Who We Are...

The South Dakota Peace and Justice Center:

• Provides credible information and resources to South Dakota communities on peace and justice issues.
• Connects and supports a coalition devoted to social justice.
• Gives a unified voice to social change activists throughout South Dakota and the Oceti Sakowin (Seven Council Fires.)

History

Founded in 1979, the Peace and Justice Center grew out of the efforts of a group of faith leaders devoted to social justice. We are the only organization in South Dakota which supports a coalition of organizations dedicated to the nonviolent principles of peace and justice.

An interfaith grassroots network of approximately 1,000 households, institutions, and congregations, our work applies spiritual values to peace-making and social change through advocacy, education, & action. We choose work which challenges unjust institutional policies and practices; addresses ethical and moral concerns within our society; and builds a society based on human dignity, fairness, cooperation, & respect for the Earth.

We are a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization, registered with the state of South Dakota. All contributions are tax deductible.

Approximately 80% of our funding comes from members, denominations, and congregations. We have one staff member, the Executive Director.

The Board of Directors endeavors to insure these positions represent the demographics of SD.

2009 SDPJC Board members

• Richard Iron Cloud, President - Porcupine
• Linda Edel, Vice President - Rapid City
• Andrew L'Amour, Treasurer - Brookings
• Susan Thompson, Secretary - Colman
• Norma Wilson, At Large - Vermillion
• Tom Dobbs - Brookings
• Marty Wanserski - Sioux Falls
• Michael Sprong - Yankton
• Sr. Pegge Boehm - Aberdeen
• Yvonne Whitman - Sioux Falls
• Jay Davis - Rapid City
• Jim Ackerman - Pierre
• Marletta Pacheco - Rapid City
• Fr. Leonard Kayser - Yankton
• Tim Standing Soldier - Rapid City