Archives: Members

Antikrigs – Initiativet (The Antiwar Initiative)

➡️ Webpage: https://antikrigsinitiativet.no/

The organization main activity has been related to 1) protesting nuclear submarines arriving at Haakonsvern in Bergen, 2) Protesting the establishment of 4 US military bases in Norway, 3) Ceasefire and peace negotiation in Ukraine and 4) Stop the Israelian genocide in Gaza – immediate ceasefire and peace negotiation.

History:

AKI was founded in 2019 and is an activist organization.

 

Re-imagining New Communities

➡️ Webpage: https://www.rncommunities.org/

Main activities:
Re-Imagining New Communities is a small peacebuilding and communication organization. Based in Kenya and operational across 7 counties, the organization is dedicated to fostering sustainable peace through various transformative programs. Our Children-Led Community Peace Labs operate in both rural and urban settlements of Kenya, empowering children and schools with the artistry of peace, laying the foundation for a harmonious future. The Faith for Peace program focuses on empowering religious leaders by providing a space for peer learning, support, and guidance in the alchemy of peace, leadership, and conflict resolution. Through Participatory Action Research, we collaborate with communities on grassroots research initiatives aimed at catalyzing meaningful transformation. Additionally, our Community Dialogues initiative fosters heartfelt connections across communities through both digital and in-person dialogues, promoting understanding and unity.
History:
Why We Started:Insights from the Founding Director Growing up in the neighborhoods of Mathare North and attending school in Korogocho, both urban slums in eastern Nairobi, Sahlim Charles witnessed the ceaseless cycle of violence and instability.
The wounds from Kenya’s 2007-2008 post-election violence ran deep in his community, with conflict persisting day and night. Seeing fellow children and community members subjected to brutalization in broad daylight due to their political affiliations left an enduring impact in him.
Even during comparatively peaceful times in subsequent elections, palpable tension loomed over the community, affecting the children most profoundly, leaving them traumatized even in moments of uneasy calm. Recognizing that without proper guidance, those children would grow up accepting violence as an inevitable part, Sahlim felt compelled to act.
He understood the urgency for diverse peacebuilding strategies in urban settings. This motivation led him to initiate a peacebuilding initiative that focused on children in rural and urban settlements of Kenya. Through this, he aimed to transform their reality, leveraging art and education as potent tools to tackle internal and external challenges. By equipping and mentoring these children, the organization’s mission was to shatter the cycle of violence and instill a sense of hope and potential in their lives.

Flame of Hope by Earth Caravan

➡️ Webpage: https://flameofhope.net/

Once upon a time, there was a flame. It had been burning for a long time, ever since the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima. Then on March 20th, 2019, the Vatican received the Earth Caravan Pilgrimage for Peace and Justice, a global interfaith organization. Pope Francis blew out a flame lit from the embers of the atomic bomb to foretell a future free from nuclear war and all weapons. News of this event made headlines around the globe.

After praying for Peace with Pope Francis, Earth Caravan created the “Flame of Hope” to symbolize the transformation of past suffering into future peace.

Earth Caravan took the City of Nagasaki’s “Flame of Commitment” to Urakami Cathedral.* Following a special ceremony, the Flame of Hope was born. People of all faiths were invited to add their wishes and prayers for peace to the Flame, and then the Flame was taken to many different places of worship as well as to festivals and schools to add more prayers and wishes for peace to it.

Because more and more people from all over Earth added their wishes and prayers to the Flame of Hope, its power strengthened.

The Flame of Hope continues on its global pilgrimage. It is being carried by those who believe the world can change when the flame is lit in the hearts of children …

And on and on it travels … One Earth — One Prayer — One Flame

(text copied from the organization’s website)

📩 Contact Flame of Hope using this link: https://flameofhope.net/contact/

Peace SOS

➡️ Webpage: https://peacesos.nl/

The tragic images in the news of civilian casualties in wars mean that we are committed to preventing wars and solving them diplomatically. We also find inspiration in other – positive – ways.

Loesje’s poster “Als er wat speelt in een land laat het dan de kinderen zijn” a Dutch pun meaning that if something is going on in a country let it be children playing, and the comment by a UNICEF employee that the refugee Syrian children in a refugee camp were very quiet, also indicate the need for this and thus formed a source of inspiration.

Mission

Peace SOS’s mission is to promote peace and human rights and fight poverty. We are happy to contribute to a better, more peaceful, and fairer world for everyone.

Method

For Peace SOS, the goal of Peace SOS is paramount. Promoting peace and human rights and combating poverty.

Peace SOS likes to work with partners who have their roots in other countries. Since local people know the culture best and are aware of the situation. For example, we work together with Burundian Women for Peace and Development to jointly do what we can to prevent a war in Burundi.

(text copied from the organization’s website)

📩 Contact Peace SOS using this link: https://peacesos.nl/contact/