WINTER 2014
From The
Executive Director
From our Board Chair,
Joe Kutter
I think you will notice when you read this
edition of the newsletter, that the Peace
Center is really thriving. One major event
which we added this year was our Annual
Meeting of the membership. We want all of you to understand that when you make a contribution to the Center
you actually become a member of TCPJ, and as members,
you have the opportunity to hear a report from each of
our committees to get a picture of what is really happening. Additionally, the membership of the Center actually
voted on our board members this year, and nominated one
person from the floor to serve a three year term on the
Board of directors (welcome John Christensen!)
Because of our increased programming for 2015,
we have added a staff person. Lindsey Schwartz first
served as our Washburn intern, then for a
semester on a very limited basis as our
bully-prevention staff person (take note of
Lindsey’s report in this edition of the
newsletter). She will be serving at least
through the end of May 2015 as our Program Director. Her primary responsibilities will be to manage our pilot project of
resurrecting the Mediation Project that
TCPJ started 20 years ago. (See Kate Hamilton’s article on
page 2 of this edition of the newsletter). She will continue to
make contacts in the community to present our program on
bully prevention.
We will be encouraging churches of the Mainstream
Voices of Faith to participate in national Gun Sabbath in
March of 2015. And of course, we are in the planning stages of the 2015 “Whose Dream Is It?” program which will
take place January 19, 2015. More information is in this
edition of the newsletter. Our third annual Peace Party is
April 17, 2015, which will once again be held in the Ramada
Inn, downtown Topeka. We are including the nomination
form in the email edition of this newsletter. If you don’t
receive it by email, you can download
the form from our website have some
new wrinkles for this program this year,
so… stay tuned!!
We do thank you so much for
your contributions to make our mission
possible in Topeka!
We have a detailed list of all of those who have contributed in 2014. Please take note on page three!
On behalf of our board of directors, I want to say thanks
to Dr. Joe Kutter who has served
so faithfully as our board chair for
these past two years. Joe has
great skills in group dynamics and
has been a true gift to TCPJ. I am
glad he will continue on our
board, and I know he will continue to share his gifts and
skills with us! AND WELCOME DR. SHARON SULLIVAN as
our new President! We are blessed!
Topeka Center for Peace and Justice
2914 SW MacVicar
Topeka, Kansas 66611
[email protected] www.topekacpj.org
785-232-4388
THANK YOU
Serving as the Chair of the Board
of the Topeka Center for Peace and Justice has been an
absolute delight and I want to say thank you for the opportunity. I believe that together, we have made a significant
contribution to the quality of life in our community and I
experienced a profound sense of joy in the process.
To speak the obvious, we receive no financial remuneration for our service but I have been compensated
in marvelous ways. Most of my working life has been
within the structures of Christian Congregations and the
denomination which has provided me with opportunities
for service. But the TCPJ has provided an opportunity to
address some of the issues that face us, not as members of
particular religious and secular communities, but as persons who share a common humanity and the diverse community that is forming has provided a distinctive qualities
of joy and hope that are can be missed in our more homogenous communities. Those distinctive qualities of joy
experienced within our diversity is huge compensation for
the time and energy expended.
The women and men who serve on our board of
persons of sterling character and distinctive personality
and I cherish their friendship and shared commitment to
peace and justice — remarkable compensation.
And, finally (as for as this little article is concerned)
the opportunity to bear witness to the call for justice and
peace in the face of issues that matter has delivered a profound sense of satisfaction to my soul. We have been
among the leaders in addressing the realities of human
trafficking in our region. We have significantly addressed
the issues of bullying and are becoming recognized leaders
regarding this issue. We have dared to prepare to speak
to the issues of gun violence. We are seriously exploring
the possibilities for processes of mediation that will restore health to families and communities. I call those opportunities to address the issues that diminish our humanity, “Soul Food” and I have been well fed.
I look forward to finding another place at the table as Sharon Sullivan picks up the gavel and I shall do so with a deep
sense of satisfaction and hope.
Visit us on our website to learn more about us!
[email protected] LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!
topekacpj
Check it out and if your name is not on there, send your
membership fee in today!
