Governor Richardson Designates Day of Peace for New Mexico

SANTA FE, - In a proclamation declaring that "humanitarian efforts to foster brotherhood and justice& are key to our national security," Governor Bill Richardson dedicated September 21st as New Mexico's official Day of Peace. By doing so he pays homage to the 2001 resolution of the United Nations declaring September 21st to be the International Day of Peace.

"New Mexico is becoming a leader in considering innovative approaches to issues of conflict in our society," said Richard Mansbach, a practitioner with the Restorative Justice Community Center of Southwestern New Mexico and key author of the proclamation. "With this proclamation Governor Richardson furthers the effort to create a New Mexico Office of Peace and adds weight to the momentum for a national Department of Peace, both of which promote the use of nonviolent practices."

Legislation to create a U.S. Department of Peace and Nonviolence has been introduced in the U.S. House and Senate (HR 3760 and S. 1756). The legislation is picking up support among Congressional Representatives (75 co- sponsors), Senators (two co-sponsors), City Councils (15 resolutions including Atlanta and Minneapolis) and grassroot organizations nationwide.

Domestically, the Department will develop policies and allocate resources to effectively reduce the levels of domestic and gang violence, child abuse and various other forms of societal discord. Statistics reveal that each year, medical expenses from domestic violence alone total at least $3 to $5 billion, and businesses forfeit another $100 million in lost wages, sick leave, absenteeism and non-productivity.

Internationally, the Department of Peace and Nonviolence will advise the President and Congress on the most sophisticated techniques and innovative ideas regarding peace-creation among nations. It would also research and analyze the root causes of war and other forms of violence to help prevent conflicts from escalating out-of-control in the first place.

A Peace Academy, on par with the Military Service Academies, would train civilian peacekeepers and the military in the latest nonviolent conflict resolution strategies and approaches. The legislation for a New Mexico Office of Peace passed the House in 2005 and has Governor Richardson's support.

A New Mexico Office of Peace would promote peace studies and practices and coordinate and support existing resources and trainings in conflict resolution. It would also research the relationship between the use of diplomatic methods and the reduction of violence.

The Peace Alliance is a nonprofit, trans-partisan citizen action organization spearheading the national campaign for a U.S. Department of Peace and Nonviolence. For more information on this legislation and our campaign, please visit the Peace Alliance website at: www.thepeacealliance.org

NATIONAL CONTACTS: Matt Harris, 206.331.9728, Patty Kuderer, 206.910.2422 - press@thepeacealliance.org

alan@newsblaze.com