Our first regional conference ‘season’ has drawn to a close! The eighth and final conference was held in Decatur, Georgia on September 15 – 17, and close to 100 people took part in the gathering.  DoP activists from three states came to Decatur, including a contingent from North Carolina, and the Tennessee State Coordinator.  Among the Georgia participants were members of the clergy, psychologists, educators, counselors, skydivers, PTA moms, seasoned peace activists, and several veterans, including two college students who had just returned from Iraq. 

The Emerson Drummers inaugurated the weekend by leading a drumming circle on Decatur Square, which drew a crowd of local residents in addition to the conference participants.  We were welcomed on Saturday morning by Bert Skellie of the Atlanta Friends Meeting, and the conference proceedings were officially launched by Peace Alliance Executive Director Dot Maver and Campaign Coordinator Lynn McMullen.  A spiritual tone was set early on by Rev. Paul Gonyea, who spoke in the serene sanctuary of the Atlanta Friends Meeting House and reminded us that peace is an inside job.  On Saturday afternoon, Cynthia Moe and Mark Feinknopf of Sacred Space led a session on Nonviolent Communication, during which participants shared some of their challenges in relating to loved ones in peaceful and meaningful ways. On Sunday we met at the Decatur Holiday Inn Conference Center, where conference participants formulated action plans, and many took their very first action by writing postcards to their Senators and Representatives.  Lisa McLeod, PTA-mom-extraordinaire, and Cheryl Burney, an energy healer, helped Dot Maver to close the conference on Sunday afternoon. 

Participants left energized and excited about helping to create a Department of Peace, which is evident in the meetings and outreach events that have already been planned.  New leaders stepped forward, including Laura Sorenson, who took on the role of State Coordinator for North Carolina.  I want to express my gratitude to all who came to the conferences, to all who organized them, and to all who were with us in spirit.  Because of our passion and persistence, it is only a matter of time before the bill is passed and a Secretary of Peace is sworn into office.  Let’s move forward and make plans to meet in DC in February.  I’ll see you there - and let’s all bring a friend!
 
For peace and change
Cheryl Tarr
Georgia State Coordinator

The Emerson Drummers