships and practicing peace. We wish we could keep you up to date on all of our activities and happenings, so for this entry, we'll give you a peek into the depth and breadth of our peacework in an average week. If you are interested in volunteering at any or all of these activities, contact mjpeace@gmail.com. Any time you volunteer, we encourage you to write up a quick blog entry about your experience, so we can share more of LFFP's peacework! Email your entries to suzanne.ayer@gmail.com.

First, check out some pictures from our weekend service project with Holy Trinity that kicked off this weeks upcoming events:

On the agenda for this week:

MONDAY: In the morning, we will launch a new LFFP program in Riverdale at the Old St. Bernard's school. Then, we will hold an afternoon Peace Class at the Perry Peace Room with mentors from University of Maryland, George Washington University, and Georgetown University. Co-directors MJ and Jerry are to present at a Pax Christi Young Adults Meeting in the evening.

TUESDAY: Morning administrative meetings at Perry, followed by a trash clean up in Mt.Rainier, and a p.m. conference call about an event at the Park's Oasis home.

WEDNESDAY: A morning meeting about potentially holding a Summer Peace Camp in Cheverly. Then, the Mount Rainier Peace Class, followed by a UUCA Peace Camp meeting. In the evening, the administrative team will hold their weekly meeting to check-in a meet our newest volunteer.

THURSDAY: Boys Peace Group in Mount Rainier followed by another Family Night at the Peace Room at Perry School. In the evening, LFFP will join Holy Trinity in a service project.

FRIDAY: LFFP will celebrate the art of our Peace Room kids at Perry's Night at the Museum fundraiser. Co-directors, MJ and Jerry will also meet with Maryland United for Peace and Justice ahead of their conference on Saturday.

In Pictures

2010-04-06T19:14:00.001-07:00

Peace Kids with Monica, Reading at the Oasis

Experiencing nature at the Oasis, feeding goats!

Learning about the work of Peacemakers in a Pinch: Emergency Medical Technicians

Riding a two-seater bike with PJ

Some Recent Happenings in the Peace Room at Perry

2010-04-06T19:04:00.000-07:00

Hands and Hearts

Tracing hands is an easy art project to do with children. Usually it's just for something to do, whether turning it into a turkey around Thanksgiving or a design on a home-made t-shirt. But we decided to draw our hands with the Perry School kids to think about all the positive things we do with them. Peace can sometimes seem like an abstract concept, but as we traced our hands and pasted them on construction paper, we remember that peace starts in our hearts and gets put into action through the work of our hands. Words like "cooking," "hugging," "gardening," and "building" were written by the kids as they thought about all the different things their hands do and, combined on the larger poster, we all drew ourselves being peacemakers with our hands too.

Contagious Love Experiment

The Contagious Love Experiment was the theme for the month of February. Two Iraq War veterans walked and biked across the U.S. having learned the lesson in war that love can be just as contagious as fear (www.contagiousloveexperiment.wordpress.com). One of them, Josh Stieber, who grew up near DC, has returned to the area and spends two afternoons a week at the Perry School. Together with Little Friends for Peace, we've all been learning that it doesn't just take big trips across the country to work for peace, but even the smallest decisions and actions we take every day have the potential to spread fear and anger... or, though often much harder, love and understanding.

Peace Cafe

The Peace Cafe is a highlight for the students at the Perry School. There have been a few times when scheduling has pushed back the cafe and these delays are met with great disappointment. Fortunately those times and rare and just go to show how important it is to work together to prepare food and dine as friends. Sometimes there is bickering over who does what in the kitchen, but the task of cooking as a team has helped us to learn to work together in ways that doing crafts as individuals or pairs can't. Some days take longer than others, but at the end of it, it's satisfying to know that they skills we learned in teamwork and overcoming our disagreements has come together into a delicious meal that we can all enjoy.

LFFP's Latest

2010-04-01T18:52:00.000-07:00

Meet some of our Peace Kids who attend our Perry Peace Room location as they share messages for their peers in Afghanistan.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpNJfsTb7xU

Complements of Hakim a peacemaker who uses the instrument of videography to facilitate communication, encourage understanding, and spread inspiration. For more on Hakim's work, check out www.ourjourneytosmile.com

We are so grateful for the following Peacemakers who make LFFP Possible
A big thanks to Alex and our George Washington University Peace Mentors who held a Peace Walk-a-thon that raised over $100 for Little Friends for Peace. Way to put peace in motion!

Shout out to Amanda, a GWU student and longtime LFFP volunteer, who gave a talk to her high school class about LFFP. Thanks for spreading the word! She also teamed up with her sister to sell cards and donated the profits to Little Friends for Peace. That deserves three cheers (and a thank you note)!

The heart and soul of LFFP is the relationships built amongst peacemakers of all ages. University of Maryland Sorority girls have played a crucial role in this aspect, coming to the Perry Peace Room and doing art, talent shows, and taking walks with our Peace Kids. Thank you for your time, it means so much to the younger kids who look up to you!

Peace Café is a weekly experience of preparing and enjoying healthy food and community. It is made possible through donations and we are so appreciative of Jen and Dave’s consistent generosity that has sustained this impactful program for our Perry Peace Kids.

What would we do without Christy, Josh, and Monica, our newest development staff? They have been hard at work building relationships with new communities, maintaining communication with our existing networks, and writing grants to ensure the continued sustainability of our program. Thanks for your hard work, Peacemakers!

Our Peace Camp partner, the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington, recently held a Sunday collection of donations for Little Friends for Peace. Thanks so much for your teamwork and ongoing support, UUCA!

Family Night by Josh
It was the first ever family night for LFFP and Perry School and expectations were very loose. But before long, the homework room was filled with children and parents... good thing Timmy had done a lot of cooking! Mr. Poole opened up the night with a few announcements for the parents, followed by the local librarian who alerted families as to the services of the library and a request to visit often.

