State News

Kentucky is on the map!
Jan 08, 2008

Kentucky is on the map! In our first complete year as a state campaign, we are becoming known nationally and globally! We are becoming known for our passionate call in seeing that the "science of peace building" is an organized and well funded principle in our country's policies!

We here in Kentucky have so much to celebrate as we review our actions in 2007, in calling for a "U.S. Department of Peace"! We have much to be proud of, as many of us have stepped out of our comfort zones and exercised great moral courage, commitment and follow-through! We have met with members of congress in both the House and Senate, both locally and in Washington, D.C. And, as we "show up as peace", doors open and dialogue happens. (understanding that this peacework is always an inside job first)

In 2007, we here in Kentucky have accomplished a tremendous amount in a short amount of time! As we review this past year's activities, the theme of "relationship building" continues to come up. We continue to cultivate connections with so many organizations and civic leaders that share the vision of the establishment of a "U.S. Department of Peace" and the building of a culture of peace. We are also cultivating connections with those who do not yet fully appreciate the functions of a U.S. Department of Peace.

During 2007, on May 11th we participated in our national action day titled "Peace Wants a Piece of the Pie" (i.e. the federal budget pie) Many of us delivered pies to civic leaders and Government officials. We visited the office of Congressman John Yarmuth and the office of Senator Mitch McConnell. In Louisville we hosted the Executive Director of our campaign, Dr. Dot Maver for a day's long event. (see our "7 Innings for Peace" story and pictures on both the state site at http://kydopeace.org/news/1/87/ and at the national site http://www.thepeacealliance.org/content/view/458/468/)

In 2007 we have been sowing seeds and are watching many take root and bloom. 2007 has truly been about cultivating relationships and connections. So, the next time we go before Metro City Council and ask that Louisville endorse this legislation (we did this in June 2007), I imagine that many of our local leaders will walk into city hall with us, linking arms. This will be a powerful presence!

(FYI- There are currently 32 cities that have endorsed the legislation! Most recently, Los Angeles, Ca. on Pearl Harbor Day!)

Look at some of the connections we've experienced in 2007! (Several before 2007)
Mayor Jerry Abramson
Chief of Police- Chief Robert White of Louisville
Several members of Louisville Metro City Council
Center for Faith in Action (Director)
Jean Houston Event (15 folks came forward to offer up their talents)
Joanna Macy Event(many folks from the sustainability community)
Metro United Way
Senator Mitch McConnell and staff
Former aides to Senator Mitch McConnell
Congressman John Yarmuth and staff
Unity church of Louisville
Unity Church of Middletown
Thomas Jefferson Unitarian Church
4th Street Unitarian Church
Peace Education Project's Director and staff
Louisville's Refugee community (African in particular)
King Kigeli's family members (King Kigeli is the exiled King of Rwanda)
Michelle Hemenway (educational advisor to Jefferson Co. Public Schools)
Night of 1000 Stars (guests)
Summer Auerbach owner of Rainbow Blossom
Center for Interfaith Relations (Director and staff)
Muhammad Ali Center staff
WAVE 3 TV's Dawne Gee
Louisville Bar Association (at the "Love of Law and The Law of Love" event)
Doug Heine of Heine Bros. Coffee
Ramsi and Rhona Kamar (of Ramsi's Cafe on the World)
Muhammad Ali Institute staff
Waldorf School of Louisville staff and families
Pastor Aksante (minister to large African refugee community in Lexington)
and on and on and on.......
Oh yes, and a few of us attended a Holiday celebration at the home of Archbishop Kelley on Dec.20th!


Now 2008 Kentucky's DOP campaign focus:

Gaining City Council Resolutions: (endorsing legislation on a city wide level)

Continue to support Interfaith/Intercommunity outreach

Training and focus on TV coverage and interviews

Continued learning of Key Talking Points regarding the functions and need for a DOP

Oh yes, and getting together to celebrate our purpose and accomplishments!


To deepen our work in 2008 we are invited to:
Call in for the monthly nationally hosted Non-Violent Communications training (dial in instructions at www.thepeacealliance.org)

Call in for campaign All Call with Marianne Williamson (dial in instructions also at www.thepeacealliance.org)

Tell at least 10 people a month about the campaign to establish the "U.S. Department of Peace" and invite them to sign up to receive campaign updates at www.KyDoPeace.org


So, stay tuned for a concise listing of 2008 actions! It's gonna be great!

And thank-you so much for your on-going dedication. I am honored to be in shared leadership with you.

Kim Summers-Bates
Kentucky State Coordinator
U.S. Dept. of Peace Campaign
(502) 472-1772