Cambridge Peace Commission :: Programs & Services
Highlights and Accomplishments of the Peace Commission
The Cambridge Peace Commission promotes peace and social justice within Cambridge and in the wider world. It works to reduce violence and advocates ideas and programs that affirm diversity and build community within our city. It links peace groups, social justice efforts, anti-violence coalitions and the municipal government, and pays special attention to violence affecting youth.
The Commission builds community by celebrating local people and efforts with programs and events, and by organizing community forums on issues affecting the community. It supports Cambridge’s Sister City relationships.
Highlights and Accomplishments
Addressing violence and promoting peace among Cambridge youth by:
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Working with the District-Wide Conflict Mediator, LGBT Family Liaison and the CRLS Diversity Coordinator at the Cambridge Public Schools to develop programs and activities, provide training and support to student mediators and staff, and promote alternative models of conflict resolution.
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Advising and supporting Youth Underground, the youth acting ensemble of CRLS students at the Central Square Theater, to support and promote their performance of
Money Matters
– a play that uses interview of a variety of community people by CRLS students to illustrates the emotions and experiences that people have around money, as well as how different people value money in their own lives.
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Collaborating with staff and students in the Cambridge Public Schools on activities and programs to promote peaceful schools, positive school climates, peace education, and multicultural activities.
Promoting peace and justice locally as an alternative to violence by:
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Working with the Cambridge Public Health Department, Police Department, Department of Human Services, and the Cambridge Public Schools to create the Community Crisis Response Network, as well as serving on the network’s Steering Committee.
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Organizing and facilitating the “Summer of Peace” initiative to promote a summer free of youth violence in Cambridge, by bringing together City staff, police, schools, clergy, youth centers, clinicians, academics and community members to identify potential sources of violence in community, foster collaboration among agencies, and share best practices.
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Participating in the Domestic Violence Free Zone (DVFZ) Steering Committee for the City of Cambridge, providing strategic expertise, planning and support to produce systemic changes in City policy, guide the projects of the DVFZ and organize the City's annual Domestic Violence Awareness Month activities.
Fostering peace through building connections and community by:
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Organizing the annual Cambridge Peace and Justice Awards Dinner, presenting awards to five individuals and a group
reflecting the depth and breadth of work for peace and justice in Cambridge.
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Organizing the City’s annual Martin Luther King Day Commemoration and Remembrance.
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Organizing the 23rd annual Cambridge Citywide Holocaust Commemoration, working with students, artists, musicians, communities of faith, school and library personnel, and City departments to create an inclusive and moving ceremony with music, remembrances and reflections from a survivor of the Holocaust.
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Collaborating with community groups and organizations to create the North Cambridge Peace Project, a neighborhood-based approach to promoting safety, fostering community and creating opportunities for neighbors to get to know each other and build relationships.
Promoting peace and justice while connecting Cambridge with the wider world by:
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Coordinating the Cambridge-Haiti Sister City Committee, which leads the City’s efforts to establish a Sister City in Southern Haiti.
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Participating in a community meeting with a delegation of public safety and government officials visiting from Tajikistan to learn about community policing in Cambridge and how to build support for this approach in their country.
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Working with the West African Research Association (WARA) at Boston University to host a panel discussion on the Association’s West African Peace Initiative, promoting
research and dialogue on peace-building and conflict-resolution efforts in the region.
Quick Links
Contact Information
Brian Corr, Executive Director
51 Inman St.
Cambridge
MA
02139
Phone:617.349.4694
Email Us
Hours of Service
Monday: 8:30am-8pm
Tuesday-Thursday: 8:30am-5pm
Friday: 8:30am-12pm