College Town.

• Position: LOCAL NEWS

Byline: Bonnie Russell

COLUMN: COLLEGE TOWN

After a 20-year break, Clark University's Peace Studies Program is giving peace another chance when it hosts the 9th Worcester Community Peace Fair from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. today on the campus green.

The fair, which was held annually from 1985 to 1992, allowed community members and students to come together to learn about, discuss and celebrate peace.

"The fair is being revived because there is a lot of interest in peace studies," said Jude Fernando, associate professor of international development and director of Clark's Peace Studies Program.

There is also a global demand for peace building and a desire to help local and international efforts to create a culture of peace and justice, Mr. Fernando said, noting that there are two types of peace - negative peace (stopping violence) and positive peace (ensuring justice by providing the basic human needs of adequate food, clothing and shelter).

The fair will include a speech and workshop, peace-themed activities and games, an art exhibit, and displays that will show the public how organizations and individuals in the community are promoting peace both locally and globally.

Other highlights include entertainment by Worcester bands and vegetarian and vegan foods from VegWorcester, REC Worcester and PeaceWorks.

David Adams, former director of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, will deliver a public address at approximately 2:15 p.m. After his speech, Mr. Adams will lead a workshop on how to become a reporter for the International Culture of Peace News Network, a grass-roots, self-sustaining, tri-lingual news network. The workshop will be held in Grace Conference Room, first floor of the Higgins University Center.

"Because the fair is being held on Earth Day, we are hoping to collaborate with environmental groups on campus to make a `Peace on Earth' theme that will highlight connections between peace and environmental sustainability," said Katie McGonagle, a Clark senior majoring in International Development and Social Change.

If it rains, the fair will be held in Tilton Hall, 2nd floor, Higgins University Center , 950 Main St .

Other sponsors include: Speaker's Forum, Interfaith Action Clark, and The Concentration in Peace and Conflict Studies at The College of the Holy Cross. For more information, call (508) 793-8859 or email PeaceFair2012@gmail.com.

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