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A Commentary on Green Values by guest writer, Virginia Miller NONVIOLENCE requires daily commitment and practice from each one of us. The New Mexico Green Party's value of nonviolence is manifested in the NM Office of Peace legislation, HB 280, that passed on the NM House floor 37-22 during the 2005 session, but was tabled in the Senate Public Affairs Committee. The NM Department of Peace Initiative will continue educating and developing support for the bill statewide and try again. As expressed in the statement of values, "It is essential that we develop effective alternatives to our current patterns of violence at all levels, from the family and the streets, to nations and the world." The Office of peace can help New Mexicans accomplish this in our own lives and in our communities and become a model for other states and our nation. The Office of Peace will develop more fully our capacity and skills for peace and justice, providing training that will enable the prevention, management and resolution of conflict without violence. The office will study and promote a sustainable and life-affirming economy and conditions that are conducive to a culture of peace. A peace education curriculum will be developed for all grade levels and be implemented incrementally throughout the state. Students will explore the history and meaning of peace and what it means for them to take personal responsibility for promoting peace and nonviolence in their personal lives and in the public lives of their schools and communities. They will learn ways to de-escalate potentially violent situations. Public dialogues will be organized and facilitated throughout our state to address controversial issues and conflicts. Dialogue involves good listening skills and improves understanding and relationships. Once I stopped for a red light at an intersection, looked, then turned right on red, only to discover that a vehicle had been in the curve in the road right before the intersection. The upset driver beeped his horn, followed me all the way to work, jumped out of his truck and started yelling at me. I opened my car window and listened. When he finally paused, I apologized and told him that I had looked but not well enough. He talked some more and said I could cause an accident. I agreed and said that I would look more carefully from now on. He said "Alright." and turned and left. He felt heard and satisfied that I would prevent this from happening again. One person's response in a potentially violent incident can defuse or escalate violence. It's a choice, a skill and takes courage. The office will support, coordinate and collaborate with existing efforts of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) working to expand its use in both government and nongovernment entities. A report by Bill Davis, ADR Counsel for the NM Regulation and Licensing Department, reveals excellent results from the use of ADR Services including cost savings, improved relationships and high rates of compliance of agreements reached. They also provide mediation for the Santa Fe school mediation program. A report by the NM Department of Health Family Health Bureau calls for greater statewide support for programs or practices that are producing positive results and efforts that improve school safety. The Office of Peace can help meet this challenge. Our increasing awareness, knowledge and skills of peace and justice will improve our quality of life and become a significant part of our solution for our safety and security. The Office of Peace Act is a blueprint, of a vision, for practical solutions for effective change right here in New Mexico, especially for our children. This blueprint will help us move from where we are toward where we want to be and help us build the less violent and more peaceful society and future we all want.
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