A Conversation with David Wick on Peace and Conscious Evolution
Introduction
Dr. Allen Lycka welcomes David Wick, a visionary leader and peacebuilder. Since 1983, millions have paused at noon for a minute of silence, creating a wave of peace. In a world overshadowed by division, Wick advocates for a renewed commitment to global harmony.
The Path to Peacebuilding Wick shares his personal journey, inspired by a search for meaning. Influenced by spiritual insights, he views life as a "schoolhouse" for growth. He was drawn to social impact, leading him to create a youth service program in San Francisco in the 1970s to prevent juvenile incarceration.
Understanding the Root of Conflict Dr. Lycka highlights the cycle of gang involvement, emphasizing the difficulty of breaking free. Wick agrees, explaining that many seek identity and belonging. He recognized early that societal systems were unsustainable and that transformation was inevitable. This belief led him to co-found Pathways to Peace, an NGO at the United Nations.
The International Day of Peace Wick recalls helping to draft the 1981 UN resolution establishing the International Day of Peace. In 1984, Pathways to Peace organized the first major celebration in San Francisco, stopping cash registers, ringing church bells, and pausing television programming for a moment of silence. This tradition continues, creating a ripple effect worldwide.
The Power of Individual Action Dr. Lycka commits to observing a minute of silence every Friday. Wick stresses the importance of daily participation, explaining that even small actions create energetic waves that influence global consciousness. Scientific studies confirm that human thought and intention impact the world’s vibrational energy.
Peace and Political Challenges Discussing international tensions, Wick emphasizes that peace starts with individual choices. Referencing Dr. Willis Harmon's work, he describes the ongoing transformation in global consciousness. Dr. Lycka reflects on historical events, including Nazi Germany, underscoring the danger of silence in the face of injustice.
Badass Peacebuilding: Standing for Truth Wick introduces the concept of "Badass Peacebuilding," advocating for bold, unapologetic action in promoting peace and compassion. He shares an artistic representation symbolizing fierce and courageous peace efforts, reinforcing the need for steadfast commitment.
BIO:
David Wick founded Youth Services in Santa Cruz and Watsonville California in 1974, with a staff of eight, an eager group of volunteers, and with a budget of only $17,000. This current multi-million dollar center is still going strong today. Based on the dynamic early years of Youth Services he authored a chapter in the recently published book, “The Origins of Neuro Linguistic Programming.” In 1983 David helped launch the United Nations NGO, Pathways To Peace (PTP) which had assisted the resolution passage of the UN’s International Day of Peace in 1981. David has been a leader in organizing the celebration of the International Day of Peace since 1984 and he currently serves as a PTP Director. While working at Stanford University, in 1985 he founded the ten year-long PTP Peace Within Organizations program and in 1995 co-founded the visionary project Peace Building Through Business which led to being a leading member of a five year international think tank on the future role of business in the 21st Century. David is currently the Team Leader of the global Culture of Peace Initiative (CPI), a UN-designated “Peace Messenger Initiative”, of which Pathways To Peace serves as the Secretariat.
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