Peace Economy Project

?? Celebrating Wangari Maathai: A Warrior for Peace, Women, and the Planet ?? ?? This #InternationalWomensDay, we honor Wangari Maathai—activist, environmentalist, and the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize. ?? Maathai founded the Green Belt Movement, empowering women to plant millions of trees—restoring the land, fighting deforestation, and challenging oppressive political systems. ?? She believed that peace, environmental justice, and women’s empowerment are deeply connected—and she fought tirelessly to redirect resources from destruction to renewal. ?? “We are called to assist the Earth to heal her wounds and in the process heal our own.” — Wangari Maathai ?? Today, her legacy reminds us that investing in women, peace, and the planet is more powerful than war. ?? Join us in honoring her by advocating for a world where we fund growth, not destruction! #IWD2025 #WangariMaathai #WomenForPeace #GreenBeltMovement #InvestInWomenNotWar

The U.S. military budget is out of control. Here’s where the real waste is hiding. The Pentagon received $850 billion in 2023, yet: ? It has NEVER passed an audit. ? It is spending $1.7 trillion on the F-35, the most expensive (and dysfunctional) weapons system in history. ? It plans to spend $756 billion on nuclear weapons most experts say we don’t need. ? Over 50% of its budget goes to private contractors—many charging 3-5x more than government employees. Meanwhile, veterans struggle, infrastructure crumbles, and social services are underfunded. Cutting just a fraction of this waste could revolutionize public investment in America. ?? We don’t need more Pentagon spending. We need accountability. #PentagonWaste #MilitarySpending #GovernmentWaste #DefenseBudget #NationalSecurity

?? The Pentagon’s Billion-Dollar Boondoggle: Where DOGE Should Really Be Cutting The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has identified $80 million in “wasteful spending” at the Pentagon—but they’re missing the real money pits. Instead of targeting programs that barely scratch the surface, real efficiency reforms should focus on the billions wasted every year in defense spending. ?? Where the REAL waste is hiding: ?? $1.7 TRILLION sunk into the failing F-35 program ?? $756 BILLION planned for unnecessary nuclear modernization ?? 750+ overseas bases that no longer serve a strategic purpose ?? Pentagon audit failures where money literally disappears ?? $400 BILLION on private military contractors—often at 3-5x the cost of military personnel Yet, instead of tackling these massive financial black holes, DOGE is focused on cutting diversity programs and small research grants—a mere drop in the bucket. If we’re serious about trimming the fat while preserving national security, we need to start where the real money is being wasted. ? Time for real defense budget reform—not just politically convenient cuts. ?? Read more about where the DOD should actually be making cuts: https://lnkd.in/ggGBRh98 #DefenseBudget #PentagonWaste #MilitarySpending #GovernmentEfficiency #TaxpayerDollars #Accountability #NationalSecurity

Thank you to everyone who came out on Saturday. https://lnkd.in/gycvbC-U

3 Days to Go “Love your neighbor” means protecting our communities from harm. Let’s take a stand together. ?Valentine’s Vigil | Deaconess Foundation #ValentinesVigil #PeaceAndLove https://lnkd.in/gaupBxhv

?? POLL: Why Are You Attending the Valentine’s Day Vigil? ????? Gun violence affects us all. This Valentine’s Day, we’re coming together to demand action. What motivates you to attend? ?? Vote below! ?? ?? To honor a loved one ?? To advocate for stronger gun laws ?? To support survivors ?? To stand in solidarity ?? Join us on February 15th at the Deaconess Center from 10 AM to 3:30 PM. RSVP now! ?? #EndGunViolence #ValentinesDayVigil https://lnkd.in/gw3E8yQM

?5 Days to Go Until Our Vigil Against Gun Violence! ?Gun violence is the #1 cause of death for children in America. Let’s demand a safer future for our kids. https://lnkd.in/gaupBxhv #ValentinesVigil #StopTheViolence

We need to stand up in favor of common sense gun legislation. At some point, we have to say that our children are more important than politics.

?? A Reckless Decision: Overruling the Gun Ban for Adults Under 21 ?? The recent court ruling striking down the handgun sales ban for adults under 21 is a dangerous step backward for public safety. Research shows that this age group is at higher risk for gun-related violence—yet the court has chosen to prioritize gun access over common-sense protections. We must push back against this irresponsible ruling. Policies that restrict firearm sales to young adults have saved lives, and dismantling them only fuels more violence. ?? Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/g-FDxAvb ?? What are your thoughts on this ruling? Let’s discuss. #GunViolencePrevention #PublicSafety #CommonSenseGunLaws #EndGunViolence #GunReformNow

?? New Analysis Alert! Ever wondered how escalating defense expenditures impact our daily lives? Our latest article, “Assessing the Repercussions: How Escalating Defense Expenditures Undermine Vital Public Services,” delves into the trade-offs between military spending and essential sectors like healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Discover how reallocating funds can strengthen our communities and promote a more balanced approach to national security. Read the full analysis here: https://lnkd.in/g_8dFbnT #PublicServices #DefenseSpending #CommunityInvestment #PeaceEconomyProject