Mel Duncan is a co-founder and current Director of Advocacy and Outreach for Nonviolent Peaceforce (NP), a world leader in unarmed civilian protection. NP provides direct protection to civilians caught in violent conflict and works with local groups on violence deterrence in a variety of conflict areas around the world. Mel represents NP at the United Nations where the group has been granted consultative status. Two recent UN global reviews cited and recommended unarmed civilian protection. The Presbyterian Peace Fellowship honored Mel with their 2010 Peace Seeker award. The Fellowship of Reconciliation USA awarded him their 2007 Pfeffer International Peace Prize on behalf of Nonviolent Peaceforce’s “courageous efforts in conflict regions around the world.” The Utne Reader named him as one of “50 Visionaries Who are Changing Our World.” The American Friends Service Committee nominated Nonviolent Peaceforce for the 2016 Nobel Peace Prize.
Mel is a graduate of Macalester College, St. Paul Minnesota. In 2006 he was honored with their Distinguished Citizen award. He also holds a Masters degree from the University of Creation Spirituality. He splits his time between St. Paul and, New York City. He and his wife, Georgia, have eight children and twelve grandchildren.
