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
May 2 Howell & Layton
May 9 16th & Greenfield
May 16 St. Paul & Water
May 23 Lincoln Memorial & LaFayette Hill
May 30 Locust & Humboldt
June 6 Lisbon & 40th
June 13 Howell & Oklahoma
June 20 41st & Burleigh
June 27 Santa Monica & Silver Spring
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.
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
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: $87 per overnight with the option of adding meals, $11 for breakfast, $16 for the noon meal, $14 for supper. Partial scholarships are available for all programs.
https://www.sienaretreatcenter.org/retreats/showing-up/
Scheduled Events
Bay View Massacre Commemoration: 140th Anniversary
Sunday, May 3, 2:00 PM march from Lincoln Ave. & Bay St.
2:45 PM singing and 3:00 PM program at Russell Ave. & Superior St.
Commemorate the Bay View Massacre and the ongoing struggle for labor rights. Learn more
Introduction to Restorative Justice Workshop
Monday May 4, 1:00- 3:00 p.m. CDT
Sponsor Catholic Mobilizing Network says: “Are you interested in learning about ways to repair harm and rebuild damaged relationships in a way that centers those who have been harmed and upholds the dignity of all? Are you curious about ways to transform our approach to justice, from punitive to restorative?” More information and registration
Legal Observer Training (virtual)
Tuesday May 5, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. OR Monday May 11, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Legal Observer Training led by Milwaukee Turners is an opportunity to gain hands-on skills to support and protect our communities. Learn how to effectively observe and document interactions between community members and law enforcement, understand your role and rights as a legal observer, and practice safe, accurate reporting. These skills are critical in promoting transparency, accountability, and the protection of civil rights. Register for May 5 training; Register for May 11 training
Come to Washington, DC, to Call for Peace in the Middle East
May 5 – 7 in Washington, DC
While we breathe a collective sigh of relief regarding the temporary ceasefire in the U.S.-Israel war in Iran, we cannot afford to mistake a pause for peace. We remain deeply alarmed by the ongoing, devastating attacks on Lebanon and the relentless suffering of our brothers and sisters in Gaza and the West Bank. More information Register at www.jointsummit2026.com
Now is the Time for a Community Conversation on AI Data Centers
Thursday May 7, 6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Retzer Nature Center, S14 W28167 Madison St., Waukesha WI 53188
The use of artificial intelligence and data storage is driving the need for new data centers across the United States. Wisconsin is no exception. Guest Speaker - Dr. Joseph Piatt PhD., professor of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Carroll University will speak on "Environmental Impacts of Data Centers in Wisconsin" followed by a facilitated community conversation of structured dialogue in small groups. More information and registration
Migratory Bird Celebration
Saturday, May 9, 8 a.m. - noon
Washington Park Urban Ecology Center, Milwaukee
Price: $5 – $15 More Information, courtesy of Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
What are the Issues with Drone Warfare?
Saturday, May 9 at 2 p.m. CDT (virtual)
Listen to experts discuss the problem of drone warfare and possible solutions, sponsored by World Beyond War, Pax Christi, and others. A panel of speakers will be followed by Q&A.
Register to receive the Zoom link
Connecting Conversations
Wednesday, May 13, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
St. Anthony on the Lake Parish, W280N2101 Prospect Ave., Pewaukee, WI 53027
Come connect with others for a meaningful conversation in a safe, sacred place for deep listening to discuss: What does it mean to be Pro-life? We grow in friendship while learning and practicing conversation skills that we can apply to our daily lives and leave feeling valued, heard and understood. No prior experience or registration is required. Please come and bring a friend! All are welcome!
March On: Leading With Integrity - A Concert Celebration
Thursday May 14, 7 p.m.
South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center, 901 15th Ave, South Milwaukee
The Wisconsin Black History Society/Museum is teaming up with the South Milwaukee High School choirs on this musical and educational performance featuring spirituals and a slice of musical history in honor of the late MKE musical icon J. Howard Offutt, who headed an integrated Young People’s Chorus that thrilled Wisconsin audiences for decades. Learn more, courtesy of Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
ICE Verifier Training: Empowering Our Community Through Knowledge
Saturday, May 16, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon
Unitarian Universalist Church West, 13001 W North Ave, Brookfield WI 53005
SOPHIA invites you to attend an ICE Verifier Training, an educational session designed to empower and help our community through knowledge. The training will be led by Adam Foxman, Voces Volunteer & Dual-Language Teacher. Presented by SOPHIA Waukesha and Unitarian Universalist Church West. Register
Franciscan Peacemakers 30th Anniversary Celebration
Wednesday May 20, 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
St. Francis of Assisi Church, 1937 N. Vel R. Phillips Ave., Milwaukee.
You are invited to join Franciscan Peacemakers for a 30th anniversary celebration and fundraising lunch as we celebrate 30 years of service and impact in the community. This milestone gathering will be held in the parish hall at historic St. Francis of Assisi Church. Your presence and support will help ensure that women in our community continue to have access to safe housing, compassionate care, and meaningful employment opportunities that foster long-term stability and healing. Registration and Sponsorships
Air Quality and Environmental Health Social and Fundraiser
Saturday May 30, Noon – 3 p.m.
Kuumba Juice & Coffeehouse – 274 E Keefe St, Milwaukee WI 53212
While MKE Freshair Collective is an air quality monitoring organization, its mission is deeply human. Its reason for existing is to protect Milwaukee’s air quality and the health of Milwaukee citizens, so our children can grow up in a community where they don’t have to worry that the very air they breathe could harm them.
Join us at the second annual Air Quality and Environmental Health Social and Fundraiser, full of opportunities to network and connect with the MKE community, featuring the official launch of MKE FreshAir Collectives’ 2025 Air Quality Report, snacks and beverages, and opportunities to win prizes at a silent auction.
NETWORK Organizing Institute Training
Every other Thursday, March 5 - June 25. 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. CST (online live sessions)
The Organizing Institute’s goal is to train advocates to build communities and a country where we all have a say in the decisions that impact our lives and all have what we need to thrive. Together we are powerful, with members of Congress listening to us as we work to pass legislation that will help us and prevent legislation that will harm us. Application Deadline: Wednesday, February 11, 2026. We encourage you to apply as soon as you are able. Register