THE CRISIS AND OPPORTUNITY

Our regional, national and global societies are steeped in a culture of violence. We are emerging from the bloodiest century in recorded history, with an estimated 191 million people having lost their lives directly or indirectly as a result of conflicts around the globe. Our violence towards the environment has put our planet on the brink of disaster with global warming, species destruction and other ravages.

On every level, from the individual and interpersonal to the neighborhood and community to the international and ecological, the challenges are vast: in the US, homicide and suicide are the second and fourth leading causes of death among persons aged 1–19 years; domestic violence remains the single greatest cause of injury to women nationally; global arms sales have increased 45% since 1998 to over $1 trillion; nearly 70% of biologists conclude that we have entered the sixth mass extinction – with the possible destruction of half of all species within the next 100 years. In many areas such as youth suicide and violent crime, the Bay Area has some of the worst profiles.

Yet despite this picture, there are many rays of hope. On every level, from the individual to the ecological, there have been stunning examples of breakthrough transformations of conflict and violence. What might be possible when these inspired breakthroughs work together?
 
VISION  & MISSION

The Summer of Peace is an innovative initiative designed to accelerate the shift from a culture of violence to a culture of peace through local collaborations, best practices, region-wide civic engagement and inspirational events in the San Francisco Bay Area, which can then be replicated nationally and globally.

Imagine gathering the most inspirational peacemakers and the most effective peacebuilding programs from around the world to light up the Bay Area in ways that create measurable reductions in crime, domestic violence, ecological violence, and other forms of conflict.
Imagine whole cities making a commitment to peace that addresses the root causes of violence, harnesses the creativity of citizens and strengthens cross-sector alliances.

Imagine the passion of activism married with the power of governments, the pragmatism of science coupled with the wisdom of spiritual practice, the impact of positive media and the connectivity of the internet – all working in concert with proven programs and practices and community self-organization to create lasting change. Imagine the first phase of this initiative culminating with a series of dynamic events in the summer of 2012 – concerts, conferences, trainings, neighborhood circles, school interventions, civic leadership gatherings, peace pledges and more.

The Summer of Peace will set specific and bold goals for dramatic improvements in community health and reduction of conflict & violence, based – in part – on actual breakthroughs from peacebuilding efforts in different fields. For example, East Palo Alto achieved an 87% drop in the crime rate in one year, in part after introducing the “Free At Last” program. Many public schools have seen a 67% drop in disciplinary incidents within two years of introducing the “Challenge Day” initiative. The Summer of Peace will tap into the best practices of these and other leading lights, and unleash them throughout the Bay Area. Our efforts will be researched and scientifically studied.

Ultimately, we envision the Summer of Peace replicating and moving to new regions to foster a culture of peace, nationally and internationally.

 

Read more about our unique programs and organizing framework here.