Council Communication February 2, 2015, Study Session

Discussion of “Culture of ” Commission proposal

FROM: Dave Kanner, city administrator, [email protected]

SUMMARY The City Council was approached by a group of citizens last fall with a request that the City create a Commission as a standing City advisory body. Council requested that the matter be scheduled for a study session discussion. Materials provided to the City by supporters of this initiative suggest that the primary responsibilities of the Culture of Peace Commission would be to: “[H]elp Ashland raise its visibility nationally and internationally as a city that has intentionally created a culture of peace. This has implications for the growing international Peace Tourism business. The powers, duties and responsibilities of the commission shall be to make peacebuilding a clear and dynamic force in our city through education and deliberate actions that bring principles of peace to all aspects of community life.”

BACKGROUND AND POLICY IMPLICATIONS: A group of citizens representing the Culture of Peace Initiative approached the City Council last October with a request that the City create a Culture of Peace Commission as a standing City advisory body. According materials provided to the Council at that time, “The objective is to bring together a formal Commission whose members are skilled in non-violent communication, compassionate listening, mediation and other peacebuilding disciplines.” Again according to materials provide to the Council, the goals of this initiative are as follows: “Our goal is an Ashland that identifies itself as a culture of peace, both as a commitment to itself and a self-presentation to the world. Integral to achieving that goal are: “• Official guidance of this enterprise by the City of Ashland through a peace commission. “• A commitment by the Ashland School District to promote throughout the schools, including the use of nonviolent communication and conflict resolution at all grade levels. “• On-going, inclusive explorations of what it means to be a culture of peace, identification of ways to more completely realize that culture, and frequent publicizing of Peacebuilding work. “• The awareness by all segments of Ashland of how they are already building a culture of peace, and their commitment to develop further that dimension of their activities. “• Widespread use of Peacebuilding tools that emphasize mutual respect and restoration of right relationships.”

The Council has the ability to create a new standing commission by adopting an ordinance that would become a new chapter in Title 2 of the Ashland Municipal Code. The citizens representing the Culture of Peace Initiative have drafted a proposed ordinance, which is attached.

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The cities of Berkeley, CA, Cambridge, MA, and New Haven, CT, have peace commissions. Information about those cities’ commissions is also attached.

COUNCIL GOALS SUPPORTED: N/A

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS: Creating a new commission would undoubtedly involve some cost, although those costs have not been calculated. Given how thin existing staff is stretched with existing boards and commissions, we would almost certainly need to hire someone, even if only on a part-time basis, to staff this new commission.

STAFF RECOMMENDATION AND REQUESTED ACTION: N/A. This item is presented for discussion and direction to staff only.

SUGGESTED MOTION N/A

ATTACHMENTS: Letter to Mayor and Council from Culture of Peace Initiative, October 2014 Culture of Peace Initiative mission statement Proposed ordinance creating a Culture of Peace Commission Examples of peace commissions in other cities

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Culture of Peace Commission – Proposal to Ashland Mayor and City Council When: Tuesday, October 21st 6:30pm Supporters Rally, 7:00pm Presentation Where:

Goals of Culture of Peace Initiative – Ashland

Our goal is an Ashland that identifies itself as a culture of peace, both as a commitment to itself and a self-presentation to the world. Integral to achieving that goal are:

• Official guidance of this enterprise by the City of Ashland through a peace commission. • A commitment by the Ashland School District to promote peace education throughout the schools, including the use of nonviolent communication and conflict resolution at all grade levels. • On-going, inclusive explorations of what it means to be a culture of peace, identification of ways to more completely realize that culture, and frequent publicizing of Peacebuilding work. • The awareness by all segments of Ashland of how they are already building a culture of peace, and their commitment to develop further that dimension of their activities. • Widespread use of Peacebuilding tools that emphasize mutual respect and restoration of right relationships.

What is a Culture of Peace?

“A culture of peace is a set of values, attitudes, traditions and modes of behavior and ways of life…”*

Ashland thoughts: “Redefine our societal definitions of success that is based on our interdependence that we all prosper in a culture that respects and values the contribution of all parts of the community.”

“Conscious of the rights and well-being of each other and to live to support that well-being in all actions and decisions at all levels.”

“Becoming more conscious of the human dynamic.”

“Awakening to what is the essence of being human.”

“Living together in a community on all levels - local, state national international.”

“Respect for people with different views and ideas.”

“Society where we value each other. It takes a village so what does that look like? Work in harmony with each other.” “Understanding of our interdependence - a bright future depends on a bright future for us all. A shared human identity and common destiny. Opposite of violence and prejudice.”

A culture of peace has been a dream and hope for human beings for thousands of years, even though different words may have been used. In the last half of the 20th Century a more precise focus and language has emerged which serves as a guideline for those seeking and leading in this quest.

