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Leaving a Legacy
February 2016
 
 
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  "The things you do for yourself are gone when you are gone, but the things you do for others remain as your legacy".


 

How often do you contemplate the legacy you will leave on you family and friends, the community you belong to, and even the world? Take a few moments  today to meditate on the legacy you wish to leave.

But don't stop there. 

Thoughts without actions can be empty legacies. The saying goes, "talk the talk, walk the walk" and your legacy starts with your actions now. What will yours look like? A love of art? A value of honesty? A deep family history? Decide today and act towards establishing your legacy.

This month's new sletter is about leaving a legacy and PLC aims to leave a very specific legacy of peace in our community and in the lives of those we touch. We hope you continue to support us in working towards our legacy. 

This issue of PLC News includes:
  • Volunteer of the Month
  • Leaving Them More than Alone
  • "A Legacy for the Whole World" in Tim's Peace Update
  • Food for Thought
  • Upcoming Events

Peace on,
volunteer 
VOLUNTEERING AT PLC
Volunteer of the Month

Barbara Oberreich is this month's Volunteer of the Month.  As a volunteer Barbara, has been instrumental in setting up a pilot volunteer restorative justice program.  Kristina Hulvershorn, our Director of Youth Programs, has worked closely with Barbara and said: "Barbara is a wonderful combination of wisdom and passion who has been the reason we are able to begin a restorative practice volunteer pilot program.  We are so lucky to have Barbara working hard for peace in our community."
 
Thank you Barbara for everything you have done for our organization. We are very grateful to have you on our team!
  
Volunteer Opportunities  
As always, PLC volunteers are busy making a difference everyday! Thanks to all of you who've helped  support our mission to educate,  inspi re and empower people to build peaceful communities this past month.

To learn about other volunteer opportunities, contact Jay Horan at jhoran@peacelearningcenter.org  or visit peacelearningcenter.org/volunteer to complete an online volunteer application.

FAMILY PROGRAMS
Naeemah Jackson, Family Programs Director
 
Leaving them More than Alone
                                       
 I asked my Grandson, a 21 year old young man; "What is the legacy you want to leave your descendants?" He has no children as of yet, but he immediately answered: "Of course I want to leave them an economic legacy, something that will benefit them in life; give them two legs up - but more importantly, I want to leave them a legacy of values." My heart was at ease with his answer. I also asked my ten year old Granddaughter the same question. With no hesitation she said, "I want to leave a legacy of someone who was good and did good things." Again, my heart was at ease.
 
  It pleased me that they both understand that values and good works are the most important thing we can bestow upon our descendants.
 
  In our overly materialistic world, too often when we hear the word legacy, what comes to mind is that first line of definition in the dictionary: something (such as property or money) that is received from someone who has died. But we know that a legacy is much, much more than material possessions.   As desirable as it is to inherit money or property; it is much more important and beneficial to leave a legacy of modeled good character.
 
  Makes sense, but then what exactly is good character? It is honesty; patience; empathy; trustworthiness; strong work ethic; reciprocity; compassion; charity without braggadocio; knowledge used for the benefit of self and others; happiness based upon good works; gratitude for the ups, downs, highs and lows of life; being good to our self so that we can be good to others; thoughtfulness; understanding that when one wins - all win; inner peace that shines forth and contributes to family peace - community peace - and yes, world peace.
 
Indeed, it is a constant and never-ending struggle, in this our overly materialistic and entertainment obsessed society; to maintain a harmonious balance between pragmatism and conscious efforts to practice good character.
How do we leave a legacy of good character? The Yoruba people say: What will you do to attain good character and enlightenment? The student replies: We attain good character and enlightenment - bit by bit. Step by step as on a ladder going up the side of the house.
So, we must keep climbing that ladder.

