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FAVAN Update From the May 2001 Newsletter
April 2001 FAVAN Update was a section of the IPJ Newsletter, Circles of Peace Circles of Justice. It is a publication of the Families against Violence Advocacy Network.
FAVAN Annual Meeting -- We're 5 Years Old! FAVAN activists from 21 states gathered in St. Louis on March 10-11 for the annual meeting that marked the 5th anniversary of the network. The meeting was an opportunity to share both successes and struggles in our efforts to promote alternatives to violence.
It was a time to make connections and then support and encourage one another in the projects we are working on. People shared programs, effective strategies, resources, new possibilities. We laughed, we cried, we worked, we played, we sang, we listened, we forgave (ourselves and others). But perhaps the most important outcome for those in attendance was a renewed energy and commitment to the work of nonviolence.
Several people worked long hours prior to and during the meeting to put the finishing touches on an exciting new program to involve young people -- Teens Acting for Peace (TAP). Judi Buchman from Grand Rapids, Michigan shared some reflections from one small group she participated in that capture one of the important learnings of the weekend -- me must be the peace we seek.
Mark your calendar for next year's meeting -- March 1-3, 2002. Click here for more information shared at the FAVAN annual meeting.
News of the Network Pat Jaehnig, FAVAN coordinator in Providence RI, reports that the Catholic Diocese of Providence has designated 2001 as a year to recommit to building peace through nonviolence using the Pledge of Nonviolence as the central resource. They developed a special prayer and reflection card with the Pledge and have already distributed 50,000 copies. The bishop sent a letter to all diocesan leaders urging them, among other actions, to use the cards at the beginning of every meeting held during Lent. Resource packets are also available for all parishes and schools. Maureen Connolly, FAVAN coordinator in Omaha, has developed a 90-minute training program for employees on implementing the Workplace Pledge of Nonviolence. The FAVAN group in the Philippines, under the leadership of Jogy Mantaring, joined with the Rotary Club of Makati to offer a seminar to over 50 youth on the topic of "Violence in the Family." The participants made a verbal commitment to the Pledge, agreed to work to spread FAVAN by reaching out to their churches and youth groups, and scheduled a follow-up session in 3 months to assess their progress and to decide if they are ready to formally sign the Pledge.
Actions for Advocates - Click here for our Advocacy Page
How the Pledge is Making a Difference For the past year and a half, a small group of South Korean activists who want to promote alternatives to violence have been translating, integrating and adapting the Pledge and FAVAN resources and programs for use in their country. Here are some excerpts from a recent communication from the coordinator of this effort -- Kim, Tae-Jin -- that shows the incredible progress they have made and the commitment to the FAVAN vision they are fostering:
Jim and Susan Vogt, along with Vinchu Lapid and Neva Goquingco from the Philippines FAVAN group, will conduct a leadership training workshop for PCCPJ in Seoul, So. Korea in the fall.
Teens Acting
for Peace (TAP)
A Youth Violence
Prevention
The national steering committee for this new FAVAN initiative met for two days in St. Louis prior to the FAVAN Annual Meeting. Much progress was made during this time in creating a training model that will be further tested in several locations over the next few months and putting the finishing touches on three workbooks for the program. Additionally, a promotional video was completed.
Watch for more details and opportunities to begin promoting this important initiative in the coming months! Visit the TAP website!
Building FAVAN, with a Creative Flair Do you have a script, song, musical arrangement, etc., which creatively depicts the Family Pledge of Nonviolence? Have you used drama, plays, dance or other performing arts to communicate the Pledge more effectively? If you would like to share your creativity with other members of FAVAN, send a copy of what you've done (written script, sheet music, etc.) to Ken and Gretchen Lovingood, 215 Santa Rosa Place, Santa Barbara CA 93109, 805-965-9541, kgloving11@aol.com.
On the other hand, if you would like to collaborate in writing a play, musical or such with other FAVAN members, send your name to Ken & Gretchen and mention the area you are interested in pursuing.
Resources The Community Peace Packet from the Rochester, MN FAVAN team is a folder of information on community resources including peacemaking/nonviolence groups, conflict resolution, victim services, and local government services. It also includes some practical guides to personal peacemaking: the Peace Pledge (with a specific reflection and suggestions for each component), two resources form Southern Poverty Law Center, a number of pieces from the Minnesota "Make the Peace" campaign, bookmarks with the pledge and state "Make the Peace" bookmarks. contact Mary Vlazny for more info, 507-288-7372, vlazny@millcomm.com.
The Center for the Prevention of Sexual and Domestic Violence is now offering a 2-day training on domestic violence and religious concerns. The next training will be May 24-25, 2001 in Seattle, with the theme, "Domestic Violence: Religious Resources and Roadblocks." Fore more info, contact Sandra Barone at 206-634-1903; cpsdv@cpsdv.org
"Stop the Violence! Educating Ourselves to Protect Our Youth" by Wendy Morris, director of FAVAN member organization Shalom Education. This curriculum is designed for individual or small groups to help people reflect on issues of youth violence and determine what actions to take to make a difference. Includes both a Leaders Guide and Participant Book. Order from Judson Press, 800-458-3766. |