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Constructing a Peace Train
In the wake of the terrorizing events of 9-11, repeated school shootings and the invasion of Iraq, many of us are waking up to the need for Security from Peace-making. We are longing to resolve injustices with love and not hate, with cooperation, not retaliation. We are becoming susceptible to an epidemic of Peace! What will that epidemic look like? 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. The train cars are made out of cardboard boxes for children to wear in a parade, or 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 STOP, Cool Down. "It's OK to be Angry, it's NOT OK to be mean." (stop sign)
Car #2 is LOVE the one who hurt me. Decide to "Be all I can be: Love my Enemy!" (heart), that "It's OK for both of us to win," because our relationship is as important as my winning.
Car #3 is IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM: what the other does, why it hurts, and my part in causing it, too. (clip board)
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 FORGIVE one another. (embrace)
Car #9 is if the other won't listen, UNITE WITH OTHERS to help my "enemy" listen to another perspective; then, if necessary, join to frustrate the enemy's violence. (stick people hand in hand around globe)
The Peace Train has been traveling to schools, churches, preschools, recreation centers, scouts, and after-school programs. Call MJ & Jerry Park at (301) 927-5474 and invite them to your station. All aboard! Gandhi said " We have to be the change we want to see."
To see more examples of train cars, check our Gallery.
