Project Description
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Description of the DoPN Modeling Project
Introduction
Volunteers in the Colorado Campaign are collaborating on a Regional Model of the Department of Peace and Nonviolence to demonstrate how it can add value to our community.
Using the proposed Legislation as the "blueprint", a “mock” organizational structure will be put in place for a regional DoPN center. (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 fro the Colorado Campaign, Universities, Peace & Justice Organizations, local public agencies (i.e. Human Services, Law enforcement, etc.), and 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”
Acting DoPN personnel will simulate (at a top level) how a DoPN will translate local needs into an effective intervention program
Approach
- A Model of a "Regional" office of the DoPN will be constructed using a structured methodolgy created for the development of complex systems - see System Development Overview.
- This “Regional Model” will utilize the current Legislation (H.R. 808), focus on Domestic activities, and apply it to specific local issue.
- Specifically the Offices of Peace Education and Training and the Domestic Peace Activities would be included in this Model Project
- The Project would apply the proposed Mission Statements of these Offices to an example local issue (TBD, e.g. gang violence in Larimer County, or Violence in Jefferson County Schools,…)
- The Project will work with local congressional leaders and community organizations to define the “needs” of the local community.
- The Project will identify services the DoPN could provide that would make the community less violent and provide more opportunities.
- For Demonstration purposes, the Project will be conducted in three Phases:
- Startup, (6 months - Oct 2006 through March 2007)
- Operation, (12 months - April 2007 to March 2008)
- Assessment, (6 months - April 2008 to Oct 2008)
- The example intervention program would include measurable results including:
- Measurable reductions in levels of violence
- Measurable increases in the quality of life of people in the community (e.g. more people have more opportunities for personal growth, more opportunities for a collective growth of the community, etc.)
- The Project will simulate the work of DoPN as it applies our American Principles and the Principles of Constructive Conflict Management (e.g. nonviolence, nonviolent communication, personal freedom and responsibiilty...)
Project Outcomes
- Demonstration of the value-added role a Department of Peace and Nonviolence can have on a local community.
- Valuable experience in understanding the issues facing a newly established Department of Peace and Nonviolence
- Identification of modifications needed in the current Legislative to better meet the needs of a broader cross section of stakeholders
- “Lessons Learned” that can be used to help extend the current legislation