Then it was time for some family fun. Groups of parents and children played win-win games, including a version of musical chairs where nobody got eliminated... but the chairs do and the players have to figure out how to all fit on them. Later, kids took turns climbing onto the center of a blanket while everyone else picked them up for a "magic carpet ride." Other activities included a family art project of making a love banner to bring home.

With all the playing and creating, everyone had worked up large appetites for a delicious dinner. The laughter, smiles, and fun on the first family night will hopefully ensure many more to come.

Seton Girls Return to the Perry Peace Room
We recently welcomed the Seton Girls back to the Peace Room with their teacher Jamie for another Urban Plunge. It was a great morning dedicated to service through an orientation prayer. After a quick snack, we walked over to Anne’s house to gather the Peace Kids. Back at Perry, we circled up, recited the Peace Pledge and checked in with each other about what was making and breaking our Peace. After a bit of time tending the Peace Garden, we all enjoyed making Peace Eggs and Baskets. We look forward to more days of Peace between the Seton Girls and our Perry Peace Kids.

GoodSearch for Little Friends for Peace
GoodSearch is a search engine (powered by yahoo) in which every search sends a penny to a non-profit. Go to GoodSearch.com or download the GoodSearch & GoodShop Toolbar and select Little Friends for Peace as your charity of choice. The GoodSearch Toolbar works with your browser, just like going directly to the website, and ensures that LFFP earns money every time you shop and search. Consider using this and passing on the word!

Doing What We Do: Relationship Building
We are always looking for ways to expand our community and spread peace with our neighbors. We are so excited to have had that opportunity in various ways of late.

Recently, we met with the parishioners of Holy Trinity and spoke about our Peace Work. We are now working with many of the folks in attendance to plan and carry out service projects.

We were also excited to meet with a Just Faith group at St. Patrick’s in Rockville. That group is very interested in staying connected, and we are looking to plan more workshops, trainings, and programs at their site.

We also had an incredible afternoon discussing cross-cultural challenges and opportunities through an anti-racism workshop with Pax Christi. It’s so important to open the lines of communication about tough issues and we look forward to continuing this productive conversation.

At the Oasis, we were excited to open the lines of spiritual communication with a Lenton Reflection Group. It was inspiring to open the Easter Season at our haven for Peace just as the spring buds began to bloom.

We were also delighted to welcome all of our university students from GW, GU, and UMD to a volunteer training/social the other month. This core group of mentors joined with LFFP staff and other members of the Peace Community to learn more about the behind-the-scenes administrative work that keeps LFFP going and how to contribute in various ways. Everyone enjoyed checking-in and hearing of each others’ journeys seeking peace. And of course, the evening was topped off by a delicious meal courtesy of Chef Timmy!

Join the Peace Team
LFFP now more than ever has a greater demand for communication with donors through newsletters and press releases; marketing for camps with brochures and site visits; fund raising events and grant writing, research, and execution to raise funds. Last summer, LFFP provided internships for five young adults and teens in these fields. The five gained valuable experience for careers in these sectors and made a very strong addition to their resume. They also made a huge impact on Little Friends for Peace and were crucial in enabling us to spread peace far and wide. The work is unpaid but many received community service hours and others did this alongside another part-time job that made it financially possible for them to get the experience. For more information, see our idealist entry at http://www.idealist.org/if/i/en/av/Internship/151036-301/c or contact Tommy Park at tf.park@gmail.com .

Updates from the Peace Room

2010-02-03T20:28:00.004-08:00

University Service Learners
We always love to brag about our committed college students who share their unique skills and passions for peace as mentors to our Perry Peace Room Kids. We will continue this in the new year, and in fact, are able to double our praises. In addition to our growing Georgetown and George Washington volunteer groups, our University of Maryland students have doubled their presence in the Peace Room! Recently, the group came and talked about journaling and drawing with the students. We had so many mentors that they were able to pair up one-on-one with the Peace Kids. It was an awesome afternoon of self-esteem building as the children were receiving the care and attention that they so deserve. Vaughn was very taken with one of the volunteers named Matt. They drew pictures of their favorite activities and then exchanged drawings. Matt declared that he would post Vaughn's picture in his dorm room and Vaughn said that he would post Matt's picture in his bedroom.

Peace Leaders
Three of the Maryland students have selected LFFP as their organizational site for their Public Leaders class. These students will work with MJ on creating and executing a project that benefits LFFP while also giving them leadership experience. They have discussed taking a role in fostering increased family participation in LFFP, already talking of activities at the Peace Cafe and in going into nature.

MLK Day
An especially moving day was in celebration of the great peacemaker, Martin Luther King, Jr. In honor of his national holiday, the Perry Peace Kids held a birthday party and watched a video of MLK's impact. Then, in honor of Dr. King, they shared their own dreams for a peaceful world.

Peace Cafe
Chef Timmy has continued to nurish the Peace Room by leading the kids in preparing and enjoying healthy meals. Homemade pizza was a big hit as the kids learned to knead the bread and spread out the cheese and veggies. Another day, at the request of some of the students, the Peace Meal consisted of chicken, rice, corn, and biscuits. The weekly Peace Cafe is continuing to initiate sharing, conversation, and the planting of healthy food decisions for the children and their parents who pick them up and often also get to join in and partake of the healthy treats.

Sursum Corda Peace Kids Enjoy the Perry Peace Room

2010-02-03T20:28:00.003-08:00

Over the weekend, we held a special service learning day at the Peace Room where Georgetown students Matt and Anna joined MJ and six youth from Sursum Corda. The whole group braved the snow to walk up to the Peace Room at Perry. After making snow angels on the way, the kids were excited to warm up in a haven for peace. Everyone said the peace pledge and then checked in with each other by passing around the peace ball and talking about what was bringing them peace and taking away their peace that day. Then they sang songs before making peaceful objects and symbols out of clay. The day ended with a healthy snack and an impromptu talent show on the Peace Room stage. Anna and Matt did a super job as mentors and also shared what they learned in the post-peace activity debreifing. Neither the kids nor the mentors whanted to leave!

