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An Introduction to Peace Practices
You may have noticed that trying to make people be more peaceful only goes so far. What if peace were re-defined as "conflict done well" and practiced in groups, over time, much like one would practice a martial art? My name is Brandon Williamscraig. I'd like the opportunity to introduce you to Peace Practices, a curriculum through which learning communities like yours can practice nonviolent responses to all kinds of conflict. Communities practicing peace make nonviolence a daily reality, and can reach out to transform lives, families, and cultures so that power and violence no longer go hand in hand.
Peace Practices is a curriculum that combines redirective communication with a martial art called aikido, also known as the “Art of Peace”, to create an almost martial dedication to nonviolence, an insistence on working well together through conflict. The “Martial Nonviolence” idea appears to create a contradiction until fearful reactions and victimization are replaced with attentive responses and lasting resolutions. Both physical and psychological balance improve as better conflict habits are formed. Unexpected resilience and persistence emerge with a direct focus on getting everyone involved in a conflict what they need most. What could be more important today?
Our one-of-a-kind program reduces bullying, provides protective de-escalation and redirection training, and grows social intelligence into ethical action. I'd like the opportunity to speak briefly with you about the students from ages 3 to 73 who are learning to work together through conflict in Berkeley, Emeryville, Oakland, and San Mateo. I hope to demonstrate in a few minutes how we can work with your students and colleagues. To learn more and schedule an appointment, please call my direct mobile number: (510) 697-1513. Please visit peacepractices.org, click on Classes For Children to see Peace Practices in action, and turn this page to continue reading...
We begin with basic coordinated movement and language exercises, connecting physical and emotional balance with social awareness skills. Then we utilize improvisation and facilitation techniques to imagine, co-create, and demonstrate best possible outcomes. We increase safety and create opportunities to become an ally to those who are vulnerable, pursuing restorative justice and resolution in place of reaction and escalation. Couldn’t we all use more of that?
May we schedule a demonstration so that everyone with leadership responsibilities can see how this work will serve your community? Given a positive response to the demonstration, and depending on your needs for the coming months, we would then work together to craft a plan for ongoing classes that will fit your budget and needs, complete with an invitation to parents and teachers who would like to join in. We are prepared to work with the entire school and extended community toward a culture of Conflict Done Well, like we do at Pacific Rim International School, or to begin with a smaller regular cohort.
It is clear that excellence and increased opportunity for a diverse group of students are among your top priorities. We can support you strategically and comprehensively like no other training available. Please allow me the opportunity to introduce myself in person and share a story or two illustrating the positive changes this work is already bringing to other learning communities in your area.
Looking forward to more,
Brandon Williamscraig, Ph.D., 5th dan
President, Association Building Community
Director, Peace Practices project
(510) 697-1513 direct