Caption: An infographic showing information on a new Kingian Nonviolence series. 

Written by Anna Rodriguez, Kingian Nonviolence Fellow

Join On Earth Peace in October and November 2021 for a 4-week series to explore tools for organizing and community leadership through the values and practices of Kingian Nonviolence Conflict Reconciliation.  If you are an organizer working for social change, an activist working to reduce violence in your community, or just someone who wants to learn more, join us! 

Written by Tamera Shaw, Racial Justice Organizer

Last year on May 25, 2020, George Floyd was murdered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. What would’ve been considered a federal felony, turned into a death sentence. In the wake of Floyd’s murder, protests erupted everywhere and sparked a new wave of the movement for Black lives. Amidst the surge in support, there was undeniable backlash that has also had it’s lasting effects. A lot of the promises and efforts have yet to come to fruition. With the guilty verdict of Derek Chauvin on the account of the murder of George Floyd, came a step in the right direction towards accountability. Yet, this verdict is hardly considered justice. It’s up to us to continue to question the use of our current justice system. It’s important to continue to demand reform, justice, and equity in ourselves and our communities.

Caption: A screenshot from ZOOM shows OEP board members holding up candles representing the light they see in the world.

Written by Irv Heishman, Board Member

On Earth Peace (OEP) held its two and a half day fall board meeting virtually on October 7-9, 2021. Two new members were welcomed to the board: Rudy Amaya, from the Principe de Paz Church of the Brethren, Pacific Southwest District, and Alyssa Parker from First Church of the Brethren, Atlantic Northeast District. Tim Button-Harrison, District Executive for the Northern Plains District, was welcomed as the new liaison to the board appointed by the Council of District Executives.  With regret, the board received notice that Ruth Aukerman, who had been elected to the board by Annual Conference, needed to resign for personal reasons. Jordan Bles, who concluded over ten years of service as a board member was thanked for his many contributions in a number of capacities.  

Caption: An image of the York Center Cooperative is seen. 

Written by Jonathan Wieand, 'Co-op Kid'

In 1947, the idea of creating a cooperative community was thought up by Louis Shirky, a member of the Church of the Brethren. He gained the support of fourteen families who helped raise the funds needed in order to make this idea reality, where membership was open to 'those of good will' and there was political and religious neutrality. While the community was legally dissolved in 2010, remnants of it still remain, and it's legacy is still felt today, as 'Common Good: The Story of the York Center Cooperative' was released this year. This documentary accounts for the cooperative community and tells of its history. 

Caption: A photo of Priscilla Weddle is shown underneath text stating: 'Just Peace Leader'

Written by Kharis Murphy, Communications Fellow

Developing intergenerational leadership in peace and justice has long been a goal for us. We have been collecting the stories of dozens of leaders OEP has helped in each generation, and would like to share their work with you here. Keep an eye on upcoming Peacebuilders for new profiles of the many Just Peace Leaders and their work! We hope hearing from the leaders OEP has supported will inspire you on your own journey in peace and justice!