On Earth Performers Drama Club for kids met throughout the Fall to explore issues that affect their lives and communities.  Children from Gaza, Palestine and the United States designed and performed skits on topics including friendship, bullying, environmental justice, and the Israeli occupation of Palestine.  During the duration of On Earth Performers Drama Club, the children engaged in various drama games, arts and crafts, storytelling, script writing and many more fun activities. This was a chance for children to make friends around the world and create performances and stories around themes of social justice, peace, identity and equality.

On Earth Peace held its fall board meetings expressing gratitude for the excellent leadership being provided by its interim executive staff and interns, and an improving relationship with the Church of the Brethren.  The online meetings were held on October 6 and 8 with a follow up meeting held on December 10.

The meetings reflected the hard work of positive organizational transformation.  Since the fall of 2021, the staff and board have been experimenting with less hierarchical structures for staffing and governance in alignment with anti-oppression values.  Development and financial practices are being prioritized to strengthen and develop the capacity of the organization as it fulfills its mission to develop and walk with leaders working for justice and peace.

Annabell Knapp currently serves as our Kingian Nonviolence Fellow, but previously served as our Palestine Justice Intern. She reflects on On Earth Peace's impact in her life during her internship and fellowship. Annabell is a graduate of Bridgewater College (VA) and has recently finished her MA in politics, development and the Global South at Goldsmiths, University of London. She is starting her PhD in politics where she is researching decolonization, development and NGOs. Annabell plans to continue her work with grassroots activists in the Global South working in nonviolent movements. 

What would you like people to know about OEP and yourself?

OEP has been an amazing organization the grow and learn more about the nonviolence, social justice and about the field! I am so happy to work with OEP and with all the wonderful staff and other interns too!

Marie Benner-Rhoades, Youth and Young Adult Peace Formation Director

"I am thankful for opportunities for my daughter to connect with children and leaders around the world as she discovers her passion for peace and justice.  The On Earth Performers Drama Club has been a highlight of our fall!  She has enjoyed meeting children from Palestine and the US.  I've appreciated the opportunity for her to participate in a dual language program (Arabic and English) and the creative exploration of peacemaking across cultures."

Devin Dixon-Rosario serves as LGBTQ+ Justice Organizer intern. He reflects on On Earth Peace's impact in his life during his internship.

Why are you drawn/applied to On Earth Peace?

On Earth Peace is the most inclusive- most justice-driven group that I have ever been associated with. OEP gives young adults a platform for authentic and radical autonomy.