This non-partisan, grassroots campaign to establish a cabinet level U.S. Department of Peace and Nonviolence (H.R. 808) is an important aspect of a fundamental response to the problem of violence. Domestically, the Department of Peace will develop policies and allocate resources to effectively reduce the levels of domestic and gang violence, child abuse, and various other forms of societal discord. Internationally, a Secretary of Peace will be at the table in all cabinet-level conversations, well-versed in the most sophisticated ideas and techniques regarding peace-creation among nations.
The Peace Alliance is a national organization which formed to support the emergence of grassroots campaigns, organized at the congressional district level. Local activists/citizen lobbyists are mobilizing by working in all 50 states with their members of congress, writing editorials, getting city council resolutions or endorsements, visiting with Police Chiefs, Fire Chiefs, Military Officials, Prison Officials, Directors of Abuse Shelters, School Boards, etc. to share and discuss how a Department of Peace would benefit their community. Local leaders have made a commitment to being the change they wish to see in the world, working in a pro-peace fashion, co-creating a culture of peace within the campaign to establish a U.S. Department of Peace. Citizens of other countries are also meeting and organizing to bring about departments and/or ministries of peace, some using The Peace Alliance's work as a model. Global Peace Alliance information can be found at www.mfp-dop.org.
Again, the Peace Alliance website contains a wealth of information about the campaign and the legislation, as well as subject and state discussion forums, and this Illinois Department of Peace Campaign site offers local information. We encourage you to visit both sites regularly to learn more about the history, progress and activities of this historical campaign in the making.
