Local Peace and Justice Events and Actions
Current Events
Holy Week Events
Maryknoll Good Friday Way of the Cross for Peace and Justice
The Way of the Cross for Peace and Justice is a prayerful public witness in Washington DC on April 3 that connects the suffering of Jesus with the suffering experienced by people around the world today. At each station we will reflect on pressing global and national challenges, including war and violence, forced migration, economic inequality and the climate crisis, while lifting up signs of hope and solidarity. Together we pray, walk and witness for a more just and peaceful world. A script is available for those who cannot join in the Washington DC event.
Way of the Cross to Overcome the Sin of Racism (recorded)
Praying the stations of the cross invites us to recall the experience of Christ’s own execution at the hands of the state. Through the stations, testimonials and reflections, musical moments, and prayerful silence, this sacred journey of prayer brings Christ's journey into our current situation. The prayer is inspired by the U.S. Bishops’ pastoral letter against racism: Open Wide Our Hearts, the Enduring Call to Love. Open the recording of the prayer
Recurring Events:
Peace Action Wisconsin - Stand for Peace
Every Saturday, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. in Milwauke
August 1: 92nd / North
August 8: No Stand; come to Lanterns for Peace
August 15: St. Paul / Water
August 22: 20th / Howard
August 29: King / Locust
Check the Peace Action website for more information
Friday Freedom Films presented by Peace Action Wisconsin
Every Friday, 7 p.m.
Zao Church 2319 E. Kenwood Blvd, Milwaukee WI 53211
ORGANIZE FOR PEACE!
Peace Action WI believes that non-violence and peace talks are the only path forward to peace. Learn more here. Updates on Facebook.
Truth-Telling for the 250th Anniversary
Pax Christi encourages peace lovers to use its resources, “Truth-telling for the 250th anniversary” as we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. The anniversary resources span July 1 – August 9.
We The People: Milwaukee Stories of Immigration, Citizenship and Community
Milwaukee County Historical Society, 910 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Milwaukee, WI 53203
Open Monday, Wednesday-Saturday: 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Closed Tuesday & Sunday
Flyer Visit the Milwaukee County Historical Society Website
Nonviolent Vigil for People Persecuted by ICE
Every Friday 9-10 am
Milwaukee ICE Office, 310 E Knapp St., Milwaukee, WI
Our fellow human beings are being persecuted and we wish to show solidarity & oppose the abduction of people by ICE agents. #EyesOnICE #justiceforimmigrants
Kneel for Nine
Spurred by the death of George Floyd, prayer for social justice continues every weekday from 5:30-5:39 on the corner of Hawley and Vliet. Support this important visual sign of our witness for justice.
Wednesday Weekly Prayers for Peace (virtual)
Every Wednesday, 11:30 – noon CST
Join in prayer with Churches for Middle East Peace for the people and situations in Gaza, Israel, and the occupied Palestinian territories. Register for Zoom link
Fast for Gaza Every Thursday
Fast for Gaza extends a global invitation to people of all faiths, and those who adhere to none, to abstain from food from dawn to dusk for one day in solidarity with the people of Gaza, and to break the fast together at sunset. The fast will continue every Thursday until a permanent ceasefire is called.
Amazing Faiths Dinner Dialogues
The last Wednesday of the month, 6-8pm
People of all faiths and no faith, all spiritualities and theologies gather in small groups to share a meal and participate in a moderated discussion, evoking deep exchanges about lived experiences and the role of faith and/or spirituality in their lives. Information and Registration
"Together to End Solitary" Campaign
On the 23rd of each month, 11 a.m.
Milwaukee Secure Detention Facility, 1015 N. 10th St, Milwaukee, WI
Stand with like-minded people of compassion at Milwaukee Secure Detention Facility as part of the National Religious Campaign Against Torture. “Together to End Solitary Campaign” is sponsored locally by WISDOM's Transformational Justice task force. More information.
