Healthcare

Begich, Murkowski, and Young are returning to Washington DC this week.  Please call their offices or email them on their official websites.  Tell them to vote for the Public Insurance Option.  The house has a public option bill.  In the Senate the Kennedy/ Dodd Health care committee passed their bill with a public insurance option.  So the bill will be voted on in the Senate this fall.  We need to show support for the public insurance option by phoning or emailing our Senators and Representatives.  

Thank you very much.

Claudette Engblom-Bradley

952-3636

--
Claudette Engblom-Bradley
Associate Professor
Department of Education
Alaska Pacific University

PEACE SCARF

Our 50 foot Peace Scarf is a community art project. Anyone can join us, who likes to knit or wants to learn to knit. We are using recycled yarn or unused yarn. Many knitters have unused yarn from old projects and we welcome donations of unused yarn. There will be eight sections to the scarf each will represent one of the 8 characteristics needed for nations to have a culture of peace. For example, Caring for the Planet section will have shades of green squares. Celebrating diversity section will have red, yellow, white, black and brown squares. Join us to learn about the 6 remaining sections.

To learn more, Go to the Reading List & Resources and click:

Values, Attitudes, and Behaviors: Culture of War to Culture of Peace

Queen Noor of Jordan against Nukes

Queen Noor speaks to Rachel Maddow about Nuclear Proliferation.  

Go to the website

http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/node/41304

"World without" Nukes

President Obama states, "The existence of thousands of Nuclear Weapons is the most dangerous legacy of the cold war."  Listen and read about President Obama's presentation at Praque, Germany, just hours after North Korea launched its long range rocket.
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0409/20901.html
HOPE is Alive!

Organizing for America Community Outreach

March 21, 2009 Pam and Claudette canvassed for Obama's economic plan.  We wanted to talk with Alaskans about Obama's Plan for Health Care, Education, and Energy.  The day was sunny and 16 degrees Fahrenheit.  We were not dressed warm enough; tried three locations in the city, trying to find Democrat voters and sunshine.  We had a petition for people to sign with Obama's economic plan and a pledge for them to commit to the plan and share it with others.  We created business cards with a brief outline of his plan and the home page URL of his website, so people can learn more.  http://www.barackobama.com/indes.php

Learn about Victory Over Violence (click here)

There are efforts around the world to learn and teach others about Victory Over Violence.  Listen and read about the many projects and stories.  

Victory Over Violence, Inc. (click here)

Did you know October 29 is Positive People Day?  Just click the title to locate the website.  But we can make every day a Positive People Day.  Just by reaching out to others with simple acts of kindness:

1. Smile (often).

2. Give a hug.

3. Thank someone.

4. Pay an unexpected compliment.

5. Share a laugh or a kind word.

6. Call your mother or a loved one.

7. Then tell us about your simple acts of kindness..

Book List on issues related to Peace

Members of Alaska Initiative for Peace  have read and want to recommend for your reading pleasure the following books.  If you have read them, please share your comments.  If you would like to recommend additional book(s).  submit as a comment and we will post your suggestion.

Kingston, Maxine Hong, (2003). The Fifth Book of Peace; Published by Knopf

Zeldin, Theodore, (1995). An Intimate History of Humanity; Published by Harper Perennial

Envision Anchorage (click here)

Envision Anchorage provides a snapshot of our community's quality of life.  How healthy are we?  How are our children doing in school?  Can people find work and afford the basics?  Click the title of this blog item to learn more.

The Recession is Closing Dirty Factories (Click Here)

Siberia's Lake Baikal--the oldest, largest, and deepest freshwater lake in the world--is the home of the Baikal Pulp and Paper Mill, which has been belching foul-smelling sulfates into the air and chlorides, phenols and other chemicals into the lake since it was built during the Cold War.  The pollution killed plants, crabs and fish and threatened the world's only freshwater seal.  Environmentalists have bee trying to shut down the mill since 1964, getting nowhere.  But when greens failed. the global recession succeeded all too well. In November, the plant ceased production.   To read more, click the title of this blog item.

Global Zero-- end nuclear weapons (click here)

This website offers an opportunity to add your voice to the global initiative to end nuclear weapons.

"... Building a new global nuclear consensus is the only way to achieve lasting solutions to challenges such as Iran's nuclear ambition."

April 15-- Yuval Ron Ensemble (Click Here)

This looks like a great opportunity-- right here in Anchorage-- to see the power music has in the fostering of world peace. See video link below.

