Welcome to World Citizen,

Open Letter from Executive Director

By Kathy Millington

All of our members and contributors make the three programs of World Citizen a reality. Without your support, the vision 'Promote a Just and Peaceful World' would not have the positive impact that it does at this time.

Your continued loyalty to WCI has made it possible to provide nine Peace Education opportunities for educators this past school year. Three full days were learning communities for secondary educators and two full days for each of the three separate groups of elementary educators. This program has grown from 24 to 103 educators in four years. The outreach and sharing potential of this program is beyond what we can imagine.

Congratulations to the Basilica of St Mary

By Kathy Millington, Executive Director

On Saturday, April 19, 2008 The Basilica of Saint Mary became an International Peace Site. A peace site dedication and concert entitled, “That All May Be One” was a spectacular event. The Basilica of Saint Mary celebrated its strong commitment to justice and peace in word, song, and action. Mundus, The Basilica contemporary and world music ensemble, lead all in song to honor diversity. The concert also featured special guests Trio Filipino, the Cameroon Choir of Saint Peter Claver Church, and the Minneapolis Youth Choir.

A new peace pole was dedicated and installed, a peace quilt presented, and their labyrinth design was unveiled. Many attended this event in the true spirit of peace and hope. World Citizen offers congratulations as The Basilica of Saint Mary celebrates and lives out its commitment to justice and peace.

13th Annual Nobel Peace Prize Festival

By Martha Roberts

What an inspirational day it was! The ''World Beat Drummers'' from Nettleton Middle School in Duluth set the tone as the crowd was settling down for the event.

Allie Williams and Brian Todd, students from Como Park Senior High, were emcees and did a wonderful job of keeping the program moving along. Marcy Open School from Minneapolis included the song ''Riding on a Spaceship'' that was written by Lynn Elling, founder of World Citizen. With a special acknowledgement of what all Mr. Elling has done for peace, Nancy Paxson, music director at Marcy, closed their portion of the program with one of her many musical creations, ''I Can Change the World.''

This year's Outstanding World Citizen Award recipient was Mr. Melvin Giles. Melvin's involvement with peace spreads far and wide. Bubbles surrounded Melvin as Mike Klein, World Citizen board member presented Melvin with his award. Congratulations, Melvin!

Muhammad Yunus and the microcredit movement was the honored laureate of the day. Jim Klobuchar, author of ''The Miracles of Barefoot Capitalism'' spoke about how this system works and shared several stories he has witnessed personally from his travels.

Valley Crossing Community School from Woodbury sang an original song to honor Muhammad Yunus entitled, ''Why Not?''

At this point in the program, students shared their displays of their chosen laureate. There was much excitement in the air as everyone shared what they have learned during their preparation time.

The high energy continued as everyone was called back by a jazz band from Math and Science Academy from Woodbury for more stage performances. They also played for the crowd as everyone was exiting.

Gatewood Elementary School from Hopkins and Burroughs Elementary from Minneapolis shared very upbeat songs, ''Circle of Smiles'' and ''We're the Future.''

Hilde Overas, from the Royal Norwegian Consulate of Minneapolis, spoke to the students about her appreciation for what the students had done.

Clear Springs Elementary from Minnetonka, closed the event with a performance honoring Al Gore and Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) which will be featured at next year's 14th Annual Nobel Peace Prize Festival.

Thank you to all the many, many people who make this event possible!

Jefferson and Kennedy High Schools to Celebrate Peace Site Rededication with Annual Run for Peace

On Friday, May 2, 2008, Bloomington Jefferson and Kennedy high schools will be rededicated as Peace Site schools with the 5th annual Run For Peace. Students and staff from both schools will run together as a unified group. The start and finish points alternate between the schools each year. This year, the group will start from Kennedy and finish at Jefferson. The seniors at Creekside Community Center along with Hillcrest Community School students will help pass out water and cheer for the runners as they pass by.

This has been a wonderful community event to promote peace in our city. Creekside Community Center is run by the City of Bloomington’s Human Services Department. The Bloomington Police Department has also been a wonderful partner to ensure safety at busy intersections. This year, we will also partner with Chipotle Mexican Grill. They will provide water and energy food at the goal for the runners as they complete their run at Jefferson High School. The Run For Peace has grown into a wonderful, collaborative multi-age community event to promote peace in the Bloomington community.