In this global age peace is no longer a dream, but a necessity. Countries and individuals are more tightly interconnected than ever before, goods are assembled all over the world from materials from all over the world then sent to the far corners of the world to be discarded potentially anywhere, climate change and ecological devastation affects everyone regardless of location or involvement, weapons of mass destruction have assured a future of unparalleled suffering should the full force of a global war ever take place again, and both the potential for peace and the potential for war has never been greater.

The World Peace Through Technology Organization uses technology to inspire peace. This website is the most visible effort, a forum for education and communication for thousands of people from around the world. The internet is an excellent place for this, but requires skeptical attention and a thorough media literacy. The links to many other peace-related organizations are designed to connect people who share the vision of peace globally. The Peacetour website has had visitors from 163 countries and territories, some of which are currently involved in conflicts, so inspiring peace could make a difference. The website's many quotes on the topic of peace are truly inspirational, as is the very recent technology of the internet and its profound ability to connect the world and share understanding and knowledge. The more we know, the more we realize that no matter what part of the world we come from, we are all basically the same human beings.

The How Weird Street Faire is the Peacetour's annual event in San Francisco, with over 10,000 participants. It is a celebration of peace, and an attempt to create peace in practice. The street faire has evolved into a showcase of all forms of electronic music, bringing together a wide range of styles and unique cultures that share a desire for peace. This has enabled an extremely diverse cross-section of participants to connect with each other, while appreciating that our similarities are far greater than our differences. In 2009, for the tenth anniversary of the faire, there were 10 music stages throughout the faire featuring the best of each genre. There have also been talks and workshops at the faire, on various topics related to peace. In 2007, a Peace Game was introduced at the faire. The game required assembling four different stickers that were handed out throughout the faire to see the complete peace artwork, encouraging people to work together for a common goal while valuing diversity.

Music and art can inspire peace, and transcend cultural, religious, and political differences. In 2003, we asked for songs that inspire peace from local artists who had played at the How Weird Street Faire. We released 10 great songs on a CD, now available as digital downloads, that have been heard around the world. We are still collecting songs for the next album, and feature some of those songs now on the website. The computer's ability to create and distribute music and art is an important tool for building world peace. We need things that can bring people together and find common interests, and art does this best.

Peace is possible. For over four years, we've been asking visitors to this website if peace is possible. By an overwhelming majority, people have responded yes! Out of 28,585 votes, 61% (17,344 votes) believe peace is definitely possible, and another 19% (5,331 votes) answered "maybe". That's 80% saying peace is possible, which is an inspiring statistic.

Peace Dot

The Persuasive Technology Lab at Stanford University has created the Peace Dot campaign to showcase organizations that are taking steps to maintain and create peace in the world.

To learn more about the Peace Dot campaign visit peace.stanford.edu