Nonviolent Peaceforce Works All Over the World

 By Tiffany Easthom; adapted and reprinted with permission; first published for Nonviolent Peaceforce newsletter, January 2025

 I know there's a great sense of anxiety about the immense challenges we face in the world today. Every generation confronts its own crises, yet this moment feels particularly profound. Escalating conflicts, climate change, technological advancements like artificial intelligence, and shifting political landscapes are reshaping our world.

Iowa Voices on Being An Ally to Marginalized Groups

 

by David E. Drake, D.O.; reprinted with permission by author; published in the Des Moines Register, Sun., March 16 in Opinion.

 

In this chaotic, scary, even dangerous time I decided to explore the role/importance of allies to marginalized groups as they face discrimination in housing, in the work place, deportation, and family upheaval. I appreciate the definition of ‘ally’ as “a person or group that gives help to another person or group.” (Britannica Dictionary)

CPT- Palestine Film “Light” Screened in DM Sun., Feb. 23

By Christine Sheller

 

Sunday, February 23, 2025, CPT (Community Peacemaker Teams) , IPN (Iowa Peace Network), and CPM (Catholic Peace Ministry) as well as other sponsors welcomed persons to a free screening of “Light,” a movie produced and filmed by CPT- Palestine.  It was held at the Des Moines Mennonite Church on the northwest side of Des Moines, and began at 6:30 PM.  Approximately  45 persons viewed the movie and stayed for discussion and fellowship.  

Understanding the war in Sudan

 With so many Sudanese at risk of starvation, USAID must continue

 By Ed Fallon, reprinted with permission, Feb 08, 2025; also at https://fallonforum.substack.com/p/understanding-the-war-in-sudan

 

 Until recently, the war in Sudan has received scarce attention in the US media, despite the terrifying reality that so many people have died (estimates vary, from 31,000 to 150,000) and that between 30 and 50 percent of Sudan’s population is at risk of starvation.

Tent of Nations Children’s Book Is Now Available!

By Virgina Wadsley

Sumud is a Palestinian word and concept that means “steadfast perseverance” in the face of obstacles.  When Daoud Nassar from Tent of Nations (TON), the educational, ecological family farm and peace center near Bethlehem, visited Iowa in November 2019, he planted the seed for creating a children’s book.  At that time, no one anticipated how important that concept would become.  The saying, “Making Lemonade Out of Lemons” would take on new meaning for the Team that was formed to work with Daoud to create the book.

Another World Is Already Here

 

By David Swanson, Progressive Hub

Reprinted with permission; also available at https://progressivehub.net/another-world-is-already-here/

 

I hope everyone in the world reads the new book Another World Is Possible: Lessons for America from Around the Globe by Natasha Hakimi Zapata. I think the lessons could be for anywhere on Earth. They are stories of what is possible for the United States (or in some cases a single state thereof) or most anywhere else. But they are also stories of what is already real in certain parts of the world.

December 7 IPN Holiday Open House and Gift Fair Held

By Christine Sheller

Iowa Peace Network held its Annual Holiday Open House and Gift Fair Saturday, December 7, 2024, earlier this month, from 1:30 to 4:30 pm at the Des Moines Mennonite Church, where the DM IPN office is located.  It was deemed a success, with over 35 people in attendance.  As other years, vendors were available to shoppers for fair trade international items, and there was a program from 2:30 - 3:30 pm.  Shopping and fellowship commenced after the program, and it was a day!

DMPS “Diploma +” Program: Military Recruitment Made Easy

 

By: Luke Clausen

 

The Des Moines Public Schools has launched its Reimagining Education initiative starting this school year, 2024-2025. One aspect of this initiative is the “Diploma+” program, designed to help students prepare for their post-secondary future, whether that be college, the trades, language learning, or other paths. Military enlistment is, by federal mandate, required to be placed on equal footing with all other options.

Poem: No More War by Dodie Stevens

 

No More War

There’s not enough love in the world,

And there’s way too much hate.

Love, respect, and acceptance

Can make it all go away.

 

New Podcast Shines a Light on Death Row and Beyond

 By Jess Hoffert

 

Three years ago, I became penpals with Franklin Davis, an inmate on death row in Livingston, Texas. We were matched through the Death Row Support Project, a Church of the Brethren organization that has connected thousands of inmates with writers like myself.