The Peaceable School and Communities Group

Currently sponsored by the Lesley University School of Education Profession Development and Resources, the Peaceable School and Communities group conceives and offers an annual summer Institute and supports networking for Boston-area peace and justice educators and activists.

How We Began

Peaceable Schools and Communities has its roots in understanding and responding to violence at the local and national level and its effects on our society. In 1991, the impact of the U.S. war in the Gulf was being felt in local communities and schools. Images on television, messages of war and militarism and accompanying violence and fear in classrooms generated concern for parents worried about their children, and teachers who felt inadequate discussing the war.

Faculty from Lesley University joined with Boston-area educators and activists who saw the clear connections between the local and global incidents and interpersonal and systemic violence. The group shared a commitment to promoting nonviolent, peace-and-justice approaches and developing projects where the skills of nonviolent conflict resolution could be practiced in the context of systemic change.

A vision developed of "Peaceable School and Communities" – places where the ideals of democracy and diversity would be put into practice in schools through curriculum, climate and governance, and in neighborhoods and community-based organizations. In June 1993, the first annual Summer Institute was convened. 

Vision, Mission & Values

The core faculty of the Institute envisions a global community free from violence, disconnection, and systemic inequity.  This community offers inclusive, empowered learning that is rooted in the values of affirmation, consensus building, excellence, and equity as a reality for all members. As a result of the Center's efforts, educators, young people and other community members will have the tools, knowledge and relationships to live out and generate welcoming, dynamic and interconnected communities.
We believe that peaceable schools and communities are built on the following values:

• Systemic transformation requires working on multiple levels: the individual, interpersonal and institutional; the personal, professional and political.
• Diversity is a resource, not a problem. Multiple lenses and multiple voices are necessary to build just communities and effective programs.
• Change happens from the inside out change starts with the self.
• Reciprocity, collaboration, and shared power are important components in all learning and helping relationships.
• All people, children, youth, and adults, have the capacity to be leaders. New leaders and inclusive leadership must be supported.
• It is important to go beyond individualistic solutions in order to create communities that work for all members. Holistic and collective analysis and strategies are more effective.
• Conflict is an opportunity for growth and transformation. Effective strategies for dealing with conflict should be rooted in principles of respect and non-violence.
• Building an intentional community in which all voices are heard is the underpinning for all learning in a peaceable setting.
• Creating and sustaining peaceable schools and communities is an on-going work and a lived process.

The Peaceable Schools and Communities Framework

The institute is rooted in a four-part framework that has been developed during 15 years of collaboration among a team of university, school and community educators who serve as the core faculty for the institute. The framework starts with an understanding and appreciation of the resources that we all bring to the work of social change. The second component of the framework involves exploring the roots of violence, peace and justice - going beyond symptoms to understand and name systemic causes and solutions. The third component focuses on democratic practice - helping participants learn how to "work with" others rather than "doing to" or "doing for." Building on these components, the framework offers a paradigm for collective, transformational leadership.

Participant’s Feedback 

"I got inspiration to move forward. After the last 8 years, politically, many are depressed. Still, change is possible."

Since 1992, the Institute has worked with more than 1200 participants.
Their responses to the experience have been consistently positive, for example:

• 94% have said they left with new ideas and questions to explore.
• 85% have said the workshops helped strengthen their professional toolbox.
• 82% have said the Institute helped them integrate their ideas and strategies.
• 80% have said the Institute was welcoming and well organized.
• 71% have said the Institute gave them concrete strategies for implementation.

"As an educator, I appreciate the core faculty's vision, passion and commitment to make this week purposeful and meaningful."