History 0f the Kids As Peacemakers, Inc.
(Formerly the Dove Campaign of Greater Newburyport , MA)

The Dove Campaign began in 1999 in Newburyport, Massachusetts, based on a model developed in Columbia, Maryland, in 1995. The pastor of a small ecumenical church preached four sermons on violence and challenged the congregation to develop a one-year program to reduce violence.

The outreach committee accepted the challenge. They decided to talk with families with young children to urge that the family talk about violence, and decide how each member might help reduce violence. The committee also decided that it would hold a “Violent Toy Turn-In” so that youngsters could play a role in reducing violence. One of the committee members suggested that a “New Ways To Play Day” be held in conjunction with the “Violent Toy Turn-In.” The former would center around ten to twelve play areas that the committee would set up. Parents were invited to bring their children and play with them on a Sunday afternoon. Both events were successful. Approximately 300 youngsters turned in nearly 500 toys.

Two assemblage sculptors worked with the kids to attach the “violent toys” to a steel wire framework in the form of a serpent. A small television set became the head of the serpent. After appearing in several schools and government office buildings, the “peace” serpent went to a church conference in North Carolina and then found a home at Children's Hospital in Washington, D.C.

In 1999, Merle Forney, a member of that congregation, moved to Newburyport to be near his children and grandchildren. Upon hearing about the Maryland experience, Newburyport residents began asking, “Why not here?” That is how the Dove Campaign started.

In 2000 we found a unique way to support “May as Peace Month” in Massachusetts. We challenge schools, religious and civic organizations to have their youngsters talk about peace and peaceful living, then come to consensus on the design of a peace mural to be painted on a sheet of plywood supplied by the campaign, with the words “Kids As Peacemakers” across the top.

Participating organizations are asked to display their murals in front of their buildings from May through Labor Day. Many stay on display all year long.