Middle Eastern Music--Presented by Anchorage Concert Association, Discovery Theatre, Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Yuval Ron Ensemble, led by Oscar-winning Yuval Ron, includes Jewish, Arabic and Christian artists who come together to perform both sacred and folk music of the Middle East. The ensemble is dedicated to fostering an understanding of the Middle Eastern cultures through music as well as creating musical bridges between people of different faiths.

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

Except from Major Barbara (Click Here)

On Feb 16 Paul Bryner read 2 paragraphs from George Bernard Shaw's book, Major Barbara.   Click on the title above to find the eBook, Major Barbara.  Go to the second section of the Preface, entitled "The Gospel of St. Andrew Undershaft".  Scroll down to the paragraph that begins "but the thoughtless wickedness with which we scatter sentences..."

Any System by Leonard Cohen (Click Here)

On Feb 16 Paul Bryner read "Any System" from the book Energy of Slaves (1972) by Leonard Cohen.  The poem is written from the view of democratic citizens to their leaders.   Click the title above to link and read "Any System".

Weaving Our Talents: Feb 16 Peace Offering

Program at Felix Cafe February 16, 2009

1. Peace Alliance Presentation given by Lori Draper

2. Music & Singing by Ellen Lockyer on Guitar

3, SGI Singers with Shea Braniff, Mio Braniff, Ellen Lockyer, and Claudette Engblom-Bradley

4. Story told by Pam McDowell Saylor

5. Excerpts from George Bernard Shaw and poem read by Paul Bryner

6. Artwork Presentation given by Anda Saylor

7.  Everyone sang Peace Train

Everyone enjoyed the celebration.  Your comments are welcome.

Inner Peace

As a first entry on the blog, I'd like to share a quote about inner peace. I believe that peace can only be sustained in a world where individuals have discovered the peace that lies within. I believe that hand-in-hand with our efforts to create change in the world, it is essential to attain a state beyond the mind, from which mind can manifest thoughts aligned with higher impulses-- peace, contentment, love, courage, gratitude, humility, etc.

Here is the quote:
All experience is preceded by mind,
Led by mind,
Made by mind.
Speak or act with a corrupted mind,
And suffering follows
As the wagon wheel follows the hoof of an ox.

All experience is preceded by mind,
Led by mind,
Made by mind.
Speak or act with a peaceful mind,
And happiness follows
Like a never-departed shadow.

--The Dhammapada (translated by Gil Fronsdale, Boston: Shambala Books, 2005)

Ikeda's Peace Proposal for UN 2009

 New today!  

Daisaku Ikeda's Peace Proposal to the UN for 2009.  

He has delivered a peace proposal every year since 1983.  This year the focus is on developing Humanitarian Competition in our financial markets throughout the world.  To view the summary click the title for this blog item.

Blog available to Establish a Secretary of Peace

Click on the above title to find the blog to Establish a Secretary of Peace on Obama's Cabinet.  We must let their bloggers know that there is support in Alaska.  Share your views and inspire others across the country to support this initiative. 

Monday, February 2, 2009 Meeting at 5:50 pm

We will meet at the Felix Cafe in the Metro Mall on Benson Blvd.

 Monday, February 2, 2009, 

 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm.  

We look forward to your participation.  Please add questions, comments or agenda items to this blog item.  Thank you.

Secretary of Peace is one of top 10 ideas for Change in America

"Our planet, our media, our social interactions our homes all suffer from the epidemic of inter-personal violence and warfare that plagues America.  With the establishment of a Department of Peace and Non-Violence, with a respected Secretary of Peace in the President's Cabinet, and a program to reduce violence in cities, nations, and even in our homes, we will all benefit from the growth of a culture of peace."  Read more by clicking the Title above.

I am impressed that "Secretary of Peace" idea qualified for the second round of voting and received 14, 994 votes during that period.  Let's keep track of the events and vote for this idea when the opportunity arises.  I welcome your comments about having a Secretary of Peace on this blog.

Reflections on Arun Gandhi January 22

On January 22 Arun Gandhi lecture at East High at 7 pm.  Arun Gandhi is the grandson of Mahatma Gandhi.  He says that (USA) has a violent culture.  Violence is learned and therefore can be unlearned.  Passive Violence is often the cause for overt violence.  Many of us have random acts of passive violence,  Therefore we need to reflect and meditate on our behaviors.  There are certain practices that would help us overcome our violence both internal and external.  He said that Israel and Palestine have been fighting for 60 years.  it is time they admit that the solution is not going to happen with more violence.  The solution can happen with non-violent practices.   He had many stories to illustrate his thesis.  He has also written some books with his thesis on non-violence as a solution.  I was grateful to have attended his lecture and see such a young interest audience of about 300.  

