Ignite Peace (formerly Intercommunity Justice and Peace Center) educates and advocates for peace, challenges unjust systems, and promotes the creation of a nonviolent society.
Ignite Peace brings unique educational opportunities to the classroom with our interactive presentations, docuseries screenings, and other adaptable and engaging curriculum. If you’re a teacher or student, contact us to bring a presentation or workshop to your school. We are excited to raise awareness, literacy, and understanding of important issues of criminal justice and immigration justice among young people in our community.
Pictured: Students from Xavier University’s Alternative Breaks participating in our interactive Immigration 101 presentation.
Ignite Peace was founded by five congregations of Sisters with a call for justice. We know that for many, moral convictions are tied deeply to faith and move them to work for peace and justice. We work with people of all faiths to provide education on justice issues and ways to take action. Whether you are clergy or a lay person, we encourage you to connect your community with Ignite Peace. Talk to us about hosting an educational event for your membership or ways to take action as a group for systemic change.
Pictured: Members of Our Lady of Divine Providence viewing and discussing the Race and Racism in Cincinnati Docuseries.
We know that there is power to be found in connecting with others and sharing knowledge and resources. Our workshops can be tailored to your staff or volunteers for professional development, to deepen your understanding of an issue, or to prepare your group to take strategic nonviolent action.
We also work in coalition and solidarity with many organizations including advocacy groups and direct service providers to achieve our shared goals. We are proud to be a part of the No Death Penalty Ohio coalition and to facilitate the Immigrant Dignity Coalition. If you are part of an organization whose mission aligns with peace and justice, reach out to see how we can work together.
Pictured: Members of the NoDeathPenaltyOH coalition attending proponent testimony at the Ohio Statehouse, advocating for death penalty abolition.
From being a pen pal, to organizing a letter writing campaign, to setting up an educational presentation, to joining protests, or engaging in dialogue with leaders and fellow community members, individuals have the power to create change. Nonviolence creates space for everyone to take part in the movement toward justice. Check out our upcoming events page to get involved in one of our policy campaigns, join a community event, or sign up for a nonviolence training.
Pictured: Former youth leader, Alex, leading an immigration rally to save the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).
A reflection from our Executive Director, Shannon Hughes:
"As this year comes to a close, I am holding two truths at once: it has been an incredibly challenging time and I have seen extraordinary acts of courage, compassion, and solidarity. When division feels loud, you continue to choose connection. When systems cause harm, you keep showing up for one another. When our cooperation is demanded violently, you have demonstrated loving resistance.
This year, your support helped build and sustain countless acts of collective strength. Thank you for your partnership. Your commitment brings light to a time that deeply needs it and strengthens all of us."
Happy New Year.
https://give.ignitepeace.org/Year2025
A reflection from our Executive Director, Shannon Hughes:
"As this year comes to a close, I am holding two truths at once: it has been an incredibly challenging time and I have seen extraordinary acts of courage, compassion, and solidarity. When division feels loud, you continue to choose connection. When systems cause harm, you keep showing up for one another. When our cooperation is demanded violently, you have demonstrated loving resistance.
This year, your support helped build and sustain countless acts of collective strength. Thank you for your partnership. Your commitment brings light to a time that deeply needs it and strengthens all of us."
Happy New Year.
https://give.ignitepeace.org/Year2025
Join our team in 2026!
Ignite Peace is seeking a mission-driven Director of Development and Communications to lead fundraising and strategic communications efforts. This is a hands-on leadership role for a dynamic team player with a passion for social justice, a talent for donor engagement, and the ability to tell powerful stories of impact.
If you or someone you know shares a commitment to nonviolence, justice, and community engagement, we invite you to view and share the position description for our Director of Development and Communications.
To apply, submit resume and cover letter via email to careers@ignitepeace.org. Priority resume review will begin January 12, 2026.
Ignite Peace is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes candidates of all backgrounds and identities. We encourage applicants from marginalized and underrepresented communities to apply.
Due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to respond to individual inquiries by phone or email.
https://ignitepeace.org/news/blog/joinourteam2026/
Join our team in 2026!
Ignite Peace is seeking a mission-driven Director of Development and Communications to lead fundraising and strategic communications efforts. This is a hands-on leadership role for a dynamic team player with a passion for social justice, a talent for donor engagement, and the ability to tell powerful stories of impact.
If you or someone you know shares a commitment to nonviolence, justice, and community engagement, we invite you to view and share the position description for our Director of Development and Communications.
To apply, submit resume and cover letter via email to careers@ignitepeace.org. Priority resume review will begin January 12, 2026.
Ignite Peace is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes candidates of all backgrounds and identities. We encourage applicants from marginalized and underrepresented communities to apply.
Due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to respond to individual inquiries by phone or email.
https://ignitepeace.org/news/blog/joinourteam2026/
When individuals come together – sharing responsibility, showing up for one another, and refusing to give in to fear – we are stronger than we even know.
