Making peace must start within ourselves and our family. Each of us, members of the __________________ family, commit ourselves as best we can to become nonviolent and peaceable people:
Queries
Respect for Self and Others
Do I respect myself, affirm others and avoid uncaring criticism,
hateful words, physical attacks and self-destructive behavior?
Communication
Do I share my feelings honestly, look for safe ways to express anger,
and work at solving problems peacefully?
Listening
Do I listen carefully to others, especially those who disagree with me,
and consider their feelings and needs rather than insist on having my own way?
Forgiveness
Do I apologize and make amends when I have hurt another,
forgive others, and keep from holding grudges?
Respect for Nature
Do I treat the environment and all living things,
including our pets, with respect and care?
Creative Play
Do I select entertainment and toys that support our values and avoid
entertainment that makes violence look exciting, funny or acceptable?
Courage
Do I challenge violence in all its forms whenever I encounter it,
whether at home,
at school, at work, or in the community, and
stand with others who are treated unfairly?
This is our commitment. These are our goals. We will check on what we have affirmed once a month on ______________ for the next twelve months so that we can help each other become more peaceable people.
Family members sign below:
"Eliminating violence, one family at a time, starting with our own."
Adapted from: 'Families Against Violence Advocacy Network", c/o Institute for Peace & Justice, 4144 Lindell Blvd., #408, St. Louis, MO 63108; 314-533-4445; Fax: 314-533-1017; E-mail: ppjn@aol.com
The Families Against Violence Advocacy Network (FAVAN) is a program component of the Institute for Peace and Justice's Parenting for Peace and Justice Network (PPJN), based in St. Louis, Missouri. FAVAN was formed in 1996 when 50 representatives of national organizations and faith communities gathered in St. Louis at the invitation of PPJN to implement a comprehensive campaign to address the violence in North America. Founding members include the Childrens Defense Fund, Sojourners, the Fellowship of Reconciliation (FOR), and Childrens Creative Response to Conflict (CCRC), among others. The network was founded on the conviction that strong families, committed to nonviolence, are the key to lessening the prevalence of violence in our culture.
At the core of FAVAN philosophy is the concept of a Family Pledge of Nonviolence around which a great variety of programs and resources have been developed and distributed. The pledge has been translated into 11 languages and has been adapted to fit the needs of various groups, including schools, youth groups, prison populations, and culturally diverse populations. More recently, FAVAN administrative approval was given for a Quaker adaptation to a Family Commitment of Nonviolence, with the seven components of the Pledge/Commitment re-worded into Quaker queries.
A FAVAN sponsored event, Families Building Peace in the New Millennium, is taking place on the Capital lawn in DC on July 30th (flyer enclosed). The program is one of many activities being planned as part of FORs 40 day Peoples Campaign for Nonviolence, supporting the vision of ending our culture of violence and building a new culture of peace. The program schedule includes a Family Peace Camp experience, a workshop for parents on Violent Toys/Violent Media, and a home-cooked dinner. Jim and Kathy McGinnis, founders of the Institute for Peace and Justice and internationally known peace educators, will lead an inspirational evening program featuring intergenerational activities using the Family Pledge of Nonviolence. All this for just $10.00 per family! Ignore the registration date on the flyer, but PLEASE, register by mail or phone ASAP!