“Good happens” is the motto for the Center for Living Peace in Irvine, California, an organization which is taking a proactive approach to the future by reaching out to the community with classes and programs designed to promote conflict resolution and an appreciation for the arts, culture and environment.\n\nUniversity of California, Irvine in partnership with  Center for Living Peace Orange County  http://www.goodhappens.org/ launched the Living Peace speaker series this month and I attended this inaugural event.  This was the first of series of conversations with international leaders committed to making the world a healthy sustainable and compassionate place.\n\nAcademy Award winner and United Nations Messenger of Peace Charlize Theron and Dr. Michael Bennish, founder and executive director of Mpilonhle discussed the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project which is committed to creating a safer and healthier life for impoverished children and communities of South Africa, with a focus on individuals suffering from HIV/AIDS.\n\nOn  January 25, Sir Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group and its nonprofit, Virgin Unite, will speak as part of the series.   He will deliver his vision of peace through his foundation’s global initiatives that confront everything from youth homelessness in the U.S. to philanthropic capital ventures to entrepreneurial responsibility.\n\nFor ticket information go to http://www.livingpeace.uci.edu/\n\nIn the words of Thomas Paine, “My country is the world.  My religion is to do good.”    I hope you will be inspired to make good happen and perform simple acts of kindness in turn inspiring others to do the same.  Together we can change the world.