Opelika Youth Lead For Peace, #NoMAS Protest in San Diego, Peace Day Philly, Peacemaker Conversations, and more!
During Campaign Nonviolence Action Days, Sept 21-Oct 2, virtual events are lending their strength to the many in-person and on-the-ground actions that are happening. Over 5,000+ events are taking place in 20 countries and across the United States to build a culture of peace and active nonviolence, free from war, poverty, racism, and environmental destruction. Here are the ways people are gathering online and in the streets.
Campaign Nonviolence & Disarmament on Panel for 11 Days of Global Unity: We the World hosts an annual virtual summit with talks, panels, interviews, and discussions on daily themes that range from human rights to environment and more. Campaign Nonviolence’s Rivera Sun joined the conversation to speak about our efforts toward disarmament. In our collaborative network, people are working to divest banks and institutions from weapons and nukes, hold local gun buy backs, stop gun violence, and train people in the alternatives. Disarmament is a theme that reaches deep and broad in our work to build a culture of nonviolence. Listen to the interview with Rivera here and find more videos on peace, environment, human rights here.
Youth Lead For Peace in Nonviolent Opelika, AL: Pastor Carolyn Morton with the Samford Commnity Outreach Group puts youth in the center of their work for peace, nonviolence, and ending gun violence. On the International Day of Peace, they recieved a proclamation from Mayor Gary Fuller of the City of Opelika, AL. On Sept 23rd, they held the 6th annual MLK Jr. Youth Nonviolence Peacemarch and Rally against Gun Violence in the community and honoring those affected by violence and gun violence, including Pastor Morton’s father who was killed in gun violence. During the rally, the Opelika and Auburn Moms Demand Action Local Group spoke about firearm safety and suicide prevention. Mrs. Harriet Mitchell Huggings set up a Be Smart table to talk with people about how to properly store guns in the home to help save lives. These events are part of their year-round organizing and activism in the community. Nonviolent Opelika is part of the Nonviolent Cities Project.
Global Peace Film Festival: With documentaries, short films, interviews, and more, the Global Peace Film Festival streamed dozens of films for free between Sept 18-23. The topics ranged from environmental protection to antimilitarism, and included conflicts in border zones, a historic feminist protest against nukes, a campaign to change a racist school mascot, and more. The opening night was screened to an in-person audience at the Enzian Theater in Central Florida. Other venues also hosted in-person screening.
Peace Day Philly Celebrates: In Philadelphia, PA, a rally, celebration, and day of action took place on Sept 21st for the International Day of Peace. A large peace dove puppet flew over the assembled, musicians played a variety of music, and activists handed out literature at tables and invited people to sign petitions on peace and justice issues. An art activity took place and a moment of silence was held a noon. This action was one of 20+ actions organized as part of Peace Day Philly. Check out the Footballs, Not Firearms March that brought 165 young people and community members together.
CNV San Diego, CA 2023
CNV San Diego, CA 2023
Veterans For Peace Say #NoMas to Military Air Shows: In San Diego, CA, Veterans For Peace Chapter 91 mobilized on September 22nd to hold banner actions on downtown overpasses during the Miramar Air Show. As the Blue Angels fighter jets roared overhead in a wasteful display of militarism, Veterans For Peace and friends brought an anti-war perspective to the event. Learn more here. As supporter Salena Whitefield posted, “Advocating for peace and raising awareness about the environmental and financial costs of air shows is an important initiative. It's essential for communities to engage in constructive discussions about how public funds are allocated and whether alternative uses could benefit society more. Thanks to VFP Chapter 91 for their efforts in promoting these important conversations.”
Pax Christi SoCal Focuses On Gun Violence: The Pax Christi Southern California Fall Assembly (Online) in San Diego, CA, was focused on Gun Violence Awareness & Possible Solutions. With prayer, education, and action, attendees heard from speakers and explored a solutions toolkit to work with in their various home communities.
CNV San Diego, CA 2023
CNV Louisville, KY 2023
Nonviolence Literature Explored in Peacemaker Conversations in Louisville, KY: On Sept 23, Campaign Nonviolence’s Rivera Sun joined the Drepung Gomang Center For Engaging Compassion for one of their Peacemaker Conversation series. The discussion explored Action Days, the power of nonviolence, and how movements for change make compelling narratives. Rivera Sun, an accomplished author, spoke about how she weaves peace and nonviolence into her novels. You can watch the recording here. This virtual event was part of 10 Days For Peace that the Drepung Gomang Center For Engaging Compassion is organizing.
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.