A program for high school students, PeaceJam (www.peacejam.org) teaches values through the lens of peacemaking and conflict resolution in a service-learning style. Lessons explore the ten root causes of conflict in our world, and invite students to develop resolutions for conflict through developing local, national, and international projects. A vital part of the PeaceJam studies includes the opportunity to work closely with one of the living Nobel Peace Prize Laureates such as Desmond Tutu or the Dalai Lama, and to meet those laureates at regional and national conferences. The PeaceJam program at FBC is uniquely modeled by our church to include scripture studies about peace, as we seek to respond to the call of Jesus to be peacemakers. Along with the weekly sessions and conference trips, we will be enriching our peace studies with evening lectures and Saturday workshops for adults featuring noted experts in the fields of nonviolent communication, peace and justice studies, and peaceful parenting.
Regardless of whether you currently attend our church or not, regardless of whether or not you participate in another local church, your high schoolers are welcome to participate in PeaceJam—for peacemaking is not the responsibility of any single faith or church, but the responsibility of all who seek a peaceful world for ourselves and our children. PeaceJam is an opportunity for you and your children to put your faith into action.
PeaceJam Slam
The PeaceJam Slam is an overnight conference for youth all over the Great Lakes region who participate in a PeaceJam program in their local community.
Recently, some of our PeaceJammers spent a weekend gaining a deeper understanding of complex topics related to "Breaking the Cycle of Violence," then they participated in a neighborhood rally near downtown Kalamazoo, MI offering free food and asking residents to make a commitment to peacemaking in their own community.
A reaction to the weekend from one of our attendees: "Peace is not idealistic. It starts in one’s inner self, the home, communities, and branches out from there." Amen to that!
Here's a photo of our kids with Jody Williams at the Kalamazoo PeaceJam retreat.
Our recent trip to Kalamazoo to meet Betty Williams
