Sneak Peek of be the change

What is "be the change"?

At Peace Learning Center, we think of peace as a series of concentric circles starting with self, others, and then rippling out to the community.  If we are to truly have a peaceful community (both global and local), we must not only take fellow humans into account but also the environment and the creatures who share our environment with us.  

To that end, we work hard to encourage participants in our programs to consider the world beyond themselves-which is no easy endeavor.  Let's face it, although compelling, the facts and figures about our world's most pressing problems cause most of us to glaze over.   

To address this challenge, we have created an interactive exhibit at Peace Learning Center called "be the change."  "be the change" will give participants an inviting space to learn meaningful ways that they can use their own lives to help other humans, animals, and our environment.

In the true spirit of Ghandi's notion, "be the change you wish to see in the world" we have used repurposed, reused, and sustainable materials to create a series of thoughtful and interactive exhibits for both youth and adults.  

Have you ever wondered how much a pound of CO2 really is?  Come check out our CO2 display! 

What about the impact of your dinner on pollution or water use?  We've got that, too!  

Finding ways to convey wonky, often depressing data and statistics in playful and hands-on ways is one way we are helping people make the connections between their everyday actions and the impacts they have on our planet, on animals, and on other humans.   Activities are designed to be interesting for adults and kids alike, making this a great place to bring your family!

"be the change" is a collaborative effort with HEART (teachhumane.org) and will open its doors to the public on April 18th.  Please come join us for our grand opening on April 18, 2015 from 10:00-2:00 with tours at 11:00 and 1:00. 

To register for the open house (and for a free park pass) go to: peacelearningcenter.org/be-the-change

Tim Nation, Executive Director and Co-Founder

While news stories of teen mayhem and conflict focus our attention on the dark side of violence and mental illness, it may seem as if there is little hope for our children and our future.

However, we at Peace Learning Center get to see the real side of youth in our community and I'm proud to report you have nothing to fear.

Sure there are youth fights and disagreements, but that has always been the case.  What is different is that most people now have video cameras on their phones and are able to broadcast their problems for all to see.

Peace Learning Center works with more than 1,500 middle and high school students right in their classrooms - we are stationed at John Marshall, Northwest, Crispus Attucks, and Washington high schools to provide conflict resolution and peace education in health and social studies classes on a daily basis.  We take over a day at a time for a teacher and stay in the classroom all semester or year depending on the needs of the school.

Many of the young people we serve want to change their school and neighborhood environments and are eager to step up to share their ideas and put their words into action.

We mobilize these youth to be the change they want to see.  Our Peace Crews are made of high school students who learn how to facilitate our curriculum to their peers and younger students.  It is amazing to see them build relationships with elementary students to give them hope that they too can graduate from high school and go on to college.  Teachers are impressed to see their former elementary students now in high school ready to go to college.

When you give youth responsibilities, they will rise to the challenge and grow with the opportunity for service. 

How can you be the change by creating internships, jobs, mentoring or other opportunities for youth to grow?