In January, one of our youth grant recipients coordinated a project that left an impact not only on them but also on a marginalized group in society. The Spark Junior team is the creation of a previous training OEP sponsored. In June last year, Kingian Nonviolence Fellow Haya Saleh collaborated with the Organizing Fellow, Hadil Alhayek, to give 25 participants in Gaza, Palestine, Agape Satyagraha training in a framework created by OEP that highlights peacebuilding and conflict resolution techniques and methods. The program introduces children and teenagers to understanding emotions, controlling reactions, communication strategies, negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and Kingian Nonviolence frameworks.

Spark Junior consists of five teens who, during the Agape Satyagraha training, were assigned to choose a conflict and create a suitable solution. During the training, they focused on increasing youth’s social engagement in their local community through voluntary work.

Photo Caption: Participants in the January 25 kickoff meeting of the new Action Team included Gerald Rhoades, Matt Guynn, Gail Heisel, Sandi Evans Rogers, Mandy Park, Bev Eikenberry, Steve Stone, SueZann Bosler, Lisa Krieg, Linda Himes, Ray Cromartie, and Linda Williams (not pictured).  

A new Church of the Brethren Gun Violence Prevention Action Team launched in January 2023, meeting four times before early March. The team’s purpose is to galvanize the Church of the Brethren to be faithful as an effective force for reducing gun violence in our neighborhoods and wherever it occurs.  On Earth Peace is convening this action team as part of a broader campaign to activate advocates for gun violence prevention.

Maya Hayes serves as OEP's Racial Justice Organizing Intern. Maya is a driven senior studying social work at UNC Greensboro. In her free time, Maya enjoys practicing Spanish, modeling, and cooking. With her positive energy and passion for growth, Maya is poised to make a lasting impact in the field of social work. She reflects on the impact that On Earth Peace has made in her life during her internship.

Why are you drawn/applied to On Earth Peace?

I am elated to announce that On Earth Peace empowers me to conceive and execute events that enlighten my community while also equipping me with the necessary support and expertise to do so with unwavering confidence. This organization aligns with the principles of Kingian Nonviolence and has taught me how to seamlessly integrate these principles into my work. The result has been a transformative shift in my perspective and a renewed outlook on the world. Additionally, On Earth Peace has greatly expanded my network, affording me countless opportunities to connect with remarkable interns across the globe and individuals who will undoubtedly aid in my future career.

Speak Up, Speak Out at University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Carla Campillo Masip serves as OEP's Kingian Nonviolence Organizer intern. She is a recent MA graduate of Goldsmiths, University of London, in Human Rights, Culture and Social Justice. Carla is now working in a London-based organization that helps victims of domestic violence. She reflects on the impact that On Earth Peace has made in her life during her internship.

What are the favorite project/s that you worked on?

Being able to have the conversations that created the current Gun Violence campaign has been one of my favourite parts of my time at OEP. We were able to voice our concerns and turn them into a project that involves people from all over the world.