“…my experience and research have convinced me that the world is on the verge of the greatest change in human history: the transition from the culture of war that we have had for tens of thousands of years to a new culture, a culture of peace.” David Adams, Director, UNESCO

This is about shifting mindset and behavior in all aspects of our societies as we move from force to reason, from conflict and violence to dialogue and Peacebuilding and embrace humanity’s interconnectedness and inner oneness. It has become well-established that the pathway to a peace culture is through local efforts in NGOs, education, government, business, and environment that come together to better understand each other and create new possibilities. Education, and specifically peace education, is an essential ingredient.

Cities are the real societal structural level where the Culture of Peace rubber meets the road. The individual person is always the bottom line in Peace and Peacebuilding daily choices, but it is the city that has the reach, authority, responsibility and influence to set the positive tone and direction for so many people. This can be done by beginning to use the Culture of Peace as a compass for guidance and a lens to see and understand differently. This is relatively new territory in the early stages and where we are co-creating together.

The growing Culture of Peace is actually alive and well in many cities, but is often invisible and not identified or nourished directly. The results and benefits of embracing and living in a Culture of Peace are enormous and pervasive in health, happiness, prosperity, sustainability and a legacy for future generations!

As defined by the United Nations, the Culture of Peace is a set of values, attitudes, modes of behavior and ways of life that reject violence and prevent conflicts by tackling their root causes to solve problems through dialogue and negotiation among individuals, groups and nations (UN Resolutions A/RES/52/13).

* United Nations Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace (A/RES/53/243). www.cpi-ashland.org

DRAFT DRAFT ASHLAND ORDINANCE NO. ______

AN ORDINANCE CREATING THE CULTURE OF PEACE COMMISSION (CPC)

WHEREAS, the City Council desires to codify the creation of the Culture of Peace Commission in the Ashland Municipal Code; and

THE PEOPLE OF THE CITY OF ASHLAND DO ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. A new Chapter 2.18, Culture of Peace Commission, is hereby established to read as follows:

Whereas the city of Ashland is known internationally for its creativity, culture, forward thinking, support for children and to continue its efforts to promote respect, free expression and positive relationships, the council recognizes the following:

A) A city with a strong culture of peace is safer, healthier, more harmonious, builds strong neighborhoods and community relations and attracts people and business investment;

B) by formally becoming a culture of peace community the City of Ashland empowers it's citizens to develop a sense of cooperation and reinvigorated hope, and become more caring and compassionate;

C) the and the United Nations through its 1999 Programme for Action have called about individuals and governments to take action to build a culture of peace;

D) Mayor John Stromberg through his International Day of Peace Proclamation asked that all citizens find ways to expand peacebuilding activities;

E) the Ashland CPC builds responsibility and accountability throughout the city for maintaining and enhancing a culture of peace and serves as an international model for the world and our children; and

F) the Ashland CPC increases positive community relationships and reduces costly litigation and administrative costs associated with conflict.

2.18.010 Established-Membership. The Culture of Peace Commission is established and shall consist of nine voting members including one representative from Southern Oregon University; and one representative from the Ashland School District and seven (7) other voting members. At least five (5) of the other members shall reside within the city. The commission shall also consist of certain non-voting ex officio members, including the mayor or one council member serving as council liaison, and the Department of Community Development Director and City Administrator. Voting members shall be appointed by the Mayor with confirmation by the City Council and shall be individuals with special skills and/or experience in peacebuilding, non-violent communication, compassionate listening, mediation or other related skills.

2.18.020 Terms-Vacancies. The term of voting members shall be for three years, expiring on April 30 of each year. Any vacancy shall be filled by appointment by the Mayor with confirmation by the City Council for the unexpired portion of the term. The terms of the initial nine members shall be three members for one year, three for two years, and three for three years, which shall be drawn by lot at the first meeting of the commission after the adoption of this resolution. Their successors shall be appointed for three-year terms. Any commissioner who has four or more unexcused absences in a one-year period shall be considered no longer active and the position vacant and a new person shall be appointed to fill the vacancy.

2.18.030 Quorum-Rules and Meetings. Five voting members of the commission shall constitute a quorum. If a quorum is present, the affirmative vote of a majority of commissioners present at the meeting and entitled to vote shall be sufficient to conduct business. The commission may make rules and regulations for its meetings and procedures consistent with city ordinances and this resolution, and shall meet at least once every month. At its first meeting, the commission shall elect a chair and vice- chair who shall serve for a period of one year or until replaced by the commission.

