Nonviolent Actions in Syria, Utah, New York, and Rhode Island
The tenth annual Campaign Nonviolence Action Days was inspiring in many ways with over 5,000 actions across the country and around the world, and tens of thousands of participants working to end war, poverty, racism, and environmental destruction. Join us in getting inspired by the latest action reports to come in from Action Days 2023.
Bsher Said with the book reading initiative "The doctrine of the first son of Adam" in Syria hosted an event called Discovering Islamic Tradition of Nonviolence for 20 people between September 22-30. He writes, “The project was designed and planned in early August, with preparations for implementation beginning between 22 and 30 September.
First, the invitation to participate was published on social media platforms, accompanied by a registration form and a link to the WhatsApp group. Participants were offered flexible options, including choosing to just read the book, or read it and then participate in discussions on Zoom.
Nearly 50 people registered, with about 20 people actively participating in the Zoom meetings we organized in two groups starting September 22-24 and then September 28-30, for two hours each day. Electronic copies of the book were distributed, leading to successful and engaging discussions. There are plans to continue and expand this initiative in the future.
The initial idea was transformed into a tangible reality, thanks to the Campaign Nonviolence Action Days initiative.
It was a useful project that inspired confidence in participants and implementers alike. Most participants were already interested in the topic and knew the author. Which means that we were getting to know each other, communicating, and exchanging ideas. No people with an opposing point of view participated, which means we were talking to ourselves!
Deb Sawyer with Utah Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons in Salt Lake City, UT held a Walk to Defuse Nuclear War on September 27 with 20 people of all ages in attendance. She writes, “We walked 3 blocks to Washington Square and then back 3 blocks to the Federal Building. Most of the people on the street whom we passed gladly accepted our flyer. We had two major groups participating and the younger one (members of ANSWER) were pleased to see us long-term activists. We are in a slow process to build a culture of nonviolence—at least that's how it can feel here in Utah.
Dennis Redmond with Huso Valley Park of Study & Reflection in Kingston, NY held an event titled Nonviolence in Our Future on October 1 with 25 people in attendance. He says, “We had a series of presentations, panels, videos on themes including nonviolent response to aggression, reconciliation, nonviolent journalism, and restorative justice.”
Autumn Francesca with Intention Peace in South Kingstown, RI held Intention Fest: Celebration of Wellness and Peace on October 1. Over 800 people attended! She writes, “The second annual Free Intention Fest, Sunday 12-5pm, October 1st, brought hundreds of people together from around the states of Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Massachusetts to celebrate peace and wellness. Intention Fest hosted over 60 healing practitioners and peace makers who offered therapeutic services, consulting and products. The highlights include:
Intention Peace booth to practice setting intentions for peace and well being.
Massage Sanctuary which hosted 5 practitioners who gave massages throughout the day.
Drum Circles by the Saugatucket River.
Meditation Tent with free sessions throughout the day.
Gong baths, Reiki, Medicine Woman Allison Littlefeather, Physical Therapy, creative arts with intention, live acoustic music and healthy food from Mosaic Table.
Free apples, for a healthy snack, were donated by Belmont Market in Wakefield, RI.
Bringing people together in community while focusing on healing and relaxation can help inform and inspire one to take the next steps towards nonviolence practice.