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. 

Haya Saleh serves as our Kingian Nonviolence fellow, but previously served as our Palestine Justice intern organizer. She is a Palestinian living in Gaza where she teaches English as a second language. She graduated in 2021 from a local college in Palestine and plans to get a Master's degree in sociology abroad.  In addition to organizing people for Palestine Justice in the US and abroad, she brings OEP programs to children and youth in Gaza. She reflects on the impact that On Earth Peace has made in her life during her internship and fellowship.

Why are you drawn/applied to On Earth Peace?

My interest in OEP began when I subscribed to their newsletter and learned about a 2-hour KNV training. The training concept was new to me as well as the Kingian framework of peacebuilding and community organizing. Soon afterward I applied to the "Palestine Justice Organizer" internship that was highly relevant to my background since I am located in Palestine.