Seton Girls Engage in Service Learning

2010-02-03T20:28:00.001-08:00

Four Seton High School students, led by Sister Catherine, came to the Peace Rooom to guide the Perry children in peaceful ways of solving their problems and dealing with their frustrations and anger. Also the girls were very helpful in providing homework tutoring. Three of the girls had previously volunteered with LFFP during a summer Urban Plunge and the other girl had come for a an after-school training. Both LFFP and the Peace Room kids are excited to continue developing this relationship, and the high school girls expressed much excitement for continuing this experiential training in peace education. All are looking forward to an ongoing partnership!

Cultural Exchange: Mt. Rainier Peace Club Visits the Perry Peace Room

2010-02-03T20:27:00.001-08:00

LFFP makes it a point to bring folks together, so we were delighted to take the children from our Tuesday after-school Peace Club in Mount Rainier to meet the kids who make peace in the Peace Room at the Perry School Community Services Center. After some ice breakers, all the children read together, made crafts, and played a few games. Then they gathered togther to watch a few of the Perry children put on the Peaceful Garden Play. This play features children blooming from seedlings into flowers, but some of the flowers who weren't nurtured wilt. Then, peacemakers come into the garden and give them care, and ultimatly life. After cheering the Peaceful Garden players, the Mt. Rainier kids shared their love of peace by making a human pyramid, topped with a peace ball.

LFFP launches the 2010 New Year at the Perry School and at Peace Clubs in Mt. Rainier with the Theme: The Paths to Peace

2010-01-13T08:03:00.000-08:00

Because there isn’t just one way to be a peacemaker, LFFP is focusing lessons in the New Year on the variety of ways the children can use their time and unique talents to spread peace. In this first month of the 2010, participants across our sites are meeting many peacemakers to hear their stories, particularly focusing on how they chose to make peace in the way that they do.

Over the past couple of months Kweku has enriched LFFP’s camps, clubs, and afterschool program. Kweku is LFFP’s Ghanian partner who came to America to sell his hand-crafted drums in support of his youth project in Ghana. With LFFP, he teaches our children how to make use of the drum for peace by creating and dancing to the rhythms of the drum beat. With mixed emotions, we had a good-bye peace circle for Kweku last week, just before he headed back to Ghana on the 8th. LFFP wishes him well on his journey home and is so grateful for all that he taught us about sharing peace through music.

On Tuesday we also had Pastor Brian from Mt. Rainier Christian Church, talk about how he makes peace by helping people and bringing them together. Then, we met Unis from Ethiopia who is now living in Mt. Rainier and attending DeMatha High School. Unis makes peace through her studies and efforts to learn about and understand others.

Last Wednesday in the Peace Room we had the 7th and final class with the Georgetown Medical Student Service Learners. The students have so generously shared their time and talent to help guide and teach the peace children about the paths to peace through wellness, focusing on the way they eat and care for their body, mind and spirit. For the good-bye class, MJ led a group recognition of the students and their professor, Dr. Caroline Wellbury. Then each of the students sat at a table and one peace child at a time came up to interview them about why they chose to make peace by becoming a Doctor. Then the medical students asked the peace children what they want to be and how they are going to create a path to get there. At each table were healthy snacks of humus, cheese, crackers, pita bread and popcorn, prepared and served by Timmy with the help of several of the peace children. It was an impactful day of sharing peacemaker goals while also building relationships and self-esteem for both the peace children and our service learners. Special thanks to the Georgetown students for their dedication and thoughtful lessons throughout their service at the Perry Peace Room.

Sursum Corda Children Visit the Peace Oasis

2010-01-06T14:18:00.000-08:00

The Oasis has been busy during the Christmas season, as another group of peace children also came out to enjoy it. Sursum Corda is a subsidized housing complex located adjacent to the Perry School Community Services Center, in which the LFFP Peace Room is located. Ann Little, the community’s matriarch and LFFP Board Member gathered several children who live in Sursum Corda and regularly participate in LFFP activities to visit the Oasis on the 5th day of Christmas. Highlighting the peace experience was the Christmas story told by the children to special guest Fr. Larry in the Mother Theresa Room. Also exciting for the children was braving the cold to ride bikes, play in the field, and swing on the tire swing. LFFP is very grateful to Maryland’s Just Faith group who came out to prepare lunch for the children, fueling them for their fun-filled day in nature.

Perry Children Visit the Peace Oasis

2010-01-06T13:48:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday, December 28th Perry Center, Inc.’s Youth Development staff brought some children to MJ & Jerry’s Oasis. Despite the wintry day with brisk air aiding persistent patches of snow, the sun was outshining the cold enough for the bundled up children to select outdoor activities. After a group walk around the grounds, some played together in games of baseball, soccer and frisbee, while others followed Mr. Jerry on a bike ride past nearby cows and sheep. Following these fun exercises of cooperation and fitness, Ms. MJ led the entire group in a nature exercise. She had everyone face the forest in a moment of silence to practice using their senses. Afterwards, each person described what they heard, saw, or smelt, which included birds, the wind, tree roots, the sky, a dog, and branches. Nature’s magnificence is an important stimulant for taking in information, while reflective practice leaves a calming imprint.

Then, some of the children came in the Mother Theresa Room and set up the Peace Train, a human-powered series of cars made out of boxes, each of which contains a step in the process of conflict resolution. At the same time, others went into the Eleanor Roosevelt Library to accomplish “children’s work,” free playing with toys and peace artifacts. Then, play continued as some of the children read age-appropriate books about peace while others put together a singing and dancing show. Afterwards, all of the children gathered upstairs in the Rosa Parks Room. Sitting by the Christmas tree, they heard the story of Wangari. This inspiring woman from Kenya won the Nobel Peace Prize for planting 30 million trees with the help of her village, to whom she paid a fair wage in return for their important eco-work. Following a healthy snack, everyone travelled over to the nearby Colonial Farm to visit a few of the farm animals including Francis the donkey, Mariah the horse, and a few bulls and sheep.

