By Sue Trisler

In San Diego, Americans for a Department of Peace (AFDOP) are renaming our quarterly event to PeaceMasters. We didn't just want to call it a meeting; instead, we wanted it to have more meaning and become a learning experience for all. The objectives of AFDOP's PeaceMasters are twofold: to have a program of interest in order to be of service to the community and to inform people about our campaign. 

We focused our June 24, 2008, event on the topic of school bullying and violence with our theme being "Teach Peace." Our evening began with an introduction to the Department of Peace campaign, the legislation and bill sponsors. The main program was a panel discussion. The panel consisted of: Charlie Gregg, a licensed Marriage, Family and Child Therapist with over 20 years experience who founded a group home for at-risk youths;  Barbara Rivas,

Sue Trisler introduces the panel at the PeaceMasters June 2008 gathering.

Violence Prevention/Intervention Coordinator for the San Diego County Office of Education;  teacher Tony

Ricchiuti, AFDOP's current Youth and Education Chairperson; Mauren Garcia, a member of the Student Peace Alliance; and Shawn Reid, an elementary school student and member of the Tariq Khamisa Foundation’s (TKF's) Circle of Peace after school program.

Each panelist discussed the issues and how it relates to their experiences, as well as responded to questions from the audience. Questions posed dealt with current practices in place, resources and those that could be funded by H.R. 808, as well as cyber-bullying.

The last question came from a teacher in the audience who spoke with such emotion about how frustrating her job can be when she feels she is not being backed by school administration. Both Barbara Rivas and Tony Ricchiuti responded that she should continue to be an inspiration and mentor to her students. Tony also reassured her that AFDOP and The Peace Alliance would support her in her goals to teach her students nonviolent conflict resolution.

Getting the perspective from all sides of these critical issues, everyone went away informed and inspired. It was a powerful dialogue. Resource handouts on anger management tips, and coping skills were provided. We intend to produce this event in each area of San Diego County.

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Participants in the Tariq Khamisa Foundation (TKF) Circles of Peace program attended the PeaceMasters event.