Pax Christi USA welcomes Stephen Niamke as our new National Field Organizer

Pax Christi USA is excited to share that Stephen Niamke (pronounced nyah-MEE-chay), a longtime community organizer and nonviolence trainer from Roanoke, VA, has joined our national staff as National Field Organizer. He was first introduced to Pax Christi by Pax Christi Michigan leader and Ambassador of Peace Mary Hanna, whom he met through Meta Peace Teams.

“The staff and leadership of Pax Christi USA have wisely and graciously brought me through an orientation process that has allowed me to warm up to the tremendous undertaking that is before me, for which I am grateful,” Stephen said. “The Pax Christi USA staff and council are devoted to sharing the peace of Christ, which shows in their spirit and in their work ethic.”

Since starting on staff in February, Stephen has been absorbing much of the history of Pax Christi USA. His next steps are to arrange regular Zoom calls with local and regional leaders starting in June 2024; to plan face-to-face visits; and to work strategically on our projects and programs to promote peace and nonviolence.

“We’re excited to have Stephen with us, to bring his skills in nonviolence training and community organizing and more into our work to grow our grassroots network,” stated Johnny Zokovitch, Executive Director of Pax Christi USA. “The work of Pax Christi USA happens at the local level for most of us–in our homes, schools, parishes, religious communities and cities. Fostering that work and building strong relationships between our local groups as well as facilitating consistent open communications throughout our network are priorities and I think Stephen will be an excellent facilitator of that work.”

Stephen writes, “I have thoroughly enjoyed listening to [stories from] the staff and council. But my greater interest lies in learning more about Pax Christi members’ incredible work in their communities: Tell me about you and your journey to and with Pax Christi USA. Tell me about your community, your work, your challenges. Tell me what you need. Share your vision. Let’s leverage your experience to promote peace and justice further. Let’s work together to teach community leaders how to listen.”

Please contact Stephen at sniamke@paxchristiusa.org with your welcome message and your own Pax Christi story.