In December of 1985, The Topeka Peace Resource Center (name changed in 1992) opened its doors to carry its mission to promote and educate the community on peace and justice issues and establish the Peace and Justice Library. It has been a place that welcomes an exchange of ideas, information, and encouragement to propel people of all faiths and walks of life down the path of peace. The center was designed to be a Clearing House for peace-related activities, including speakers and events in support of active non-violent witnessing and has been connected to organizations such as Amnesty International, Citizens for a Nuclear-Free Topeka, Kansas Coalition Against the Death Penalty and many more.
Since its inception, The Center has been especially active in programs dealing with multiculturalism, racism, war and peace, women’s issues, responding to hate speech attacks on the local LGBTQQIP2SA, police reform and the need for community response to violence and health reform.
The Topeka Peace and Justice Center, Inc. is and has always been a small organization starting with only volunteers and graduated to having one paid employee for several years. We have always relied on community volunteers to educate about and promote solutions for peace and justice issues. Collaboration has always been a critical strategy to respond to problems. No one agency can take on the scope and depth of social issues by itself.
We promote the best practices of collaboration where a common mission is defined, and everyone comes to the table with their vision, strategies, and resources to address social issues. Bill Beachy (former and first Executive Director) modeled this position from the beginning, saying, "The Topeka Center for Peace and Justice does not exclude anyone who has a commitment to human rights and social justice.”
Topeka Center of Peace and Justice is currently working to bring restorative justice practices to elementary and middle schools in our area. We are working directly with the district attorney’s office to offer victim/offender mediation services to juveniles, Shawnee County, and Court Services. Giving them the opportunity to learn from mistakes and hear from those who are affected by these mistakes. Providing an opportunity to move forward as part of the community rather than becoming repeat offenders. We work with the University of Kansas to offer Parent /Youth Facilitation in hopes of keeping families together by listening to the needs of the family and assisting them in communication.
While still being involved with organizations that can affect social policy and in justice around the world, we are determined to invest time and resources in our youth and community to help them build a better tomorrow.
Since its inception, The Center has been especially active in programs dealing with multiculturalism, racism, war and peace, women’s issues, responding to hate speech attacks on the local LGBTQQIP2SA, police reform and the need for community response to violence and health reform.
The Topeka Peace and Justice Center, Inc. is and has always been a small organization starting with only volunteers and graduated to having one paid employee for several years. We have always relied on community volunteers to educate about and promote solutions for peace and justice issues. Collaboration has always been a critical strategy to respond to problems. No one agency can take on the scope and depth of social issues by itself.
We promote the best practices of collaboration where a common mission is defined, and everyone comes to the table with their vision, strategies, and resources to address social issues. Bill Beachy (former and first Executive Director) modeled this position from the beginning, saying, "The Topeka Center for Peace and Justice does not exclude anyone who has a commitment to human rights and social justice.”
Topeka Center of Peace and Justice is currently working to bring restorative justice practices to elementary and middle schools in our area. We are working directly with the district attorney’s office to offer victim/offender mediation services to juveniles, Shawnee County, and Court Services. Giving them the opportunity to learn from mistakes and hear from those who are affected by these mistakes. Providing an opportunity to move forward as part of the community rather than becoming repeat offenders. We work with the University of Kansas to offer Parent /Youth Facilitation in hopes of keeping families together by listening to the needs of the family and assisting them in communication.
While still being involved with organizations that can affect social policy and in justice around the world, we are determined to invest time and resources in our youth and community to help them build a better tomorrow.