The Peace Alliance is a nonpartisan citizen action organization
representing a growing constituency for peace. A 501(c)4 organization
established in May 2004, our mission is to empower civic activism for a
culture of peace. Our vision is a future in which the practical
programs and principles of peacebuilding are the bedrock of our
personal, national and global interest and investment. Our goal is to
take the field of peacebuilding from the margins of the political and
societal dialogue and bring it to its rightful place: Central to our
policymaking, investment and understanding. We achieve this primarily
through a massive public education, outreach and citizen lobbying
effort. Our current focus is the campaign for a cabinet-level U.S.
Department of Peace.
Peace is not a utopian ideal; it is an issue critical to our national
and human security. Either we continue reactively addressing
ever-increasing levels of violence and the consequent human and
economic costs, or we take a fresh approach. This isn’t about the
politics of left or right; it is about what is practical and effective.
We must create the possibility for applied peacebuilding to identify
and resolve conflict before it erupts into violence. The science of
peacebuilding has significantly expanded over the past 30 years,
creating previously unavailable tools for dismantling violence. Yet
nowhere in the highest echelons of our government is there a platform
from which to launch a focused, strategic approach to reducing and
preventing violence.
We support a grassroots volunteer network that is active in all 50
states. A new kind of peace activist, Department of Peace campaign
supporters work to establish connection and understanding with people
from all segments of society and political affiliations, to practice
the principles of peace, and to be a demonstration of what we are
calling for.
We estimate approximately half of our base has a history of peace
activism and half never before considered themselves “politically
active.” These passionate volunteers include Republicans, Democrats,
Libertarians, Green Party members, former and current military and
police, soccer moms, entrepreneurs, senior citizens, youth on high
school and college campuses, traditional peace activists, and more.
They enroll their elected leaders and the public at large by working
with members of Congress, writing editorials, doing local media
interviews, organizing local talks and trainings, getting city council
endorsements, and meeting with police chiefs, fire chiefs, prison
officials, directors of abuse shelters, school boards, and others to
discuss how a Department of Peace will benefit their community.
So, it is with the help of thousands of citizen activists that we have
taken this campaign from a beautiful idea into a political reality.
Together we are building the foundation and infrastructure for a more
peaceful nation and world.
Click here to find out how you can become involved in your community.
Click here to read and download an annual report of our 2005-2006 activities and accomplishments.
Click here to read and download a list of 2006-2007 status and accomplishments.
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