We all yearn for peace: across the world, in our communities, in the way we conduct our daily lives. But what does peace require? How can we advocate for it? The Yavapai College Justice Institute and the RESPECT Campaign are offering an event that takes “peace” from the realm of distant wish and breaks it into practical, actionable steps. Join students, faculty, staff and neighbors at the Community Peace Forum, Thursday, February 1, from 6 – 8 p.m., in the Prescott Campus Community Room.

“This will be our first time at Yavapai College, we’re very excited.” Region 1 Community Director Kelli Guess, of the Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) organization, says. “We have been working closely with panels to share the successes of peace initiatives with schools and policing organizations.”

HWPL is an international organization, associated with the UN Department of Global Communications (DGC) and the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) that conducts peace activities across the world. It was established in South Korea eleven years ago by a Korean War veteran. “My role has been diverse,” Guess says, “working with community members. Peace walks, marathons, dialogues and talks.”

The conversations, she says, can be very specific to place. “Peace looks different depending on who you’re speaking to. Maybe it’s access to education, or living a life free of violence.” The HWPL works with local groups to break down communication barriers and open up dialogue. “We offer the perspective that peace is possible and doable.” HWPL has activities in 86 different countries. “We talk about that in detail – what we’ve accomplished in the U.S., and on foreign soil.”

YC’s Community Peace Forum features peace experts and activists, like Guess, sharing ideas with regional and local groups like the Peace Builders, the Rotary Peace Movement and the Peace Officer Project. The panel will then open to questions from the audience on how citizens can participate and advance peaceful conduct principles within our community.

YC Police Chief and panel member Tyran Payne says the conversation is important. “These forums provide a controlled space to exchange dialogue. I think of it as a time to sit and engage with the people who call the place I report to their home. Our partners across the nation know what is needed to empower and develop stronger communities. Especially when it comes to discussing measures around peace and crime prevention.”

The Community Peace Forum is free of charge, and will be held Thursday, February 1, in the Prescott Campus Community Room, Building 19, Room 147. Doors open at 5 p.m. For more information on the forum, please visit the YC Justice Institute Website at www.yc.edu/ji or call (928) 776-2184.