TPRF Real Stories

PEP Manager Sherry Weinstein shares an interesting story about the introduction of the Peace Education Program at San Quentin State Prison in California.

This is a story about not giving up and showing your humanity.

There is a nurse named Sue Patrick, who has worked at San Quentin State Prison for over 20 years.

Fifteen years ago, she began listening to Prem Rawat’s talks, and ever since then, she and her friend, Carole Diaz, have wanted to bring Prem Rawat’s message of peace to the inmates—and they have.

In 2007, the “Words of Peace” series was approved by the Director of Education at San Quentin for broadcast on SQTV, the closed-circuit TV station at the prison. When the new prison library opened, Sue donated copies of “Peace is Possible,” a biography of Prem Rawat, and ADI magazines, featuring excerpts of his international addresses. In 2011, Sue and Carole donated two new Hitachi external hard drives to SQTV, to upgrade the TV station’s equipment.

San Quentin is the oldest prison in California with 5,000 inmates, and most have a TV in their cells. 700 inmates are on Death Row, and the rest are “Lifers.”

Carole, who I know and appreciate so much, called me about a year ago, because she and Sue wanted to do a PEP program at the prison. They formed a team including Ted Wright and Rik Penn as facilitators.

Sue and Sherry

Meanwhile, the prison newspaper, San Quentin News, staffed entirely by inmates with an outside advisor or two, wanted to interview Sue. She is loved by all because she genuinely cares about everyone and treats each person with so much respect. Instead of the interview with Sue, the team formed a strategy and made an alternative proposal.

“I have someone better to interview—the Peace Education Program Manager,” Sue said. The idea was to have me do the newspaper interview, have the paper write about PEP and announce an introductory program in the large chapel/auditorium, where inmates could come and sign up.

It took about 6 months, but I finally got clearance to go. With very little notice, the prison gave us a date for the program—February 22, from 9:00 to 10:00 AM. The team flew me up the night before. We had a great meeting about PEP, and they put me up in a nice hotel near San Quentin, which ironically is situated in a beautiful spot surrounded by water.

The next morning, we met Sue at the prison at 8:30 am. Carole waited outside, and Sue escorted me first past a guard, then through some buildings to the courtyard, through the middle of a court where a lot of guys were playing basketball (everyone stopped to say hi to Sue), and then down to a trailer where the newspaper people were gathered to do the interview. I expected about two or three guys sitting across from me. Instead, I encountered the entire Journalism Guild, about 25 men and one woman, who is an outside advisor to the newspaper.

A podium and microphone had been set up for me, and a crew filmed the interview for TV. I spoke about PEP—really spoke from my heart—about the program and the way Prem Rawat sees the beauty and value of each person, mentioning his visits to various prison facilities.

The journalists were writing everything down! When I mentioned the 10 themes, they asked me to say them slowly, so they could get all of them… Peace, appreciation, inner-strength. As I was speaking, the guys were smiling, nodding their heads, totally focused, soaking it up.

Then, at one point, the writers were told they could ask questions, and so many hands went up. The Assistant Editor stood up and started calling on people. They asked me how I initially got involved, how Prem Rawat started doing this, how it was different from a religion, how Prem Rawat’s message was different from Deepak Chopra, how it compared to Ifa—an ancient West African philosophy celebrating the energy of life that is within everyone.

At the end, after someone asked a question about religion, an older, respected man sitting on the side spoke up and said, “I have read articles by Prem Rawat, and I can tell you, this is not a religion. This man is very inspiring!”

Then it was over. Most of the people left and the advisor and the Assistant Editor both thanked me heartily for coming. They said they were very interested in having the Peace Education Program at San Quentin, that they were cutting down on seminars that all seemed alike, but wanted to launch a new project and wanted PEP to be part of it. They asked if I could come back later in March and talk with a group launching it. I mentioned Sue and the team, but they wanted me to come, and took my card.

As I was walking away with Sue, feeling totally transformed by these people, a young man who had been in the front row came up to me. He asked if we could get Prem Rawat to come for the May 11th Peace Day, an annual tradition at the prison, with speakers and a lot of promotion.

When I said his schedule was full already, but maybe next year, if there was a Peace Education Program and people appreciated his message, the young man responded, “I’m going to work on that, getting the program here and getting Prem Rawat to come and speak with us next year! I’m going to make it happen.”

