2018

Nukes on trial: tables are turned—after case is dismissed, defendants call nukes guilty of crimes against humanity

The Dec. 7 hearing at the Kansas City, Mo., Municipal Court was dubbed “Nukes on Trial,” but there was no trial because the lone witness for the prosecution did not come to court; no one appeared to testify against the five defendants’ act of civil disobedience. Nonetheless, nuclear weapons were tried and found guilty as the defendants held their own court after the judge dismissed the trespass charge.

Trial turns to impromptu anti-nuke symposium when witness fails to show

A planned trial of five protesters who were arrested for trespassing on the property of a weapons producer became an impromptu symposium about the dangers of nuclear weapons manufacturing after a key witness for the prosecution failed to appear in court Dec. 7.

Poor People’s Hearing highlights poverty in Missouri

The national movement called the Poor People’s Campaign held a Poor People’s Hearing in Kansas City, Mo., Oct. 10. An overflow audience heard the heartbreaking stories of an undocumented person, a Native American, a farmer, a low-wage worker, and a veteran. After each of their stories, the audience chanted, “Someone is hurting my brothers and sisters, and we are not going to take it anymore!”

Senseless killing, sensible response

The irony that the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh became the scene of multiple shooting deaths on a peaceful Sabbath morning is a senseless contradiction, difficult to take in. We at PeaceWorks, Kansas City, join the nation in grief for the victims of the Oct. 27 massacre and their loved ones.

Discerning the Truth

Truth can be ambiguous. When the Senate Judiciary Committee was taking testimony concerning a Supreme Court nominee, the side that seemed more truthful was unassuming, in quiet, plain repose, in contrast to a loud, boastful defense.

Synchronicity

Best UNplaza Art Fair Ever!

PeaceWorks' 28th annual UNplaza Art Fair had higher sales than ever before, a crush of customers on the first fair day, and a happy blend of artists, customers, and volunteers. Thanks, all!

Labor on: the need for unions and the Poor People’s Campaign

The work of peace in action demands justice for laborers the world over. The dominating cultural ethic in economic practice is exploitation for the benefit of an ownership class; the resistance, hard-fought, has resided in labor organizing into the collective power of unions. These protective organizations for workers remain precarious, now, perhaps, more than ever.

Learn, Move, Act: Justice for Immigrants

“This summer has witnessed a reckoning for U.S. political and social life, a rending tension of fear and exclusion for humans who have immigrated more recently, without legal documentation, to this culture. While the policies of immigration law have, throughout the national history, always sought to exclude, there is an especially violent escalation in the current moment of federal orders and actions. Offering welcome, refuge, and mercy all become the work of peace,” says Joseph Wun.

Urban Ranger Corps youngsters study conflict resolution

Youngsters in the Urban Ranger Corps each summer take a few sessions on conflict resolution, thanks to PeaceWorks. Collaboration, coping, and the company you keep were some topics this summer.

Newsletters

Community Organization Directory

Find our guide to local Kansas City-area peace, justice, environment, and human rights groups here.

PeaceWorks Kansas City