“Some people don’t have the ability to speak up for themselves, they don’t have that voice yet in the political realm,” Szawala said. “We’re really trying hard to get this commission for peace and justice in Michigan and be the first state to have one to address some of the needs of the citizens of this state and eventually this country.”

Irwin was drawn to the event because of the commitment shown by people in his jurisdiction who have joined the movement.

The message of spending more money on education and less on the criminal justice system is one Irwin said he identifies with, but the biggest thing the event showed to him was the importance of social activism.

“Anytime you get a nice, large group of people to walk 90 miles to come to the Capitol and make speeches about public policy, that’s a big deal,” he said. “When people are willing to put that much of their time and effort into something like this I think it really deserves our respect and our notice.”

Working with young children as a teacher for 35 years made Colleen Mills want to become more involved in the way children are educated.
Mills, who serves as the president of the Citizens for Peace, led the walk and said the creation of a commission based on statistics and facts would result in endless possibilities.

“We have such a need in this state to recognize the people, to listen to the people,” she said. “The purpose of Moveable Peace is to really listen to the people all over the state and to unite the people in a positive manner, working together despite their politics.”

The area around the Capitol was filled with people who connected with the cause, and Mills said it’s because they know there’s a better way.

“When they hear people that are so dedicated, speaking from their hearts, they’re drawn to it,” she said. “When people know there’s a better way to work with our young people than to incarcerate them, this is what draws people.”

As she stood at the podium, Mills called up all the people who contributed to the walk.

With a large dove made of cloth floating behind her to represent peace, Mills read a letter she wrote to Gov. Rick Snyder.

“We want to move Michigan up to the top ten most peaceful states. That will draw in business” she said. “People will invest in a state that’s peaceful. Nonviolence is the way.”