Then I asked him if I could write down a question he had asked during the interview, and he repeated it:

“Would you say that it is an accurate summary of what you said about the difference between religion and what Prem Rawat offers is that religion prescribes a way of living and gives precepts, while with these teachings of Prem Rawat, you learn who you are, and from that wisdom, you can show yourself how to live?”

I couldn’t agree more.

Since then, word went around the prison about PEP, and now 120 inmates have signed up for the class, even before the article has come out in the newspaper (expected sometime in April).

San Quentin News Staff

Sherry Weinstein has been TPRF’s Manager of the Peace Education Program for the past two years. In last week’s post, we explored the dynamic expansion of the PEP program in 2012. In part two of this update, Sherry provides a detailed look at new programs developing around the world plus TPRF’s priorities for continued growth in 2013.

EXPANSION

Currently, there are 9 new areas where PEP workshops are being offered in addition to the original prison programs around the world: colleges/adult education, community-based programs, hospice staff programs, nursing homes, retirement communities, parolees, and youth programs. PEP programs for veterans and for end-of-life patients are also in development.

New PEP workshops are starting in 12 countries in the first quarter of 2013: Australia, Brazil, Denmark, Germany, Italy, New Zealand, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, Trinidad, and the United States.

The following 2013 new programs have started or been expanded:

• Near Seattle, the Evergreen Hospice workshop averages 15 staff members each week.

• In Sun City, AZ, a retirement community program averages 30 to 40 people each week.

• Denmark’s largest adult education provider (AOF) has welcomed the PEP as a pilot program.

• Yunlin Prison in Taiwan averages 68 attendees per week.

• In South America there are 14 programs offered: Argentina (4), Bolivia (1), Brazil (3), Colombia (1), Peru (4), and Uruguay (1).

• Spain now has 13 prison programs, and volunteer teams are forming to introduce PEP in nursing homes and universities.

There are also opportunities for PEP to be presented at various conventions worldwide.

 TRANSLATION

Besides expanding PEP to other institutions or community-based services, translation is a big priority for 2013. Currently, translation is almost complete in seven languages: French, German, Italian, Portuguese for Portugal and Brazil, Serbian, and Swedish. Eight more languages are well on their way to completion, including Spanish for Europe and South America.

“I can see the PEP in programs around the world, from colleges to retirement communities,” Sherry says. “This program can enrich a person’s life, no matter where they are. These innate resources are already within each person and can help bring even more appreciation for life.”

To find out more about PEP, go to the PEP homepage.

Oxnard California Parolee Program

Sherry Weinstein has been TPRF’s Manager of the Peace Education Program for the past two years. In this two-part report, Sherry brings us up to date on the dramatic expansion of the program during 2012 and the TPRF plan for continued growth in 2013.

What do some inmates in Zonderwater, South Africa; a small community in Subotica, Serbia; and senior citizens in Sun City, Arizona all have in common? They all are students of the Peace Education Program (PEP), a 10-week multimedia workshop based on discovering inner resources such as joy, peace, and hope.

As the PEP Manager, I have witnessed the inception and evolution of PEP from its beginning as a prison-based program to one that is being received enthusiastically in all kinds of organizations across the globe.

The Peace Education Program (PEP) has expanded rapidly over the past year.

At the end of 2011, more than 55 PEP workshops were offered in 10 prisons to 1,200 participants with the help of 100 volunteers. By the end of 2012, there were more than 125 workshops with 8,549 inmates attending in 33 prisons in 12 countries, with hundreds of volunteers involved in setting up the workshops.

PEP is gaining recognition from various organizations that are seeing the impact in the participants’ lives. For example, in the Dominquez State Jail in San Antonio, Texas, the former head of Correctional Officers said, “This program has been so effective. There have been no incidents of violence among the participants and very few returning to this prison.”

Catherine Gavigan taught a pilot PEP class at an international business college in Brisbane, Australia. One of her students wrote, “I never knew we had inner resources.”

One of the parolees in the Oxnard, California PEP program asked, “Can I continue to come after I have finished all the sessions? I want to share with other parolees what I have enjoyed discovering and experiencing.”

