Each year Arkansas Peace Week includes numerous events, hosted by dozens of organizations throughout our state. These events featured education, service and outreach activities promoting peacemaking, non-violence, social justice, ecological stewardship, and community building.
The 2025 theme for the International Day of Peace is “Act Now for a Peaceful World”. In a time of turbulence, tumult, and uncertainty, it is critical for everyone to take concrete action to mobilize for peace. From peacekeepers on the front lines of conflict, to community members, to students in classrooms around the world, everyone has a role to play. We must speak up against violence, hate, discrimination, and inequality; practice respect; and embrace the diversity of our world.
There are many ways to act right now. Spark conversations about the urgent need for understanding, non-violence, and disarmament. Volunteer in your community, listen to voices different from your own, challenge discriminatory language in your workplace, report bullying both online and off-line, and take the time to verify facts before you post on social media.
We invite organizations and individuals to host a Peace Week event or include peace related curriculum in your programs during Arkansas Peace Week. Here are some ideas:
- School and Youth Activities: Encourage your school or youth group to incorporate lesson plans and student activities that teach about building peace and justice.
- Service Projects: Plan an activity that helps your community realize broader justice, better the environment or improve opportunities for others.
- Film Screening: Share your favorite peace-inspiring film or make your own film. See our list of short films on our School and Youth Activities: page.
- Environment: Plan an event to discuss the threats to our climate and what we can do to protect our planet.
- Faith Activities: Encourage your church, synagogue, or mosque to incorporate messages of peace and justice in their education and worship plans.
- Vigils: Host a vigil promoting peace or remember those touched by violence.
- Call For Ceasefires: Around the world, ongoing wars are causing harm to millions of people. Hold a ceasefire action that calls for a robust peace process in each case to address underlying causes and grievances.
- Race Relations: Host an event to promote better understanding of race relations and discrimination.
- Ideas from Campaign Nonviolence Action Days, including Nonviolence through Self Care, Nonviolence toward others and protecting the vulnerable, Nonviolence toward the world and Nonviolence toward the Earth. See the Campaign Nonviolence Acition Days Tool Kit.
- Business: Plan an open house or special event. Plan a Peace Week Happy Hour or other activity. Offer a special menu or discounts.
- Public Dialogue: Schedule a speaker or panel discussion about peace and justice.
- Libraries, Community Centers and Parks: Incorporate exhibits, activities and educational events exploring the history of social justice and peacemaking. Use this handy toolkit with a book list, posters, and resource doc compiled by Pace e Bene/Campaign Nonviolence
- Other Ideas: How about a peace walk or march? Peace gardens? Yoga for peace? Art projects. Write an editorial or letter to an elected official? A music composition?
These could be activities that you are already doing, or new events planned for the Arkansas Peace Week. Events and activities will be promoted in a Peace Week calendar of events.
To list your events on our calendar, create a Facebook Event and invite Arpeace Week (arpeaceweek@gmail.com). Email peaceweek@arkansaspeaceweek.com with questions.
Arkansas Peace Week 