April 13, 2010 — We the Peacemakers brought me through the California desert, up the Pacific Coast and into the Beaver State to visit Child’s View Montessori School in Portland. Child’s View is a children’s house offering half-day, full-day and all-day programs for children 3-6 years old throughout the year. The school also offers a summer camp for elementary-aged children.

During my visit, I had the opportunity to interview students from two classrooms about their how they understood peace. The children also demonstrated how to solve a conflict in the classroom using a peace rug. The visit culminated with a tour of the peace garden adjacent to the play area. I also interviewed school founder and director Tamara Ulrich about her approach to founding a school based on educating for peace.

Ms. Ulrich introduced me to a movement called Season for Non-violence, a campaign for awareness about  impact of non-violence to create positive change in individuals and society. The season lasts from January 30-April 4 each year. These dates commemorate the assassination dates of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In the past, Ms. Ulrich has served on the Oregon Season for Non-violence Task Force.