In a recent PEP for staff at the Evergreen Hospice in Washington, one of the participants commented, “It gave me a lot of hope hearing Prem Rawat’s words that peace is possible.”

TPRF Founder, Prem Rawat, visited three prisons last year: Dominguez State Jail in San Antonio, Texas; Ezeiza Women’s Prison, unit 31, in Buenos Aires, Argentina; and Zonderwater prison in South Africa.

Comments from inmates at Zonderwater prison about PEP:

“I wish that Peace Education could reach the ends of the world.”

“I would like to thank each and every person who made it possible for me to know about peace. It really changes my life a lot, and I wish that it can change other people’s lives, too.”

Texas PEP Panel Members

On Friday, November 16, 2012, Prem Rawat addressed the inmates at Zonderwater Maximum Security Correctional Facility in South Africa. The event had a powerful effect on the inmates, who were keen to express their appreciation.

Please Note: Photos from Zonderwater Prison are not available at this time.

When I heard that Prem Rawat was coming to Zonderwater, the expectation was indescribable, that this great man was giving of his time to speak to us. It lived up to every expectation that I had and more. We still talk on a daily basis about what he said here and are still pinching ourselves to make sure that we are awake and it was not a dream.

Zingisile

I was so blessed to have an opportunity to see and listen to Mr. Prem Rawat. He has inspired me a great deal, knowing today that peace is not something we can buy over the counter. It lives within us every day.

Sizwe

To be a guest at Mr. Prem Rawat’s speech on Friday was really a great honor to me and the experience of a lifetime. It made me feel very humble.

Dumisane

It was a big day to me to see someone like Mr. Rawat come to our prison. It really touched me. Even tears were coming in my eyes. I wish for a second chance to see him again. I was very touched by his phrases and especially by the story of the man on the donkey who carried the load on his own shoulders.

King

Friday was a very good day for me, the moment I’ve been waiting for—to meet Prem Rawat and see him with my own eyes. Unfortunately, I didn’t have a chance to ask him a question, but it was very nice to hear him talking and telling us stories, which I enjoyed very much. I think that from now on I will change my behavior and do the right things in life, because of what I’ve learned about peace from Prem Rawat and the whole team as well.

Jeremy

It was overwhelming to see the man himself. His eyes were so deep.

Vusi

I was very excited. I have been longing and wishing to see him in person. I thought that maybe when I get out of prison one day I might hear that he is nearby and would go to see him somewhere in Africa. But he came here to us.

It was overwhelming. I had tears in my eyes and I felt like crying. I was skeptical that he would come. But to finally meet him was an honor. Also, we are fortunate to be part of the first group having the PEP in South Africa.

Themba

I am thankful for his effort in coming to South Africa. It shows me how concerned he is about us here in Zonderwater. It changed my mind when I started to listen to him. It made me feel that I’m still a human being. When I lie in bed before I go to sleep, I try to remember all his words. It helps me a lot. And I want to be that lion he talks about [who knows who he really is.]

Simphiwe

I am thankful for the privilege of this PEP course. I’ve learned a lot. For me, being in prison has been a blessing in disguise. I’ve understood what peace means. For me, being in prison means we are here to learn. I know what I’m capable of without having fear. And for that, I thank Mr. Prem Rawat for taking the time to come and teach people like us.

Fuzile

Meeting Prem Rawat was wonderful. Even before he spoke, just him being there, I was restored as a human being. When he speaks, he says life is simple, and we make it complicated. I wished his talk wouldn’t end and would go on and on. I listen to his talks every day, even repeats, and every time I get something new.

Pepsi

I enjoyed myself listening to Prem Rawat. It was the first time I ever enjoyed myself in prison.

Amos

It was a wonderful, wonderful day. I enjoyed the story of the donkey. It made me realize that if I want peace, I have to leave my old ways. I can’t have peace with so many things in my mind.

Ephraim

On Friday I woke up sick, so I could not go. I was so disappointed. But I caught a glimpse of Mr. Prem Rawat walking into the prison, and it was like candy to a child. I was so inspired that he took the time from the outside world to come and see us. Some of those who leave go back to their old habits or commit suicide. But I want to go out and do well. I’d like to thank Prem Rawat.

