Double Whammy

November 7th, 2008

ballot box
By Karen Topakian

In a 24-hour period this week, I experienced the double whammy of democracy. I voted and was called for jury duty. Two activities at the cornerstone of our society. And I had no one to blame or credit but myself. I picked this week to serve knowing it included a federal election. Read the rest of this entry »

Prisons don’t solve the problem, they are the problem!

October 1st, 2008

Incarcerated Americans Chart
by Nicole Hsiang

Last weekend, Critical Resistance held a national, free conference called CR10, as a tribute to the conference that happened ten years ago in Berkeley where CR was first born. Thousands of people from around the country came together to share experiences, work, and built community around the struggle to stop the expansion of the Prison Industrial Complex (PIC). The common vision of the growing movement is the belief that the PIC, like slavery, will one day be abolished. Read the rest of this entry »

Powerhouse Peacemakers Bring Down the House

September 19th, 2008

Karen Topakian, Enduring Visionary Prize Winner Madeline Duckles, Rising Peacemaker Prize Winner Elizabeth Sy

Agape Foundation Executive Director Karen Topakian with Enduring Visionary Prize Winner Madeline Duckles and Rising Peacemaker Prize Winner Elizabeth Sy at the 4th Annual Peace Prize Awards Ceremony. Photo by Bob Hsiang

To view a photo album of pictures from the event, click here

By Karen Topakian

Amidst a crowd of 150+ people Madeline Duckles took the podium by storm last night to accept the Agape Foundation’s 2008 Enduring Visionary Prize at its 4th Annual Peace Prize. Without referring to any written notes, the 92-year old winner inspired and captivated the audience with her views on war and her experiences with peacemaking. She even dispensed two pieces of practical information:

If you are ever sprayed with tear gas, have someone repeatedly pour cold water in your eyes. It will help the blindness but not the pain. Apparently she knows from what she speaks. Read the rest of this entry »

Have you thanked a community organizer today?

September 5th, 2008

Women's Rights
Community organizers have done a lot for our country

By Karen Topakian

Two nights ago, on the stage of the Republican National Convention former New York mayor, Rudy Giuliani seethed when he said the words community organizer. As he described the two presidential candidates resumes, he laughed when he listed this as Senator Barack Obama’s job experience. Read the rest of this entry »

Labor Day - We deserve the day off!

August 29th, 2008


by Karen Topakian

Made in LA

Made in LA, Agape Grantee Spring ‘07

According to the US Department of Labor, the first Monday in September is celebrated as Labor Day, dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well being of our country. Read the rest of this entry »

You are Invited

August 20th, 2008

Peace Prize Invite

Peacemakers deliver hope. With their actions. With their vision. With their leadership. They light the path to equality and justice. For us to follow. Read the rest of this entry »