What are some options in Anchorage, Alaska?

Daisaku Ikeda submits a Peace Proposal to the UN every year since 1983.  Michael Nobel is working through the UN to build a global education program for peace.  The UN has an International Day of Peace on September 21.  Alaskans can also develop programs and activities to promote values, attitudes and behaviors needed for a peaceful world.  We invite you to share in the discussion to develop some options for communities in Alaska to develop a culture of peace.  Please enter your comments to this blog item.  Thank you very much for participating.

How can we measure people's progress towards developing everlasting peace on this earth?

The UN has asked many people of nations at war what are the prevailing attitudes, values and behavior of a nation at war.  The UN committee summarized the responses with 8 categories prevalent in nations at war.  See the reading list article: "Values, Attitudes, and Behaviors: A Culture of War to a Culture of Peace."  In this article each category in a culture of war has a corresponding category for a culture of peace.  On January 19 the Alaskan participants in the discussion covered each category along with the wisdom of  leaders, like Martin Luther King, in an effort to understand what transformations are necessary for humanity to develop a culture of peace.  For as we work for change and peace we would like to measure our progress.  After reviewing the reading list, enter your comments for this blog item.  How can we measure progress towards developing a culture of peace?

What should World Peace look like?

On January 19, 2009 thirteen Alaskans met to discuss developing a culture of peace for humanity.  We reviewed some of the concerns of great leaders, like Martin Luther King, Mahatma Gandhi, Pope Benedict, Dalai Lama, Michael Noble and Daisaku, Ikeda.  Peace has a fractal relationship.  We will have world peace when nation leaders value peace; to have such leaders citizens must value peace and have peaceful hearts.  So to have peace internationally, we need peace nationally, locally and individually.  Please join us in this discussion to this blog.  Enter your comments to answer the question, What should world peace look like?

January 19 - Day of Service

On January 19 Alaska Initiative for Peace will hold a meeting at the Felix Cafe at 5:3o PM. to 7:00 PM.  The Felix Cafe is inside the Metro Books and Music.  on Benson Blvd. across from Sears Mall in Anchorage, Alaska.  We welcome you to attend and will invite you to participate in the discussion of developing a culture of peace for all humanity.

Cancellation - Promotional Radio Broadcast

The Promotional Radio Broadcast of January 14 is postponed until third week of February.

Second Meeting, Wed., Jan. 7 at 6 PM

We are having our second meeting on Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. at SGI, located at 2702 Gambell St on the second floor.

There is parking and entrance around the back of the building.  The entrance at the front of the building is not available for our use in the evening.  

We will plan events for the 14th and 19th.  For any further questions call Claudette's iPhone at 952-3636.

Promotional Radio Broadcast

Because CC of KUDO is going to Obama's inauguration, she will be happy to do a prelude to our project on 1/14 at 4:00 p.m.  Mao Tosi and Claudette Engblom-Bradley will talk on her show Wednesday, the 14th at 4:00 PM.  

Plans for the 19th will be posted at a future time.

Getting Started

Welcome to Alaska Initiative for Peace.  

Deborah, Laura and myself met on Saturday, January 3, 2009 to begin the plans for an event to occur on the President Elect Obama's National Day of Service, January 19, 2009.  We conceived the panel discussion on developing a culture of peace to take place on KUDO radio, 1040 AM on your dial from 3 pm to 6 pm.   Camille Conte, know as CC, is the talk show host, which is broadcast 5 days a week.

Claudette is the event coordinator and lead panelist.

Laura is the Promotion Director, creating a flyer, and press release

Deborah is Communications Director. will contact Camille Conte, 

We composed a list of 12 possible panelists and distributed the names among the three of us to contact and encourage them to join our panel on the 19th.  As the panelists accept we will post their names and brief bios on this blog.  

Camille Conte allows for members of the audience to phone in and ask panelists questions.  We will alert some friends and participants on this blog to listen to the broadcast and phone in their questions. 

We will contact a photographer to film the event to post on YouTube.  We will invite to audience to create an action plan for the first quarter of the year and post their experiences on our blog.    the plan is to have another radio braodcast in three months to report on the progress participants have made and to access what directions we should take in the second quarter of 2009.

We welcome your comments and suggestions for improving our event for January 19, 2009.  We thank Obama's Presidential Inaugural Committee for supporting us in this effort.

Claudette Engblom-Bradley