Spreading a little inspiration with the PeaceJam principle
Oct 01, 2007 08:24 AM Filed in: News
from the Vacaville Reporter, September 30, 2007
Meet Sherilyn Henry, Founder of PeaceJam Solano
About PeaceJam: PeaceJam is an international educational program built around leading Nobel Peace Prize Laureates who work personally with youth to pass on the spirit, skills, and wisdom they embody. The vision of PeaceJam Solano is to inspire and support a new generation of peacemakers who will transform themselves, our local communities and the world.
"We inspire kids to choose to be responsible and good citizens and give them the skills to do that," Henry said.
Why does Henry do it? "I have the luxury of being a full time volunteer," she said. "I was the victim of violence as a child and it inspired me to give the skills to kids to be a better person and not perpetuate that kind of behavior into the world. I get a good feeling when I help and I like that."
What's the reward for the community? There are multiple benefits, Henry said.
"With the at-risk kids there is a sense of hopelessness, but with help they can make a practical change from a potential life of alcohol, drug abuse or violence to a life that will make a positive contribution."
"There is also a sense of apathy in youth and PeaceJam has a way of inspiring them to act."
A favorite anecdote: "One of my favorite stories to tell, is the one about Samantha," Henry said.
According to Henry, Samantha graduated from Country High School in Vacaville while raising a 2-year-old. This year a handful of students took a trip to Oregon State University to hear Betty Williams, who was presented with the Nobel Peace Prize in 1977 for her efforts to create a grassroots movement to end the violence in Northern Ireland.
Henry said, "Samantha stood up and asked Betty Williams, 'What do you think we can do to help the next generation?' and Betty Williams said, 'become a teacher.'"
"Later, Samantha was chosen to meet with Betty," Henry said.
According to Henry, Williams told Samantha that not only should she be a teacher, but a "teacher of teachers" - to become a professor. "It changed her life," Henry said. "She never thought she would even go to college. It gave her confidence that will be with her forever."
Volunteers needed: "We've outgrown our volunteer base," Henry said. "The need is there and we can't expand if we don't have help."
Henry said there are already six PeaceJam clubs in Solano County and six more could open by the end of August.
"Peace begins with one person," said Garnet McQuitty, volunteer coordinator for PeaceJam. "It's so powerful for the kids to meet someone who has actually changed the world. They all come from different backgrounds, but they all have something the same and they have a common goal - peace."
Web site for more information: www.peacejamsolano.org.
- By Melissa Murphy
from the Vacaville Reporter, September 30, 2007
http://fromthereporter.com/specials/solanoshines/school/school02.html
Meet Sherilyn Henry, Founder of PeaceJam Solano
About PeaceJam: PeaceJam is an international educational program built around leading Nobel Peace Prize Laureates who work personally with youth to pass on the spirit, skills, and wisdom they embody. The vision of PeaceJam Solano is to inspire and support a new generation of peacemakers who will transform themselves, our local communities and the world.
"We inspire kids to choose to be responsible and good citizens and give them the skills to do that," Henry said.
Why does Henry do it? "I have the luxury of being a full time volunteer," she said. "I was the victim of violence as a child and it inspired me to give the skills to kids to be a better person and not perpetuate that kind of behavior into the world. I get a good feeling when I help and I like that."
What's the reward for the community? There are multiple benefits, Henry said.
"With the at-risk kids there is a sense of hopelessness, but with help they can make a practical change from a potential life of alcohol, drug abuse or violence to a life that will make a positive contribution."
"There is also a sense of apathy in youth and PeaceJam has a way of inspiring them to act."
A favorite anecdote: "One of my favorite stories to tell, is the one about Samantha," Henry said.
According to Henry, Samantha graduated from Country High School in Vacaville while raising a 2-year-old. This year a handful of students took a trip to Oregon State University to hear Betty Williams, who was presented with the Nobel Peace Prize in 1977 for her efforts to create a grassroots movement to end the violence in Northern Ireland.
Henry said, "Samantha stood up and asked Betty Williams, 'What do you think we can do to help the next generation?' and Betty Williams said, 'become a teacher.'"
"Later, Samantha was chosen to meet with Betty," Henry said.
According to Henry, Williams told Samantha that not only should she be a teacher, but a "teacher of teachers" - to become a professor. "It changed her life," Henry said. "She never thought she would even go to college. It gave her confidence that will be with her forever."
Volunteers needed: "We've outgrown our volunteer base," Henry said. "The need is there and we can't expand if we don't have help."
Henry said there are already six PeaceJam clubs in Solano County and six more could open by the end of August.
"Peace begins with one person," said Garnet McQuitty, volunteer coordinator for PeaceJam. "It's so powerful for the kids to meet someone who has actually changed the world. They all come from different backgrounds, but they all have something the same and they have a common goal - peace."
Web site for more information: www.peacejamsolano.org.
- By Melissa Murphy
from the Vacaville Reporter, September 30, 2007
http://fromthereporter.com/specials/solanoshines/school/school02.html