DOVER –– Founded in 2014, the Movement for a Culture of Peace has held annual marches promoting peace at a local level, but this year, the organization is hosting Peace Week –– a week packed full of events to bring the message of peace to Delaware.
“There are many organizations doing great work out there, whether at the state level or neighborhood level, all working to improve society but if we all come together, we will be able to be more effective in changing our culture from one of violence to one of peace,” said Jeff Lott, a member of the steering committee of Peace Week.
The idea to bring various organizations together began in February and a committee was formed to plan Peace Week and met every other week since.
“Everyone has a great desire for peace,” Mr. Lott said. “We want to empower people –– to help them realize they can contribute to bringing peace to their home, neighborhood or community.”
The series of events began Sunday and runs through this weekend. On Sunday night, a multi-faith potluck dinner was held in Wilmington and Mr. Lott said it started Peace Week on a good note.
“It was great –– having Christians, Muslims, people of different faiths and people who don’t follow a religion all breaking bread together in peace,” he said.
And the week isn’t only about adults –– Sunday at the Delaware Contemporary Art Museum in Wilmington, art was on display by children ages 5 through 18, demonstrating their view of peace.
About 300 people turned out for the exhibit’s opening and the Movement for a Culture of Peace hopes to put the pieces on display at various venues across the state in the coming months.
Tonight, Peace Week will host a two-hour seminar about the Alternatives to Violence Project –– an evidence-based program that uses specific strategies and techniques to turn people away from violence.
“We hope that some of our events this week like Tuesday’s seminar get people interested in pursuing promoting peace outside our dedicated events,” Mr. Lott said. “Hopefully they’ll choose to get formally get involved in the Alternatives to Peace Project.”
Downstate events this week include a March for Peace on the Rehoboth Boardwalk on Wednesday at 4 p.m. followed by a Dedication of the Rehoboth Beach Peace Pole at 5 p.m. and; Peace Messages of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam on Thursday at the Dover Public Library at 6:30 p.m.
Additional information and a full Peace Week schedule can be found online at peaceweekdelaware.org.