Night at the Museum

   What a fantastic experience at the Iowa Children's Museum last night when the walls came alive with echos of 7th and 8th grade students who were willing to give up their Saturday night to learn about peace.  Most of the students already knew each other because of the hard work of Alisa Meggitt inviting them.  Most of the students' background in peaceful resolution was also apparent as they worked together, brainstormed ideas and freely shared their knowledge.  They were polite, kind and highly motivated intelligent young people.  They are the hope for the world.
    As they looked at societies' ills with violence as a strategy in schools, homes, around the world, war, environment, media they brainstormed so many ways they see evidence of violence.  As a culminating activity, they came up with their solutions for peaceful approaches.  One student said if we would just communicate with each other and learn each others' languages and cultures we could prevent war and talk about needs.  One student said we would all be better off "minding our own business"!
     Special thanks to Dan Tallon, a Veterans For Peace member and young war veteran for sharing information about all the war zones of the world, drones, and the fact that soldiers do more than fight.  They help build bridges and pass out blankets and food to those civilians in need. Diana Henry deserves notice for having her brainchild come alive.
     Peace Iowa, NEA Peace and Justice Caucus of Iowa and the Coralville Hy Vee sponsored a meaningful evening of peaceful strategies.  The students will share their knowledge with attendees at the ICM on April 7, Sunday, after more preparation Saturday, March 9.  ICM will hold a Peace Literacy Party for all.  You'd be impressed with the teaching of peaceful strategies by the youth to the young.
     A fun fact is that one of the students is the offspring of a first cousin of Tom Wolfe.