Chico Peace and Justice Center

Counter Recruitment has been identifying ways to promote non-violent living and providing alternatives to the military among the high school students of Chico. The team created a scholarship program called the "Partners in Peace Scholarship, to counter military inducements. Click here to read more about the work of the Counter Recruitment Team, who usually meet on Tuesdays at 3:30.

Peaceful Action Newsletter is a team that helps in the production of CPJC's monthly newsletter. Requirements for working with this group may include: familiarity with Indesign, writing skills, photojournalism, among others. We are also looking for creative minds to help expand our newsletter.

The Fair Trade Store seeks to offer the Chico area products from around the world that support the families that produce them. The Fair Trade Campaign also strives to educate local people about living wage and fair value issues as well as educate people about the realities of buying products that are not certified Fair Trade. Ten Thousand Villages' goal is to 'provide vital, fair income to third world artisans by marketing their handicrafts and telling their stories in North America.' Learn more about fair trade and the fair trade program.

The Beyond War Campaign emphasizes the moral and economic aspects of the US wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, and around the world. We work with local and national organizations to educate our communities about the excessive and wasteful spending on our military and to call on the president and Congress to redirect a portion of the military budget toward domestic spending programs.

The Israeli/Palestine Education Campaign focuses on activities that promote a better understanding of the region. Planned activities include teach-ins, film nights, expert speakers, town hall meetings, information on our website and more. The Israel/Palestine committee usually meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 2 PM. You can read the CPJC position paper on this issue, created by the members of this campaign, here.

Media Collective. Working in a support role, the media collective uses traditional and non-traditional media outlets to not only advertise our events, but also to educate the community about particular social justice issues. Besides the actual media work, one of the goals of the media collective is to share media skills with fellow activists.

The Peace Garden is tended completely by volunteers. Seasonal plantings offer herbs and vegetables. The garden also offers a calm refuge. Everyone is welcome to become part of a team to further the goals of that team. Everyone is also welcomed and encouraged to pursue your own idea. The peace garden has been opened for local events and same-sex marriages.

Other Efforts:

• Public information and education about peace and justice issues via speakers, the newsletter, and weekly updates.
• Public events to educate people about peace and justice issues locally and nationally.
• Trainings on all aspects of community organizing from media and communication training to basic community and campaign organizing.
• Internships and volunteer opportunities educate the next generation of peacemakers
• Quick response to local, state and national actions keep the voice for peace and justice on in the minds of Americans in response to more mainstream political analysis.
• We offer space to community groups to educate and organize among themselves.