Campaign Nonviolence Action Days 2023 have launched with over 5,000 actions and events between Sept 21-Oct 2. The first stories and photos show the deeply-held longing for peace, justice, and environmental sustainability. With our collaborating groups and local organizers, people are moving into action for a culture of peace and active nonviolence, free from war, poverty, racism, and environmental destruction. Here are some photos and stories.

Wildcats Walk For Peace, Little Rock, AR: On Sept 18th, 375 students at Washington Magnet Elementary School assembled in the schoolyard. Holding aloft peace art they created, they marched for peace through the neighborhood as part of Arkansas Peace Week. Ms. Aleta Posey, school principal, led the students in a chant: P-E-A-C-E, Wildcats Walk for Peace! Community groups like Pax Christi Little Rock joined in solidarity.

Footballs, Not Firearms March w/ Peace Day Philly: On Sept 19, over 165 youth, community members, and police officers march together in the Footballs, Not Firearms March & Rally. Holding signs made by the youth, they walked through the streets, ending in a local park where participants shared lunch and played touch football. One highlight of the event were the 150 free footballs for children between 6-17, donated by the Philadelphia Eagles. This action was one of 30+ organized by Peace Day Philly, and was cosponsored by Philadelphia Rotary, the Philadelphia Eagles and Philadelphia Police Department. Artwell Philadelphia provided creative activities during the rally and lunch. 

Climate Disobedience at the White House: As part of an escalating month of action, Nonviolence International and friends have been arrested for civil disobedience. Their crime? Hanging a poster on the fence calling on President Biden to declare a climate emergency. This campaign began on Sept 7th with a civil disobedience arrest for refusing to take down the sign. The tactic then spread to other groups of climate activists, and has continued through the Sept 15 & 17 nationwide mobilization in solidarity with New York Climate Week. On Sept 21 & 22, Nonviolence International intends to risk arrest again as part of Campaign Nonviolence’s call-to-action to Sound the Alarm For Climate Action. 

45th Annual Peace Day Chicago Celebration, Chicago, IL: The Peace School and other civic organizations made the 45th Annual Peace Day Chicago into a beautiful, uplifting, and memorable celebration. With a World Peace Flag Ceremony and Interactive Call to Peace Live, attendees were reminded of the longing for peace across the globe. World music and cultural performances highlighted the diversity of Chicago, IL. There was a Minute of Silence for World Peace and remarks on peace by local leaders. Peacebuilding, cultural and community organizations offered leaflets and information to participants. Hundreds of students from local schools attended the rally.

World Clean Up Day Mobilizes 70 Million People: World Clean Up Day happened on Sept 16, just before Action Days began. It is a massive undertaking that mobilized 70 million people in 170 countries and territories. Campaign Nonviolence invited local groups in our network to join in with this effort to pick up trash in city neighborhoods, rivers and streams, ocean beaches, and more. This year’s actions from around the world also made the point that plastic waste is a growing threat to humanity and the ecosystems. Here are some photos from a few of the many communities who were part of World Clean Up Day.

Prayer Vigil At Arms Bazaar in National Harbor, MD: On Sept 12th, members of the Dorothy Day Catholic Worker, Pax Christi Metro DC-Baltimore, Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns, and other peacemakers held a prayer service and nonviolent witness at an ‘arms bazaar’ in National Harbor, MD. This 3-day weapons expo was attended by representatives of 180 companies who are key purveyors of militarism and war. The prayerful protesters were seen by weapons contractors and military personnel as they exited and entered conference center. The peace activists held a prayer service honoring activists and peacemakers, including Pace e Bene co-founder, Fr. Louis Vitale, who recently passed away. Read more. 

Check out all 5014+ actions during Campaign Nonviolence Action Days here.