Since that time we have opposed other wars, while encouraging peaceful resolution of conflict between nations and between groups At one time we formed a Round table on Racial Harmony & Understanding, which tackled the racial divide and discrimination in our own community. We visited Central American countries, and subsequently collected financial support for projects we came to know in Nicaragua and Chiapas to combat widespread poverty of those regions. In 2004 we succeeded in forming a sister organization, the Central American Fund for Human Development, for channeling tax-deductible donations to support preschools, women’s schools, clinics, maternal health care, and self-sustainable farming. We have opposed policies of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, and international trade agreements which have helped destroy the economies of poorer nations.

Our goal has been to educate ourselves and our community on vital social issues and to translate that knowledge into concrete action to bring about peaceful change. Our tactics have ranged from bringing in knowledgeable speakers, editing and distributing the Network Newsletter, writing news releases and letters to the editor, and contacting political leaders, to actions such as organizing marches, vigils and protests.

We have provided counter recruitment services at DeKalb High School since 1992, and our Sycamore members are currently seeking to overcome school board refusal to allow similar services at Sycamore High School. This year we are again awarding several Peace Scholarships at DeKalb High School. We collaborate with the students on NIU campus through their Northern Illinois Peace & Justice Coalition and provide financial support to local participants attending national rallies in our nation’s capitol and at the School of Americas in Columbus, Ga.

In 2000 we initiated regular conferences of peace groups throughout our northern Illinois region, and, most recently, participated in formation of the Illinois Coalition for Peace & Justice. We are also members of the loose knit national group, United for Peace & Justice.

Our Current Program Work

Members of the DeKalb Interfaith Network for Peace and Justice work together on local, national and international levels to help create a more just and peaceful world.

Locally, active members meet monthly to organize lobbying, demonstrations, and educational events on the following issues:

To Work With Others to Stop the Iraq War and Bring Our Troops Home

Disarmament: Stopping Missile Defense and the militarization of space; cutting military spending so that more funds are available to fund human needs; halting the international arms trade.

Middle East Peace: Addressing a just solution to the Israeli/Palestinian conflict with local Jews and Palestinians

Counter-Recruitment, Draft and C.O.: Addressing the misleading promises of military recruiters, alternatives for the military, the possibility of a Draft, and how to declare oneself a Conscientious Objector to war.

School of the Americas Watch: Part of the national movement to close the US Army training school for Latin American soldiers. Coalition Work

Solidarity Community Development Projects In Central America

And Many Local Social Justice Issues

For More information call Dan Kenney: 815-793-0950
or Cele Meyer: 815-758-0796
www.dekalbinterfaithnetwork.org
dkenney@dekalbinterfaithnetwork.org
If while looking at this site, you find any errors (typos, you get a "404 error" message when you click on a link, etc) please send an email to wireland@dekalbinterfaithnetwork.org