Giving to Ignite Peace is more than a contribution - it is an act of resistance against violence, fear, and division. It strengthens the networks that protect our communities and helps build the nonviolent future we know is possible.
Can you make a gift to help us reach our goal of $20,000? With your support we will be able to deepen our trainings, amplify community stories, support grassroots leaders, and sustain the coalitions that make real change possible.
https://give.ignitepeace.org/Year2025
When individuals come together – sharing responsibility, showing up for one another, and refusing to give in to fear – we are stronger than we even know.
Giving to Ignite Peace is more than a contribution - it is an act of resistance against violence, fear, and division. It strengthens the networks that protect our communities and helps build the nonviolent future we know is possible.
Can you make a gift to help us reach our goal of $20,000? With your support we will be able to deepen our trainings, amplify community stories, support grassroots leaders, and sustain the coalitions that make real change possible.
https://give.ignitepeace.org/Year2025
Good resource one of our volunteer leaders put together: What to do if you see ICE. Whistle, Record, Advise of their rights, and Pass along a message.
Good resource one of our volunteer leaders put together: What to do if you see ICE. Whistle, Record, Advise of their rights, and Pass along a message.
This year YOU:
-Showed up at county commissioner meetings calling for an end to 287g contracts
-Held vigil and stood in protest for immigrants detained by ICE in Butler County jail
-Stood in witness to the powerful stories of people who have lost loved ones to police violence and supported policies that work to end that violence
-Shared Ayman Soliman`s story, advocated for his release, and cheered when he was freed
-Canvassed over 330 businesses to support immigrant rights and workers
-Donated hundreds of dollars in gift cards to support immigrant families
-Established networks of care and mutual aid through creating transportation services
-Supported Elwood Jones as he works to become Ohio`s twelfth death row exoneree
-Attended trainings - more than 1,500 of you - growing your skills in nonviolence and advocacy
-Celebrated 40 years of Ignite Peace`s education and advocacy work
All of this is possible because people like you continue to choose hope.
Thank you for being a spark for justice.
Support our work at the link in our bio.
This year YOU:
-Showed up at county commissioner meetings calling for an end to 287g contracts
-Held vigil and stood in protest for immigrants detained by ICE in Butler County jail
-Stood in witness to the powerful stories of people who have lost loved ones to police violence and supported policies that work to end that violence
-Shared Ayman Soliman`s story, advocated for his release, and cheered when he was freed
-Canvassed over 330 businesses to support immigrant rights and workers
-Donated hundreds of dollars in gift cards to support immigrant families
-Established networks of care and mutual aid through creating transportation services
-Supported Elwood Jones as he works to become Ohio`s twelfth death row exoneree
-Attended trainings - more than 1,500 of you - growing your skills in nonviolence and advocacy
-Celebrated 40 years of Ignite Peace`s education and advocacy work
All of this is possible because people like you continue to choose hope.
Thank you for being a spark for justice.
Support our work at the link in our bio.
December 10 marks the 77th anniversary of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations. The theme of this year`s International Human Rights Day is "Our Everyday Essentials," highlighting the importance human rights play in our every day lives.
"Human rights are ESSENTIAL. They are the essentials we all share, the common ground that unites us across differences of race, gender, belief, or background. In a world of uncertainty, human rights remain our everyday constants. When everything feels unstable, your right to safety, to speak freely and to participate in decisions that affect us, become the bedrock of our lives." - United Nations` Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner.
Essential human rights look like the freedom to attend school without the fear of ICE taking you from the street, the justice of due process, and the dignity of being able to access food and healthcare to thrive.
Thank you to all of our supporters who continue to advocate for our essential human rights of equality, justice, freedom, and dignity.
December 10 marks the 77th anniversary of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations. The theme of this year`s International Human Rights Day is "Our Everyday Essentials," highlighting the importance human rights play in our every day lives.
"Human rights are ESSENTIAL. They are the essentials we all share, the common ground that unites us across differences of race, gender, belief, or background. In a world of uncertainty, human rights remain our everyday constants. When everything feels unstable, your right to safety, to speak freely and to participate in decisions that affect us, become the bedrock of our lives." - United Nations` Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner.
Essential human rights look like the freedom to attend school without the fear of ICE taking you from the street, the justice of due process, and the dignity of being able to access food and healthcare to thrive.
Thank you to all of our supporters who continue to advocate for our essential human rights of equality, justice, freedom, and dignity.
Show up on Tuesday at the Butler County Commissioners meeting to pack the room and show that the wider community wants ICE out of Butler County!
Show up on Tuesday at the Butler County Commissioners meeting to pack the room and show that the wider community wants ICE out of Butler County!
We are so proud to be in partnership with the newly-formed grassroots group, Butler County for Immigrant Justice. They`ve been going to the Butler County Commissioners meetings every week for months to speak out against their 287(g) contract and were recently awarded the Peace & Justice Award from Oxford Citizens for Peace and Justice (OCPJ). Learn more below!
