Constructing a Peace Train

In the wake of the terrorizing events, mutually destructive military invasions, and repeated school shootings,  many of us are waking up to the need for Security that comes from Peacemaking. We are longing to resolve injustices with love and not hate, with cooperation, not retaliation. We are susceptible to an epidemic of Peace!  What will that epidemic look like? More and more people will instinctively use their gentle but tough Skills of Nonviolence.

Those skills and guidelines for winning without hurting appear on the cars of the PEACE TRAIN. Make your own! The train cars are made out of cardboard boxes for children to wear in a parade, a peace march, or a school assembly. Decorate the cars with the words & symbols below and/or with others that come into your imagination.

The Locomotive reads PEACE TRAIN, "Hop on Board!" and "We Win Without Hurting."

Car #1 is  "LOVE my Enemy"  (HEART) "CARE FOR the PERSON with whom I STRUGGLE" because our relationship is as important as my winning. "It's OK for BOTH of us  to WIN."  This gives the fuel to energize our whole Train.

Car #2 is "STOP", "Cool Down". "It's OK to be ANGRY, it's NOT OK to be MEAN." (STOP sign).

Car #3 is "IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM": what the other does, why it hurts, and my part in causing it, too. (CLIPBOARD)

Car #4 is THINK UP SOLUTIONS that would solve the problem. (LIGHT BULB)

Car #5 is CHECK FEELINGS of both sides from each solution. (SMILE & FROWN faces)

Car #6 is "LISTEN" to each other describe what each of us figured out while we were in STOP. (EAR)

Car #7 is "AGREE ON A SOLUTION" (HANDSHAKE)

Car #8 is "CELEBRATE our vicTory!  If and when our hearts become ready, "FORGIVE" one another. (EMBRACE)

Car #9 is If the other won't listen, "UNITE WITH OTHERS" to help my "enemy" hear another perspective; then, if necessary, join together to frustrate the enemy's violence. (STICK PEOPLE HAND IN HAND AROUND THE GLOBE)

Check out the Peace Train in El Salvador thanks to Christi Darr!

The Peace Train has been traveling to schools, churches, preschools, recreation centers, scouts, and after-school programs. Call MJ & Jerry Park at (240) 838-4549 and invite them to your station. All aboard!  Gandhi said " We have to be the change we want to see."