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PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT
John Marshall students at PLC enjoying "Big Wind Blows" | K-12 Programs
Our pencils are sharpened, our flip charts are ready, and we are launching into a fantastic school year with at Peace Learning Center. This year, our Youth Services Team will be working with students, staff and parents in public, charter and private schools, as well as after-school sites, from Center Township into the suburbs. While our youth workshops are pretty well-known, our work with their teachers, afterschool providers, and parents is a bit of a well-kept secret. We bring the same focus on authentic learning, experiential education and participant-centered activities as we discuss how adults can build peacemaking skills among kids. As part of our Peace School program, all schools who sign up for this universal intervention take advantage of relevant, hands-on learning for staff and parents. Our workshops for adults who work with youth are also available as stand-alone programs and can help any organization build a common approach to conflict and develop new skills for helping youth develop healthy communication.
Learn more today about our youth programs, professional development efforts and parent outreach evenings today!
Contact Kirsten Eamon-Shine, Youth Services Director, at keamon-shine@peacelearningcenter.org to find out more or to receive a free needs assessment.
Tim Nation at 2010 Board Summit | Corporate & Community Programs
The Corporate & Community Program team is gearing up for the 2nd annual Central Indiana Board Chair Summit which will take place in January 2011. This year PLC is partnering with Lacy Leadership Association on this exciting event. As a community leader, you have the opportunity to transform the nonprofit and community landscape by being a part of the Summit. The first-ever Central Indiana Board Chair Summit was held in January 2010 and elicited tremendous interest from over 80 organizations throughout central Indiana. This sold-out event garnered highly positive evaluation results:
· 95% of board chairs rated the Summit as "above average" or "excellent."
· 94% of board chairs learned new ideas or skills that could be put into practice immediately.
· 88% believe they will serve more confidently in their role as Board leader.
Attendees included board members from Fairbanks, Girls Inc., Ronald McDonald House, Goodwill and a number of United Way agencies. Registration is now open for the January 2011 Summit. More details to come about our speakers and panelists in the coming months. Mark your calendars - we would love to see your organization represented!
Did you know that PLC can design a customized professional development program that fits the unique needs of your organization? You can view some of our offerings here. In addition, we provide consulting services on a wide range of leadership, diversity and healthy communication topics to meet a diverse array of organizational needs.
Peace Learning Center also provides publicly offered professional development offerings each month from September-May. If you are looking for low-cost programs focused on cultivating healthy organizational practices, see our Tuesdays at PLC mini professional development session calendar here and our half-day professional development sessions here. Here is what is coming up in September and October:
Tuesdays at PLC Mini Professional Development Session
"Who Are You and What Is Your Purpose"
September 14, 2010
Presenter: Debra Jarvis
Registration Fee: $5.00
Time: 8:30am-10:00am
Place: Peace Learning Center Register here Please note: prepayment is required; we accept online registrations with credit card only
Session Description: Not understanding the difference between the roles you play and who you actually are, is the cause of many unresolved or recurring conflicts in the workplace and at home. This program will introduce you to techniques for staying anchored, so that you can effectively engage in conflict situations without taking them personally. It will also help you begin to articulate your personal mission (purpose) and core values in a way that helps develop alignment and continuity between your personal and professional life. While these are essential leadership skills, they are also essential life skills. Please join us for a morning of personal and professional self-discovery.
Half-Day Professional Development Session
Difficult Conversations: Talking About What Matters
Donation Session - all proceeds go to our youth programs; Registrations are tax deductible
September 24, 2010
Presenter: George Okantey
Registration Fee: $49
Time: 8:30am - Noon
Place: Indiana Interchurch Center - DirectionsRegister here Please note: prepayment is required; we accept online registrations with credit card only
Session Description: Every conflict or difficult conversation has a pattern to what goes wrong, and what works. Do you have difficulty talking about what matters in a team, with a volunteer, or issues related to work performance or relationships? The crucial skills learned will help you to understand the three levels of conversations and how to promote conditions where people speak frankly and respectfully. You will gain skills that encourage spirited dialogue and reduce confrontation and resistance. Learn to promote best ideas, save time with fewer meetings, have less disagreement and build more alignments and better decisions.
All proceeds from this event will be donated to Peace Learning Center to invest in the youth of our community.