Video Credit: Isaac Jantzen @isaacjantzenfilm
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Butler County for Immigrant Justice (BCIJ) is a nonpartisan grassroots group formed to resist Butler County’s ICE contract that allows the county to hold immigrant detainees in the Butler County Jail. BCIJ advocates for immigrants who are detained without a chance to be heard in a court of law and pose no threat to our common welfare. Find out more about the group in this video and by reviewing their Fact Sheet: https://tinyurl.com/BCIJ-Fact-Sheet
We are so proud to be in partnership with the newly-formed grassroots group, Butler County for Immigrant Justice. They`ve been going to the Butler County Commissioners meetings every week for months to speak out against their 287(g) contract and were recently awarded the Peace & Justice Award from Oxford Citizens for Peace and Justice (OCPJ). Learn more below!
Video Credit: Isaac Jantzen @isaacjantzenfilm
-------
Butler County for Immigrant Justice (BCIJ) is a nonpartisan grassroots group formed to resist Butler County’s ICE contract that allows the county to hold immigrant detainees in the Butler County Jail. BCIJ advocates for immigrants who are detained without a chance to be heard in a court of law and pose no threat to our common welfare. Find out more about the group in this video and by reviewing their Fact Sheet: https://tinyurl.com/BCIJ-Fact-Sheet
The big night is almost here! It`s not too late to celebrate Ignite Peace`s 40th Anniversary. Tickets are still available for Wednesday evening.
Join us for light bites, honoring local peacemakers, and dancing with @salsamberascincy!
Spark the next 40 years of peace and nonviolence in Cincinnati!
The big night is almost here! It`s not too late to celebrate Ignite Peace`s 40th Anniversary. Tickets are still available for Wednesday evening.
Join us for light bites, honoring local peacemakers, and dancing with @salsamberascincy!
Spark the next 40 years of peace and nonviolence in Cincinnati!
All are invited to a day of learning, engagement, and action for immigration justice. The Volunteer Fair, hosted by Ignite Peace, will give people a safe space to learn about how to stay aware and become an active member in our community by advocating for the rights of immigrants. Nonprofit organizations and community groups will offer stations to visit and have specific action items / volunteer tasks where you can sign up and get involved.
Immigration Justice Volunteer Fair
Saturday, November 15
10:00-2:00PM
Friendship United Methodist Church
Drop in anytime, but please RSVP! We will have lunch provided.
Are you a nonprofit or community group that could use more hands to volunteer? Let us know if you`d like a table! samantha@ignitepeace.org
All are invited to a day of learning, engagement, and action for immigration justice. The Volunteer Fair, hosted by Ignite Peace, will give people a safe space to learn about how to stay aware and become an active member in our community by advocating for the rights of immigrants. Nonprofit organizations and community groups will offer stations to visit and have specific action items / volunteer tasks where you can sign up and get involved.
Immigration Justice Volunteer Fair
Saturday, November 15
10:00-2:00PM
Friendship United Methodist Church
Drop in anytime, but please RSVP! We will have lunch provided.
Are you a nonprofit or community group that could use more hands to volunteer? Let us know if you`d like a table! samantha@ignitepeace.org
Just 13 days until Ignite Peace celebrates 40 years of serving the Tri-State!
Launch the next 40 years of our immigrant justice and anti-death penalty work by:
✨ joining us on Oct. 29 at the Woodward Theater
✨ donating, or
✨ buying raffle tickets
You can do all of them at https://ignitepeace.org/event/annual-gathering-40th-anniversary-celebration/
Just 13 days until Ignite Peace celebrates 40 years of serving the Tri-State!
Launch the next 40 years of our immigrant justice and anti-death penalty work by:
✨ joining us on Oct. 29 at the Woodward Theater
✨ donating, or
✨ buying raffle tickets
You can do all of them at https://ignitepeace.org/event/annual-gathering-40th-anniversary-celebration/
February 1, 2024
Ohio legislators, Stewart and Plummer, and Attorney General Yost are supporting new legislation to make nitrogen hypoxia available in Ohio. Let lawmakers know Ohioans will not accept this method of execution.
January 24, 2024
Submit your nominations for our 2024 Ignite Peace Awards!
July 10, 2023
After much anticipation and a lot of hard work, we are excited to reintroduce ourselves with our new organizational name…
January 21, 2026
When the Nazis invaded Denmark in 1940, the Danes had a choice. They could comply or they could be defiant. As ICE enters neighborhoods, disregarding due process, snatching neighbors and […]
December 18, 2025
Ignite Peace is seeking a mission-driven Director of Development and Communications to lead fundraising and strategic communications efforts. This is a hands-on leadership role for a dynamic team player with […]
October 9, 2025
By Samantha Searls, Program Director To mark 40 years of Ignite Peace, enjoy this limited series highlighting our past work through the decades. “Nonviolence is not a principle, it is […]
