Although it might seem early to be talking about it, the 23rd Annual Peace Prize Forum, March 4-5, 2011, is already taking shape on the campus of Luther College, this year’s host school. 

This year’s Peace Prize Forum will focus on the importance of courageous action in the work of peacemaking. Nobel Laureate Barack Obama—whose work inspires the 2011 Forum—states that to truly honor ideals like peace, justice, and human rights, we must uphold these ideals “not when it is easy, but when it is hard.” In this spirit, the forum will highlight the work of those who have acted with courage to confront difficult issues of religious discord, social and economic injustice, and the threats of nuclear war and environmental degradation.

And in support of this important gathering of thinkers and activists around the elusive concept of peace, Winds of Peace Foundation will again serve as one of the co-sponsors of the event.    This forum is one of very few which invites people from all walks of life to gather and learn, to listen and speak, to actually make a commitment of time and energy toward the furthering of peace.  It’s a grassroots opportunity that is right in line with Winds of Peace philosophy.

Winds of Peace encourages anyone who has felt discouragement, a sense of impossibility or even apathy on the topic of peace and justice between nations and peoples to consider attending this two-day event.  The making of peace does not belong to others; it belongs to each of us.  If it is not to be, it is because we allow it so.

Plan to attend this year.  Decorah is a lovely place.  Peace is a lovely space….