Question: What do you get when you host a "U.S. Department of Peace"campaign conference in Louisville, Kentucky (Home of the "Louisville Slugger" bat), root for a TEAM who thrives on shared leadership and responsibility, and are coached by an expert in fast pitch hitting techniques?

Answer: A Homerun for Peace!

On Oct. 25th 2007 in Louisville Kentucky, we experienced just that, a homerun for peace! Dot Maver, Ex. Director of The Peace Alliance and the campaign for a "U.S. Department of Peace" visited us and participated in a day of history in the making! (Interestingly Dot is also known in the world of fast-pitch softball for developing a hitting technique known as "The Maver Method") In our 7 inning visit together much for the pursuit of peace was accomplished! Imagine.....We began our time together by sitting down with the exiled King of Rwanda and ended in the office of the Senate minority leader, Senator Mitch McConnell! (And the crowd roars!! WOW!!)

1st Inning:

Met with King Kigeli V the exiled King of Rwanda at the Louisville Airport prior to his flight's departure. Dot (through the assistance of our translator Juma, was able to offer the King loving sentiments from Rwandan ambassadors that she recently met at The Global Summit for Initiatives for Dept.'s and Ministries of Peace. A big smile and tearful eyes found their way onto King's face. (He likes to be called "King" much like an endearing nickname)

And then, Rhea, who happens to be 13yrs. old and a member of K.U.N.A. (Kentucky's United Nations Association) spoke to King about a project in which she was recently involved. We all discovered that this impassioned young person, before an audience of 3,000 presented a proposal to build a community center for Rwanda's children. While her proposal wasn't chosen, her foundation to do great things for the common good was firmly established! Rhea then asked King to keep doing what he's doing and reaching out to the World's children. Later when she was asked what was the highlight of her day, Rhea thoughtfully responded "when the King hugged me and pulled me close!"

2nd Inning:

Women's Peace Breakfast at Lynn's Paradise Cafe' Seven of us women were present for an intimate sharing and thought provoking time together. Those present included Dot Maver (DOP National Campaign Ex. Dir.), Kim Summers-Bates(KY State Coordinator for DOP campaign), Wils Murphy(our photographer for the day), Michelle Hemenway (Jefferson County Public School Educational Consultant), Eileen Blanton(Dir. of Peace Education Project), Consulata (niece to the King of Rwanda) and our 13yr. old bright light, Rhea. We spoke of ideas and ways to be a part in creating a "Culture of Peace!"

3rd Inning:

Tour and lunch at The Muhammad Ali Center Our group was greeted by Mike Fox President/CEO and Jeanie Kahnke, Vice President/Public Affairs and Communications. Over lunch shared passions, visions and action steps were expressed. Prior to receiving a personal tour of the center, the Kentucky campaign for a U.S. Department of Peace was once again offered meeting space in this state of the art facility. We are so grateful for the continuing and deepening of our relationship with the staff, who we now call friends. And we all so appreciate the legacy and principles of peace embodied in the humanitarian known as Muhammad Ali.

4th Inning:

University of Louisville Panel discussion hosted by the Muhammad Ali Institute for Peace and Justice with Al Herring,Ex. Dir. and Stacy Bailey-Ndiaye,Associate Dir. Dot Maver presented along with Professor Roger Payne, Chair of the Political Science Department. The session was moderated by Alex Rohleder-COO for Girl Scouts of Kentuckiana. Lively conversation took place and new interests in our campaign developed.

5th Inning:

"Is It Time for a U.S. Department of Peace?" held at the Elaine Chao Auditorium at the University of Louisville. Those in attendance were ushered in by volunteers waving olive branches as symbols of peace! Local WAVE 3 news anchor Dawne Gee was our special presenter and emcee for the evening. She shared with the audience "The News I'd Like to Report", which was met with thunderous applause and a standing ovation! Dot spoke for approximately 20 minutes and then our Q&A component began. Dot was asked questions by both supporters and those seeking understanding at a deeper level, of just what a Dept of Peace would actually do. Postcards requesting congressional sponsorship of House Bill 808 were filled out by "audience members"(now DOP supporters!)

6th Inning:

Reception and Dot's streamline audio interview A fun filled reception awaited us!! "Ramsi's Cafe on the World" gifted our campaign with delicious vegetarian cuisine! Jazz virtuoso Pete Petersen played his electric piano and filled the lobby area with sounds that stirred the soul! Dot was interviewed by a Lexington based radio program and shared dialogue with Dennis, a former U.S. soldier in Iraq.

7th Inning:

Meeting with Larry Cox in the office of Senator Mitch McConnell, Senate Minority leader Bridges continue to be built by those of us who commit to being the change and peace we wish to see in the world! During Dot's eloquent and highly informative sharing with Mr. Cox, at one point he apologized to her for having a perplexed look on his face. Mr. Cox stated, "Please understand that we are not used to "Peace Groups" showing up and being peaceful! Civil action is best received when carried out in a civil manner. Mr. Cox paid careful attention and took notes. He promised to send a memo to the Washington D.C. office. Dot requested that she and an expert in conflict resolution meet with the Senator himself in the D.C. office. The focus of the meeting will address the "economic incentives of peace" and how a U.S. Department of Peace actually supports the military. Understanding, that going to war and being on the frontline will be less likely!

The moral of this story is to first show up! "Step up to the plate!" We never know what miracles will happen through us and because of us as we choose to be peace!!


Loving the possibilities!

Kim Summers-Bates
Kentucky State Coordinator
for a U.S. Department of Peace

P.S. Thanks Coach!