Laureate chosen
Photo caption: Photo: Screengrab / Youtube. Sallie Shawl speaks for the Jewish Voice for Peace in Tacoma.
Sallie Shawl named as Greater Tacoma Peace Prize Laureate for 2013
Special Release
Greater Tacoma Peace Prize
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 piece of glass artwork created especially for the GTPP by Tacoma’s Hilltop Artists.
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 is May 3), write to info@tacomapeaceprize.org or call (253) 752-8450.
This article originally appeared in the April 26, 2013 issue of the Norwegian American Weekly. To subscribe, visit SUBSCRIBE or call us at (800) 305-0271.
