Resurrection of a Symbol For Peace
Los Angeles (PRWEB) April 28, 2011
Emerging Social Consciousness:
It was while researching the indigenous people of Chiapas, Mexico and Native Americans of the High Plains that the idea first occurred to Ross. Actually she would say it hit her like a freight train. The world was too vast with natural resources, thought Ross, too rich in economic prosperity for there to be people as impoverished as those she was studying. It seemed sadly ironic that as the worlds rich were getting richer, the poor seemed to be getting poorer. Moreover the fight over the worlds natural resources had often led to war. It occurred to Ross that in the middle of this age of information what the majority of the world is crying out for is an end to this constant struggle and an end to the economic gap we would seemingly have evolved beyond by now. In fact it has been theorized that soon after the age of information would come the age of reflection and this age would need a symbola symbol of peace, freedom and equality. Ross suddenly remembered the long beaded peace necklaces of the 1960s. Whatever happened to that tradition? The idea of giving something to another human being in the spirit of peace and love was so simple, yet powerful. If brought back today, Peace Beads could be a symbol so general it would transcend current events, cultural and other differencesclearly we all want peace; we simply disagree on how to get there. Furthermore, Ross thought, todays Peace Beads could be sold to raise funds for different non-profit foundations, schools and organizations that share the philosophy of peace. With this in the back of her mind, Ross continued her research. And then one day it happened
Native Americans and Peace:
Ross had first met her Native American friend Pat Schildt in when she traveled to the High Plains to research Native Americans in that area. Although they came from completely different backgrounds and lived worlds apart, Ross knew immediately there was a purpose for their meeting. Whatever paths had gotten them there, they now shared the same ambition to promote peace and to bring hope to people that had none. Schildt explained that Native Americans believe true peace can only be achieved when it is felt from within. When Ross mentioned her idea about resurrecting the tradition of Peace Beads, Schildt responded with great exuberance, Heather, there is an 85 percent unemployment rate on the reservationthese people need work. And they are very talented beaders!
The Peace Beads Plan Was Born:
After the meeting, Ross returned to California and worked diligently on the preparations including a business plan that covered everything from necklace design to a detailed operation and sales plan to creating a website http://www.peacebeads.org, while Schildt set up the manufacturing shop on the reservation. Less than eight weeks later they were up and running! Schildt said the day he put the now hiring notices up around town, he had people lined up in the snow ready to work.
We enjoy the Peace Beads project because our people are able to work and are also being recognized for their beading talent, said Kim Bear Medicine.
I am proud of the fact that we are able to work for world peace, which is something our native people have always believed in, said Renae Bull Child.
Before Ross met the individual workers, now collectively named the High Plains Indian Alliance, she was pleased to think in some way she was giving them new hope. She left the workers realizing it was quite the other way around!
A Few Months Later
Peace Beads now has several partners, one being the United Nations Association (http://www.unausa.org) who immediately embraced the movement. Peace Beads has recently been featured on radio stations such as Star 98.7 in Los Angeles, California. And this is only the beginning
The Peace Beads mission is:
Peace Beads is committed to generating global peace, envisioning a world in which every human being may enjoy freedom and self-expression. Todays Peace Beads are a symbol of this vision, given by one person to another in the same spirit that made original peace beads popular in the 1960s.
Peace Beads are made with seven gemstones, gifts of the earth that have been chosen for their beauty and unifying energy. Each gemstone symbolizes one of the seven continents and represents our connection with one another as we embark on a journey of peaceful solutions to resolve our differences. The unique blending of beads and gemstones represents the blending of people worldwide.
Peace Beads are made by communities in need, fostering the opportunity for increased stability and prosperity. Our first design is specially crafted by Native Americans of the North American High Plains, bringing together members of different tribes working harmoniously, creating a model for international peace.
Peace Beads draws from the wisdom of the many great traditions represented by each manufacturing community. The High Plains Native Americans teach us that peace between nations begins with true peace within the souls of individuals. It is by nurturing and sharing this inner peace that we invent a world of freedom, compassion and non-violence. Wearing and giving Peace Beads symbolizes the first step in this movement embracing global peace.
In an effort to further promote global peace, Peace Beads supports various non-profit groups, schools and communities that share our philosophy. These relationships enable us to assist in raising funds to support the overall cause and to reach more people with the message of peace and freedom.
Peace Beads Mission Statement
Our mission is to promote global peace in todays world through the symbolic wearing and giving of Peace Beads.
Choose peacegive Peace Beads
Visit http://www.peacebeads.org
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