Regional Model
of the
U.S. Department of Peace and
Nonviolence
This website describes the ongoing collaborative
effort of Colorado Volunteers to construct a
Regional Model of the U.S. Department
of Peace and Nonviolence. The goal is to demonstrate
how a Department of Peace and Nonviolence will add value to
our community.
More about the National Campaign to establish a U.S.
Department of Peace and Nonviolence... More
about the Colorado Campaign....
This website will document
the progress of the Model Project during its three phases: Startup,
Operation, and Assessment of Effectiveness.
Using the proposed Legislation (H.R.
808) as the "blueprint", an abbreviated organizational
structure will be put in place for a regional DoPN center. The
focus of this project will be the Domestic Activities of the DoPN. (For
the purposes of this Model Project, we assume that the DoPN Headquarters
in D.C. is already operational.)
Local resources will be used in this “simulation” including
volunteers from the Colorado Campaign, Universities, Peace & Justice
Organizations, local public agencies (i.e. Human Services, Law enforcement,
etc.), as well as local Congressional staff members.
Given the above ground rules, volunteers from Colorado organizations
and educational institutions will assume the roles of key local DoPN
leadership as “administrators” and “hands-on workers.” These
acting DoPN personnel will simulate (at a top level) how a DoPN can
translate local needs into an effective intervention program.
The results of this Modeling effort will provide valuable information
that can contribute to the State and National Campaign. Our overall
Mission is to work with our Senators and local district Representatives,
discuss how the DoPN can add value to their Districts/State and to
better understand their concerns and issues with the proposed bills.
Issues and proposed solutions that are identified during this simulation
will be communicated to the National
Campaign for future revisions of the pending legislation. The
results of the Modeling effort may also be used in future commitee
hearings.
The results of the Modeling Project may also be used by our local
activists who are working with their members of congress, writing
editorials, conducting local radio and TV interviews, organizing
local talks and trainings, getting city council endorsements, visiting
with Police Chiefs, Fire Chiefs, Military Officials, Prison Officials,
Directors of Abuse Shelters, School Boards, etc. to share and discuss
how a U.S. Department of Peace and Nonviolence would benefit Colorado
and our communities.
The problem of violence is a many layered one, and
its solution will be, as well. Violence occurs in many forms:
e.g. physical, verbal, emotional, etc. Individuals can
act violently. Groups, organizations, and businesses can act violently.
Governments can act violently.
" Violence is any action
that prevents a person from reaching their human potential" Johan
Galtung.
While no one action -- governmental or otherwise
-- will provide a single solution to such an entrenched and deeply
rooted problem, we must treat the problem itself as an all-systems
breakdown requiring an all-systems response.
Throughout America, there are numerous peace-builders
and peace-building projects. Those skilled in ameliorating the effects
of violence - from conflict resolution experts to nonviolent communicators
- have proven their effectiveness at treating root causes of violence.
"Peace is a never ending process... it is
an attitude, a way of life, a way of solving problems and resolving
conflict." Oscar Arias
Sanchez, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate.
Peace is more than the absence of violence. The
peacefulness of a society can be measured by how well it applies
the principles of nonviolence to minimize violence AND how well it
provides opportunities for each of its members to reach their human
potential. When
a society utilizes the full potential of all its members, it acquires
strength i.e. "Strength through Peace."
Domestically, the Department
of Peace and Nonviolence will develop policies and allocate
resources to effectively reduce the levels of domestic and gang
violence, child abuse, and various other forms of societal discord.
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Campaign Overview