YOUTH ENGAGEMENT
CAPA's Youth Engagement
CAPA seeks to empower youth in peace and justice work through multiple avenues. We realize the danger that a militaristic foreign policy, a world full of nuclear weapons, and unattended climate change can have on future generations.
Starting in 2019, CAPA began working with students and faculty to form chapters at universities including DePaul, Loyola, and University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Student-led CAPA chapters have hosted numerous educational events, protests, and Peace Summits.
Please reach us at capa@chipeaceaction.org to learn more!
Current and Former Student Interns
Spring 2026 Student Intern: Nũr Johnson
My name is Nũr. I am a Justice Studies major, Criminology minor. I am a senior at NEIU, I am graduating this spring. I chose Justice studies because I believe in advocacy, and education is a Human right . I joined CAPA to make a change and spread awareness. I’m sure you all will see my name again in advocacy and human rights.
“Art As Resistance” was an event created and hosted by Nũr at NEIU.
It consisted of student activists coming together and making posters, buttons, paintings, and more to express their feelings towards peace and justice.
Spring 2026 Student Intern: Cristian Ricardo
My name is Cristian Ricardo and I’m a student at Northeastern Illinois University,
majoring in Justice Studies. I’m in Justice Studies because it helps me gain a better
understanding on systemic issues that affect equity, peace and human rights. I’m
interning with CAPA because it gives me an opportunity to engage in advocacy allowing
me to apply classroom concepts to current social justice issues.
Weaponising Water in Palestine Film Screening and Q+A was an event hosted by Cristian at NEIU.
It consisted of a 25-minute documentary screening followed by Q+A with Sawsan Abubaker of Advocates 4 Justice, moderated by Cristian Ricardo.
Fall 2025 Student Intern: Rolando Carrera
My name is Rolando Carrera and I’m a student at Northeastern Illinois University. I’m majoring in Justice Studies. I was born and raised in Chicago and went to CPS schools my whole life. I chose NEIU because it was a good school and felt like the right fit for me. I decided to study Justice Studies because it focuses more on the humane side of justice, not just the criminal side. I’m a huge sports fan, and I also coach basketball and volleyball.
What I Want You to Know Film Screening and Q+A was an event hosted by Rolando at NEIU.
The documentary involves personal stories from veterans about their experiences with U.S.-led wars, reflecting on truth, justice, and the human cost of conflict. After the documentary, three Chicago-based veterans spoke to attendees about the film and their own experiences with war.
WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN THE STUDENT NETWORK
LEARN
Learn about current issues in peace and conflict from leading experts.
EDUCATE
Grow conversations around peace and justice on your campus for informed activism.
CAMPAIGN
Join national campaigns to influence policy and policy makers to promote peace.
CONNECT
Connect with student advocates across the State working for a better world.
JOIN OUR NETWORK
Are you interested in starting a CAPA Chapter at your college or university? Send an email to capa@chipeaceaction.org!
Please include in your email the name of your university and your school year.
We look forward to working with you!
CONTACT US
If you would like more information about CAPA, or would like to volunteer or intern for CAPA, please contact us by email or phone.
