Live Peace with Roots and Shoots

Roots creep underground everywhere and make a firm foundation. Shoots seem very weak, but to reach the light, they can break open brick walls. Imagine that the brick walls are all the problems we have inflicted on our planet. Hundreds of thousands of roots & shoots, hundreds of thousands of young people around the world, can break through these walls. We CAN change the world.

- Dr. Jane Goodall

We are very excited to welcome Jane Goodall this October for our Living Peace Series!

Jane Goodall’s world renowned work with Chimpanzees has led to receive titles such as, National Geographic explorer-in-residence, United Nations peace messenger, and the president of Advocates for Animals. However, her work with the Jane Goodall Institute and it’s youth component Roots & Shoots, deals with more than just the wellbeing of animals, but the interconnectivity of the wellbeing of humans, animals, and the environment.

Roots & Shoots was founded by Dr. Jane Goodall and a group of Tanzanian students in 1991 in order to motivate young people to make positive change. It has grown over the years, with chapters in more than 120 countries, to include a variety of projects and campaigns that have a global reach. The program is built on campaigns that are designed to unite a “global network” with common initiatives.

Get involved with Roots & Shoots at our International Day of Peace celebration on September 23rd where Shawn Sweeney, Roots & Shoots Youth Outreach and Engagement Manager, will speak on careers in peace! Youth involved will build and fly giant peace doves and receive premiere seating at Jane Goodall’s speaking event on October 2nd. You can sign up for the youth event on our website.

You can also become a Roots & Shoots member, find a group to join in your area,  sign up for their newsletter, and visit their website for more information.

Good Happens.

Peace Grl Out!

Sir Ken Robinson: Changing Education Paradigms

“Many highly talented, brilliant, creative people think they’re not — because the thing they were good at at school wasn’t valued, or was actually stigmatized.”

-Sir Ken Robinson

RSA Animate brought Sir Ken Robinson’s TED talk to life with this video addressing creativity and the world educational model. As Sir Ken discusses in his lecture, we cannot afford to stifle children’s creativity and talent if we wish to build a more peaceful world. He has been involved in the discussion of creativity, business, and education on an international scale and has received several prizes for his dedication to the arts and education.  He has written two books, The Element: How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything and Out of Our Minds, on the connection between creativity and learning.

To view Sir Ken Robinson’s original lecture or his follow up TED talk, visit his TED speaker profile. To learn more about his most up to date projects visit his website.

Good Happens.

Peace Grl Out!

Center for Living Peace Turned 2!!!

Can you believe it’s been two years since we first opened our doors? We can’t! What an amazing two years it has been– here are some highlights from over the years…

Taiko drums at our grand opening in May of 2010!

Our peace tree from the grand opening… So strange seeing it so bare!

Chuck Jones Center for Creativity hold a workshop at our grand opening in 2010

Have you seen chalk mandala mural by artist Melanie Stimmell? It’s hard to believe it’s been 2 years since she created it for us.

Read for the Record in 2010

Buzz Lightyear visited us on Halloween in 2010!

Artful Eating with OCMA

Artful Eating with OCMA!

Team Kids Youth Council Servathon!

Good Happens Veggie Grill vegan carrot cake from our 1st birthday celebration!

Rocking out at New Earth Drumming to celebrate our 1st birthday!

Storytime with Cynthia Callard!

Human peace sign at 2011 International Day Peace!

Insights from Africa with Eugene Cooke!

Homemade Cleaning Products with The Ecology Center!

C-Jam with Anibue from UCI!

Peace in Motion Café movie nights!

Here are some highlights from our 2nd Birthday! So hard to believe that it’s been 2 years since we first opened our doors!

New Earth Drumming!

Sneaky Sea Snacks with Algalita!

Can you believe the things found in birds tummies? Thanks for sharing this with us, Algalita!

Abstract drawing with OCMA!

Smiling Monkey Yoga!

Smiling Monkey Yoga!

Kids made cards for a Card Quilt for people in need

Card Quilts!

Fun with the Chuck Jones Center

A visit from Teddy the tortoise, courtesy of Inside the Outdoors!

Buckwheat the Bunny, courtesy of Inside the Outdoors!

Seedlings with The Ecology Center!

