NP CEO visits the Midland Michigan NP Chapter
April 2014
By Jeanne Lound Schaller
Midland Michigan NP Chapter
When Nonviolent Peaceforce’s Executive Director, Doris Mariani came to Midland, Michigan, in March she was warmly welcomed by area teens, parents, grandparents and others who were genuinely interested in hearing about NP’s work of unarmed civilian peacekeeping (UCP). The youth were just as interested as the adults.
At H.H. Dow High School, Theory of Knowledge students asked thoughtful questions: “Is there a universal cause for conflict?” - What do you see as the future of peace?” - “What are the qualities needed to be a nonviolent peacekeeper?” After listing some qualities: good listening and analytical skills, patience, the ability not to judge, non-partisanship, and after answering many more questions, Doris ended her presentation by posing two of her own: “I need your voices and your guidance…Is the word peace the right one to use? How do we get your generation involved?” She didn’t have time to wait for their answers but teacher Sarah Pancost agreed to facilitate her students in connecting with Doris regarding this sincere request for help.
Meridian High School World Studies students, who heard Doris speak at our “Meet and Greet” at Midland’s First United Methodist Church, are already involved in developing peacekeeping qualities and practicing nonviolent conflict resolution skills (taught in February by Midland NP Chapter members, Randi Kawakita and me). The students understand that “I have a choice to be part of the solution.” - by being assertive not aggressive, by not spreading rumors, not choosing sides in a conflict, by speaking respectfully to everyone and being a good listener. They also understand that positive actions they take in the halls of their school connect them closely with NP’s global work. Two of these students are helping increase awareness of NP by taping and posting their video of Doris’ presentation on YouTube and airing it on our local TV channel.
To show support for NP, those 122 World Studies students along with teachers Susan Sampson and Joe Ribarchik are collecting “Pennies for Peace” and “Nickels for Nonviolence” to add to their previous $100 donation. We are delighted with their efforts and with having Susan as our newest Chapter member.
During Doris’s visit, she was invited by Janine Ouderkirk, Director of Shelter House (for victims of domestic and sexual violence) (photo 1) and current President of the Midland MI Rotary, to tour the House and to speak briefly to Rotarians. (photo 2) Before leaving Midland, Jeff Dykhuizen, Director of the Delta College Global Peace Studies program spoke with and invited Doris to return in the fall to make a presentation to his staff and students. Our Chapter members are also hoping she will return to help us continue to strengthen our commitment to NP’s work of transforming the world’s response to conflict one individual, one situation at a time.