During a time of riot and conflict, students may appreciate a weekend of peace. The Nobel Peace Prize Forum will be held March 4 and 5 at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa.

The forum facilitates a community for students, the general public, diplomats and scholars to discuss peace making in an environment of conflict and war, and what people are doing today to help that environment.

This year's theme, as the 23rd annual of the event, is "Striving for Peace: Courage to Act." The forum will highlight the work of those who have acted with courage to confront difficult religious, social, environmental and economic issues.

Two students from each of the five Upper Midwest Norwegian Colleges sponsoring the Peace Prize Forum are chosen as recipients of a six-week study abroad session in Norway this summer, to further understand peace, justice, democracy and human rights.

Last year's Peace Prize Forum recipients from Augustana College were Hannah Miller and Lindsey Olson.

"The forum is very green-friendly, which I think is cool," junior Hannah Miller said. "They have ideas for everyone on how to be more eco-friendly. They get you thinking about it."

There are six confirmed speakers in world peacemaking leadership, as well as 40 workshop sessions. The 2009 Nobel Laureate, President Barack Obama, has been invited but not confirmed as of publication.

"They have a workshop for everyone," Miller said. "Last year I went to one on literacy and education, and building peace in the classrooms because I'm an education major. They have a workshop for whatever you're interested in."

Shirin Ebadi, the first Iranian and first Muslim woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize will be speaking this year.

Also speaking is Eboo Patel, the founder of the Chicago-based, Interfaith Youth Core and one of U.S. New and World Report's Best Leaders of 2009.

"He's a dynamic speaker," Brad Heegel, Augustana's Director of Special Projects and the Nobel Peace Prize Forum College Coordinator, said. "Students love him."

Scott Hanson is a Brigadier General in the U.S. Air Force. He leads an organization that helps mentor and train the Iraqi Air Force.

"I think it should be interesting to have a speaker who is in the military, because peace and the military seem so conflicting," Heegel said. "He'll be giving an honest report of our actions in Iraq. He's also a Luther grad, so I think the students feel more connected with him."

"The forum teaches students that they can make a difference," Miller said. "The speakers instill hope. I felt empowered and excited to make a change."

Those interested may register online at www.luther.edu/peaceprize/registration. The deadline is Monday, Feb 21.

Registration for sponsoring college participants is $25, which includes transportation, lodging, meals and admittance.

Those attending will leave via bus from the Augustana campus, and stay the night in one of Luther's dorms.

"We really all want peace," Heegel said. "If you say you believe in peacemaking, you owe it to yourself to be at the forum. Those are the people that belong there."

Every year about 1,500 people attend, most of which are college students.

"I just feel like it gives a sense of empowerment to students," Miller said. "There is a lot going on today that can make us feel discouraged, and maybe as students we think, ‘what can I do?'. There are so many little things you can do that make a big difference. It teaches you what peace looks like."