Kids’ Qigong with Ryan Lee!

Fun in Kids’ Qigong!

Miniotics Dance Crew!

Kelly kickin’ it with Miniotics Dance Crew

Enjoying a birthday cupcake!

Look at our Peace Tree now!!! 2 years of wishes for peace!

A special thanks to our photographers, Ashley Strong & Megan Hartley. Thanks for celebrating with us! It’s been a wonderful 2 years!  Can’t wait to see what the future brings!

Good Happens.

Peace Grl Out.

Mpilonhle Mural Project

After Charlize Theron and Dr. Michael Bennish of Mpilonhle spoke at the Center for Living Peace Series in 2010, students at Orange County High School of the Arts (OCHSA) were inspired to support artistic education programs in South Africa.

As a result, Mpilonhle (a non-profit organization that focuses on social development and health promotion in South Africa) recently oversaw a project where a mural was painted on a football field at Silethukukhanya High School in Africa. The art has lifted the students’ spirits and has made the walls come alive – take a look below to see for yourself!

Thank you, OCHSA Social Action Squad for inspiring us and making GOOD HAPPEN in South Africa! To find out more about this project, and how these inspiring high schoolers are changing the world, click here.

Good Happens.

Peace Grl Out!

Introducing our custom Live Peace FEED bags!

We are so excited about one of our newest additions to the Live Peace Store, and you should be, too. Why? Because each FEED bag comes with a story that we love.

Here’s the deal: FEED Projects donates a set amount of meals to the United Nations World Food Programme for each bag sold. Since it started in 2007, FEED has sold over 570,592 bags (head to their website at http://www.feedprojects.com to see the most up-to-date number; it went up by 31 just while this was being written!)—that’s enough for over 66 MILLION meals provided through the WFP.

A criticism of similar good-based donations we have frequently heard is, “Why buy the item? Couldn’t you just give the money straight to the charity instead? Instead of spending $40 on a bag, you could give that $40 to the organization!” This is true, but misses an important aspect of FEED and other organizations’ goal: to raise awareness at the same time as making an impact. By buying the FEED bag, you are raising awareness for WFP and the global need for food at the same time as donating much-needed funds to the organization. Maybe 10 others will see your bag, ask about it, and then make a donation or even buy their own bag! You can have an exponential impact by becoming a visible supporter of the organization and inspiring others to do the same. When you carry this bag, you help support FEED, WFP, and the Center for Living Peace all at once.

Whether as a gift to someone else or to yourself, we encourage you to check out our limited edition, custom FEED bags! Who knows— you just might inspire others to spread peace and make good happen.

Our Live Peace FEED bags are available only in the Live Peace Store located here in the Center. Each bag is made of sturdy canvas and has an inside pocket—perfect for groceries, class, or just carrying things around. For each Live Peace bag sold, FEED Projects donates 10 meals to the World Food Programme’s school meals program.

Want to know more about FEED or WFP?
FEED Projects: www.feedprojects.com
WFP: www.wfp.org/school-meals

To see more of the items in our LIVE PEACE store, click here.

 

Good Happens.
Peace Grl Out.

Center for Living Peace Turns 1!

This past Saturday, May 14, we celebrated our one year anniversary! It is so hard to believe that a year has already gone by since we first opened our doors!

We had lots of delicious goodies for the big day! Our friend Kathleen made us some amazing brownies, Kelly and her daughter Kenzie made wonderful cupcakes

And our friends from the Veggie Grill generously donated a delicious vegan carrot cake!

Even our 4 pillars were in the birthday spirit!

We had a lot of amazing FREE classes in honor of our birthday.  Here are some great highlights from the classes that we held…

Lots of fun with Alejandro at our New Earth Drumming class!

Manuel Gomez was also kind enough to read us some amazing poetry…

We made some beautiful bracelets with Girl Socuts!

We made some beautiful mandalas and sand paintings…

Kids became monkeys in our Smiling Monkey Yoga classes…

We learned how to cultivate the possibility of compassion in our Possibility Thinking class…

And we had story time with Cynthia Callard…

Thank you to everyone who came and celebrated our first birthday with us and made it a huge success. We are so grateful to all of our friends and affiliates who have supported us in our journey! You are making good happen, and we are so thankful that each of you have been brought into our lives!

