Action Reports From Prescott, AZ; Little Rock, AR; Midland, MI; and #NoMoneyForNuclearWeapons in Norway, France, Scotland, Japan, Italy, and Beyond
During Campaign Nonviolence Action Days, Sept 21-Oct 2, 2024, actions and events happened around the world to build a culture of peace and active nonviolence, free from war, poverty, racism, and environmental destruction. Here are a few action reports from our partner groups ICAN, Arkansas Peace Week, Prescott Peacebuilders, and Nonviolent Peaceforce.
#NoMoneyForNuclearWeapons: From September 16-22, people all over the world came together to say #NoMoneyForNuclearWeapons with protests, divestment actions at banks, and demonstrations at weapons makers and government offices. The campaign writes, “With nuclear-armed states spending $91.4 billion on their nuclear weapons last year, ICAN has called for a week of action against this unacceptable diversion of public resources into weapons of mass destruction.”
Organized by the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) and other anti-nuke groups, actions took place in New York City, Northampton, Clifton, Boston, and Los Alamos, US; Geneva, Switzerland; Glasgow, Scotland; and more actions in the Netherlands and Japan. In Milan, Napoli, and Pisa, Italy, flash mobs denounced nuclear weapons. In France, a comic book was released opposing the bombs. Direct actions took place at nuclear sites, banks, finance offices, and government buildings. See more stories and photos here.
Arkansas Peace Week: In Little Rock, Arkansas, hundreds of elementary school students participated in the “Wildcats Walk For Peace” at Booker T. Washington Elementary School. Due to rain, the peace walk had to be held inside, but organizers with Pax Christi Little Rock wrote that, “that didn’t stop a school full of peacemakers from raising awareness of the importance of nonviolence in our schools and in our world. Many thanks to Angelia Johnson for organizing this important event each year!” This action was part of Arkansas Peace Week, an annual local campaign with 25 actions and events this year, and over 15,000 students participating.
Another Arkansas Peace Week event took place on September 15th. The Interfaith Center hosted its “Peace Across Faiths” dinner, bringing together over 70 community members from many different spiritual backgrounds. Organizers posted, “Thank you to everyone who joined us for yesterday's Peace Across Faiths event! We had wonderful speakers from across the interfaith community represented along with a full house in attendance. Thank you Westover Hills Presbyterian Church for hosting and to everyone who joined us as we kicked off Arkansas Peace Week!”
Participants noted how meaningful the gathering was, and the importance of the Interfaith Center in these times. “The interfaith center here in Arkansas is not the average interfaith group we see across the country. The interfaith center here in Arkansas is a dynamic, transformative, very very active and fast growing movement bringing together people in the most difficult times. Very proud to be part of this movement. It is historic.” - Ali Khan
Nonviolent Peaceforce: In Midland, MI, the local chapter of Nonviolent Peaceforce celebrated International Day Of Peace in collaboration with other peace, justice, and community organizations at a family-friendly event. The city honored its status as an International City of Peace and Gail Hoffman, chair of the Peacebuilding Committee of Midland Rotary, designated a new peace pole inscribed with the word “peace” in multiple languages. Community members enjoyed refreshments and fun activities while familiarizing themselves with organizations that align with nonviolence and peacebuilding. Children’s activities also included painting peace signs on paper plates; decorating peace rocks to place gardens or parks; and passports to peace. Decorated cookies made by Midland Ukrainian resident Iryna Sanko were handed out by Global Compassion. Stuffed llamas and rainbow flags welcomed attendees to the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Youth Advocacy Council booth. The event was hosted at Creative 360.
Prescott Peacebuilders in Prescott, AZ brought people together to honor peace in beautiful, creative, and even musical ways! On September 15th, they held their second annual Peace Concert at Granite Park. Around 100 people spread picnic blankets and lawn chairs under the shade of large cottonwood trees while six top musical groups from Prescott played on the bandstand. On September 21st, another 60 people gathered at Prescott Courthouse Plaza for the yearly UN International Day of Peace celebration. They lit and laid out candles in the shape of a giant peace sign and held a vigil while speakers of all ages took turns at the mic. Music was again woven into the event. Participants had time to reflect on their constant hope for peace. Organizers write, “Thanks to all who came out last evening! It was a beautiful night to gather for peace!”