Throughout the year, CEASE members actualize the vision of our founder,
Peggy Schirmer, to make the world a safer place for children and families. |
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AEYC Conference Keynote Speakers
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CEASE member, Nancy Carlsson-Paige was the keynote speaker for this year’s CA AEYC conference. Nancy’s inspiring address was based on her recent book, Taking Back Childhood: Helping Your Kids Thrive in a Fast-Paced, Media-Saturated, Violence-Filled World. |
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CEASE member Diane Levin gave a thought-provoking keynote address at the 2009 MassAEYC Conference based on her new book, So Sexy So Soon. |
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Young adults, Ali Guerin and Anna Martinez, join Chris Lamm to present the CEASE Seminar “Developing ‘Green’ and Socially Responsible Children: Voices for Creating Change” at last year’s NAEYC conference. The two young women shared stories of their growth as activists and the peace building skills and activities they developed at the CA Orange County Peace Camp. |
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Three outstanding activists received the Annual CEASE Peace Award at the 2008 NAEYC conference. Diane Trister-Dodge, for her efforts to improve the quality of early childhood education through her work with Teaching Strategies; Karen Kosko, librarian extraordinaire, for her outstanding efforts to bring the concepts and values of peace to her school; and Docia Zavitkowsky who has devoted over 60 years to making the world a safe and joyful place for children and families. |
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“Worker Bees” gathered on the East Coast for the annual CEASE Retreat this summer. In addition to organizational practicalities and planning, we explored ways to continue educating the larger population about the ongoing threat of nuclear weapons, the need for the United States to sign onto the UN Rights of the Child, the harm war causes children throughout the world, the nature deficit issue (children losing a connection with nature), and the need for social justice activism. |
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| Jackie Berger leads CSC volunteers in song |
Center for Social Change (CSC) is an activist presence at CA AEYC. This year CEASE member’s contributions included a photo display in support of the Universal Rights of the Child, a petition drive in support of the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood, a hands-on activity using recycled materials to create a “sustainable community” and a display of children’s literature that supports values of social justice, diversity, equality and peace. Of her experience as CSC chair, CEASE member Cindy Santa-Cruz Reed writes, “I learned that it really does take a village to make greater change. . . The Center for Social Change is a place where we can be replenished. Talking to others who are doing the work helps keep up morale and helps us to see that we can keep going. The Center for Social Change is a place where concepts and ideas blossom into realty. It is a place to energize, rebuild friendships and prepare for the future.” |
T.R.U.C.E. News submitted by Diane Levin
Teachers Resisting Unhealthy Children's Entertainment has just completed its brand new "TRUCE Action Guide on Infant-Toddler Play, Toys and Media." It is packed with information about how to deal effectively with the marketing onslaught of media and electronic toys for very young children, promote quality play and choose developmentally appropriate play materials. The Guide will be distributed at the NAEYC Annual Conference in Washington DC as will a revised version of the longstanding "TRUCE Toys and Play Action Guide." Make sure to look for both guides if you're at the conference. They will both also be available on the TRUCE website: www.truceteachers.org.
Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood (CCFC) www.commercialfreechildhood.org
CCFC’s mission is to reclaim childhood from corporate marketers. A marketing-driven media culture sells children on behavior and values driven by the need to promote profit rather than the public good. The commercialization of childhood is the link between many of the most serious problems facing children, and society exacerbated by advertising and marketing. CCFC works for the rights of children to grow up—and the freedom for parents to raise them—without being undermined by commercial interests. submitted by John Surr
IN MEMORIAM Hanne Marie Sonquist 1931 - 2009
We mourn the passing of Hanne Marie Sonquist. Hanne’s commitment to peace and justice lasted her entire lifetime. She was a beloved member of CEASE, an activist for children and families, a mentor and loyal friend.
A Message to you from Hanne....
I believe we can all work together for a better world, by being a voice for peace, nonviolence and justice, by being a person of integrity, by remembering Marian Wright Edelman’s words: “Service is the rent we pay for our lives on the earth.” We can be activists in our families, with children, parents and the larger community. And – don’t forget to enjoy laughter, love, and beauty on your journey. |
For membership information and more on CEASE goals and activities go to our Contact Us page.
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and learn more about how you get involved on our Take Action Page.
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