Hello Cheer in Georgia, Nebraskans For Peace, Nonviolent Tiffin, Mutual Aid Farm Solidarity & More
During Campaign Nonviolence Action Days, Sept 21-Oct 2, over 5,000 actions and events take place to build a culture of peace and active nonviolence, free from war, poverty, racism, and environmental destruction. Here are a few photos and stories from people across the United States.
CNV Atlanta, GA 2023
The Hello Cheer in Stone Mountain, GA: As part of Sandy Hook Promise’s Start With Hello Week, students in hundreds of schools are learning how to break down social isolation (a factor in school shootings). In Atlanta, GA, Jared’s Heart of Success engaged youth in a number of ways, from making a plan to prevent violence to practicing affirmations. Youth also learned how to be upstanders (not bystanders) and practiced the Hello Cheer made by Jared’s Heart of Success youth intern Khloe.
CNV Tiffin, OH 2023
Nonviolent Tiffin, OH, Builds Awareness With Social Posts: Tiffin, OH: Nonviolent Tiffin, OH, part of the Nonviolent Cities Project, made a series of 10-day countdown social posts in the lead-up to the International Day of Peace. Each post highlighted ways to connect more deeply to personal, community, and global peace. On Sept 21st, they kicked off a new series of social posts that featured tangible action steps for building peace. Find the posts here.
Spotted! Nonviolent Joliet, IL, Organizer Visits Ground Zero: While visiting grandkids in the Pacific Northwest, Concetta Smart, one of the organizers of Nonviolent Joliet, IL, paid a visit to the Ground Zero Center for Nonviolent Action. This resistance center sits at the entrance to Bangor Naval Base, where over 1200 nuclear weapons are held. An additional 1200 nukes are deployed on submarines from this base. The Ground Zero Center for Nonviolent Action exists to challenge the war industry and support regular peace actions against nuclear weapons and militarism.
CNV Fairless Hills, PA 2023
Love is the Answer Day in Bucks County, PA: On Sunday, September 17th, United Way of Bucks County joined forces with many community partners to celebrate L.O.V.E. is the Answer Day. They connected with their community, participated in a discussion on improving police and community relations, and put L.O.V.E. into action. Their local event is part of the 5th Annual celebrations taking place in numerous cities and towns nationwide.
CNV Madawaska, ME 2023
Mutual Aid Farm Solidarity In Madawaska, ME: Campaign Nonviolence Coordinator Rivera Sun and her family’s farm, Skylandia Organic Farm engaged in mutual aid action as they restocked the Little Free Pantry at the Madawaska Public Library. They delivered 30+ pounds of fresh carrots and apples. Produce was also shared with local seniors and community members as part of Campaign Nonviolence’s call for Acts of Kindness & Mutual Aid.
Nebraskans For Peace Focus on DEI & Sustainability: Holding their event at the Hub Cafe, Nebraskans For Peace had great turnout for their Community Conversation on Food and Sustainability, featuring guest speakers who are farmers, cafe owners, and sustainability coordinators. Nebraskans For Peace also held their first in-person board meeting since before the pandemic, using some of the time together to work through a diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) training with Dr. Stephanie Bondi. On Sept 24, NFP board member Tom Genung was among those honored for their work over 15 years in a sustained nonviolent resistance to stop the Keystone XL pipeline. The ceremony was part of the 10th annual harvest of the Ponca Sacred Corn and took place on Ponca Nation land.
CNV Austin, TX 2023
Nonviolent Austin's weekly vigil for peace and justice at the Texas State Capitol.
Nonviolent Austin Holds Peace & Justice Vigil: Nonviolent Austin shows its commitment to peace and justice by gathering every Friday outside the Texas State Capitol with signs, banners, posters, flags, and a range of messages on social justice issues. During Campaign Nonviolence Action Days, they’re holding two vigils and also organizing several more events on decarceration, a peace concert, and more. Can you spot our Nonviolence Means … Posters at their demonstration?
These are just some of the many actions and events happening as part of the 10th Annual Campaign Nonviolence Action Days, Sept 21-Oct 2. Find more stories here and see all 5,000 actions here.