Peace is coming to Cottage Grove, Oregon, USA
November 10, 2025
There are strong signs that peace is coming to Cottage Grove. The laws of physics and the mathematical equation for critical mass to occur means only one half of 1% of the population is in unison on one particular topic, then a tipping point naturally occurs, and the momentum of energy creates change. This has been the pattern for humanity for thousands of years. The critical mass number for Cottage Grove is only 50 people! The critical mass tipping point for peace in Cottage Grove is happening more and more every day.
The most recent (and perhaps the most measurable sign) is the prayer vigil held just a few feet from the Peace Pole on Nov. 10. The tipping point of critical mass was far surpassed at this gathering. It was an evening of truth-telling for the townspeople. Each person holding a candle heard the unfortunate true story of how our beloved citizens were violated in our own town for no crime other than the color of their skin. This story was very sad and hard to hear. However, if we look in our hearts for the real, true story of progress to peace, it is how the people came together in unity and prayed for peace together. This heart-wrenching story changed the people’s language from the words “hoping for peace” to the words “believing in peace.”
The fact we have surpassed the tipping point in Cottage Grove is proof peace is coming through the following actions:
- The Peace Tree planted in Coiner Park in 2021.
- The Peace Pole 2024, our permanent sign for peace that silently watches over our town, saying “May Peace Prevail On Earth” in eight languages.
- Critical mass has more than tripled on Sept. 21 in the past three years at the UN World Day of Peace that took place just a few feet from the Peace Pole. This event shared interfaith prayers and songs for peace in several languages. All generations attended.
- The Peace Slogan campaign is designed to help the citizens reach “a moment of peace” as they notice the signs throughout town. This project is destined to reach critical mass with peace signs.
- Nov. 1 marks the first Share Fair event, happening all day, every Saturday, at 1133 E. Main St. (behind Dirt Cheap Printers’ new location). People bring potluck lunches, a chair, and things in vehicles to share for free with our citizens. Bringing awareness to the importance of keeping our money and resources local and taking care of our people.
- Some measurable milestones for peace are shown through great organizations in town that stand for peace: Building Bridges, Earth and Social Justice, The Row River Grange, Friends of Democracy, and ROP, to mention a few.