Global tensions of recent months have given rise to several campus projects and discussions of what we can do here to promote peace.

What follows is three of those projects.

Time for Peace
On Dec. 10 from 6-8pm at the Old Courthouse downtown, several campus groups and community members will gather to discuss concrete solutions to promote peace in Kamloops. The evening will include introductions and those wanting to, can share peace-themed stories, poetry and songs.

This is part 2 of a smaller meeting by the same name organized last month. From that meeting, a range of solutions arose, including:

• Creating a poster gallery of intercultural quotes and peace quotes
• Teaching how to build sustainable peace
• Getting involved in the settlement of Syrian refugees in Kamloops.

The gathering is being organized by FoHSED and TRU Faculty Association’s Human Rights Committee.

Tree-Tea for Peace
Created by English as a Second language faculty member Dian Henderson, she’s inviting people to write messages of peace—simple or complex—on a ribbon and then pin the ribbon to the bulletin board located there or to the tree branch. The display is located in Old Main on the second floor outside the FoHSED administration office at OM 2465.

As a thank-you, take one of the individually-wrapped tea bags for yourself or to share with someone.

The inspiration for mixing words and tea, she explains, arose from last month’s Time for Peace gathering.

Tree-Tea of Peace messages.

“The words that were shared inspired me to consider the power of words,” says Henderson. “I was reminded of the notion that if people sit down together they can begin to see a friend rather than a stranger—and in some cases—a person where before it was an enemy.”

Other than a free package of tea, what is Henderson hoping people leave with?

“I’d like viewers to consider the words that have been posted, to share time and maybe a cup of tea. Even to consider what actions they can do to bring peace to one small space.”

Letters of Peace
Wendy Krauza’s Service Learning 1000 students wrote messages on folded pieces of paper, sealed them with a coloured sticker reading “For You” and then placed the papers around campus. You may find one in a stairwell, on a bulletin board, a classroom, hallway floor, in a cafeteria space, and elsewhere.

“The actual idea of the Letters of Peace came from an experience last year when I picked up an envelope on the stairway in AE (building),” recalls Krauza. “It was addressed ‘For You’, so I opened it and it was a letter with wonderful words of kindness and meant for anyone who picked it up. I read it and then left it for someone else to pick up in Old Main.”

What impact is Krauza hoping the simple acts will have?

“I hope students are able to encourage their friends and families to talk about peace and kindness with each other,” says Krauza. “These are difficult times and I want them to look around at each other and to appreciate each other’s value and role in this world. I really just want them to focus on being positive and caring every day.”