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).
Today, our partners at Butler County for Immigrant Justice (BCIJ) marked one year of showing up weekly to the Butler County Commissioners meeting to advocate for the termination of Butler County’s contract with ICE.
We joined BCIJ for a vigil outside of the Commissioners meeting before packing the room to issue public comment and advocate on behalf of our immigrant neighbors who are being detained and deported at alarming rates.
From there, we marched to the Butler County Jail, where the group attempted to deliver fresh fruit to detainees who are denied fresh vegetables and fruit while being trapped in horrible conditions and subject to abuse.
We were all disappointed, but not surprised, that this simple offering of sustenance was denied. The fruit was a powerful symbol of human dignity and the lack of respect ICE and its partners have for our immigrant neighbors.
It was an honor to stand beside Butler County for Immigrant Justice and we will continue to do so until the county terminates its ICE contract once and for all and all of the detainees are set free.
#MeltICE #AbolishICE #IgnitePeace #ImmigrantsAreWelcome #BCIJ
Today, our partners at Butler County for Immigrant Justice (BCIJ) marked one year of showing up weekly to the Butler County Commissioners meeting to advocate for the termination of Butler County’s contract with ICE.
We joined BCIJ for a vigil outside of the Commissioners meeting before packing the room to issue public comment and advocate on behalf of our immigrant neighbors who are being detained and deported at alarming rates.
From there, we marched to the Butler County Jail, where the group attempted to deliver fresh fruit to detainees who are denied fresh vegetables and fruit while being trapped in horrible conditions and subject to abuse.
We were all disappointed, but not surprised, that this simple offering of sustenance was denied. The fruit was a powerful symbol of human dignity and the lack of respect ICE and its partners have for our immigrant neighbors.
It was an honor to stand beside Butler County for Immigrant Justice and we will continue to do so until the county terminates its ICE contract once and for all and all of the detainees are set free.
#MeltICE #AbolishICE #IgnitePeace #ImmigrantsAreWelcome #BCIJ
Today, we honor someone who dedicated his lifetime to peace, equality, and justice. Nelson Mandela’s tireless advocacy and steadfast commitment to these ideals are an inspiration to us and all who continue to dismantle unjust systems through nonviolence. His legacy fuels our work as we advocate for peace and justice for all.
#NelsonMandela #IgnitePeace
Today, we honor someone who dedicated his lifetime to peace, equality, and justice. Nelson Mandela’s tireless advocacy and steadfast commitment to these ideals are an inspiration to us and all who continue to dismantle unjust systems through nonviolence. His legacy fuels our work as we advocate for peace and justice for all.
#NelsonMandela #IgnitePeace
July 18th, 2018: Ohio`s last execution. Let`s make it Ohio`s last execution, ever.
#AbolishTheDeathPenalty #IgnitePeace
July 18th, 2018: Ohio`s last execution. Let`s make it Ohio`s last execution, ever.
#AbolishTheDeathPenalty #IgnitePeace
Trying to find a way to combine community and advocacy? Throw a letter writing party!
Yesterday, Sue, one of our passionate anti-death penalty advocates, hosted volunteers to write letters to Governor DeWine requesting capital clemency - an action with the power to completely pardon an individual, commute the sentence to life imprisonment, or temporarily pause the execution.
Each letter the governor receives is the voice of a concerned citizen, showing him that he will be supported in his decision and reminding him of his duty to Ohioans. Every letter sent brings us one step closer to ending the death penalty, a system that serves no justice.
We are so thankful to our dedicated volunteers and all individuals who are committed to ending the death penalty! This group spent the evening writing, telling stories, reflecting on their experiences, and sharing their hopes for the future. Their passion for justice is inspiring.
Check out the Letter Writing Party Toolkit at the link in our bio to learn how you can gather your friends for a night of community, advocacy, and justice!
#Abolishthedeathpenalty #IgnitePeace
Trying to find a way to combine community and advocacy? Throw a letter writing party!
Yesterday, Sue, one of our passionate anti-death penalty advocates, hosted volunteers to write letters to Governor DeWine requesting capital clemency - an action with the power to completely pardon an individual, commute the sentence to life imprisonment, or temporarily pause the execution.
Each letter the governor receives is the voice of a concerned citizen, showing him that he will be supported in his decision and reminding him of his duty to Ohioans. Every letter sent brings us one step closer to ending the death penalty, a system that serves no justice.
We are so thankful to our dedicated volunteers and all individuals who are committed to ending the death penalty! This group spent the evening writing, telling stories, reflecting on their experiences, and sharing their hopes for the future. Their passion for justice is inspiring.
Check out the Letter Writing Party Toolkit at the link in our bio to learn how you can gather your friends for a night of community, advocacy, and justice!
