Are you eager to help make good happen but aren’t sure how? Each week we’ll be highlighting a great organization to give you a few ideas to spread living peace!
This week’s featured organization is Lumana, a Seattle based non-profit that provides various economic resources to Ghanians. Their mission is to reduce poverty and increase opportunity for individuals in rural Africa by providing resources such as business education, cooperative group formation, savings account creation and microfinance loans.
Check out their website for more information on how to contribute by making a donation, attending an event, or even becoming a Lumana Fellow!
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!
What a whirlwind couple of weeks it’s been here at Center for Living Peace! We were so lucky to have Her Majesty come and spend time with us– we had so much fun! The weeks just flew by. We hope you’ve enjoyed seeing photos from the VIP fundraiser and the Living Peace Projects service day. We wanted to share some photos with you from the speaking event on May 2nd, 2012.
Here is a behind-the-scenes photo from the green room at UCI! UCI’s Chancellor Michael Drake, Her Majesty Queen Noor, CLP’s Kelly Thornton Smith and UCI’s 2011-2012 XIV Dalai Lama Scholar Armaan Ahmed Rowther gathered together before the speaking event for a few quick photos.
Isn’t the Queen stunning?! And check out her bracelet! It’s from our very own Live Peace store!
The speaking event was moderated by Armaan Ahmed Rowther. He is the current Dalai Lama scholar at UCI.The Queen spoke about how she feels education is fundamental to the process of interfaith, and how she believes reaching out to one another is an incredibly grand gesture of peace, that is sometimes over looked. She explained that instead of branding people of other faiths with the idea of “other,” we need to make them a part of us. So inspiring!
Before leaving the stage, Her Majesty gave Kelly a hug…
Such a great image. What an amazing event it was! If you missed the speaking event, you can watch it in it’s entirety here. An edited, and better quality version of the video will also be on our site in the next few days!
A giant, special shout out to our lovely photographers: Alex Abercrombie, Ashely Strong Photography and Jason Niedle. We also wanted to thank UCI, all the students, staff and faculty that came out to the speaking event, helped set eveerything up to make the event possible, Apples & Oranges for filming the speaking event and Orange County Films for streaming the event for us! We are so grateful to have such an amazing team of individuals helping us make peace real!
This past Wednesday, April 25th, we were proud to host a fundraising event with Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan to raise money for the King Hussein Foundation.
We were so lucky to have this amazing cellist, Philip Sheegog, a 16-year old prodigy play for us.
Her Majesty Queen Noor with Honarary Chair, Christy Walton…
We were so incredibly honored to have Dr. and Mrs. Deepak Chopra attend the event!
Her Majesty with the Dalai Lama Scholar, Armaan Rowther, (who will be moderating the speaking event on May 2nd!) with CLP’s Kelly and UCI’s Vice Chancellor Thomas Parham…
Her Majesty with CLP’s awesome board of directors!
Peace warriors…
The Center for Living Peace staff had a blast at the event too…
In honor of Earth Day, Disneynature will be releasing a new movie called CHIMPANZEE next week. For every person who sees this movie during the film’s opening week of April 20-26, Disneynature will make a donation to the Jane Goodall Institute through the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund, which helps protect chimpanzees and their habitats.
The funds raised in this program will go toward the Jane Goodall Institute’s Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Center in the Tchimpounga Nature Reserve in the Republic of Congo. Learn more about this program and see a preview of the movie here!
We hope you enjoy the movie and contributing to the well-being of chimpanzees!
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.
Last Thursday night, we were honored to have our first Living Peace Series event in the 2011-2012 year. Women, War & Peace is a bold new five-part PBS television series challenging the conventional wisdom that war and peace are men’s domain.
UC Irvine anthropology and film & media studies professor, Roxanne Varzi; Producer & filmmaker, Abigail Disney, and Academy Award Winner Actor & Advocate, Geena Davis, all shared the insights on the changing landscape of war. The panel was moderated by Center for Living Peace, Founder, Kelly Thornton Smith!
We started the night off right with a party, celebrating all that women have done to help bring awareness to this issue.
It was such a beautiful event, thank to our fabulous event coordinators, Upon Request, and cater, Good Gracious.
The lovely, Kelly Thornton Smith with UCI Vice Chancellor, Parham.
