Press Release: Meet Ignite Peace
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACT
Allison Reynolds-Berry, allison@IgnitePeace.org, (513) 864-5784
Meet Ignite Peace – Formerly Intercommunity Justice and Peace Center (IJPC)
CINCINNATI, OH – Founded in 1985 by five communities of Catholic Sisters, the Intercommunity Justice and Peace Center (IJPC) has changed its name to Ignite Peace. Allison Reynolds-Berry, MSW, executive director, says, “The decision to change the name of an organization with such a long and rich history was certainly a daunting one, but we are thrilled with the direction we’re headed. In my eight years with the organization, I’ve been proud of the ways our staff and board have honored the legacy of our founders while remaining adaptable and looking forward. We hope that as Greater Cincinnati gets to know IJPC as Ignite Peace, that we remain known as an organization standing with those on the margins, challenging the status quo, and working toward a nonviolent future.”
Through frameworks of nonviolence and anti-racism, Ignite Peace works on the issues of criminal justice and immigration justice. Ignite Peace was active in organizing individuals against the Iraq war and teaching nonviolence. The Race and Racism in Cincinnati 3-Part Docuseries has been seen by more than 800 people in the region, told through a people’s history starting with the founding of Cincinnati through the present. Since 1999, Ignite Peace has advocated to abolish Ohio’s death penalty working closely with exonerees and individuals on death row. Today, it is a statewide leader in the No Death Penalty Ohio Coalition advocating for bipartisan legislation to repeal the death penalty. Additionally, Ignite Peace facilitates the Immigrant Dignity Coalition bringing together immigrant leaders and concerned organizations to collaborate and work for immigrant rights.
All are invited to the Annual Gathering of Ignite Peace on Wednesday, October 4th, 2023, celebrating the legacy and inviting each person to ‘Be a Spark for Justice’. Tickets go on sale in early August.
Jeff Hutchinson-Smyth, Ignite Peace Board Chair reflects, “The world around us is full of injustices that often make us feel angry or powerless. I hope that Ignite Peace can be a resource for people who want to make a difference and that we can provide them with information, skills, and connections so that they feel powerful and able to create the change they want to see.”
About the Ignite Peace
Founded in 1985 as Intercommunity Justice and Peace Center, Ignite Peace educates and advocates for peace, challenges unjust systems, and promotes the creation of a nonviolent society. For people who want to make a difference in peace and justice issues, Ignite Peace is the education and advocacy organization that gives them information and connections so that they feel empowered and hopeful. For more information and to get involved, please contact Executive Director, Allison Reynolds-Berry, MSW at 513.864.5784 or visit www.IgnitePeace.org.