To learn about family programs, c ontact Naeemah Jackson, director of family programs, at 317-327-7144 or by email at  njackson@peacelearningcenter.org

ED
TIM'S PEACE UPDATE

 
  A Legacy for the Whole World
We often hear that children are the future. I don't think this is true because children are actually the present and they are right in front of us needing our attention. Blink and they are soon adults.
Every child needs to feel safe, valued and loved. What happens when we don't do this? Indianapolis is finding out in tragic ways thru violence in the streets and in our homes.
I recently spoke with a guy about 55 years old who is somewhat wealthy. He told me about his neighbors and friends who do not give or help with anything in our community. They are angry about kids these days but unwilling to invest their time or resources to change things.
This made me reflect on the high number of youth programs and agencies that are not around anymore and others that are only shadows of their former outreach and impact.
It is time to realize all of us are in this together. Things can get better and will when we get active in the lives of youths.
At Peace Learning Center, we give you many ways to build a legacy with youth in our community by helping them build peace in their lives while strengthening their chances for a successful future.
Teaching peace builds a legacy for the whole world.
Written by Tim Nation, Executive Director
  Growing
GROW YOURSELF
 Food For Thought

This month's topic was very thought provoking.  It really made me think of what I'm doing, if anything, to leave my legacy behind. My thoughts led to "well, I'm a good mom", "I'm saving to provide for my children's future", "I have nice things of value to pass down to them when I'm gone" and "I've raised my children to always be polite, have manners and support things that have meaning and importance to them".

I realized this wasn't enough. Although these are all good, ethical things, some are monetary and materialistic and will be gone when I'm gone. I'm sure my kids could care less about Nipper the RCA dog being used as a doorstop and he will be trashed or given away when I'm gone.
 
I need to do more. No. I WANT to do more. So I searched the internet to help guide me on my new path. I came across this question: "What type of legacy will the current choices and priorities of your life lead to?" Hmmm. Good question! Then I came across a website that lists 5 things to focus on to help leave a legacy. Each topic went into much more detail, but it's a good starting point for us to focus on:
   
1.  Support the people and causes that are important to you
2.  Reflect and decide what is most important in your life
3,  Share your blessing with others
4,  Be a mentor to others
5.  Pursue your passions because they are infectious

If you would like to delve into this more, the article can be found HERE or at
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/joan-moran/5-ways-to-leave-a-great-l_b_7148112.html
I hope you enjoy the journey of leaving a legacy as much as I am!

Written by Lisa Jones, PLC Associate Director
support
 SUPPORT PEACE 
Make Good Changes Happen!  

Please help us thank some of our donors this past month who are helping make peace possible! 

Business/Organization Donations:
  • Give with Liberty Employees
  • Navigant Consulting
  • Indiana State Employee's Community Campaign 
Individuals:
  • Ethan D. Fernhaber
  • Dr. Ena M. Goodrich Shelley
  • Barbara Townsend
  • Jim Poyser
  • Matt Horan
  • Robert Bringle 
If you'd like to join them in supporting peace education, please click here to donate now! 
  Events
UPCOMING EVENTS
Beyond You: Youth Empowerment Symposium

WHAT: A symposium for youth ages 12-18 that will help youth explore ways to become more involved in their community based on their passions, how to set goals, and create change, sponsored by DMHA. More details will be available in the March newsletter. 

WHEN:  Wednesday, April 27th at 9 am from 3 pm

WHERE: The Athenaeum, 407 E. Michigan St., Indianapolis, IN 46204
For more information about bringing youth the symposium contact Tiffany Tibbot at 317.327.7144 or email of ttibbot@peacelearningcenter.org

REGISTER:  Click HERE to register or go to:   
https://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=og5wdwbab&oeidk=a07ec8hee5h7520c471

Cocktails & Coloring Series

WHAT:  Join other creatively minded community members for a unique evening inspired by the new trend of therapeutic coloring. We provide the coloring pages and colored pencils. Your admission fee covers the cost of one signature drink!

WHEN:  Tuesday March 29, April 12, & April 26 from 6 pm to 9 pm

WHERE: Hotel Tango Whiskey, located in Fountain Square at 702 Virginia Avenue
For more information about this series, please contact Tiffany Tibbot at 317.327.7144 or email of  ttibbot@peacelearningcenter.org
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