MISSION: To offer
young adults with special needs the opportunity to become actively
involved in community service and actions for social justice and peace
in the spirit of President Kennedy's Peace Corps.
SPECIAL PEACE
CORPS CREED: "When I am
hungry, send me someone to feed; When I am thirsty, send me someone who
needs a drink; When I am cold, send me someone to warm; When I am sad,
send me someone to cheer; When I need understanding, send me someone who
needs mine; When I need to be looked after, send me someone to care
for; When I think only of myself, draw my thoughts to another."
BACKGROUND: The concept of a Special Peace Corps grew out of the
philosophy of The Life Experience School in Sherborn, Massachusetts in
1988. The school and its service programs have pioneered peace education
for children and young adults with mental challenges for nearly 4
decades. Educating its students and members to see themselves as
instruments of peace, the School developed a philosophy, structure and
style of engaging young people in humanitarian work that transforms
their lives and those with whom they come in contact. These individuals
aren't the usual suspects for humanitarian work though their
contribution is immeasurable.
SCOPE: Beyond the given objective of a particular assignment of the Special Peace Corps - i.e. delivering donations to food pantries and homeless shelters, grooming and walking dogs at humane societies, volunteering at nursing homes, visiting shut-ins, cleaning public parks, operating the Veganpeace animal sanctuary - the involvement of people with disabilities in the national service movement carries with it a profound message of compassion, kindness and love. Their involvement in community service is capable of touching the hearts of even the most hardened and cynical.
PROJECTS: Care for animals at the Veganpeace Animal Sanctuary Walk dogs at Medfield Animal Shelter Deliver food to Millis Food Pantry Bread delivery to Framingham Detox Center Operate Peace Abbey Gift Shop Bake dog treats Bake horse treats for Cupid's Cookies student run business Care and groom Cupid the pony Morning Meditation at Peace Abbey Work for Peace and Social Justice Transport 9 foot statue of Gandhi with educational materials
BENEFITS: Referring school departments and the Department of Developmental Services support participation in the Life Experience Program and the Special Peace Corps. Though not appropriate for everyone, this altruistic opportunity offers a unique choice for those who come alive through service - those who have found that giving is as important as receiving.
SPECIAL PEACE CORPS SERVICE PROJECTS SHALL:
Create enthusiasm for acts of altruism
Respect the inherent dignity of the individual
Encourage confidence and self-esteem
Accentuate spiritual character
Imbue reverence for life
Celebrate strengths
Instill sense of purpose
Promote a sense of belonging
Impart knowledge that enhances the quality of life
Stimulate convictions about responsible relationships
Nurture creativity and personal resourcefulness
Foster community participation
Produce a sense of well-being
Harmonize dreams with reality
Honor individuality
Ground emotions
Offer choices
Stimulate loving interaction
Provide opportunities for problem solving and decision making
Encourage as many new, meaningful experiences as possible
Strive to bring laughter, joy and happiness into each heart
Affirm one's birthright to serve as an Instrument of Peace
Challenge limitations in a safe and secure environment
BENEFITS: Referring school departments and the Department of Developmental Services support participation in the Life Experience Program and the Special Peace Corps. Though not appropriate for everyone, this altruistic opportunity offers a unique choice for those who come alive through service - those who have found that giving is as important as receiving.