MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release Contact: Craig Jones, phone 858-354-1785
November 4, 2015 Mariah Gayler, phone 619-263-9301 / mariah@prcsd.org
Local Peace Center Celebrates 35 Years of Activity in Militarized San Diego on November 21, 2015
San Diego --- Amidst of one of the greatest concentrations of the US military and home of major producers of weaponized drones, a San Diego institution has not just survived, but thrived as a touchstone of peace, justice, equality, nonviolence, and nonviolent conflict resolution. Celebrating 35 years of activism and advocacy, this November the Peace Resource Center of San Diego (PRC, www.prcsd.org) looks back, and looks forward – back at its accomplishments, and forward to the great deal that still needs to be done to achieve a peaceful, equitable and sustainable world.
On November 21 the PRC will mark its 35th year of work. This membership nonprofit operates from the Friends Center facility, 3850 Westgate Place in City Heights. This campus will be the site of PRC's 35 year celebration with an afternoon/evening program of open house, an evening meal (the PRC's annual meeting and "Souper Supper"), video clips, and a "this is your life" take on notable events and community leaders. Activities will start at 4:30 in the afternoon with the open house, the meal at 5:30, and program from 6:30 to 8:30 PM.
Progressive change happens globally, nationally and locally. Since its beginnings in 1980, the PRC has been involved at all these levels as an active force in the community through a remarkable range of issues. Among 35 years of accomplishments are anti-war and anti-nuclear mobilization, leading demonstrations in the First Gulf War and after 9/11; and community mobilization to oppose the Blackwater military training site in San Diego's backcountry. Most recently, the PRC was one of the leading in groups in the successful effort to close the San Onofre nuclear power station. All along, the PRC has been a local leader and partner in commitment to environmental responsibility, promotion of food justice, and has been an ongoing provider of peace education for children and families, including resources to foster communication and cooperation. .
Illustrating its commitment to environmental responsibility, in 2011 after a decade of planning and construction, the PRC moved into its permanent home inside the remarkable "green" Friends Center. The straw-bale building designed by Hubbell and Hubbell Architects is notable from the air as airliners glide in to Lindberg Field, with its distinctive green roof and unusual peace dove design. A peace crane sculpture by James Hubbell graces the entry courtyard. Volunteer commitment proved vital to the building's completion. The PRC's portion of the facilities include administrative offices, meeting space, and a substantial library of peace and justice materials for adults and children. The PRC operates at this campus in partnership with the First Church of the Brethren, the San Diego Friends Meeting and the American Friends Service Committee U.S.-Mexico Border Project, demonstrating how peace and justice advocates can collaborate to build and share space as a focus for nonviolent social change.
The PRC is a membership organization and community clearinghouse of information on peace and social justice issues and activities. Through its active programs and by promoting networking among peace-related organizations, offering nonviolent alternatives to conflict resolution and carrying on a program of peace education, the PRC provides an ongoing presence throughout San Diego County. Founded in 1980 by six local organizations committed to peace, the PRC maintains a base of individual, family, and organizational members. The PRC is guided by the principles of nonviolence, tolerance, compassion and respect for diversity. Membership is open to all individuals and organizations concerned about peace with justice and the need to live by these principles.
For more information about the Peace Resource Center's 35 year celebration please contact Craig Jones, phone 858-354-1785; Mariah Gayler, phone 619-263-9301.
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