This summer, prisoners, administrators and correctional officers plan to bridge their differences and unite for poor children around the world.
San Quentin has scheduled its second annual Peace Walk for Sunday, June 10, 2012.
The walk raises money to aid traumatized youth around the world.
Champions for Children, prisoners, outside volunteers and San Quentin staff are organizing the walk.
Last year’s Peace Walk raised upwards of $12,000 in spite of short notice.
The beneficiary is the Amala Foundation, a non-profit organization that aids youth challenged by poverty and violence.
Donations will send these youth to Amala Foundation’s annual Global Youth Peace Summit, a weeklong conference for youth ages 13-18 years. The event is part of Amala’s One Village Project that serves to unite youth with local refugee and immigrant children to promote cultural awareness.
Amala founder Vanessa Stone began coming into San Quentin a few years ago. Renowned as a spiritual teacher, she gave inspirational talks to the men and said she was deeply moved by their commitment to spiritual growth and their heartfelt desire to serve. As a natural outflow of their concerns for underprivileged youth, Champions for Children was formed.
In Vanessa’s words, “When human beings authentically connect, celebrate life and receive what is being offered…what arises is a natural impulse to unite, to serve, to give, to love…”
Last year’s Peace Walk bridged the gap between staff, inmates, volunteers, and guest walkers for a moment in time – One Village united in heart-opening service. One guest who walked last year was 18-year-old Evelyn who, as a young girl in Uganda, was abducted to be a child soldier. She told the men that because of the Peace Walk at San Quentin, she now knows that the world is about love and not about hate.
Amala is seeking sponsorship from businesses and individuals. In addition, reservations are available for up to 100 guests who wish to walk. San Quentin residents are encouraged to express their generosity of heart by walking and donating, using a trust account withdrawal form. Notices will be posted in the housing units for walking signups.
Contact: www.amalafoundation.org
–Dwight Krizman contributed to this story.
