3rd Annual Dept of Peace Conference - Duchess Brief Commentary
I very much want to take a moment to praise and thank the whole NY DoP group [ie: Joe, Jacques, Craig, Nancie, Susan, Pricilla, Carol, Maria, Ellen, Hector, David1, David2, Liz, Marni, Eileen, Kevin, Kathleen, Kolya, Janet and Barry] who attended the 3rd Annual Peace Conference this past weekend in DC. You are ALL awesome! It was a pleasure meeting and chatting with several of you for the first time. From the bottom of my heart I consider myself truly blessed in knowing and working with such inspiring individuals. Thanks for all the laughter, hugs and camaraderie.

As for the conference itself … OMG … it was fantastic. Whoa! There were many special moments for me … to highlight a few … chatting with Peggy & Heather [2 of the conference photogs] on Saturday, someone’s baby cooing at the end of the Kokomon Clottey [ie: drumming], Dot Mavers rousing all during Tim Reynolds performance of “All You Need Is Love”, Marianne Williamson is always inspiring, listening to Azim Khamisa moved me deeply, as did Brahma Kumaris Sister Jenna [her voice is so soothing], Ambassador John McDonalds commentary and NYC Chapter DoPs own Kevin delightful five minute segment. [So much more, I could go on and will during upcoming "Personal News".] Wasn’t able to attend the remainder of Sunday conference … headed back to NYC … but will purchase ALL the conference on CD. Peace & Solidarity!

QUOTE OF THE DAY ... Without inner peace, it is impossible to have world peace. Dalai Lama

COMMENTARY BY NYC CHAPTER DoP CHAIRPERSON -- CAROL HILLSON -- ON OUR FIRST PRESS CONFERENCE AT CITY HALL

Greetings Peacemakers and congratulations on our first Press Conference on the steps of City Hall. It was a great day and we looked smashing! [Duchess Note: Photos of the event will be posted soon.]

In our effort to get the attention of the NY Media, we contacted over 20 media outlets, 19 peace organizations, and 300 of our own supporters, invited 11 Congress members and got sponsorship for the event by Council Member Bill Perkins. Did I mention we made it to the steps of City Hall? While there were only a dozen or so of us there in person, it’s still a significant first step for breaking into NY media and getting the word out about the Department of Peace.

We were interviewed over the telephone by WBAI (who aired the piece between 6pm and 7pm on September 9th, and we’ll try to get a transcript or tape) and WFUV. We spoke to NY One and NEWS 12 of the Bronx about the Department of Peace, though neither ultimately attended Friday’s event. We spoke to Congressman Nadler and Congressman Rangel in person as they walked by the City Hall area, reminded them about the Department of Peace and thanked them for their support. We also handed out press kits to some media people who were in the area.

And the experience we gained from this was invaluable. We now have a full contact list of media outlets (courtesy of a PR friend), an established relationship with Councilman Perkins office, fantastic talking points about the Department of Peace, a great press release and 15 entire press kits ready to be used for future events. We also have great photos from today for our promotional use. We will follow-up with some News organizations when we get back from DC, sending out the press kits on hand along with the photos.

Additionally, as I monitor the website http://www.nyc-dop.com I see that we have had 72 new visitors in the past 4 days. So for our first time out, we did awesome. It also bears mentioning that we only began planning this event 3-4 weeks ago.

But what really impressed me the most about this event was the teamwork that went into it. It was really moving. On our planning conference call we had about 7 items that needed point people, and everyone either volunteered for the positions outright or simply stepped up to the plate when the time came. This is what a Department of Peace is all about. Offering our talent and passion. Working together in cooperation for a common goal that serves the greater good of our world. I am so blessed to be working with each and every one of you.