Peace Talk — Winter 2005-06
The Quarterly Newsletter of Peace Action Maine
Seven Mainers as well as nearly 400 others attended the Department of Peace Conference in Washington, D.C. September 10-12th, hosted by The Peace Alliance. There were presentations about creating a cabinet level Department of Peace. We were taught lobbying and effective media techniques. Among those who spoke at the Conference were Walter Cronkite, Congressman Dennis Kucinich, Judy Collins, Patch Adams, Ambassador John McDonald, and Barbara Marx Hubbard. Marianne Williamson, co-founder of The Peace Alliance, moderated. The Department of Peace and Nonviolence will work on preventing and resolving domestic and international conflict. It will not replace any existing departments, but will offer an overall structure to a broad-based approach to making the work of peace a national calling. It brings the voice of peace to the table, where informed decisions can be made. From left Molly Monahagn, King Middle School, Portland; Shelley Schweizer, Portland District One Team Leader; Kristin Cameron, Nobleboro; Kevin Spainhour, Sanford; Sonja Bjelic, King Middle School, Portland; Carolyn McGoldrick, Cape Elizabeth; Lynn Ellis, Wilton, State Coordinator