Peace Pilgrim
(1908-1981)

Between 1953 and 1981 Peace Pilgrim walked more then 25,000 miles across the country spreading her message—This is the way of peace: "Overcome evil with good, falsehood with truth, and hatred with love." Carrying in her tunic pockets her only possessions, she vowed, "I shall remain a wanderer until mankind has learned the way of peace, walking until given shelter and fasting until given food."  She talked with people on dusty roads and city streets, to church, college, civic groups, on TV and radio, discussing peace within and without.

Links
Friends of  Peace Pilgrim
Peace Pilgrim Homepage

Julia Butterfly Hill

From December 10,1997 to December 15,1999; Julia Butterfly Hill conducted one of the most inspiring acts of civil disobedience I have ever heard of. She lived 180 feet up in an ancient redwood tree she called Luna.  She conducted this vigil on behalf of one of the last wild places left in the United States, the remaining 3% of our magnificent old growth forests.  She saved this tree and brought much needed publicity to this environmental cause. 

Links
Luna Tree
Circle of Life Foundation

Mahatma Karamchand Gandhi
(1869-1948)

Historically known as the liberator of India, Gandhi as an activist gave us so much in his teachings of Ahimsa (Nonviolence). He has taught me that there is strength in numbers and that nonviolence is essential to the peace movement. He gave me the art of civil disobedience that makes things happen. His teachings are inspirational to those that come behind him and will live on till the end of time.

Links
The official Mahatma Gandhi Website
M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence 
Mahatma means Great Soul

Martin Luther King, Jr.
(1929-1968)

Martin Luther King, Jr. was a civil rights activist who used the principles of nonviolence to fight to end segregation in the USA. He taught me that we all should be treated as eguals. And when that doesn't happen we need to use nonviolence as a means for change.
He also taught me that it's ok to dream.

Links
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Paper Project
The MLK, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change
MLK Jr: A LIFE Tribute

Mother Theresa
(1910-1997)

Mother Theresa joined the Sisters of Loretto at the age of 18.  
She later founded an order of nuns called the Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta, India dedicated to serving the poor. For over 50 years she gave her life unselfishly to help the poor and dying in India. She has taught me that we must take care of each other no matter what are differences are. 

Links
Catholic Information Center Memorial