From L to R: PBS SoCal President, Mel Rogers; Abigail Disney, Geena Davis, Kelly Thornton Smith, Roxanne Varzi and UCI’s Chancellor Drake.
Behind the scenes at our step & repeat!
Chancellor Drake welcomes our guests.
The VIP event was such a huge success. We are so grateful for our continued partnership with UCI, and for our NEW! partnership with PBS SoCal!
After the party, we walked over to UCI to dig into the issues at hand and learn how we can help.
Chancellor Drake and Kelly Thornton Smith welcome guests.
The event was packed and the room was filled to capacity! The talk was such a huge success. The panel brought thoughtful insight to the issues surrounding women in war, and Kelly moderated the panel with ease and grace. We are so proud of Kelly for doing such a great job!
Our expert panel, along with the fabulous Kelly!
Geena Davis and Kelly!
The night went by so quickly– it was so great to have Kelly moderating and asking these women how we can inspire other to “be the change they wish to see in the world.”
Speaking of be the change…
The Saturday before the speaking event, on October 8th, we welcomed youth to talk to them about women who are affected by war, and show them what they can do to help and inspire others.
Here are some highlights from the night…
Professional Tennis player and advocate, Maja Muric, spoke on her experiences growing up in war-torn Croatia.
Pamela Donohoo, the CUSA artist-in-residence performed a breathtaking dance inspired by the women of the Congo.
The performance was improvised, but used cultural dance movements that symbolized violence, nurturing and recovery.
Next, everyone broke up into smaller groups to delve deeper into the issues facing women all around the world who are victims of war.
College students discussed the impact of prominent women who have led challenges and shaped the ideas and practices of democracies around the world.
Elementary school attendees learned how to use media tools to share their story & explore ways to connect with other students & stories through Internet media tools.
Middle & high school students came together to make personal connections with a family who has been displaced by conflict in their homeland.
At the end of the day, participants left their hand prints on the CUSA’s painting. This painting will be sent to the Congo, symbolizing our dedication and commitment to helping them.
Check out this cool video from the Living Peace Projects!
It was such a great event– and we are so grateful to have worked with PBS SoCal! Want to learn more about Women, War & Peace? We’re screening the 5 PBS documentaries on Saturdays. To see the full schedule, click here.
We want to send out a huge THANK YOU and lots of love to Apples & Oranges for filming these events for us, our fabulous photographers, Alex Abercrombie & Jason Niedle; as well as everyone who participated in the events! We couldn’t do any of it with out YOU!
When Center for Living Peace founder Kelly Smith is traveling from one peacemaking event to the next, she’s blogging.
Redeye. New York to Los Angeles
8:42 AM – 9/11/11 – NYC Close to Ground Zero
The silence in New York City this morning was powerful. It sounded like music and mourning and respect. I left my room numbered 911 (yep 911) overlooking the Liberty Tower construction and arrived close to Ground Zero at 8:42 AM, where I heard what sounded like a church choir. The walk down had been quiet, with a few joggers running the opposite way. I followed the sound of the music to see groups of policeman walking in formal uniforms and families wearing photos of their loved ones passing through a security gate.
Others were wandering the silent streets. I asked the guard how to pass. She said that without an invitation it would be best to find a TV.
I saw children holding American flags, flags at half staff, lines of trash trucks and tow trucks and police cars and vans full of silent public servants just waiting there if needed.
A bit later someone told me to go to church. I thought they meant a building but then I saw Church Street and the lines to get in. I passed through security and found myself walking toward a large screen with Paul Simon’s image as he sung, “The Sound Of Silence.” The sound went straight to my heart.
And then those heroes stood before me listing the names, the many, many names. I felt a profound sense of love. Everyone was there to honor and remember. Children stood and read parts of the list and then the name of their parent, the one so many told them they looked like or acted like. A procession of those left behind took turns listing the names of those lost. They thanked them for laughter and pennies, blew kisses to the sky, and spoke of their courage. We all stood in the sound of silence and respect.
A group making a documentary for Korea asked me what I experienced 10 years ago and what I experienced today. My voice unexpectedly broke as I said, “I remember the fear, but today I see the strength.” When they saw my tears, they asked me what upset me most. “Seeing the children speak,” I said, thinking of my own.