#Abolishthedeathpenalty #IgnitePeace
For many, summer is a time of unity and celebration. People come together for family reunions, backyard cookouts, and late-night bonfires. But this summer, more than ever, immigrant families are experiencing the opposite.
Family separation is only getting worse as the Trump administration continues its attacks on immigrant communities. The impacts of family separation are devastating on every member, but especially on children. In the last year and a half, over 200,000 children have experienced one, if not both, of their parents being separated from them through detention or deportation. Over 55,000 of those children are under the age of six.
Family is everything, and no family, no matter what their immigration status is, should ever be torn apart. To learn about ways to take action, join the Immigrant Dignity Coalition by filling out the volunteer survey at the link in our bio.
#IgnitePeace #FamiliesBelongTogether
For many, summer is a time of unity and celebration. People come together for family reunions, backyard cookouts, and late-night bonfires. But this summer, more than ever, immigrant families are experiencing the opposite.
Family separation is only getting worse as the Trump administration continues its attacks on immigrant communities. The impacts of family separation are devastating on every member, but especially on children. In the last year and a half, over 200,000 children have experienced one, if not both, of their parents being separated from them through detention or deportation. Over 55,000 of those children are under the age of six.
Family is everything, and no family, no matter what their immigration status is, should ever be torn apart. To learn about ways to take action, join the Immigrant Dignity Coalition by filling out the volunteer survey at the link in our bio.
#IgnitePeace #FamiliesBelongTogether
Yesterday, Shannon, our Executive Director, and Lilly, one of our summer interns, had the opportunity to present an abridged version of the Rethinking Racism walking tour that Ignite Peace developed in collaboration with many of our community partners.
The tour traces the history of racism in Cincinnati, from early contact between settlers and Indigenous nations like the Miami and Shawnee, up through the present day. It explores the events, individuals, and movements that have shaped our city and the way we interact with racism and inequality.
Braving the heat, the group was challenged to engage with these issues and consider their own role in addressing racism and inspiring change.
A big thanks to the Catholic Social Action Office in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati for having us and engaging with these issues!
#RethinkingRacism #IgnitePeace
Yesterday, Shannon, our Executive Director, and Lilly, one of our summer interns, had the opportunity to present an abridged version of the Rethinking Racism walking tour that Ignite Peace developed in collaboration with many of our community partners.
The tour traces the history of racism in Cincinnati, from early contact between settlers and Indigenous nations like the Miami and Shawnee, up through the present day. It explores the events, individuals, and movements that have shaped our city and the way we interact with racism and inequality.
Braving the heat, the group was challenged to engage with these issues and consider their own role in addressing racism and inspiring change.
A big thanks to the Catholic Social Action Office in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati for having us and engaging with these issues!
#RethinkingRacism #IgnitePeace
Statement from Shannon Hughes, Executive Director at Ignite Peace on Trump v. Barbara:
“Today, the Supreme Court did its job and protected the Constitution of the United States. The fact that this administration thought it could erase the 14th Amendment with the stroke of a pen is born out of deep racism and xenophobia; it is horrifying, but not surprising. Birthright Citizenship means that everyone born in America is a full and equal American, no matter their race, religion, ethnicity, or family circumstances. We are relieved that nearly 160 years of precedent still stands, but we know that this administration’s assault on immigrant communities will continue. At Ignite Peace, we will not stop fighting for the dignity and equality of our immigrant neighbors and their children, no matter what country they were born in.”
Statement from Shannon Hughes, Executive Director at Ignite Peace on Trump v. Barbara:
“Today, the Supreme Court did its job and protected the Constitution of the United States. The fact that this administration thought it could erase the 14th Amendment with the stroke of a pen is born out of deep racism and xenophobia; it is horrifying, but not surprising. Birthright Citizenship means that everyone born in America is a full and equal American, no matter their race, religion, ethnicity, or family circumstances. We are relieved that nearly 160 years of precedent still stands, but we know that this administration’s assault on immigrant communities will continue. At Ignite Peace, we will not stop fighting for the dignity and equality of our immigrant neighbors and their children, no matter what country they were born in.”
Happy Pride!
Not just today, but all year long, we celebrate our community that chooses pride over fear and love over hate. We honor all the LGBTQIA+ Cincinnatians who show up with resiliency, joy, and authenticity to make our city a more loving place.
There is still work to be done, and oppressive systems to dismantle, and we will continue to do it with courage and hope. But for now, we celebrate!
Want to join in the festivities?
🎊 The Cincinnati Pride Parade is today at 11 AM. It will end in a festival at Sawyer Point/Yeatman’s Cove. For more information, check out the Cincinnati Pride website.