Throughout their Peace Oasis adventure, the children were excited, happy and full of exploratory energy. Their peace experience was rich with opportunities to connect with each other and nature in a safe place designated for sharing and caring.

A Birthday Party of Service

2009-12-16T14:57:00.000-08:00

Neha, a former LFFP volunteer and University of Maryland alumni, threw herself a birthday party of service with LFFP. She invited her friends to join her and the Sursum Corda children in the Peace Room at Perry. At check-in she explained to everyone that she felt the best way to celebrate her life is to come to where her life is positively impacted as an annual volunteer with her sorority, Delta Phi Omega, Inc. Zeta Chapter. From her desire to reconnect with MJ and LFFP and to give, rather than receive the whole group of party goers and peace children enjoyed the afternoon full of crafts, communicating, and of course, birthday cake! At the end of the day, Ann shared a moving poem from the perspective of the children in which she described their emotion and pride in being chosen to participate in this special day.

LFFP Receives WPC "Planting Seeds of Peace" Award

2009-12-11T13:43:00.000-08:00

Last night, the Washington Peace Center (WPC) gathered D.C. area peace activists for a celebration of efforts towards a more just and peaceful world. Amidst the festevies including inspiring keynote speakers Kathy Kelly & Fahima Vorgetts, lively music and talented poets, and a variety of treats and unique vendors, ten organizations and their leaders were honored for their exemplary work furthering peace.

Among them, Little Friends for Peace received the "Planting Seeds of Peace" Award. Paul Magno, former WPC Director and current board member as well as the father of one of our summer counselors and former peace kids, warmly introduced the crowd to LFFP's work educating children in the skills of peace. He said that MJ and Jerry's "dedication to their campers and students, as well as their counselors, volunteers, and interns is unmatched and they always do their best to put everyone else first in learning about peace." Upon accepting the award on behalf of the entire Little Friends for Peace community, MJ and Jerry explained to the audience that if we want real peace, we must beging with the children.

Congratulations to MJ and Jerry for leading the effort in planting seeds of peace and to the entire LFFP community for your part in making it happen!

Volunteer Appreciation Dinner

2009-12-09T16:55:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday, LFFP's volunteers and administrative interns gathered for December's Appreciation Dinner. Before enjoying salad, spaghetti and smorgasbord of desserts, MJ led a check-in. She acknowledged the holiday season and wished all of our college-aged volunteers the best in completing their semester studies. She also led the group in a round of applause for our EMU intern, Becky, who wrapped up her LFFP service for academic credit last Friday. Becky offered her unique skills and talents in a variety of ways, contributing administratively to outreach events and communications and programmatically as a counselor at the Perry Peace Room and the Mt. Rainier Peace House. Three cheers for Becky!

Before digging in and after breaking bread, the volunteers put their helpful hands to work preparing our annual appeal. We are very excited to share our 2009 accomplishments with the LFFP community, and the team effort of folding, labeling, and sealing the appeal made the large mailing a light task for each who contributed. (This also means that our message will be getting to you as soon as possible, so keep an eye on your mailboxes!) A big thank you to everyone who helped out!

The highlight of the evening was our special guest, Josh Stieber. Josh is an Iraq vet who shared his story of conversion to conscientious objector with the Perry Peace Children last week. He returned to talk to the volunteers about his recent project travelling across the U.S., listening to people's thoughts about war, sharing with them alternatives, and spreading the contagion of love. The entire group explored several facets of Josh's mission and he patiently answered questions with a thought provoking perspective in a spirit of understanding and commitment to nonviolence. We are so appreciative of Josh for sharing his time and story and admire him for his important part for peace.

To hear Josh's story for yourself, check out his blog at http://www.contagiousloveexperiment.wordpress.com/

Peace Representation at the Mt. Rainier Craft Fair

2009-12-07T18:56:00.001-08:00

Earlier in the week, Mt. Rainier Peace Clubbers made crafts that were sold at the Mt. Rainier Craft Fair on Saturday. The proceeds collected from the children’s work benefited Little Friends for Peace’s partner, Kweku. Kweku is a young man from Ghana who was so distressed by the desperation of street children in Accra that he started a shelter for them. He is funding this venture by the sale of hand-made drums. As his friends run the shelter, Kweku is in America selling drums and raising money. LFFP is so glad to contribute to his impactful program and of course, very fortunate to enjoy the beautiful beats that he shares with us as well! Timmy's Peices of Peace table was another success at the craft fair. With over 10 dessert options, everyone was bound to find something to satisfy their sweet tooth!

LFFP Community Enjoys The Christmas Revels

2009-12-07T18:54:00.000-08:00

Many folks from our LFFP community came out to revel in the holiday spirit at our annual viewing of The Christmas Revels. On Friday evening, the Lisner Auditorium was filled in part with 125 peacemakers who engage in our peaceful mission across our DC metro area sites. Children from the Peace Room at Perry and their teachers and mentors joined children from Mt. Rainier and their parents and mentors as well as volunteers and site coordinators at our various camp sites and interns and staff from our administrative office. Everyone enjoyed making new friends, talking of our peace contributions, and especially watching (and participating in!) the winter solstice celebration play! With beautiful music, traditional dance, and wonderfully detailed costumes the Washington Revels put on a spectacular performance set in the Italian Renaissance to herald in the holiday season. It was wonderful seeing all the peacemakers who made it out for the evening and for those of you who missed it, we welcome you to join us for this fun and festive tradition next year.

Beliefs About War & Peace

2009-12-07T18:51:00.000-08:00

On Thursday, the Peace Room at Perry had a special visitor. Josh Stieber is a native of Gaithersburg, Md who served in Iraq for 14 months before discerning that being in the army was against his values. He successfully applied for conscientious objector status and has since completed a 6 month walking and biking tour across the United States through which he shared his transformation story in a spirit of love and reconciliation. We were very moved as Josh relayed the events of his decision to follow his beliefs and his story sparked the Peace Kids to think of their own beliefs about war and peace. He also did role plays with the children, offering examples of how fights and threats stir people up, while helping and caring makes another’s response more positive. We so appreciate Josh visiting the Peace Room and sharing his testimony and look forward to seeing him again at this month's volunteer appreciation dinner!

