https://www.mofga.org/event-calendar/common-ground-country-fair-2024
Today, Saturday, September 21, is the UN International Day of Peace
and the
Beginning of a Statewide Education Initiative on Building Peace and Preventing War
1:30-2:30 p.m. Pihcintu Multinational Girls Chorus
(In the Amphitheater)
An uplifting presentation of songs of hope from a talented choir of young Maine women who have experienced the horrors of war in various besieged areas of the world.
3:00-5:30 p.m. Presentations by these Maine Peace Organizations
(In the Social and Political Action Speakers Tent)
3:00 – 4:00 Americans Who Tell the Truth and Veterans for Peace Maine
Rob Shetterly, peace activist and painter of Americans Who Tell the Truth portraits, will unveil his new portrait of Doug Rawlings, Maine founder of Veterans for Peace (VFP). Doug will reflect on the draft, his military service and how VFP has expanded worldwide.
4:00 – 4:30 Pace é Bene/Campaign Nonviolence
Rivera Sun, activist and author, will talk about Campaign Nonviolence and the long-term movement to build a culture of peace and active nonviolence. She will share how arts, creativity, and literature can empower deep change.
4:30 – 5:00 Peace and Justice Center of Eastern Maine
Josh Kauppila, activist and organizer, will highlight the experience of 25 unhoused community members in Bangor and encourage people to learn about the impact of excessive military spending on addressing local social welfare needs.
5:00 – 5:30 World BEYOND War
Martha Morrison, a participant in WBW’s initial international Alumni Education Series, will encourage fairgoers to learn how to build peace and avoid war from the area.
Maine Peace Education Initiative – Contact us for more information
Americans Who Tell the Truth – Through portraits and narratives of courageous citizens, activist/painter, Rob Shetterly educates people of all ages about citizenship, democratic ideals and the common good. Arrange an exhibit in your school or community. https://americanswhotellthetruth.org/
Pace e Bene / Campaign Nonviolence – is dedicated to building a new culture of peace and active nonviolence. Rivera Sun provides training on peace building, nonviolent conflict resolution, community activism, use of art and creativity to engage young people in a peaceful future and much more. https://paceebene.org/campaign-nonviolence ; https://riverasun.com/
Pax Christi Maine – is the peace and justice movement of the Catholic Church with members who work to promote peace and practice Jesus’ way of nonviolence. PCM rejects war, preparations for war, and violence in all its forms. Join local groups and statewide activities. www.paxchristi-maine.org ; memquinn@peoplepc.com
Peace Action Maine – is a voice of education and a center for people committed to disarmament and creative, nonviolent responses to conflict. Campaigns focus on impact of defense budget on human needs; corporate globalization and militarism; lobbying, advocacy and direct action. Join upcoming zoom event on Oct. 2nd at 12 noon with Prof. Doug Allen on Gandhi. https://peaceactionme.org/
Peace and Justice Center of Eastern Maine – supports and link groups and individuals working toward a world of peace, human rights, economic justice, and a sustainable relationship with the Earth. Join our every Wed noon vigil in downtown Bangor. Sign up for action alerts. peacectr@gmail.com
Peace and Justice of Waldo County – holds a monthly forum on peace and justice issues at the Belfast Library (third Wed) and a weekly stand for peace on Sundays at 12 noon in Belfast. Primary focus is on Gaza, ending U.S. complicity and opposing U.S. militarism. peace.and.justice.waldo@gmail.com
PeaceWorks Brunswick – offers a nonviolent approach to resolving conflicts; addresses local, national and international policies; collaborates with others to educate on peace, social justice & environmental issues, all issues important to citizens of a democracy. info@peaceworksbrunswickme.org
Unity Center for Spiritual Growth – An inclusive, vibrant and loving spiritual community serving greater Portland. Join us for Sunday celebration at 10am. We offer retreats, meditation, education, groups, and speaker events. https://unitygreaterportland.org/
Veterans for Peace Maine – Tom Sturtevant Chapter is an educational and humanitarian organization dedicated to the abolishment of war; increasing public awareness of the costs of war; ending the arms race and reducing/eliminating nuclear weapons; and to seeking justice for veterans and victims of war. Join our events and actions. https://vfpmaine.org/ ; Doug Rawlings rawlings@maine.edu
World BEYOND War – works with partner organizations and peace seekers worldwide to educate about and advocate for the abolishment of the institution of war itself, not just the “war of the day.” Its numerous educational programs and resources are based on knowledge and research that expose the myths of war and illuminate proven nonviolent, peaceful alternatives. https://worldbeyondwar.org/ or contact Martha Morrison at medhelpmaine@gmail.org