🛍️ Support LGBTQIA+ organizations and give generously
📍 Check out what your neighborhood is doing this month and beyond!
#CincinnatiPride #IgnitePeace
Happy Pride!
Not just today, but all year long, we celebrate our community that chooses pride over fear and love over hate. We honor all the LGBTQIA+ Cincinnatians who show up with resiliency, joy, and authenticity to make our city a more loving place.
There is still work to be done, and oppressive systems to dismantle, and we will continue to do it with courage and hope. But for now, we celebrate!
Want to join in the festivities?
🎊 The Cincinnati Pride Parade is today at 11 AM. It will end in a festival at Sawyer Point/Yeatman’s Cove. For more information, check out the Cincinnati Pride website.
🛍️ Support LGBTQIA+ organizations and give generously
📍 Check out what your neighborhood is doing this month and beyond!
#CincinnatiPride #IgnitePeace
Applications are open for our Fall 2026 Internship! Apply at the link in our bio. For more information, check out our website or email samantha@ignitepeace.org.
Applications are open for our Fall 2026 Internship! Apply at the link in our bio. For more information, check out our website or email samantha@ignitepeace.org.
Statement from Shannon Hughes, Executive Director at Ignite Peace on Mullin v. Doe and Trump v. Miot:
"The sudden loss of Temporary Protected Status for immigrants and refugees from Haiti and Syria, with other countries likely to follow, is devastating. A promise our country made to those escaping disaster, violence, famine, or disease has been broken, leaving people vulnerable to deportation. Hundreds of thousands of families risk being torn apart. This includes our Haitian neighbors in Springfield, Ohio, where many U.S.-born children could be left without paperwork or legal caregivers if their parents, who followed all the rules to be here, are deported.
Now is the time to mobilize, organize, protect one another, and pressure state and local leaders to act, to challenge the violent deportation machine fueled by violence and hate. We will do everything in our power to stand with our immigrant and refugee neighbors who should be able to live safe and healthy lives here in this country."
Statement from Shannon Hughes, Executive Director at Ignite Peace on Mullin v. Doe and Trump v. Miot:
"The sudden loss of Temporary Protected Status for immigrants and refugees from Haiti and Syria, with other countries likely to follow, is devastating. A promise our country made to those escaping disaster, violence, famine, or disease has been broken, leaving people vulnerable to deportation. Hundreds of thousands of families risk being torn apart. This includes our Haitian neighbors in Springfield, Ohio, where many U.S.-born children could be left without paperwork or legal caregivers if their parents, who followed all the rules to be here, are deported.
Now is the time to mobilize, organize, protect one another, and pressure state and local leaders to act, to challenge the violent deportation machine fueled by violence and hate. We will do everything in our power to stand with our immigrant and refugee neighbors who should be able to live safe and healthy lives here in this country."
Join us July 1st on Zoom for a special nonviolence training! In this session, participants will work to understand power and the different types of power, learn about the history of nonviolence in social movements, and dissect the four components of Strategic Nonviolence.
Link in bio to register! Note: registration fees help us sustain our work for peace and honors the work and expertise of our trainers. We strive to keep our programming accessible for all, so please email us (info@ignitepeace.org) for information about free or discounted tickets if cost is a barrier.
Join us July 1st on Zoom for a special nonviolence training! In this session, participants will work to understand power and the different types of power, learn about the history of nonviolence in social movements, and dissect the four components of Strategic Nonviolence.
Link in bio to register! Note: registration fees help us sustain our work for peace and honors the work and expertise of our trainers. We strive to keep our programming accessible for all, so please email us (info@ignitepeace.org) for information about free or discounted tickets if cost is a barrier.
Do you know a club, group, or extracurricular program of high school students who have made a dedicated effort to promote justice in Greater Cincinnati this school year?
NOMINATE THEM FOR THE IGNITE PEACE YOUTH JUSTICE AWARD!
Nomination form in bio - deadline is June 29.
#YouthJustice #Award #Cincinnati #IgnitePeace
Do you know a club, group, or extracurricular program of high school students who have made a dedicated effort to promote justice in Greater Cincinnati this school year?
NOMINATE THEM FOR THE IGNITE PEACE YOUTH JUSTICE AWARD!
Nomination form in bio - deadline is June 29.
#YouthJustice #Award #Cincinnati #IgnitePeace
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…
June 24, 2026
Are you passionate about justice and peace? Come join Ignite Peace this fall! We’re looking for an intern to assist the staff in organizing and managing our Criminal Justice, Immigration […]
June 9, 2026
By Charlie Stauffer and Samantha Searls As ICE has descended on cities across the country over the past year and a half, recordings of agent interactions in cities like Minneapolis, […]
