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Regional Model
of the
U.S. Department of Peace and Nonviolence

This website describes the ongoing collaborative effort of Colorado Volunteers to construct a Regional Model of the U.S. Department of Peace and Nonviolence.  The goal is to demonstrate how a Department of Peace and Nonviolence will add value to our community.  

More about the National Campaign to establish a U.S. Department of Peace and Nonviolence...     More about the Colorado Campaign....

This website will document the progress of the Model Project during its three phases: Startup, Operation, and Assessment of Effectiveness.

Using the proposed Legislation (H.R. 808) as the "blueprint", an abbreviated organizational structure will be put in place for a regional DoPN center.  The focus of this project will be the Domestic Activities of the DoPN.   (For the purposes of this Model Project, we assume that the DoPN Headquarters in D.C. is already operational.)

Local resources will be used in this “simulation” including volunteers from the Colorado Campaign, Universities, Peace & Justice Organizations, local public agencies (i.e. Human Services, Law enforcement, etc.), as well as local Congressional staff members.

Given the above ground rules, volunteers from Colorado organizations and educational institutions will assume the roles of key local DoPN leadership as “administrators” and “hands-on workers.” These acting DoPN personnel will simulate (at a top level) how a DoPN can translate local needs into an effective intervention program.

The results of this Modeling effort will provide valuable information that can contribute to the State and National Campaign. Our overall Mission is to work with our Senators and local district Representatives, discuss how the DoPN can add value to their Districts/State and to better understand their concerns and issues with the proposed bills. Issues and proposed solutions that are identified during this simulation will be communicated to the National Campaign for future revisions of the pending legislation. The results of the Modeling effort may also be used in future commitee hearings.

The results of the Modeling Project may also be used by our local activists who are working with their members of congress, writing editorials, conducting local radio and TV interviews, organizing local talks and trainings, getting city council endorsements, visiting with Police Chiefs, Fire Chiefs, Military Officials, Prison Officials, Directors of Abuse Shelters, School Boards, etc. to share and discuss how a U.S. Department of Peace and Nonviolence would benefit Colorado and our communities.

The problem of violence is a many layered one, and its solution will be, as well.  Violence occurs in many forms: e.g. physical, verbal, emotional, etc.  Individuals can act violently. Groups, organizations, and businesses can act violently. Governments can act violently.  

" Violence is any action that prevents a person from reaching their human potential"  Johan Galtung.  

While no one action -- governmental or otherwise -- will provide a single solution to such an entrenched and deeply rooted problem, we must treat the problem itself as an all-systems breakdown requiring an all-systems response.

Throughout America, there are numerous peace-builders and peace-building projects. Those skilled in ameliorating the effects of violence - from conflict resolution experts to nonviolent communicators - have proven their effectiveness at treating root causes of violence.

"Peace is a never ending process... it is an attitude, a way of life, a way of solving problems and resolving conflict."    Oscar Arias Sanchez, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate.

Peace is more than the absence of violence.   The peacefulness of a society can be measured by how well it applies the principles of nonviolence to minimize violence AND how well it provides opportunities for each of its members to reach their human potential.   When a society utilizes the full potential of all its members, it acquires strength i.e. "Strength through Peace."

Domestically, the Department of Peace and Nonviolence 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.


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