Take Action: U.S. Institute of Peace Under Being Dismantled

👉 Take Action – Write Congress & the President Now

The threat to peace is real. Armed agents — FBI, police, private security, and officials from the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) — stormed the headquarters of the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) last week in a heavily armed, near-military-style operation.

The White House’s latest move to purge the leadership of USIP is part of a dangerous power grab—and we cannot stay silent. USIP, an independent non-profit national institution created by Congress, has prevented deadly conflicts, brokered peace agreements, and saved countless lives around the world.

We’re launching an urgent petition to flood Congress and the White House with a simple demand:

Stop undermining the U.S. Institute of Peace. Defend its independence now.

👉 Take Action – Write Congress & the President Now

At The Peace Alliance, we’ve faced threats to USIP before. In 2012, when Congress tried to completely eliminate funding for this vital institution, we led the charge—working hand-in-hand with our partners—and together, we succeeded in protecting USIP and securing its future. Now, USIP needs us again.

For decades, the USIP has operated above partisan politics to advance peace and protect national security. This unprecedented attack on its leadership isn’t just an internal dispute—it threatens American values and global stability.

With your help, we can make sure that lawmakers and the White House hear from thousands of voices demanding they restore USIP’s leadership and uphold the mission of peace.

This is how we protect peace—and democracy.

👉 Click here to send your message now.

Here are some examples of the U.S. Institute of Peace’s impactful work:

1. Facilitating Dialogue in Nigeria:

USIP has been instrumental in fostering dialogue among diverse religious and ethnic communities in Nigeria, a country often challenged by intercommunal tensions. By partnering with local leaders and organizations, USIP has helped to mediate conflicts, promote mutual understanding, and support initiatives aimed at building sustainable peace across various regions. ​

2. Mediating Peace in Iraq’s “Triangle of Death”: 

In 2007, USIP played a pivotal role in brokering a peace agreement in Mahmoudiya, a region in Iraq notoriously known as the “Triangle of Death” due to intense sectarian violence. USIP experts acted as neutral facilitators, bringing together Sunni tribal leaders, Shiite government officials, and U.S. military representatives. This intervention led to a significant reduction in attacks and casualties, allowing for a substantial decrease in U.S. military presence—from approximately 3,500 soldiers to about 650. General David Petraeus described the turnaround as “striking,” highlighting USIP’s critical role in the process.

3. Empowering Youth Through Media in South Sudan:

Recognizing the influential role of media in peacebuilding, USIP supported the creation of “Sawa Shabab” (Youth Together), a radio drama series in South Sudan. This program engages young listeners by addressing critical social issues and promoting messages of peace, unity, and reconciliation, thereby contributing to the nation’s peacebuilding efforts. ​

These examples underscore USIP’s invaluable contributions to global peacebuilding efforts, demonstrating its unique capacity to mediate conflicts, inform policy, and empower peace advocates worldwide.

What else you can do to make an impact:

Call the White House and Your Elected Representatives

📞 Call Script for the White House:
White House Comment Line: 202-456-1111

Hi, my name is [Your Name], and I’m a constituent from [Your City, State].

I’m calling because I am outraged by the White House’s recent move to remove the board members of the U.S. Institute of Peace and attempt to undermine this critical, Congressionally-chartered institution. USIP plays a vital role in preventing conflict, saving lives, and advancing U.S. diplomacy and security around the world.

This action is an unprecedented overreach and an attack on a bipartisan institution that has been working to make the world safer for decades.

I urge the President to immediately reverse this decision and restore the independence of the U.S. Institute of Peace.

Thank you for taking my comment.

📞 Call Script for Your Members of Congress:
Find your Member here and call their local office or you can call them directly at the U.S. Capitol Switchboard: (202) 224-3121

Hi, my name is [Your Name], and I’m a constituent from [Your City, State].

I’m calling to urge [Senator/Representative] [Last Name] to speak out and take immediate action to protect the U.S. Institute of Peace. The recent move by the White House to terminate most of USIP’s board is a dangerous overreach and threatens an institution critical to American leadership in peace and conflict resolution.

USIP is Congressionally-mandated, independent, and essential to our national security and humanitarian values. I’m asking [Senator/Representative] to:

Publicly oppose this action,
Demand a reversal of the board dismissals, and
Defend USIP’s independence and mission.
I hope to see [his/her/their] leadership on this issue right away.

Thank you.

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Thank you for standing with us. Together, we can stop this.