Defuse War, World Peace Concert & Sacred Prayers, Little Rock Screens Boycott, and Laughter Yoga
Across the United States and around the world, the Campaign Nonviolence Action Days, Sept 21-Oct 2 mobilized thousands of people to build a culture of peace and active nonviolence, free from war, poverty, racism, and environmental destruction. Here are a few of their stories, photos, and videos.
CNV Worcester, MA 2023
Defuse War Rally in Worcester, MA: On Sept 26, the Center For Nonviolent Solutions held a rally and vigil for nuclear disarmament to mark the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons. Activists gathered in Lincoln Square located in downtown Worcester, MA. They celebrated the advancements in the UN Treaty for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, learned about local efforts to convert nuclear arms production into green industry, and sang. Ten people demonstrated outside Rep. Ray McGovern’s office and spoke with District Director Jon Niedzielski. They handed him a letter asking him to keep pushing for nuclear de-escalation.
World Peace Concert from Unity Earth TV: Brought to you by UNITY EARTH TV, as part of Peace Week, the World Peace Concert is a testament to the power of togetherness and the beauty of diversity. On the closing day of the 99 Days of Peace through Unity, people gathered virtually to celebrate the theme “Peace on Earth, Peace WITH Earth.” The focus underscores the concept that peace isn’t just about coexistence, it is also about mindful respect — for each other and our environment. Coproduced by Peace Week 2023 and WE The World and honoring the UN International Day of Peace, this event is not just a concert but a call to action to embrace our shared essence, to cherish our distinctiveness, and to act for the earth that sustains us.
Featuring renowned artists like Nimo Patel, Gary Malkin, Kristin Hoffmann, Lyla June, Tatiana Speed, Al Smith, and Rick Ulfik, and hosted by Ben Bowler and Sommer Joy Ramer, this concert blended soul-stirring melodies and profound insights. You can watch the concert here: https://fb.watch/nkmkSRZZYj/
Unity Earth Peace Week Offers Sacred Prayers: On Sept 22, more than 1,300 people tuned in to a prayer ceremony from 22 women from around the world called 22 Prayers of Women & The PEARL in the Global Fire Ceremony Room. The prayer service focused on “Unifying Our Human Family, Ending War, and Beginning Peace by 2030.” It was part of a series of sacred prayers that began on March 22, 2016 on World Water Day. You can watch the ceremony here: https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=1614444698964629
Little Rock, AR Screens Boycott Documentary: Pax Christi Little Rock screened the documentary, Boycott, this evening for 30 members who attended both in person and virtually. The film tells the story of a news publisher in Arkansas, an attorney in Arizona, and a speech therapist in Texas who are told they must choose between their jobs and their political beliefs. They launch legal battles that expose an attack on freedom of speech across 36 states in America. Boycott traces the impact of state legislation designed to penalize individuals and companies that choose to boycott Israel due to its human rights record. A legal thriller with “accidental plaintiffs” at the center of the story, Boycott is a bracing look at the far-reaching implications of anti-boycott legislation and an inspiring tale of everyday Americans standing up to protect our rights in an age of shifting politics and threats to freedom of speech. Following the screening, a consulting producer from Just Vision, Jen Marlowe, answered questions from the audience. This was the first in a three-part series on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The next documentary, Promises and Betrayals, will be screened on Thursday, October 19.
CNV Laughter Yoga 2023
Free Laughter Yoga Clubs Are Fun! Practicing nonviolence doesn’t always have to be tough work. Laughter Yoga Clubs bring a little levity to self care, fostering wellness and vitality. During Action Days, free virtual sessions are happening every day, giving all of us a chance to drop the stress, and laugh a little. Find the next Free Laughter Yoga Club daily, or on Mon, Wed, Fri in the evening.
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.