PeaceJam: How Young People Can Make Peace in Their Schools and Communities

By Darcy Gifford

Based on the highly acclaimed PeaceJam program--an educational action plan built around the spirit, skills, and wisdom of Nobel Peace Laureates--this is a practical and motivational guide that will inspire a generation of peacemakers. PeaceJam traces the lives of five American teens who, by applying the skills and techniques from the PeaceJam program and developing personal relationships with Nobel Peace Laureates such as the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu, begin to sense their own potential for greatness.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0787968447
• ISBN13: 9780787968441
• Release Date: March 2004
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass
• Length: 176 Pages
• Weight: 1.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 0.5" x 6.1"

Customer Reviews

Columbine High School Massacre + the Dalai Lama

Having seen the provocative and emotionally compelling documentary PEACEJAM ( a film that goes deeper into the lives of Columbine High School Massacre survivors Richard Castaldo, Shelby & Shannon Myers than Michael Moore's masterpiece "Bowling for Columbine" does), I didn't think that a book about the same subjects would be worth the money. I was happily surprised to find that the book "PEACEJAM: How Young People Can Make Peace in Their Schools and Communities" offered a more in-depth view on the lives of contemporary teens than I imagined possible. I read this book and realized that one of the biggest American lies is "We Love Our Children." Really? It seems we love youth as a marketing demographic, as sexual objects, and counter help at fast food restaurants. States and counties across this country continue to cut their educational budgets - please do tell us all how this will help the lives of our young people, Mr. Bush.PEACEJAM has the courage to examine the blights that face youth around the world: racism, gang-infested schools, drive - by shootings, conflict resolution, gender and transgender issues, bigotry, rape, family traumas, drug and alcohol addiction, how to deal with parents, democracy building, religious intolerance, indigenous issues, poverty, sexism, feminist issues and more. Youth who participate in the PEACEJAM program benefit from the wisdom of the Dalai Lama, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Aung San Suu Kyi, Rigoberta Menchu Tum, Dr. Oscar Arias, Jody Williams and the International Campaign to Ban Landmines, Jose Ramos-Horta, Adolfo Perez Esquivel, Bishop Carlos Belo, the father of anti-nuke proliferation Sir Joseph Rotblat, Mairead Corrigan Maguire and Betty Williams. Nowhere else in the world can one find the words of these Nobel Peace Prize winners affecting so many young people to help change the world in a positive manner. PEACEJAM is a boon to not only high school students, but also to school administrators, peace studies teachers, history teachers, high school guidance counselors, the parents of high schools students, and most anyone else trying to make sense out of a world bent out of shape by relentlessly warped media messages, instant internet hype, a government gone insane by waging war it cannot win, the lying executive branch of our own government, a lying sheriff's department in Jefferson County, Colorado, vile and violent pop music, and parents who are too busy trying to make up for their absenses in their own homes with cell phones, Lexuses, and other trivial material goods. "PEACEJAM: How Young People Can Make Peace in Their Schools and Communities" reads like an indictment of both the 20th and 21st Centuries. If you read the last few lines in this review and happen to see yourself, BUY THIS BOOK and READ IT UNTIL YOU GET. AND THEN GIVE IT TO SOMEONE ELSE. The future of civilization depends on good things, Martha Stewart, like PEACEJAM.

Unbelievable

At first look, i wasnt impressed. But once i opened the book and started reading, i couldnt stop. I related really well to the stories inside. I was inspired by reading all the stories of the kids and of the nobel laureates. I cant believe that this program exists and ive never heard of it before. I want a peacejam in my community! This book teaches nonviolent techinques that anyone can use. And shows that people have done them before and that they have worked. The nobels are amazing, and after reading the book i am truly inspired. Buy this book. It may just change your life. I know its changed mine.

PeaceJam--making a difference.

This book touched my heart and soul in ways that words can not express. I am very proud of the students interviewed in this book who shared their personal stories. Their efforts to raise hope and awareness through peace-making for young people all over the world is life saving! This book will serve as a great tool to help promote peace in all our lives. Way-to-go Peacejam!

Uplifting, Moving and Insightful

I had the opportunity to read this and it was exactly as I stated in the title. The obstacles that these young people have overcome is amazing. It gives hope to others who feel they are alone and misunderstood. It fits wonderfully together and the opportunity to meet and interact with Nobel Peace Laureates is something that young students should try to experience. I cannot say enough about this book. It is a definite must-read. Hope and peace are things that everyone wants but doesn't have. This book will give you hope to make a difference and understand the building blocks of peace and what can be done to provide a safe and meaningful upbringing for youth today.

Excellent book -- very moving

This book made me cry, and at the same time, it made we want to change my life. I now feel that things are possible for me, that I never thought of before. You really need to read this book!