Q & A
Borderlands Peace Heroes Storytrail (BPHST)
Local artist, Ernie Lopez created this Heart Necklace that inspired there template for the International Peace Heroes Trail experience we've been creating at Casa de Peacebuilder. The two silver bumps on the copper represent the lives of Oscar Alberto Martínez and his 23-month-old daughter, Angie Valeria, who drowned tragically in the summer of 2019 while attempting to cross the Rio Grande separating the U.S. from Mexico. The heart has a line running through it representing the border -- and the divisions (including walls) that often lead to heartbreak in our world.
What is the storytrail project?
The heart of this project is a desert journey with Borderlands Peace Heroism and Peace Heroes. The trail contours a one-acre, heart-shaped storyboard that lifts up the heroism of everyday Peace Heroes who “have accepted risk and succeeded in making the world a less violent and more just place.”
redefining heroism
Peace Heroes Storytrails Project, lifts up the valor of everyday people whose quest is to build a safer, more healthy and just world.
On the trail we lift up the often missing stories of people and nonprofits in our Borderland communities that inspire a new generation toward living out Peace Hero ideals.
where did the idea originate?
Originating with the first Peace Heroes Walk in Dayton, OH in 2014, Peace Hero events have spread to five states and raised more than $300,000 in the past seven years including the 2020 & 2021Peace Heroes Trail in Dayton, OH which raised $55,000 through a virtual-online effort.
What is the first year focus?
The first year focus will be to build the trail— both virtually and onsite. With the assistance of local volunteers including local service clubs, the BPHST will build the first section of the Heart Trail featuring local Peace Heroes.
What is the long-term focus?
The BPHST will offer a venue to raise funds and conduct educational programming to teach Peace heroism. The project is located at the Tubac Peace Park, campus of Casa de Peacebuilder and the Peace Literacy Foundation. The more long-term vision is a trail that features hundreds of Peace Heroes from diverse backgrounds who have inspired us to build bridges and build community between neighbors in our Sonoran Desert region.
Who will provide project leadership?
Two local leaders from Tubac, Jerry Leggett, CEO/President of the Peace Literacy Foundation and Dr. Jose Lopez, a former school superintendent will head a team of local volunteers. The project will be completely volunteer-led including Jerry Leggett, who has produced Peace Hero events in six states and who helped write an 89-page Organizing Manual for local teams.
what is the 2022 fundraising goal and where does it go?
The first year fundraising goal is $50,000. These funds will help establish pathways, berms, swales, irrigation, desert plants and park infrastructure. In-kind donations are gladly received including volunteer assistance, fine art creation, plants and expertise.
who is a peace hero?
PEACE HERO DEFINITION
“A peace hero is an everyday person who accepts risk and succeeds in making the world a less violent and more just place.” — Jerry Leggett, Co-Founder, Peace Heroes Storytrails
A Peace Hero might be your grandmother, a nurse, a world leader or a janitor. Each person who participates in this project picks their own Peace Hero based upon these Five Peace Hero Ideals:
FIVE PEACE HERO IDEALS
recognizes interconnections;
promotes justice;
rejects vengeance;
fosters reconciliation.
Practice service above self.