OEP Gives Thanks 2024

We would love to share things that some of us here at OEP are grateful for this year!

Marie Benner-Rhoades, Director of Youth & Young Adult Peace Formation

"I am grateful for the deep connections created through the internship program.  This year, we experienced the love of our full community in responding to the call to help us raise money to get Haya and her family out of Gaza and settled in new communities.  Today, Haya is in graduate school in Ireland.  This month, she had the opportunity to meet some from her cohort of interns in London who were instrumental in supporting her in applying for graduate school.  These connections, friendships, and deep care is what makes On Earth Peace so special!"

Matt Guynn, Director of Organizing

"I am grateful for the interrelated circles of connection that are forming through On Earth Peace's organizing and training work - gun violence prevention, racial justice organizing, affinity groups in different locations, and Kingian Nonviolence cohorts and communities in the country and world (and within the CoB).  I am also grateful for dedicated volunteers who are part of making our work happen every single week - we couldn't do it without you!!"

Maree Iboaya, Racial Justice Organizing Intern

"I am thankful that OEP has the power to give so many voices a platform to take a stand against injustice- myself included. I am so grateful for the individuals and communities who have benefited from our racial justice seminars, Kingian nonviolence programs, and gun violence advocacy efforts. I am thankful for the commitment, passion, and hard work of all the OEP staff and volunteers I have been able to make lasting relationships with. Each small step toward justice creates ripples of positive change and I am grateful to be just one stone of many."

Omar Rahim, Challenging Political Violence and Authoritarianism Organizer 

Samhar Almomani, Kingian Nonviolence Fellow

"At a time of great uncertainty, I am glad to be able to find a consistent community with OEP. Whatever happens in a week, I know that I can always join the weekly OEP interns/ fellows meeting and meet with others in the OEP community. Having started out as a Kingian Nonviolence (KNV) intern and moving to a KNV Fellow role has further cemented the many connections I have made at OEP."

Anesu Makufa, On Earth Peace Organizing Fellow

"I'm grateful for a blessed 6 months of fatherhood. It truly takes a village to raise a child, and I am grateful for my OEP family being a part of that support system. As I watch him grow, and experience the world with new eyes, I am filled with hope for the future he will inherit. I am grateful for the chance to help forge that future for him as a certified KNV Level 1 trainer, community organizer, and creative father."

Beverly Eikenberry, On Earth Peace Board Member

"In the midst of so much apparent lack of care about those who have less and are treated with disrespect because they are a diverse minority, I am grateful that On Earth Peace is a place where those minorities are respected and honored by lifting up their voices and accompanying them. OEP trains us how to do this by using skills of Kingian Nonviolence. Supporting me in my yearning to live free of gun violence has been lifegiving. My journey started with reading Common Ground by a pastor alum of Sandy Hook."

Jessie Houff, OEP Board Member