Peace + Love +Compassion

Family March for

Watermelon with Heart Shape cartoon
Thank you
Watermelon with Heart Shape cartoon

We want to thank all of the amazing families and ​individuals from all over the City who came out to ​support the Family Peace March. This beautiful ​event brought families of all backgrounds ​together to raise our voices against violence - ​concerned for the safety and wellbeing of ​children and families in Palestine and other parts ​of the world where parenthood and childhood ​under attack. This positive event was centered on ​love, peace and compassion. We used the ​collective voices of parents and caretakers to call ​for resources, an end to genocide, a permanent ​ceasefire, and a free Palestine.

We want to thank all of the amazing families and ​individuals from all over the City who came out to ​support the Family Peace March. This beautiful ​event brought families of all backgrounds ​together to raise our voices against violence - ​concerned for the safety and wellbeing of ​children and families in Palestine and other parts ​of the world where parenthood and childhood ​under attack. This positive event was centered on ​love, peace and compassion. We used the ​collective voices of parents and caretakers to call ​for resources, an end to genocide, a permanent ​ceasefire, and a free Palestine.

Palestine Flag
Watermelon with Heart Shape cartoon
Watermelon with Heart Shape cartoon
Cartoon Watermelon Illustration
Watermelon with Heart Shape cartoon

The event was made possible by support from ​generous neighbors, particularly busy mothers ​who are tired of witnessing the devastating ​consequences stemming from systems of ​oppression, racism, and corporate greed.

Thank you for taking the time to support the ​creation of a space where we can express sorrow ​while marching for the safety and wellbeing of all ​children, mothers, and families.

The event was made possible by support from ​generous neighbors, particularly busy mothers ​who are tired of witnessing the devastating ​consequences stemming from systems of ​oppression, racism, and corporate greed.

Thank you for taking the time to support the ​creation of a space where we can express sorrow ​while marching for the safety and wellbeing of all ​children, mothers, and families.

Watermelon with Heart Shape cartoon
Watermelon with Heart Shape cartoon
Cartoon Watermelon Illustration
Watermelon with Heart Shape cartoon
Watermelon with Heart Shape cartoon
Wave
Wave

Thank you to ​everyone that ​pitched in.

...plust dozens of mothers, neighbors, ​local Artists, Educators, Friends, and ​Families

...plust dozens of mothers, neighbors, ​local Artists, Educators, Friends, and ​Families

Wave
Wave

Peace + Love +Compassion

Family March for

Watermelon with Heart Shape cartoon
Watermelon with Heart Shape cartoon
Cartoon Watermelon Illustration
Watermelon with Heart Shape cartoon

A family & children-led march to amplify the call ​for love, peace, compassion and safety for ​families in Palestine and around the world.

A family & children-led march to amplify the call ​for love, peace, compassion and safety for ​families in Palestine and around the world.

Watermelon with Heart Shape cartoon

Saturday, July 13th

10:30am-1pm in the McKinley Park Neighborhood

Registration has ended.

Registration has ended.

• Kick-off at corner of Western and Archer

• End at the McKinley Community Play Garden ​with a closing ceremony by Lilac House Childcare

• Kick-off at corner of Western and Archer

• End at the McKinley Community Play Garden ​with a closing ceremony by Lilac House Childcare

Decorate your strollers, ​kids wagons & tricycles!

tricycle outline
tricycle outline
Watermelon with Heart Shape cartoon
Baby Stroller
Toy Wagon Illustration
Watermelon with Heart Shape cartoon
Watermelon with Heart Shape cartoon
Watermelon with Heart Shape cartoon
Watermelon with Heart Shape cartoon
Cartoon Watermelon Illustration
Watermelon with Heart Shape cartoon
Watermelon with Heart Shape cartoon
Wave
Wave

Before the Family March, ​we invite you to join ​other free activities:

Art & Poster ​Making Session

for Toddlers kids and parents
stationery gradient icon
free
morning

Thursday, July 11th @ 11am-1pm

McKinley Park Library

evening

Friday, July 12th @ 5:30pm-7pm

18th Street Casa de Cultura

We invite families to join us in making art ​and posters to amplify the call for love, ​peace, compassion and safety for families in ​Palestine and around the world.


The art sessions will be led by local artists. ​The sessions center babies, young children, ​and parents. Space is limited.


We welcome donations (posters, markers, ​and other art supplies).

Show your art ​at the march!

Watermelon with Heart Shape cartoon
Watermelon with Heart Shape cartoon
Cartoon Watermelon Illustration
Watermelon with Heart Shape cartoon

Click Here to Volunteer or Donate!

Watermelon with Heart Shape cartoon

Parenting While ​Witnessing ​Genocide

Mother and baby line art
Mother and baby line art
Virtual Circle for Parents of young children

In person

July 19th

Witnessing a genocide through our ​digital devices has been devastating ​and frustrating. For parents and ​caretakers of young children, the ​impact of witnessing children and ​families suffer extreme violence ​feels heavier.


