We build just, inclusive, nonviolent
communities through education and action.
A Declaration of Peace
At the Peace Center, we dedicate our efforts to creating and protecting affirming spaces that embrace cultural humility and create ties of respect that connect people of every age, culture, race, class, region, religion, gender, and sexual identity in our work to build an inclusive community.
The Peace Center also advocates for nonviolence, which is an unflinching commitment to show love and kindness in response to conflict rather than abstaining from or avoiding conflict out of fear. We see nonviolence as a powerful tool to resist social inequalities, oppose oppression, and achieve sustainable peace for all people. But our belief in peace goes beyond nonviolence because we believe love and kindness can dismantle harmful, oppressive environments and promote healing and growth. We envision a future where peace thrives and the usefulness of violence dies.
For the Peace Center, justice is about upholding fairness, ensuring access to all the resources necessary for mental, physical, and spiritual well-being, and promoting equitable treatment under the law. We envision a just society where we all recognize each other as neighbors, working collaboratively to ensure that we all can thrive, regardless of race, location, wealth, gender, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or culture. To achieve this vision, we are committed to shining a light on the truth, holding those in power and each other accountable while addressing and rectifying injustices and their consequences. We strive for restorative justice that removes barriers to access and opportunity.
The Peace Center, as a community, is committed to unlearning unjust concepts and oppressive practices that a racist society seeks to instill in all of us.
The Peace Center is committed to being accountable by acknowledging intentional and unintentional harm done to others, thoughtfully listening to those we have impacted, and learning how to do better.
The Peace Center promises to welcome, share, educate, and support all who wish to learn, grow, and resist injustice and oppression.
How does this connect with you?
History
Since 1980, the Richmond Peace Education Center has been an unwavering voice for peaceful conflict resolution, social justice, and nonviolent social change in the Richmond, Virginia region. Over the years the center has evolved, developing new programs and areas of focus to meet new concerns.
Today the Richmond Peace Education Center is working actively to build a more peaceful and just community and world. Through its workshops, public events, youth programs, and conflict resolution training, RPEC is making a difference in the region.
From the beginning, RPEC has been a grassroots, member-supported organization. We simply could not do what we do without the participation and support of community members like you. Please join us for an upcoming program or event and join our contact list today.
Together we can build a more peaceful and just community and world.