ICPJ Principles and Practices
This is a living document that grew out of the passions of our network.
We are an interfaith and intergenerational collaborative network of individuals and organizations who share values of peace and justice. We continually strive to be more multi-racial and intersectional so we can all be our authentic selves. In pursuit of building this space together, we center anti-racism as well as the perspectives of feminism, anti-classism, and spirituality in its multiple forms.
While our network is diverse in our focus areas, lived experiences, and ways of doing the work, we share values that bind us together. We believe our actions show our values so we practice radical love in all we do. We aim to change structural systems by focusing on the interconnected root causes that continue the status quo. This means recognizing the self-determination of all peoples and the interdependence of all species. This means working to eradicate inequity in the large and small ways while being mindful of our collective and individual impact.
We will listen more, advocate for human rights, empower people to create their own change, proactively share our resources, and act with intention and humility. As we dismantle white supremacy and other oppressive power systems, we will show care for one another. As we reform the whole justice system, we will respect and value others. As we oppose military repression, occupation, and exploitation, we will respect our ecosystem.
We invite you to join us in these practices so we may achieve peace and justice for all:
- Reject systematic poverty and violence
- Invite the most impacted to help guide our work
- Build a system of equity
- Learn about the power structure
- Practice physical and emotional nonviolence
- Seek common ground for dialogue and understanding
- Recognize your privilege and how you are accountable to others
- Encourage multiple strategies in alignment with one another
- Promote truth & reconciliation with empathy for yourself and others
- Act locally too!
Mohamed Soumah, a 44-year-old man from the West African former French colony of Guinea-Conakry who has been threatened by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) with immediate deportation, has taken sanctuary in Ann Arbor Friends Meeting House (Quakers). Mohamed, who has been living and working in the United States for fifteen years, suffers from a serious, life-threatening disease that requires ongoing medical attention. According to his physician, he is essentially on life support. His home country lacks adequate facilities for this kind of care, so returning there would be a death sentence. His mother, who suffered the same hereditary condition, died there due to inadequate treatment. The average per capita income in Guinea is $825/year, and average life expectancy is 52 years. The United Nations Development Program ranks Guinea 175th of 189 countries included in the Human Development Index rankings.