On Saturday, September 21, 2024, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, the community is invited to the International Day of Peace Celebration & Peace Walk in the cafeteria of Joliet Central High School, 201 E Jefferson St, Joliet, IL 60432. The event is hosted by the Nonviolent Cities Project—Joliet, in partnership with Joliet Township Government’s Community Violence Intervention (CVI). This gathering aims to foster a culture of peace, aligning with the United Nations’ 25th anniversary of the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace. 

Event Agenda & Highlights: 

• 1:00 PM: Doors open. Attendees can explore resource tables, meet with local service providers, and enjoy light refreshments. 

• 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM: A series of speeches from community leaders, including Keshia Ellis (Joliet Township Violence Prevention Director), Doug Kasper (Chair for Nonviolent Cities Project -Joliet), Alicia Morales (Joliet Township Government Supervisor), Cesar Guerrero (Joliet City Councilman) Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant (Will County Executive), Rachel Ventura (IL State Senator), and keynote speaker Ernest Crim (Public Teacher, Author). 

• 3:15 PM: A reflective outdoor Peace Walk around the school will take place, symbolizing the commitment to promoting peace within the community. 

Alicia Morales, Joliet Township Government Supervisor said, “Our community is strongest when we come together to foster understanding, compassion, and nonviolence. This event is a chance for all of us to contribute to a safer, more peaceful Joliet.” 

Doug Kasper, Chair for Nonviolent Cities Project -Joliet, said, “The International Day of Peace is more than just a day—it’s a movement. By participating in this walk and hearing from our community leaders, we are all taking a stand against violence and laying the foundation for a culture of peace in Joliet.” 

The Nonviolent Cities Project—Joliet is dedicated to envisioning a Joliet free from violence by increasing awareness of nonviolent practices, investing in education and community development, and uniting local organizations and individuals for a just and peaceful society. 

Joliet Township Government’s Community Violence Intervention (CVI) is a comprehensive initiative launched in 2023 to address gun violence through trauma-based interventions and community-centered strategies. The program includes services such as case management, street outreach, victim advocacy, behavioral health support, and community engagement. 

This event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be available throughout the event. The community is encouraged to participate in this significant initiative to cultivate a peaceful and just society 

For more information, please contact Karen Johnson of the Nonviolent Cities Project—Joliet at 312-545-3460 or nvcpjoliet@gmail.com or Nicole Lurry, Community Engagement Coordinator of Joliet Township Government, at 815-593-4453 or nlurry@joliettownship.net.