Afternoon All,
Jackson here.
Last week, SuperForesters Niki, Andrew, and I went to a fund-raising party for Peace Games, an organization that teaches schoolchildren non-violence and conflict resolution.
Peace Games is an amazing thing, and the numbers they boast of are extraordinary:
After a year of learning the Peace Games curriculum…
- 96% of students reported that they now include peers in their recess and classroom groups and know how to work well together on cooperative teams
- 95% of students reported that Peace Games improved their empathy
- 94% of students reported that Peace Games helped improve their peacemaking skills (communication, cooperation, conflict resolution and engagement)
- 94% of students reported that Peace Games helped them become positively engaged in civic engagement and service learning projects
- 91% of students reported that Peace Games helped them improve their academics
- 91% of students rated the Peace Games program as excellent or good
- 84% reported that their involvement helped improve their school attendance.
Seriously? A ninety-one percent improvement in academics?
Staggering.
So we’re at this fund-raiser, rubbing elbows and saying hello, and we had the good fortune to meet with the Peace Game’s New York Regional Director, Mr. Richard Cardillo.
(That’s him on the right.)
Someone handed Mr. Cardillo a microphone and he proceeded to tell the following story, which really stuck with me, and which I hope will resonate with you.
(Forgive me for paraphrasing, as I had no dictaphone.)
He said:
An American Indian boy was sitting with his Grandfather one night. Grandfather was reading by the light of an old lamp and the boy was playing with blocks, when suddenly the boy sat up.
“Grandfather?” he asked, “How can it be that there is so much suffering in the world? How can people be so cruel to one another, so uncaring?”
Grandfather set his book down and took a deep breath.
“Grandson.” he said, “Inside every single human being there live two wolves. One represents all that is sick and unhealthy. Jealousy, rage, bitterness. Competition and strife. These are the forces that drive this wolf.”
“The other wolf represents all that is good in the human race. Giving, sharing, generosity, peace, tranquility. Opportunity and discovery. These are the wonderful qualities which this wolf embodifies…”
The boy thought for a moment.
“But Grandfather, which wolf will win in the end?”
And Grandfather looked at the boy with love in his heart and said,
“It all depends on which one you feed.”
….
These words had a powerful effect on me. The story is so true. Just as you have to be taught to hate, you must also be taught to love. Just as you must learn destruction, so too can you learn the ways of peace.
Teach peace. Feed the right Wolf.
Peace Games is an extraordinary operation and if you have the time to check out their site, please do so.
If you are financially able, consider making a donation. And if you have time, but not a lot of money, consider donating that instead. Volunteers are the lifeblood of any outreach organization.
Special thanks to Peace Games, Mr. Richard Cardillo for his hard work and tireless dedication to peace, and to Mr. Jon Rubinstein, who serves as a guiding force for SuperForest and was instrumental in getting us invited to the shin-dig in the first place.
Love to all,
Jackson and Team SuperForest
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