Peace Oasis

2009-11-25T08:00:00.000-08:00

Check out http://mjandjerrysoasis.blogspot.com/ for some of the recent activity at MJ and Jerry's Peace Oasis!

Updates on our College Student Service Learning Program

2009-11-22T15:17:00.000-08:00

Peace continues to build with each week in the Peace Room at Perry School as youth come together to learn, practice, and experience the art of peacemaking. We are seeing big impacts in our young children from their consistent exposure to our committed college student volunteers from University of Maryland, George Washington University, and Georgetown University. These older youth come with energy, joy, and positive spirits, genuinely wanting to help the children learn how to live peacefully. As the number of volunteers grows, so does the germ of peace. On Monday we had 8 volunteers, so every two peace children were able to engage with a volunteer. Together they read and role played in addition to a special activity in which they made artistic representation of their emotions. The children’s attitudes reveal the positive results of this attention, as they receive the help and guidance they need and deserve. At the end of Peace Class all the children were giving hugs and high fives to their older counselors, saying, “Thank you! and “Please come again!” LFFP too is grateful and so glad they continue returning, giving their time, and teaching peace!

Family Night at Beacon House

2009-11-22T15:15:00.000-08:00

On Friday, Little Friends for Peace contributed to Beacon Houses’ Family Night by guiding the families in making “Gratitude Jars.” Together, each family painted a jar. Then, they wrote what they are grateful for on slips of paper and put the paper in the decorated jar. Now, they can take the slips out from time to time and remind themselves of all that brings them peace in their family. As we spent this time appreciating our families, we also engaged in a discussion about spreading peace with others who are not as fortunate to have family. We talked of ways our families can be welcoming and loving to those folks, offering them some benefits of family too.

Peace Cafe Thanksgiving Meal

2009-11-20T20:12:00.000-08:00

Thursday Evening was a special evening for the children in the Peace Program with LFFP. The Peace Cafe, which we host at Perry with the Peace room every Thursday, had a Thanksgiving Meal. The children were able to help prepare the coleslaw, fruit salad, and the PB&J cupcakes. The children struggled to not eat all the yummy treats as they prepared them, but they were so thrilled to be a part of the cooking process. The Peace Cafe, gives them a sense of awareness in the kitchen and service towards others by allowing the children to partake in the Cooking and cleaning processes as well as enjoying eating the food. There were lots of delicious choices for the children to sample such as: breaded chicken, corn, sweet potato and apples, coleslaw, fruit salad, two types of muffins, and the cupcakes for dessert. Before the children were able to eat we went through the LFFP Peace Pledge, a peace camp song, a short speech about Thanksgiving from a teacher at Perry, and a prayer given by the children. It was a great way to remind each person, child and volunteer, how important it is to be thankful for what we have, and those who care for us. It was a very positive experience for both the children and the volunteers. Everybody went home with a full belly, a smile on their face, and thanks in their heart.

LFFP & Seton High School Partnership

2009-11-20T12:18:00.000-08:00

We are very grateful to the Seton Campus Ministry for selecting Little Friends for Peace as this year’s recipient of their annual donation campaign. We will use the money to keep our program going by paying for rent and project supplies. We also look forward to one of their students writing an article about this Seton partnership with LFFP. Stay tuned for updates on this growing partnership!

Sounds of Hope Fundraiser at Potter's House

2009-11-16T11:34:00.000-08:00

Friday was the 6th annual Sounds of Hope Fundraiser for Little Friends for Peace at the Potter's House. It was a great turn out. There was a lot of connecting and reconnecting going on between LFFP Volunteers, Supporters, and all who were able to make it to the event. Sixteen Children from the LFFP Peace Room at the Perry School were able to attend the event, with the help of Perry School Staff member, Tamika. They shared the Peace pledge and some songs with those in attendance. The children were also able to ride the Peace Train throughout the room, showing how it can be an important step in diffusing a conflict between friends. Tommy Park gave a presentation about LFFP, its goals, and what it offers for those who were unfamiliar with the program. Following the presentation was fellowship throughout those supporting LFFP and its volunteers while different groups performed on stage. The event went very well and was a great way to share LFFP with the DC Community. Thank you to those who were able to make it, and for those of you who were unable to attend LFFP missed you and hope you are well.

Recent Happenings

2009-11-07T14:34:00.000-08:00

Volunteer Appreciation Dinner
This Thursday several of our administrative and service learning volunteers joined together to meet and share their passions for peace. After a rousing rallying by MJ, everyone enjoyed Timmy's delicious meal including hummus and chips and salsa for appetizers, lasagna and salad for dinner, and home-made brownies for dessert. As they ate, the volunteers talked about how each got involved with and currently contributes to LFFP. Cute stories about the peace kids were shared and goals for the organization were put forth. Though it was a delightful evening, several volunteers were unable to attend, prompting the proposal for gatherings on a more regular basis. We look forward to this new tradition, celebrating the hard work of LFFP's family of volunteers.

Prison Ministry
We have recently completed two workshops entitled, “Peace Begins With Me” to benefit the Welcome Home mentoring program for which our co-directors volunteer. One workshop was geared towards ex-offenders and another towards their mentors. They were structured to help ex-offenders find inner peace as they approach the challenges of returning to the community and to help their mentors in the Welcome Home program best support them through those challenges. We see much opportunity in spreading peace through the jail system as an important way of giving support and preparation to folks coming out, re-entering community, and living a peaceful life.

