Hello,
As the world rapidly changes around us, one thing remains constant at Oakland Peace Center: our commitment to building peace and justice in Oakland. While that holds true, we’ve been reflecting on what it means to build peace in times like these. Some big questions that we're exploring include: what does solidarity look like for our network of peace weavers, how can OPC reexamine/rebuild internal systems to support peace in the long run, and where does OPC move once construction of our affordable housing project begins in a few years?
We look forward to calling in community as we grapple with big decisions. Thanks for your grace as we find a path forward. For now, we’re excited to share some important updates with you. |
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Peace begins with You. Violence, hate, and injustice end with Us. |
Oakland Peace Center provides space, collaborative events, and capacity-building programs for a network of community-based, BIPOC-led organizations that amplify peace in the Bay Area through the arts, mental health and spiritual practices, (youth) leadership development, and community organizing to reduce injustices resulting from hate, violence, and capitalism.
By donating to Oakland Peace Center, you support a network of artists, activists, cultural workers, educators, and nonprofits collaborating to bring about a city of hope, justice, nonviolence, and compassion. |
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Pilot Program Success: Youth Sustaining Peace |
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We are thrilled to have completed the first iteration of Youth Sustaining Peace! This past June, over a dozen youth (ages 12 to 17) participated in a workshop series to learn about sustainability, climate justice, and community advocacy. To support a more peaceful future where all have access to clean air, water, and nutritious foods, youth must be empowered to lead change in creating more sustainable communities.
These young folks learned about systemic environmental impacts, discussed practical tips for reducing waste, and practiced leading change. Led by our partner Reslience Birthright, the youth learned in classroom lectures and through hands-on activities, like gardening at OPC and door-to-door outreach to share tools and information. Hearing the youth presentations at the graduation ceremony was truly inspiring. We have much to be hopeful for.
Storytelling is a key part of leading change. As part of Youth Sustaining Peace, several participants filmed and helped edit a short documentary about the program and OPC. Stay tuned for the details of the documentary's debut screening! The seeds have been planted. We are working with Resilience Birthright to improve and expand the Youth Sustaining Peace program for 2026. |
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Affordable Housing Open House #2 |
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Having a safe place to call home is essential for peace. Join us at Oakland Peace Center on Tuesday, 8/26 from 6:30 to 8:00pm to learn more about our affordable housing development.
The Unity Council, our developer partner, and architects at SmithGroup have been working to incorporate community feedback from our first public meeting in April. They will share design updates and welcome your thoughts. Refreshments will be provided.
Use the button below to let us know if you'll attend, sign up for future updates, and/or request additional briefings on the project. |
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As part of our work to increase capacity for peace, Oakland Peace Center offers nonprofit office and event space well below-market rates. Help us share this space!
If you know of nonprofits that need affordable office or event space, please spread the word that Oakland Peace Center would be happy to host. OPC has event spaces for gatherings such as: team retreats, community trainings, art practices or performances, and meetings small or large. Nonprofit office space is also available on a month-to-month basis. Free on-site parking as well as event and office furniture are available.
We operate a nonprofit hub to provide Oakland’s diverse communities and network of nonprofits with physical space to connect, reflect, and plan various pathways to peace together under one roof. |
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It's been a busy summer y'all, but there's even more to look forward to in the fall: -
After welcoming two new board members, our board of directors will retreat to (re)connect and rethink our strategies.
- We will host a Fall Open House at OPC to welcome folks (back) into the space, break bread together, and share visions of peace.
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We are organizing a fundraising event, Paths to Peace. This will be a clue-driven walking experience through Oakland that invites participants to explore the people, places, and movements that build peace in all its forms.
- Healing arts programming will (re)launch at OPC.
Holding together our almost 100-year-old, ~60,000 square foot nonprofit hub/community center has been challenging work. And it's so worth it. I'm eager to bring more community to the center and to be in more community elsewhere in Oakland. Let me know how we can work together! Peace begins with You. Violence, hate, and injustice end with Us.
Peace,
Kalynn
Kalynn Blakely (they/them)
Executive Director | Oakland Peace Center |
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