“They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation; they will train for war no more. Everyone will sit under their own vine and fig tree. No one shall make them afraid.”
by Teresa Kim Pecinovsky and Hannah Rose Martin Illustrated by Gabhor Utomo From Herald Press
A new Children's book coming April 8th inspired by the work of RAWtools. Broken into beautiful. A story of friendship and healing.
Gentle and moving, this poetic tale offers readers a hopeful path in the face of gun violence and despair, showing kids how peacemaking can turn conflict into friendship and new beginnings—and forge guns into garden tools.
Children grow up with lockdowns and gun violence as part of their reality. As parents, caregivers, and educators, how should we respond? Sparking Peace provides a springboard for those seeking to discuss gun violence and trauma with children in a safe way that highlights help rather than harm. This picture book helps children learn about conflict while also carefully addressing gun violence and peacemaking. It includes resources that equip parents and educators to talk about gun violence and trauma, using a story of a broken window to show kids how conflict can be transformed through acts of peace. Suggested reading for ages 5–9.
We do more than turn guns into garden tools. We are turning violence into peace. We are turning fear into trust. Through relationship, dialogue, and resources, we are welcoming neighbors with loving arms rather than bearing arms. Join us.
Turning guns into garden tools is at the center of the work of RAWtools. It connects our programs and enables storytelling—stories of magnificent transformation as well as the deep trauma of grief and loss.
What if someone broke into your house and attacked your family? RAWtools’ nonviolence trainings approach real-world situations from a perspective of peace and disarmament. We believe there are tools to resolve conflicts that don’t involve violent weapons.
How do we prepare ourselves to welcome neighbors and strangers with open arms instead of bearing arms? How do we let love rather than fear drive our relationships?
