Anesu Makufa serves as OEP's Youth & Young Adult Peace Formation Organizer and is a Zimbabwean Spoken Word Poet who seeks peace where he is present with an Ubuntu mindset. After completing his International Baccalaureate studies at the United World College of Southern Africa, he graduated with a bachelor's degree in Psychology and Business Management from Wheaton College, and a master's degree in Education and Human Development from The George Washington University. Currently based in the UK, Anesu is working on attaining a master's degree in Social Work, and Community development. He is a creative soul wandering the earth, experiencing it through poetry, painting, piano, and, most importantly, through people. Additionally, he plays the guitar, harmonica, and is fluent in 3 languages (Shona, English, and Meditation). In another life, he may have been a koala. He reflects on On Earth Peace's impact on his life during his internship.

​​Why are you drawn/applied to On Earth Peace?

I am drawn to OEP by its determination to organize for peace, its active role in seeking justice, and its engagement in constructive conversations on difficult topics. In our world today, Growing up in Zimbabwe, I was raised in a collectivist culture, with the philosophy of Ubuntu as a cornerstone of community. Ubuntu teaches you that "I am, because you are", that we become who we fully are by pouring active love into one another. When I joined OEP, this part of my soul resonated with the organization, its goals, and the people who worked to build community by broadening bridges instead of widening walls. 

Simi Gill serves as OEP's Children's Peace Formation Organizer. Simi has recently finished her master's degree in Applied Theatre at Goldsmiths, University of London. She has an extensive background in child development, drama, and theater. She reflects on On Earth Peace's impact on her life during her internship.​​

Why are you drawn/applied to On Earth Peace?

I applied for OEP because I wanted to develop my skills/knowledge and experience working with young children and people. As well as developing my interests and passions for social justice work.

Mark Rosenbury with his wife Janet.

I was 5 years old when the USA entered the war in Afghanistan. I subsequently learned in school about the military draft that took place in WWII and during the Vietnam War. I was confused and thought that the draft process was still active and I remember rushing home starting to cry because I was afraid my father would be drafted. He explained to me that the draft was no longer in place and that I had nothing to worry about, which was such a relief to me. Ever since that day, I have thought about how horrible it must be to have one of your loved ones in war. After turning eighteen, a few of my friends joined the military. A pit in my stomach formed because I was afraid to lose them. Even though I was not raised in the Church of the Brethren or another peaceful church tradition, I have never supported war.

The author of the article, Maria Garcia.

Maria Garcia serves as OEP's Written Communication Organizing Intern. Maria is a recent master’s graduate in Gender, Media, and Culture from Goldsmiths, University of London. She reflects on On Earth Peace's impact on her life during her internship.

Why are you drawn/applied to On Earth Peace?

I was drawn to OEP because of its emphasis on Kingian Nonviolence. Before my internship, I was unaware of KNV teachings, that perspective of approaching conflicts was utterly new and intriguing to me.

The On Earth Peace Board of Directors held its spring board meetings on April 13-15 celebrating the faithful leadership of the interim executive staff, fellows, and interns as well as an ever deepening commitment to becoming an anti-racist organization. 

In February of 2023, the Board of Directors reorganized and called Tamera Shaw and Jennifer K. Scarr to serve as co-chairs for the next two years. Irv Heishman was called to chair the resource management committee while Doug Richard was called to chair the board governance committee. These four board members along with interim co-executive director Marie Benner-Rhoades form the Executive Committee which is planning a much needed dive into our organization’s policies in the next year.