Let There Be Peace on Earth

by Alan Delery

Several weeks ago, I began the service learning process, with a group of high school students, to develop a youth-led community service initiative. The first step was to brainstorm and plan a project around their interest. After exploring a wide range of themes, ranging from the environment to hunger and homelessness, Peace was identified as their top area of interest.  The following are their ideas around peace that we will use as a foundation for our planning and implementation. Today, I  am simply asking you to read and reflect on the meaning of peace,  in their own words.

• Peace is calm and content without violence It’s being happy with what’s going on around you and within yourself.

• To me, peace means solving conflicts without violence or wars or negative things. Peace is when you can come to an understanding with others and trust others.

• Peace is everyone living together in non-violence despite differences.

• My definition of peace is freedom living with no anxiety and I can do whatever I need to do without limits.

• Calm, no drama, no fighting, just chilling!

• Equality (Racial, gender). Less violence and lack of judgment.

• When you’re calm and relaxed.

• The absence of harm or stress.

• Fair opportunity and treatment.

• Everything the United States of America owes us, as well as a peaceful soul, mind, body, etc.

We will keep you updated on their next steps and reflections as they embark on a journey of civic engagement. Your skills and talents may also be called upon as they put their thoughts into action. 

“Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.”

Stay Peaceful