They asked how I felt about those who had caused the attacks. How I felt about Muslims. Did I forgive? What could I do as an American now?
Her choice of words struck me hard. Muslim. Forgive. American.
What I chose is to realize how important each individual is. That is what I saw at the memorial. As each name was read, each life was honored. No one asked of the victims’ religions, their races, their job titles, or their politics. No one asked if they forgave. The family members spoke of their love for those lost, their special gifts, and what they each shared during their sacred lifetime.
As I relived 9/11 at the memorial, I felt grateful for the reminder to share what I can, to use my energies to make GOOD HAPPEN. I don’t remember what else I said, caught up in the emotion of the day, but I handed her my card, and told her about the mission of the Center for Living Peace. That we believe peace can be lived and experienced in all aspects of our daily lives – it is in the way we care for our environment, appreciate arts and culture, and in every word we speak and every action we take. She and the rest of her crew for whom she translated nodded and smiled shyly.
How can you make GOOD HAPPEN and Live Peace? Here are things you can do:
End Violence in the name of religion by signing the petition at www.themissingmdg.com. ArchBishop Desmond Tutu (Nobel Laureate for Peace), Professor Mohammed Yunus, The Crown Prince and Princess of Norway all signed the petition as well. Please support their tireless efforts to make the world a much better place. Together, we can keep everyone accountable for a concerted global effort to END violence in the name of Religion.
This past Saturday, June 25, we were lucky enough to be a part of the Barett Jackson auction at the Orange County fairground!
The sweet ‘Stang is a special edition “Hawkized” mustang, customized by Tony Hawk! The mustang went for $60,000! $30,000 will go to the Tony Hawk Foundation, and $30,000 will go to The Center for Living Peace’s Youth and Service Initiative! Here are some highlights from the event…
And here is a video of the car being auctioned off!
TO WIN TICKETS TO SEE THE DALAI LAMA ON MAY 4, 2011:
All you need to do is post an ORIGINAL photo to Facebook or Twitter and explain to us in about 140 words how your photo represents Living Peace. If you’re entering on Twitter, please include #LivingPeace somewhere in your tweet.
Example:
This is a sample entry for to win DALAI LAMA tickets! This photo is #LivingPeace because it represents love! I hope I win!!!!!!!!
ENTRY:
No purchase necessary to enter or win. Contest starts April 11, 2011 and ends at 5PM Pacific Standard Time April 25, 2011.
ELIGIBILITY:
-User’s entry is void where prohibited by law.
-Limit one entry per Facebook or Twitter account.
-If you don’t have a Facebook or Twitter account, you may enter by emailing your submission to amorin@goodhappens.org.
WINNER SELECTION:
• Winners will be chosen at random and notified on April 26, 2011 on our blog.
PRIZE:
Each winner will receive 2 (two) tickets to the Living Peace Series event at UCI featuring His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama at the Bren Center at the University of California, Irvine.
WINNER NOTIFICATION:
• Winner will be notified on April 29, 2011 via the Center for Living Peace blog. Winners for Twitter will be identified by the winner’s Twitter handle.
• Winner must email amorin@goodhappens.org to provide contact information (full name, email address, and mailing address). Winners will be able to pick up their tickets from the Center for Living Peace Tuesday through Sunday between the hours of 9am to 5pm PST. Tickets will NOT be available for pick up on May 4, 2011. You must pick up your tickets by May 3, 2011.
USE OF CONTEST INFORMATION:
By entering, entrants give The Center for Living Peace permission to share the contents of the Facebook or Twitter message on the Center for Living Peace blog, Twitter and Facebook accounts or other public channels.
The Center for Living Peace reserves the right to use any and all information related to the contest, including submissions provided by the contestants, for editorial, marketing and any other purpose, unless prohibited by law or relevant 3rd-party Terms of Service agreement.
CONDUCT:
All contest participants agree to be bound by these Official Rules. The Center for Living Peace reserves the right to disqualify any person it finds to be in violation of these rules.
LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY:
The Center for Living Peace reserves the right to cancel the contest. By entering this contest, you also agree to release The Center for Living Peace from any liability resulting from, or related to participation in the contest.
