Syracuse Peace Council Marks 90th Anniversary

Activist speakers Kelly Hayes and Aly Wane led a discussion at ArtRage Gallery to conclude the organization's anniversary year.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Civic

Bold vector editorial illustration of a sturdy, woven knot, representing long-term community activism and movement sustainability. — The Syracuse Peace Council concluded its 90th anniversary year with a final community event featuring activists Kelly Hayes and Aly Wane. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Syracuse Peace Council celebrated its 90th anniversary with a final event at the ArtRage Gallery. Activists Kelly Hayes and Aly Wane facilitated a public conversation focused on the challenges of long-term movement organizing and self-care.

Why it matters

The event served as a milestone for one of the city's oldest activist groups, highlighting the ongoing need for strategies to combat burnout in social movements. It provided a space for attendees to discuss mutual aid and the evolution of local activism.

The Syracuse Peace Council was established in 1936, marking 90 years of continuous operation. Guest speaker Aly Wane contributed insights informed by his 20 years of experience in the activist sector.

The players

Kelly Hayes

She is an activist and the co-author of the book Let this Radicalize You.

Aly Wane

He is an organizer with 20 years of experience in various activist movements.

Syracuse Peace Council

This is a long-standing organization in Syracuse that promotes peace and social justice.

ArtRage Gallery

This local venue frequently hosts community events and social justice programming in Syracuse.

The details

Kelly Hayes, co-author of the book Let this Radicalize You, joined Wane to share perspectives on movement building. The gathering also included group discussions where community members addressed the complexities of maintaining mutual aid efforts over long periods.

The Syracuse Peace Council was founded in 1936.
Diane Swords began working as an activist in 1979.
Kelly Hayes reflected on her past activist work in 2016.
The Black Lives Matter movement took off in 2020.
Kelly Hayes and Aly Wane spoke at ArtRage Gallery on October 25, 2026.

Industry Dynamics

The 90-year history of the Syracuse Peace Council reflects the enduring nature of local community-based organizations within the broader social justice landscape. This celebration underscores the shift toward prioritizing sustainable activism and long-term movement health.

The public conversation at ArtRage Gallery allowed residents to engage directly with nationally recognized activist voices. Attendees gained actionable insights into mutual aid strategies and methods for preventing activist burnout in their own community work.

The takeaway

Maintaining long-term commitment in social movements requires intentional focus on personal self-care and community-based support systems. Developing these skills can help individuals prevent burnout while sustaining their contributions to local causes.