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Quotes (view all)

It must be that peace is so hard to achieve because there is not just one simple definition. It is not something that can just be taught to our children like the ABC’s. It must be taught through example and this is not always an easy task.

Katie, PSJ student

My definition of peace consists of security, honesty, awareness and an action that will always result in a good outcome. Peace is something that should not be pushed or enforced; it is also something that must be achieved for it can never be ascribed.

Zachary, PSJ student

Until recently my definition of peace would have only included something along the lines of the absence of war or military conflict. Peace would mean harmony and cooperative relations between peoples in society, fair and just practices that do not harm people or land. Peace holds much more meaning to me now, and I do believe in the values of peace building and creating positive peace in society. Even with the absence of military conflict and war, I feel that there cannot be true peace for all people until the social structures that cause violence and exploit people are no longer operating and harming people and creating disparities. I feel that there cannot be peace with the prevalence of injustice in society.

Marianne, PSJ student

Inspiration Station (view all)

Lament for the EarthMother

From “Dreamsinger” by John McDonnell Tierney

Mother…EarthMother, I weep for the scars on your face.
I cry for the rivers and lakes…for the songbirds, the spiders, the snakes.
Mother… EarthMother, I burn in …

December 14, 2009 | Leave comment | Read More

Cooperative Work of Peace

This poem was created in the class called Peacemaking in Practice: Seminar on Nonviolence and Social Action. Students did free writes on what peace means to them and took a …

May 21, 2009 | Leave comment | Read More

Peace

By Seaira, 6th grade

No wars. The feeling of safety.
Being able to believe, non-violence.
Love in the world, happiness in our hearts.
Peace is free. War is not.

December 18, 2008 | Leave comment | Read More

Organizational Spotlight

International Day of Peace

The International Day of Peace (”Peace Day”), September 21st, is an opportunity for individuals, organizations and nations to create practical acts of peace on a shared date. Established by the U.N. in 1981, The first Peace Day was celebrated in …

December 14, 2009 | Leave comment | Read More

Graduation Pledge Alliance

The Graduation Pledge of Social and Environmental Responsibility states, “I pledge to explore and take into account the social and environmental consequences of any job I consider and will try to improve these aspects of any organizations for which I …

May 21, 2009 | Leave comment | Read More

Editor's Note

Building Negative & Positive Peace

As the semester draws to a close, I reflect on the state of the world since the inception of the Peace and Social Justice Studies option became a reality at Greenfield Community College. First conceived in 2002 with the advent of a course entitled the Psychology of Peace, Conflict and Violence, our country was first reeling from the aftermath of …

December 14, 2009 | Leave comment | Read More

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Traprock Center for Peace and Justice