The relationship between the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) and Perspectives Charter Schools began last year, and has included the sharing of USIP’s resources for educators and students, which have complemented the schools’ own core principles of A Disciplined Life (ADL). The principles, which focus on being open-minded, being a life-long learner, showing compassion, taking initiative, and solving conflicts peacefully, are infused across all aspects of the educational experience at Perspectives and have been brought to life through action for peace on the part of teachers and students alike.

Keeping the Momentum Going

The 2014 march was organized by students who wanted to give themselves, their families, and their friends a chance to live in a community where it is safe to attend school, play outside, and walk down the street. Many of the students had a simple wish for the summer: that all of their classmates returned safely in the fall. That was one wish that went unfulfilled as a 16 year old girl was killed in a drive-by shooting just before the new school year started.
“Nearly every student here has experienced or seen violence,” commented Rhonda Scullark, assistant dean and network peace ambassador at Perspectives Middle Academy.  “They feel powerless and there is a lot of fear. But they grow beyond those feelings and want to know what they can do to help.”
One of the ways that Perspectives has worked to empower students and build off the momentum of the 2014 march is the creation of Peace Teams at each of their five campuses. The Teams, open to any student who wants to join, encourage students to think creatively about how they can become agents of change in their communities and beyond. And USIP’s resources, including the Peace Club Starter Kit have proven useful in enabling students to move from motivation to action.

Working for Change in their Community and World

The Peace Team at Perspectives Middle Academy is in its second year and has an ambitious slate of activities planned. Looking to build trust in their community, the Team will host Volleypolooza for Peace later this month. Students will play volley ball matches against local police officers in a festive, friendly atmosphere with performances by the school band and cheerleaders. Building strong relationships and trust between the police and citizens is an important part of creating a safe and secure environment – not just in Chicago, but many of the places that USIP works overseas.

The students’ concern extends far beyond their own community. One current project is a school-wide water drive for residents of Flint, MI where lead contamination has impacted the lives of young people like them. And the students got to see firsthand how the global themes they were learning about connected to their own community at Haiti Night, held late last year. The event was aimed at learning more about Haitian culture and raising money for Haitian schools. One of the Perspectives Charter Schools high school scholars joined them for an art workshop featuring Haitian guest artist Jean-Pierre, who'd just arrived in the United States for the very first time.  The connection was instant according to Ms. Scullark:

"It was an amazing meeting to behold. We teach our students the 26 principles of our A Disciplined Life Curriculum, and the principle respecting each other's differences was the big theme for the night,” she said. “As we all watched the two young men embrace, we felt that even though we are all different, we are all the same.  We must all learn to coexist peacefully while we are here."

Last September, following a visit by the Director of the Global Peacebuilding Center at USIP, Ann-Louise Colgan, to Perspectives over the summer, the International Day of Peace provided a new moment for action, which the students seized. Perspectives High School of Technology and Joslin Campus students celebrated Peace Day with interactive peace installations in and around downtown Chicago, asking commuters to share why they are for peace. Students at the Math and Science Academy created and performed a song about peace in 2015.

Still Marching

Ms. Scullark has witnessed that moment when the students overcome that sense of powerlessness. She said it is when a student “finds their voice:” they start initiating conversations, demonstrate a desire to educate others, and ultimately take ownership of the Team’s actions.
It is that personal ownership that led the students to organize the “I am for Peace” campaign in 2014 and the next Peace March on June 3rd, 2016. They encourage other young people to stand with them by organizing marches or vigils in their own communities. After all, as one girl stated at that first rally, “Young people like us, we are the peace.” To join Perspectives students in Chicago or for more information, contact Rhonda Scullark at rscullark@pcsedu.org or at Perspectives Middle Academy at www.pcsedu.org.
USIP's Allison Sturma continues to provide guidance to Ms. Scullark and to her colleagues who work with the students at Perspectives. Interested in starting a Peace Club at your school? Check out the Peace Club Starter Kit!