Association for Peace Education statement, ca. 1923

The Association for Peace Education is organized to support certain fundamental educational work -- basic in any effort to bring about better international understanding.

The evangelist of this movement is a young Canadian, internationally known as "Private Peat." Everywhere that he speaks his message is received with enthusiasm, indicating that this is the psychological moment for its delivery. Briefly the message is this: -- that history as taught in the impressionable years of childhood and youth should strip war of its illusions and avoid stressing national associations, thereby preparing the way for better international relations and a more stable peace. But to arouse the people of one country to the importance of a better presentation of history and related subjects is not enough; the movement must be international to be effective. Men and women should be prepared to carry the same message to every land, and all the nations should join in these educational reforms.

The plans of the Association for Peace Education include:

1. (a) A nation-wide speaking tour for Private Peat, in which he will address large groups of people -- schools, churches, clubs, forums, associations of commerce, Legion Posts, and others.

(b) The organization of the response to his appeal into support for the plans of the Association for Peace Education.

2. The establishment of the International Speakers' School where men and women may be trained, taking the message to other lands.

3. The formation of a Committee on Education and Research, with members of national reputation and recognized standing, whose first undertaking will be to make and publish a survey of the text books used in the primary and intermediate schools.

It is believed that this plan offers a basis on which more constructive work may be built later and that it will strengthen all other [efforts] to reach sound international understanding.

The Association does not concern itself with military establishments or with politics, economics or finance. Its sole aim is to open the eyes of the present generation to certain important facts, and to give the coming generation a saner and better mind -- the fundamental basis of a saner and better world.

The constitution of the Association for Peace Education provides for a board of directors in whose hands shall rest policy and executive responsibility; a national board of advisors, and a finance committee (to be members also of the advisory board).

A board of directors has been secured representing social, religious and educational activities. This board and the finance committee is raising a guarantee fund of $50,000 to carry on the plans for the year. It is expected that contributions and membership dues from all over the country will far exceed that amount. All funds in excess of the costs of the year's work will be turned into the fund for the school. At the end of the year the guarantee fund, if the guarantors so decide, may also be appropriated for the endowment.

Many people have been interested in the plans of the Association and have given advice. Members of the Organization Committee who have carried on the strenuous work of the past few weeks and some of the advisers are:

We invite your Support and [Cooperation].