By Victoria Ross

PeaceJam, in its second year, is a jewel – with each youth shining with his/her own strengths, abilities, and desires for peace. Our volunteers and partners, the Stop The Violence Coalition (STVC) and Erie County Council for the Prevention of Alcohol and Substance Abuse (ECCPASA), are also steadfast. On Tuesdays from 4-5:30 at St. Mary’s School for the Deaf, we study violence, non-violence, and current events; formulate our Global Call to Action project; and work toward PeaceJam Northeast’s March 27-28th Conference in Hartford, CT.

Samweli Yambende, 17, from Burundi, who also participated in last year’s PeaceJam, has this to say of the program: “PeaceJam is the key for peace in the world. Also, peace is connected alliance, working with a group, and this is the group I work with. Last year was my first. All I know is peace starts with people. I enjoy working with PeaceJam to increase the peace in the world.”
       
Janice Burns, a volunteer from ECCPASA, writes: “The youth’s involvement and ideas inspire me, showing that we have so much to look forward to as they move into leadership positions in our world. The Global Call to Action allows the participants to use what they have learned, bringing an idea full circle.

 “The conference      shows the youth (and the adult volunteers!) that there are hundreds of other PeaceJammers doing the same important work—across the country and around the world. It also is so inspiring to hear the creative ideas of others and feel the power in numbers; the power to make a real difference!”

Many thanks for any funds you can donate to help get us to the Conference.  Just send a check to WNY Peace Center, with PeaceJam in the memo space. For $260 you can sponsor one of our youth’s attendance at the conference. For more info, call Vicki Ross at 884-0582, or email victoryross@verizon.net. Again, thanks!