Children and Young People

Things to do

Go there, do it and get the T-shirt
We have badges saying, 'NO WAR', 'Only justice brings peace', 'Quakers for peace' and 'PEACE' (£4.70 for any 10). We have stickers (the ordinary sticky kind and the window 'cling' kind) saying, 'Quakers oppose all war' and 'War is not the answer' (£6.40 for any 10). We have posters saying things like 'Quakers for peace' and 'People need water not weapons', and one that depicts the famous 'two mules' cartoon (£4 each). We have T-shirts saying 'Quakers for Peace' (£6 each). And we even have tea towels for peace, available in two designs (£5). To have a look at these, download our peace resources catalogue.

Help out at a peace organisation
This is a great way to learn about how peace organisations work and what they work on, and also to get the necessary experience to apply for internships and jobs later on. Visit our volunteering and courses list for some of the organisations that welcome volunteers.

Put up our display
We have a 'What is peace?' display that uses 8 A3 size laminated panels and is free to borrow.  It looks at Christian peacemaking in general and includes panels on the environment and poverty, as well as war, Jesus and activism. You can borrow the panels for free but you'll need something to mount them onto (any wall would do). Have a look on the Network of Christian Peace Organisations' web site at http://www.ncpo.org.uk/ and click on 'Resources'.

Put up their display
The Peace Museum has two displays available to borrow.  'A vision shared' (24 panels) chronicles the peace movement in the Twentieth Century and explores a number of peace issues like the problems of the arms trade and nuclear weapons.  'Such a journey' (12 panels) looks at aspects of peace and working for peace using personal stories of those in one city - Bradford.  Again, you'll need something to mount the panels onto, as that's not included.  These displays cost about £50 to hire, depending on postage and insurance.  The Peace Museum can advise you - call 01274 754009 or email peacemuseum@bradford.gov.uk

And generally get stuck in
There are always many peace events taking place around Britain. Visit the current actions and events page to find out what's coming up. 

Places to go

Quaker United Nations Study School
In July each year Quaker Peace & Social Witness and the Quaker United Nations Office in Geneva co-ordinate a two-week study tour for 25 young people who are interested in international issues.  The programme involves seminars, workshops and attendance at official meetings, including sessions at the UN, the World Trade Organisation, International Labour Organisation, Quaker House and other organisations.  'What an amazing time! Twenty-five like-minded young people, an inspired programme of lectures, discussions and observations of UN sessions - all in the stunning setting of multicultural Geneva.' Rachel Barker, participant.  For more information, visit http://www.quno.org/

Study Tour of the European Institutions
Organised by the Quaker Council for European Affairs, this is a week in Brussels and Strasbourg learning about the work of the EU and non-governmental organisations, normally in July each year. Visit www.quaker.org/qcea for more information.

Work for Quakers for peace for a year
Work in the UK, in East Africa, or at the UN in Geneva or New York, or in a peace organisation in Britain. Recruitment is normally in March/April - see the jobs pages at www.quaker.org.uk/jobs for current vacant posts. The Quaker Council for European Affairs also recruits one-year Programme Assistants (normally age 21-30) - visit www.quaker.org/qcea. It is not normally necessary to be a Quaker to do these placements; however, a close sympathy with Quaker values and practices is expected.

Bedfordshire: The Peace School
'Peace School is a national, year-long programme, exploring what it means to be a peacemaker in every area of life; personal, local and global.  It is designed for people to participate alongside their everyday lives, through a combination of residentials and web-based activity.  It is a community of learning where participants bring their own experiences and learn from the experiences of others.  It gives participants resources to be peace and justice activists within their own spheres of influence.  And it seeks to survey the world through a biblical Christian understanding of shalom (peace), while providing a welcoming environment for people of any background or faith.'  For more information about peace school, including the learning gatherings, visit http://www.peaceschool.org.uk/ 

Things to learn

Explore the Quaker peace testimony
Ask us for a selection of free reading resources to learn more about peace and the Quaker peace commitment - please let us know your age so we can send you the right sort of stuff. Email mirandag@quaker.org.uk

Study, because you love it so much
For a long time, universities only offered courses in 'War Studies' and 'Strategic Studies'. Now there are many courses in peace studies, reconciliation studies and the like, and some of the leading centres are in the UK. Visit our volunteering and courses page to find out more about these.

'Where is the Love?'
Now there's a question.  'Where is the Love?' is an amazing video of a school class challenging the arms fair next door. It's available in DVD and VHS format and it's well worth a look.  Quakers can borrow it free in DVD format from Friends House (call 020 7663 1013 or email resourcesroom@quaker.org.uk), otherwise it can be bought from Campaign Against Arms Trade - email enquiries@caat.org.ukor call 020 7281 0297.

A note about armed forces recruitment
The Government tries very hard to recruit young people into the armed forces using advertising that is in many ways misleading. It's worth finding out what the issues are, especially if you know someone who is thinking of joining up. Did you know, for example, that once you've joined, it can be illegal to leave for several years? Most people don't know that. The website http://www.beforeyousignup.info/ offers impartial advice on the issues involved in joining up, and a small group called At Ease offers advice over the phone and by email - visit http://www.atease.org.uk/ 

Stuff for teachers

Education for Peace: A Guide
Educating children to understand that conflict is distinct from violence, and introducing them to peaceful and creative ways of responding to conflict, are essential is we are to build a culture of peace.  This guide from the Peace Education Network is available free for all those involved in educating for a just and peaceful world.  Contact Jaci Smith in QPSW on jacis@quaker.org.uk or call 020 7663 1087.

QPSW Peace Education Advisory Programme
The QPSW Peace Education Advisory Programme produces a regular newsletter and lists of up-to-date resources for peace education for primary and secondary teachers.  There is also an email discussion list for those involved in education.  Visit the QPSW Online Resources Page to download the resources and join the list.  For any detailed queries, the QPSW Peace Education Advisory Programme Manager, Jaci Smith, may be able to help - call 020 7663 1087 or email jacis@quaker.org.uk

Peace Education Network
The Peace Education Network (PEN) have also developed an online Resource Catalogue aimed at teachers which can be accessed from the PEN website (http://www.peaceeducation.org.uk/).  Resources can be filtered by Key Stage and have a subject guide also.  The PEN also holds an annual conference and can provide speakers for schools.

Anatomy of War - a study guide for young people
Produced by Preparing for Peace, a Quaker project of Westmorland General Meeting, this resource is suitable for studies in Citizenship, History or Religion. The Anatomy of War uses two experiences of modern war, reduced to manageable form as study material for young people, especially in the 16-21 age group. £5 each, postage included, or £2.50 each for orders of five or more plus £2.50 postage. For more information and to order, visit http://www.preparingforpeace.org/

'Refusing to kill - conscientious objection and human rights in the first world war' study guide for schools and the general reader
The Peace Pledge Union has produced this superb study guide for schools, especially Key Stages 3 and 4.  A companion CD Rom with teachers notes and class activities is also available.  'This book is a remarkable collection of case histories, letters and archival material, demonstreating and enormous hardships of the conscientious objectors of the First World War.'  Peter Zander, imprisoned as a CO in the Second World War.  For more information, visit www.ppu.org.uk/newsletter/news_refusing1.html

Peace Pledge Union teaching resources
The PPU carries a number of classroom resources - visit www.ppu.org.uk/sales/i-education.html