Development of Resources and Programs
- Kate Hamilton
The Topeka Center for Peace and Justice has had a
year filled with thrilling, community- changing efforts
as well as major challenges. Lindsey Schwartz is
probably too modest to tell you of all the amazing
work she did this summer with the Boys and Girls
Club, teaching 3rd, and 4th graders what they can do
when they witness or experience bullying. She was
also an enormous help for Jim in coordinating details
around the Peace Camp. Lindsey clearly demonstrated her many strengths in organizing and implementing programs. Lindsey and Jim were again invited to present on bullying prevention at the state educational conference on school safety, and have already been asked to do one of the principle presentations for next year.
Disappointingly, the Topeka Community Foundation
has not continued grant funding for the bullying prevention effort, so membership dues are the only
source of funding at this time for Lindsey’s position
(about 7 hours a week).
We will be in a much better position to write grants
when we have a positive fund balance. Alex Alexander has made an amazingly generous proposal to
clear the books by 2015! He will match any donor
that raises their contribution to $500 over the next
year, matching up to a total of $5,000. 8 donors have
already stepped up to make the match at this level.
If 2 more new donors contribute at $42 a month or
more, we will have the positive fund balance we’ve
been working toward for years, and in time for our
end of year report as a not-for profit! This can open
so many more possibilities for 2015.
For example, we have been approached by Washburn University to partner with them in resurrecting
the Mediation Project that was started by TCPJ about
twenty years ago. The University is teaching mediation in the Law School and the Political Science Department. But without a community connection to
gather referrals and connect them to their young
mediators, these Washburn students are unable to
get the experience they need to become state certified in mediation. Our own Lindsey Schwartz is one
of these Washburn -trained mediators! Wouldn’t it
be an exciting start to 2015 if membership identified
the resources to not only keep our bullying prevention project going, but allowed us to explore partnering with Washburn to make family mediation available in Topeka again?
The Topeka Center for Peace and Justice continues to
find exciting opportunities to bring Peace, Justice and
Hope to our community. Thank you for the part you
play in this.
Reducing Gun Violence and International
Remedies
—Duane Johnson
1. Topekans Against
Gun Violence
Topekans Against Gun
Violence formed in late
winter and spring of
2014 in response to a
challenge put forth by the Rev. James Atwood,
one of America’s foremost leaders in the effort to
-next column_
Reducing Gun Violence (continued)
reduce gun violence. Speaking at a half-day conference in
Topeka’s First Congregational Church in February, Rev. Atwood encouraged Topekans to join other communities
across the country in the effort to reduce gun violence.
Kevin Carr, a retired state administrator with expertise in
developing small businesses, agreed to
spearhead the effort. Working with a small, ad hoc steering
committee comprised of executive director Jim McCollough
and several Peace Center board members, Kevin developed
the following Mission Statement:
“To reduce preventable tragedies in Topeka by increase
ing awareness of the escalating problem of gun vio
ence and advocating strategies that reconcile gun rights
with public safety.”
In the months after the Rev. Atwood’s visit, group members determined that our first step should be to educate
ourselves about the many facets of gun violence, including
the nature of the problem in Topeka and Shawnee County.
Toward this effort, TAGV formed several teams, or task
forces, to study the problem. Among the areas of focus are:
The perspectives of local law enforcement officials
Coordinating with local neighborhoods
Success stories of groups across the country
Current federal and Kansas laws, including how Kansas
compares with other states.
Looking Ahead
Kevin and the steering committee have recently
begun exploring the possibility of another community-wide
program that could be held in conjunction with the annual
Gun Violence Prevention Sabbath Weekend in March. Another possibility centers on a new approach being pioneered by “Do Not Stand Idly By” that focuses on using
market forces to pressure the gun industry into adopting
more socially responsible behavior in manufacturing and
marketing firearms.
Developments in Ferguson, Missouri also has sparked interest in drawing TAGV and various other community groups
wrestling with social justice problems together under an
umbrella program that would be called “Organizing Hope.”
For more information on the “Do Not Stand Idly By” campaign, as well as some preliminary task force reports, visit
the Peace Center’s Web site, www.topekacpj.com.
2. International Remedies
Ukraine Program, July 2014
The Peace Center in July presented a program focusing on
the stalemate over the Ukraine. The program was essentially an updated reprisal of a program held for Washburn students several months earlier. Presenters were:
Dr. Thomas Prasch, Professor and Chair of History, Dr.
Bob Beatty, Professor of Political Science, Russian-born Dr.