Throughout the day, our own children ​constantly remind us of Palestinian ​children suffering. Perhaps you are a ​new mother and you're constantly ​thinking about mothers losing their ​newborn babies violently everyday. ​Witnessing a genocide is having a ​detrimental effect on our mental ​wellbeing and our ability to parent ​our own children.


Not all parents have a safe space to ​speak out against genocide. Fear of ​retaliation at work or school makes ​us feel like we must chose between ​providing for our families or ​speaking out against genocide. ​Parenting can already feel isolating-​-this is the time for us as parents ​and families to gather and become ​empowered.

This virtual gathering is meant to ​create a space for parents to share ​our parenting experiences with each ​other, explore compassion, and build ​a sense community in order for us to ​find a collective voice to speak out ​against genocide and advocate for ​the safety and wellbeing of all ​families.


This virtual circle will be facilitated ​by professionals to help guide the ​conversation among parents in small ​groups. This space is meant to center ​emotional awareness, not political ​opinions.

Limited spots available. Free.

This Event has ended.

REGISTER

Click here to register to the family march, art ​session, and parent workshop.

Peace + Love +Compassion

Family March for

Watermelon with Heart Shape cartoon
Watermelon with Heart Shape cartoon
Cartoon Watermelon Illustration
Watermelon with Heart Shape cartoon

This is a volunteer project led by ​mothers of young children in Chicago.

Watermelon with Heart Shape cartoon
Watermelon with Heart Shape cartoon
Cartoon Watermelon Illustration
Watermelon with Heart Shape cartoon

Please donate to the ​following:

As the assault on Rafah intensifies, ​600,000 children remain caught in the ​crosshairs. UNICEF continues to call for an ​immediate, sustained ceasefire, the ​release of all hostages and an end to grave ​violations against children. UNICEF ​humanitarian assistance is making a ​difference for children in Gaza, but much ​more help is urgently needed.

In response to the recent escalation of ​violence in the Middle East, WCK is ​providing crucial aid to affected ​communities. Partnering with local ​organizations in Gaza and working on the ​ground in Egypt, Cyprus, and Lebanon, ​WCK is committed to offering support to ​Palestinians and anyone else in need.

Peace + Love +Compassion

Family March for

Watermelon with Heart Shape cartoon
Watermelon with Heart Shape cartoon
Cartoon Watermelon Illustration
Watermelon with Heart Shape cartoon

SING ALONG WITH US

Chant #1:

We want whats right (2x)

We want whats fair (2x)

And when it’s hard (2x)

We show we care (2x)

We want peace (2x)

And justice too (2x)

For ALL people (2x)

For me and you (2x)

*By Miss Katie Sings




Chant #2:

Sounds of birds,

Not Bombs!

Protect our friends in Palestine!


Yummy Food,

Not Bombs!

Protect our friends in Palestine!


Safe homes,

Not Bombs!

Protect our friends in Palestine!


Teach love,

Not Hate!

Raise your voice and activate!





Chant #3:

¡Paz Sí! ¡Guerra No!

¡Amor Sí! ¡Guerra No!

¡Compasión Sí! ¡Guerra No!

Ceasefire Yes! War No!

Safety Yes! War No!

Love Yes! War No!

Peace Yes! War No!




Chat #4

Familias Unidas Jamas Seran Vencidas

Families United Will Never Be Divided




Chant #5

No Bad Things in Palestina

-Joaquin, Age 4




Chant #6

We will (repeat)

HOLD the Families of GAZA (repeat)

SO TIGHT (repeat)

IN OUR HEARTS (repeat)

AND WE WILL MARCH (repeat)

AND WE WILL MARCH! (repeat)

FREE FREE PALESTINE (REPEAT)

-from the Children’s March in Brookly in Nov ​2023




Chant #7

This little light of mine

I'm gonna let it shine

This little light of mine

I'm gonna let it shine

This little light of mine

I'm gonna let it shine


Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine

*again*


(For youuuu, annnddd me

Let it shine for you and me)


Let it shine for you and me

I’m gonna let it shine 3x

Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine

*again*


(Everywhereeee)

Everywhere I go

I’m gonna let it shine

Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine

*again*




Chant #8

Money for kids and education

Not for war and occupation





Chant #9

No More Weapons, No More War!

Peace is what we're fighting for!





Chant #10

From the River to the sea / Palestine will be

From the River to the sea /

Palestine will be free

Gaza, my love / You’re not alone (x2)

Gaza, my kin / We go with you (x2)

Martyrs, taken / God rest your souls (x2)

Mothers, fathers / We carry you (x2)

Children, babies / We carry you (x2)

Doctors, poets / We carry you (x2)

Courage, dear ones / We march with you (x2)

Gaza, my friend / We sing for you (x2)

Ceasefire! Ceasefire! / Ceasefire now! (x2)


From the River” / Marching Vigil Song

By Adam Gottlieb