Peace Room at Perry School
This week, we welcomed service learning volunteers from Georgetown, George Washington, and the University of Maryland as well as our regular Georgetown Medical student volunteers. These volunteers enhance the children’s peace experience by offering their attention, interaction, and guidance for our younger peace kids. We continued discussing our theme for this month, “Spreading the Germ of Peace.” With ameba-like peace signs decorating the rooms, the children discussed how acts of peace, big and small, are contagious and can virally improve our community by spreading caring from person to person. The kids did an excellent job articulating their understanding of peace and how they wish to help the world. It is so moving to see them grow and mature in their understanding of peacemaking.

Upcoming Events

Sounds of Hope 6th Annual Fundraiser at the Potter's House
Friday, November 13th @ 6:30 to 8:00 on Friday
Join us to meet and mingle with LFFP’s peace community

Revels 27th Annual Winter Solstice Tradition at Lisner Auditorium
Friday, December 4th @ 7:30pm
Email Timasito@gmail.com to reserve a ticket

LFFP in the News

2009-11-07T09:23:00.000-08:00

Check out DC's local news resource, The Examiner, for a feature of Little Friends for Peace by Ryan McAllister: http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-26184-DC-Family-Health-Examiner~y2009m11d7-Little-Friends-for-Peace

Special thanks to Ryan for spreading the word about our peacework!

Service Learning in the Perry Peace Room

2009-10-30T06:24:00.000-07:00

This week we were so fortunate to have had an abundance of service learning volunteers working in our Perry Peace Room. Four of the volunteers are students at Georgetown, another three attend George Washington, three more are young professionals from a Washington & Lee alumni group, and another six volunteers were from our longtime Georgetown Medical student volunteer group.

We were especially excited that Amanda and Karishma, Georgetown students completing a “Writing for Social Change” project with LFFP, were able to capture this service learning in action for a video that they are creating. They were able to tape the peace play as well as interviews, and all were energized by the potential of her project to share our peace work in this captivating format.

It is always very special to incorporate the spirit and unique skills of volunteers to our peace education programming. The kids look forward to visitors setting aside time just for them and they really benefit from being exposed to an ever increasing number of folks who reinforce the importance of peace. At the same time, we aim for the volunteers to gain first-hand experience in teaching peace, taking this knowledge back to their personal, educational, and professional lives. Special thanks to these volunteers for the important part they play in spreading a culture of peace!

Recent Happenings

2009-10-28T18:37:00.000-07:00

SITE SPOTLIGHT: BEACON HOUSE
LFFP has worked with Beacon House in the Edgewood Terrace community of NE DC for the last 12 summers, inviting Beacon youth to Peace Camp at the UUCA church in Arlington, VA. Now, our partnership has blossomed into a year-round Peace Program Infusion. This past fall we conducted a peace experience for Beacon House staff to learn how to incorporate a peaceful atmosphere and peace techniques into their everyday educational, cultural, recreational, and athletic programming. In addition, we now teach a Peace class every Friday to a group of the 500 at-risk youth whom Beacon House engages.

This past Friday we invited our musical partner Kweku of Ghana to inspire and enliven Peace Class with his special drumming talent. This class was held on Family Night, so parents along with youth enjoyed the peaceful rhythms.

DRUMMING FOR PEACE
For several months we have been partnering with Kweku, a drummer who was taught to make and play drums by his uncle in his home village in Ghana. While visiting relatives in Accra, he was deeply moved by the street children who had to take care of themselves and were often victimized by those from whom they begged. From that experience he decided to organize them to build a shelter together, in which they could learn to play drums and to build their own. At the same time, they would learn to read, write, and protect themselves from AIDS and being cheated. Kweku raised money to buy each piece of plywood by giving guitar lessons and performances.

While his friends continue to do this in Ghana, he was able to come to America to raise money thanks to the help he received from Peace Corps volunteers who discovered him and his work, and from an order for 20 drums made by an Israeli man. Those Peace Corps volunteers introduced him to LFFP and now we serve as his host here in America, and he teaches our children the art of drumming. After he returns to Ghana, LFFP will continue to accept American donations for his impactful work. In addition, he makes drum for sale, from which the proceeds also benefit his important peacework in Ghana. Please don’t hesitate to contact mjpeace@gmail.com if you are interested in donating to Kweku’s Ghana program or in purchasing one of his drums.

INTERNATIONAL PEACE & COOPERATION
On October 24th, the Perry Peace Kids celebrated United Nation’s Day. After check-in and the Peace Pledge, we talked about other countries and how and how important it is for all countries to get along and work together. Then, the kids dressed up to resemble international cultural features and we marched carrying peace flags in a United Nations Day Parade around the Perry building. Following the march we all enjoyed an international Peace Meal with a sampling of foods from across the globe.

PEACEFUL BODIES
In Solidarity with Michele Obama's recent health fair at the White House, last week’s Thursday night Peace Meal at the Perry Peace Room not only included our typical nutritious approach to food preparation, but also some exercising! We talked about the importance of movement, got active hula hooping, and even did a little yoga! Then, that evening’s Peace Meal consisted of healthy soft tacos with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese and low fat meat.

VOLUNTEER UPDATE
Great News! Starting in November a new group of University of Maryland service learning volunteers will join LFFP in our Perry Peace Room every Monday from 4:30-7:30pm. These college aged students will help lead our peace education programming, reinforcing a caring atmosphere while learning how to create teachable moments and make cooperation fun.

Welcome Terrapins! We are so excited to have you join our peace community!

Unity Walk

2009-10-20T16:27:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, Little Friends for Peace walked with people of all faiths to proclaim that our differences should unite us. Our co-directors, MJ & Jerry, attended the 5th annual walk that brings folks from various religious and ideological backgrounds together to promote mutual respect and understanding. Much more than just an honorary stroll, the event also included speeches from Rev. Mpho Tutu, Arun Gandhi, Maureen Fiedler, and Rabbi Bruce Listig whose messages sparked conversations amongst all the participants. Little Friends for Peace was a proud sponsor of this inspiring event and encourages all to seek peace through the celebration of our diversity.

