by Dot Walsh

On Saturday, April 16th the New England Peace Studies Association held our annual spring conference at the Peace Abbey. This year’s theme was “Creating a Culture of Peace: Local Initiatives.” The keynote speaker, Tina Clarke, spoke on the concept of Transition Towns and the importance of local community building. It was well attended and workshops were interesting and informative. The closing event with True Story Theater kept us warm and appreciative of the many ways that people are contributing to peacemaking. Abbie Jenks from Greenfield Community College brought the National Registry and her students (pictured in photo) had an opportunity to sign and make their commitment to nonviolence in the beauty of the Peace Abbey setting.