Monthly Building Unity Gathering
Second Wednesday of the Month
Starts Wednesday November 12, 6 p.m.
Wisconsin Voices Offices, 4201 N. 27 St—7th Floor, Milwaukee, WI
While we may have different priorities and ideas about how to best reach our shared goals, we know that our power to make change will be vastly greater if we unite, take turns, and show up for and with each other. Learn more
America's Black Holocaust Museum Book Discussions Aug - Oct
Saturday August 29, 1:30 p.m.: How Black History Can Save Your Life by Ernest Crim III
Saturday September 26, 1:30 p.m: The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead for National Underground Railroad Month;
Saturday October 24, 1:30 p.m: The Black Guy Dies First to coincide with the Halloween season.
ABHM, America’s Black Holocaust Museum, 401 W. North Ave, Milwaukee WI
We will have our discussions in person at the museum and online. Admission is always free, but participants will need to purchase their own copies of the books. Learn more and register
Bronzeville Week
The City of Milwaukee’s annual celebration of African-American culture, history, art, commerce, and entertainment will take place August 1 – 8, 2026. More information
The Vote is Sacred: Honoring the Past, Protecting the Future
The League of Women Voters and multiple other organizations sponsor 3 Days to Celebrate the Voting Rights Act
Thursday August 6, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
St. Mark A.M.E. Church 1616 W. Atkinson Ave, Milwaukee
Celebrate the 61st Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act
Keynote Speaker Walter Lanier, Esq., Topic: Voting Rights Then & Now;
Friday August 7, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
St. Mark A.M.E. Church 1616 W. Atkinson Ave, Milwaukee
History Lesson & Art Workshop
Activity: Creating a "Wall of Legacy"; Facilitated by Anita Jensen
Saturday August 8, 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Ezekiel Gillespie Park, 2478 N. 14 St, Milwaukee
Community members, legal experts, historians, artists, and civic leaders will reflect on the Voting Rights Act's legacy, examine its ongoing dismantlement by the U.S. Supreme Court, and mobilize Milwaukeeans of all ages around voting rights ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
One Watershed Community Conversations
Join us for a community conversation to talk about watershed health, infrastructure and habitat reintroduction, and the Return the Sturgeon project. All ages welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration is not required, but highly recommended. More information and registration
Please reach out to Hannah hsedgwick@riveredge.us with any questions
Wednesday, August 12, 4:00- 5:30 p.m. One Watershed: Milwaukee Community Conversation
Urban Ecology Center – Riverside Park location 1500 E Park Pl, Milwaukee, WI 53211.
Monday August 31, 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm, One Watershed: Cedarburg Community Conversation
Cedarburg Library Community Room W63n589 Hanover Ave, Cedarburg, WI 53012.
Training for Collaborative Approaches to Address Local Issues
Uniting For Action in Southeast Wisconsin is offering a 6-month training, starting June 6, to enable participants to build relationships across differences and lead others to strengthen community cohesion. Some sessions will be virtual, others in person, in Milwaukee, Racine, Kenosha and Waukesha counties. Learn more
Siena Retreat Center Events:
www.SienaRetreatCenter.org, 5637 Erie St., Racine, WI 53402. Phone 262-898-2590
Ongoing Retreat Information. Partial scholarships are available for all programs.
Private Retreats are available -
To find a time for your private retreat email arrangements@sienaretreatcenter.org.
