Mel Duncan

As the former executive director of Nonviolent Peaceforce, "Mel Duncan trains and deploys groups of peacekeepers to areas of conflict around the world in order to prevent further violence and protect human rights, and to enable local groups to enter into dialogue and seek peaceful resolution. Mr. Duncan has led grassroots organizing campaigns for over 30 years around issues of peace in Central America, living wages, conversion of weapons industries, corporate welfare reform, and opposition to nuclear waste storage at Prairie Island. Together with Senator Paul Wellstone, Duncan helped found the Minnesota Alliance for Progressive Action (MAPA)."

"In 1990 he worked for Paul Wellstone's US Senate race and has visited the people of Iraq to bring medical supplies before the current war.

"Prior to the creation of Nonviolent Peaceforce, Mel founded and directed Minnesota Jobs With Peace, Advocating Change Together (a self-advocacy organization of people with developmental disabilities), and the Minnesota Alliance for Progressive Action.

"At the Hague Appeal for Peace in 1999, Mel met David Hartsough and began work to launch Nonviolent Peaceforce, an effort that culminated in 2002 with NP's convening event in Surajkund, India.

"Mel Duncan's honors and awards include a Community Leaders Fellowship from the Bush Foundation, the Distinguished Citizen's Award from Macalester College, the Pfeffer International Peace Prize from the Fellowship of Reconciliation, and designation as one of "50 Visionaries Who Are Changing Your World" by the Utne Reader."