Auburn Youth lead the Way to Peace

UMYF youth with youth coordinator Carol Touminen (at right) and ZOPIF founder-president Ivanka Vana Jakic (3rd from left).

Under the directorship of Sue Voorhies, in early summer of 1993, the youth of First United Methodist Church in Auburn (state of Washington, USA) self-declared their meeting rooms "zones of peace." Since then, they have committed themselves to becoming persons of peace at church, in their homes, and with their friends.

The youth underwent a day-long conflict resolution training, sponsored by Zones of Peace International Foundation, that same summer, and subsequently, have applied their experience and passed along their skills to others.

"The thirty youth who regularly attend UMYF are more self-reliant and able to ensure our space as a 'zone of peace' as a result of the training," Voorhies reports. "They do so by first respecting themselves and others, and by honoring differences and diversity. The other youth leaders and I have been so relieved to see an end to fighting in the group -- no more put-downs or ninja kicks."

According to the youth themselves, the Zones of Peace project is appealing because it offers an opportunity to seek peace within themselves and designate areas in their homes and church as sanctuaries from violence. It is obvious that they are inspired by the results of their efforts. "We are building peace inside us, spreading it out, and sharing it with everyone else," says Julie Smith, a high school junior. "Now others ask us why we are so huggable and caring."

The youth were invited to lead a Zones of Peace Sunday worship service and testify to the changes they had experienced. In July 1994, the administrative board of the church endorsed the UMYF’s request for the entire church to become an official Zone of Peace.

A couple of years have passed since their original declaration. Not only have the youth remained dedicated to the project, but they continue to reach out to their peers and others alike. At a dance held at the church, they presented the concept of personal peace as a part of the Zones of Peace vision to 300 teenagers. The youth also helped organize a nonviolent conflict resolution training for 40 children and twelve Sunday school teachers in their congregation.

Several youth representatives and their youth leaders recently spoke about their work to both youth and adults at University Unitarian Church in Seattle. In addition, letters of support and encouragement have been sent to India to the Tibetan Children's Village and the Manava-Bharati Nursery Teachers Training Institute in New Delhi.

To continue their skills development, in April a number of the youth embarked on an extensive training program entitled Alternatives to Violence. When fully qualified, they will join with experienced trainers to facilitate weekend workshops for youth.

Sue Voorhies comments that as the youth leave for college, they bring newly acquired wisdom into a wider sphere of influence. And the new members of the UMYF are inheriting what is now becoming a legacy of commitment to peace. "We can all benefit from embracing the concept of Zones of Peace," she says, "beginning on an individual level and then rippling out to others until the whole surface of our planet will be blanketed in peace."