Texas prison officials recently invited a unique group of volunteers to offer a presentation of the Peace Education Program (PEP) at the annual meeting of the Texas Community Service Association (TCSA) in San Antonio, Texas. This association is comprised of probation and parole officers and other Criminal Justice professionals from around the State. The conference, designed to be a forum for the discussion of correctional solutions for juveniles and adults, featured appearances from Mayor Julian Castro, TCSA members, and some university professors, such as Dr. Michael Tapia and Dr. Michael Gilbert.

The invitation to participate in the conference came from Pete Gonzales, president of the TCSA.  Pete is the supervisor for the Community Service Restitution Program of the Bexar County Juvenile Probation Department.  He heard Prem Rawat’s address at the University of Texas in San Antonio earlier this year and later requested a Peace Education Pilot Program for the local Juvenile Probation Department.

The Peace Education Presenters

The Peace Education Program was the final presentation of the three-day conference. As the last day served mostly as a wrap-up session, many people were wondering what this last session would be all about. The panel presentation began with a screening of the video Peace on the Inside, Part I.  Afterwards, when the lights came back on, many audience members were surprised to see some of the same people who had just appeared in the video seated before them.

The panel members included former Dominguez Peace Education students David Sigee, Chase Cowen, Lisandro Martinez, and Trinidad Silva. Roberto and Chantal Piriz, the class founders, and Hope Cavillo, serving as moderator, rounded out the panel.

Many people will remember these former Dominguez students from the Peace on the Inside videos, and most recently, Trinidad Silva, who gave the memorable quote, “If everyone in prison were to find peace, it would shock the world.”

Trinidad Silva

After the video, the presenters simply asked the audience if they had any questions for the panelists.  Many of the initial questions came from people wanting to know how the program could be implemented in their areas or how it could be applied to juvenile facilities.  One by one, the panelists took turns answering questions, sharing their experiences of the program and describing how it has benefited and transformed their lives.

Several of the panelists said that they regularly listened to Words of Peace videos and mentioned how they helped them to stay in tune with their inner peace.

One member of the audience asked what the students would do if, for some reason, they couldn’t watch the videos. Without missing a beat, Trinidad said that it is not only about watching the videos, but it is about a peace that is already inside of everyone. It is something that he can use in every situation.

It seemed to me the audience was completely unprepared for the level of sincerity, confidence, and passion coming from these students.  Several of the panelists had traveled long distances just to be there, and the audience appeared to appreciate their dedication and efforts.

Chase Cowen

The former offenders seemed to shatter any anti-social stereotypes with the open and articulate sharing of their own life lessons.

One woman in the audience said she could understand the purpose of the program because she too was working on finding peace, and could relate to a program aimed at helping people get in touch with their hearts.

Two other participants from different parts of Texas asked if the panel would be willing to travel and give similar presentations in their districts, and the panelists expressed an interest in this suggestion.

Mrs. Calvillo, who has been working in the corrections field for 25 years, kept the presentation moving by tying questions and answers together with relevant examples from the program. Roberto and Chantal Piriz each offered insights that helped to clarify the history, goals, and purpose of the class.  The hour-long presentation seemed to fly by, and everyone agreed it could have continued for much longer.

After the presentation, the audience gave the panel a rousing round of applause.  One parole officer said he was completely astounded, calling it a real showstopper.  The Vice-President of the TCSA said she had been in corrections for 20 years and that this was the most fantastic presentation she had ever experienced.  She added that she was retiring in a couple of years and would be interested in promoting this program in her own area.

David Sigee

Many participants took home literature and publications and seemed genuinely interested in the possibility of learning more.  In the end, there was an overwhelming consensus that the Peace Education Program was an exciting new possibility that merited further attention.

I am looking forward to viewing the video of this event when it is finally released.

John Snyder

Lisandro Martinez

Parolees Enroll in Peace Education Classes in Oxnard, CA

Chantal Berclaz and Peter King are two of the volunteers facilitating the PEP curriculum now available to parolees in Oxnard, California. Upon their release from prison, parolees are required to attend a resource meeting where presentations are made by several groups for the purpose of providing guidance and encouragement to help with the transition back into society. Chantal and Peter wrote this informative update about the efforts being made to provide peace education classes to former inmates.

