POWER Summit 2008 was held in St. Paul, MN, June 23-26, 2008. Over sixty people gathered to focus on:  Peace – The New Energy!  What does the world look like without war? Peace Partnership International president Dot Maver was on the program and files this report.

The Shifting Grounds of Conflict and Peacebuilding: Stories and Lessons, by John W. McDonald with the assistance of Noa Zanolli, "contains the professional life lessons of Ambassador McDonald and offers his insight into international issues, providing frank and informed discussion on the environment, women's rights, the global water crisis, sustainable resources, international development, and, above all, peace. Those looking to be inspired into action should read this book to receive guidance about how one person can make all the difference toward building a lasting peace. Ambassador John W. McDonald is a lawyer, diplomat, former international civil servant, development expert, peacebuilder, and the co-founder and chairman of the Institute for Multi-Track Diplomacy ." He is also a member of the Advisory Board of the National Peace Academy . 

Smart Security and the End of War. In this article, David Korten writes: “We humans have arrived at a defining moment. We must bring ourselves into balance with one another and Earth or suffer the consequences of social and environmental collapse. It creates a unique opportunity for bold action to end war as an instrument of foreign policy, convert to a peace economy, and create a world that works for all.” 

Student Peace Alliance came together for its Third National Coordinating Committee Retreat on Wednesday June 4th in Washington D.C.  All seven members of the Committee, Student Peace Alliance's national staff, were present at the Retreat for the first time in SPA's history. At the Retreat, we discussed proposals and plans for the upcoming year. On Friday June 6th, the Coordinating Committee was joined by nine state organizers, bringing the retreat total to 18.

Ben & Jerry's, the Vermont-based socially conscious ice-cream maker, announced that Aaron Voldman, Executive Director of the Student Peace Alliance (SPA) and a member of the Board of Directors of The Peace Alliance, is one of two nationwide winners of its "Peace Pioneer" contest.

The announcement was made on May 27, 2008, at its New York City Times Square Scoop Shop. The ceremony was part of Ben & Jerry's joint effort with The Lennon Estate and Peace One Day, a nonprofit global peace organization, to encourage people to work for peace every day.

Click here to learn more about the award and the award ceremony and here for an article ("Raising a pint for peace") in the June 2, 2008, edition of the Burlington (VT) Free Press about Aaron and the award.

"Change" is the big buzz word in the United States this year. Why? Because Americans recognize the need for a serious rethink in the way this country operates, both domestically and internationally. Troubled with a trillion dollar war, a homicide rate 10 times that of other leading industrial nations, and a prison population that includes 1 in every 100 citizens, Americans are seeking solutions that are less costly and more sustainable.

That is why, in 2009, the first-ever National Peace Academy will be formally launched in the United States.

Peace Partnership International along with Case Western Reserve University and The Biosophical Institute comprise the consortium that is convening a National Peace Academy design process.