Learn more about this event at www.911unitywalk.org

Seton HS Girls Come to the Peace Room at Perry for their “Urban Plunge Project”

2009-10-17T15:29:00.000-07:00

This morning, 3 girls from Seton High School arrived at LFFP’s Perry site with their teacher to plunge into peacemaking in the Perry community. They were most eager to engage in direct service and to learn about the Peace Room and the peace we teach throughout the Sursum Corda neighborhood.

First, we gave them an overview of the program and shared a bit about the mission of LFFP and the creation of the Peace Room at Perry. We shared with them about the children, their backgrounds and their experiences of peace and unpeace, as well as our LFFP approach and our goal of helping the children experience peace, meet peacemakers and learn about the Peace Train and other instruments of peace. Most of all, we shared with them how we want to empower the kids to use the Peace Train steps in their neighborhood, school and family.
Then we went over to the Sursum Corda neighborhood where they met Ann and saw her inspiring picture walls adorned with images of her many children, whom she has welcoming, helped, sheltered and loved. The girls were moved by it all.

After that, we went back over to Perry with the neighborhood kids who were so excited to have their new “tutors.” We grouped into the “Peace Circle,” recited the “Peace Pledge,” sang a few songs and then we did our Check-In, talking about what is bringing us peace and what is taking peace away. The children shared that having the girls visit, coming to the Peace Room, and doing art together was what was bringing them peace today. They also shared that the rain and not always having a warm Peace Room to go into was what was taking away their peace. The Seton girls shared that engaging with LFFP and being with the children was bringing them peace today. Everyone then divided into projects, some making a peace tree with leaves inscribed with peacebuilding actions, while others made a pumpkin bog, arranging pumpkins around it while discussing how they were going to bring light to the world.

Then, we were pleasantly surprised when 5 more Seton High School girls showed up with their teacher and said the project they were assigned to didn't have enough work for them. So we welcomed them, gave an orientation, and walked them over to Ann’s house so they could get the feel of the neighborhood, while the other group stayed with Jerry in the Peace Room. We concluded the day as one big group playing cooperative games, passing the Earth Ball and circling up for check-out.

All of the girls expressed that they were moved, on fire and ready to come back. The children too could not stop talking about how they want to come back to the Peace Room every day, as they proclaimed, “We love the Peace Room!” We are so grateful that one of the teachers also wants to come back, and is planning to return this Thursday to bring snacks and help with math during afterschool home work time, and that one of the girls who has volunteered with us before is interested in becoming a summer intern. It was a super special service-learning day: a real “Urban Plunge!”

Peacemaking with Girls from Uganda

2009-10-17T11:39:00.000-07:00

Despite gloomy weather, Little Friends for Peace was cheered, moved, and filled with joy to share our peace work with a group of 12 girls from a Uganda Refugee Camp who are part of a Leadership Training program sponsored by the National Academy of Education.

The girls spent two days of their two week D.C. tour with LFFP learning about our peace instruments, including the steps of LFFP’s “Peace Train” problem solving method. Through LFFP’s “Peace Circle” we also engaged in cross-cultural sharing of our life journeys and experiences of peace and unpeace. It was very difficult to hear about the girls’ personal stories of unpeace, living amidst the pain of fighting and torture. However, it was inspiring to sense their strength and hear about their resolve to persevere for peace. After getting to know each other, we got down to some fun, building peace by engaging in recreational activities with each other and nature. We also visited the Colonial Farm and Organic Garden, as well as a Potomac River outlook to peek over at Mt. Vernon.

It was an incredible peacebuilding experience, with all moved to tears as a result of the powerful bonding. We are so glad to gather once more before they leave for home, taking in a D.C. United Soccer game tonight. We also eagerly anticipate keeping this spark alive, having been invited by the group’s leaders to take the “Peace Train” to their home and share a peace experience with their Uganda friends and family. In addition, the group’s State Department sponsor also requested a similar in-service for an upcoming group visiting D.C. from Afghanistan. We are so pumped to be realizing our vision for global peacebuilding through relationships and the sharing of our peace instruments!

Perry School 10 Year Anniversary Open House

2009-10-17T09:57:00.000-07:00

On Friday, Little Friends for Peace staff and volunteers joined the 8 other organizations with whom we collaborate in the Perry School Community Service Center to celebrate 10 years of uplifting Perry’s neighborhood. We enjoyed the fun and fellowship that followed tours of the historic school building turned human service center and were especially delighted to take part in the ceremonial celebration held that evening in the gym of our building neighbor, the Boys & Girls Clubhouse #2. Highlights of the ceremony included words from Perry School Community Services Center’s founder, Alverta Munlyn, Perry Center, Inc.’s founder Paul McElligott, D.C. Council Chairman Vincent Ward, D.C. Councilmember Marion Berry, WUSA 9’s J.C. Hayward, and a presentation of the “Peace Pledge” and “Dr. King Rap” by our very own Peace kids: Kayla, Kyra, Sydney, and Devita.

Little Friends for Peace is a founding organization of this community-initiated project to offer community residents the skills and resources to become empowered and self-sufficient. For Little Friends for Peace’s part, we teach peace skills as a critical component of Perry Center, Inc.’s Youth Development Program, serving 40 elementary-aged children and 20 teens every school day afternoon. We also infuse peace education into their 6 week summer camp programming, and were delighted to be able to weekly take the children to our new Peace Oasis home in Accokeek, Md this past summer. In addition, we offer mentoring to staff, enabling them to be peace educators in their own right.

We are so proud of the important work of all the organizations that make up the Perry School Community Services Center and continuously seek to enhance and maximize the endless possibilities for partnerships and peace that this relationship provides. We look forward to ten more years of spreading peace and eradicating poverty!

Not Just Anti-War, but Pro-Peace

2009-10-05T17:44:00.000-07:00

Today’s crisp Monday DC afternoon heard the poignant call for the end of fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan just ahead of the approaching 8th anniversary of the start of the war in Afghanistan.