Cost: $90 per overnight with the option of adding meals, $11 for breakfast, $16 for the noon meal, $14 for supper. https://www.sienaretreatcenter.org/private-retreats/
Upcoming Retreat Offerings
Peace Education Program (virtual)
Thursdays Starting September 17, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. CT
The Peace Education Program is a ten-week, one hour per week on Zoom, with videos, reflection and participant discussion on a different topic weekly. This gives you the opportunity to focus and reflect on your humanity and your inner resources such as choice, hope, and dignity. Rather than describing or defining personal peace, the program empowers you to reach your own understanding. More information and registration
Creating the World We Believe In
September 29, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm CDT (virtual)
Imagine a world where people are kinder to others and to themselves. A world of respect, integrity, generosity of spirit. Let’s read about it, talk about it, write about it, share it, live into it. In these divisive days, we will explore the art of self-compassion and compassion with others through poetic practice—such fertile ground for meeting our most intolerant and callous self-critic. How might the very practice of writing teach us something valuable about self-compassion? It’s all practice! More Information and registration
Michigaming: Lessons from Anishinaabe Understandings of the Big Sea
Tuesday, November 17, 6:30 – 8 p.m. (virtual)
Explore Anishinaabe place names and their relationship to the waters and lands surrounding Lake Michigan. Through this deeper understanding of language and place, participants will discover a worldview rooted in reciprocity, connection, and the flourishing of all living beings. More information and registration
Scheduled Events
Watch and Write: Selma Movie and Letter Writing
Saturday, August 1, 5:45 p.m. (immediately after 4:30 Mass)
Good Shepherd Parish, N88W17658 Christman Rd. Menomonee Falls, WI 53051
Come for a light supper and then the movie “SELMA” starting at 6 p.m. After a brief conversation relating the movie to the recent gutting of the Voting Act, all will be invited to write your congresspersons about what we have learned. RSVPs are appreciated.
Intro Structural Racism & Implicit Bias
Sunday August 2nd 11am - 1:00 pm
Planned Parenthood NW Community Center 5380 W Fond du Lac Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53216
We will review the history of racism in the United States and how to understand and navigate the consequential biases formed. We will also discuss the differences between implicit and explicit bias and share ways to better ourselves and the people around us for a more equitable society. Register
WAVE's August Virtual Action Team Event
Monday August 3, from 6pm-7pm.
People committed to stopping gun violence meet monthly, virtually, to strategize and support each other. Sign up at August Virtual Action Team Meeting: Stop Trump's Rollbacks
Prayer Service of Remembrance: Hiroshima & Nagasaki
Thursday, August 6, 7:00 pm.
Our Lady of Lourdes Church Garden, 3722 S. 58th St., Milwaukee, WI 53220
This year is the 81st anniversary of the dropping of the atomic bombs on Hiroshima, Japan on August 6, 1945 and Nagasaki, Japan on August 9, 1945. Please join us in the Our Common Home Community Garden near the peace pole (the garden area closest to the east entrance of the church) for a prayer service to remember and mark this somber anniversary. Please bring a lawn chair. We will meet in the church if it rains.
Peace Action Hiroshima & Nagasaki Commemoration
Two days to reflect and work to abolish nuclear weapons
Thursday Aug 6, 2:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Lantern making at Kingo Lutheran Church, 1225 E. Olive St., Shorewood WI
Saturday Aug 8, 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. (weather permitting)
Display of lighted lanterns and vigil , including speakers and music, along Lincoln Memorial Drive, across from Colectivo Coffee Lakefront at Lincoln Memorial Dr. and Lafayette Hill Rd.
Culvers Supporting SOPHIA
Wednesday August 12, 4 – 8 p.m.
Only at Culvers of Elm Grove, 15280 W. Bluemound Rd, Elm Grove WI
Enjoy Culvers food on the day when a percentage of all sales will be donated to SOPHIA Waukesha to support their good work in the community.
A conversation with Bishop Mariann Budde
Wednesday, August 12, 12 noon CDT
Sojourners presents a timely conversation with Bishop Mariann Budde, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington D.C., what it means to be brave in moments that call for moral clarity. Drawing from her recent book, We Can Be Brave: Decisive Moments in Life and Faith, Bishop Budde will explore how individuals and communities of faith can speak truth, act with integrity, and remain grounded when confronting injustice in the public square. Learn more and register
Intro to Restorative Justice Workshop
August 13 @ 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. CDT
Join Catholic Mobilizing Network for a virtual introductory workshop on restorative justice. Discover the core concepts and practices of restorative justice in the legal system, Catholic ministry, and beyond. More Information
Liturgy for Peace and Justice at Irish Fest
Sunday August 16, music at 9:00, Mass at 9:30 a.m.
