PEACE Iowa

PEACE Iowa

Peace Education and Action Center of Eastern Iowa

Promoting international peace through education, intercultural communication, public witness, citizen involvement, and personal choices

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PEACE Iowa workshop: The Seeds of War in our Possessions. Session 1: Saturday May 18, 2:00-5:00. Iowa City Public Library, Meeting Room A. Session 2: Saturday June 1, 2:00-5:00. Facilitator: Nathan Kleban. In this two-session workshop, we will first explore our relationship to the material possessions in our lives, discerning what is "enough" and how this supports us in focusing on what's most important to us. Then we'll examine how our possessions enmesh us in relationships and societal patterns that embody and engender peace and justice, or violence and war. We'll explore, as John Woolman, an 18th century Quaker, suggests: "May we look upon our treasures, and the furniture of our houses, and the garments in which we array ourselves, and try whether the seeds of war have nourishment in these our possessions, or not." Free, everyone welcome. Sponsored by PEACE Iowa and Right Sharing of World Resources. About Nathan Kleban Nathan is an experienced facilitator who lives in Iowa City and works for Right Sharing of World Resources, an international Quaker nonprofit. He has also been involved with the Alternatives to Violence Project, the Catholic Worker movement, and has lived and served in various intentional communities dedicated to peace, healing, and sustainability.

Registration is encouraged but not required.


PEACE Iowa is publicizing these two events sponsored by other organizations because we support local efforts to build understanding among groups.

Agudas Achim Congregation Invites You to an Interfaith & Humanist Peace Seder, Sat 27 April 6-9 PM, Trinity Church. Honoring the liberatory message of Passover & lifting up voices of peace & coexistence in Israel/Palestine. Participatory program 6 pm; Festive meal around 7:30 pm. Please bring a vegetarian dish (no flour or pasta products) to share. If you need a kosher for Passover meal, let us know. Come as you are - but please leave any flags, signs, and banners at home. Free-will donations welcome for Parents Circle-Family Forum and Standing Together, two peace & reconciliation organizations in the region. Address: 320 E College St, Iowa City. Seating is limited - email rsvp@agudasachimic.org

With the rising toll of casualties and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, it can become difficult to see the people behind the numbers. Come listen to a panel of Palestinian-American and Jewish-American speakers from different walks of life talk about their experiences inside and outside Palestine. Ask your questions and learn about actions you can take to advocate for human rights in this crisis. Iowa City Foreign Relations Council presents: Obstacles to Peace: Stories About Palestine. With speakers Dr. Deema Totah, Yaser Abudagga, Mona Odeh, Dani Love Misyuk, and Samantha Brotman. Hosted by Peter Gerlach, ICFRC executive director. Friday, May 3, 2024, 6:00PM - 7:30PM, Iowa City Public Library. Also streaming online. Doors open at 5:30PM - join us for social connection and a meal! Please RSVP by April 29th - so we know how much food to order. Sponsored by JVP Eastern Iowa, Iowans for Palestine, and the Middle East and North African Student Association at Iowa.


Peaceful Protest Guidelines

Conduct and Participation:

  • Follow protest leaders’ and peace marshals’ instructions.
  • Ignore hecklers when marching. Stay peaceful and focused on your message (e.g., "ceasefire now").
  • Remain calm at rallies or vigils, even when provoked. Don't let opponents divert the group's focus.
  • Remember, your response represents Palestinians, peace activists, and Jews who support peace and justice in Palestine and Israel.

Use De-escalation Strategies:

  • Avoid shouting at opponents; it causes defensiveness, escalation, and distraction.
  • The public and media are listening.
  • If safe, speak calmly and respectfully to those who disagree with you. Otherwise, ignore them or let someone else talk to them.
  • If an opponent is willing to engage:
    • Find common ground (e.g., acknowledging areas of agreement like the horror of the Holocaust).
    • Share your personal reasons for supporting peace and justice in Palestine and Israel.
    • Use personal stories and listen to theirs.
    • Share just a few key facts.
    • Thank them for the dialogue.
  • Respect an opponent’s choice not to converse.


Georgiane and Nancy standing outdoors behind a table containing books, bumper stickers, and buttons. A banner with the PEACE Iowa logo hangs behind them.
PEACE Iowa volunteers Georgiane and Nancy at our booth at the 2019 Iowa City Soul & Blues Fest.

A man and woman standing outdoors in front of a table containing a map of Africa
The first visitors to name 3 countries on an unlabeled map of Africa at our booth at the 2019 Iowa City Soul & Blues Fest.

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