This month we've been excited to introduce you to Ruth Karasek and Marie Benner-Rhoades. Our final June newsletter highlights Mark Karasek, educator, innovator, and long time supporter of On Earth Peace! Advocating for peace and justice is a family endeavor for spouses Mark and Ruth, and we are happy to support the Karasek family in their work. 

We hope hearing from the leaders OEP has supported will inspire you to support us- we hope you will feel led to share these stories with others and donate to help support future leaders in OEP. Let these stories inspire you in your own work towards building a more peaceful, just world. 

Mark Karasek

Generation: Baby Boomer (1946-1964)

Mark is a passionate supporter and volunteer for many non-profit organizations. He is a dedicated supporter of Christian Peacemaker Teams and On Earth Peace. Of On Earth Peace, Mark says “OEP has evolved. Providing peace counseling, peace programs to be aware of decisions we make, intervention, stepping in and helping in conflict situations or disagreements—were all helpful parts of the work for us in our family years. I like that OEP is doing real things on the ground through many small actions, helping communities make change on their local levels.”

In his local community, he is a volunteer with PADS of DuPage County, IL, which provides shelter, food, and essential care for the homeless, taking on the late night shifts to ensure people receive the care they need. He also has served as a board member at the mHub innovation center in Chicago for product development, and is teaching courses in entrepreneurship and innovation in the professional Masters programs in the McCormick School of Engineering at Northwestern University. Mark and his family are longtime residents of the visionary York Center Co-op neighborhood for community living.

On Earth Peace is a proud supporter of leaders like Mark, Marie, Ruth, and so many more! Please visit Mark’s profile or go to onearthpeace.org/donate to help us continue this work!

Mark’s sticker from our Just Peace Outfitter’s store draws on his focus on business with a just peace lens.