Peace First and Ending War We are committed to take active steps towards bringing peace within ourselves, our families, our communities, our nation, our world. Our mission: to acknowledge that people want peace, to find strength in our collective voice, however diverse, and to bring about peace on earth in passionate, non-violent ways. We want to witness the end of war. We recognize that peace is possible only when it is felt in the heart of each individual; it will not come from cease fire or treaty. No government or law can bring peace. Therefore we place peace first in our own lives. When peace rules in the heart there is no room for anything else. We strive for peace within. We recognize the power of peace and celebrate our diversity as our strength, not our weakness. We choose peace, and in doing so we become intolerant of war – within or around us. We welcome you to celebrate peace and say no to war. Here is our Facebook, Peace First and Ending War. Sign on if you share this conviction.

Sustainability Classes We offer hands on experience in sustainable agriculture from spring planting through harvest and apple orchard care. We offer animal husbandry allowing for the dignity of the animal and of the keeper. We offer classes in food preparation, canning, and other means of self-sustaining activities, as well as straw/clay, cob and other green construction. These classes are offered free of charge at Echo Valley Farm in Ontario, WI. Click here for Echo Valley Farm's calendar of classes.

Community Garden Local people are invited to work a parcel of land donated for a community garden. The gardeners will feed their families and share the remaining harvest with other families. Contact us if you are interested in the 2012 community garden project.

Navajo Rug Sales We are selling handmade Navajo rugs. 100% of the proceeds will go to the weavers. Rugs are available at all Echo Valley Hope events and are posted here. Rugs can also be commissioned.

Peace Initiatives Echo Valley Hope has sponsored events with Peacemakers and Peace Keepers and will continue to honor those individuals and organizations who offer nonviolent solutions to help others.  This year, Echo Valley Hope will again donate a water filter for a school in Iraq through Water for Peace, a program of the Muslim Peacemakers Team. We will continue to support the efforts of The Prem Rawat Foundation in “addressing fundamental human needs so people everywhere can live their lives with dignity, peace and prosperity.” We look forward to hosting events to bring awareness to peace initiatives of Veterans for Peace, Wisconsin Network for Peace and Justice, Boggs Center to Nurture Community Leadership, Motherland Rhythm Community and more. We will devote the greater part of July and August to youth initiatives. It is our hope to introduce children of all ages to their individual strengths, community building skills, sustainable concepts of food production and energy creation and use, and concepts of peace and nonviolence. If you are interested in participating in or co-creating these events, contact us.

Community Support Echo Valley Hope will once again support the Ontario Senior Meals Program and the Wilton Food Pantry.

Fundraising Concerts We will continue to raise money to support our initiatives and to help support like-minded organizations. We will continue to host local talent as well as regional and national bands and singer / songwriters, bringing people together for good times, good causes, and good learning. July 7 - There Is Enough August 3 & 4 - Widening the Circle September 22 - Celebrating the UN International Day of Peace, a multi-media event