Ames community members convened on common ground at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday to demonstrate their desire for change.

Time for Peace, an ISU student organization dedicated to active involvement for nonviolence, partakes in the weekly rally every Wednesday, rain or shine, at the intersection of Lincoln Way and Welch Avenue.

“It’s an introduction to activism and becoming politically responsible,” Gregory Bonett, senior in electrical engineering and president of Time for Peace, said of the attempt for awareness.

Time for Peace’s principles of practice include any effort that promotes discussion, whether in accordance or opposition, about the United States’ policies and involvement in violent dissolutions. The turnout for the rally was strong, and the demographic widespread.

Emily and Jessica Rehmann, 9, are twin sisters and local residents who engage in the vigil every week. The girls serve as unofficial correlation correspondents for Time for Peace and the rally as they keep weekly records of feedback.

“They count how many times people honk, which is positive, and how many times they say something negative. Then they enter them into the computer and compare the numbers to the week before,” said Heather Penney, an Ames resident who participated.

The ambitious endeavor was just one of the heartwarming occurrences at the event. Buster, a small dog, wore a “Stop the War” sign around his collar, while braving the chilly climate.

“I have been protesting war for many years in an attempt to raise consciousness. -It’s playing a small part, but it’s something,” Ames citizen Jerry Lamsa said of his involvement.

Gathered gallants discussed policies, aspirations, peace and war as the prime-time Lincoln Way traffic passed by – some supportive, others not so much.

Brant Kassel, senior in philosophy and member of Time for Peace, held an American flag portraying a peace sign in concurrence with the message the assembly strives to spread.

“Time for Peace stands for peace and solidarity,” said Katherine Lundberg, junior in English and treasurer of Time for Peace.

The group is in the works of organizing future events and anticipates the anniversary of the war in Iraq, March 20, to be a proud day for protest.

“We are disappointed that more has not been done by the Democrats to stop the escalation of violence [overseas],” Bonett said. “We would like to see them act politically risky if that is what is necessary to bring about changes in Iraq and decrease the levels of violence and harm. Through strategies for stability, an expedient withdraw of our troops would be excellent.”

More information on Time for Peace can be found at Stuorg.iastate.edu/tfp.