Since last April, Peter King, Bill Sparks and I have had the privilege of presenting a PEP video, ”Peace on the Inside,” at the bi-monthly meeting for parolees in Oxnard. After watching the DVD presentation, many parolees approach our table for further information, and several sign up to attend the PEP sessions, which are now held in Oxnard every week.

The video had a noticeable impact on the resource people present in the room as well. Some of them inquired about the possibility of offering the program to other communities. They commented in particular about how focused and moved the parolees appeared as they watched the DVD. This kind of focus is rare, as most parolees become disoriented from their efforts to engage in a world that has changed during the 5 or 10 years they have spent in jail. It is difficult process for each of these individuals to figure out how they are going to make it “on the outside.”

Only a few people made it to the first session of the program in Oxnard when we began it in August, 2012. But even those first classes were beautiful and moving. We felt confident that the class would grow as the parolees learned more about their inner resources. Session after session, we have been witnessing a transformation in attendees.

We have been particularly moved by one of the parolees in the Oxnard program. After watching each DVD, Jim thinks about it, takes notes, and then shares what he is feeling. One day he asked, “Can I continue to come after I have finished all the sessions? I want to share with other parolees what I have enjoyed discovering and experiencing.”

Jim has already begun inviting people to attend the sessions. “This morning,” he said, “I was overwhelmingly happy, for no reason.” With great kindness in his eyes, he continued, “It is hard to see the greed and the lack of care of this world. I want to help, maybe by smiling at someone, or whatever I can do to make the person feel better.”

It is extraordinary to see hope, love, joy, gratefulness, and kindness surfacing no matter what has happened in the past, what the current circumstances are like, or what the future may look like. In a world where hope is so thin and daily life so challenging, I am moved to see PEP touching the human side—that heart that has never lost its beauty or it’s innocence, even though it may have been buried for years or decades.

This link “Peace Day and The Message of Prem Rawat“ shows where independent initiatives, events and activities will be happening throughout the world on the International Day of Peace – September 21^st or the weekend following. All of these events are inspired by a dedication to peace and are initiated, sponsored, and supported locally.

If you wish to have your event added to this map, email: sept21info@tprf.org, even if it’s after this date. We would still like to give everyone who celebrated Prem Rawat’s unique message of peace their own “bubble” to highlight their efforts. The map will be up and running for a while after September 21^st.

After our August blog post there were only a couple of drops of interest.  But slowly, the interest swelled to a global river of event submissions and inquiries from people looking to find activities in their own cities to attend.

Some undertakings are specific events like the Peace Education Program presentation’s at City Hall in Lansing, MI and another in Berlin. In other cases, coalition activities at Peace Day festivals and concerts will see materials about The Prem Rawat Foundation’s signature programs shared from Mauritius to Berlin, in Nepal and India, and in the French Andes at a village called Montégut-Arros.

In addition to face-to-face events, two of the activities listed on the map are broadcasts. One will originate in Ireland and go out via radio to at least twenty-two stations across the country.  Visit their Facebook page to learn more.

Christine Lynn, one of the organizers, told us, “We put together a one hour radio program to promote and support International Peace Day. We will include poems, songs, news of events supporting Peace Day in Ireland and world-wide, sayings and stories, all related to International Peace Day.”

In Florida, an ambitious idea that sprouted months ago resulted in the Necessity of Peace Global Webcast to honor the International Day of Peace. The Florida Peace Initiative website is where to go for details about this two day event. David Weinberg, part of this team, sent us their mission statement, which reads in part:

“The intent of the webcast is to showcase peace as a fundamental need shared by people around the world, and to highlight the resources we have within ourselves to make peace possible.”

There is even a youtube channel which states, “The Necessity of Peace Conference invites individuals from every walk of life and field of endeavor to propose dynamic, enthusiastic presentations about The Necessity of Peace.”

This interactive map seems somehow symbolic; once again reminding us all what a tiny “island” each of us sits on as we spin along through space together, sharing the potential to make the voice of peace the loudest one of all.

Happy Peace Day!

Neva Ingalls is a certified yoga therapist with Yoga Alliance and director of Inner DomainYoga teacher training program. Neva is a 55-year-old mother with thirty years of experience in dance as a healing art, Ashtanga, Iyengar, Vinyasa, Raja and Tantra Yoga.  She has taught in Europe and the United States. Her classes teach students to find a balance of strength, vitality, surrender and flow that can be carried from the mat into all aspects of life.

