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In Memoriam: Rob Atkinson

The Peace Alliance and Student Peace Alliance community was stunned and deeply saddened to hear of the loss of SPA Legislative Director, Rob Atkinson, son of California Co-state Coordinators John and Jan Atkinson.  Read more...  

 

 

Sarah Rubinton, MA organizer for the Student Peace Alliance, tabled with 10 other volunteers on August 6 at the Jack Johnson concert in Mansfield, MA.  There, Jack Johnson visited Sarah and another before the event to thank them for their peace work.  The Student Peace Alliance is leading a Picture Petition at 13 of his concerts where concert goers take pictures with a "I support the US Department of Peace" sign.  We then send the pictures to their congressional representative.  We'll have to find out who Jack Johnson's congressional representative is!

Ben & Jerry's, the Vermont-based socially conscious ice-cream maker, announced May 27, 2008, at its New York City Times Square Scoop Shop that Aaron Voldman, Executive Director of the Student Peace Alliance (SPA) and a member of the Board of Directors of The Peace Alliance, is one of two nationwide winners of its "Peace Pioneer" contest.  Click Here For Full Article And More Information!

Pacific Lutheran students meet with Congressman Norm Hicks about supporting a U.S. Department of Peace

Every day we see countless reminders of our cultures’ violent nature. From the radio, to the television, to the newspaper we see and hear reports of mass violence. This is especially pertinent for the youth who make up a large part of the casualties from violence. Gang violence and school violence take a heavy toll on the student population and at times it is the students who perpetuate such violence. It is therefore important to mobilize students to change this ingrained culture of violence and spread the message that there is another way. Student Peace Alliance members are empowered to work in their communities on such issues of youth violence as well as other violence issues that permeate those communities. Together we can make a difference!

Specific issues of youth violence are not the only forms of violence that affect the lives of students. All violence issues affect youth and must be addressed by those youth before progress can be made. Therefore the Student Peace Alliance works to create a culture of peace on the individual and local level. Students are encouraged to work in their local communities on issues of violence as well as educate their campus about a culture of peace. A Department of Peace will be our future so we must begin building the culture that will support it today.

The continued support and advocacy of students across the country are bringing a Department of Peace closer to reality with each day that passes. Help us continue this positive trend!

National Director Aaron Voldman speaks at The Peace Alliance National Conference in February, 2008

A U.S. Cabinet level Department of Peace will be created with the enactment of legislation currently before Congress (HR 808). A Department of Peace will provide effective policy on both domestic and international conflict. Within our government there is currently a scattershot approach to conflict resolution, an approach that often results in high costs of life and national finances within our country. The strategy of prevention and education that a U.S. Department of Peace will provide will not only improve the quality of life in our country but the relationship between the United States and the rest of the world, as well. It is only by creating a cabinet-level position that we can give institutional heft to the burgeoning and successful science of peacebuilding.

For more information about the Department of Peace, click here.

Steven Tyler and National Managing Director Julia Simon-Mishel