Peace Maven: San Rafael Peace March Marks Five Years of War

March 10, 2008

This coming Saturday, March 15th, Northbay residents will gather in downtown San Rafael to mark five years of War and work for Peace. Activities start at 11am and end at 4pm.

I will be there with my four year old son, to get him involved at an early age with protesting. At home, he has mastered it versus parental authority (not in a tantrum way, but in a scary charismatic lawyer way).

One of the coolest things about this event is that is put on by a local organization, Next Generation. Next Generation believes young people have the power to understand and change the world. They help them realize their power. Through education, training, organizing, and grassroots action, we empower elementary, middle and high school students to learn about social issues, become effective leaders, and take action for peace and our environment. Since their founding in 2002, Next Generation has engaged close to 10,000 people through dozens of schools, youth programs, and our community-based events.
15 eco assemblies and special events at 6 schools engaging 4500 participants
• 130 environmentally-themed lessons engaging 3000 participants
• 50 leadership meetings and trainings held at 4 schools and youth programs
• 2 Eco Adventure field trips for 35 teens to sustainable sites throughout Marin
• Engaging students and teachers at 3 schools to green their campuses

Next Generation gets its funding from: The Marin County Board of Supervisors contributed $20,000; The Marin Community Foundation contributed $10,000; Green businesses including Auto Desk, Bank of Marin, Green Light Solar, Good Earth Natural Foods, the Pacific Sun and Straus Family Creamery contributed $23,000 in cash and products ($15,000 in cash); Government agencies including the Marin County Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program (MCSTOPPP), the Marin Municipal Water District (MMWD), and Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) contributed $10,000, Schools contributed close to $5,000 in program fees.

Here’s hoping that this organization grows and is there when my son enters school in 2009. One of my hopes for Marinmaven is to help parents get their kids involved in politics and non-profit advocacy as an alternative to drugs, alcohol, computer games, and general dumb things one does when you are bored. There is no excuse to be bored. Get out there and save the world!

Other groups organizing this event are: Peace Action Group, Marin Peace and Justice Coalition, Gray Panthers of Marin, Seniors for Peace, Marin County Youth Commission, CODEPINK Women for Peace, and Marin Friends Meeting.

So, this Saturday, March 15th, please join us for the following activities:
11am – Noon: Music and Gathering at San Rafael Plaza (downtown next to Bank of America)
• Noon – 1pm: Inspiring Peace Rally at the Plaza
• 1 – 2pm: March Through the Streets of San Rafael
• 2 – 4pm: Peace Party at the Plaza featuring music, dancing and community

Parents, bring your kids, I am.