Since it’s inception in 1914, the International Fellowship of Reconciliation (IFOR) has been contributing to the global movement of nonviolence. They hold the belief that “love in action has the power to transform unjust political, social and economic strictures”.
Until recently, I was not aware of IFOR. My sister, Emily shared about the organization when we were discussing ways I could be a part of the Peace community while I Walk for Peace in Olympia, WA.
Today, I had an opportunity to join with members of IFOR-Olympia in an hour and a half long Peace vigil. When I arrived, there was a man standing with about twenty five signs, inviting folks to take one from the stack to use today. The FIRST sign I pulled out read “Choose Peace”. I smiled to myself, raised the sign joined the others around me.
What is really neat about this particular event is that it has been occurring every Friday afternoon from 4:30 – 6:00 pm on the same corner, rain or shine, for more than 30 years! There are folks who bring their instruments and play music, some regular attendees who greet each other by name, some occasional participants and the “drop ins” like me.
As I continue the Walk for Peace, I will reach out to other chapters of IFOR in support and solidarity. And on Friday afternoons, I’ll think about the group of folks I was with today, and I will feel Peace.