Organizers Report from Actions in California, Maryland, and Minneapolis
The Campaign Nonviolence Action Week wrapped up yesterday, and we’re thrilled to see more pictures and reports coming in from across the country. A big part of increasing the impact of nonviolent actions goes beyond in-person visibility to include documenting with video and pictures for your social media, blogs, email lists, and for us to share! Organizers have been doing wonderful work getting in touch with local news media and really making sure that everyone can see the people are ready for a nonviolent change. If you have completed an action in your area, please share your details with us here.
Christopher Kimberly of Ijamsville, MD shares: “Quaker Dat Duthinh presented to the students of Friends Meeting School about efforts to eliminate nuclear weapons and promote peace worldwide. The presentation connected with the school's ongoing efforts to promote non-violence, restorative resolution, and the notion that each person is deserving of respect.”
Judith Bravo of Napa, CA writes: “We had 12 people at the event. A great representation of inter-faith including three Quakers, a Buddhist Priest, three Unitarians, a Catholic (me holding the yellow sign that says Campaign Nonviolence), etc. The four corners where we stood is at a very busy intersection so lots of people honked and waved and one man gave my friend Linda (wearing the Campaign Nonviolence T shirt) and myself bottles of water. We were in the right place next to where his car was parked. He was the assistant chef for a Brewery/Restaurant across the street.” Check out this great article in their local newspaper as well.
Leah Robshaw Robinson of Minneapolis, MN tells us: “Friends for a NonViolent World (FNVW) partnered with Minneapolis Community Education to explore public art as an instrument of peace in our community. Art speaks to our heart. It opens our ability to wonder about others and see one another as a part of ourselves we do not yet know. This ability to wonder is the foundation for transitioning our world to a nonviolent future. Susie Crane led us on a tour of art installations along Nicollet Ave in downtown Minneapolis. Singer songwriter PJ Hoffman performed songs used in nonviolent social movements. Leah Robshaw Robinson led a guided meditation to help us cultivate a sense of wonder in our lives. Recording artist Elisha Marin played songs from his new CD Shining Out. Wondering about art created by a wide variety of artists representing many different backgrounds helps us develop empathy for others. When we feel empathy for another's pain, it can motivate us to fight to change violent situations and systems that cause harm. Appreciating public art and artists also supports the creativity essential for nonviolent social change.”