The Unity PeaceJam Scholar’s group (the first Peace Jam College group in Maine) will host the event. The theme for the day is “Love is Louder.” Activities will focus on youth leadership, taking risks, and finding your voice to make positive change. The Keynote Speaker is Robert Shetterly, a renowned Maine artist, known for his portrait series of “Americans Who Tell the Truth.” Shetterly will present some of his portraits and tell inspiring stories about the people he has painted.
PeaceJam is an international educational organization that provides youth with leadership training, a peace education curriculum, a meaningful service-learning process, and the opportunity for youth to make positive changes in themselves and in their community. Thirteen Nobel Peace Laureates are on the PeaceJam Advisory Board and their work with youth plays a major role in the organization’s guidelines, goals, and mission. The Laureates are mentoring youth to change the world!
PeaceJam has been nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize 7 times. It is the only organization in the world that has so many Nobel Peace Laureates working together long-term for a common cause – our youth.
On November 15, Unity College and University of New England PeaceJam mentors will facilitate small group discussions on community and global issues with 8th-12th graders. Participants will use the Unity College outdoor adventure course, participate in workshops on topics such as slam poetry, bullying prevention, environmental issues, peace journalism, and artful creations. We will also announce which one of the Nobel Laureates will participate in PeaceJam’s New England annual youth conference at UCONN next spring.
This event is a great opportunity for youth and adults to learn more about the PeaceJam program. Pre-registration for the event is suggested. The price is $30.00 per person (light breakfast and lunch provided). Limited scholarships are available. Students from middle schools and high schools, church groups, or youth groups are encouraged to attend. Fee waivers for two members of each new group attending will be made available.
Maine PeaceJam has received grants from the Waldo County Fund, the Emily and William Muir Community Fund, and the Co-Weaver Fund of the Maine Community Foundation. The grants fund efforts to attract high school students to participate in PeaceJam’s peace education program, and to collaborate with Unity College to create a “PeaceJam Slam” event on campus to share ideas, projects, and participate in a student-designed, theme-based day focusing on global issues.
Contact Cathy Roberts, Maine PeaceJam Coordinator, for further information : maine@peacejam.orgor call 589-3451.
