Several months later, he showed his students that even kids can do something about the violence that is so central in their lives. Nodeland arranged for a violent toy trade-in. Nodeland and the Dallas Peace Center's efforts are part of the growing number of violent toy trade-ins across the country. Schools, community groups, and churches organize events as both a statement against violent play and an opportunity for some fun alternatives. The toys collected at the trade-in are made into a peace sculpture or placed around a peace pole.
Nonviolent games are a centerpiece of the events.
Best of all, the kids learn that their actions can have an effect on the atmosphere of violence that surrounds them. 4300 Montgomery Ave. In the early '90s, South Africa was at a turning point. Nelson Mandela had been released from prison and key anti-apartheid groups had been legalized, but it was still unclear whether a peaceful transition to a multiracial democracy could be negotiated. The scenario process, described below, helped a group of key leaders work together to understand some of the difficult political choices that would be required to build a positive future for the country.