ABOUT US
Our Mission:
Our Mission
is to nurture a community of active peacemakers in order
to
establish a culture of peace within public policy and in personal behaviors
We will:
Enlighten and educate
Encourage civil action
Deepen spirituality
Provide humanitarian relief
|
Our History
Several friends who were active long time members with the Florida Coalition for Peace and Justice wanted to respond to the growing build-up for war in the aftermath of 911. Included in this group were also members and promoters of the Alternatives to Violence Program. As the Bush administration built their case for aggressive action, the group built attendance at Jacksonville peace vigils near the fountain at Friendship Park (across the river from the Landing, next to MOSH).
Starting in October, 2002, these friends from the Unitarian Universalist Church, Pax Christi, the Local Quakers, and individuals from Penney Farms (Methodist) began holding Quaker-style silent vigils. The idea for a Quaker-Style silent peace vigil came from the late Julia Geiger, lifelong Quaker and longtime activist for peace, civil rights and all issues of justice. For an hour the group would stand in a large circle in silent meditation, followed by a short march around the fountain, then commentary and announcements. Sign-in sheets developed into e-mail and phone lists.
|
 |
| Steering Committee: Mary Claire Van Der Horst, Deborah McCafferty, David Henderson, David Johnson (incoming Treasurer), not pictured Beth Capp |
|
|
The build-up to war continued, and so did the vigils, with attendance growing from an initial 53 to a high of over 450 on March 16th, 2003 during the Global Vigil for Peace. This World-Wide Vigil was called together by Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Rev. Bishop Edgar of the National Council of Churches, with many faith-based organizations, and sponsored by Win Without War. Over 85 countries participated in sending a message to Washington about our position of peace before the war began.
“Shock and Awe” was launched in spite of the world’s outcry for peace, and 95 met on March 20th in response. The group now included students, former military, many races and religions, young and old.
Three nights later, on March 23rd, a bread and soup "Peace Supper" hosted by the Social Action Committee of the Unitarian Church was held at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Jacksonville. Over 100 Jacksonville residents met to consider how they might nurture a more peaceful, non-violent world. Together the long-time community peace activists, students, Sierra Club members, Muslim community members, and other organizations and individuals concerned about our administration’s actions, formed an organization that could better serve our growing community, established a steering committee, and named themselves, WAGE PEACE. Their first order of business was to host a Teach-In on Earth Day, April 19th.
We continue today to organize our own events and participate in events throughout the United States to promote peace and nonviolence.
|
|