The FOR has been working nonviolently for peace and social justice at the national and international levels since 1914-1915. The Olympia FOR is one of about 75 local chapters throughout the U.S. FOR affiliates are also active in about 40 other countries.

The Olympia FOR’s bi-monthly newsletter informs people about our activities. It also contains feature articles on various peace and justice concerns, announcements about other resources, and calendars of local and out-of-town events.

Our Mission Statement

The Olympia Chapter of the Fellowship of Reconciliation seeks to replace violence, war, racism, intolerance, and economic and social injustice with nonviolence, peace and justice. We are an organization of many faiths committed to active nonviolence as a transformative way of life and as a means of profound social change. We model these principles by personal example. We collaborate and dialogue with the larger community to educate and to engage in nonviolent and compassionate actions.

Recent & Current Activities

• Newsletter: We publish Southwest Washington’s most comprehensive peace and social justice newsletter, including a calendar of events sponsored by FOR and other peace and justice organizations. (Regularly since 1976)
• TV program: We produce TV programs on issues of peace, social justice, environmental, economic, and public affairs. We broadcast them on Thurston Community TV (TCTV) for cable subscribers in Thurston County. We raise issues and perspectives that mainstream media ignore. Each month’s new program airs twice a week. (Monthly since February 1987)
• Monthly video/discussion series: We invite you to gather with others to watch and discuss interesting videos related to peace, social justice, the environment, etc., and to choose videos for future months. Our “In Search of the Big Picture” series includes watching them together (usually 7:00 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month (except summer) at Traditions Fair Trade, 5th & Water, downtown), showing them on TCTV (scheduled independently from our regular TV programs), and donating them to the Olympia Timberland Library. (Monthly since June 1999)
• Wednesday noon-hour peace vigil: Every Wednesday noon hour— rain or shine— we literally “stand up for peace and justice” in Sylvester Park at the corner of Legion and Capitol Way in downtown Olympia. Everyone is welcome! You may use our signs or bring your own, or simply stand in support without a sign. (Every Wednesday since March 5, 1980)
• Special events and special vigils: We sponsor speaking engagements, workshops, and other events— sometimes independently and sometimes with other organizations. We also hold special vigils for peace on a Saturday before Christmas, during international crises, when a nuclear submarine visits the port, preceding executions, and on other occasions. (Since 1976).
• Information booths at community events: We provide information at many community events. In recent years we have participated in the Thurston County Fair, Super Saturday, Labor Day celebrations, Martin Luther King holiday events, and various political, religious, and college-related events. (A great many events since 1976)
• Information and referral: As Southwest Washington’s most experienced and best connected peace and justice group, we help many individuals and organizations to connect with others who share common interests and activities. We fervently believe in the value of promoting peace and social justice from the grassroots up. Please call (360) 491-9093 to discuss your issues and interests. (Ongoing since 1976)

Support for Activities of the Olympia FOR

All of the Olympia FOR’s activities are carried out by volunteers, and our expenses are covered by tax-deductible contributions that are purely voluntary. The Olympia FOR is as active as our members and friends enable us to be. Your financial donations are gratefully accepted; please mail checks (made payable to Olympia FOR) to:

Olympia FOR
PO Box 7273
Olympia, WA 98507-7273

Phone: 360-491-9093

Please feel free to call or send email for any additional information or help you may need in working for peace and social justice.