Dmitri Nizovtsev, is Associate Professor of Economics and
coordinates the School of Business's programs for study
abroad. Dmitri, who has family members living in Crimea,
reflected on economic underpinnings of the Ukrainian crisis, and examined Russia's stance in the conflict.
Dr. Linsey Moddelmog, Assistant Professor of Political Science,
Looking Ahead: Immigration
The Programs Committee currently is planning to present a
program, or series of programs, on the controversy over
U.S. immigration policy. Although planning is in preliminary
stages, committee members are studying whether it may
be possible to adapt a six-part curriculum developed by
Mennonite Church USA entitled “Radical Hospitality.” Each
program in this series, if adopted, would feature a 20minute video followed by a period of questions and discussion.
Meet Dr. Sharon Sullivan
OUR NEW PRESIDENT
Dr. Sharon L. Sullivan is an Associate
Professor at Washburn University
where she teaches Theatre, and Women’s and Gender Studies. Her research
and activism focuses on violence
against women and children, including sexual and domestic violence, human trafficking, and rape as a weapon of
war. Sharon is a cofounder of STARS (Stop Trafficking and
Reject Slavery), Kansas Bureau Chief for the International
Public Policy Institute and chair of the WU Diversity Initiative. In 2014, Sharon gave a presentation at the United
Nations Commission on the Status of Women on the importance of education in combatting Human Trafficking.
At the Peace Center, she has coordinated our STARS program for almost two years. STARS continues to give free
presentations in the community. In September, Sharon
spoke at the International Day of the Girl at the Topeka
and Shawnee County Public Library along with two other
organization working to protect children in our community. Most recently she gave presentations to the Washburn University Women’s Legal Forum and a Holton High
School law class.
STARS has also been working with a local Human Trafficking victims’ advocate to make sure survivors get things
they need that are not covered by grant funds. If you
would like to help survivors directly, gift cards are greatly
appreciated. This allows the Victims’ advocate to purchase things for survivors such as a meal, clothes, or personal items. You may make a tax-deductible donation to
TCPJ. and designate the donation for STARS survivor services.
WHOSE DREAM IS IT?
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
From the Program Director
Lindsey Schwartz
I
spoke at the Kansas Association of Middle
Level Education on September 26th at
Washburn Rural Middle School. There
was a mixture of school faculty, social
workers, and guidance counselors that
have formed together from schools in
Kansas to establish a voice for middle schools across the
state. There was a viewing of the movie Bullied and then a
breakout session where the audience learned their role as educators in keeping their students safe from bullying. Topics discussed were: Importance of taking it serious, Kansas Statute
against bullying, roles as educators to have an active plan and
follow it for bullying as well being the voice in your school to
make sure the establish plan against bullying is being sought out
and followed. I met with 80, 8th graders at Washburn Rural
Middle School on September 25th to do a lesson on Bullying
and Cyber-bullying. The children learned concepts in: What is
bullying? Definition of bullying, why do people bully, Boys vs.
Girls being bullied by numbers, bullying for many reasons, why
do words hurt so much, the audience, what is a bystander and
why are they so powerful, bullying vs. conflict, cyber-bullying,
and what happens if one gets caught bullying. On October 9th,
David Crooks gave a very powerful presentation to the students
of Jardine Middle School about bullying. There was over 100
students in attendance, grades 6th and 7th. Overall, TCPJ has
reached out to over 300 children and at least 50 school administration, staff, social workers and counselors with our Bully Prevention efforts and creating awareness in the community.
Topeka Center for Peace and Justice
2914 SW MacVicar
Topeka, KS 66611
January 20, 2014 6 PM Soup
7 PM Program
Our speaker Dr. Wallace S. Hartsfield, a retired pastor from Kansas
City. His current community and civic engagement entails lending his
support on initiatives and campaigns organized by Communities
Creating Opportunities (CCO), a faith-based, non-partisan organization focusing on five primary initiatives: housing and community development, safe neighborhoods, healthcare, economic empowerment, and youth development. Notable is his involvement, participation and contribution for Economic Dignity issues around race, labor
and healthcare issues. He is one of the founding organizers and Board
Director of Missouri Faith Voices.