Neva wrote this blog to share her first-hand experience of the benefits prison inmates derive from their Peace Education Classes at the Montgomery County Correctional Facility in Maryland.

I was fortunate to hear Prem Rawat speak recently at the Warner Theater in Washington DC in July of 2012. The DVD portraying the Peace Education Program being implemented in prisons across the country, particularly the facility in San Antonio, Texas, moved me deeply.

Seeing and hearing these men express hope and a positive vision for the future based on what they understood from listening to Prem Rawat struck me powerfully. I realized that Prem Rawat’s message of the possibility of inner peace was an important message to share with people in any environment.

Shortly after the Washington DC event, I was invited to observe a Hatha yoga (physical yoga practice) at the MCCF in Maryland.  An esteemed colleague of mine has taught the class on a voluntary basis for over 15 years. She teaches a group of men and women (separately) who have addiction issues.

I accepted the invitation, seeing it as an opportunity to explore the possibility of introducing Prem Rawat’s message at the prison. I lent a DVD of one of Prem Rawat’s public addresses to my yoga colleague and told her about the success of the Peace Education Program in reaching and helping prisoners around the country in a very tangible way.

My friend said that she did not feel a connection with Prem Rawat, so I dropped the idea and accompanied her anyway, slightly discouraged, but still hoping I could help in some way.

We arrived and guards escorted us through security and long corridors of automatically locking steel doors. Quite intimidating! The young women I encountered that day seemed listless but committed to being at my friend’s yoga class.

My friend introduced me as a guest teacher observing the class. She began with an overview of yoga philosophy. Although, many Hatha yoga classes taught today focus primarily on the physical body, my friend received her training from respected teachers in India years ago. She emphasizes the core teaching of finding a stillness that is sacred within.

Shortly after the class began, one of the students raised her hand and asked if we knew of Prem Rawat! Three or four others joined in enthusiastically, wanting to know if we’d heard of him. Imagine my surprise, elation and slight chagrin, because, of course it became clear to me that Prem Rawat’s message had already been introduced at this facility. I was very happy to realize this after my initial embarrassment!

My friend told the girls that I was a long time student of Prem Rawat. They wanted to know all about my relationship with him.

I described my introduction to Prem Rawat in 1975, and explained how his message of peace has profoundly affected my life in a positive way. The women were so excited! The energy in the room was so significantly altered and full of light, laughter and joy. It was amazing to see the transformation from the listless inmates I first encountered to these young women bubbling with joy and hope. Two or three students declared the first thing they planned to do upon their release was to go and see him in person.

One girl said, “After hearing him, there is no going back!”

I have to say that for me, seeing this example of transformation first-hand made this whole experience of going to the prison one of hope, joy and gratitude. I felt there was a reason I went, beyond observing my friend teach.

Once again, Prem Rawat touched my life in a deeply personal way. Words cannot describe how grateful I am to him for his determination to bring his message of peace to me and anyone else who wants to listen. I am thrilled that Chris Taney and the Maryland PEP team took the initiative to establish PEP at the MCCF.

Inmate Artwork from Montgomery County Correctional Program

After the event in Ezeiza Women’s Prison last April, Prem Rawat wanted to give the inmates a special lunch as a gift. Marcela Isaurralde is one of the volunteers who helped plan the celebration. This is her account of the lunch which took place on Monday, July 23, 2012.

When we arrived at the gym where the event was to take place, curious inmates began to join in. Some already knew what was going to happen that afternoon; others had no idea. Right then, they hurried to invite others, person to person. We brought a big screen, excellent projector and some handsome, friendly male volunteers, which the inmates loved. By 2 p.m. the gym was ready, and an unforgettable party was about to start.

The inmates came in, most of them wearing their very best clothes. In this prison the inmates don’t wear uniforms. Their makeup and hairdos were awesome. Many young inmates arrived with their babies. It seemed that nobody wanted to miss this event. It almost felt like Prem Rawat was there.

Dahli, one of the other volunteers, introduced the event in a beautiful and friendly way. She explained to the inmates that Prem Rawat had offered this event and lunch for them. The inmates clapped their hands and whistled enthusiastically. Whenever a glimpse of caring is shown to them, they respond with love and cheerfulness.

