Please join us at United Campus Ministry (18 N. College St.) for a community potluck send-off on Tuesday, July 11, 6pm – 8pm for Peggy Gish who is returning to Northern Iraq and Northern Nigeria later this summer for two months of peace and human rights work. 

“I have felt the pain of people whose lives and societies have been torn apart by violence and oppression, here and abroad, and feel compelled to tell the truth about what is happening and work for change. In the past 15 years, it’s been a gift to be able to work internationally in solidarity with people in being threatened by such violence, and walk with them as they nonviolently resist oppressive forces, work for just and peaceful alternatives, and reduce hostilities among different religious and ethnic groups.”

At the send off, Peggy will share her plans and hopes for this work, and there will be time for group dialogue. There will also be an opportunity, for those who can, to make a financial contribution to help with the expenses of this trip and partner in this work.

Since 2002, Peggy has been working with a peace and justice organization in the West Bank, Iraq, Nigeria and Greece. She has written two books about her work in Iraq: Iraq: A Journey of Hope and Peace, (Herald Press, 2004) and Walking Through Fire: Iraqi’s Struggle for Justice and Reconciliation (Cascade Books, 2013). She is a former organic vegetable farmer, former co-director of the Appalachian Peace and Justice Network, and a resident of Athens County.

All are welcome and bring a dish to share if you can (vegetarian is friendlier).