Tuesdays at PLC Mini Professional Development Session
Understanding Organizational Culture
October 12, 2010
Presenter: Richard W. Smith
Registration Fee: $5.00
Time: 8:30am-10:00am
Place: Peace Learning CenterRegister here Please note: prepayment is required; we accept online registrations with credit card only
Session Description: It is crucial that we understand organizational culture if we are committed to maintaining or developing healthy organizations. Our deep assumptions about organizational values, beliefs, attitudes and behavior are some of the key ingredients that blend together to shape an organization's culture. Through dialogue, questions and the exploration of a Culture Diagram we will seek to understand more fully how culture influences organizational health.
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 International Interfaith Initiative
The recent controversy over the proposed Islamic Center in New York City near the site of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, has exposed huge and painful rifts - as well as a need for understanding and education - among communities of faith within our society. Media coverage of the situation has produced heated rhetoric and clouds of misinformation that contribute to a toxic environment and potentially threatening American civil society. To help shed some light on the issues and foster a productive dialogue about this and other relevant issues, the International Interfaith Initiative and Center for Interfaith Cooperation are hosting a lecture and public discussion featuring author and religion professor Edward Curtis. Dr. Curtis will speak about the history of Muslims in America and he will be joined by Sheila Suess Kennedy from the School of Public and Environmental Affairs and Safaa Zarzour Secretary General of Islamic Society of North America to help lead a robust public discussion. We strongly encourage you to bring a friend and join us on Thursday September 23 from 4-6 pm in the Krannert Room at the Indiana Interchurch Center for this thoughtful and informative discussion. This event is free and open to the public. For more information visit our website at www.internationalinterfaith.org. While visiting the website you can also register for III's 4th annual Fall Conference on November 5th "Interfaith Peacebuilding: Global and Local Perspectives" and purchase tickets for a concert by world renowned musician Yuval Ron scheduled for Wednesday November 17th at the Indianapolis Museum of Art.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
September 14, 2010 Tuesdays at PLC Mini Professional Development Session
"Who Are You and What Is Your Purpose"
Presenter: Debra Jarvis
Registration Fee: $5.00
Time: 8:30am-10:00am
Place: Peace Learning Center
Register here Please note: prepayment is required; we accept online registrations with credit card only
(See session description in Program section above)
September 23, 2010
Congressman Andre Carson at PLC addressing a teen retreat for the Muslim Alliance of Indiana |
History of Muslims in America
Time: 4:00pm-6:00pm
Free and open to the public.
(See description in International Interfaith section above)
September 24, 2010
Half-Day Professional Development Session
Difficult Conversations: Talking About What Matters
Donation Session - all proceeds go to our youth programs; Registrations are tax deductible
Presenter: George Okantey
Registration Fee: $49
Time: 8:30am - Noon
Place: Indiana Interchurch Center - Directions
Register here Please note: prepayment is required; we accept online registrations with credit card only
(See session description in Program section above)
Tuesdays at PLC Mini Professional Development Session
Understanding Organizational Culture
Presenter: Richard W. Smith
Registration Fee: $5.00
Time: 8:30am-10:00am
Place: Peace Learning Center
Register here Please note: prepayment is required; we accept online registrations with credit card only
(See session description in Program section above)
October 24, 2010
28th Annual Peace Prayer Service
Free and open to the public - plenty of free parking
Time: 3:00pm-5:00pm
Place: Marian University's Bishop Chartrand Chapel
This event is a continuation of the 28-year history of the Interfaith Peace Prayer Service. The afternoon will consist of music, songs, chants, and prayers for peace performed by faiths throughout Central Indiana. A reception will be held following the event. We encourage families everyone to bring a donation of food to benefit the Interfaith Hunger Initiative which will assist Gleaners in meeting basic needs for local families. For more information, contact Gina Woods at 317.327.7144. |
IN THE COMMUNITY & MEDIA
Team building with the VA Medical Center |
Peace Learning Center recently hosted the VA Medical Center for a healthy communication session.
Peace through Yoga
Through a partnership with Peace through Yoga, Peace Learning Center offers approximately 10 yoga classes per week, every day but Sunday. Please visit www.peacethroughyoga.com or call 317.679.1168 for more information. |
| PLC SUPPORTERS
We would like to thank the Department of Child Services for a $49,350 grant that focuses on PLC's Connect and Communicate Program, an initiative that empowers parents/guardians and children with healthly communication tools. |
 GET INVOLVED WITH PLC
There are several ways to be a part of Peace Learning Center - - whether making a donation or volunteering. For more information, please click here.