Good Happens.

Peace Grl Out.

The Center for Living Peace Presents: Celebrations of Africa and A Special Announcement!

Yesterday we gave you a little teaser of Africa Week! Today we are posting the rest of the amazing classes we have for Africa week, and a SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT!

Tuesday, November 30, 2010 at 7:00pm to 10:00pm

REEL INSPIRATION FILM SERIES: INVICTUS (2009) PG-13

Image from here

Unity: Where the Impossible meets Possibility”

In keeping with the Center For Living Peace’s explorations of Africa, we examine a time in history when newly elected President Mandela initiates a movement to unite his country through the sport of rugby. This inspirational film shows how one voice with conviction and courage can change the hearts, minds and perspectives of a nation. Film discussion will include the topics of racial unity, universal themes in humanity, how the real story was translated to the screen, and of course, the usual odd and ends trivia that the Reel Inspiration class offers.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010 at 3:30pm to 5:00pm

AFRICAN MASK MAKING WITH RECYCLED MATERIALS, PRESENTED BY THE CHUCK JONES CENTER FOR CREATIVITY (ALL AGES!)

The Chuck Jones Center for Creativity presents an earth friendly arts and crafts project inspired by African masks!

Wednesday, December 1, 2010 at 6:00pm to 7:00pm

CONNECTING ACROSS DIFFERENCES

South Africans have made tremendous progress to develop understanding and cooperation across wide barriers of race and culture. Using tools of Compassionate Communication, we will work to bridge some differences that exist among different groups in Southern California. Bring your real-world situations for transformation!

Wednesday, December 1, 2010 at 7:30pm to 9:00pm

SHAMBHALA MEDITATION NIGHT, SPECIAL TOPIC: A MEDITATION ON DIFFERENCE (ALL AGES WELCOME)

The Center for Living Peace, in partnership with the Shambhala Meditation Center of Los Angeles, offers meditation instruction every week during our meditation evening. Please feel welcome to drop by for every Wednesday evening at 7:30pm, excluding public holidays.

We will sit in meditation for half an hour, which will be followed by a brief reading and then socializing for those who wish to stay.

Thursday, December 2, 2010 at 7:00pm to 8:00pm

NEW EARTH DRUMMING PRESENTS: AFRICAN DRUMMING (SPECIAL EVENT!)

This event is a great opportunity for a FUN family activity. This joyous and exciting evening will offer a rhythmic interplay between participants of all ages and levels. Drums will be provided or bring your own drum, rattle or instrument. No prior musical experience necessary! Open to all ages.

This special evening will be hosted by percussionist Alejandro Tovares. He will allow you to explore the rhythms, beats, and sounds of Western and South Africa.

We are also thrilled to announce that we are giving away eight tickets to see Charlize Theron speak about her work with the Africa Outreach Project on Saturday, December 4^th on our Facebook page! To enter, become a fan of The Center for Living Peace, and write “what living peace means to you” on our Facebook wall.  Winners will be announced on Thursday, December 2^nd!  We are SOOOOOO excited to read what LIVING PEACE means to all of our dear friends!

 

We hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend!!!

Good Happens.

Peace Grl Out.

The Center for Living Peace Presents: Celebrations of Africa

In honor of Charlize Theron coming for our Living Peace Series on December 4^th, we are having an array of unique classes starting Saturday, November 27 to highlight the work of our first speaker!

Saturday, November 27, 2010 at 11:30am to 2:30pm

THE ORANGE COUNTY MUSEUM OF ART PRESENTS THE ART OF EATING FEATURING SOUTH AFRICAN FOODS

This class celebrates creativity and practices the art of good health. As a group, we will explore the Irvine farmers market and pick up nutritious and unique herbs, fruits and vegetables, then use these goodies as a source of inspiration for a class still life to draw from. After a break, we’ll prepare a selection of composed summer salads together and enjoy eating the results. Student drawings will be mounted with the cool summer recipes as a memento for you — and to recreate at home for the ones you love!

Saturday, November 27, 2010 at 1:30pm to 2:30pm

SMILING MONKEY YOGA PRESENTS: SAFARI ANIMAL YOGA FOR KIDS 3 TO 7

Your kids will learn yoga breathing techniques and learn to play yoga as well as build strength and flexibility. Let your kids enjoy the gift of yoga!

