📜 Hosting a Declaration of Interdependence

Start here: Open the tube, unroll the Declaration, and review the instructions below before collecting any signatures.

Thank you for helping activate Roland Poska’s Declarations of Interdependence! This guide walks you through how to collect signatures, take photos, and pass the artwork along to the next host.

🖋️ What Are People Signing?

Each person who signs agrees to this simple but powerful statement:

“Do you agree to end violence, end prejudice, and achieve respect for all?”

This is not just art — it’s a global, participatory peace project. Each signature is part of a growing movement that’s been activated in over 90 cities across 16 countries on 5 continents.

Created by artist Roland Poska between 1988–1994 in Rockford, Illinois, these hand-pressed lithographs explore interdependence between people, nature, and culture.

📦 What’s in the Tube

  • 1 Declaration of Interdependence (rolled)

  • Fine-tip oil-based paint markers (Sharpie preferred, others work too)

✍️ How to Collect Signatures

Invite people to sign only if they agree to the Declaration’s message. Each participant should:

  • Sign or print their name (however they’re comfortable)

  • Add their birthday (any format is fine — e.g., 5/5/1985, May 5, 1998)

  • No extra text, messages, or drawings allowed

⚠️ If someone makes a mistake, don’t worry — just reach out and we’ll decide how to proceed together.

📸 Photo Instructions

Photos help tell the story and connect your community to the global project.

Please take at least one photo of each person signing or standing with the Declaration.

Ideal locations include:

• A park or peaceful public space

• A classroom, office, or place of work

• A landmark or local gathering spot

Photos are optional but encouraged. They give visual context and energy to the project.

🎨 Display & Setup Tips

• If collecting just a few signatures/photos: You can simply hold the art flat by hand

• If collecting many signatures or traveling: Clip it to a foam board or mat for a firm surface

• Use only fine-tip oil-based paint markers

• Shake gently to get paint flowing

• Avoid shaking hard to prevent splatter

• Keep a paper towel nearby in case of drips or smudges

• You can display it on an easel, table, or hold it in place — whatever works best

📤 What to Do After Signing

  1. Roll the Declaration back into the mailing tube

  2. Let me know you’re ready to send it on — I’ll provide the next host’s name and address

  3. If you know someone nearby who may want to participate, you’re welcome to pass it along directly

✉️ Shipping is covered, but if you’d like to support the project, you’re welcome to pay the shipping yourself or donate online to help us reach more communities.

📂 Share What You Collected

Please send by text 815-519-1900 or email: bob@bobthepeacebuilder.com:

  • Photos of participants

  • Total number of signatures

  • The location(s) where signing took place

  • Any challenges, stories, or highlights

ℹ️ Quick Facts (In Case Anyone Asks)

  • Created by artist Roland Poska (1938–2017) in Rockford, Illinois

  • Each piece is a handmade lithograph using traditional stone printing

  • The Declarations represent interdependence between people, culture, and nature

  • The project is now in its third full cycle: The Borderless Series

📞 Contact & Support

If anything is unclear or missing, don’t hesitate to reach out.