Little Friends for Peace walked in the National Campaign for Nonviolent Resistance organized procession from McPherson Square to the White House, joined by members of their Peace Train Affinity Group. Following the solemn and quiet walk, the LFFP group relocated to Lafayette Park where they contributed an answer to the violence by literally embodying the Peace Train, inspired by our signature problem solving method. MJ described it as a beautiful day, a good group of people, and a profound action near the home of our President who sagely opposed the Iraq war from the start. She further explained that folks loved the Peace Train alternative to war and torture.

Following the event, MJ and Jerry returned to the Peace Room at Perry School, just blocks north of the US Capitol. There they continue their decade-long commitment to teaching local children the importance of non-violent alternatives to problem solving, training a generation of peacemakers to counter interpersonal and international violent conflicts alike.

An Event Par MV

2009-10-05T17:08:00.000-07:00

On Friday, October 2nd the Park Family along with some LFFP supporters travelled to Dover, Delaware for the second annual Mary V. Stermer Memorial Golf Outing. Benefiting Little Friends for Peace and Voices for Illinois Children, this event is organized by Jim Stermer along with MJ and her other siblings in honor of their mother, MV.

MV was an active humanitarian and tireless advocate for peace throughout her life. All enjoyed celebrating her benevolence and impact with a round of golf and few friendly games on the green. The afternoon ended with an awards dinners, where the Stermer children shared about MV and talked about the important causes to which the guests’ generous support was offered in her memory. Cheers to MV and a third annual next fall!

Peace Pole Planting at Perry School

2009-09-22T06:14:00.000-07:00

In our neighborhood that has been in the news so many times for violence, crimes and drugs now stands a Peace Pole.

Yesterday's sunny Monday afternoon saw the Perry School of Sursuma Corda plant a Peace Pole amidst the flower filled garden that was created this summer. The Peace Pole reads, May Peace Prevail on Earth, that it may also prevail in our neighborhood and wider communities. It was a great event of peace and so hearting to have the support of so many from the Perry School, the most comprehensive anti-poverty collaboration in D.C. with whom work and share building space.

A perfect way way to celebrate the International Day of Peace and a lasting treasure to remind us to make everyday peaceful.

World Peace Party

2009-09-21T16:25:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, September 20th, Suzanne and Monica travelled up scenic Ridge Road to Sweet Peace Farm in Westminster, Md. There we shared our peace education work with others who seek, celebrate, and work for peace.

The picturesque farm was holding an inaugural World Peace Party, and attendees revealed the many ways of peace. There were several food vendors selling yummy veggie food, including the funky Big Bear's Bus Cafe that ran off veggie oil. There were also spiritual peacemakers including Hare Krishna and Sukyo Mahikari. We also enjoyed meeting some who share our peace method, including folks from Learning by Heart who teach self-confidence, problem solving, and creative expression. There was also jewelry, peace pillows, flutes, and drums for sale. One particularly fun attendee, investigated the vendors without shoes to be ready just in case a dancable song was played.

It was a lovely event and we enjoyed sharing our peace education work with others who were also enthusiastic about peace, each in their own unique way!

Little Friends for Peace in the news!

2009-08-07T07:42:00.000-07:00

As Little Friends for Peace has finished up the second Open House for the Peace Education Oasis, we are very pleased that we have been getting press about how our dream has become a reality at last!

Pax Christi, from whom MJ and Jerry won the 2008 Teacher of Peace award from, recently featured an article about LFFP's Peace Education Oasis. The article can be found online here.

LFFP was also featured in the Prince George's County Gazette in the News and Community section. The announcement is about the opening of the Oasis, and can be found online here.

Peace Education Open House!

2009-07-09T10:11:00.000-07:00

On June 28th, LFFP held their inaugural open house for the brand new Peace Education Oasis located in Piscataway National Park. The event was a great success with over 90 people in attendance who enjoyed touring the house and surrounding property, playing games, planting flower seeds, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of this new retreat center.

Once completed, the Oasis will provide a space for children and adults alike to find peace in nature, be restored, and bring skills of peace back to our communities. It will host a wide variety of events and resources including retreats, workshops, and orientations. The peace museum, library, garden, art barn, hermitage, trail, retreat center and meeting spaces complete the center.

Global Giving Campaign a Success!

2009-07-09T09:59:00.000-07:00

With the help of over 60 donors, Little Friends for Peace surpassed the $4,000 goal on the Global Giving site, allowing us to remain permanently on the site. This invaluable resource will expand LFFP’s donor pool on an ongoing basis. Along with your support, we will be able to continue to expand and furnish the Oasis into the perfect Peace Retreat Center.

Thank you to everyone who donated!

Donate Through Global Giving!

2009-06-26T08:43:00.001-07:00

The Oasis provides peace education and a respite in nature for groups of inner-city youth & families; leadership training for youth; and ongoing workshops for interested groups & targeted populations.

Your tax deductible donation will help us reach the goal of raising $4,000 by June 30 so we can have a permanent spot on their website and might help us garner the most donations (meaning a minimum donation of $10 helps too!!!) to win an additional $3,000.

Please support the Oasis and spread the word to sustainably furnish this facility to provide youth opportunities that promote positive change in their lives.

Peace Fair!

2009-06-08T09:21:00.000-07:00

Peace Club at Mt. Rainier is wrapping up for the summer. Last week the children organized a peace fair where they sold crafts, played music and performed a rendition of "The Land of Many Colors" by Rita Pocock. The evening was a great success and the children raised money in support of Pennies for Peace, in order to buy educational supplies for schools in Guatemala.

Welcome!

2009-06-03T12:25:00.001-07:00

Little Friends for Peace is excited to kick off the summer with a number of great camps and activities planned. We have an awesome team of employees, interns, volunteers and campers who are working hard to make this summer the best yet! The first camp starts June 22nd so keep checking back to learn about what is going on and all of the fun things happening with LFFP.