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from the July, 2011 issue of Kiai!
Iris Weke: Our Latest Peacemaker Awardee
On Friday, June 17th Iris Weke, a crossing guard for Stockton Elementary School in Chicago’s Uptown Neighborhood, was awarded Thousand Waves’ coveted Peacemaker Award. Iris creates safe passage for neighborhood children not only by helping them cross busy Wilson Avenue, but also by helping them protect themselves from the hateful language and physical confrontations they all too frequently encounter on their way to school.
The Peacemaker Award
The Thousand Waves Peacemaker Award publicly acknowledges and honors the courage, commitment and hard work it takes to prevent, stop or reduce violence. Peacemakers are people who challenge the prevailing culture and decide to be allies with others who seek peaceful and effective ways to manage conflict. In the spirit of “one wave setting thousands in motion,” the Award honors special individuals to magnify the rippling effects of their work and to expand our collective commitment to violence prevention.
Uptown and Iris’ Contributions
Located close to the CTA Red Line in Chicago, Uptown is a densely populated, dynamic neighborhood with commercial areas, many schools, several hospitals, residential areas, not-for-profit organizations and landmark entertainment destinations. The neighborhood also copes with violent crime. During the first six weeks of 2011, over 20 violent crimes occurred in Police District 23, where Stockton Elementary School is located.
Thousand Waves’ senior member and teacher Senpai Sarah Kranz nominated Iris for our Peacemaker Award after witnessing Iris peacefully and effectively break up an escalating confrontation between children who live in houses or apartments and those who live in shelters.
“When I saw that she was engaging in separating children I approached her and asked if she needed help. That day, the children dispersed, following Iris’ instructions to take separate paths home. She shared that this occurs everyday - children confronting each other mostly about where they live and what that means about them.
“I wanted to thank Iris for what she does for our neighborhood, not only for the kids, but when she shares a wave or a greeting with me and other passersby. I feel very taken care of when she walks out into the intersection for me and my dog Dublin when we go for a walk or a run. She makes our neighborhood a more peaceful place for all of us.
“One day as Dublin and I were setting off for our walk Iris crossed the street and approached us. She shared that she had been to the school to report fights between the children. The school asked if she could identify the kids. She was able to, and the school took the opportunity to let them know they needed to respect and listen to Iris or they would be held to consequences at school. Two of the kids already had records of bad behavior.
“The next day those kids approached Iris and said ‘we do listen to you Miss Iris,’ as they crossed Wilson, visibly demonstrating that they heard the message.
“Iris has made a difference. She knows her work is a good start and she is committed to continuing to hold a safe passage for all the children and adults that come by.”
Let’s Follow Iris’ & Sarah’s Examples
Being a Peacemaker requires skills and courage, and skills can be learned and courage forged by training. Empower yourself by learning more about conflict resolution, intervention and other violence prevention skills. Read the handouts available on our Public Resources webpage or, even better, take a Self-Defense Class. And keep your eyes open as you journey through your days, acknowledging peacemaking efforts that you see and getting involved in violence prevention yourself. Thousand Waves' materials and classes can help you do this.
Nominate Peacemakers
If this article reminds you of other peacemakers who deserve to be recognized, consider nominating them for a Peacemaker Award. Examples of intervening to prevent, redirect, or address violence and conflict include:
- Taking action to prevent violence before it occurs
- Speaking out against hurtful or violent speech
- Defending a person being assaulted or battered
- Stopping two or more people from fighting
In addition to stopping or preventing violence, peacemaking also involves helping people heal from the physical, psychological, and social wounds that violence inflicts on individuals and communities. Consider nominating local, national and global anti-violence agencies, a vital part of this human network.
To nominate peacemakers contact Sarah Ludden, Co-Executive Director, by phone at 773.472.7663 or by email at sludden@thousandwaves.org.