The fierce urgency of now

founding members of the Nonviolent Peaceforce (NP), based in St. Paul, Minn., stopped at the Canticle in mid-August on their way back to the Twin Cities. A room full of sisters, associates and local peace activists met with them to learn more about NP and how to contribute to its success.

A month later, Donna was shepherding the first eleven-member NP into Sri Lanka to begin NP's pilot project in communities threatened by violence as part of an ongoing peace process aimed at ending a decades-long civil war.

After rigorous selection and intense training in nonviolent techniques, this historic group, ranging in age from 24 to 60 years, coming from five continents, and including slightly more women than men, is the first contingent of an intended "peace army" that will number in the thousands and go to conflict areas throughout the world at the invitation of groups and individuals in those conflict zones. Unlike most non-government peacekeeping initiatives, the NP workers are not volunteers but paid employees who receive such benefits as a stipend, health coverage and basic living requirements. Team members commit to working for two years. Additional peace workers will go to Sri Lanka later this year.

The Nonviolent Peaceforce began at the Hague Appeal for Peace in May 1999

It was there that Mel Duncan of St. Paul, Minn., and David Hartsough of San Francisco met each other and realized that their visions of what was needed to achieve a more peaceful world were similar: a trained army of civilians from every corner of the globe coming together to help those who in live in areas of conflict yet long for peace.

Since that shared vision, the NP has grown into an international effort touching every continent. In the first two years, seven Nobel Peace Prize Laureates, including the Dali Lama, endorsed NP, as did many other religious and secular leaders. Endorsements moved on to the development of Member Organizations (MOs) that now number nearly 90.

Clinton Franciscan "Center" for Active Nonviolence partners with Nonviolent Peaceforce through sale of Peace Bonds

The Nonviolent Peaceforce is issuing 100,000 Peace Bonds to support development of the Peaceforce and its premiere project in Sri Lanka. The cost of a Peace Bond is $10 US, $16 Canadian, 10 Euros, 7 Pounds Sterling, 470 Indian Rupees, 1,180 yen. Upon maturity the bearer will see a large international team trained for nonviolent conflict intervention around the world.

"Giving Peace Bonds is a way to tell your family and friends that you wish a more peaceful world for them and for all," according to Jan Cebula OSF coordinator of the "Center."

Peace Bonds are available via the NP website

www.nonviolentpeaceforce.org - or from

the "Center" at Sisters of St. Francis, 588 N. Bluff Blvd., Clinton IA 52732; 563-242-7611;

sisters@clintonfranciscans.com