Creating Peaceable Schools and Communities

2007 Summer Institute continues to support social change.

"This was the best Institute I have attended. There is not much I would change."

"I loved it. I was invigorated and inspired. Thanks for your hearts and minds."

In June, 2007, Lesley University held its 15th annual Peaceable Schools Summer Institute focused on helping educators, youth worker and community leaders create and sustain peaceable schools and communities. Since 1992, the Institute has worked with more than 1,000 participants – many of whom return annually.

Sponsored by the Center for Children, Families and Public Policy, the institute is rooted in a four-part framework that has been developed during 15 years of collaboration among a team of university, school and community educators who serve as the core faculty for the institute. The framework starts with an understanding and appreciation of the resources that we all bring to the work of social change. The second component of the framework involves exploring the roots of violence, peace and justice - going beyond symptoms to understand and name systemic causes and solutions. The third component focuses on democratic practice - helping participants learn how to "work with" others rather than "doing to" or "doing for." Building on these components, the framework offers a paradigm for collective, transformational leadership. The Institute includes workshops, keynotes, resources, and daily support groups - as well as time for dialogue, Open Space and celebration.

The 2007 Institute focused on the theme, "Holding out what is possible." The sixty participants evaluated the Institute in positive terms:

• 94% said they left with new ideas and questions to explore
• 85% said the workshops helped strengthen their professional toolbox
• 82% said the Institute helped them integrate their ideas and strategies
• 80% said the Institute was welcoming and well organized
• 71% said the Institute gave them concrete strategies for implementation

"Cross-race dialogue was inspiring and useful!"

"As an educator, I appreciate the core faculty's vision, passion and commitment to make this week purposeful and meaningful."

"I got inspiration to move forward. After the last 8 years, politically, many are depressed. Still, change is possible."