| Posted: April 18 2005,05:56 |
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PROGRESS: Has your organization seen
progress toward a culture of peace and nonviolence in your domain of
action and in your constituency during the first half of the Decade? |
Progress
toward a culture of peace and nonviolence in Northfield can be
seen in the programs the city has sponsored and encouraged.
The
Chief of Police reports a decline in hate and bias crimes reported
during this period. He further states that an increase in reports
of domestic abuse may not indicate an increase in incidents of abuse
but rather a new confidence in reporting such incidents. This
means we can better deal with the problem. Special programs
in the schools for children who have been abused or witnessed abuse
also help get at root causes. Articles in the Northfield News
announce special training for law enforcement officers and zero
tolerance for abuse.
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OBSTACLES: What are the most important obstacles that have prevented progress?
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Challenges come from busy schedules and budget constraints for programs.
Within
our community there is great support for the principles
underlying a civil, nonviolent society; our challenge is to keep
these principles at the center of the actions of the Council and city
functions, and to encourage their nurture in all parts of the
Northfield community.
Increasing growth in housing, bringing new
residents to town, is also increasing the diversity of population.
Our challenge is to draw these new residents into the life of
the community.
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ACTIONS: What actions have been
undertaken by your organization to promote a culture of peace and
nonviolence during the first half of the Decade?
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In
2000 the Northfield City Council voted to become a Messenger of
the Manifesto for Peace; citizens signed the city site or
the general Manifesto site. In 2002, in response to
a petition signed by 26 local organizations, the Council unanimously
passed a resolution endorsing implementation of the Nobel Laureates'
Appeal, the Decade for a Culture of Peace and Nonviolence, and the
International Day of Peace. The resolution also gave support for
the teaching and practice of nonviolence, the use of resources in the
community and of organizations, and the actions of individuals in
promoting the Decade. The Decade logo is posted on the city web
page, its medallion hangs in the City Hall Chambers, and the logo and
news items appear at intervals in the city newsletter which comes with
city bills.
The City Council meetings are open to
the public. At the beginning of the sessions an open mike period
gives citizens a chance to bring special concerns or information to the
council and the public. Members of the Council
individually and as a group have taken part in seminars promoting
understanding, resolving conflict, and maintaining civility.
The city Human Rights Commission meets meets monthly
to respond to concerns from citizens and to facilitate resolution.
In addition the HRC sponsors the community Martin Luther
King Day celebration in January and presents an annual Human
Rights Award. The Commission developed a Hate Crime Prevention
and Response Plan for Northfield approved by the City Council in
August, 1997; this has continued its work and development since
then with results cited above by Police Chief Gary Smith.
Northfield
Mayor Lee Lansing and local Coordinator for the Decade Judith
Stoutland by the Decade logo in the City Council Chambers.
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ADVICE: What advice would you like to
give to the Secretary-General and the General Assembly to promote a
culture of peace and nonviolence during the second half of the Decade? |
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PARTNERSHIPS: What partnerships and
networks does your organization participate in, thus strengthening the
global movement for a culture of peace? |
We
network with other groups in Northfield in support of our goals for a
fair and democratic society. These include special
educational and recreational programs for children,
advocacy and advising for non-English speaking residents.
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PLANS: What new engagements are
planned by your organization to promote a culture of peace and
nonviolence in the second half of the Decade (2005-2010)? |
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Postal address of organization
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City Hall
801 Washington Street, Northfield, MN 55057, USA
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E-mail address of organization
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Website address of organization
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www.ci.northfield, mn.us
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Highest priority action domain of a culture of peace
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Democratic participation
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Second priority action domain of a culture of peace
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Highest priority country of action (or international)
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Second priority country of action (or international)
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