March 2009 News from
The Dalai Lama Foundation

Pages for Peace

US National Peace Academy Launched

Garrison Institute- CARE Teachers Retreat

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Pages for Peace

- Building the world’s largest book.

Betsy Sawyer, a middle school teacher outside of Boston, MA and her Bookmakers and Dreamers Club, are promoting the idea that kids can make a difference in the world and contribute to peace. While at it they are also attempting to break the Guinness record for the biggest book in the world.

When complete, Pages for Peace will have enormous proportions, allowing it to qualify as the world’s largest book.

Some facts about the book:

• 12 feet x 10 feet
• Approx. $500,000 to print, much of the costs are being donated
• 2,000 lbs. total weight
• 500 double-sided pages
• Pages are Tyvek donated by DuPont
• Page-turning device is designed by UMASS students by using a puff of air and a robotic arm

They have been sending letters to people all over the worl,d and have asked for their thoughts and advice on PEACE. So far they have sent out thousands of letters and have received answers from almost 900 people from all walks of life. The letters are being compiled into an anthology and made into a giant book. They have even generated interest and response from many world leaders including  well known people such as the Dalai Lama, Nelson Mandela, Jimmy Carter, Maya Angelou and Pope John Paul. They have also received letters from many dignitaries, politicians, poets, musicians, grandmothers, kids, parents, teachers, veterans – you name it! Now they hope to hear from YOU!  To find out more about the project or contribute your own work to the publication visit Pages for Peace.

Periodically the Dalai Lama Foundation features an organization whose mission is aligned with ours.  This month’s organization is Pages for Peace.

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US National Peace Academy Launched

After years of planning, and months of coordination and collaboration among hundreds of local, national, and international organizations focused on the issues of peace and non-violence, plans have been formalized to establish the United States’ first National Peace Academy. 

The purpose of the National Peace Academy is to infuse everyone in every home and profession with skills of peace, as well as to develop peace building as a professional career choice, in order to transform conflict, to reduce and prevent violence of all kinds (physical, emotional, economic, political, and cultural). Its intention is to transform education so that education can contribute effectively to the shift to a culture of peace and sustainability.

The announcement was made following a three-day summit at Case Western Reserve University, attended by more than 170 scholars, academicians, business representatives, government officials, researchers, and community leaders from around the nation and from 10 other countries.

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Garrison Institute- CARE Teachers Retreat

Cultivating Awareness and Resilience in Education Training

August 8-13, 2009, the Garrison Institute’s Initiative on Contemplation and Education is offering a Summer Retreat for Teachers at the Garrison Institute, featuring its innovative CARE training for teachers.  CARE trainings convey an evidence-based set of practical skills specifically designed to help teachers reduce stress, facilitate responsiveness and improve mental concentration and emotional awareness. These skills are applicable in the classroom, so you can consistently be the caring, compassionate teacher you want to be.

The CARE summer retreat offers 37 hours of training over five days. Tuition includes training, housing and meals Saturday evening through Thursday afternoon. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are available for an additional cost. The Garrison Institute is now accepting applications for scholarships based on need. To register or request information, click here for a registration form or contact the registrar at retreats@garrisoninstitute.org or (1) 845.424.4800, x106.

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