The Modesto Peace/Life Center’s projects include:
• KCBP Community Radio station, 95.5 FM, “The Voice of the Valley.”
• Each year, the Modesto Peace/Life Center organizes a Peace Camp held in June at Camp Peaceful Pines in the Sierras. The weekend offers workshops, hiking, campfires, singing, a talent show, children’s activities, and thought-provoking speakers. Join us for great discussions, stimulating community, and fun for people of all ages. Click here for more information
• The Annual Peace Essay Contest for which essays are written and submitted by Stanislaus County school children
• Help with Homeless IDs on a case-by-case basis.
• A monthly Peace & Justice Vigil on the first Tuesdays at McHenry & J Sts., Modesto
• The yearly Harvest Gathering to benefit KCBP Community Radio.
• The peace and justice newspaper, Stanislaus Connections
• The Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration co-sponsored by the City of Modesto Neighborhoods and Recreation Department, Modesto Junior College, Associated Students of Modesto Junior College, CSU Stanislaus, and others
• An Annual Pancake Breakfast held in June (suspended).
• The Annual John McCutcheon Concert in January.
• A monthly movie night (suspended).
• Various lectures, marches, vigils.
For further information about our projects and activities, call the Center (209-529-5750), or email James Costello at
More on Modesto Peace/Life Center projects and events
John McCutcheon Returns to Modesto with Tom Paxton in January!
Folk Legends John McCutcheon and Tom Paxton Perform Together in Concert Fundraiser for the Modesto Peace/Life Center on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at 7:00 at the Modesto Church of the Brethren, 2301 Woodland Ave., Modesto.
Their music addresses injustice and inhumanity, laying bare the absurdities of modern culture and celebrating the tenderest bonds of family, friends, and community. Between them they have ten Grammy nominations. This will be John’s 23rd appearance in Modesto. Tom has performed thousands of concerts around the world and 2025 will be his last year touring. They co-wrote and created the album Together.
In-person tickets are available at Intrinsic Elements (1214 J St., Modesto 209-409-8510) by cash or check for $30 or at the door for $35. New price for 30 years old and younger is $10.
Please consider becoming a sponsor. You will receive tickets to the concert, your name in the program, and reserved seating. Five levels of sponsorship are available:
Autoharp $50 One ticket,
Guitar $100 Two tickets,
Banjo $175 Four tickets,
Piano $300 Eight tickets,
Hammer Dulcimer $500 Fifteen tickets.
You may send your sponsorship donation check to the Modesto Peace/Life Center, PO Box 134, Modesto, CA 95353. Please write “concert sponsor” in the note on the check.
You may also buy your sponsorship at the Eventbrite site. For more info, contact Ken Schroeder at or 209-480-4576. Let Ken know if you would like a dedication to appear in the program (such as “In Honor of “or “In Memory of.”) Tickets here:
Peace Essay
Each year since 1987, the Modesto Peace/Life Center has sponsored the Peace Essay Contest, open to 5th-12th grade students who live or attend school in Stanislaus County. Students write an essay in response to a question, carefully crafted anew each year, and the winners in four divisions are awarded prizes in a public ceremony. Over 1000 students from throughout the county entered the contest this year. They wrote essays in response to a question that began, “Imagine that you suddenly have the power to put into action a non-violent plan to bring about a more peaceful future that includes respect and fairness for all….”
The Peace Essay was suspended due to Covid. It is being revived. Stay tuned!
If you would like to learn more about the Peace Essay Contest, contact
Peace Camp
Each year, the Modesto Peace/Life Center organizes a Peace Camp held in June at Camp Peaceful Pines in the Sierras. The weekend offers workshops, hiking, campfires, singing, a talent show, children’s activities, and thought-provoking speakers. Join us for great discussions, stimulating community, and fun for people of all ages.
Social Justice Youth Leadership Conference (inactive)
The first annual Social Justice Youth Leadership Conference was held in the fall of 2009 and was attended by 60 area high school students. The keynote speaker was Bonnie Kay, a representative of the international organization Free the Children. Free the Children built a school in the rural village of San Miguel, Ecuador, this last year with funds ($10,000) earned through fundraising efforts by area students. The Conference also allowed over a dozen area organizations such as the NAACP, PFLAG, Sierra Club, Tuolumne River Trust, and the ACLU to explain how area youth can be involved in their endeavors.
Vigils
The Modesto Peace/Life Center has a vigil on the first Tuesday of the month at McHenry Ave. and J St. (“Five Points”). The times are variable. Please check the Calendar for current times. The latest videos can be found on Vimeo.