Chicago Area Peace Action (CAPA) works to reduce and eliminate the danger of nuclear weapons and runaway militarism. We promote peace and reject warfare. We embrace a world free from the devastation of climate change. And we do it by mobilizing Chicago area activists to meet in congressional offices, boardrooms, houses of worship, college campuses, and on the street.
Chicago Area Peace Action was originally organized as North Shore Peace Initiative (NSPI) in 1978 by Bob Cleland and the first donor, Mel Traylor. Our initial executive director of 14 years, Allan Howe, spearheaded the group into becoming a major factor in organizing the 1982 Illinois Nuclear Freeze Campaign.
In 1984 our organization worked nationally with Peace Action and other groups to get a Nuclear Freeze Bill through the U. S. Senate. Since then, we’ve expanded the issues to include reducing military spending, stopping armed conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, and addressing climate change.
In 2011, we changed our name to Chicago Area Peace Action, CAPA; to not only expand our reach to the greater Chicago area, but also to become an affiliate of a national organization, Peace Action, the largest grassroots peace network in the nation, with chapters and affiliates across the country. Through Peace Action, CAPA has been able to ensure the Chicago Area’s voice is heard and pressure is applied to policymakers. As an affiliate of Peace Action we are fortunate to share in collaborative efforts with, and the resources of this national organization and its expert staff.
One way that you can engage with the CAPA community is to join our CAPA-Sharing Google Group. It’s a place where any member of the group can post articles and share information that would be of interest to people working for justice through peace and environmental advocacy. To join, send an email to capa-sharing+subscribe@googlegroups.com and we can add you to the group. You can unsubscribe at any time.
CAPA partners with organizations from around the Chicago Area and across the nation to achieve its mission
Dedicated Chicagoans are responsible for the day-to-day outreach and work achieved at CAPA
AT-LARGE BOARD MEMBERS
TREASURER
CO-PRESIDENTS
David Borris and Gail Schechter
POLICY AND ORGANIZING DIRECTOR
Hassan El-Tayyab
ORGANIZER AND ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR
Lizzie Turner
Lizzie Turner – Organizer and Administrative Coordinator:
For the past two years, Lizzie has been organizing events to increase civic engagement across Chicago. As Community Engagement Director for State Matters, she has organized voter education workshops, a live podcast recording with state senators and activists, and a statewide movement to host Ballot Parties leading up to elections.
She seeks to create space and distribute information that is accessible to all and promotes community behind a common cause. Activists come in many forms, and Lizzie seeks to engage them at every level: from those that sign online petitions to the full-time organizers.
If you would like more information, to volunteer, or intern for CAPA please contact us
