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Institute for Peace &
Justice Annual Report, 2008-2009
Program Developments IPJ Expands Presence at Eden Theological Seminary
IPJ’s move to Eden in January 2006 continues to provide much more than a new
location. Kathy and Jim McGinnis taught a course on “Christian Education
for Peace & Justice,” and intern Kathleen Boylan and contextual education
students Laura Mignerone, Erlin Perlado, and Jackie Tyler enabled us to
expand our work on campus as well as in the community, especially with the
“SOS Process,” developing the youth program for the Center for Women in
Transition, promoting health care reform in Missouri, and directing “Young
Artists for Justice and Peace.” “Solving Our Situations” (SOS) and Mentor Programs In collaboration with the St. Louis Public Schools, the Center for Women in Transition, and the Marianist Community, and with the assistance of ex-offender “SOS” trainers, Gary Ingram, Joe Jackson, Tanya Rogers, Robin Penny, Olivetta Sumpter, and Vernon Henderson, the “SOS” problem-solving process continues to be part of the curriculum at St. Mary’s and Vianney High Schools, for women ex-offenders and their teenage children. Vernon Henderson also brought the essence of SOS to middle school youth. In collaboration with Project Re-Connect, ARCHS, and Project COPE, IPJ and our ex-offender facilitators developed mentor training programs for men and conducted group mentoring sessions. Faith and PeacemakingWith
the publication of Jim McGinnis’ PRAYING FOR PEACE AROUND THE GLOBE in 2/09
by Liguori Publications, and his weekly online invitations to prayer and
action based on the book and current events, IPJ is expanding its efforts to
link peacemaking with its spiritual roots. Already one retreat has been
scheduled for 2010 based on the book. Jim McGinnis’ “Dramatization of the
Life of Francis of Assisi” challenged audiences at Sts Clare and Francis
Ecumenical Catholic Community in St. Louis and St. Cecilia’s Parish in Ft.
Myers, FL. Racial Justice
Through Kathy McGinnis’ efforts, IPJ continues to be part of the Diversity
Coalition of St. Louis - to get more people involved in working for racial
justice at the local church, high school and elementary school level.
Through the Diversity Coalition we are also working on producing an updated
list of vendors owned and operated by people of color. Young Artists for Justice & Peace (YAJP)
“Young Artists for Justice & Peace” blossomed in 2008-09, as IPJ
collaborated with Gitana Productions and others to inspire St. Louis area
youth to create their own artistic performances of Dr. King’s message. As
part of their commitment to live Dr. King’s message, many of these youth
have assisted youth from the Juvenile Court system to create a “Stay in
School” message to be performed, as well as a series of PSAs. A documentary
film of the whole project is being prepared by Daring or Nothing
Productions, and a curriculum on teaching Dr. King’s message is being
developed to extend this project nationwide. The initial St. Louis
performance will become an hour-long production to inaugurate IPJ’s 40th
anniversary in January 2010. Teens Acting for Peace (TAP) This
unique youth violence prevention training program continues to provide
leadership opportunities for youth across the US. In southeast
Pennsylvania, youth working with the United Church of Christ conducted
“peace camps” during the year as well as the summer. High school youth in
Cincinnati were trained to teach the Pledge of Nonviolence in area
elementary schools, and 8th grade youth in St. Louis were also trained to
teach the Pledge to the other grades in their schools. Educator and Family Workshops Kathy and Jim McGinnis continue to do workshops for elementary and secondary school faculties in St. Louis, programs for educators in Seattle and nationally at the National Catholic Education Association convention, and workshops for families, including one for parents through the West County Democratic Club of St. Louis. Jim, as “Francis the Clown,” did several programs on the Pledge of Nonviolence for elementary schools.
Restorative Justice in SchoolsUnder the umbrella of the Community Conflict Services Center, IPJ has been collaborating on introducing restorative discipline practices in the middle school. We have been part of a pilot program at one of the middle schools in the St. Louis Public Schools. Marketing Key Resources
Harcourt Religion continues to expand IPJ’s impact by marketing all of our
faith-based resources, especially PRAYING FOR PEACE AROUND THE GLOBE, the
Pre-School Peace Tote Bag, the IF ONLY TODAY YOU KNEW THE THINGS THAT MAKE
FOR PEACE manuals for K-12, the “Acting for Justice” magazines, and JUST
FAMILY NIGHTS. “Peace Pieces” and IPJ Online This bi-monthly email resource continues to enrich 1700+ leaders in ministry in North America and IPJ Shareholders, providing inspiration, analysis, action suggestions, and resources for teachers, families, youth leaders, advocates, and worship leaders. Most of IPJ’s major presentations are available online as pdf files. |