Henry Maier Festival Grounds, American Family Amphitheater (south end of grounds)
The celebrant will be the Most Reverend Alan McGuckian, SJ, the Bishop of Down and Connor in Northern Ireland. Bring non-perishable food items for the Hunger Task Force to receive free admission. This is the 46th Annual Liturgy for Peace and Justice at Irish Fest.
Black Business Month Marketplace
Saturday, August 22, 12 to 5 p.m.
ABHM, America’s Black Holocaust Museum, 401 W. North Ave, Milwaukee WI
August is National Black Business Month, and we joyously invite you to celebrate the rich history of Bronzeville with you! Black & POC vendors are especially encouraged to apply. Event Information Flyer
Season of Creation
Sept 1 to Oct 4
The Season of Creation is an annual ecumenical observance celebrated worldwide from September 1 to October 4, dedicated to praying for and taking action to protect the environment, encouraging congregations to reflect on humanity's relationship with the Earth, and commit to more sustainable living. Learn more and register to receive resources https://seasonofcreation.org/
Walking the Way of Creation Prayer Service
Tuesday September 1, 2026, 7:00 pm
Our Lady of Lourdes Community Garden, 3722 S. 58th St., Milwaukee, WI 53220
Join us in our lovely OLOL community garden area as we celebrate the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation. We will journey through the creation story in Genesis, weaving in other scripture, poetry and inspirational writings as we give praise for each gift of creation. We will hope for a beautiful late-summer warm evening, but the service will be indoors if needed for rain or extreme heat. Bring lawn chairs.
Pax Christi Webinar on gun violence prevention --
Thursday, September 3
The CPJ newsletter will carry registration information in September.
National Day of Prayer for Peace
September 9th, the Feast of St. Peter Claver
Pallium Lecture
Wednesday, September 9, 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. for refreshments
Brookfield Conference Center, 325 S. Moorland Road, Brookfield, WI 53005
Archbishop Grob’s Pallium Lecture is coming in September. This year’s talk is titled “Be Not Afraid: The Future of the American Catholic Presbyterate,” given by Stephen P. White, executive director of the Catholic Project at the Catholic University of America. Register here for a night of Catholic culture, education and fun.
Mapping Racism and Resistance in Milwaukee County
September 24, 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Christ Church Episcopal, 5655 N. Lake Drive, Milwaukee, WI
Anne Bonds and Derek Handley of UWM engaged citizen researchers in this project to map racially restrictive covenants in property deeds. What is the current state of the project? What are the results so far?
The Milton House Signature Event
Saturday, September 26, Door open 5:30, Showtime 7:00 p.m.
A fundraising event celebrating history, culture and the arts, featuring the Fisk Jubilee Singers and Ko-Thi Dance Company. Proceeds support the educational mission and preservation efforts of the Milton House Museum. Flyer View Reserved Seating and VIP ticket options
World Day of Migrants and Refugees
Sunday September 27
Celebration of The Pope's World Day of Migrants and Refugees will include Mass at St. John Cathedral at noon, followed by a gathering with light refreshments and entertainment, as well as separate celebrations in several parish communities. The theme is : Even just one of these (children).
CLINIC Interfaith Immigration Summit
October 29-30
Be part of the inaugural CLINIC Interfaith Immigration Summit, a national virtual summit featuring live webinar sessions that will bring together faith leaders, legal practitioners, advocates, and scholars to explore immigration through the shared values of human dignity, welcome, and justice. Held over two half-day sessions, the Summit will feature keynote conversations, interfaith dialogue, and practical discussions examining the intersection of faith, immigration law, and public policy while equipping participants with insights and tools to strengthen their work on behalf of immigrant communities.
Save the date for Oct. 29-30 and stay tuned as registration will open soon!