Invitation
We invite neighbors, community groups, schools, organizations, and interested individuals to build a Local Peace Manifesto together. It is inspired by the historic Seville Statement on Violence (1986), which affirmed that war and violence are not a biological destiny but a social invention — one that can be replaced by a culture of peace. It is also inspired by the Manifest Pueblos por la Paz adopted by the villages of La Taha in Spain and shared with the International Institute of Peace Education.

We want to declare, in our own words, a collective commitment to nonviolence, respect, and coexistence in our community.


What is a peace manifesto?
A short, public, collectively signed document that:

1. States the context and reasons behind it.

2. Sets out clear statements or principles (not just good wishes).

3. Makes a concrete call to action.

4. Invites the community to sign and join.


Key characteristics
° Clarity : short, direct sentences, no jargon.

° Legitimacy : drafted or reviewed by diverse community representatives.

° Concreteness: max 5-7 numbered principles or proposals.

° Grounding: based on facts, shared values, or local experience — not just rhetoric.

° Call to action: what signers/readers are expected to do.

° Openness: room for new signatures, ideally with no closing date.

° Reach: meant to be read at a public event, published, and shared.


Steps to follow
1. Form an organizing committee (3-7 people) representative of the neighborhood/community.

2. Hold an open meeting to gather local concerns and motivations around peace/conflict.

3. Draft a first version with 5-7 clear principles based on what was heard.

4. Circulate the draft among local organizations, schools, and neighborhood associations for feedback.

5. Finalize the text, including a short preamble with local context.

6. Set a date and place for a public reading (plaza, community center, school).

7. Spread the call (social media, flyers, local press) inviting people to sign.

8. Read the manifesto at the public event and open signing, on paper and/or online.

9. Publish the signed document (website, social media, local press) and follow up on the commitments made.

10. Share the manifesto globally on the website of the Peace Manifesto (activatingpeace.org) by sending it to info@activatingpeace.org


How to participate
📍 Location: [fill-in]

📅 Date: [fill-in]

✉ Contact: [fill-in]

Anyone, any group, or any institution who believes peace can be built in our community is invited to add their voice and their signature.