Voices for Peace
An opportunity to join a rapid-response community choir
In recent weeks, many people have shared how meaningful it has been to come together to sing, reflect, and learn alongside others who are seeking ways to respond to the world with courage and hope through the Singing Resistanace and Living Resistance events.
We have received many invitations to literally mobilize our singing into the community. In response, we invite you to join a contact list for Voices for Peace, a rapid response community choir.
Throughout history, singing has helped communities stand together in moments of tension, protest, grief, and hope. Voices for Peace calls together a group of people who are willing and available—sometimes on short notice and during the traditional work day—to gather and sing at community events, peaceful demonstrations, or public gatherings where songs of courage, lament, and solidarity can help strengthen the moment.
No musical experience is required. You do not need to read music or consider yourself a singer. What matters is a willingness to show up, lend your voice, and sing alongside others.
CMU's role in this initiative is primarily one of coordination. Community organizations may occasionally contact us to ask whether a singing group could lend its voice at a particular gathering or event. When appropriate, we may share those invitations with members of Voices for Peace, who are always free to decide whether they wish to participate.
In keeping with the spirit of Singing Resistance and Living Resistance, the Voices for Peace choir is grounded in the values of nonviolence, respect, and care for the dignity of all people, and is not connected to any political perspective, party, or campaign.
If you would like to be part of this experiment in communal song and public witness, we would be delighted to include you—please sign up below.
Participation will be flexible. By signing up, you are simply indicating that you are open to receiving occasional invitations when opportunities arise. You can join when you are able.
Voices for Peace Guiding Principles
Voices for Peace rapid-response community choir grows out of the same spirit that shaped Singing Resistance and Living Resistance. While participation is informal and flexible, choir members are invited to share a few common commitments.
Nonviolence
Voices for Peace supports gatherings that are peaceful and grounded in nonviolent action. Our presence is intended to strengthen a spirit of courage, care, and dignity for everyone involved.
Non-partisan posture
Voices for Peace is not connected to any political perspective, party, candidate, or campaign. While we may be invited to sing at gatherings that address matters of public concern, the choir’s purpose is not partisan advocacy. Our role is simply to lend our voices in ways that support peaceful community expression, solidarity, and the shared pursuit of justice and dignity.
Respect for the dignity of all people
Even in moments of disagreement or tension, we seek to reflect values of respect, humility, and care for neighbour. Our goal is to contribute to an atmosphere of courage and solidarity without hostility or dehumanization.
Supporting community organizers
When Voices for Peace sings at an event, we do so at the invitation of community groups who are organizing the gathering. We participate as guests and seek to support the tone and purpose of the event.
Faith tradition and welcome
The choir is hosted by CMU and grows out of the Christian and Anabaptist peace tradition that shapes the university’s mission. As a result, many of the songs we sing come from Christian traditions of lament, hope, and justice. At the same time, participation is open to people of all faiths and to those with no religious affiliation. What matters most is a shared commitment to nonviolence, dignity, and the work of seeking justice and peace together.
Participation, not performance
No musical experience is required. The choir exists to facilitate people singing together in the community. What matters most is the willingness to show up and lend your voice.
Freedom and flexibility
Joining Voices for Peace simply means you are open to receiving occasional invitations. Participation is always voluntary, and members are free to decide whether a particular opportunity is right for them.
Community and care
Above all, the choir exists to strengthen the community. Through shared song, Voices for Peace intends to nurture courage, solidarity, and hope in moments when they are needed most.