The Peace Pledge Project

Created by Peace Links-NC, the Peace Pledge Project is reaching thousands of people across the nation and around the world. The message is simple: to nurture peace and understanding in oneself and others.

The seed for the Peace Pledge was planted in the summer of 1994 as Peace Links - North Carolina searched for a way to empower individuals, both children and adults, to make a personal commitment to peacemaking on a daily, renewable basis. Brainstorming led to an idea that instantly resonated with everyone in the group: a wallet-sized pledge card that could be signed, dated and carried easily.

As we worked to find a simple message that was meaningful, fairly specific, universal and spiritually inclusive, we sought input from more and more people. The process grew organically, as eventually about 120 people representing a broad spectrum of ages, backgrounds, viewpoints, races, religions and educational and economic levels shared their feedback and ideas in response to drafts of the pledge. This collaborative process took several months. The final form is longer than we envisioned, yet it seems understandable to most people of approximately age 8 and up. The meaning of the wording can change as one matures or gains new insights about life. Through this pledge, we encourage individuals to see that peacemaking includes a range of attitudes and actions; that work can be done on one or more levels at a time; and that it is a journey of learning and personal transformation.

Peace Pledge cards were introduced in October 1995 and have reached people in at least 40 countries and all over the United States. A few of the ways they have been used are:
 

With high school peer mediators	With race relations groups
To "ground" a commitment, as in a New Year's church service	As an invocation at meetings, conferences and workshops
In a confirmation class of 12 year olds	With middle school students
By international travelers, in one-to-one contacts	In a gathering of international women at a former concentration camp
In summer camps and day programs	In a college freshman seminar
As holiday postcards or inserts	In interfaith worship services

The Peace Pledge comes in three forms: a wallet card (which can be laminated after being signed), a bookmark, and a postcard with the Pledge on one side. The postcard can also be used for posting on mirrors, bulletin boards, work stations, etc. All cards are on sturdy, high quality recycled card stock with cobalt blue and seafoam green ink. Because we are a small volunteer group with no dues from members, we have a price list to help us pay for the cards themselves and for shipping and handling. However, we will work with anyone interested in getting the Peace Pledge to adults or older children who can use it. The Pledge has been translated into Spanish but not yet printed.

Peace begins with individual commitments; it grows with cooperation and collaboration! THANK YOU!

Peace Pledge Card
Peace Day Highlights
Peace Links Home Page
Peace Pledge Order Form
e-mail: peacelinks@main.nc.us