The Greater Tacoma Peace Prize

Home

 

NEWS!

FATHER BILL BICHSEL, S.J., our 2012 GTPP laureate, has been nominated for 

the 2013 Nobel Peace Prize!

"Making Peace Local" since 2005

The GTPP Committee depends on corporate and individual contributions. Please consider including us in your charitable gift planning. Thank you!

Contact us for more information.
 
Counter

“When the Greater Tacoma Peace Prize Committee honors ‘one of us locals’ with the Peace Prize, then it indeed honors all who endeavor in similar work, as well as those who support such activities and advocacy by others.”

2006 Laureate Bill Lincoln,

Conflict Resolution, Research and Resource Institute

 

Questions? 

Send us an E-mail: info@tacomapeaceprize.org

Our Mission and Purpose

 

HONORING PEACEMAKERS IN OUR COMMUNITY


ENCOURAGING PEACE BUILDING


MAKING PEACE LOCAL

 

It is our wish that peace become reality in every corner of the world. Until that time may arrive, we honor those who work toward the accomplishment of that goal. Those individuals who focus on the building of peace in its many definitions are a continuing source of inspiration for all of us. (Click here to read further remarks made by GTPP Founding Chair Tom Heavey.)

 

"Based on history and community, a local peace prize is a brilliant concept. Making peace local challenges the notion that peace must be an operation beyond our capabilities."

Kathleen Merryman,

The News Tribune, May, 2008
Sallie Shawl selected as 2013 GTPP Laureate

The award will be presented to Shawl on May 11, 6:30 PM, at the annual Spring Banquet in the Scandinavian Cultural Center at Pacific Lutheran University. Tickets are $40 for SCC members, $45 for others.

 For further information or to make a reservation (deadline to call is Monday morning, May 6),

write to info@tacomapeaceprize.org or call 253-535-7322.

Sallie Shawl has a simple wish; she just wants everyone in the world to get along. Even though that simple wish has always eluded mankind, Shawl won’t give up. She has dedicated her life to working for peace and justice, which is why the Greater Tacoma Peace Prize Committee is pleased to announce their selection of Shawl as the 2013 Laureate.  Not one, but two members of the community nominated her for the prize, citing her many accomplishments and continued efforts. Too numerous to list completely, here are a few:
  • While working at a full-time job with Associated Ministries—as coordinator of the Paint Tacoma Beautiful program—she used her off hours in a variety of ways, all with the goal of building a more just and peaceful world.
  • Shawl led Tacoma Arabs, Jews, and Others (TAJOS) and Palestinian-Israeli Peace Endeavors (PIPES) from the mid-1980s through early 1990s, to bring people together.
  • She has participated in many protests of nuclear weapons at the Bangor Naval Base in Kitsap County, through the Ground Zero Center for Non-Violent Action protests. Even after arrest and incarceration, she never wavered in her convictions.
  • After the terrorist attacks of 9/11, she formed the groups People for Peace, Justice, and Healing and United for Peace of Pierce County.
  • She founded a local chapter of Jewish Voice for Peace, which gives voice to information not available in mainstream U.S. media.
  • Shawl brought young people from diverse backgrounds together when she helped create and run the Interfaith Youth Camp on the Key Peninsula.
  • She was instrumental in the inauguration of the South Sound Peace and Justice Center.

Shawl’s work never ends. She continues to hold vigils, pass out leaflets, and bring people together for greater mutual understanding and respect. Greater Tacoma Peace Prize honors her for those lifelong efforts.


Each year, the GTPP gives the recipient a trip for two to Oslo, Norway, to participate in the events surrounding the Nobel Peace Prize. The laureate also receives recognition on the GTPP perpetual plaque, a specially designed medallion, a Certificate of Commendation, and a unique glass artwork created especially for the GTPP by Tacoma’s Hilltop Artists.


---------------------------------------------

Check our News and Events page for news about recent recognition of our 2006 GTPP laureates, Polly Davis and Bill Lincoln!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Norwegian Nobel Institute.
____________________________________

At the June 2, 2012, award banquet, Thomas Heavey (right), Founder and Chair of the GTPP Committee, gave a moving and eloquent speech regarding the selection of Father Bix as the 2012 laureate. 

_______________________________________
Erik Snyder (right), musician/composer from Bellingham, Washington, wrote a new composition in 2012,  Lullaby for Peace, especially for the Greater Tacoma Peace Prize and Father Bix. The piece was debuted at the June 2 Banquet when the Greater Tacoma Peace Prize was awarded to Father Bichsel. Attendees' comments were deservedly laudatory. Snyder, and fellow musician Conner Helms, will perform at this year's banquet (May 11).

______________________________________________
Dennis Flannigan, Bichsel, Father Bix
Photo Credit: Blake Kremer
David Alger, Bill Bichsel
In December, Shawl and a companion will fly to Norway to attend the Nobel Peace Prize events and to meet with peace activists / organizations there. The Norwegian Nobel Institute (left) is just one stop on the list of activities in Oslo.
________________________________
Tom Heavey, GTPP, PLU, Tacoma Peace Prize
Photo Credit:: Andreas Udbye
Erik Snyder, Lullaby for Peace
Photo Credit: Andreas Udbye
________________________________


Photo Left:

In his nomination essay, former Washington State Congressman Dennis Flannigan wrote, “If you ask those who love Tacoma who best represents the peace movement here, most would respond, ‘Father Bichsel.’ How appropriate and just plain right to honor him while he still lives, acts, and defies conventions that need defying.”


______________________________________



Photo Left:
Father Bix asked his good friend Rev. David Alger (2009 GTPP Laureate) to bless him and his upcoming travel to Norway.
The Prize
  • The GTPP Perpetual Plaque
  • A unique glass artwork (a bowl and laurel branch, designed by Tacoma's Hilltop Artists in Residence) 
  • The GTPP medallion 
  • Certificate of Commendation 

 

In addition, each GTPP laureate receives a trip for two to Oslo, Norway, to attend the Nobel Peace Prize events in December.

_________________________________________________________