TO DONATE PLEASE CLICK HERE
Donate via designated payroll contributions through Annual Employee Campaigns.
If you work for an employer that has a workforce campaign, Peace Learning Center can be designated by writing the name of our agency if it is not listed as a choice. Contact your employer's human resources department or payroll representative about making designated payroll contributions to PLC if you have questions. Peace Learning Center receives contributions given through campaigns associated with the United Way of Central Indiana, State of Indiana, Raytheon, and others.
Peace Learning Center is listed on the State web site, www.insecc.org with the code number 532500. State employees just need to enter the name of the charity and the code number appears.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Volunteer Opportunities
There's a new opportunity for you to help children in Indianapolis - Peace Coaches. We are recruiting dedicated volunteers to work with students building conflict management and emotional literacy that will benefit them in the classroom, neighborhood and future.
As a Peace Coach you will lead small groups of elementary or high school students through an interactive and highly participatory curriculum. Teams of volunteers visit a classroom for six 1 ½ hour sessions after receiving a two hour orientation.
This new offering allows Peace Learning Center to bring professionals into classrooms, offering students real-world perspectives on the value of critical communication skills and civility. It also allows the volunteer to learn healthy communication skills that will be an asset in the home and workplace.
Peace Coaches was piloted this spring with five attorneys from the Indianapolis Bar Association leadership program at Shortridge Magnet High School. Teacher Mary Nolan said her students benefited greatly through the work of caring adults.
In addition to Peace Coaches, Peace Learning Center volunteer opportunities include:
- Corporate and Community events - Help us with our Tuesdays @ PLC and other events while learning.
- Landscaping and beautification at PLC Eagle Creek Park - Maintain historic building and grounds.
- Shout Out Crew - Publicize PLC through email and social media.
- Office and Clerical
Contact Lisa Jones, Human Resources Director at 317.327.7144 or ljones@peacelearningcenter.org for all volunteer positions.
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FROM THE DIRECTOR
 Just past 8:00 am on September 11, 2001, Peace Learning Center facilitators Chris Hunt and Abby Elder Hunt were walking to their car for their commute to Eagle Creek Park.
Rolling down the street was a rolled-up piece of paper with calligraphy - apparently discarded. Written on the paper were these words:
"Yesterday's hurt is today's understanding rewoven into tomorrow's love." - Rinder
As we mark September 11, 2010, this piece of paper hangs in Peace Learning Center's consensus room were people from throughout Central Indiana are educated, inspired, and empowered to live peacefully. The center was founded in Indianapolis to instill values of responsibility, fairness, forgiveness, and service. Central Indiana schools, community centers, and faith groups participate in workshops, camps, and community events.
As Abby and Chris drove their car that September morning in 2001, on the radio they heard about the terrible tragedies happening on the East Coast. Arriving at the center, it was time to host a group of Indianapolis Public Schools 4th graders who arrived on a bus ready to learn peacebuilding skills and take a nature walk.
After the day's programs were finished, all the chaos throughout the day brought all of our staff together to express our varying emotions and despair for the victims.
About fifteen people and three hours of discussions led to this statement - written September 11, 2001:
In times of chaos and confusion brought on by acts of violence, we extend our sorrow and sympathy to all those who feel victimized by and vulnerable to such acts.
In the most desperate circumstances, we are inclined to react to violence with fear, blame, and retaliation. Aware that this kind of reaction often leads to a continued cycle of violence, Peace Learning Center encourages:
Reaching out to those affected by violence with empathy, comfort, and healing; Looking within and realizing ourselves as instruments for positive change; Emulating the highest principles of peace and justice that all human beings can achieve; and
Responding in a manner that incorporates the ongoing process of peace, dialog and healing regardless of our differences.
As individuals, communities, and nations, we are accountable for our actions and responses. Allow challenging circumstances to serve as an opportunity to encourage dialog with youth and the larger community on how to resolve conflict and violence in a proactive and peaceful way.
Let us all use this anniversary to reflect on ways to make our world better.
Tim Nation
Cofounder & Executive Director |
PLC WISH LIST
You can help PLC's programs by providing the following products or services:
- Laser Cartridges: Q6000, Q6001, Q6002, Q6003
- Copy paper
- Landscaping Services
- Handyman Repair Services
- 2 Whiteboards (48" x 72")
- 6 ft plastic tables (4)
- Sump Pump and installation
- Retractable screen
- Bulbs for projector
For more information, please contact Lisa Jones at 317.327.7144 or
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