2.18.040 Powers and Duties – _Generally. The Commission will help Ashland raise its visibility nationally and internationally as a city that has intentionally created a culture of peace. The powers, duties and responsibilities of the commission shall be to make peacebuilding a clear and dynamic force in our city through education and deliberate actions, that bring principles of peace to all aspects of community life, including but not limited to the following:

A) Recommending to the city council the adoption of policies, implementation strategies and funding related to peaceful conflict resolution and enhanced community peacebuilding;

B) Preparing an annual State of Peace in Ashland Report for the Council and community;

C) Becoming proactive toward community and relationship building rather than reactive to conflicts;

D) Dedicating two months a year to be devoted to enhanced peacebuilding in Ashland;

E) Collecting information and research on community peacebuilding activities and methods around the world;

F) Holding and sharing a vision of a Culture of Peace;

G) Affirming and collaborating with the city’s many existing organizations and individuals already self- consciously engaged in peace building, and helping all sectors of the city realize how their work can contribute to expanding the culture of peace in Ashland;

H) Providing access to resources and tools to help the parties within government or the community achieve constructive resolutions to conflicts;

I) Counseling residents on the most effective ways to bring their needs to city government or suggesting constructive alternatives to expand and open dialogue in the event they are not satisfied with the response;

J) Enhancing peacebuilding within all city departments and governmental entities and partner with them to increase awareness of the impact their plans and actions could have on relationships within Ashland;

2.18.050 The commission shall submit copies of its minutes to the City Council and shall prepare and submit such reports as from time to time may be requested by the council. A representative of the Commissioner shall be present at all regular City Council meetings.

2.18.060 Compensation. Voting members of the Commission shall receive no compensation for services rendered.

2.18.061 Continuation of existing appointments. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Ordinance, currently seated Culture of Peace Commission voting members, appointed under authority of Resolution 95-19, (exclusive of the Mayor and Council Liaison)shall be considered appointed for purposes of this ordinance with term expirations as they currently exist. Vacancies shall be filled as provided in this ordinance. Members who have violated the four or more unexcused absences in a one- year provision of Resolution 95-19 shall not be excused by this Section.

SECTION 2. Severability. The sections, subsections, paragraphs and clauses of this ordinance are severable. The invalidity of one section, subsection, paragraph, or clause shall not affect the validity of the remaining sections, subsections, paragraphs and clauses.

SECTION 3. Codification. Provisions of this Ordinance shall be incorporated in the City Code and the word “ordinance” _may be changed to “code”, “article”, “section”, “chapter” _or another word, and the sections of this Ordinance may be renumbered, or re-lettered, provided however that any Whereas clauses and boilerplate provisions (i.e. Sections 2-3) need not be codified and the City Recorder is authorized to correct any cross-references and any typographical errors.

The foregoing ordinance was first read by title only in accordance with Article X, Section 2(C) of the City Charter on the ______day of ______, 2014 and duly PASSED and ADOPTED this ______day of ______, 2014 ______Barbara Christensen, City Recorder

SIGNED and APPROVED this ______day of ______, 2014

Reviewed as to form: ______, City Attorney CURRENT CITY PEACE COMMISSIONS

The City of Berkeley Peace and Justice Commission “Advises the Council and the School Board on issues of peace and social justice. Creates citizen awareness and develops educational programs. Total membership is fifteen. Each Council member and School Director makes one appointment.”

The City of New Haven Peace Commission is charged with the mission of promoting a culture of peace in New Haven and around the world. Its ordinance says that “it shall be the function of the Commission to, in conjunction with the city government and its departments, educational institutions, public and private agencies, and other interested organizations, work with such city government and its organizations toward a peaceful world, through public dissemination of relevant information and through educational outreach to the schools and citizens of New Haven.”

The City of Cambridge Peace 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, in organizations, work with such city government and its organizations toward a peaceful world, through public dissemination of relevant information and through educational outreach to the schools and citizens of New Haven. The 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's presence in Cambridge city government is a concrete expression of the City's innovative, creative and inclusive approach – valuing an engaged, informed and concerned community. The Commission works with schools and communities to ensure that difference is understood and celebrated, so that sources of violence are recognized and addressed, allowing all residents to contribute to making Cambridge an equitable and peaceful community. The Commission also pays special attention to violence and inequality affecting young people through creative programs such as its Summer of Peace Initiative. 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, including those with Yerevan, Armenia and San José Las Flores, El Salvador. As established by Chapter 2.90 of Cambridge Municipal Code, the Cambridge Peace Commission consists of up to twenty members, appointed for a term of three years. Commissioners must be residents of the City at the time of appointment. The Commission shall be representative of the socio-economic, racial, and ethnic populations of the City. Members of the Commission are appointed by the City Manager from recommendations provided by the Commission. The Commission received New York Times coverage of its formation and additional press reports. http://www.nytimes.com/1987/12/20/nyregion/peace-panel- proposed-in-new-haven.html. http://www.culture-of- peace.info/vita/1990/Planning.pdf