Saturday, November 27, 2010 at 2:30pm to 3:30pm

STORYTIME AND “GOAL!” AUTHOR SIGNING WITH MINA JAVAHERBIN: A GLIMPSE INTO LIFE IN SOUTH AFRICA

Join Author Mina Javaherbin for a special reading of her book “GOAL!” in our living peace library.

Learn more about Mina Javaherbin’s stories for children and watch the launch video for “GOAL!” here!

Sunday, November 28, 2010 at 11:30am to 1:00pm

TAPPING THE BODY’S WISDOM: SACRED SNAKES (FOR ALL AGES, ADULTS AND KIDS WELCOME!

Justine will be guiding participants in working with African Ball Pythons, Isis and Buku to explore African rituals and rhythms. Participants will also be learning traditional African movement with Northern California-based Hula and African dance teacher, Gina Rasmussan. This class is open to all ages, men, women, children, anyone with an interest in African ritual and movement or working with snakes!

Sunday, November 28, 2010 at 1:00pm to 3:00pm

THE ORANGE COUNTY MUSEUM OF ART PRESENTS: AFRICAN EFFIGY POTTERY

From Mali to Zaire, African ceramics were made almost exclusively by the tribal women for everyday to ritual use. Since World War II, the tribal way of life has declined, but examples of these skilled women remain. The effigy figurative pot, made in the potter’s likeness or in that of a beloved relative, was placed in a sacred grove where sage bundles were placed in its mouth and burned as the woman spoke to her better self, asking for guidance through life’s travails.Learn to hand build a simple coiled figure and create your own 21st century ritual.

Sunday, November 28, 2010 at 1:30pm to 2:30pm

SMILING MONKEY YOGA PRESENTS: SAFARI ANIMAL YOGA FOR KIDS 6 TO 12

A class where your kids can forget about homework and just accept themselves for who they are from the inside out. Your kids will learn how to relax and breathe. They will learn to use yoga breathing as a valuable life skill. They will also gain self-confidence, strength and will increase their flexibility.

To find out more about these amazing classes, click here. More to come about our classes for Africa week tomorrow!

Good Happens.

Peace Grl Out.

The Living Peace Series: The Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project

Each day in South Africa children suffer from poverty, malnutrition, lack of clean water, HIV/AIDS outbreaks and a lack of books and equipment to help with their education.  All of these factors greatly hinder each child’s ability to learn, focus in school and are consequently, are unable to rise from the depths of poverty.

South Africa has the highest number of people in the world living with HIV/AIDS. Many parents die from this virus, causing an overwhelming number of orphans—1.4 million.  It is estimated that half of all of the orphans in the country are due to the HIV epidemic.

The Umkhanyakude District is one of most impoverished districts in South Africa.  Children in this area grow up twice as likely to become infected with HIV.

Charlize Theron’s Africa Outreach Project directly works to teach children and young adults how to use computers, how to stay healthy and how to avoid HIV/AIDS.

On Saturday, December 4, 2010, The Center for Living Peace and UCI will be kicking off the Living Peace Series with Charlize Theron speaking at UCI about her work with the Africa Outreach Project.  We are thrilled to have such an inspiring woman come share her work with us.

To find out more about the Charlize Theron South Africa Project click here.

To purchase tickets to see Charlize Theron speak about her work in South Africa, click here. Unfortunately, tickets are SOLD OUT! But stay tuned… we will be unveiling a surprise NEXT WEEK!

Good Happens.

Peace Grl Out.

Happy Veterans Day! (And a Halloween Recap)

Halloween came and went in a flash! I cannot believe that we are already into the second week of November!

Halloween at the Center for Living Peace was awesome! We had some very special trick-or-treaters come to share their costumes with us!

Like this little guy who was dressed up as Buzz Lightyear! Way to defeat the Evil Emperor Zurg, Buzz!

Thank you to everyone who came and celebrated Halloween with us! Your costumes were amazing and it was so great having you!

I also wanted to wish everyone a HAPPY VETERANS DAY! As Maya Angelou said, “How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes.”

 

Good Happens.

Peace Grl Out.