Over the twelve days between September 21st (International Day of Peace) and Oct 2nd (International Day of Nonviolence), tens of thousands of people participated in the 4622+ actions and events organized in conjunction with Campaign Nonviolence Action Days. Here are are some of the stories and photos from what happened.

Campaign Nonviolence Affinity Groups

On Sept 28th, at the monthly virtual gathering of the Campaign Nonviolence Affinity Groups, coordinators joined the CNV Action Days by making a digital banner that spelled out C-A-M-P-A-I-G-N N-O-N-V-I-O-L-E-N-C-E. Images of the banner were then circulated on social media and posted on the group’s website. This type of creative action can be done by many groups with a range of messages. The Campaign Nonviolence Affinity Groups are small teams of 5-15 people who meet regularly to strategize and take action to mainstream nonviolence. Find out more here>>

Chicago, IL

On September 24th, Precious Blood Ministry held its annual Bike Ride for Peace, calling for people to put the guns down. The ride was followed by a barbeque for the participants and community members. It is part of Precious Blood Ministry’s many events in conjunction with Campaign Nonviolence Action Days. 

Minneapolis, MN

Twin Cities Nonviolent and EMERGE - Peacebuilders offered a violence de-escalation and situational awareness training. These skills offer community members ways to prevent violence. Part of Twin Cities Nonviolent’s 12 Days Free From Violence and the Campaign Nonviolence Action Days. Check out their incredible line-up of actions and events here. 

Grand Junction, CO

On Sunday, September 25th, Elizabeth High offered a nonviolence-themed teach-in at the Sunday Service of the Grand Valley Unitarian Universalists. Her topic, Stories From a Nonviolent Peace Army, lifted up the courageous and important work of Nonviolent Peaceforce and unarmed peacekeeping. She also included a story for children about Barbara Deming’s Two Hands of Nonviolence, an announcement about Campaign Nonviolence, and a video clip from Metta Center for Nonviolence’s Third Harmony film that depicts Nonviolent Peace Force in action. You can watch the whole recording of the worship service and talk here. 

Memphis, TN

On Sept 24th, the Viswayogi Foundation & Unity Church of Practical Christianity hosted an hybrid virtual and in-person event called: I Am US (USA) 2022 Interfaith Prayer & Meditation for World Peace. The group is based out of Memphis, Tennessee, and the event was part of Campaign Nonviolence Memphis’ line-up for Action Days, 2022. You can watch the recording here. 

Housing Justice Stories

On Sept 29th, Campaign Nonviolence’s focus was on housing justice and humanizing the housing crisis. By sharing true, personal stories, people were invited to show how this issue affects so many of us. 

Rivera Sun posted: What's your #HousingJustice story? Today's Campaign Nonviolence Action Day is all about revealing how widespread the problem is. Put a comment below - or better yet, post about it, too. Use #CNV2022 so we can uplift your story. Here's mine:

1. I cannot afford to live in the city of my birth. Rents are too high. How about you? 

2. Just after college, I often skipped a meal to save for rent. The nearby university refused to build student housing, putting pressure on the city's rental units. It has the third to first highest rents in the country. 

3. I have crashed on a friend's couch to avoid being "homeless". 

4. I have shut down a town council meeting to prevent the officials from passing #homelesshatelaws that ban sleeping, standing, and sitting in public spaces in attempt to drive out people without homes. 

We need housing justice for all. Solutions exist. We need the political will to implement them.

In addition, along with 100+ others, Rivera also signed and shared a petition to stop sweeps of homeless encampments in Bangor, Maine. Add your name here>> 

In Mendocino, California, activist Larry Sheehy posted a series of links and stories about housing justice solutions. In particular, he encouraged people to weigh in on Shelterforce’s invitation to help them design a series on Disability & Housing Justice. View his post here.

These are just some of the 4622+ actions and events that happened during the Campaign Nonviolence Action Days, Sept 21-Oct 2nd, to build a culture of peace and active nonviolence, free from war, poverty, racism, and environmental destruction. Find stories, reports, and videos here>>