Chi Peace YAPers reflect on their experiences and share what peacebuilding means to them

Luna

Luna (she/her) lives in Logan Square and says peacebuilding means neighbors coming together to solve the problems facing their own city and their own block.

She’s speaking out against the Quantum Computing Campus, which is deeply disruptive to the neighborhoods and people living near it. Some can’t even sleep because of it, and it’s harmful to the environment, too.

Through YAP, Luna’s learned to spot the signs of militarism and environmental racism in the neighborhoods around her, and to stay observant about what’s really happening in her community.

Naomi

Naomi (she/her) lives on the southwest side. She says peacebuilding is Chicago coming together as one city and one community, standing up against the systems working against us, and finding ways to get involved and contribute to that peace.

She’s also speaking out against the Quantum Computing Campus. As taxes rise and displacement becomes a real threat, families across the southwest side risk losing access to their homes and resources they already struggle to reach.

Through YAP, Naomi’s learned about displacement and militarism. Just as importantly, she’s learned how to build community and use her voice alongside the people around her.

Arturo

Arturo (he/him) is from Clarksville Ridge on the southwest side. For him, peacebuilding means collaborating, even with people we disagree with, to solve problems together or find common ground.

He’s speaking out against the Illinois Microelectronics Quantum Computer Facility in South Shore, too. He’s already seen rents rise in his own community and worries the facility will push up electric and water bills even further, adding real economic and emotional strain on families.

Through YAP, Arturo’s learned how to communicate and organize, so communities can show up for the members who can’t always speak up for themselves.

Alex

Alex (he/him) is from the Gage Park neighborhood. For him, peacebuilding means finding coexistence, even with people we don’t always agree with, and building support that strengthens the whole community.

He’s also speaking out against the Quantum Computing Campus. While the science may be exciting, he doesn’t believe it’s worth the harm it’s causing to communities like South Shore, which are already struggling with being pushed out of their homes.

Through YAP, Alex has found a community of people who genuinely care and who have the capacity to make real change. YAP has shown him that change is possible.