FORT WAYNE, Ind. (ADAMS) – In recognition of Wednesday, September 21 as the International Day of Peace, Alive Community Outreach is holding several events throughout this week that focus on nonviolence and developing a peacemaking culture.
The group is hoping residents will come out to support the mission of nonviolence in our community.
Alive Community Outreach released the following on the events:
Peace Week at South Side High School
Through Peacemaker Academy’s Peace Club at South Side High School, spirit days are highlighting different types of violence throughout the week. Each day an organization will visit the school during lunch to raise awareness about various types of violence. On Wednesday, September 21, the entire school will hear Cynthia Gardner’s story of transforming her pain into purpose after losing her son to gun violence.
In the Student Commons is an art display of 1,176 flowers hung upside down, one for each youth gun violence homicide in America so far this year. All students will be given the opportunity to sign a pledge to be a peacemaker.
Kingdom Dreams, Violent Realities Study
Wednesday, September 21, Alive and First Wayne Street United Methodist Church are launching the Kingdom Dreams, Violent Realities study with a showing of The Interrupters, a powerful documentary about a team of people fighting gun violence in Chicago. On the following three Wednesdays we will be reflecting on gun violence through the lens of the prophet Micah’s vision in Micah 4:1-4. This study was developed by the General Board of Church and Society of the United Methodist Church and is being used by congregations across Indiana as part of our collective response to the gun violence crisis. Interested persons are encouraged to rsvp here
Homicide Victim Support Group Relaunch
Thursday, September 22 the relaunch of a support group for families and friends of homicide victims will be held.
National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims
Sunday, September 25 is the National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims
At the MLK Bridge will be activities for families from 4-7pm, with a vigil at 7pm where families will have the opportunity to ring a bell for their loves ones who have been taken from us.
In honor of this day, Alive is releasing three short films, one per week for three weeks. These films will highlight three stories of victims in our community.
About Alive Community Outreach
Alive Community Outreach is a faith-based 501(c)(3) with a mission to cultivate a community of nonviolence through relationships and education. Rooted in Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s philosophy of nonviolence, we support families affected by violence and educate youth and youth-serving organizations in nonviolence and conflict transformation.
