Who we are
Manifesto
We acknowledge our immersion in a culture of violence, and grieving the effect this has upon ourselves and the entire planet, we seek release from the prison of our cultural conditioning.
Because of the interdependence of our personal lifestyle choices with the social milieu that supports us, we seek to influence that dynamic with local conflict-resolution projects that have measurable results and can be replicated in other communities.
We as ordinary citizens have it within our power to replace our existing culture of violence with a culture of nonviolence, to make our city a model of collaborative learning and problem-solving.
We seek healthy, sustainable relationships and common ground, not just among ourselves, but also among our family, friends, neighbors, community, elected officials, nation, and all of humanity.
We believe that human security is based on principles of inclusion and the honoring of the needs of all concerned.
We will create the safety for open and vulnerable communication as the key to our freedom, knowing that empathic and respectful listening will create the space for effective solutions.
Eugene shall be a cradle of peace.
Theory
Our thesis is that violence is a self-inflicted cultural story, a behavioral disease, and a public health problem of massive proportions. A holistic understanding of repeated cycles of violence and a vision of life without violence can empower an entire culture to recover. The process of returning to health uses outer, transitory goals such as the establishment of civic institutions. Ultimately, it moves us through inner, personal layers of grief and despair into forgiveness, hope, civic responsibility, and true security.
Setting
Eugene, Oregon is noted for many trends in community development that originated here: the University of Oregon's participatory planning process, known as The Oregon Experiment, the earliest incarnation of a psycho-educational model now known as Health Realization, and many other cooperative and community projects, small natural food stores, the oldest student cooperatives in the country, and alternative schools. There are approximately 85 peace, justice, and sustainability groups in Eugene. The mayor, recently re-elected for a second term, is a member of Mayors for Peace, a graduate of the Peace Corps and an experienced early childhood educator.
Population 150,000 - Violent crimes up 14% in 2008, up 15% in 2007. Racial makeup, 2000 census: 88% White, 5% Hispanic or Latino, 4% Asian, 1% Black or African American. 17% of the population below the poverty line, as of December 2008.
Contact
David Hazen