Stories and reports from the Campaign Nonviolence Action Days, Sept 21-Oct 2, are coming in. They’re inspiring and hopeful! Each action reflects the passion and focus of the organizers and communities, and all of them are constructing one more piece of the big vision of a culture of peace and active nonviolence, free from war, poverty, racism, and environmental destruction. There are over 4,612+ actions and events happening so stay tuned for more photos, videos, and stories from the streets.

Scottsdale/Phoenix, Arizona

In Scottsdale (just outside of Phoenix), Arizona, peace activists, migrant justice organizers, and faith community members gathered for SolidariTea At the Border: Tea and Stories of Peace at the Border. On September 21st, the International Day of Peace, Friars Br. David Buer, Fr. Iggy Harding, and Br. Jim McIntosh, OFMs engaged people in conversation and storytelling on how we might find peace and solidarity at the border. Coffee, fair trade tea, and light snacks were shared. After the discussion, people joined the Taizé Prayer for World Peace at a nearby church. 

Waianae, HI

The Pacific Justice and Reconciliation Center and Towers of Kuhio Park created a Zone of Peace and Nonviolence in Waianae, Hawai’i. On September 21st, the International Day of Peace, they put up a sign at the entrance of the community and established a focus of peace and nonviolence in the neighborhood. Children, youth, elders, parents, and community members rallied and carried banners, including for Campaign Nonviolence Hawaii. 

Portland, OR

On September 22nd, Tom Hastings, Peter Bergel and 15 people held an action at a gun store in Portland, Oregon. The plan was for Tom and Peter to engage in direct action to get the owners to stop selling assault rifles. Members of the Portland Peace Team were on hand in case the situation grew tense. Other supporters brought signs to demonstrate outside the building. Alerted to the action, the gun store opted to close early for the day to avoid “controversy”. The activists declared a minor victory for preventing sales that day. The action was in honor of Rev. James Lawson, who turned 94 on September 22nd and is considered to be the “strategic architect of the Civil Rights Movement”. About the direct action at the gun store, Tom Hastings says, “No guns sold that day! We stayed until closing, wished Rev James Lawson a Happy 94th Birthday, declared victory, and went home.” You can read more about this action here and you can read about the strategy of taking action at gun stores here.

Austin, TX

On September 23rd, in solidarity with the Fridays for the Future School Strikes, Nonviolent Austin held a climate vigil at the Austin State Capitol. Sixteen people attended ranging from children to seniors. Five high school students were part of the action. Organizer Jim Crosby said, “The whole idea of making protection of the earth cross-generational is essential!”

On Sept 24th (the Campaign Nonviolence Action Day for Mutual Aid, Neighborhood Potlucks, and Ending Poverty), Nonviolent Austin joined the North Austin Good Neighbor Fest. At this all-day celebration, 40 vendors and local organizations were represented, offering activities for kids, connection to action, and music for everyone. At least 300 people attended. Nonviolent Austin had a colorful, vibrant pop-up booth with posters and banners. They handed out fliers and information about Campaign Nonviolence Action Days, Nonviolent Austin, and upcoming nonviolence trainings.

Opelika, AL

On September 24th, community organizers and civic groups in Opelika, Alabama held a March Against Violence/Gun Violence. This was the 5th Annual MLK Jr. Youth Nonviolence Peace March And Rally Against Violence & Gun Violence, honoring loving memories of the late Otis Gray, Sr. (Pastor Morton’s father). Mayor Gary Fuller issued a proclamation declaring a day of peace and calling for an end to violence. Pastor Carolyn Morton received an Achievement Award for her work to end gun violence. Auburn Moms Demand Action was  honored with an MLK Jr. Social Justice Award during a celebration of International Day of Peace at Christian Care Ministries. Opelika Councilman George Allen was a special guest at the celebration.  

 Other participants included the CEO of  Lee County Community Outreach Stop The Violence Activists Group, Samford Stop the Violence Group, Opelika & Auburn Moms Demand Action Local Chapter Group, and Opelika Fire Department. 

Nonviolence International

Colleagues at Nonviolence International are participating in Campaign Nonviolence Action Days, Sept 21st-Oct 2nd with a series of social posts upfliting our daily themes of peace, divesting from violence, mutual aid and ending poverty, racial justice, clean energy, and so forth. Some of the posts link to tools and tactics from their impressive 300+ methods of nonviolent action database - a useful resource for all of us!

Nonviolence Radio Features Campaign Nonviolence

Nonviolence Radio interviewed Campaign Nonviolence’s Rivera Sun about all the events and actions happening during Action Days, Sept 21-Oct 2nd. Listen here or read the transcript. 

CNV Youth Collective

With 4 Act of Kindness, the Campaign Nonviolence Youth Collective joined the Sept 24th Action Day on Mutual Aid, Neighborhood Potlucks, and End Poverty actions. In this video, they share their stories of engaging in four different types of actions aimed at kindness, social connection, goodwill, and direct action. They took on four different types of violence. Cathy tackled food insecurity and poverty (with some kindness from a friend). Alejandro intervened at a pet shelter and adopted a stray at risk of euthanasia.  Akasha collected apples and shared them to reduce tensions on campus. Rosie shared free books to circulate ideas, a sense of goodwill, and the love of reading.  https://youtu.be/vTEoq7l9nvQ

These are just a handful of the 4,612+ actions and events happening this week. Check out our blog for more reports, photos, stories, and videos.