During the Campaign Nonviolence Action Days, Sept 21-Oct 2, 2024, thousands of people around the world took action to build a culture of peace and active nonviolence, free from war, poverty, racism, and environmental destruction. 

Here are four action reports that emphasize the many ways that people are working to challenge war culture and foster peace culture. From protesting at weapons manufacturing facilities to demonstrating in the heart of the community to taking the peace message to the US Pentagon, and much more, people are lifting up the importance of moving away from war and weapons … and affirming the deeply-held human longing for peace. 

Tucson, Arizona: Twenty people and one very cute dog took action at Raytheon’s weapons manufacturing plant in Tucson, Arizona, on September 24th. From 7-8am, as workers arrived at the gates, activists with The Nuclear Resister, Veterans for Peace and others held signs and banners denouncing the moral and economic costs of nuclear weapons. One set of artistic and large-scale signs spelled out the message: People need transportation, healthcare, education, clean energy NOT nuclear weapons. The signs also pointed out that Raytheon’s nuclear missile costs a whopping $14 billion. This action was part of the international #NoMoneyforNuclearWeapons Week of Action. 

Grand Island, Nebraska: On September 25, 2024, Nonviolent Nebraska and Central Nebraskan Peaceworkers held their monthly peace vigil along a busy street. "While the continuing slaughter in Gaza was once again highlighted today at our monthly Peace Gathering, we also encouraged passersby to support a culture of active nonviolence by working for the end of wars, gun violence, poverty, racism, and environmental destruction." With a variety of signs, activists protested the right-wing and corporate swing of the Supreme Court, called for a ceasefire in Gaza, uplifted nonviolence, demonstrated for peace, and demanded that the US stop selling weapons. A large Campaign Nonviolence banner was displayed to pedestrians and car traffic. 

Washington, DC: Art Laffin joined the Dorothy Day Catholic Worker for two vigils in Washington, DC. The first took place at the White House on September 27th as part of the regular Friday vigil. The second occurred at the Pentagon on September 30th. Both times, Art Laffin and others carried the Campaign Nonviolence sign and brought the vision of a culture of peace and active nonviolence to these important sites. 

Zanzibar City, Zanzibar: On September 21, 2024, over 140 people came together to celebrate the International Day of Peace. Under the tents and awnings, children, elders, and adults listened to speakers and presenters involved in peace education, peacebuilding, and creating a culture of peace. Hosted by Zanzibar Peace, Truth & Transparency Association (ZPTTA NGO), the event is part of year-round work and is an annual gathering. Executive Secretary Ali Mussa writes, “Our actions support the values of True Culture of Peace (Positive Peace), possible to achieve the level of trust, and cooperation, Empowerment and Poverty reduction in Zanzibar Community and Tanzania. To affirm human dignity as expressed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and in the teachings of all religious traditions.”