Please Send to:
Our 2014 contributors
January 1 – December 8, 2014
CHAMPIONS (OVER $5000)
Don and Edith Snethen
Richard Alexander
PATRONS ($499 - $1500)
Jim and Charlotte McCollough
Larry Keller Memorial Fund
Ken and Marion Cott
Temple Beth Sholom
Eva Brown and Meredith Williard
Carol and John Christensen
Barney and Marjorye Heeney
Carol Rank
Duane & Rachel Goossen
Bob Shapiro
SUSTAINERS ($150 - $499)
Stanley and Sandra Vogel
Christian Church in Kansas
Carolyn & Jon Zimmerman
Tricie Young
Paul Post
Bill and Nancy Michener
Duane and Elvera Johnson
Patrick Yancey
Interfaith of Topeka
Susan and Brad Parry
Tobias Schlingensiepen
Trudy Racine
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
Dennis Dobson
Nancy Maxwell
Judy Lambert
Candy Caufield
Oliver and Johne Green
Georgia Sandlin
Karen and Mark Herrmann
Ben and Judy Coates
Peggy and Stan McAdoo
Chris and Kate Hamilton
Noble Morrell
Southern Hills Mennonite Church
Vernon Beachy
Larry and Ann Mah
Leigh Barrett
Dolores and Frank Werder
Sally Fronsman-Cecil
Victoria White
Monique Pittman Lui
SUPPORTERS ($120 – $149)
Sarah Laing
Martha Peterson
Mona Magee
Les and Linda Goering
Phyllis Todd
Jocelyn Graber
David Ritter
Michael Piper
Virginia Hummell
Douglas Phenix
Jane George
Margaret and James Ahrens
Jerry Hopper
Lauretta Hendricks-Backus
Herman and Sondra Hafenstein
MEMBERS ($25 - $119)
Islamic Community of Topeka
Alden and Enid Hickman
Topeka Baha'l Spiritual Assembly
Mike and Caroll Glotzbach
Susan Beachy
Jerry and Lea Billinger
Lee McCuan
Larry James
Rosemary Menninger
Topeka Optimist Club, Inc. No.37-250
June Windscheffel
Judith Kooser
Jonathon Felton
Awake Inc.
Joe and Peggy Kutter
Joann Howey
Sharon Sullivan
Ann Marley
Virginia Vogel Wallace
Mary Powell
Max Wilson
Jay Gideon
Virginia Wallace
Susan Nelson
Gianfranco Pezzino
Pedro Irigonegaray
Judy Nickelson
Lew Mills
Kristin Bollig
Therese Bangert
Ellen and Dallas Caster
Unity Church of Christianity
John and Lila Bartel
St. John A.M.E. Church
Friends Church
Joan Underwood
Hakim and Lou Saadi
Gwen Elliott
January Kiefer
Countryside United Methodist Church
Rochester Comm. Church of the Brethren
Betty and Don Nelson
Carolyn L. Wims-Campbell
Bill Cutler
Kansas Coalition Against the Death Penalty
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day
Saints
Karen Hiller
Anita and Joel Nelson
James Walters
Margaret and Leonard Masilionis
Marjorie Van Buren
Diana Siegal
M. Lowell Curry
Paxton and Janie Jones
Loretta Ross
Lisa Schwartz
Rabbi Debbie Stiel
Renita Harris
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority
Robin Rosenberg
Roger Dirks
Virginia Conrad
Barbara McLain
Nancy Daniels
Joan wagon
Ulrike Schlingensiepen
Jene and Jerry Yoder
Jeanne and Jerry Frieman
Nancy J. Sargent
Tom Cyphert
Geri Goldstein
Teresa Switzer
Terry Harmon
Don McClain
Cynthia & Roger Neufeld Smith
David Ozaki
Elizabeth Herbert
Jeffrey Goudie
WHOSE DREAM IS IT?
TOPEKA CENTER FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE’S
PROGRAM
TO HONOR THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF DR.
MARTIN LUTHER KING.
JANUARY 20, 2015
ST. JOHN AME CHURCH
701 SW TOPEKA BLVD
6pm SOUP SUPPER
7 pm SERVICE
OUR PEACE PARTY THIS YEAR WILL
BE HELD ON APRIL 17 2015 AT THE DOWNTOWN RAMADA.
NOMINATION FORM FOR THIS YEAR’S PEACE AND JUSTICE AWARDS IS INCLUDED IN THE EMAIL ADDITION