A bit about PeaceNovato's history

In May of 2003 what began as separate groups of Novatans, meeting in different parts of town, to protest the US invasion of Iraq merged into the grass-roots organization PeaceNovato. Since 2003 PeaceNovatohas maintained a constant presence in Novato, Marin County and the Bay Area maintaining an open dialogue on matters of Peace, Social Justice and the Environment. While members don't claim to have solutions for the world's problems, they do believe that understanding and respect can be promoted between people when issues and ideas can be freely exchanged in respectful conversation.

PeaceNovatois perhaps best known for its Peace Crane Remembrance Project: for over 8 years members have folded an origami "peace crane" for every American service person killed in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars with each crane carrying the name, rank and hometown of that service person. These cranes have been displayed in parades, marches and demonstrations throughout the bay area - almost 7,000 cranes were carried in this year's Novato Fourth of July Parade. 

On September 9, 2013 citizens gathered at over 165 locations in 41 states across the country to demonstrate to President Obama, Congress and the world that they did not support unilateral attacks by the United States on Syria. Anticipating a vote in Congress to authorize air strikes against Syria, the political organization MoveOn called for coordinated nationwide protests. In Marin County the lead demonstration was organized by PeaceNovatoand drew over sixty people to Novato City Hall lining both sides of DeLong Avenue.

PeaceNovatoholds regular vigils every third Friday (September through April) at Novato City Hall, Sherman Avenue at DeLong, from 5:30 to 7pm. During the summer months (May through August) PeaceNovato maintains an information table in the Novato Farmers Market every Tuesday from 5:30-7pm. Members also meet on the second Wednesday of each month to continue folding Peace Cranes and discuss ongoing issues of concern.

PeaceNovatomeetings and events are open to everyone. For information contact PeaceNovato@hotmail.com or call 415.419-7323.