Human Rights & Peace Initiative

Tomorrow, Sunday, March 5th at 5:30pm we will gather at Alive Center in Naperville to meet representatives from World Relief, Reclaim 13 and Hesed House. Benjamin Wolf, a professor of International Human Rights, will be our main speaker for the evening. We hope you will join us and show your support for these charitable organizations and the good things they are doing for people all around us.

​You know, we often don't see the good people do and we often don't see the turmoil people suffer. We shield ourselves with our outer layers, yet we know there is a deeper side. Sometimes we forget that we are all running on the same energy and fuel and oxygen and that our veins are coursing with the same blood. Not to discount our individual uniqueness, which is where our depth lies and as we were growing up we were taught to be polite and kind and respectful. The basic tenets of all religion is to love although sometimes what we lack is understanding and empathy.

We need to SLOW DOWN in our moments and not rush to judgement prematurely and truly see each other for our humanity. Please read more about these charities by clicking on them: World Relief, Reclaim 13 and Hesed House.

Read more about the organizer of this event, Diana Piedra, and her story.

About Benjamin Wolf:
Born and raised in Kent, Ohio by two public school teachers, Benjamin quickly learned the core values of education and hard work. At the age of twelve, Benjamin discovered the pleasure of public service while working for the local parks and recreation department. He continued volunteering with city and state organizations throughout his formative years.

​After completing a university fellowship on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C., Benjamin was recruited by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He graduated from the F.B.I. Academy and worked for years within the National Security Division on the highest priority terrorism, intelligence and international security matters.

Benjamin later transferred to the U.S. Department of State as an executive advisor and earned a commission as a Foreign Service Officer while advancing American diplomatic efforts abroad. He actively and loyally served four Secretaries of State and advised dozens of U.S. ambassadors. He received his Foreign Service tenure directly from Secretary Clinton and often traveled with Presidential envoys as a security and human rights liaison. Benjamin volunteered to work in conflict and war zones while protecting and defending the lives of others. He also has served five separate times in Iraq.

Benjamin lived in North and West Africa for many years where he collaborated with international agencies including the World Bank, the United Nations, and the Red Cross. Created by President John F. Kennedy, the Peace Corps is Benjamin's favorite agency and was his inspiration to be a change agent overseas. It was during his years working in developing countries that Benjamin learned a new sense of appreciation that he translated into empowerment programs, job creation, skill-building and education initiatives.

Upon completion of his Ph.D. in International Psychology, Benjamin will continue working in Chicago as a professor, an advocate for international human rights and global justice issues and proud father. His doctoral dissertation focuses on social movements and how basic human rights must be applied equally to every human regardless of race, gender, national identity or economic status. This idea sits at the cornerstone of his personal and political values.

​More about Benjamin Wolf. 

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