When a man ponders fatherhood and the immense love he has for his children, he wants to change the world for them with a lasting legacy. And so do mothers and all of us dedicated to creating a culture of peace to leave our grandchildren and all future generations.

We are calling for a national dialogue to address the root causes of violence. The youth in our country and abroad are drastically affected by violence. Now, more than ever, we need new methods to address and solve conflict before it escalates into violence -- both domestically and internationally.

We offer HR 808, legislation to create a cabinet level Department of Peace & Nonviolence, which will give institutional heft to the burgeoning science of peace building. The department will give voice to the latest research and expertise on peaceful efforts. It will fund, support and coordinate programs already in existence -- in schools, prisons, police departments, educational institutions -- that are proven to reduce domestic and international violence and enhance the security and health of all Americans. It will create a uniting framework for existing organizations.

It is time to request our legislators and President Bush to give this serious problem serious consideration, for ourselves and our children and our children's children.

Lynn Ellis

State Coordinator

Maine Campaign for a U.S. Dept. of Peace & Nonviolence

working with The Peace Alliance and the Student Peace Alliance

Wilton

lellis@mainedop.org