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Mission Statement - New Ways to Play

We believe that violence is a learned behavior. As families, friends, educators and citizens we must provide support to others, particularly children, by modeling positive, peaceful living.

We have chosen to organize the Violent Toy Turn-in and New Ways to Play program to focus attention on violence in our society, and to encourage children and adults to choose alternatives to violence. We hope this event will provide an opportunity for everyone to discuss the impact of violence on play, reaching children and adults to play cooperatively and peacefully is one way to stem the tide of violence. Teaching peaceful alternatives for play is a primary goal.

We encourage adults to take this opportunity to listen to what children have to say about the violence they have witnessed or experienced. Talk with them about what they see in the media, in school, in their relationships. Help your kids to think of ways in which they can contribute to increasing peace by themselves and with their family. Be willing to commit to things you will do as a role model for them.

(Based on the Mission statement for the Violent Toy Turn-In and New Ways to Play events sponsored by the Columbia United Christian Church, as part of the citywide interfaith "Focus on Peace Week," Columbia, Maryland 1996.)