Three short videos were shown. As always, they laughed when Prem Rawat told a story. Many might not know how to write or read properly, but they understand his stories and message so easily. Some in the audience commented to friends, “Listen, listen to what he says. Now you see what I have been telling you.” These short videos were so welcomed by the inmates, so appreciated, so beyond words.

Then a folk musician from La Plata started playing the guitar. He told the inmates that he was also a volunteer in another prison with the same workshop. He invited the inmates to join in, and one of them, Shakira, stood at the front and started singing and encouraging her friends to dance and sing. What an opportunity to enjoy life! We were all singing and dancing, having a great time. It was such a heartfelt celebration.

Lunchtime was amazing. The inmates were so delighted with the food. Some weeks before, we had asked what they would like to eat on this very special day. We prepared the special, traditional food they asked for—great delicacies that they hadn’t eaten for years.

We also served hot chocolate and churros filled with dulce de leche. What a treat! They couldn’t help filling their hands with churros.

When you are having a great time, you don’t want to leave, and time flies. By 5 p.m. the inmates had to leave. All of them wanted to take some extra food for the night, for the next day, for the inmates who didn’t come—and they did so. All of them filled their empty stomachs. All of them filled their hearts with so much joy and love.

During the afternoon, prison officials came for a while, including the priest. The Vice Director of the prison arrived with some other people. We continued singing and dancing, but one of them came up to me, introduced herself, and asked me some questions about the workshop. Then she asked me if the group would like to start this workshop in other units and men’s prisons as well.

At that moment Silvia, the General Director of Federal Prison and Justice Minister, joined us as well and we totally agreed. Silvia gave us her personal card and offered to help us set up Peace Education Programs in other prisons as soon as possible.

The party was over, and with the same care and love, we did the take down. The inmates wanted to help us, but they weren’t allowed. Feeling very thankful, we cleaned up everything. The place was so clean, so tidy. Our hearts were so happy, so thankful.

Before leaving, Stella, the guard who is helpful and always ready to give us a hand, told us, “This event was perfect, beautiful, as always when you do something with Prem Rawat.”  We all hugged, said goodbye, and took some pictures with Stella, too.

The inmates called out, “Thank you for the party, for the banquet!”

We started our way back home by bus, then another bus, then by train, slowly. There was no need to rush—we were so delighted, feeling every moment of this unforgettable day.

Our hearts were dancing with joy. What a festival!

Enjoying Good Music, Good Food, and Good Vibes

September 21 is celebrated as the UN International Day of Peace. In support of this annual event, The Prem Rawat Foundation’s Independent Fundraising Team is offering support to groups or individuals who wish to host awareness or fundraising events about TPRF. We are hoping to focus on the Peace Education Program (PEP). For more info on this program click here: PEP

Lansing Michigan City Hall 2006

Newly released PEP brochures and a short DVD will be among materials available to assist in your efforts. There will also be a special blog you can use to post information about your plans and to inspire others to participate. In addition, there will be a map to enable people to find and connect with events in their area. You can also find information and updates on TPRF’S Facebook Page.

If you haven’t already chosen an activity for Peace Day, please visit www.tprf.org for event ideas that may be of interest to you. Look under “How to Help.”

To date, we’ve heard about a display at a City Hall lobby in Michigan featuring an auction of an original painting; a two day celebration at the Echo Valley Farm in Wisconsin; plans for an event in Woodstock, New York; and several other activities around the world. We know many more will be added to this list before September 21!

Many organizations and individuals have announced their plans for Peace Day. You might consider networking with other celebrations on the topic of peace as an alternative to organizing your own event, while still presenting information about TPRF and PEP.

Your event will be an independent local initiative sponsored by you and your team, rather than TPRF. The TPRF Independent Fundraising Team will be available to support and offer guidelines to assist you. Your first step in getting that support will be to fill out the form at the link called Submit Event Information.

Again, whatever kind of event you choose to host, the information on this form will help us greatly in supporting your efforts and in getting your event listed on our map.

Stay tuned for email and video updates in the weeks leading up to September 21.

Best wishes and have fun!

Candice Wilmore

candicewilmore@tprf.org

Top right photo: Echo Valley Farm in Wisconsin

Boston Area Independent Event