SEEDS CELEBRATES 4th ANNUAL "CULTIVATING COMMON GROUND" EVENT ON NATIONAL CONFLICT RESOLUTION DAY OCTOBER 18 -- L.A.'s Famed Homeboy Industries Founder Fr. Greg Boyle to Make Keynote Address

Berkeley, Calif. -- SEEDS Community Resolution Center today announced Cultivating Common Ground 2012 - Empowering our Communities through Renewal, its fourth annual breakfast program and awards ceremony happening on Conflict Resolution Day, Thursday,October 18, 2012 from 7 a.m. - 9 a.m. at HS Lordships Restaurant in Berkeley Marina. The event is open to the public and costs $50 per person. Over 100 government and community leaders are expected to attend. 

"For nearly 30 years, SEEDS staff and volunteers have empowered individuals and organizations throughout Alameda County to solve conflicts through positive engagement with each other and our communities.   This year, as SEEDS' family begins a new period of growth and renewal, our values of tolerance and diversity remain strong, and our founding principles of dialogue and understanding continue to allow our services to thrive with the support of our donors," Jeff Sloan, SEEDS Executive Director said.

Keynote speaker Fr. Greg Boyle is founder and president of the award-winning, Los Angeles-based jobs training program, Homeboy Industries, and author of Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion. 

Fr. Greg Boyle said, "This is the compassion I seek: to stand in awe of the burdens so many have to carry rather than in judgement of how they carry it"  

Jeff continued, "We're so pleased and fortunate to welcome Father Greg Boyle to help us celebrate National Conflict Resolution day. Father Greg is making a real difference every day for our young people and future leaders. His strong work showcases the spirit of renewal and community resilience that has come to define SEEDS' long history of success in fostering peace and solutions within Alameda County's diverse communities." 

The Cultivating Common Ground breakfast program includes an annual awards ceremony inhonor of three exceptional community members whose work demonstrates a shared commitment to SEEDS' mission.  In addition, event participants will have an opportunity to purchase raffle tickets with a chance to win a new Apple iPad, HP Laser Printer, Sunday brunch at HS Lordships Restaurant, a copy of Tattoos on the Heart signed by Fr. Greg Boyle, and a timeshare vacation in South Lake Tahoe or choice of other exotic location. All proceeds from sponsorship and sale of breakfast tickets and raffle tickets benefit SEEDS Community Resolution Center. 

For more information about SEEDS Community Resolution Center, including a list of its Honorary Committee members, or to register for Cultivating Common Ground 2012 -Empowering our Communities through Renewal breakfast event, please visitwww.seedscrc.org or contact Jeff Sloan at jeff@seedscrc.org or 510-548-2377.

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SEEDS' 2012 Award Descriptions & Recipients: 

Mrs. Jean Phinney - Michael Woodbridge Award

In memory of  longtime  SEEDS  contributor  and  loving  friend,  Michael Woodbridge.  Awarded annually to a SEEDS volunteer who has demonstrated exemplary service by giving generously of their time and talents in support of SEEDS'  mission.     

Commissioner Thomas Rasch- Community Partner Award

Awarded  annually in recognition of an organization or individual whose work demonstrates a shared commitment to SEEDS vision for individuals and communities in Alameda County.  

Ms. Josie Beyer - SEEDS' Youth Leadership Excellence Award

In recognition of our future leaders. Awarded annually to an Alameda County young person, ages 12 -­ 24, who is setting an example for his/her peers in peacemaking, violence prevention and/or community-building efforts.

Recent Media Coverage of Fr. Greg Boyle: 

Huffington Post, August 8, 2009:

"Homeboy Industries: Producing Hope"

The Economist, February 18, 2012:

"Reforming Gang Members: Where Homies Can Heal"

Fast Company, April 16, 2012:

"House of Second Chances"        

NPR, Fresh Air, May 10, 2010:

"Priest Fights Gangs With 'Boundless Compassion'"

About SEEDS Community Resolution Center:

SEEDS Community Resolution Center is a 501(c)(3), nonprofit organization that provides mediation, facilitation and training services to thousands of residents who live, work and attend schools in Oakland, Berkeley, Alameda, Emeryville, Hayward, and Fremont and surrounding neighborhoods. Clients include individuals, families, schools, community groups and nonprofit and public agencies, as well as small and large businesses throughout Alameda County.

About Conflict Resolution Day:

Conflict Resolution Day was established in 2005 by the Association of Conflict Resolution (ACR) as an international day of awareness of the benefits of peaceful conflict resolution to communities around the world. Past celebrations have taken place in Canada, Portugal and 22 U.S. states. SEEDS Cultivating Ground marks annual observance of the event in the San Francisco Bay Area.